Champion Blue Flame Named Official Oil of 2021 East Coast Diesel Nationals

Photos courtesy Diesel Motorsports

Here's another sign of spring, and evidence that things are opening up again for diesel enthusiasts and the economy.

This week Champion Oil announced that the National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM) has selected Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil as the official oil of the annual East Coast Diesel Nationals on July 17^th  held at Numidia Dragway, 10 Dragstrip Road, Numidia PA. 

 

NADM, established in 2007, is the only sanctioning body for diesels that promotes all diesel motorsports associations, clubs and events. Diesel Motorsports holds over 70 diesel events around the country each year while also building a membership that offers benefits for business members as well as fans with diesel drag racing, sled pulling, and Dyno competitions. Diesel Motorsports events are all about diesels, and include a large Vendor Alley at each event. 

 

The prestigious event in Numidia, PA is Diesel Motorsports' biggest “diesel only” show of the year with drag racing, sled pulling, Show-N-Shine, dyno competition and more.  Gates open at 8am. Drag and pull registration, Dyno and Show-n-shine opens at 9am. Drag racing starts at  10am with pulling starting at 1pm. Visit the Diesel Motorsports website for specific class guidelines.

This year Champion Oil has designed a special contingency program which includes cash and product for all class drag and pull winners at the East Coast Diesel Nationals. Register here:  https://www.championbrands.com/racer-contingency/

 

Drag Racing Classes include:

• Street Truck: Competitors will run with street trucks with no times, just lane winner at end of track lights! Race against your buddies with no worries about anything but who the winner was on the pass!

• ET Bracket Class: Competitors race against their dial-in efforts to predict, react and perform better than the competition without breaking out from their timed number.

• 12.0 Quick Diesel: Indexed at 12 seconds, this class leaves the starting line together (heads-up style) and the first legal racer to cross the line without running quicker than the index wins.

• Heads-Up Truck: Full size trucks with proper safety equipment compete on an unlimited, heads-up racing in 1/8 and/or 1/4 track!

• Pro Stock: Fiberglass-bodied diesel-powered trucks and cars compete heads-up to the finish in the 1/8 and/or 1/4-mile action. 

• Top Diesel: Diesel dragsters designed for all out speed compete heads up in 1/4-mile action.

• Work Stock: Stock OEM turbochargers, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited.

• Hot Work Stock: Street turbochargers that plug no larger than 2.55, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited, licensed for street, DOT tires.

• 2.5 Street Diesel/2.6 Smoothbore: Single turbo, 2.5 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited or 2.6 smoothbore turbo, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 2.6 Street Diesel: Single turbo, 2.6 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted. 

• 3.0 Smoothbore Diesel: Single turbo, 3.0 smoothbore, water injection prohibited, solid rear suspension, receiver style hitch required, drive shaft u-joint shields required, hanging weights permitted.

• 3.6 Single Turbo / Super Pro Multiple Turbo: These classes will pull together, with 300# weight difference. Other handicaps may be used if there is an agreement of the majority of both classes. The 3.6 (3.6) Single Turbo is based on stock chassis and the Super Pro Multiple Turbo (SP) is based on a tube frame.

Sled Pulling Classes include:

• Work Stock: Stock OEM turbochargers, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited. 

• Hot Work Stock: Street turbochargers that plug no larger than 2.55, water injection prohibited, hanging weights prohibited, licensed for street, DOT tires.

• 2.5 Street Diesel/2.6 Smoothbore: Single turbo, 2.5 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited or 2.6 smoothbore turbo, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 2.6 Street Diesel: Single turbo, 2.6 inch maximum inducer bore, turbocharger bushings prohibited, water injection prohibited, bolt in, removable solid rear suspension bars permitted, receiver style hitch required, hanging weights permitted.

• 3.0 Smoothbore Diesel: Single turbo, 3.0 smoothbore, water injection prohibited, solid rear suspension, receiver style hitch required, drive shaft u-joint shields required, hanging weights permitted. 

• 3.6 Single Turbo / Super Pro Multiple Turbo: These classes will pull together, with 300# weight difference. Other handicaps may be used if there is an agreement of the majority of both classes. The 3.6 (3.6) Single Turbo is based on stock chassis and the Super Pro Multiple Turbo (SP) is based on a tube frame.

 

Champion Brands Blue Flame® Performance Diesel Motor Oils are formulated with workhorse performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic and conventional base fluids. In addition, Champion Brands Blue Flame® Diesel Motor Oil delivers unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, has the muscle to combat oil shear, maximizes and sustains cylinder compression, and is proven to increase engine horse power and torque. Purchase oil here at  https://theblueflameblogger.blogspot.com/2021/

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion also produces and blends over 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about the Champion Blue Flame® Performance Diesel Engine Oil contact your nearest Champion distributor or call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, or go to http://championbrands.com

Champion Oil Seeking Diesel Vehicle Builds for SEMA 2021

Just as the lights from Virtual SEMA 2020 recede in the rear view mirror, the brighter lights of SEMA 2021 are already beginning to appear on the horizon. Plans are underway for the upcoming SEMA Show with one key message: Re-Connect. 

In a year when trade shows in nearly every industry were virtual, there's a hunger to connect once more face-to-face. Whether connecting with buyers or with peers, Las Vegas awaits.

One of the highlights of SEMA are the project vehicles. At the SEMA Show in 2021 something different is underway, or so I've heard. The aisles will be wider for social distancing purposes, but they won't be vacant. There will be cars and trucks on display throughout the halls. It should be interesting.

As many builders are aware, companies offer products to builders to help them defray expenses and achieve their dreams. This year, Champion Oil is seeking unique and interesting diesel vehicle builds for SEMA 2021. The vehicles, typically pick-ups, will be promoted by a variety of marketing methods using many social media platforms and technologies.

Each year, the SEMA Show features more than 1,000 project vehicles. The project-vehicle program is an exclusive opportunity for owners, builders and manufacturers to showcase their builds and sponsored products. The experience is valuable to participating manufacturers, like Champion Oil, that can offer products to project-vehicle builders at no charge and additional products at a substantial discount.

 

The dates for this year's show will be November 2^nd thru the 5^th. Champion is offering Champion’s Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil plus marketing support and recognition here at the Blue Flame Blogger blogspot. Products and promotion will be available for a limited a number of diesel specific project vehicles that plan on displaying either outside, inside or at a specific vendor booth. 

 

 The company will be offering several perks to selected builders as follows:

1. The vehicles will be promoted in advance by press releases, social media, etc. 

2. At the show, the vehicle and owner must be willing and available to be featured in a video interview about the build.

3. Their story will be posted on the Blue Flame Diesel Blog and Champion Facebook and Twitter channels. 

4. The diesel vehicle owner will be able to autograph photos during the show at the Champion booth, plus purchase additional Champion products at a special show display pricing of 50/50. https://www.championbrands.com/products/

 

To enter your diesel vehicle for consideration, send a digital photo or rendering, description, & contact info to: marketing@championbrands.com

 

About the Products

Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are formulated with workhorse high-zinc performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic fluids.

 

In addition, Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, with the muscle to combat oil shear and maximize sustained cylinder compression. They also inhibit oxidation, corrosive acids, sludge and varnish build-up.

 

These robust performance oils keep diesel engines going longer by reducing soot-induced engine wear, controlling abrasive soot contamination and preventing high temperature corrosion, even while allowing for improved fuel economy and lower total cost of ownership. They are proven to increase engine horse power and torque. https://www.championbrands.com/diesel-engine-oils/

About the Company
Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion Brands, LLC also produces and blends over 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about contact Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO  http://www.championbrands.com

Diesel Vehicles Aren't Going Away Any Time Soon. What We Need Is More Mechanics.

The Hollywood film Bicentennial Man, starring Robin Williams, is the story of a robot named Andrew who increasingly seeks to become human. It begins at a time when androids that can take care of routine household tasks are beginning to be mass produced. Robin Williams is one of the robots, essentially a household appliance.

There's a defect in Andrew, because he's developed a capacity for emotional attachments and though he follows the first law of robots (Obey your masters) he nevertheless isn't just another bot. The sad part of being a robot is that you outlive the families you serve, and Andrew's span of years is two centuries in this film.

The story is about Andrew's quest to become human. Part of this involves future developments in prosthetic organs and limbs. 

What's intriguing is how over time there are fewer and fewer mechanics who can do the repair work Andrew desires. After much searching he finds Rupert Burns, an old school tinkerer and technician. Burns becomes a handy asset for Andrew as he gets "worked on" with new body parts. 

* * * 

I share this because as we look in the the future, there is going to be a need for skilled hands-on mechanics to take care of the millions of vehicles we drive. Currently there are roughly 36 million trucks on the road today. According to the American Trucking Association there are close to a half million interstate freight carriers. (Big shout out to all the truckers transporting Covid vaccines around the country in a timely fashion.) 75 percent of our trucks, and 97 percent of our interstate transport rigs are diesel powered.

These are pretty staggering numbers, and though EVs get most of the publicity, diesel trucks will be an essential part of our transportation landscape for decades to come. An essential role in the future of trucking will be the need for mechanics to maintain these machines.

Do you like puzzles and problem solving? Engines can be fascinating? Do you like working with your hands? Do you like the feeling you get when you have skills that are essential to the future of the economy?  

According to Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the following skills are important for a career as a diesel mechanic or technician:

1. Attention to Detail (ability to focus)

2. Communication Skills

3. Technical Knowledge

4. Problem Solving

5. Desire to Succeed

For those with an entrepreneurial drive, there can be still wider horizons after you have laid a foundation with several years of experience and a good mentor.

* * * 

This blog posted was prompted by an article I read about a new diesel technology center that has opened in Oregon.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the need for diesel technicians and mechanics is expected to continue growing over the next ten years. A college education is not for everyone. You might only end up with a piece of paper and $25,000 in debt. There's dignity in a career in the trades. As with everything else, you can never tell where it will lead.

* * * 

Related Links

Fixing the Economy Begins by Fixing Our Workforce l

Looking for a Career? 10 Reasons to Become a Diesel Mechanic

Interview Tips for Diesel Mechanics

Diesel Tech Qualifications

* * * 

Do you have diesel news or a good diesel story?

Tell us about it. Send it to our Blue Flame director Karl Dedolph III 

@ kdedolph@championbrands.com

A guy walks into a bar and says……

"Does anyone know about Diesel Fuels?"

Diesel fuel is more efficient than gasoline because it contains 10% more energy per gallon than gasoline. But there are a few kinds of diesel fuel: Just as gasoline is rated by its octane, diesel fuel is rated by its cetane, which indicates how easy it is to ignite and how fast it burns. Diesel fuel is safer than gasoline because its vapors don’t explode or ignite as easily as gasoline vapors.

When exhaust from conventional diesel fuel was found to cause cancer, clean diesel engines were developed. Although conventional diesel fuel-burning vehicles are still on the road, states and the federal government enacted legislation that will eventually eliminate these older diesels engines.

Standard diesel fuel comes in two grades: Diesel #1 (or 1-D) and Diesel #2 (or 2-D). The higher the cetane number, the more volatile the fuel. Most diesel vehicles use fuel with a rating of 40 to 55.

You don’t have to worry about which type to use because all diesel OEMs specify Diesel #2 for normal driving conditions. Over the road truckers use Diesel #2 to carry heavy loads for long distances at sustained speeds because it’s less volatile than Diesel #1 and provides greater fuel economy.

Diesel fuel also is measured by its viscosity. Like other motor oils, diesel fuel gets thicker and cloudier at lower temperatures. Under extreme conditions it can become a gel, which limits flow. Diesel #1 flows more easily than Diesel #2, so it’s more efficient at lower temperatures. The two types of oil can be blended, and most service stations offer diesel fuel blended for local weather conditions.

If you plan to drive in very cold weather, choose diesel fuel rated at least 10 degrees lower than the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter. Consult your owner’s manual or engine builder for more specifics.

"Red" Diesel Fuel is exactly the same fluid as No. 2 fuel that's used in diesel pick-ups, heavy- duty trucks, buses and some cars on the road. The big difference is red fuel is used for engines that power off-road vehicles, as well as machines like tractors and bulldozers that are used on farms and construction sites.

Because of its price, which typically is much lower than the cost for No. 2 fuel, red diesel is subject to a rebated tax. Although red diesel certainly will "work" in our daily diesel vehicles, using it on the street is not allowed. You could face high fines and penalties for tax evasion if you are caught using red diesel on public roads.

Another type is Biodiesel. This diesel fuel is derived from agricultural materials and has the potential to provide a clean-burning alternative to petroleum.

Rudolph Diesel’s first engine was designed to run on peanut oil. Henry Ford envisioned plant-based fuel as the primary fuel for transportation, so he partnered with Standard Oil to develop biofuel production and distribution.

However, currently the only type of biodiesel fuel that can be used in vehicles in the United States and Canada without violating manufacturer’s warranties is B5, a blend of 5 percent biodiesel and 95 percent regular diesel. Most diesel engines run just fine on blends of up to 30 percent biodiesel.

The bartender looks up and says, "Is this supposed to be some kind of joke?"

Five Questions to Help You Pick the Right Diesel Engine Oil

Viscosity control? Shear stability? TBN retention? Confused? Best to start your search by understanding your application; tractor pulling, drag racing, stationary, street, off-road, etc. Take a look at these five simple questions.

What are your engine oil specifications? 

It’s important to follow what your original equipment manufacturer recommends. Reading your owner’s manual is the key to maximizing your equipment’s performance. Your manual contains vital API information about caring for your engine, including which oil grades are best suited for them. For example: SAE 15W-40, 10W-30, 5W-40 oil? Mineral, semi, or full synthetic base stock needs to be considered.

How important is fuel economy? 

If you’re keeping an eye on your miles per gallon, the right lubricant can help your equipment achieve its maximum fuel efficiency. By squeezing a few extra miles from each tank, you can see major savings over time. A semi or full-synthetic diesel engine oil is your best option to deliver maximum fuel efficiency without compromising engine performance, improving fuel economy by up to 2 percent under normal conditions and by up to 3 percent during cold starts.

Does your diesel engine run in a range of temperatures? 

Speaking of cold starts, temperature is another important consideration when choosing an engine oil. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can be brutal on moving parts in your equipment. Heat can quickly turn an engine into an oven, and the cold can thicken some oils until they’re practically jelly.

How old is your diesel engine? 

Most diesel owners want to stretch the life of their engine as long as possible. To perform their best, older diesel engines require attentive care, and a quality lubricant can go a long way toward maintaining them. For example, is your diesel not running a DPF? Rebuilt for performance? Out of warranty?

Are looking for more horse power or torque? 

Be sure to look at the oil’s data or spec sheet to see if it addresses increased performance, high in anti-wear protection, etc. Look for semi and full synthetic diesel engine oils that use shear stable synthetic base oils. That are also high in film strength, have viscosity control, work with high compression, have a higher TBN retention, and if needed, designed to address demands of turbo or super-charged diesel engines.

I hope this has helped a little in your decision. Need a place to start? Take a look at these eight diesel engine oils: https://www.championbrands.com/diesel-engine-oils/

Is the new Ford Bronco Raptor Coming with a Diesel?

 To see the full photo follow the link.

Yesterday's SEMA eNews had Spy Photos of the new Ford Bronco Raptor. This 2021 Raptor is concealing its identity while undergoing testing, hidden within a protective covering, no doubt for the very purpose of avoiding spy cameras.

Alas, Brian Williams of SpiedBilde wasn't fooled by the outer garb, and took these photos that were shared in the SEMA story.

I'm assuming the lock is wrapping is for that purpose, of hiding details till the full reveal takes place. Otherwise, I may recommend a name change: The Bronco Wrapped-tor. Or maybe shorten to Wrapptor?

The big question here is what kind of power block is in this beast? Cummins diesel? Or something else? I guess we'll find out soon enough. "Tis the season for the 2021s.

You can read the full story here.

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There are a number of good stories in yesterday's SEMA eNews. One that caught my eye had to do with saving the Bonneville Salt Flats and another has updates about PRI.

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Enjoy the weekend.

Looking For Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil? Now Available at Xtreme Diesel Performance

Champion Oil has had a long relationship with racing. Their Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil has had a loyal following in the performance diesel sector. XDP has also been delivering the goods for diesel enthusiasts for almost two decades. Xtreme Diesel Performance now carries the full line of Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils, which have been around even longer.

I myself have always liked the XDP banners when attending diesel events because they stood out. It was a clean logo and wasn't muddy. You could see it from a distance and you knew who they were, and why they were there. In fact, I even recall meeting them when the company was still young. Good people all around. Happy to see how much they've grown.

According to the press release that just came out:

I first saw XDP at an event like this one.

“It is extremely important for Champion Oil to identify a partner that shares the same goals and has the ability to provide our customers with first class service, support and distribution,” said Karl Dedolph, Director of Racing and Performance. “XDP clearly fits the stringent criteria we identified to promote our “Blue Flame" line and effectively will move our business forward in this key strategic market of diesel performance.”

Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are a unique, purpose built synthetic diesel engine oil that combines workhorse high-zinc performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic and conventional base fluids.

In addition, Champion’s “Classic” Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, has the muscle to combat oil shear, maximizes and sustains cylinder compression, and is proven to increase engine horse power and torque.

To read the full story at Digital Journal, CLICK HERE.

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Noteworthy: Need to know current oil prices? Bookmark The Blue Flame Blogger and you'll learn exactly what's happening with regards to the price of WTI Crude. The numbers are live right here on the sidebar.

Are there diesel events you want our readers to know about? 

Drop me a line: BlueFlame1952 AT gmail.com

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Looking for a Truck? Visit PickupTrucks.com

About two decades ago I was looking at stats with regard to truck ownership and a stat caught my eye. I will phrase it here in the form of a question. Which state has the most pickup trucks per capita? To put it another way, in which state will you find that 50% of all drivers own pickups?

You can find this fighter and more at PickupTrucks.com

I'm sure that there are states with more pickups because most states have more people, but Wyoming is truly pickup country.

I remember my first trip from the Black Hills to Devil's Tower. There's a little tavern about halfway there in which the only means of transportation that I saw were horses and pickups. You gotta love those red, red hills of Wyoming.

All this popped into my head when I saw this 2021 Jeep Gladiator Diesel at PickupTrucks.com. It's a 3.0-liter V-6, ruby red and coming soon. I'm sure it will be right at home in Wyoming, Utah, Montana, and anywhere else you want something durable. Who doesn't love the name? Gladiator!

The Fiat Chrysler EcoDiesel engine has already been broken in a little. By this I don't mean it's a used engine. I mean that this 260-horsepower power plant has been used in the Wrangler SUV and I'm guessing that if there were any kinks to work out, they have been worked out. 442 pounds-feet of torque is something to boast about, and it will be available soon.

You can read Joe Bruzek's full review here.

________

Noteworthy: Need to know current oil prices? Bookmark The Blue Flame Blogger and you'll learn exactly what's happening with regards to the price of WTI Crude. The numbers are live right here on the sidebar.

Are there diesel events you want our readers to know about? 

Drop me a line: BlueFlame1952 AT gmail.com

SEMA 2020: Registration Is Open

First annual SEMA Show in the basement of Dodger Stadium.

On August 5 SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, announced its first ever cancellation of the annual SEMA Convention. Nevertheless, like many other events this year, a modified virtual variation will take place from November 2-6. It won't be "business as usual" but there will be plenty of opportunities for business to take place. More on that after a few bits of trivia.

1. DID YOU KNOW that the original SEMA acronym stood for Speed Equipment Manufacturing AssociatIon? Due to government pressure it was recommended that the emphasis on speed be downplayed. (This was the muscle car era, after all.) From another source, the hippie counterculture drug associations also led SEMA founders replace the word "Speed" with Specialty.

2. DID YOU KNOW that the first SEMA Show was held in the basement of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles? The event was held in January 1967, with 98 booths and 3000 attendees. In 1974 the event moved to Anaheim Stadium where it made its home for three years before relocating to its Las Vegas residence.

By way of contrast, the 2019 SEMA Convention had participation from more than 160,000 industry professionals. 3300 journalists also converged on the City That Never Sleeps to cover the action there, that the world might see the vibrancy of our industry.

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This past week SEMA announced today that it is offering an online marketplace to allow manufacturers and resellers in the specialty automotive segment to connect and conduct business. Taking place Nov. 2-6, SEMA360 was created after industry members expressed a need for a viable marketplace solution in the absence of the 2020 SEMA Show.

The announcement stated that SEMA360 will be "a simplified platform where SEMA will help manufacturers create a straightforward brand presence that will reach quality domestic and international buyers." Unlike the ten miles of show floor aisles to walk, you'll be doing business from the comfort of your office. Unfortunately, to get your daily exercise you'll need to get your walking in after hours.

Here's a link to the full announcement which has a link at the end on where to participate: https://www.semashow.com/

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FOR MORE COOL PHOTOS from SEMA's early days, check out
this page at Roadkill Customs.

In the Beginning There Was a Need for Performance

Diesel. Power. Performance. History. Nostalgia. The smell of burnt rubber.

Blue Flame Diesel Oil was central to all of that.

With the same idea in mind, the Blue Flame Blogger hopes to become a central resource for everyone who still has a passion for Performance with a capital P.

If we learned anything this year, it's that we can never take tomorrow for granted. Just around the next bend in the road after you just missed hitting a deer, you find a huge detour sign at Mile 2020.

The good part is that All Things Must Pass. Eventually we'll be looking at 2020 through the rear-view mirrors.

As much as possible it's my goal to become a resource for everyone everywhere who's involved with diesel performance in any capacity. It's my hope that I and my team of ne'er-do-wells can keep you current with major market trends and pricing issues, government regs, who the players are and all the happenings that will emerge or re-emerge in the months ahead.

It's a long and winding road on the highway of life, but when you're doing a tractor pull, straight ahead is the way to go. Todo derecho, hombre.

Let's get real. You only live once.