Feld Motor Sports® announced today the newest touring monster truck – Monster Energy – which will debut January 7th at Houston’s Reliant Stadium for the upcoming Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® season.

With a rumbling that could only be created by a supercharged, methanol fed 540 cubic inch, 1500 horse power massive engine, the 10,000-pound beast of a monster truck that is Monster Energy has broken through its cage and been unleashed. Complete with a four link suspension and four feet of ground clearance, the ravenous mechanical beast that will crush anything getting in its way will be guided by driver Damon Bradshaw, a Monster Jam World Finals℠ champion and former championship-winning supercross racer. There are monster trucks and then there IS Monster Energy!

“Monster Energy has always had a passion for competing in the dirt,” said Bruce Stjernstrom, Vice President of Sports Marketing. “Our partnerships with Feld Motor Sports including Monster Energy Supercross, and most recently the highly popular Monster Energy Cup, have allowed us to grow even closer to the fans who make us who and what we are. Holding true to our roots, Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is an all-new and natural extension for Monster Energy and fans to enjoy are shared enthusiasm for horsepower, methanol and dirt.”

“We are very excited to expand our thriving partnership with Monster Energy to Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam and we certainly expect big things for years to come,” said President of Feld Motor Sports, Charlie Mancuso.

Monster Energy will Compete at the Following Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® Events:

Jan 7 – Houston – Reliant Stadium
Jan 14,15 – San Antonio – Alamodome
Jan 20,21 – Milwaukee, Wis. – Bradley Center
Jan 28 – Anaheim, Calif. – Angel Stadium
Feb 4 – St. Louis – Edward Jones Dome
Feb 11,12 – Denver – Pepsi Center
Feb 18 – Los Angeles – Dodgers Stadium
Feb 25 – Arlington, Texas – Cowboy Stadium
March 3,4 – El Paso, Texas – UTEP Sun Bowl
March 9,10 – Fresno, Calif. – Save Mart Center
*Schedule is subject to change

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is the largest touring monster truck property in the world, entertaining over 4,000,000 fans at 350 performances in 10 countries. Monster Jam events can be seen on SPEED and CBS Sports. For more information, log on to www.MonsterJam.com for the complete schedule and to purchase tickets for the select cities your favorite super heroes will be in. Also be sure to check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mjonline for all the latest news and photos of your favorite monster trucks.

Tickets for the 2012 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam tour are available today at www.MonsterJam.com. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements at www.facebook.com/mjonline, and www.twitter.com/monsterjam.

About Monster Energy
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it FMX, MX, snocross, road racing, supermoto, off-road, ski, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snowboard, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockinʼ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M- 80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. For more information visit www.monsterenergy.com.

About Feld Motor Sports®
Feld Motor Sports®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz®, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

– AMP will participate in the 2012 Detroit International Auto Show and announce a new 100% electric SUV

– A running prototype will be made available at the Show’s Ride & Drive Track

– First opportunity for automotive press, industry experts to drive new SUV

AMP Holding Inc. (OTCBB and OTCQB: AMPD), an electric vehicle company, specializing in SUV Electric Vehicles, today announced that the company will unveil an expansion of their product line with an iconic American SUV – now 100% electric.

The new AMP model is based on a vehicle with an All-American image. The new model is designed to be attractive to fleet users in the United States who desire to take a public stance on zero-carbon and zero-emissions. Final assembly of the vehicle will be done at AMP’s new Ohio production facility, which will also build AMP’s 100% electric Mercedes Benz ML model.

The official unveiling of this new all-electric vehicle will occur at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January. A running prototype of the groundbreaking EV will be on-hand for test drives on the Ride & Drive Track.

“The new AMP model is our latest 100% electric offering and a demonstration of our proprietary technology for SUVs, giving a driving range of 100+ miles. Where most EVs are small, compact or subcompact, our mission is to give our EV buyers vehicles that the greatest percent of the car-buying public prefers,” said Jim Taylor, AMP CEO. “The opportunity to test drive it at the Detroit Show will give visitors a first hand experience of what we have achieved in this state of the art electric SUV.”

Along with the Mercedes ML, the addition of this new model AMP will give EV buyers two great SUV choices in the emerging EV market.

About AMP Holding Inc.

AMP was founded in 2007 by entrepreneurs who have created several hi-tech companies. Currently, the AMP team is comprised of top automotive industry veterans and business executives. AMP’s first all electric demonstration models were the Saturn Sky and the Chevrolet Equinox. Since its inception, AMP’s unique electrification technology has proven to be an idea that has generated an extreme amount of interest, with inquiries coming from around the world. AMP’s intent is to electrify a range of OEM SUVs, and expects to announce new model additions in 2012. The Company expects its vehicle electrification technology will provide new solutions to America’s energy demands.

To learn more, visit the AMP website at www.ampelectricvehicles.com .

About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 24th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most – up close and in one place. One of the largest media events in North America, the NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release.

SOURCE AMP Holding Inc.

December 7, 2011, Oshkosh, WI

Sonex Aircraft, LLC will achieve a significant milestone in 2012, holding its 50th Sonex Builder Workshop on the weekend of January 28-29! This milestone comes in the kit aircraft and engine company’s 14th year of business, holding 3 to 4 workshop events per year since 1998.

The Sonex Workshop, held at the Sonex factory in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, gives current and prospective builders the opportunity to meet the Sonex staff, learn about the history of the Sonex design and its philosophy, and learn all of the ins and outs of Sonex construction. Builders gain confidence in their abilities as they build a sample piece of the Sonex wing to take home with them. The Sonex Aircraft Workshop has proven to be an extremely valuable experience for our builders, saving them time, money and answering many frequently asked questions in the building process. Sonex Aircraft believes so strongly in the value of these Workshops that significant kit discount incentives are offered to those who attend.

Winter, 2012 Workshop participants will receive a special treat: an opportunity to attend the EAA Chapter 252 annual banquet, held in the awe-inspiring EAA AirVenture Museum Eagle Hangar facility. Dining in the Eagle Hangar among legendary warbirds is a privilege usually reserved for EAA board members or other VIP guests! Guest Speaker for this year’s Chapter 252 banquet will be none other than Sonex Aircraft, LLC Founder and President John Monnett. The banquet will feature a catered buffet and silent auction.

Sonex Aircraft, LLC is a leader in the experimental kit aircraft industry, providing a series of Sport Pilot eligible kit aircraft and producing the AeroConversions line of products which include the AeroVee engine, AeroInjector and ancillary aviation products. Sonex Aircraft’s Sonex and Waiex sport planes, and the Xenos sport motorglider offer outstanding performance in an easy to build, easy to fly kit package that can be purchased and completed with full technical support at an unrivaled price. Sonex and AeroConversions product development is committed to providing simple, elegant and low-cost solutions for sport flying. Simply put, Sonex Aircraft and AeroConversions products provide the best performance per dollar. Check us out at www.SonexAircraft.com and www.AeroConversions.com

PRESS CONTACT:

Mark Schaible
Sonex Aircraft, LLC
www.SonexAircraft.com
Phone: (920) 231-8297
Fax: (920) 426-8333
E-mail: mark@sonexaircraft.com

Adam Householder just keeps getting faster and faster. After starting 28th off the line at Best In The Desert’s (BITD) Silver State 300 earlier this season, Householder shocked the competition and brought home his first Trick Truck win (BITD’s equivalent of SCORE Trophy Trucks). Since that time Householder has consistently put the No. 24 Householder Motorsports Ford near the top of the standings in both BITD and SCORE International; the only driver to earn Top Five season standings in the most elite class of each of these series.

The final BITD race of the season, the TransWest Ford Henderson 250 saw Adam qualify 18th overall (8th in Trick Truck), but he has already proven that he does not need clean air in order to finish on top. “I don’t let qualifying dictate my race performance,” Householder commented after the race. “Starting in back takes the pressure off, and thanks to our BFGoodrich Tires we were able to pass a lot of teams changing flats.” Householder drove the entire race, with Russell Hampton navigating and Adam’s father and veteran racer Terry Householder orchestrating logistics.

Householder was able to make time on the competition in the No. 24 Householder Motorsports Ford to finish first in Class 1400 (Trick Truck). In doing so, he was the only Trick Truck driver to win two BITD races this season. “We came into the season looking for Top 5 finishes, so to win two races is unbelievable,” the always humble Householder admitted. “Next season our expectations are going to be a lot higher, we have proven we have what it takes to win.”

This was a win not just for Householder Motorsports, but what they represent in each and every one of us. Passion, hard work, and perseverance can overcome even the largest competitors’ budgets. Look out for Householder Motorsports next season, and follow the latest race updates on Twitter @HouseholderRace. If you are interested in sponsoring a proven race program that produces results contact Terry Householder at 714-920-0301.

Householder Motorsports is sponsored by:

BFGoodrich Tires • Blitzkrieg MotorSports
MasterCraft Safety • Vision X • Currie Enterprises
King Shocks • McKenzie’s Performance Products • BTR Wheels

About Mad Media:

Mad Media ( www.madmedia.com) is San Diego based marketing and creative agency offering professional print, web, and film production. They specialize in producing culturally relevant brand messaging using professional athletes, musicians, and artists. Mad Media focuses on sports and cultures that they are passionate about, including skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, motocross, FMX, BMX, off-road racing, rally racing, Hip-Hop, Punk Rock and Mixed Martial Arts. Mad Media has produced over twenty major commercial and viral film projects this year for clients such as Subaru of America, DC Shoes, Monster Energy Drink, and Harley-Davidson. Mad Media has been executing immersive marketing campaigns since 1996.

Williston, VT (December 6, 2011) — Officials with Rally America, the premier sanctioning body for performance Rally competition in the United States, announced today a multi-year agreement with VP Racing Fuels of San Antonio, Texas wherein the world-renowned racing fuel manufacturer will serve as the Official Fuel of the Rally America National Championship and VP’s Rally Max, VP100 and MS109E racing fuels have been designated “spec fuels” for Rally America’s Open Class for 2012 and 2013.

“We’re both pleased and proud to make this announcement”, stated Bill Fogg Sr., Owner of Rally America, Inc., “VP Racing Fuels is recognized around the world as a leader in the manufacture and distribution of competition blended fuels. Having this top-level fuel as well as VP’s technical assistance available to Rally America competitors at each of our National Championship events for the next two years is a tremendous step forward for the sport of Rally and it will provide a great amount of convenience and support for the teams as well – something we’re all very excited about.”

The relationship between Rally America and VP Racing Fuels began in January 2011 with VP’s presence at each Rally America National event. VP recognized the viability of the Rally racing market and both organizations opened a conversation with various teams to discuss the addition of spec fuel classes at the Rally America National Championship level for the 2012 season and beyond. VP will also be providing technical assistance to teams and engine builders who compete in the Rally America National Championship.

January 27-28 Sno*Drift Rally – Atlanta, Lewiston & Hillman, MI
February 24-25 Rally of the 100 Acre Wood – Salem, MO
May 4-6 Oregon Trail Rally – Portland & Dufur, OR
June 1-2 Susquehannock Trail Rally – Wellsboro, PA
July 13-14 New England Forest Rally – Newry, ME & Errol, NH
September 22-23 Olympus Rally – Seattle, WA

“The sport of Stage Rally in North America has continued to grow and we’re excited to be a part of it. We have a strong presence in Rally racing in most other parts of the world, fueling many of the teams in the IRC championship in Europe and fueling the Proton Malaysia team to wins in the FIA Asian Pacific Rally Championship this year,” said Jim Kelly, VP’s Corporate Director-Sales. “In 2011, we gained valuable insight consulting with US and Canadian Rally teams regarding their fuel needs and tuning and were particularly pleased to see David Higgins win the Rally America championship using VP’s RallyMax racing fuel. Working with Vermont SportsCar, Antoine L’Estage and John Buffum as well as other Rally America teams has really meant a lot to us. Going forward, we’re confident Rally America competitors will appreciate the increased power and torque offered not only by RallyMax, but MS109E and VP100 as well.”

Both Regional and National Rally teams have the option to either pre-order VP Rally Max, MS109E or VP 100 Racing Fuel from VP’s regional distributors in advance of each of the six Rally America National Championship events or purchase the same fuel from the VP Racing Fuels truck which will also be at all National Championship events. The advantage of Rally teams ordering the fuel in advance is that it will be delivered to the event for them.

To place pre-event fuel orders or for questions regarding fuel service for Rally America events, teams can contact the appropriate VP Regional Distribution Center:
Sno-Drift Rally; Rally in the 100 Acre Wood

VP-Midwest
812-466-1175
vpmidwest@vpracingfuels.com

Oregon Trail Rally & Olympus Rally
VP-West
951-696-5100
vppacific@vpracingfuels.com

Susquehannock Trail Rally & New England Forest Rally

VP-East
302-368-1500
vpatlantic@vpracingfuels.com

Technical questions about fuel can be directed to VP’s Tech Support staff at 302-521-1767 or fturza@vpracingfuels.com.

About Rally America:
Based in Williston, VT, Rally America, Inc. sanctions the premier performance Rally series in the United States, the Rally America National Championship Series. In 2012, Rally America will be conducting six National Championship events at venues across the country, from Seattle, Washington to Newry, Maine. Rally America competitors reach speeds of well over 100 mph in modified street cars on natural-terrain courses consisting of gravel, dirt or snow. More information about the Rally America National Championship Series and the sport of Rally can be found at www.rally-america.com and videos can viewed at www.youtube.com/rallyamericaseries

About VP Racing Fuels:
VP Racing Fuels’ success in rally racing is well-established. In addition to David Higgins’ 2011 Rally America title, VP’s RallyMax was Travis Pastrana’s fuel of choice before his departure for NASCAR as well as the power behind Antoine L’Estage, Nathalie Richard and John Buffum in winning the Rally America, North America Rally Cup and Canadian Rally Championship titles in 2010.

In addition to Rally America, VP is the Official Racing Fuel of Best in the Desert and the Baja Pro Truck Off Road Race Series as well as a contingency sponsor of SCORE International Off Road Racing, SNORE (Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts) and MORE (Mojave Off Road Racing), among nearly 60 VP-sponsored series.

VP’s product line also includes SEF Small Engine Fuel, formulated specifically for portable 2-cycle and 4-cycle gas-powered equipment, and PowerMaster hobby fuels for R/C racing. More information is available online at VPRacingFuels.com, SEFfuels.com and PowerMasterfuels.com.

(December 6, 2011 – Vienna, VA) – Feld Motor Sports, Inc. producer of Nuclear Cowboyz® launches an all-new freestyle motocross (FMX) North American tour, Nuclear Cowboyz 2012, premiering Friday, January 13 in Baltimore, Md. Nuclear Cowboyz 2012 pushes the extreme into the certifiably insane with a futuristic narrative told through more freestyle action than ever before including an epic snowmobile flip!
Legendary Nuclear Cowboyz FMX tribes, the Soldiers of Havoc and the Metal Mulisha® return for a never-before-seen action-packed event that takes place in the war torn city of Los Angeles during the year 2150. The tale unfolds as the two tribes’ survival is threatened and besieged by an evil force, The Tempest and her electrifying Cyborg Army. Catapulted into the heart pounding fury and frenzied excitement are the sizzling Nuclear Cowgirlz®, whose allegiance to their tribes only intensifies the Tempest’s rage to destroy the Nuclear Cowboyz. The Soldiers of Havoc and the Metal Mulisha’s battle is fought through fearless freestyle gravity defying stunts, combined with outrageous pyrotechnic and laser displays synchronized to heavy metal, rock alternative and electronic dubstep music.
Nuclear Cowboyz 2012 has the greatest cast of freestyle motocross, trials and quad riders ever assembled, including recent X Games 17 medalists Ronnie Faisst, Adam Jones, Mike Mason, and Winter X Games medalist Caleb Moore. Joined by world-class medalist riders Taka Higashino, Beau Bamburg, Derek Garland, Nixey Danielson, Brody Wilson, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Dustin Miller, Wes Agee, Matt Buyten, Geoff Aaron, Keith Wineland, Derek Guetter, and Colton Moore, Nuclear Cowboyz 2012 takes unleashed power to its massive ramps in a freestyle performance of pure danger and raw combat.
“We’ve produced a new Nuclear Cowboyz show that brings together not only the most incredible choreographed stunts performed by the best freestyle riders, and we’ve stepped up the insanity by adding more rock music, bigger pyrotechnics, greater freestyle tricks including an awesome snowmobile flip, and new characters such as the evil Tempest and her Cyborg Army,” says producer Juliette Feld. “We’ve increased the magnitude of this production, increased the difficulty in the degree of stunts presented by medal-winning athletes so that you can’t help but be blown away by Nuclear Cowboyz 2012,” adds producer Kenneth Feld.

NUCLEAR COWBOYZ 2012 launches an all-new North American Freestyle Motocross touring event that pushes the extreme into the certifiably insane with a futuristic narrative told through more freestyle action than ever before! Nuclear Cowboyz has the greatest cast of medal-winning freestyle motocross, trials and quad riders ever assembled, including recent X Games 17 medalists Ronnie Faisst, Adam Jones, Mike Mason, and Winter X Games medalist Caleb Moore.
To create Nuclear Cowboyz 2012 the father/daughter producer team brought together the creative talents of:
· Scotty Nguyen (Director and Choreographer) – makes his Nuclear Cowboyz debut as director and choreographer for Nuclear Cowboyz 2012. A seasoned choreographer for Feld Entertainment’s productions, his performance credits include working with Michael Jackson and as the lead dancer in the Spice Girls Reunion tour. Nguyen has choreographed campaigns for companies such as Nike, Levy’s, Bratz Dolls, Xbox, Xbox 360 and Mortal Kombat, as well as TV and Film (The X-Factor.) An award winning choreographer, he recently completed pop video choreography for recording artists Melissa Schumann and Shut Up Stella;

· Micky Dymond (Stunt Choreographer) – is two-time AMA Motocross Lites class National Champion. Dymond returns to Nuclear Cowboyz bringing his racing and stunt skills to choreograph the third theatrical tour of the world’s greatest freestyle motocross riders;

· David Lagana (Writer) – has a list of writing credits to his name including NBC’s hit series FRIEND. Lagana is a veteran in the sports entertainment industry as lead writer for World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) two-hour weekly, live action show Smackdown and highlighting careers of John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Batista, and CM Punk. Lagana is currently working on new program development for Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling.

· Jesse Blevins (Lighting Designer) – has overseen spectacular lighting scenery for a wide range of performers and performances like the Backstreet Boys: Live from O2 Arena, No Doubt Tour with lead singer Gwen Stefani, Dancing with the Stars tours and since 2001, Feld Entertainment’s Disney On Ice shows, including the recent release Treasure Trove. Blevins has worked with the Nuclear Cowboyz tour since its inception.

· Rick Papineau (Scenic Designer) – vice president of Scenic Elements for Hagenbeck-Wallace and Feld Entertainment veteran who creates props, scenic elements and special effects for Feld Entertainment’s touring shows Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Disney On Ice, and Feld Motor Sports’ Nuclear Cowboyz ;

· Dawna Oak (Costume Designer) – brings experience in managing the exotic and breathtaking costumes for the thousands of performers from Feld Entertainment’s numerous productions of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Disney On Ice, and Feld Motor Sports’ Nuclear Cowboyz.

The non-stop, aerial amazement of this new theatrical experience in freestyle motocross entertainment will travel to the following North American cities:
Nuclear Cowboyz 2012 North American Tour Schedule
January 13-14 Baltimore, Md. 1st Mariner Arena
January 21 Kansas City, Mo. Sprint Center
January 27-28 Cincinnati, Oh. U.S. Bank Arena
February 4 Pittsburgh, Pa. Consol Energy Center
February 11 Auburn Hills, Mi. Palace of Auburn Hills
February 17-18 Little Rock, Ark. Verizon Arena
February 24-25 Tampa, Fla. St. Pete Times Forum
March 2-3 East Rutherford, N.J. IZOD Center
March 16-17 Tacoma, Wa. Tacoma Dome
March 24 Portland, Ore. The Rose Garden
April 13-15 Ontario, Calif. Citizens Business Bank Arena
April 20-21 Mexico City, Mx Arena Ciudad de Mexico

Experience Nuclear Cowboyz with a VIP Fallout Zone ticket. A very limited number of tickets are set aside for the BIGGEST Nuclear Cowboyz fans. Each VIP Fallout Zone ticket includes: Premium seating, admission to a private meet and greet with the stars of Nuclear Cowboyz 2012 where you will be presented with a commemorative VIP Fallout Zone credential and poster. Only VIP Fallout Zone ticket holders will be able to take part in the meet and greet. It’s the ultimate VIP experience. Don’t wait as these seats are extremely limited and will go fast.
Tickets are available for the Nuclear Cowboyz 2012 tour by visiting www.nuclearcowboyz.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Join us on FaceBook and Twitter for updates on your favorite performers and tour stops.
About Feld Motor Sports®: Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Freestyle Motocross, Nuclear Cowboyz and IHRA Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

OAKLAND, CA NOVEMBER 29, 2011 Torchmate Racing Shaffer-Motorsports team car #401 finished second in class at the 2011 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 after completing 705 miles with an official time of 24 hours and 40 minutes through the most grueling terrain in Baja. With only 10 minutes separating them from the leader, the third leg driver Daniel Aeberli said, “We gave it everything. It was a great race at the end and the Torchmate car really gave us what we needed to finish.”
Mike Shaffer took the green flag start around 1:40pm on Friday afternoon after the first ever restart in SCORE Baja history. “I have usually always done the start of the race and know the course well, but this year they changed a lot of it, and I mean a lot, so it wasn’t as much as an advantage as it has been in the past,” said Shaffer. They had a solid 10 hour effort to the driver change at BFGoodrich Checkpoint 2 where Shawn Twitchell would take the car down into the San Felipe loop. One of the few issues with the car was the main power shut off switch had been kicked during the driver change and had pulled all the power from the alternator causing it to fail around 6:10am on Saturday morning at RM427. A new alternator and a couple of stuck in the silt moments and the race was back on. “It was intense. The alternator issue caused us some down time and the course was just so rough…we got stuck in this one silt bed that was so deep we had to call to have the chase crew come and pull us out!” recalls Twitchell. Twitchell brought the car back to BFGoodrich Checkpoint 4 at the top of the San Felipe loop and by 8am Daniel Aeberli was on the throttle. He made up good time and had no issues. Their competitor #402 had been in sight and had some issues, but now it was time to win or take second. Aeberli pushed the cars limits and drove with the expertise that he had learned at Rally school in Switzerland with success as they closed in on the #402. The original strategy was to have Mike Shaffer get back in the car at Ojos Negros when they did their final fuel splash if they were within striking distance of the car in front of them. They were, but they were so close, that it would have taken too much time to switch drivers. Aeberli would have to take it home! When the checker flag fell, Torchmate Racing Shaffer-Motorsports team came in 2nd at an official time of 24 hours and 40 minutes, just 10 minutes behind the winner.
The team is currently headed to the final Best in the Desert Race where Class 1000 #1066 is in points contention for the lead. The TransWest Ford Henderson 250 will take place on Saturday December 3rd. Team updates will be posted at www.facebook.com/shaffermotorsports.
Special thanks to all the sponsors that helped with the Shaffer-Motorsports 2011 Season including Torchmate CNC Cutting Systems, BFGoodrich Tires, Transfer Case Express, Rigid Industries, PSC Steering, RuffStuff Specialties, Weddle Industries, Yukon Gear & Axle, Shaffers Offroad and Pirate4x4.com.

2011 Baja 1000 Video Library:
Shaffer-Motorsports #401 In-Car Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VNu8VWdgGM

Shaffer-Motorsports #401 Pre-Race: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxxG8liSiOc

Shaffer-Motorsports #401 After Leg 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMe61CUHxTY

Shaffer-Motorsports #401 After Leg 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmV3vYoyIUA

Shaffer-Motorsports #401 At Finish Line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijC_mxiKWR8

Shaffer-Motorsports Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/shaffermotorsports

More about Mike Shaffer: Mike Shaffer is the owner of Shaffer’s Offroad that helps customers build the vehicle of their choice, from bolt on accessories to custom one off vehicles. Shaffer has been racing for 27 years, starting with BMX and then age 16 in drag racing and his first desert race was fourteen years ago. Shaffer was driver of record for 3 Baja 1000 wins, 3 SCORE Championships and one BITD Championship in Class 1700, along with rock crawling National Championship and ARCA Championship.

More about Shawn Twitchell: Shawn Twitchell started desert racing motorcycles in 1972, went to drag racing in the 1980′s, circle track in the 1990′s and is now back in the desert driving with Shaffer Motorsports. He has been a member of Shaffer Motorsports team since 2008 helping win three SCORE 1700 Championships. Twitchell is the Business Unit Manager for FMC Technologies’ Technisys Group and has been married for 30 years to Vickie. Desert racing is in their family encompassing four generations including his son Ian, who will co-drive for Shawn. Two of seven grandkids are already earning their stripes in the pits and at the shop.

More about Daniel Aeberli: Daniel Aeberli is the CTO of Meditron, a Swiss medical distribution company that he co-founded 20 years ago in Switzerland. He raced with the Shaffer Motorsport team in 2010 helping them win SCORE Primm in Class 1700. Aeberli drove the first section of the 2010 SCORE Baja 1000 and is looking forward to coming back to the United States to race in BITD including Vegas to Reno and SCORE Baja 1000. Active in many sports, he especially enjoys skiing and hangliding in Switzerland.

Sponsors: Torchmate, BFGoodrich, Rigid Industries, PSC Steering, RuffStuff Specialties, Transfer Case Express, Weddle Industries, Yukon Gear & Axle, Shaffers Offroad, Pirate4x4.com

The product concept of BRZ is “Pure Handling Delight.” The Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine has inherent qualities of low center of gravity, lightweight, and compactness. These attributes are maximized by placing this engine even lower and closer to the center of the chassis. These factors contributed to BRZ’s low center of gravity -one of the lowest possible. The BRZ is a fun sports car that any driver can enjoy driving with peace of mind.

Design

· “Ultra-low Center of Gravity Package”

The BRZ has a low-mounted Boxer engine on a specially designed sub-frame that forms an “ultra-low center of gravity package”. With this arrangement, BRZ achieved a low driving position typical of a sports car. Overall height of BRZ is 1,300 mm and it has a wide and low body of a stylish coupe at 1775mm. Yet, it allows for 2+2 seating and a trunk with ample space. Not only is the BRZ a sports car, but it can also be a suitable partner for long tours with its unexpected utility.
· Exterior

Subaru aimed for a sports car design that instinctively conveys the car’s fun-to-drive character. In addition, it was detailed to be instantly recognizable as a Subaru.

o Front fascia

The “ultra-low center of gravity package” also allowed a low hood design. This low hood and bulging front fenders raise expectations for the BRZ’s drivability. Also, to communicate the Subaru identity the Subaru six-star ornament, headlights and hexagon lower grille follow the Subaru design motif common across new Subaru models.
o Side

The low center of gravity enhances BRZ’s sensuous beauty with its shapely fender flares. The aesthetic beauty is combined with functional beauty that advances aerodynamics through such areas as the C-pillar shape, rear glass inclination, trunk lid layout. As would be expected from a sports car, the front and rear overhangs were shortened to express the BRZ’s liveliness. The front fender is accentuated with a distinctive garnish.
o Rear fascia

The projecting rear wheel arches sit by way of contrast to the compact cabin and emphasizes the beauty of the BRZ’s rear view.
· Interior

Details were carefully designed to allow a new level of fun-to-drive experience in which the driver and vehicle become one.

- The steering wheel was made smaller to achieve sports car maneuverability.

- A tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer is placed in the center of the gauges so that the driver can instantly see information without diverting attention from the road.

- Bespoke sports car seats were designed to hold the driver and passenger and feature lowered sitting positions to match the “ultra-low center of gravity package”.
Mechanisms

· Engine

Making full use of the design concept of the new-generation Boxer engine, the newly developed engine made exclusively for the BRZ is highly efficient with superior output and environmental friendliness. It realizes an exhilarating high revving nature of a naturally aspirated sports engine.

- It has square bore and stroke of 86 X 86 mm.

- Due to the joint development with Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota’s direct injection and port injection technology “D-4S” was incorporated in the BRZ’s power unit.

- To achieve the “ultra-low center of gravity package”, the engine as a whole has been made more compact by such means as adopting the shorter intake manifold and the shallower oil pan.

· Transmission

The joy of sports car driving was realized through a transmission that focuses on shift feel and response.

- The 6-speed MT employs a short stroke shift lever. The lever was optimized in rigidity, shift quality and weight application in its pursuit of a superb shift feel.

- The 6-speed AT has “S mode” for better shifting response and “M mode” for optional shifting. Also, with the paddle shift and downshifting blipping control, this model can respond faithfully to the driver’s inputs.
· Body

The lightweight yet highly-rigid body was developed exclusively to maximize the advantages of the “ultra-low center of gravity package”.

- Low center of gravity and low driving position were achieved by the perimeter type body frame layout.

- The body has a rigid and durable frame structure that also works in balance with the vehicle’s light-weight. The rigidity is optimized for high drivability and appropriate durability is maintained for collision safety.

- High tensile steel was used in the body to contribute to weight reduction. Effective use of this material in the upper structure of the BRZ contributed to its low center of gravity.

- The front hood employs aluminum for lightness. The structure was fine-tuned for a low styling that also improves pedestrian protection performance.
· Chassis

Excellent maneuverability and stability of the “ultra-low center of gravity package” offers direct and sharp response to steering and enhances driver’s connection to the car

- The front suspension employs struts for light-weight and high rigidity, while a double wishbone layout is adopted at the rear for better shock absorption.

- To gain a low front hood from the “ultra-low center of gravity package”, the front strut mount was lowered while maintaining the stroke.

- The tires are 215/45R17 combined with lightweight and highly rigid aluminum wheels.

- All models are equipped with electronic stability control to provide both driving pleasure and safety.

Major Specifications

Overall Length X Width X Height (mm) / (in)

4,240 X 1,775 X 1,300

170 X 70 X 52

Wheelbase (mm) / (in)

2,570 / 101

Curb weight (kg) / (lb)

1,220 / 2,689*1 *2

Maximum output (kw(PS)) / hp

147(200) / 200 *1

Maximum torque (N.m(kg.m)) / (lb/ft)

205(20.9) / 151 *1

Power unit

Engine

2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed Boxer

Direct Injection engine

Transmission

6MT/E-6AT

Drive train

Rear-wheel drive

Suspension

front: strut / rear: double wishbone

Tire size

215/45R17

RENO, NV NOVEMBER 30, 2011 – Roger Norman #8 Wide Open Excursions, Crystal Bay Casino Trophy Truck has always finished the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, and the 2011 race was no different. After fighting multiple setbacks, where many would have called the race, Norman persevered to get to the finish line. “I have never not finished a Baja 1000,” said Roger Norman. “This one had a lot of challenges though, if we wouldn’t have had all of these issues, I know we would have been on the podium!”
Roger Norman worked down the list of obstacles that the Norman Motorsports team overcame, “Five miles out of our main pit at RM210 we hit a rock that broke the bead lock off the wheel which lost air pressure so we had to change a tire, but that was the only BFGoodrich tire that we changed all race, they really held up to this rough course. Then the right front shock shaft broke at the base, which in turn broke the brake line so we had no brakes, but luckily it didn’t damage anything else. Chase came out to put a fresh shock on and saw we had two studs broke on the rear wheel hub, they fixed both and we took off. Next, the front shocks lost all nitrogen, I have no idea how, but we were running on springs. We were down to 20mph at some of the rougher spots. We made it to the next pit where they discovered that the heat exchanger had a giant crack in it and the radiator was almost completely empty, with a simple fix they replaced it with a hose. We have a tranny cooler up in back by the radiator that doesn’t get airflow unless we have enough wind, and with the new Vision X roof lights it was getting blocked. So since we didn’t want to take the lights off in the middle of the desert, and we weren’t in the contention for the win, we babied it and had to stop a whole bunch of times when it reached 290 degrees to let it cool. At the last pit they took off the lights and once we left that pit we were able to run full race speed to the finish.” Roger Norman with co-drivers Dick Grey and JT Taylor finished 17th with a time of 20 hours 8 minutes.
The Baja 1000 experience started with Roger Norman, Dick Grey and JT Taylor pre-running for 12 days. “We were running around staying in different towns, really enjoying Baja. That’s 90% of the fun for me, the pre-running part allows me to meet different people, try different restaurants and get to know all the locals,” said Norman. Pre-running is still work, “we were making really intricate notes and JT was learning a new computer system. It was a lot to bite off, and I don’t know how to say it…it was a lot of work….” All in all, “we had a great time pre-running with no issues at all. Besides a couple minor fixes, the Wide Open Pre-runner ran 3,000 miles of flawless prerunning,” said Roger Norman.
Roger Norman is pleased to continue his newest venture with Wide Open Excursions, LLC as an owner and business partner. Norman played a key role in opening Wide Open Reno at the Tahoe Reno Motorplex on August 1, 2011 and has assumed an investment role with the organization. “Wide Open Reno was such an exciting project that I decided to invest in the entire organization to help propel the brand to new heights, we truly have one of the most unique and exciting products in the adventure travel market and we need the world to know it,” said Norman.
Norman Motorsports will be in attendance at all the HDRA Off-Road Racing events in 2012, the SCORE Baja 500 and SCORE Baja 1000.
2011 Baja 1000 Action Video: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2693876187223&set=vb.60623030516&type=2&theater
Roger Norman Website: www.RogerNormanRacing.com
Roger Norman Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/NormanMotorsports

Norman Motorsports Partners: Wide Open Excursions Reno, Crystal Bay Casino, BFGoodrich, KMC, Vision X, K&N Filters, Mastercraft, Fire ETC, NEO, CMI, Big Ass Fans, Safety Kleen, Eibach Springs, Cruz Roja, Baja Fools, Rod End Supply, High Angle Drivelines, Trail Glow, Galley at the Marina