Monday, December 03, 2007

Rinker Wins ChampBoat Season Finale

Team AMSOIL powerboat racer and two-time defending ChampBoat Series champion Terry Rinker provided a thrilling end to the 2007 ChampBoat Series season on November 3-4 in Savannah, Ga. After earning his first pole position of the season, Rinker knew he needed a win in the feature race to have a shot at his third straight championship.

Rinker got off to a quick start for the early lead, and despite being pushed hard by Shaun Torrente and Chris Fairchild, he held his ground to take his 17th career win. Teammate Randy Rinker also had a successful day, finishing fourth. Although Tim Seebold's third place finish was enough to secure him the championship, Rinker finished the season a strong third whilethe victory moves him into third on the all-time ChampBoat wins list.

Savannah Final Results
1) Terry Rinker
2) Chris Fairchild
3) Tim Seebold
4) Randy Rinker
5) Michael Schubert
6) Lynn Simburger
7) Jeff Shepherd
8) Brian Venton
9) Ned Mihajlovic
10) Chuck Unkle
See "Updates" for the 2007
ChampBoat television schedule.
2007-11_rinker (21K)

Aftermarket Continues Growing

According to the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the value of the light vehicle aftermarket is expected to surpass $200 billion within the next few years. After reaching $185.2 billion in 2006, the market is expected to approach $193 billion by the end of 2007. As in years past, vehicles over 10 years old made up the largest percentage of dollars spent, equating to $80.8 billion in 2006. The segment of vehicles six years old and older is expected to continue growing at a steady pace, while vehicles five years old and newer are projected to peak this year before declining to below $45 billion in 2010.

LaRocco Returns For One More Win

Team AMSOIL supercross legend Mike LaRocco wins 2007 U.S. Open race of champions, while Team AMSOIL teammates Jake Weimer and Dan Reardon shine in the main event.

Retired Team AMSOIL supercross star and 2002 U.S. Open of Supercross champion Mike LaRocco was invited to compete in a special race of champions at the 2007 U.S. Open of Supercross. LaRocco was up for the challenge and pitted his Honda CR 250 against fellow U.S. Open champions Jeff Emig and Damon Huffman on the weekend of October 12-13 in Las Vegas.

LaRocco did not disappoint the capacity crowd at the MGM Grand Arena, showing off the speed and riding skills that made him a top contender and crowd favorite for 19 years of professional motocross and supercross racing. To the delight of the crowd, LaRocco won both races and stood atop the podium for one more time in his brilliant career.

In the main event, Team AMSOIL racer Jake Weimer was joined by new teammate Dan Reardon for a shot at the top prize of the weekend. After Reardon and Weimer finished seventh and tenth respectively on Friday night, Weimer stole the show on Saturday by grabbing the holeshot and taking the win, with teammate Reardon finishing fourth. Overall, Weimer and Reardon finished fourth and seventh respectively.

Mike LaRocco

U.S. Open Race of Champions FinalResults
1) Mike LaRocco
2) Jeff Emig
3) Damon Huffman

U.S. Open Final Results
1) Grant Langston
2) Chad Reed
3) Josh Demuth
4) Jake Weimer
5) Mike Alessi
6) Andrew Short
7) Dan Reardon
8) Justin Brayton
9) Tim Ferry
10) Michael Byrne

Jake WeimerDan Reardon