October 2016 Wheels of Thunder by Wheels Of Thunder All Motorsports Magazine

// October 2016 \\

VETTES FOR VETS

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CONTENTS

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EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNER //

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Corvette - The Iconic American Sports Car

Vettes for Vets

Chris Weidenbach chris@wheelsofthunder.net 763.421.4400

PHOTOGRAPHERS & WRITERS

Mylie Lavold Tom Edwards Billy Boyle Jenna Osterlund Ceaja Philp Steve Casper Michael D. Peterson Bailey Sens

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Garage Built

Corvette Written By </ Tom Edwards >

Photography By </ Tom Edwards >

t the dawn of the 1950’s General Motors was the largest company in the world. To give you an idea of its size, Standard Oil of New Jersey, now ExxonMobil, was in second place. Among General Motors products and services were insurance, home appliances and building locomotives as well as Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac and Chevrolet automobiles. With everything they had on their plate they weren’t building sports cars. That was about to change, dramatically in what has proven to be a fascinating chapter of American automotive history. On June 30, 1953 the name Corvette became a part of the Chevrolet line. In a General Motors facility, an old trunk plant in Flint, Michigan assembly line employee Tony Kleiber became the first person to drive what became known as a Corvette as he guided it off the assembly line. Of the 300 essentially handmade cars built that year you could order it in any exterior color you liked, as long as your choice was Polo White. At a production number of 300 for the initial year, that represents the lowest number of available Corvettes in their storied history. Over the years, prototypes have been built in single figure numbers. A variety of engine options have been offered in very low numbers. Of that modest first year number, 200 are known to exist. The interior of a ‘53 had the same number of options as exterior paint choices. If you preferred Sportsman Red, you were good to go. General Motors Chief Designer was Harley Earl. During an earlier point in his career he supervised the Art and Color section of the company. He is recognized as the originator of the ‘concept car’; in this case it was a 1938 Buick model. Harley was also in charge of the G.M. team assigned to any and all ideas concerning future designs. In 1951 he initiated the concept for an open sports car that would carry a sticker price in the $2,000 neighborhood. At the time, that price was near the cost of a standard American sedan. His early lay-out for such a car was, let’s say, less than well defined. He gave what he had to Styling Staff member Robert F. McLean who sharpened the concept and a car based on their collective efforts eventually became a reality. The rest, as they say, is history.

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In an effort to keep the cost of this new car to a minimum, McLean utilized standard Chevy mechanical components that had been modified by Maurice Olley the Chief of Chevrolet’s Research & Development department. His boxed side members and supportive X frame chassis tipped the scales at just 213 pounds. The driveshaft for G.M.’s first sports car did not run through the X; it was placed above it. The suspension system, drive train and passenger compartment were moved back to achieve a nearly 50/50 weight distribution over an eight and a half foot wheelbase. Under the hood was the Blue Flame in line 6 cylinder engine used on all Chevy’s. The compression ratio was increased and 3 side-draft Carter carburetors on the manifold along with a more aggressive camshaft resulted in a 150 horsepower engine. All 300 cars came with a 2 speed Powerglide transmission. In another cost savings move, the bodies were made of fiberglass, not the more traditional steel. The first cars were conceived with a close eye kept on the possibility of large scale assembly line production. That said, the first Corvettes were only intended to be part of General Motors Motorama at the 1953 New York Auto Show held in the world renowned Waldorf-Astoria hotel. As history has shown, fortunately, that didn’t turn out to be the case. Ed Cole, G.M.’s Chief Engineer saw the new car. To say Ed was excited is comparable to saying there is a lot of sand in a desert. Before the first few cars arrived in New York the engineering necessary to put them in production started. At that point this new car didn’t have a name. Cole placed a call to Myron Scott, an assistant advertising manager for Chevrolet, the founder of The All-American Soap Box Derby and a photographer in Chevrolet’s Public Relations department to a meeting of executives in search of a name for the car that would fit. Scott suggested “Corvette” after reading about a fast pursuit ship in the Navy called the corvette and that name was approved. The solid axle C1 Corvettes were built from the initial run of 300 in 1953 until the 1962 model hit showroom floors. The price tag on a 1953 was $3,498; that’s a significantly higher price than Harvey Earl had hoped for during its first year. At a 2014 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona a ’53 with 9,260 miles on the odometer sold for $660,000. In 1953 that would have paid for nearly 187 of them. The following year production was relocated to St. Louis and a number of color options were available. Pennant Blue, Sportsman Red, Black and a return of Polo White were now exterior color options. Corvette manufacturing was dramatically increased as 3,640 1954’s were built. A dealer installed Paxon supercharger was available for increased performance. That year saw the introduction of one of the many Corvette designs I like. Anyone else ready for a Nomad Corvette? Yes indeed, a concept car, a Corvette station wagon. Only 5 were made for the Motorama in New York City with just 3 left standing. The name “Nomad” was on the back door and the exhaust pipes were located between the back wheels and the rear quarter panels. Reproduction kits for what I think is a great looking ride are available. The 1955 model saw a significant page in Corvette history written; Chevrolet’s small block 195 horsepower 265 cubic inch V8 was under the hood. With many 1954’s still available on dealer’s lots, only 700 1955’s were built, almost all of them had a V8 engine. The 1956 Corvette had a new body design and a removable hardtop was offered for the first time. To many Corvette fans, the 1956 and very similar 1957’s are among the best looking Corvettes to this day.

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What a lot of Corvette fans believe put the car on the map was G.M.’s decision to race the 1956, now rated at 210 horsepower with, for the first time, a 3 speed manual transmission. Those changes were enough to get Zora Arkus-Duntov, Corvettes Chief Engineer the upswing in speed in those great looking cars. In February of 1956 at the Daytona Speedway Arkus-Duntov had Corvettes available for John Shelton and Betty Skelton. Both cars had a 10.3 to 1 compression ratio and a number of other ‘go-fast’ parts that resulted in 255 horsepower engines. They hit 145.5 and 137.8 miles per hour. By way of comparison, the Ford Thunderbird maxed out at 134.4 miles per hour. In the world of auto racing, that’s a large size gap. 1957 saw engine options that included a 283 cubic inch with a single 4 barrel carburetor, a duel-quad rated at 275 horsepower or for the first time, (wait for it) fuel injection! The injected cars, depending on their set-up were either 250 or 283 horsepower. The 1960 Corvette didn’t change a lot from its predecessor but for the first time in their history, 10,000 were made. It was the final year for that 1950’s feature, wide whitewall tires. For 1962 the V8 had grown to 327 cubic inches. It was the last year for an outside access trunk until 1988. The dual-quad option was gone but fuel injection was back supporting an impressive 360 horsepower. The C2 years, 1962 – 1967 brought about what for me, and a lot of other Corvette fans, is one of the best looking cars of all time and that includes every make and model. Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys say hello to the split window 1963 Corvette. Let’s also say hello to the name Sting Ray. For the independent rear suspension chassis, Zora Arkus-Duntov was designing what he believed would be a world class layout. He would know. The wheelbase was reduced to 98 inches with a much stiffer ladder frame that allowed the passenger area to be lowered between the rails. It was a great engineering move. 54 years after its debut the 1963 split window coupe is among the most recognizable cars in the world. Motor Trend magazine tested a fuel injected ’63 backed with a Muncie 4 speed transmission and it was 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds and covered a quarter mile drag strip in 14.5 seconds at 102 miles per hour. I am a member of the National Hot Rod Association so you can trust me when I tell you, for a 1963 street car that is very impressive. More than 80% had a 4 speed transmission and it was the first year for electronic ignition. The gas tank capacity was increased from 16 to 20 gallons. The 1964 Corvette eliminated the non-functioning hood vents but otherwise closely paralleled the classic ’63 although the split window was gone. That was a feature Zora Arkus-Duntov didn’t like so it was shelved. PAGE

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The 1965 model had 3 functional louvers on each front fender. The really big news, as in cubic inches, was under the hood. In ’65 a 396 cubic inch engine was on the ‘extra-large’ size. The L78 396 delivered 425 horsepower. No, that isn’t a typo. As it turned out, the 396 was a one year only deal. In 1966 you could order a 427 cubic incher to keep you moving right along. In 1967 the louver count on the front fenders increased to 5 but the real news, again, was under the hood. The L88 427 with aluminum heads and a 12.5 to 1 compression ratio put the horsepower rating north of 500. Buying one eliminated the option of having a heater, a radio or a fan shroud. You can see where this is going; say hello to your favorite drag strip. Only 20 were built so, no surprise here, they are among the most sought after Sting Rays. The law of supply and demand has driven the price, on those rare occasions when one becomes available, through the roof; no pun intended. At a 2014 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona the only red on red 1967 L88 sold for $3,850,000. One of the most enjoyable displays of various years of Corvettes my wife and I have seen was after a San Diego Padres home game. When the game was over, the huge gates in centerfield opened and a stage rolled out. After it was set up, a very nice collection of Corvettes came out with a member of the Beach Boys, America’s band, in each one. Let’s review. Baseball, Corvettes and the Beach Boys. It just doesn’t get any more American than that. No surprise here, given where they are from their first song was California Girls. In a tip of the hat as to how they got to the stage, I Get Around, Shut Down and 409 were also on the set list. Continue Page 8

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Up next: The C3 era; 1968 – 1982. The 1968’s were available in coupe or convertible body styles. The convertible top stored under a hard cover that is hinged. The coupe has 2 removable panels making it a T-Top. The 1969’s saw the return of the name Stingray but now it was one word and the ignition was relocated to the steering wheel column. For the following year the vertical fronts were replaced by a crosshatch pattern. The engine options were also new; a 375 horsepower 350 and the 427 was replaced by two 454 cubic inch motors; a 390 horsepower with a single 4 barrel and a tri-powered L7, a 460 horse mover and shaker. Emission control standards instituted in 1971 brought about a reduction in ponies under the hood. The base 350 was now rated at 270 horsepower, the L1 was down to 350 horse and the LS 454 was in at 365 horsepower. That continued for the following year. The (alleged) body color matching rubberized front bumper was on the 1973 cars and the side vents were now singles. For 1974 the rubberized front bumper was now matched with a rubberized rear bumper in response to new bumper regulations. A 1975 Corvette offered 2 engine options; a 350 at 165 horse (that was hard to write) and the L82 350 rated at 180 horsepower. The 1977’s were virtually identical to the previous year. Corvette marked its first quarter century with a redesigned tail and a large wraparound rear window. It didn’t open so luggage had to be navigated around the seats. Two special edition models were sold; a Silver Anniversary Edition and the Pace Car for the Indy 500. Approximately 6,500 of those were made. To date, they have been the 500 Pace Car 13 times. For the year, 40,725 were built; it was the first time Corvette had passed the 40,000 plateau. It didn’t take long to top that 40,000 sales level. In 1979 50,807 Corvettes came off the assembly line. That was the first year of production that topped the 50K barrier. At the start of the 1980’s the cars were put on a diet and dropped about 250 pounds to go with an updated design. You could purchase your Corvette with an automatic or manual transmission. In 1981 there was one engine available, a 190 horse 350. June of 1981 saw the production of the cars relocated from St. Louis to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Manual transmissions were not an option in 1982, all Corvettes came with a 4 speed automatic. With sales down to 25,407 the Mako Shark years came to an end. 1983 Corvettes, where are you? The modifications from the previous cars to the new models were so extreme it took the Bowling Green facility some time to get up and running, consequently only 43 1983’s were built. None were sold to the general public and just 1 survives. In March the 1984’s arrived at Chevrolet dealerships. They were the biggest changes in the cars since the 1963 Sting Ray. A 1984 Corvette had a larger interior space and the instrumentation was digital. T-Tops became a thing of the past replaced with a 1 piece section. Mechanically the initial cars PAGE

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of the C4 era brought a lot to the table. Rack and pinion steering was new and oversized brakes were in place. A small block 350 with fuel injection was still in play. This popular Corvette sold a very significant 53,877 models. Tuned Port Injection of the 350 upped the engine to 230 horsepower in the 1985 Corvette. The following year saw the return of convertibles and for the second time it was the Indy 500 Pace Car. Anti-lock brakes made their Corvette debut. Coupes had a third brake light over the rear hatch and convertibles placed it on the rear. Convertibles and coupes sales totaled 7,315. In 1987 new hydraulic lifters increased the L98 to 240 horsepower; electronic tire pressure monitors and a Z-52 suspension system were options. For 1988 new aluminum cylinder heads and an updated camshaft turned the L98 into a 245 horse power plant. The 1990’s began with a ZR-1 coupe (no convertibles) propelled by Duel Over Head Cam 32 valve LT 5 engine that generated a nice 375 horses. Fortunately it came with 2 key options; ‘full power’ and ‘valet’. Wise move. For ’91 it was time for some restyling that included a sleek frontend and wraparound headlights. The $64,138 price made it the first General Motors vehicle to pass the $60,000 level. On July 2, 1992 Corvette number 1,000,000 a white convertible was built. Those on the assembly line signed it in areas not visible without disassembly. As an autograph collector I found that very cool. The 1993 40th anniversary edition was available in Ruby Red paint and special decals. The LT5 motor in the ZR 1 model was modified to create 405 horses making it the most powerful Corvette at the time. On the passenger side of the 1994’s an airbag was added. Five spoke wheels were also new. In 1995 a Corvette was, say it with me, the Indy 500 Pace Car. That was also the final year for the ZR-1 Corvette. With a few very minor changes, a 1996 didn’t have a significantly altered appearance than the car that came the previous year. The 1996 Corvette established the final year for C4 production. 1997 – 2004 is the C5 era. Unlike every Corvette built before them that bolted the transmission directly to the engine, for the 1997 cars the transmission was installed between the rear wheel area, its weight working to counterbalance the weight of the engine. Speaking of the engine, it was also new, a redesigned LS1 that cranked out 345 horsepower. No surprise here, those Corvettes were a hit. It was zero to 60 in 4.8 seconds and matched the Ferrari’s quarter mile time. Whoa; hang on to your hat. Going with the If-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it school of thought the only major change for 1998 was to offer a convertible model. Again, not many changes for the 1999’s. Corvette and Prince both thought it was time to Party Like it’s 1999! No doubt for Prince it was in done a Little Red Corvette. The biggest option was a display that projected data on the windshield in front of the driver. Not getting too far away from the previous successful year the 2000 Corvette offered 2 new exterior colors, Millennium Yellow and Bowling Green Metallic. My wife Cathy and I saw a Bowling Green Metallic Corvette at the 9th annual Vettes for Vets car show in Savage, Minnesota. We agreed it was somewhere between gorgeous and gorgeous and a half. OCT 2016

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For 2001 Chevrolet introduced the Z06 Corvette. The 385 horse engine would get you from A to Z at very quick pace. The ’01 also featured an FE4 suspension system. The next year saw Chevy turn up the wick again. The 2002 had a modified ZO6 that created an amazing 405 horsepower. Electron Blue was a new exterior paint color. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Corvette, Chevrolet had, say it with me, a 50th anniversary edition. They could be ordered in a deep red paint and a Magnetic Selective Ride Control system. It was Indy 500 Pace Car. You probably see a pattern developing here. The C5 era came to an end with the production of the 2004 models. It was fun while it lasted. C6 Power Player Corvettes rolled out in 2005. Exposed headlights were back for the first time since 1962. There was one engine available, a 6.0 liter L52. No problem. This drag racing fan can assure you a 12.9 second elapsed time at just over 109 miles per hour on a drag strip is impressive. Let’s keep in mind we’re talking about street cars here. That’s brisk. For serious fans of horsepower, the ’06 Corvette with a new LS7 engine was, I had to check this twice, 505 horses. We’re talking zero to 60 in 4 and a half seconds and covered the quarter mile in 12.2 seconds at 121.8 miles per hour. I have seen cars on a drag strip that are not legal for street use that aren’t that fast. The 2007’s remained almost a mirror of the ’06 cars. For 2008 Chevrolet went with a 6.2 liter LS 5 motor rated at 430 horsepower. For the next year, can you say supercharger? Yes indeed. With an LS9 under the hood we are talking about a 638 horse engine in a street machine. Whoa. That, my friends, will peg the fun meter. The 2010 Grand Sport was offered as both a convertible and coupe. Wider bodywork was the most noticeable change from a year earlier. A “Carbon Edition” with a ZO6 was available in 2011. A carbon fiber hood reduced the weight; only 500 were built. Having followed baseball since shortly after dirt was new, I’m guessing 2011 World Series Most Valuable Player David Freese of the St. Louis Cardinals liked his new 2012 Corvette. They have been awarded to the Series MVP for decades. A Corvette and a World Series ring. That’s a nice week. Chevrolet celebrated their centennial in 2012 so they produced a Centennial Edition Corvette. 2013 was the 60th anniversary of Corvette so, you know what’s coming next, Cherolet manufactured a 60th edition of their iconic sports car. A 427 was under the hood and those cars brought an end to the C6 era. The C7 era, 2014 – Present cars are known as the Starship Sting Ray. I spent the majority of my career as an engineer in the aerospace industry so I can tell you Starship tells you everything you need to know about these amazing cars. The C7 years got off to what can be described as an unfortunate chapter in Corvette history. On February 12, 2014 a ground water issue at the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky created a 40 foot wide, 30 foot deep sinkhole in an area that featured some historic cars. Among the 8 cars that were extracted were Corvette Number 1,000,000 and the only 1983 still in existence. From the first Corvette sold in 1953 until today we’re talking about 1,500,000 and counting. Corvettes continue to evolve and, amazingly, they keep getting better. That’s a trend I expect will continue. // PAGE 10

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VETTES

R O F

VETS

Written By < / Tom Edwards >

THAT’

On August 14, 2016 The Dan Patch

American Legion Post 643 in Savage, Minnesota hosted the 9th Annual Vettes for Vets Car Show. A good time was had by all. 148 cars from the 1950’s to current vintage, all in eye-catching condition were on display during a picture perfect day. PAGE 12

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’S AS GOOD AS IT GETS

Photography By < / Tom Edwards >

As a veteran that has enjoyed Corvettes since I saw my first 1953 it was a “must attend” get-together. American Legion Club Manager Ed Reiners and his team did a great job and helped make everything related to the show run as smooth as silk. The Classic Corvettes of Minnesota President Mark Stulz, with ample assistance from members of that great group of Corvette enthusiasts coordinated another enjoyable car show. At the conclusion of the event there was a cruise to the Minnesota Veterans Home – Minneapolis. I had the opportunity to speak with Sandy Larson, their Public Affairs Director and she sent me the following very informative email about the M.V.H. – Minneapolis and the Classic Corvettes of Minnesota club: OCT 2016

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“Classic Corvettes of MN aka, Vettes for Vets, has been coming to do a car show at the Minnesota Veterans Home-Minneapolis for the past 9 years. We have had anywhere from 35 to 85 participants drive to our Home following their car show in Savage. Once on campus, they park and display cars for our Veterans, family members and staff to enjoy. In addition, our Family Council sponsors the root-beer and ice-cream and members of Vettes for Vets create root-beer floats while visiting with Residents. What I have observed is, a Resident may not remember a name or face, but the bright shiny cars and friendly visitors, bring immediate smiles to their faces and leaves them talking about which car they’d like to buy. Since 2007, members have collected and donated over $13,000.00 in cash donations and $2,600.00 of in-kind, i.e., socks, razors, T-shirts, fresh corn and chocolate. Since 2011 we have used their cash donation to pay for a special Prime Rib dinner on Veterans Day for Residents. A small group of members also come that day to help serve the meal and visit with Residents while dining. In 2010, a portion of the donation was used to purchase Henry,

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an abandoned dog from Homeward Bound. I’m not sure who saved who. Henry was a blessing to Residents who just needed a friend to lay at their feet and give them a glance that said, “I’m here”. All remaining funds are used to support our recreation fund. This fund is used for special outings such as boat rides, fishing trips, and visits to museums, movies or in-house entertainment for those who are unable to leave the Home. Together with friends like Mark Stultz and members of the Classic Corvettes of MN, we make “Every Day, Veterans Day” here at the Minnesota Veterans Home – Minneapolis”. Please allow this veteran to extend a sincere thank you to all those responsible for making the 9th Annual Vettes for Vets Day memorable for Cathy and me and, I’m sure, many others. Veterans are a sorority/fraternity that is unlike any other. It is people like the residents of the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis that have keep this nation free with their honorable service. Freedom isn’t free and veterans have stepped up and answered the call. Hand salute. Sandy Larson, Mark Stulz and Bob Brown; thank you for your help with this article and for what you have done and continue to do for this nation. // Photos from event continue on page 16

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NHRA EVENT

CHEVOLET PERFORMANCE U.S. NATIONALS

Aug 31, - Sept 5, 2016

Written By < / David H. Pruszka >

The Big Go…it has been nicknamed this for a while now.

The Indianapolis Chevrolet Performance US Nationals is the biggest race of the Mello Yello NHRA Racing Series and caps off the last race of the regular season as teams from all categories compete for a coveted “Wally” award. The top classes have their points reset to level the playing field for the last six races to determine a season champion. 2016 is the 50th Anniversary of the Funny Car and many of these creations came out of the woodwork to be displayed and their drivers and owners honored. The weather this weekend was not as hot as in past years and crew chiefs tuned these cars to set ET and Speed records as we have come to expect every year at this event. This 62nd annual event started off the finals with a track walk where drivers and fans walk shoulder-to-shoulder down a tree-sap sticky track and ends with a public invited live FOX Sports awards ceremony in front of the Tower building. Each ticket allows fan access to the Pits where only a rope separates them from their favorite cars and drivers, making this sport more exciting than other track-wide larger gaps between fans and their heroes. All ages are represented here and merchandise is designed for all ranges of the fan demographic.

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Photography By < / David H. Pruszka > The US Nationals continues to be the pinnacle of the Drag Racing world as even Australian South American and European drivers and spectators make this pilgrimage the event of the year to “Be there or be square”.

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*Manufacturer’s suggested retail price shown. Prices may vary due to supply, freight, etc. Actual prices set by the dealer. Product and specifications subject to change without notice. Availability subject to production, stocking, and Demand. MSRP for base Kodiak model. Kodiak 700 EPS SE shown from $8,899. Professional rider depicted on closed course. ATV models shown are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at *Manufacturer’s price shown. PricesFor mayyour varysafety: due toAlways supply,avoid freight, Actual prices set by dealer. to change without notice. subject to production, stocking, and Demand. MSRPand foralcohol/ base Kodiak Kodiak 700excessive EPS SE shown 1-800-887-2887.suggested ATVs can retail be hazardous to operate. pavedetc. surfaces. Never ride on the public roads.Product Alwaysand wearspecifications a helmet, eyesubject protection and protective clothing.Availability Never carry passengers. Never engage in stunt riding. Riding drugsmodel. don’t mix. Avoid speed. frombe$8,899. Professional depictedterrain. on closed course. ATV models shown are©2015 recommended useCorporation, only by riders 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at And particularly careful rider on difficult Shown with optional accessories. Yamaha for Motor U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaOutdoors.com 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry passengers. Never engage in stunt riding. Riding and alcohol/ drugs don’t mix. Avoid excessive speed. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Shown with optional accessories. ©2015 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaOutdoors.com

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Terracross Championship Returns to CBS Sports Network in 2016 Minneapolis, MN (July 14, 2016) Terracross Championship announces it has extended its agreement with CBS Sports Network for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, featuring 12 original hours of programming, which doubles the number from 2015. After a successful 2015 season, Terracross returns to CBS Sports Network with more great competition on the track and attracting high profile athletes, action sports stars and celebrities. Terracross events will kick off Septemer 10th and 11th in Minneapolis, MN and continue October 1st and 2nd in Jacksonville, NC, wrapping up October 28th and 29th in Glamis, CA. PAGE 32

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“Terracross Championship is thrilled to be back on CBS Sports Network in 2016 with our rough, tough, and muddy racing featuring world class action sports athletes. Our Nation wide races in Minnesota, North Carolina and California will feature the very best in Polaris RZR racing.” Says Sport Organizer Joe Duncan. Terracross features mutli-time X-Games Medalists the likes of Red Bull’s Levi LaVallee and Ronnie Renner, Rockstar’s Colten Moore and Ronnie Faisst, and Monster Energy’s Chris Burandt and Nate Adams. In addition, motorsports super stars like Offroad phenom Walker Evans’ RJ Anderson, FOX’s Cody Rahders, ATV legend and Mystik Lubricants Daryl Rath, reigning Terracross Champion Jason Luburgh, and MMA superstar Josh Koscheck (Oak Grove Tech) compete in Terracross. And we expect more world-class athletes, drivers and celebrities to make appearances with us as the 2016 Terracross season moves forward. We also have an amazing Women’s class with our two past Champions Jami Ward and Sara Price coming back to do battle along with Shelby Anderson, Katie Vernola, and Nitro Circus’ Jolene Van Vugt to name a few. Terracross is a unique form of Entertainment Television that focuses on competitors and their personas, as much if not more than the amazing racing aspects of Terracross. Short course off-road racing combines Rallycross and Endurocross style courses with very affordable spec class Polaris RZR Turbos and XP 1000’s. Terracross Polaris RZR’s go from the dealer’s showroom to the racetrack for under $20,000. CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, and to access the CBS Sports Network channel finder, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com. The Terracross Championship TV Schedule is announced and will found on CBS Sports Network. All Times are Eastern Standard Time; Show 1 to air Sunday September 25th @ 10:00pm, Show 2 Wednesday, October 05 at 7:00pm, Show 3 Sunday, October 9th at 5:00pm, Show 4 Sunday October 16th at 9:30pm, Show 5 Wednesday, October 26th at 7:00pm, Show 6 Sunday, October 30th at 9:00pm, Show 7 Wednesday, November 09 @ 8:00pm, Show 8 Sunday November 13 at 7:00pm, Show 9 Sunday, November 20 at 10:30pm, Show 10 Sunday, November 27th at 7:00pm, Show 11 Sunday, December 4th at 7:00pm, Show 12 Sunday, December 11 at 7:00pm. Terracross Contact: Joe Duncan joeduncan357@gmail.com 651-357-0835 Jeremy Behrendt terracrossmarketing@gmail.com

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Sedona Tire & Wheel Partners with Terracross Championship Series as Official Spec Tire/Wheel Boise, ID – August 2, 2016 – Sedona Tire & Wheel is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Terracross Championship Series that will see the brand’s tires and wheels serve as the Official Spec Tire and Wheel of Terracross in the Pro RZR XP 1000 and Celebrity X classes. In addition to the official partnership, Sedona Tire and Wheel will field a series car driven by Sedona Tire & Wheel sponsored driver Hubert Rowland. “We’re excited to see our newest performance all-terrain radial UTV tire, the Rock-A-Billy, and our new line of race-ready Storm and Split 6 bead-lock wheels go head-to-head with these top athletes. Sedona Tire and Wheel is becoming one of the fastest growing UTV/ATV tire brands in the industry because of our proven performance and quality in the field,” said Adam Lukoic, Brand Manager for Sedona Tire & Wheel. The Terracross Championship features the best of off-road, action sport athletes, and celebrities competing on rough, tough and muddy courses complete with obstacles like: rocks, logs, crossover jumps and tight turns. With events televised on CBS Sports, spec Polaris RZR® XP 1000 vehicles, and top athletes from diverse racing backgrounds, Terracross has become one of the premier racing series in the world. “Terracross is excited to have Sedona tire and wheels on board supporting our Pro XP 1000 class and our Celebrity X participants,” says co-owner Jeremy Behrendt. “We know what our rough, tough and muddy courses can throw at this combo and after testing these tires and wheels this Spring we couldn’t be happier with the great results of how the Sedona tires handled the terrain and the abuse of a Terracross course.” PAGE 36

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Likewise, Hubert Rowland, “Everyone’s Favorite Redneck” on the hit MTV television show Nitro Circus, and driver of the Sedona Tire & Wheel car, is excited about the new partnership: “I’m more than pumped to be racing Terracross! Partnering with Sedona Tire & Wheel has been great and I’m looking forward to racing the Sedona Polaris RZR in the Celebrity X class. Sedona bead-lock wheels and Rock-A-Billy tires have been on my RZR this year and I have been totally impressed!” The 2016 Terracross Championship is comprised of six rounds at three two-day events beginning September 10th & 11th in Minneapolis MN; followed by Jacksonville, NC on October 1st & 2nd; and Glamis, CA on October 28th & 29th. For complete series information, schedule and venue information, visit www.terracrossracing.com. For information about Sedona Tire and Wheel and its complete product line offerings, visit: www.sedonatires.com. About Sedona Tire & Wheel Sedona Tire & Wheel builds products for ATVs, UTVs/Side-by-Sides, and offroad motorcycles that offer high-quality, cutting edge technology and real world performance. By working with one of the largest automotive tire factories in the world, Sedona Tire & Wheel jointly develops its tires through meticulous research and testing in order to provide the highest quality and most technically advanced products on the market. Sedona Tire & Wheel products are distributed in the United States exclusively by Western Power Sports (WPS).

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