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Treatment for price rises
(Monday 30th June 2008) Lucas reports that sales of its Upper Cylinder Lubricant fuel treatment have risen by 20% this month in the wake of oil, diesel and petrol price increases and so is urging garages not to miss out on sales of a product that would really benefit their customers.
"Garages should re-think their counter sales stock profiles and pump out more information about alternative fuel and oil saving strategies, such as our Upper Cylinder Lubricant.
It helps counteract some of the engine-inhibiting side effects from some low sulphur diesel fuels:
"Low sulphur fuels are much drier. UCL improves lubrication around the piston rings and cylinder walls, which is essential for high engine performance and good fuel economy."
Car owners often fail to appreciate that an improvement in engine power and performance can be achieved quickly and cheaply between services, with a one-shot fuel treatment, says Lucas.
"Shopping for cheaper fuels when pump prices are high often exposes motorists to fuels that contain fewer engine-protecting additives. Fuel treatments can eliminate this but also they can also restore power by removing tars or resins that build up on injectors over time."
Lucas Oil Products distributes a wide range of engine protecting oils and lubricants, as well as a range of treatments that improve fuel economy and enhance the performance of transmissions and power steering systems.
Lucas Oil Powerboat comes 2nd in Italian Grand Prix
(Monday 19th May 2008)
The Lucas Oil 'Outer Limits' team had a great weekend in the Powerboat P1 championship by coming 2nd in the 100 mile endurance race having led the race up until the final straightway where last years world champion took the lead.
Nigel Hook and his team were leading the pack on the sunday race they came into some difficulties on the first corner and were forced wide and losing 5 places however they still managed to fight their way to finish 3rd place giving them 2nd place out of the 2 races.
The boat ran flawlessly on Lucas Oil meaning they were the only contending team not to change their engines which effectivley puts them in the lead of the championship due to the extra points gained for their reliability.
You can keep track of the Powerboat P1 series on: http://www.powerboatp1.com/
Lucas Octane Booster comes out on top
(Monday 10th March 2008)
A recent octane booster comparison shows that when mixed in a 100:1 ratio of fuel to additive the Lucas Octane Boosted averaged a RON reading of 101.4 and a MON rating of 91.8. Giving Lucas in a concentration of 100:1 an AKI of 96.6 when mixed with 93pump fuel. With a ratio of 100:1 this make Lucas the most concentrated additive.
When used an a concentration of 50:1 103.1 RON was achieved with a MON of 93.5 giving it a AKI of 98.4.
To date Lucas octane booster is the only booster tested that had significant results with only one bottle in the tank. One bottle is enough to make 10 gallons of 96.6 octane out of 93.
Bigfoot dominate the EMTRC 2007 season
(Tuesday 20th November 2007)
Nigel Morris and the Bigfoot team have had a record breaking year by dominating the Monster Trucks European Championship and becoming the first ever Monster truck team to retain the EMTRC title. In 6 races they made the final round 5 times, won 4 of the events with 1 second placed finish. Nigel Morris' comments were " This has been a huge team effort. The entire team have all been important working very hard in their own departments. I would also like to thank Bigfoot team sponsors in particular Les Downey of Lucas Oils each of whom contribute immeasurably to our racing efforts.
Paul Knight secures title
(Friday 16th November 2007)
Paul Knight but the dissapointments of 2006 behind him by clinching the 2007 Super Comp National Championship at Santa Pod Raceway in the finals in September. Depsite some difficult moments through the season with the bad weather affecting previous events, Paul Knight's hard work on improving their car had paid off by running at the top consistantly through out the year.
More Success for Lucas Dragsters
(Tuesday 9th October 2007)
2007 has been a great season for Mike Gullqvist and his team, not only did they win the Swedish championsip but they also won the FIA European Championship in the Pro Modified class, which went down to the last event beating Andy Robinson by 8 points. Also in the championship were Godron Appleton and Danny Cockerill who finished 9th and 13th.
Lucas Oil sets another new standard
(Thursday 4th October 2007)
The Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster driven by Andy Carter has set a new FIA European Top Fuel (Elapsed Time) record for the second time in a month.
The new time of 0-315 mph in 4.70 seconds was achieved at the UK's Santa Pod track last weekend, eclipsing his previous mark by 0.03 of a second. FIA European Top Fuel cars race in the world's fastest track racing environment so the Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster uses Lucas Oil engine oils, lubricants and additives (for fuel and oil) to boost its performances. The Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster's record breaking runs in the final round of the 2007 FIA Championship did not end there. Andy Carter added a Santa Pod track record of 4.64 seconds over the quarter mile track on a single run. Andy also scored enough points to accumulate the highest over all points total of any other FIA Top Fuel Championship driver. Despite finishing fourth in the final championship standings, Andy Carter says these last two performances are a strong warning about the Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster's potential and his chances of regaining the FIA crown in 2008. For a full report on the event click go to: http://www.draglist.com
Another Trophy for the Paul Knight Racing Team!
(Friday 14th September 2007)
It was another award winning weekend for the Super Comp Racer forPaul Knight and his crew, Paul continued to put on a spectacular show for the enthusiastic and appreciative crwod at Santa Pod raceway over the European finals weekend and came away with 2nd spot in the finals.
Most importantly though were the championship points secured to assist in his exiting campaign for the end of the season title! with all to play for lets look foward for the National Finals on the 29th - 30th September
Mixed 2007 for Malcolm Francis
(Friday 27th July 2007)
After showing some promising signs at Santa Pod's Event at Easter where Air sea logistics found some positive results qualifiyng 6th in the Super Comp class with speeds up to 170 mph and in the Super Gas class Malcolm managed to beat former champion Conrad Stanley in the 1st qualifying round with a time of 9.903 at 160 mph. Despite losing the 2nd round they felt they made signifcant steps in the vehicle performance.
However the Main event at Santa Pod in May was a washout as Sunday and Monday qualifying and eliminations cancelled due to the bad weather. When Malcolm Francis finally got onto the track his improving speed continued, qualifying 2nd in Super Gas with a 9.909 / 165mph. From there on though things went down hill as in the Super Comp class they suffered major engine damage which put an end to their weekend and their number 1 engine. Even though they lost their engine the remainder of the runs were cancelled due to the rain.
Air Sea Logistics will next compete in the UK for the FIA European Finals in September where hopefully they can build on their increasing speed and race times.
Lucas On Two Wheels
(Monday 23rd July 2007)
Lucas Oil accelerated interest in its motorcycle oils and lubricants range this weekend with the support of trackside advertising at the 2007 Bennetts British Superbikes Championship.
Mallory Park in Leicestershire was the setting for the ninth round of the UK's premier two-wheel high speed racing event. Race one was won by Shane "Shakey" Byrne from the Stobart Vent Axia team. Race two was won by HM Plant Honda's Ryuichi Kiyonari, who had fallen while leading the previous race.
"Our motorcycle oils and lubricants have been reformulated for the 2007 season and these two races in gave the Lucas Oil brand a great deal of trackside and tv exposure," says Lucas Oil managing director Les Downey. "Lucas is a regular trackside brand at dragster racing events in the UK and Europe, but this was our first adventure into circuit racing in the UK."
Lucas says the short tight Mallory Park circuit was chosen as the 2007 pilot season because of the breadth of its motorsport racing coverage, which broadly mirrors the breadth of the Lucas Oil range.
"It really is the little circuit with a big view," adds Les Downey.
H-Engineering to race ex Jos Verstappen Arrows
(Wednesday 30th May 2007) H-Engineering is pleased to announce that they have recently acquired the ex Orange Arrows A21, chassis #01 as driven by Jos Verstappen in the Australian, Brazilian and German GP's of 2000. The car will undergo extensive restoration and preparation during the year with the intention of competing in the final events of this year's series, prior to a full campaign in 2008 in the hands of Tony Hansford. The car will run in its original Orange livery with continuing help from Lucas Racing Oils Tony will continue to compete in his Arrows A11B in the Masters class in the meantime.
Lubricants Boost for Leicester Autoparts
(Wednesday 30th May 2007)
A Leicester motor factor is experiencing increased sales of oils and additives as well as dealing with a larger number of new business enquiries for parts in general, after re-branding one of its sales vans as a Lucas Oil specialist.
Leicester Autoparts (LAP) director Harry Patel took the decision to adopt the Lucas livery after learning about Lucas' commitment to motorsports and its plans to increase its trackside profile across the racing spectrum.
"It's an obvious connection when you think about it, but the spin-offs have been significant. I guess we've had such a positive response because it's now such a highly visible van. Lucas is a well known-brand. The people of Leicester now know exactly where they can get it - and so do more of the garages, too," he says.
Leicester Autoparts is a family-run business, based on the eastern side of the city, operating five distribution vans on routes to trade customers over a radius of 20 miles. It is the latest motor factor to specialise in distributing the Lucas Oil range.
See Lotus at Lucas
(Wednesday 30th May 2007)
A classic Lotus 23 Sports Racer complete with its unique Rotorvic engine will be the focus of the Lucas Oil Products stand at the Classic Motor Show on Stand 1.T19. First raced in 1962, the powerful and stylish Lotus 23 was considered by many at the time to be the racing enthusiast's dream car. The Rotorvic engine in this 1965 model was designed as a prototype for later use in Formula 1 racing, but after the plan was shelved, the engine was removed and spent many years as part of an exhibition of classic racing engines at Donington Park. For 2006, the Rotorvic engine has been re-united with the original car as part a major restoration project by H Engineering in Tunbridge Wells, which extensively uses products from the Lucas Oil range. The project is scheduled?to be completed in time for the Lotus 23 to make a return to the starting grid during?the 2007 racing season. Lucas Oil Products plans to use the interest generated by the Lotus 23 to introduce new racing oil formulations, a range of car care products, while taking the opportunity to promote its Lead Replacement, workshop accessories and fuel additive ranges.
Motor Trader Lubricants
(Tuesday 29th May 2007)
Motor Trader Lubricants
Lucas Oil seems hell bent on literally becoming one of the UK's fastest moving brands in every sense of the word. It has developed a high profile on and off the track, as well as on the trade show circuit:
Race enthusiasts are seeing new vehicles bear the Lucas brand in new events across the racing spectrum (from carts to saloons, off-road trucks, monster trucks, specialist drag racers and several F1 derivative classes). Meanwhile, trade suppliers and buyers are becoming more familiar with the Lucas lubricants brand and additive product range through local and international exhibitions.
Following appearances at The Historic Motor Show in Stonleigh last February, then Maxpower in July at the NEC, Lucas moved on to Europe's largest Land Rover and 4x4 event at Billing Aquadrome in August. It returns to the NEC for The Classic Motor Show at the NEC from 29-31 October and will be back there again in January 2007 for The Aftermarket Show.
"It's one thing to have a good product, but it's quite another to get it out into the market and on to the shelves", says Les Downey, managing director at Lucas Oil Products. "From a motor factor perspective, he says there is an almost in-built reluctance to let new products on to valuable shelf space. The exception to that is a product that's likely to sell itself either because of a strong brand name, or because it is being heavily promoted", adds Les Downey.
The combined strategy has paid off. Sales of Lucas Oil lubricants - compared to 2005 - have almost doubled. Consequently, Lucas Oil Products UK sales in 2006 have increased significantly, so that new warehouse facilities have been added.
However, political events at home and abroad have also played a significant part in the US-brand's sales success during�2006.�Price rises in the UK lubricants market during 2006 were not passed on by Lucas as it held its prices at 2005 levels. Some lubricant suppliers followed their price increases by raising minimum stock order levels.
"That was crazy. Factors were in effect being told to sell more stock at a time when prices were being forced up," says Les Downey. "Many factors were unable to pass on the price rises in the first place! Our order levels have remained unchanged, which has been a significant sales factor over the last six months or so."
Lucas is also placing a lot of faith for next year in some new lubricant formulations, as well as a new motorcycle range which will form the basis of a strong retail focus next year.
Pro Mods for Mational title
(Friday 9th February 2007)
The MSA National Drag Racing Championship has switched its main class from Top Methanol dragsters to Pro Mods to stem decreasing entry numbers.
The Top Methanol class has been poorly supported in recent years and last year only had 4 drivers registered for the 3 round series. This year the championship will be decided by the better supported Pro Mod class. Eleven drivers registered for this class last year and the championship will now expand from the 3 to 5 rounds to include to 2 European champonship rounds at Santa Pod.
"The championship can't carry on with just 4 cars", admitted Keith Barlett, promotor of the fIA European Drag racing Championship. "There are about 38 Pro Mod teams in Europe and I would expect at least 20 at Santa Pod for the European rounds. British drivers can cut their teeth here before moving into a full European Championship."
The Britishchampionship will continue to allow Top Methanol cars to run at MSA events, and the new format will allow for increased television coverage. Steve Turner, brother of mutiple champion Rob, was due to compete in Top Methanol this year. He said: "We've supported this class since 1993 and we are dissapointed that the class will lose its prestige. Top Methanol would have grown further this season."
Carter Motorsport & Lucas Oil in Partnership for 2007 FIA Top Fuel Season
(Tuesday 23rd January 2007) A proud Andy Carter, unveiled the magnificent new colours of the Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster at Autosport International in Birmingham today. Lucas Oil becomes Carter Motorsport's primary sponsor after securing a two-year deal. Andy Carter joins an elite list of Top Fuel Drivers running under the Lucas Oil banner, that includes US names such as Brandon Bernstein, Larry Dixon and Morgan Lucas. Les Downey, managing director of Lucas Oil gave a helping hand as the new livery was revealed on the Santa Pod stand, in front of an appreciative crowd. "Since winning the European championship in 2001 and 2004, Carter Motorsport has consistently been one of the strongest FIA Top Fuel teams in Europe. Lucas Oil will give us the global back-up we need to mount a successful challenge for a third title in 2007," said Andy Carter. He added: "All the top teams are investing in the very latest equipment and technology and to stay competitive you need a great car, a great team, a great driver, and lots of hard work, plus the technical and financial backing of a company like Lucas Oil. We are absolutely delighted to have the support of Lucas Oil, a strong supporter of motorsport around the world with a terrific track record in drag racing." Les Downey, managing director of Lucas Oil in the UK said: "If you want to demonstrate the technical quality of your motor oils and lubricants, there aren't many more demanding environments in motor sport than keeping an FIA Top Fuel Dragster lubricated. Lucas is one of the fastest growing lubricant brands in the UK and Europe. With Andy behind the wheel, the Lucas Oil Top Fuel Dragster will be one of the fastest moving brands on the planet in 2007." Bob Paterson, vice president of Lucas Oil also added: "Lucas Oil is a strong supporter of motor sports and this two year sponsorship move represents a significant investment in the UK motor racing industry. Andy Carter has a winning pedigree in FIA, with two championship wins. Lucas Oil has the capabilities to help drive him to the hat-trick and we think 2007 is going to be the year he achieves it." The team will start testing the 320mph, 7000bhp car after the show. The first FIA round takes place at Santa Pod, UK, at The Main Event 25-28 May 2007. To read the full interview with Drag Rod and classic on Andy Carter’s new deal with Lucas Oil click this link: http://www.drcreview.com/news.asp?art=198
Ronda Superprix, Resort Ascari, Ronda, Spain
(Friday 10th November 2006)
The 2006 season came to an exciting close at the magnificent Ascari circuit in southern
The battle for the Euroboss Masters went to the wire, with Anthony Hansford winning the first race for the H-Engineering team. The second race saw Anthony take the lead early on, but was passed by eventual winner Karl-Heinz Becker after suffering gear trouble. Henk De Boer in the Coloni finished a distant third with clutch trouble but was able to take enough points to win the 2006 Masters class overall.
Although a disappointing end to the season for the H-Engineering team, Anthony recorded 3 race wins, 4 second places and numerous fastest laps throughout the year. On the track the H-Engineering Lucas Footwork Arrows was consistently the fastest car in the Masters class, just missing out on the championship following the accidents at Mondello and Oschersleben.
Also at Ronda, the Chinese driver, Jo Resa Merszei made his Formula 1 debut for H-Engineering in the sister Arrows. Despite a promising debut Jo was unable to take the grid for the first race after a spectacular engine failure during qualifying. The team hope to see Jo back in the Footwork Arrows for the whole of the 2007 season.
Final EuroBoss Masters Championship Table
1. Henk de Boer (NL) 85 points
2. Anthony Hansford (GB) 79 points
3. Carlos Tavares (POR) 53 points
1st Chinese Driver to Race a Formula 1 Car
(Tuesday 26th September 2006)
The H-Engineering team are pleased to announce that Jo Rosa Merszei will race one of the teams Footwork Arrows A11B’s in the final race of this years EuroBoss series. Jo with backing from the
Jo is a veteran of the Macau F3 Grand Prix having competed in every race since 1999.
Jo’ Racing History:
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001
• 2000
• 1999 AF2000 Series,
• 1998
• 1997 F. Campus Zhuhai Int. race – best Asian Driver
• 1997 F. Campus Malaysian Championship.
• 1991-1996 Macau Touring Car Championship/Asia Pacific Touring Cars
Team BIGFOOT Racing 2006 European Monster Truck Racing Champions
(Monday 4th September 2006)
TOP HONORS ONCE AGAIN GO TO NIGEL MORRIS AND BIGFOOT
Piloting BIGFOOT #17 to a win in the finals on Sunday the 22nd of August at the Hop Farm in Kent has earned driver Nigel Morris and the entire BIGFOOT #17 team their second EMTRC title.
A jubilant Nigel said "I am just so pleased, the team works real hard, and we have been so close for the last two years, it feels very good to be the first team in Europe to ever win this title twice"
Driving to Kent Nigel knew he was in with a chance of wrapping up the title, but this is monster truck racing and anything can and usually does go wrong. The team did not have the best of weeks prior to the Hop Farm event, as they spent five days waiting for parts to rebuild the engine on sister truck Monstrous. When the parts arrived on Friday morning the team set too building the engine, finally arriving on site at 3-10 am on the Saturday morning.
As one of the best European Monster Truck Racing teams LA Supertrux Ltd is also one of the busiest. Competing in all rounds of the EMTRC as well as appearing at numerous Truck fest events as well as dealer and sponsor events. "I love racing best, but any chance I get to meet the BIGFOOT fans is great for me" said Nigel Morris and winning a championship for the second time is just amazing. "whole team has worked extremely hard, paying particular attention to making the truck more reliable. Last year we were fast, but not reliable. This year we have been quick and scored points at every race"."This was a great weekend finishing a great year for LA Supertrux Ltd and Team BIGFOOT Racing as we proved that we are once again the team to beat in European Monster truck Racing"
Additives - A key element in preventative maintenance
(Monday 31st July 2006)
Preventative maintenance is a much-underestimated subject and the role that lubricants can play is often overlooked altogether, says Lucas Oil Products.
Lucas is one of Europe's fastest growing brands and an accelerating association with winning racing teams on the road, off the road and on the race track.
"when it comes to engine wear, replacing oil at the recommended intervals is not always enough," adds managing director Les Downey.
Most engine damage takes place in the first few seconds after ignition. Inside the engione block, the right lubricant protects the engine parts while the engine is running, but after the engine grinds to a halt, the oil drains down into the base of the sump.
"That's the real danger time. If the vehicle has been standing overnight or maybe longer, the lubricant residue may not be enough to provide sufficient protection to minimise friction wear once the engine is re-engaged."
That's a particular concern for vehicles brought out for special events such as historical rallies, but it's just as important for the family car and the performance car that may be used at the weekend, says Lucas.
Additives that enhance the lubricant's level of adhesion to components that the lubricants are designed to protect can play a key role in preventative maintenance.
"We introduced the heavy duty oil stabilizer to counter this problem, but it actually achieves much more from a preventative maintenance point of view, It seals worn cylinders, reduces oil consumtion and can prevent smoking and knock in older engines," says Les Downey.
There is also every reason to use it in new engines- and transmissions too - in older to protect and extend their operational lives, he adds