Our last Rolling Showcase appearance of the year brings us to the Texas Motor Speedway for this weekend’s 19th Lone Star Nationals presented by Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.

If you plan on attending this show, stop by our exhibit for the latest JASPER product literature and on-line pricing. Darren and Brian from our Performance Division will be available to answer your drivetrain component questions and be sure to ask them about our special show pricing on select engines and transmissions.

This year’s show offers a variety of unique automotive activities in addition to the 1500+ Rods, Customs, and Classics thru ‘72. Challenge your driving skills, while testing your vehicle’s handling in the Goodguys Autocross. Check out the vendor and manufacturing exhibits, or search for those hard-to-find parts at the swap meet. There will also be live music and a special track cruise. For more information and a complete schedule of events visit: http://www.lonestarnats.com/lsn/

See you there!

Friddle: In what year did GM revive the Chevrolet Malibu nameplate?

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: Which automaker produces the Q7, a full-size luxury crossover SUV?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Audi

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: No Winner

JET Transit is proud to announce that one of its Over-The-Road drivers was recently recognized by the Indiana Motor Truck Association (IMTA) as a Master Truck Driver.

Gary Witte received his award from the President of IMTA, Gary Langston. Witte has been with JET Transit since 09/14/1987, and was recently honored for achieving 1,000,000 miles of accident-free driving.

The Indiana Motor Truck Association awards the professional certification of Master Truck Driver to drivers of commercial motor vehicles who meet high standards for educational achievement, professional conduct and accident-free driving.

The Master Truck Driver Award qualifications include an accident-free driving record for one million miles or ten years, no traffic citations within the past three years, and a record of community service or continuing professional education. It is estimated that less than 2% of the nation’s drivers will ever qualify for this award.

JET Transit now has ten drivers with Master Truck Driver certification. Congratulations to Gary on his acceptance into this very prestigious group.

Friddle: Which automaker produces the Q7, a full-size luxury crossover SUV?

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: Which automobile manufacturer popularized the term Fahrvergnügen?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Volkswagon

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: Donita Hamen - Fairview, OK

Friddle: Which automobile manufacturer popularized the term Fahrvergnügen?

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: Which automotive brand manufactured the (SV-1)  safety vehicle one?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Bricklin

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: Steve Muensterman - Evansville, IN

Bull riding action from the Round Town Bull Bash. There’s probably a good reason why the rider is wearing a helmet!

The 2011 Round Town Bull Bash, sponsored by the Gabriel Cattle Company, Don Casey Inc., & Jasper Engines & Transmissions, was held in February at the Pickaway County fairgrounds in Circleville, Ohio.

There were a total of ten events in which riders competed for points & money. Each event drew at least 30 riders. Each event was attended by at least 900 people who saw some of the best bull riding in Ohio. Bull riders came from Ohio, Texas, New York and Wyoming.

The Bulls were the highlight of the show. Several of which have been seen on nationally-televised PBR competitions across the country. The event was sanctioned by the SEBRA (Southern Extreme Bull Riders Association) Which enabled the riders to gain points for prizes up to $50,000 in other events across the country.

Round Town Bull Bash winner, Ralph Hobson, poses with JASPER Columbus Branch Manager Dane Patterson (left), along with JASPER installer, and event co-sponsor, Don Casey (right).

The winner of the Round Town Bull Bash was Ralph Hobson. Ralph was successful in having over a 90% riding average. The grand prize was a Jasper Engines & Transmissions custom embroidered jacket, along with an additional $10,000.00 in prize money. Second place went to Brandon Davis, who followed right behind Ralph with an 85% riding average. He took home a shot gun and $8,000.00 in prize money.

Our Rolling Showcase is here in Pigeon Forge, TN for Shades of Past - Hot Rod Run #29.  There are 2800+ Hot Rods, Customs and Classics thru 1972. The weather has improved and hot rod enthusiasts from all over the country are packing the parking lots. Performance and Authentic Managers are here to answer your drivetrain questions. If you plan to attend this show, stop by the JASPER display and save several hundreds on select engine and transmission show specials.

Friddle: Which automotive brand manufactured the (SV-1)  safety vehicle one?

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: In what year did the REO Motor Car Company introduce the REO Speed Wagon?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: 1915

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: Martin Daley

Friddle: In what year did the REO Motor Car Company introduce the REO Speed Wagon?

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle:  In what year were import engines added to the JASPER product line?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: 1999

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: Adam Spiedel - St Peters, MO

JASPER customers from the New Jersey branch pose in Victory Lane with east coast racing legend Billy Pauch following his Dirt Modified feature win at New Egypt Speedway.

Jasper Engines & Transmissions hosted an evening of fun and racing July 9^th at the New Egypt Speedway, a first-class dirt track facility in New Jersey, southeast of Trenton. The barbeque and event-filled night was well attended by many of our area shops.

The track has a two-seat Modified racecar that turns laps at race speed, with a willing participant in the passenger seat. One of the lucky riders was Aaron Kollmar of No Excuses, Inc., who found the experience exhilarating. Victor Lugo of Signature Automotive was the other thrilled passenger on the wild ride.

Two lucky JASPER customers won the opportunity to wave the green flag to start feature races. Todd Boston, fleet manager of Pittsgrove Township waved the green to start the 20 lap Sprint Car feature. He spent all 20 laps in the starter’s stand breathing in the dirt and witnessing the action from a unique perspective. Mike Somogy of ERJ Auto Repair was the starter for the Sportsman Modified feature. He was pressed into action twice, as an early caution provided the chance to throw the green on a restart.

All customers and JASPER sales representatives who were so inclined, were ushered into Victory Lane after each feature to have pictures taken with the winning driver, his car, and the trophy girls.

Many in the group took a tour of the pit area, meeting several drivers from all divisions. They asked questions and saw the cars up close and personal. They also found out how hectic the pits are on race day. There was even an air conditioned luxury suite at our disposal.