Second best was good enough for the championship at the sixth annual Chad Morgenthaler Fishing Tournament to Benefit Special Olympics, July 30th, on Rend Lake in Illinois.

Joe Bullock and Clint Joiner, both of Benton, Illinois, tipped the scales with 16.83 pounds. That was good enough to beat everyone but Morgenthaler and his partner, fellow professional, Dave Mansue with 16.99 pounds. A tournament record 93 boats were entered.

Morgenthaler and his fellow pros don’t compete for the tourney title. Instead, local anglers could enter a side “Beat the Pros” competition. This is the first time in the six years of the tournament Morgenthaler and his partner topped the field.

“I’d be lying to you if I said it wasn’t fun to do it once,” Morgenthaler said. “You always want to weigh in some fish, that’s just the competitive spirit. Trust me, in the last six years I’ve taken my share of ribbing from my friends.”

The team of Danny Schipkowski and Steve Tucker earned the big bass honors with a 5.07 pound fish.

Jeff Henson, director of special events for Special Olympics Illinois, said the tournament is expected to net $30 - $35,000 for Special Olympics. The “Beat the Pros” contest netted an additional $1,200. “The first five years of the tournament has raised more than $133,000,” Henson said.

There are more than 27,000 Special Olympians in Illinois. “They train free of charge all year round because of events like these,” Henson said.

Friddle: Oldsmobile debuted which automobile on this day (October 14th) in 1965?

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

Last Week’s Friddle: What does the automotive acronym tbi stand for?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: throttle body injection

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: MK Hill

Friddle: What does the automotive acronym tbi stand for?

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

Last Week’s Friddle: In what year did GM revive the Chevrolet Malibu nameplate?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: 1997

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: David Campbell

The Pontiac Split Head six produced 60 horsepower in 1929, up from 40 horsepower in earlier versions. The customer asked for the red paint job on his engine.

Diving deeper into automotive history, the Engine Department of Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrains recently remanufactured a 1929 Pontiac 200 cubic-inch “Split Head” six cylinder engine. These engines were built between 1926 and 1932, when Pontiac was a branch-off of the old Oakland Motor Car company.

The Split Head had a one-piece cast iron block with three main bearings. Its most unusual feature was the use of two separate cylinder heads, covering three cylinders apiece. The ignition distributor was mounted on top of the block, in the gap between the heads.

Pre-1929 versions of the Split Head were 186 cubic inches; rated at 40 horsepower. For 1929 and later models, the engine displaced 200 cubic inches, producing 60 horsepower.

Obviously, this early drivetrain component is no longer offered, nor does it fit into any production remanufacturing system. That’s where Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrains comes in.

“One type of client that would benefit from our division, for instance, is the individual restoring a car that’s all-original,” says Alex Ernst, Jasper Authentic Group Leader. “They want the serial numbers to match, or they want their engine to be hand-built by experienced professionals”.

“With Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrains, we spend extra time remanufacturing an engine or transmission,” Ernst added. “We give the customer that hands-on, hand-built treatment that our target customer base is looking for.”

In addition, Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrains provides some extras for the enthusiast. “Customers can opt to have their engine dynamometer tested, in addition to the live-run test we perform on most applications,” said Ernst. “And we can provide the customer with documentation of the remanufacturing process.”

For more information on the Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrain division, call 1-800-827-7455.

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.