AutoRama Custom Car Show, Sacramento, Ca, USA

Posted on May 1, 2023, updated on March 24, 2024 by Bob

That time of the year again for Sacramento Autorama, California.

Or call for info: 877-763-7469

Previous shows included hundreds of professional custom vehicles, low riders, boats, great food, vendor booths, and entertainment.

Quite a few drag and land speed racing vehicles were displayed.

As usual, we were particularly interested in the racing mechanical fuel injection setups.

SHOW REVIEW

The Sac AutoRama Car show is a fantastic display of top custom and competition motorsports vehicles from all around.

Mechanical fuel injection, such as this from a past AutoRama event, is one of many motorsports examples of rare and fascinating setups prevalent throughout the AutoRama show. This GM Rochester mechanical fuel injection, similar to the one that I first experienced decades ago, is typical of unique show vehicles on display. Viewing performance autos such as this are a great reminder of motorsports development throughout the years.

Converting from Gas To Methanol

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Bob

Considerations for converting from gas to methanol for motorsports:

Methanol is corrosive. Fuel systems need to be upgraded to corrosion inhibitive components not necessary in fuel systems for gas.

Methanol requires approximately twice the amount of fuel for the same power level as gas. Fuel pumps and jetting need to be upgraded for the higher volume.

Methanol has a higher heat of vaporization. That together with the increased volume can condense the inlet air, increasing the weight of air into the engine. That together with the proper air/fuel ratio will usually increase engine power. A power increase as high as 10% is reported by several racers who converted to methanol.

Methanol cooling throughout the intake system of a drag racing engine may eliminate the need for a cooling system that would otherwise be needed for gas.

Methanol is widely available throughout regions where racing is common.

Methanol absorbs moister. For long term storage, it should be kept in sealed metal containers. Methanol in plastic containers may get contaminated from humidity from long term storage. Plastic at the microscopic level is porous and will let moisture in.

Methanol is poisonous in all forms. It should be handled with protective clothing and eye protection.

More info in our book: 5000 Horsepower on Methanol.

Added Tax Tips for Motorsports Businesses

Posted on February 8, 2023, updated on February 8, 2023 by Bob

In our previous article about tax tips for motorsports businesses, a basic sole proprietorship was described. It is a simple business form from a taxation standpoint. Once business activities, income, and expenses become significant, a sole proprietorship may not be the best. More indemnification and accounting flexibility may be needed. An accounting example would be a business fiscal year for tax obligation reporting that is more in-line with your annual business fluctuations. It may be different than your calendar year required for person income tax.

Corporation

Forming a corporation is the next step. This can provide less business liability to the owner and with different accounting that sets up the business as a separate entity.

Various forms of corporations exist. Information about various forms of corporations are in many books and info on the web. Also, an attorney or accountant can be consulted to find the right corporation for your needs.

The following information is based on our experiences several years ago forming and running a C-corp. Continue reading →