St Clair Riverfest Race a Success for American EthanolThe blue-water venue of the St. Clair Riverfest, once again provided a great crowd of 50,000, as the Ignite American Ethanol Cat put on a show. Throttle Keith Holmes and diver Ed Smith reached speeds of over 160 miles per hour as the Sterling Performance 1700hp engines performed using clean burning, powerful ethanol fuel. “We love to meet friends, new and old”, commented Keith Holmes. “We consider St. Clair to be one of our home races. People have a blast in the pit area of the Ignite Racing Fuel American Ethanol Cat and we loved showing off the ethanol burning Sterling Engine we took for display. The looks on faces when they first catch a glimpse, are priceless.” TThe win in St. Clair, Michigan places the Cat Can Do team high on the leaderboard for the OPA Racing Extreme circuit, as teams like OFFICIAL Miss GEICO Racing and Alex and Ani look too challenge. A 2nd place finish at the Lake Race in Missouri and the victory in St. Clair has made a great start to the season moving into 2nd place overall. Looking forward to the Michigan City Superboat Great Lake Gran Prix this coming up weekend Aug 5-7th. “As defending champions from 2014 and 2015, we look forward to upcoming race in Port Huron and then the OPA National and World races,” said Holmes. “We expect teams to be shooting for us and look forward to great competition.” Photo Courtesy Shoot 2 Thrill
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Boating Experts Praise Ethanol Benefits Praising the benefits of Ethanol fuel, Keith Holmes President and Owner of CK Motorsports in Nunica, Michigan and a Certified Mercury Marine Racing Technician, traveled to Washington D.C. Tuesday, May 10, to present and answer questions at the Fuels America Capital Hills Briefing displacing myths associated with Ethanol in the marine industry. Holmes along with Brian Sowers, Co-Host of Crappie Masters TV, and Engine expert Marc Rauch, Executive Vice President and Co-Publisher at the Auto Channel briefed lawmakers on Capitol Hill about the importance of ethanol in protecting the environment, preserving America’s energy security, and providing a high-octane boost to marine engines. “We work on a wide variety of racing engines for watercraft, and they run at their absolute best on a high-octane ethanol blend,” said Keith Holmes, President and Owner of CK Motorsports in Nunica, Michigan and a Certified Mercury Marine Racing Technician. “Ethanol burns cleaner and cooler. Since the introduction of E10, we find that many engine parts have a 25 to 50 percent longer lifespan. The National Boat Racing Association exclusively uses E10 for all their races.” said Holmes. CK Motorsports switched the Sterling Performance engines to E90 Ethanol fuel in 2015, as they looked to gain added power, endurance and speed. “The gages showed our engines produced over 1700hp burning Ethanol fuel,” said Holmes. “We found that, by running Ethanol, the engines run cooler, and produce more power. The environmentally friendly aspects - clean air, clean water - is something our team is really proud of. Holmes plans to continue to education people and displacing the myths associated with Ethanol fuel. TESTING BRINGS HIGH HOPES FOR IGNITE AMERICAN ETHANOL CAT The Ignite American Ethanol Cat powered along the beaches of Lake Michigan, as the CK Motorsports team brought the 40ft. Douglas Skater Catamaran out to play. Shaking off the winter, the 1700hp Ethanol burning Sterling Performance engines were recommission and fired up with ease, after running last in Englewood, Florida, earning the OPA National and World Championship. Not only did the boat test succeed, the new tow rig and tilt trailer impressed, as people waved and took photos at the dock and along the trip from Grand Haven to Muskegon. “Wow, what a great day,” commented Keith Holmes. “All systems go, we are ready, and looking forward to a great race season. We excited and humbled to be able to show off the #19 trailer and rig - along with refreshed boat graphics - representing Ignite Ethanol Racing Fuels and American Ethanol. We look forward to burning some E90 Ethanol. I can feel the excitement from crew and fans.” CK Motorsports switched the Sterling Performance engines to ethanol fuel in 2015, as it looked to gain some added power, endurance and speed. “The gages showed that our engines produced over 1700hp burning Ethanol fuel,” said Holmes. “We found, by running Ethanol, the engines run cooler, and produce more power. The environmentally friendly aspects - clean air, clean water - is something our team is really proud of.” The schedule looks intense as the racing season swings into full gear. “We are looking to run in selected races in both the Offshore Powerboat Association and Superboat International circuits with the Ignite American Ethanol Cat, which means a fun and busy season,” commented Holmes. Ignite American Ethanol Cat - Cat Can Do - 2016 Schedule Lake Race - LOTO MO June 2-4 Detroit River IPC - Detroit, MI July 8-10 St. Clair River Classic - St. Clair, MI July 29-31 Superboat Great Lakes Grand Prix - Michigan City, IN Aug 5-7 International Powerboat Race - Port Huron, MI / Sarnia Aug 12-14 Mentor Superboat Grand Prix - Mentor, OH Aug 26-28 Clearwater Superboat National Championships - Clearwater, FL Sept. 30-Oct.2 Ocean City Grand Prix/OPA Nationals - Ocean City, MD Oct 7-9 Superboat Key West World Championships - Key West, FL Nov. 6-13 OPA World Championships Englewood Waterfest - Englewood, FL Nov. 16-20 Boating and Engine Experts Call on Lawmakers to Boost Biofuel Blends
May 10, 2016 WASHINGTON, DC - Certified mechanics, engine performance experts, and professional fishermen briefed lawmakers on Capitol Hill today about the importance of ethanol in protecting the environment, preserving America’s energy security, and providing a high-octane boost to marine engines. The briefing, hosted by Fuels America, provided an important opportunity for experts to dispel myths about ethanol and discuss key benefits of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “We work on a wide variety of racing engines for watercraft, and they run at their absolute best on a high-octane ethanol blend,” said Keith Holmes, President and Owner of CK Motorsports in Nunica, Michigan and a Certified Mercury Marine Racing Technician. “Ethanol burns cleaner and cooler. Since the introduction of E10, we find that many engine parts have a 25 to 50 percent longer lifespan. The National Boat Racing Association exclusively uses E10 for all their races.” “One hundred percent of the winners on our tournament trail use an ethanol blend in their tanks,” said Brian Sowers, Co-Host of Crappie Masters TV, covering the Crappie Masters All American Tournament Trail based in Clinton, Missouri. “I want to take my grandkids fishing someday. That means having clean water and clean air. Mixing ethanol into our fuel is the best way to reduce the pollutants that fossil fuels leave behind, so our lakes and rivers stay clean and marine life can flourish.” “It doesn’t matter whether a boat has a two-stroke or four-stroke engine, an in-board or out-board motor, or a built-in or portable fuel tank,” said Marc Rauch, Executive Vice President and Co-Publisher at the Auto Channel, based in Louisville, Kentucky. “Decades of experience with modern engines shows that E10 is the best fuel for marine applications. As an oxygen booster, ethanol replaces toxins like MTBE, which are notorious for contaminating water supplies. And it reduces CO2 emissions by 34 to 100 percent or more compared to gasoline.” “We serve communities on the Minnesota River and Prior Lake, and our customers expect to have choices at the pump,” said Joel Hennen, President and Owner, Hennen’s Auto Service in Shakopee, Minnesota. “Companies like Kawasaki, Mercury Marine, OMC, Pleasurecraft, Tigershark, Tracker, Honda, and Yamaha all approve the use of E10 in their engines. The labels are clear, and whether customers have a flex fuel vehicle or a race boat, we make it easy to pick the most affordable option with the lowest emissions.” Today’s briefing was held as the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) works to complete its review of the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed blending requirements for ethanol and advanced biofuels in 2017. Article Originally Posted Fuels of America http://www.fuelsamerica.org/pages/boating-and-engine-experts-call-on-lawmakers-to-boost-biofuel-blends CK Motorsports Partnership With Ignite Fuels & American Ethanol Date: 3/13/16 Gasoline used by more than 95 percent Americans, E10 - contains 10 percent Ethanol and is absolutely safe to use in Marine engines. CK Motorsports pours Ignite Racing Fuel E90 which is 90 percent Ethanol into the 40 ft. extreme Skater’s Sterling Performance engines, because they understand the impact. Clean fuel means clean air, clean water, clean boating - biologically friendly, which also creates clean engines with less carbon dioxide in our air. Upon further testing, better compression, boosted power, added torque, and cooler engine temperatures. Ending the 2015 race season winning National and World OPA & APBA Extreme division titles, the impact of ethanol fuel decision was realized, as the CK Motorsports and Sterling Performance teams combined, first of its kind, E90 ethanol burning engines successfully. Mike D’Anniballe of Sterling Performance is very satisfied with the results and ready for more testing and looking forward to ongoing development. “So far the fuel is very friendly, forgiving to work with, and produces impressive gains in horsepower and torque,” commented Mike. “We were pleased with Ignite E90 Ethanol produced in Marion, Indiana by Ignite Racing Fuels. Ethanol has unrealized benefits in engines, especially our Sterling Performance models,” commented Keith Holmes, of CK Motorsports and throttle man of the Cat Can Do boat. “It’s great to establish friendships, talk science, and discuss benefits with like minded people from Ignite Jay Berry, Growth Energy-American Ethanol Kelly Manning, and the Ethanol Industry as a whole. All the team’s support personnel have been fantastic in dialing in the power. Special thanks to Dan Schwartzkopf, Don Onken and Gary Smith for all their support!” Jay Berry of Ignite Fuels loved what CK Motorsports and the Sterling Performance teams accomplished and is ready to support. “We are pleased to announce, a partnership between Ignite Racing Fuels, American Ethanol, CK Motorsports and the Cat Can Do Racing program,” commented Jay. “Keith and the CK Motorsports crew are doing a great job educating people to understand ethanol fuels. More than people realize, the friendly nature of ethanol has many benefits. Keith’s dedication and passion towards ethanol performance and a greener footprint has shown the boating industry the benefits. We look forward to watching the CK Motorsports team, along with other ethanol partners like NASCAR’s Richard Childress Racing” Holmes will proudly display the American Ethanol neon green banner and the Ignite High Performance Ethanol logo on the Cat. The boat is expected to be referred to as the “Ignite American Ethanol Cat”, with the catchphrase “Cat Can Do” When asked about the 2016 schedule, Holmes was uncommitted on dates, but adds that there will be surprise showings in the racing, event and shootout circuits. Plans are in the works to customize the boat design and ready a display trailer with hauling rig. The Ignite American Ethanol Cat’s racing and events schedule is to be released this spring. Article posted in Biofuels Journal 3/11/16 http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/CK_Motorsports_President_Issues_Response_to_BoatUS_Article_Regarding_Ethanol-157486.html CK Motorsports President Issues Response to BoatUS Article Regarding EthanolDate Posted: March 11, 2016 http://www.boatus.com/magazine/2011/december/ethanol.asp In response to a recent misleading piece in BoatUS, which warned of marine engine damage due to ethanol, Keith Holmes, President and Owner of CK Motorsports, a certified Mercury Marine Engine & Racing service dealer wrote the following response. The gasoline used by more than 95 percent of Americans, E10, contains 10 percent ethanol and is safe to use in marine engines. All current boat engines are warrantied for E10 and have been for nearly two decades. Yet for some reason, BoatUS has chosen to ignore this information and the countless owner’s manuals expressly approving the use of E10. They are preying on people’s fears instead of looking at the facts.Proper care and maintenance are the best and easiest ways to protect boat engines. While E10 is a safe, reliable fueling option for both marine engines and automobiles, higher ethanol blends, such as E15, are not approved for use in marine engines. Furthermore, no consumer is required to fill up with an ethanol blend, but E10, E15 and other fuels do give consumers the sorely needed ability to choose a fuel that meets their price and performance needs. As the owner of CK Motorsports, a premier certified Mercury Marine Engine & Racing service dealer that services 400-500 boats annually, and has for over 20 years in Nunica, Mich., I believe it is important to set the record straight when it comes to ethanol and marine engines. Here are just a few facts and observations I have made over my 20 years servicing marine engines: • CK Motorsports does not see these phase separations with E10 ethanol as claimed in several boating industry articles, or special interest hit pieces. • Certain companies are rather far-reaching in making claims; knowingly or unknowingly creating consumer confusion surrounding ethanol and its use in marine engines • Ethanol is a clean burning fuel, which is much better for our environment. Put simply, CLEAN AIR, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN BOATING creates less carbon dioxide. • CK Motorsports has found ethanol fuels help marine engines run cooler, run longer and make better horsepower gains. • E10 ethanol absolutely IS an acceptable fuel for everyday use in marine engines. • When E10 comes into contact with water, the ethanol will allow the fuel to absorb some or all of that water. Additionally, E10 ethanol also eliminates the need for freeze preventers. • The primary cause of water collecting in fuel tanks is condensation from humid air. • An engine running on E10 engine can ingest small amounts of water in the fuel without harming the engine. • All Mercury Marine engines are warrantied for E10 Fuel. Finally, it is important that all marine engine owners follow the instructions for normal storage preparation found in the operation, maintenance and warranty manuals. Failure to follow the proper operating procedures is the number one reason why boaters have fuel issues. The bottom line is that if you have engine troubles, there are many possible causes, and you should not immediately assume E10 is the problem because the facts and my 20 years of experience show that ethanol is not to blame. It’s time to stop the misinformation and scare tactics – it’s time for consumer choice, cleaner air and improved conservation efforts. That is what CK Motorsports believes in, because ethanol delivers. For more information, please contact Michael Frohlich at 202-545-4000 or [email protected] See Related Websites/Articles: Press Release 11/21/15
Englewood, Florida - November 20, 2015 For Immediate Release Cat Can Do Racing, West Michigan based professional offshore racing team completed It's defense of the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA) National and World Championships, outlasting Miss Geico in Englewood Florida. Title sponsor and home shop CK Motorsports out of Nunica, Michigan was very please with the victory after re-working Cat Can Do Design design and re-outfitting the twin 1700HP Sterling Performance engines to use a blend of ethanol fuel for 2015. “We hoped with the ethanol blend for more horsepower and speed, combined with a great set up, it was great to throttle down for speeds close to 170 mph.” said owner Captain Keith Holmes of Grand Haven, Michigan. Keith is joined in the cockpit by driver Ed Smith from Port Huron, Michigan and assisted by crew chief Mike Holford. Victories in races in Port Huron and St. Clair, Michigan along with participation in the Lake Race - Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, set up the run for the National and World Championships. “The boat powered by twin 1700HP Sterling Performance engines ran flawlessly,” commented Holmes. “Miss Geico and the Cat have battled over the years, this was another classic battle. We must have passed each other 5 or 6 times. I had a little more throttle and we needed it to pass and then hold them off for the win.” Cat Can Do with the win also earned the APBA (American Power Boat Association) National Championship with the win. The team plans to run for a 3 peat in 2016, as races start again in late May . Photos by Shoot 2 Thrill Pix Story Courtesy: http://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/local/port-huron/2015/08/07/racing-fans-meet-drivers-fast-powerful-boats/31316889/ Jonathan Petrick said powerboats are like men because “they make noise and they smell bad.” He’s really a fan. Jonathan, 9, was getting autographs with his dad, Michael, and sister, Elizabeth, during a meet and greet Friday evening with racers at the Port Huron/Sarnia International Offshore Powerboat Race. The event continues through Sunday. “This is an exciting weekend to be out here with the racers,” Michael Petrick said. Friday’s events were scheduled to include a free concert with local favorite Emily Torres as well as national recording artist David Shelby and Detroit legend Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. The boats were the big draws for the Petrick family, however. “I like the noise,” Jonathan said. “He was sitting in the cockpit of Pirate Racing earlier,” Michael Petrick said. “He enjoyed that.” Trent Walsh, 12, of Port Huron was collecting autographs and photos of the race boats. “I’ve always had an interest since I was a little baby,” he said. “I’ve always been into it.” He said he keeps treasured photos from previous races in a special place at home. “I like to keep them in little frames and keep them put up,” he said. Dave Bertram, commander of the Blue Water Chapter of Boat4Vets, was marshaling a team of volunteers to collect donations before the concert. He said the group will treat more than 100 veterans to boat rides and a barbecue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 15, starting at the River Street Marina in Port Huron. “A lot of our local boaters donate their time and their boats to take our local veterans out for a day of fun and relaxation,” he said. In addition to the donations, Boat4Vets also received a portion of the VIP ticket sales for the concert. Bertram said he enjoys the weekend of powerboat racing. “This is our second year coming here,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun. “There was a really good turnout last year. Hopefully this year will be even better.” Ed Smith, of St. Clair, who will be driving the Cleveland Construction boat in the Supercat class as well as the Cat Can Do unlimited boat, was signing autographs and handing out flying discs. He said interest in the race is growing on the U.S. side of the St. Clair River — but it doesn’t yet match the interest on the Canadian side. “I tell you what, on the Canadian side they’re lined up probably 15 to 25 people deep along that wall,” he said. Keith Holmes, of Nunica, is the owner and throttleman for Cat Can Do and the throttleman for Cleveland Construction. He describes feeding power to the big boats’ engines as “awesome — it’s like holding 3,400 horsepower in your hands.” “Right now, we’re trying to win the national championship,” he said. Davey Genaw, of Port Huron Township, shows classic cars. He also enjoys the fast boats. “I like the speed,” he said. “I like watching them throw the fishtail in back. I like seeing them come to Port Huron. “They need to come here for the people to enjoy.” He said he’ll be back Saturday to watch the boats practice on the course and again on Sunday for the race. “They usually have a pretty good crowd here,” he said. “Beautiful boats — it’s nice to watch people taking pictures.” Contact Bob Gross at (810) 989-6263 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @RobertGross477. |