Van Way's 2nd in the 2wd Class and 9th overall gives him a good deal of momentum heading into the 2013 Rally America National Championship season.
The first running of the legendary Sno*Drift Rally was back in 1966, to celebrate its 47th anniversary the 2013 installment included 130 miles of twisting, tree-lined, ice and snow covered roads in Northern Michigan's Montmorency County, near the towns of Atlanta and Lewiston. The annual Sno*Drift Rally kicks off the 2013 Rally America National Championship battle, and for AEM's Dillon Van Way, his second place finish in the two-wheel division and ninth overall, marks a extremely promising start to the season.
Logic would dictate that studded or spiked competition ice tires would be the way to roll here, but they are not allowed in this event. Of course if logic came to play this wouldn't be the one rally of the championship series that takes place in the most brutal part of winter and on glassy, frozen roads. However, ignoring common sense is the very reason by this rally has been so compelling for racers and fans for nearly half a century. The fleeting traction exposes holes in driving skill and confronts patience.
Dillon Van Way says his atypical approach to racing on the snow is why he's never finished out of the top-three at Sno*Drift since starting there in 2009.
"I haven't DNF'ed or finished out of the top three at Sno*Drift since I started rallying there in 2009 and I'm not really sure why," discloses Van Way. "It doesn't make much sense that a kid from Louisiana has had any success at all racing on snow, but my theory is that it's my lack of snow driving experience that has played the largest role in my success there."
As counterintuitive as that may appear, it makes perfect sense the way Van Way explains it. He says he approaches driving on snow differently than his competitors who get to drive on it more often. "They tend to use the lack of traction and cushiony snow banks as an excuse to drive a bit more sideways, and just more aggressive in general, which sometimes can work great and other times your luck runs out. I approach snow driving much in the opposite way, where I am more cautious and more reserved, trying to avoid snow banks and drive clean racing lines. This approach isn't always good enough to win, but it capitalizes on the risks that the other guys are taking."
When he's not racing Van Way studies Architecture at LSU.
Van Way learned his healthy respect for clean racing lines and risk management from racing motorcycles. The 20-year-old Baton Rouge native learned how to ride dirt bikes from his dad when he was six. Wasn't long after that initial taste of speed that he was racing motocross with his family regularly, "The speed and thrill of winning races was so exhilarating that I constantly searched for sports and hobbies that would give me that same feeling," he says. This brings us back to how he ended up racing on ice and snow. When he's not competing Van Way attends LSU majoring in Architecture.
"Contrary to the name, Sno*Drift isn't a drift event at all. It is a performance stage rally where cars race against the clock on closed sections of public roads, called stages. Drivers are scored on their cumulative time through the stages and there are typically 12 to15 stages in an event, which add up to roughly 150 competitive miles," continues Van Way.
"My rally car is a 2011 Ford Fiesta that is capable of making upwards of 300 horsepower. It still has the same engine block that the Fiestas on the street have (1.6L) but it is turbocharged. The transmission is a sequential shift 6-speed. Like most race cars the interior is completely gutted and only the essential safety gear is inside."
Van Way says his priority for the 2013 season is definitely stage rally racing, "but I don't think I will ever be able to stop racing motorcycles," he adds. "I don't pursue it as much as I used to, but I still enjoy going racing whenever I can."
"Next up for me is the Rally in the 100 Acre Woods in Salem, Missouri on February 22nd and 23rd. This events is one of my favorites of the season because we are back to gravel and the roads are super smooth and fast."
Related AEM Articles
2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Gets Estimated Gain of Almost 11 Horsepower with AEM Air Intake
AEM Cold Air Intake for 2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6L L4
AEM Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2.0L Strut Bar Installed
Legendary for its super sports-carlike handling and responsiveness, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X has the capability to carve through the tightest S-turns at speeds leaving some of its more expensive Italian competitors far behind. Backed with Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system which integrates the Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Stability Control (ASC), and Sports ABS components, the all-wheel drive Lancer Evolution is in-short, capable of carrying a much faster pace through corners than many other vehicles on the road or track. To maintain those furious speeds through turns, a superior suspension and a serious strut bar is needed.
Worrying about a vehicle's chassis remaining stiff at the limit is a thought in most serious driver's minds as they test their abilities with their car. When a car is pushed hard into a turn, if unsupported, the tops of the towers can move as much as 1/8" affecting the camber setting in an unpredictable way, which in turn makes the handling of the car somewhat unpredictable. AEM has engineered a stronger bolt-on strut bar to stabilize the tops of the struts and tie the suspension together to eliminate movement of the strut towers.
AEM Strut Bar for 2008-2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2.0L
The AEM strut bar, part 29-0000, is made of a large diameter, thin walled steel tube to help maximize the strength to weight ratio. In the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, the 29-0000 strut bar is easy to install because it simply bolts up using the existing mounts from the stock front strut tower bar on the firewall and the tops of the strut towers to provide excellent rigidity. AEM performance strut bars are a true racing option and a more professional alternative to many hinged or weaker strut bars on the market.
One unrealized benefit with the addition of a correctly made strut tower bar is that Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) can be reduced as well. With a vehicle like the Lancer Evo pinning you back in your seat while your tires stick like glue through a turn, a driver will appreciate the benefit of installing the AEM strut tower bar..
The 29-0000 AEM Performance Strut Bar fits the following Mitsubishi Evo models:
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM Product Search link on AEMintakes.com. To find an AEM dealer use and the Where to Buy link on AEMintakes.com.
Cold Air Intake System installed on Ford F150 5.0L
Forged on the mentality that quality and brute force are the building blocks to an impressive work and recreation truck, the Ford F-Series lineup has been a best seller for more years than most people can remember. The Ford F150 comes with several motor options ranging from the powerful and efficient 3.5 liter EcoBoost motor to the monstrous 6.2 liter V8. Ford makes it easy to find an option that will suit your individual needs. Owners of the 2011-2014 F150 models with the 5.0 liter option can get an additional boost in power by installing an AEM high performance air intake system. AEM's 21-8125DS air intake system was designed for 2011 and 2012 Ford F150 trucks with the 5.0 liter engine and it features a custom intake tube, fully enclosed airbox and a huge synthetic AEM Dryflow® Air Filter (21-2288DK).
Air filter 21-2288DK is washable, reusable and assembled with a pleated design to increase surface area. The larger surface area allows air to easily flow through the filter and increases time between cleaning. This AEM air filter offers exceptional filtration and engine protection with a synthetic filter media that is easy to clean, doesn't require oil and, depending on the environment you drive in, can go up to 100,000 miles between cleanings. The high-flow air filter sits inside a fully enclosed air box which seals out hot engine bay air, while pulling cooler air from the existing inlet.
Cold Air Intake System for 2011-2014 Ford F150 5.0L Trucks
The airbox that comes with AEM's Ford F150 air intake system 21-8125DS also includes a filter minder gauge located on the top of the box which tells you when the air filter needs to be serviced. AEM's power gaining 21-8125DS Ford F150 air intake comes with a replacement coolant tank that securely attaches to the side of the airbox.
Dyno Chart for Ford F150 Air Intake 21-8125DS
Increase Horsepower
Fully Enclosed Airbox
Reusable Dryflow Air Filter
Filterminder Included
Includes New Coolant Tank
OEM MAF Sensor Attachment
Crankcase Vent Hose Attachment
Exceptional Engine Protection
Lifetime Limited Warranty
AEM's high-flow custom intake tube provided with the 21-8125DS air intake delivers air from the filter to the truck's 5.0 liter engine. It was designed specifically to fit the unique shape available under the hood of 2011 and 2012 5.0 liter F150 models, includes a secure connection for the OEM MAF sensor and provides an attachment for the crankcase vent hose.
Dyno testing showed that Ford F150 5.0L trucks can see an estimated performance gain of 8 horsepower @ 5,000 RPM and 8 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 RPM with the use of AEM air intake system 21-8125DS. This power gaining air intake system comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty and it is designed to fit the following Ford F150 5.0 liter models:
2014 FORD F150 5.0L V8
2013 FORD F150 5.0L V8
2012 FORD F150 5.0L V8
2011 FORD F150 5.0L V8
For all AEM Cold Air Intakes for Ford F150 trucks or any other AEM performance air filter product visit AEMintakes.com.To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM Product Search link on AEMintakes.com. To find an AEM dealer use and the Where to Buy link on AEMintakes.com.
Related AEM Articles
Select 2007-2012 Ford and Lincoln Trucks and SUVs Get Reusable AEM Air Filter
2012 Ford Focus Models with the 2.0L Engine Get Power & Performance with AEM Air Intake
2011 and 2012 Ford F250 Super Duty Trucks Get Simple Add-on Power from AEM Air Intake.
Some additional components AEM offers in the 2013 Catalog
AEM's 2013 catalog, part number 01-2013, is now available. The 2013 catalog has been updated and streamlined from our previous AEM catalog to make it easier to find information about the different types of products we offer as well as making it easier to lookup products by application.
ETI section of the 2013 AEM Catalog
Included in the new 01-2013 is a full performance air intake and air filter application guide along with information about the following:
AEM dealers can make this catalog available to their customers for easy vehicle application lookup by year, make, model and engine size. All available products are listed by vehicle making it easier to see everything offered.
To find the latest AEM products for any vehicle, use the AEM Product Search link on AEMintakes.com. To find an AEM dealer use the Where to Buy link on AEMintakes.com.
AEM Intake part 21-9033DS for 2007-2010 Chevy/GMC 2500HD/3500HD trucks with 6.6 liter Duramax engines
Light duty truck guys may often think about the true potential their pickup has to offer. The factory rating for the 6.6 liter Duramax turbo diesel engine is 365 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque, but how much of that is applied to the pavement? According to an in house dyno test by AEM with a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 6.6 liter Duramax, it produces 270 peak horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. This shows there is a big loss in power getting to the wheels where you need it.
There is a solution for those wanting to get some of this power back. AEM manufactures air intake systems designed to add horsepower and torque. AEM's 21-9033DS, for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models with a 6.6 liter Duramax engine can give your pickup truck noticeable power. Testing of this air intake on a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD with a 6.6 liter Duramax engine showed an estimated gain of 15 horsepower and 35 pound feet of torque. AEM's air intake design created this power improvement by reducing restriction in the intake path and by bringing in cool oxygen rich air.
21-9033DS includes an AEM Dryflow synthetic air filter enclosed in a sealed air box unit, a high flow intake tube, all the hardware necessary for installation, and detailed instructions. A filter minder restriction gage is also included to indicate when air filter service may be required.
A sealed air box design was created to block air heated from the engine and to focus bringing air in from the factory air inlet.
The Dryflow air filter in this cold air intake can be used for up to 100,000 miles before cleaning is needed, depending on driving conditions. Cleaning is as easy as spraying the designated AEM cleaner on the filter and rinsing it out. No oil is required, which is pretty convenient, so you can spend your time elsewhere on other important matters. To ensure the proper cleaning care of your Dryflow filter, pick up a bottle of AEM Dryflow cleaner and simply follow the instructions.
AEM cold air intake system 21-9033DS comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty. It will fit the following Chevy/GMC 2500HD and 3500HD diesel trucks:
AEM inlet temperature testing in progress. Engine photo of a 2007 Chevy 2500HD 6.6L Duramax with 21-9033DS installed along with yellow test wires attached to temperature sensors.
2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2010 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2010 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2010 GMC Sierra 3500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2009 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2009 GMC Sierra 3500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2008 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2008 GMC Sierra 3500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2007 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 6.6L Diesel
2007 GMC Sierra 3500 HD 6.6L Diesel
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM Product Search link on AEMintakes.com. To find an AEM dealer use and the Where to Buy link on AEMintakes.com.
