The 2012 Nuclear Cowboyz show promises amazing motocross choreography backed by a pyrotechnics and laser show and set to a thumping soundtrack.

Freestyle motocross meets Broadway meets pyromania in the 2012 Nuclear Cowboyz tour. And we here at E3 Spark Plugs are looking forward to this wild show that pushes the extreme into the certifiably insane.

The tour features many of the top names in extreme sports including 2011 Winter X-Games medalist Caleb Moore, X Games 17 medalists Ronnie Faisst, Adam Jones and Mike Mason, plus world-class medalist riders Taka Higashino, Beau Bamburg, Derek Garland, Nixey Danielson, Brody Wilson, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Dustin Miller, Wes Agee, Matt Buyten, Geoff Aaron, Keith Wineland, Derek Guetter, and Colton Moore.

Doing what they do best, the legendary Nuclear Cowboyz FMX tribes, the Soldiers of Havoc and Metal Mulisha, play out an epic futuristic battle story of two tribes fighting for survival against the evil Tempest and her Cyborg Army in war-torn Los Angeles in the year 2150. The show features battle scenes played out via amazing choreographed motocross stunts backed by a pyrotechnics and laser display and synchronized to a thumping heavy metal, rock alternative and electronic dubstep soundtrack. And yes – there’s even a snowmobile jump.

This year’s show promises a stepped-up degree of difficulty in the stunts performed by medal-winning athletes, producers say. Nuclear Cowboyz hits 11 North American cities on the 2012 tour kicking off Friday night in Baltimore, MD and continuing through April 15. VIP Fallout Zone tickets get you premium seating and a meet and greet with the stars. They’re expected to sell out quickly, so if you’re a major motocross fan, buy your tickets soon.

Plan to see a Nuclear Cowboyz show? Post your pics on the E3 Facebook fan page and be sure to stock your bike with E3 motorcycle spark plugs or Spark Plugs for a motocross-worthy ride.

Current Supercross champion Ryan Villopoto begins defending his title this weekend witht he Anaheim, CA opening of the 2012 SX season.

Villopoto also is the current AMA National Motocross Series champion and the Motocross of Nations champ, and he made headlines in 2011 for his utter decimation of the competition in the Monster Energy Cup. He dominated the field over the course of three 10-lap main events to take home the Monster Million – the biggest purse in the sport’s history. Rumor has it the Poulsbo, WA native, who had married the beautiful Kristen Young just days before, postponed his plans for a South Pacific honeymoon to compete for the Monster Million. We’re betting his bride didn’t mind.

His amazing 2011 season has made Villopoto the man to beat in 2012. But he’s got strong contenders. Chad Reed came in second in the SX championship last year and no doubt has his eye on the top podium spot this season. James Stewart has been loud and proud about his intentions to knock seven-time Supercross Class champ Jeremy McGrath from his title as the all-time winningest rider before moving on to four-wheel competition. McGrath currently boasts 72 supercross wins and Stewart is aiming for 73 before making the leap to NASCAR. And Ryan Dungey plans to capitalize on his reputation as one of the fastest motorcycle riders on the planet – a rep he earned in just two SX season.

E3 Spark Plugs congratulates Villopoto on an amazing 2011 season and looks forward to a thrill-packed 2012 season! Make sure your ride is competition-ready with E3 motorcycle spark plugs.

2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship Series Schedule

• January 7 – Angel Stadium – Anaheim, CA
• January 14 – Chase Field – Phoenix, AZ
• January 21 – Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, CA
• January 28 – Overstock.com Stadium – Oakland, CA
• February 4 – Angel Stadium – Anaheim, CA
• February 11 – Qualcomm Stadium – San Diego, CA
• February 18 – Cowboys Stadium – Arlington/Dallas, TX
• February 25 – Georgia Dome – Atlanta, GA
• March 3 – Edward Jones Dome – St. Louis, MO
• March 10 – Daytona Int’l Speedway – Daytona, FL*
• March 17 – Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
• March 24 – Rogers Centre – Toronto, ON, Canada
• March 31 – Reliant Stadium – Houston, TX
• April 14 – Louisiana Super Dome – New Orleans LA
• April 21 – Qwest Field – Seattle, WA
• April 28 – Rice-Eccles Stadium – Salt Lake City, UT
• May 5 – Sam Boyd Stadium – Las Vegas, NV

Levi LaVallee and Robbie "Maddo" Maddison power in 2012 with record-breaking jumps across a San Diego harbor. Photo by Garth Milan for Red Bull.

So how did you ring in the New Year? Major props if you powered into 2012 anywhere near the way pro snowmobiler Levi LaVallee and FMX rider Robbie “Maddo” Maddison did – with record-breaking jumps across an icy San Diego harbor on a snowmobile and a motorbike at Red Bull’s New Year-No Limits event.

The two rode side-by-side with a shared goal of breaking their respective sports’ longest-jump records. Both succeeded fantastically. Maddison beat his 351-feet, 3-inches certified world record with an impressive jump of 378 feet, nine inches. He came a bit short of his 400-foot goal, likely because wet conditions nixed his 100-mph launch speed goal. But the massive leap proved a record breaker and a crowd pleaser nonetheless. That Maddo can pull off any feat of this sort is nothing short of a miracle if you know his history. Shortly after graduating high school, Maddison came down with viral meningitis and viral encephalitis. The sicknesses caused temporary paralysis and blinded Maddison in one eye. But he recovered and never looked back as he pushed his motocross passion and went pro.

Meanwhile, LaVallee had his own point to prove that night. He was out to break his record of 361-feet, hit last year in a practice jump that nearly killed him. LaVallee suffered collapsed lungs, a broken pelvis, cracked ribs and a concussion a year ago and has since rebounded in ways that many – including LaVallee’s doctors – thought impossible. To say he “broke” the record doesn’t do the guy justice. He SLAMMED last year’s record by a full 51 feet, crossing the harbor with a 412-foot jump. If you’re doing the numbers, that’s 52 feet longer than an NFL football field.

So what, pray tell, drives a man to repeat the feat that nearly put him six feet under?

“It was something I had to overcome,” LaVallee told ESPN. Otherwise it was going to haunt me the rest of my life… After last year and being out I was like, ‘Man, you just missed out on the coolest opportunity.’ And to be here today and to be able to land an over 400-foot jump… you can’t make it any better.”

From all of us here at E3 Spark Plugs, congrats to both LaVallee and Maddison. Got your eye on breaking your own personal best record? Stock your ride with E3 motorcycle spark plugs or snowmobile spark plugs. Be bold, but be careful. And have an awesome 2012.

E3 Spark Plugs has a few great stocking stuffer tips for the auto buff you love.

Are you a serious slacker when it comes to holiday shopping? No worries. E3 Spark Plugs has a few great ideas for those last-minute, stocking-stuffer gifts for the auto buff on your Christmas list.

• A good read: A subscription to an auto magazine is always a welcome gift from a car enthusiast. There are lots to choose from. Publications like Automotive News and AutoWeek, which offer across-the-board industry coverage. Others like European Car, Hot Rod and Vette cater to car lovers with particular automotive interests.

• That’s the ticket: A pair of tickets to a great auto event, whether to a mud-flinging Monster Truck show or a fancy-schmancy Concours d’Elegance, is sure to get you a sincere “OMG, I love it!”

• Help!: If there’s a teenager in the family who will be driving for the first time soon, consider a roadside emergency kit. AAA memberships are very popular holiday gifts for new drivers. An electronic tire gauge, a set of jumper cables and a battery- or cigarette lighter-powered car tire inflator (or at least a can of Fix-A-Flat) might not elicit the same shrieks of excitement as, say a new iPod pre-loaded with Justin Bieber tunes, but they’ll do doubt be much appreciate somewhere down the road.

• A thrill ride: For the experienced driver and dare devil in the family, spring for a gift certificate good toward a Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure package. Packages range from a four-lap intro for $195 to a full-throttle 80-lap experience for $3,695.

• Power surge: Of course, we’d be remiss without suggesting a set of E3 car, truck or motorcycle spark plugs Our favorite stocking stuffer will give your loved one a boost in engine power and efficiency, a little extra change in their pockets rather than the gas tank, and a bit of feel-good mojo knowing that a cleaner ride is good for the environment.

Got more great stocking stuffer ideas? Post them on our E3 Spark Plugs Facebook fan page. And remember to keep it safe on the roadways this holiday season. Slow down, watch out for impaired drivers and, if you plant to imbibe in a little liquid joy yourself, designate a non-drinking driver. From all of us here at E3 Spark Plugs, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and best wishes for the New Year!

E3 Spark Plugs launches a brand new look!

Hey E3 Spark Plugs fans, check out our new look! E3 Spark Plugs is launching a revamped website and social media sites this week. Our updated look is cleaner, more streamlined and easier to navigate. And you’ll find a few new goodies.

New features include:

• A tech support section with a chart designed to help you apply the correct torque to your new spark plugs, information on spark plug gapping, tech tips and videos, a cross-reference guide to help you choose the right spark plugs for your automotive, powersports or lawn and garden engines, plus warranty information;
• A continuously updated video section featuring how-to videos, our commercials and racing highlights;
• A testimonial section where you can see what people are saying about E3 Spark Plugs and add your own comments;
• An events calendar listing all upcoming racing and promotional events featuring or sponsored by E3 Spark Plugs.

“We are excited about our the launch of our newly redesigned website and social media pages,” says Steve Joiner, E3 Spark Plugs’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing “E3 is committed to providing in-depth information about our products and promotional activities. These sites will allow our customers and fans to keep up with all the different programs and events that E3 is involved in all over the country.”

Based in beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, E3 Spark Plugs developed its patented DiamondFire technology in conjunction with researchers from leading engineering universities. Utilizing a unique, diamond-shaped, edge-to-edge approach, E3 spark plugs are designed to deliver more power, improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and extend the life of your engine.

Our new look will launch this week. Are we missing something you’d like to see? Leave us a comment on our blog or on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook fan page.

Holiday shopping for a car buff? California's King Bag Co. creates funky, fashionable purses, travel bags and messenger bags from vintage auto seat covers.

You know what’s difficult about buying a holiday gift for a car buff? Selecting just one! There is a wealth of cool products and experiences out there sure to make the car, truck or motorcycle lover on your list happy. Here are a few favorites selected by E3 Spark Plugs‘ staff:

Corvette Car-a-Day 2012: Wouldn’t it be nice to have a different gorgeous vintage ‘Vette to drive each of the year’s 352 days? Sorry ’bout your luck. But all is not lost. With the Corvette Car-a-Day 2012 calendar, you can at gaze across your desk at the antique car of your dreams. The calendar features more than 300 black-and-white photos of the legendary “America’s Sports Car” by David Newhardt and Chris Endres, two of the nation’s leading automotive photographers. And it comes with a bonus: a die-cast Corvette toy.

Cover of Tom Cotter's "The Vincent in the Barn: Great Stories of Motorcycle Archaeology"

The Vincent in the Barn: They are words to the vintage motorcycle lover’s ears: “You know, there’s an old bike that’s been sitting in this garage for years.” Variations of that one line have kick-started many a journey to find and restore a genuine classic bike rescued from the hollows of long-forgotten garages, basements, barns, sheds and fields. The Vincent in the Barn: Great Stories of Motorcycle Archaeology is the latest of Author Tom Cotter’s “In the Barn” series of photographic short-story books that chronicle the discovery and restoration of classic rides. “You never know what you might find in a barn, back of a garage or under a dusty tarp,” says CycleWorld of the 256-page book.

Hemmings Car Lover’s Cruise: Now this is the gift that will truly impress. And it will give the auto buff you love something to look forward to in 2012. Hemmings Motor News’ annual Car Lovers Cruise departs from Rome August 13th and makes stops in Santorini, Athens and Mykonos, Greece; Istanbul and Ephesus, Turkey; and Naples, Italy before returning to port in Rome. While at sea, passengers will enjoy automotive seminars, private cocktail parties and mixing and mingling with automotive enthusiasts from around the world.

Monticello Motor Club: Billed as North America’s premier automotive resort and racetrack, the Monticello Motor Club offers great getaway packages for car lovers. Excursions will include the one-day Cadillac CTS-V High Performance Driving Experience, a two-day racing school and exclusive racing gifts and gear. It’s located in Monticello, NY at the foot of the Catskill Mountains and promises to be the gift that’ll put everything else under the Christmas tree to shame.

King Bag Co.: For the fashionable car buff on your list, you can’t go wrong with a selection from the King Bag Co. When the iconic King Kovers auto upholstery shop in uptown Oakland went out of business, artist Bobby Glasser went on a liquidation sale shopping spree, buying all the vintage (mostly 1950s-era) seat covers, seat belts and other assorted upholstery scraps he could get his hands on. Today, that material has been reborn as bowling bag-styled purses, travel bags, messenger bags and coin purses in funky retro patterns and colors. Look for King Bag Co. products in stores throughout California or on the company’s Etsy site.

From all of us at E3 Spark Plugs – Happy holiday shopping!

Taddy Blazusiak sweeps the final two events of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Championships for a perfect season. Phot by Drew Ruiz via EnduroCross.

The final rounds of the 2011 GEICO AMA EnduroCross series might as well have been dubbed the “Taddy Blazusiak Show.” The Polish phenom won both main events, making it a perfect season. But Taylor Robert came with his A-game as well, earning his first ever EnduroCross podium and claiming the E3 Spark Plugs Junior Championship for top drivers under age 21.

In the afternoon Hot Laps, it looked like Blazusiak had some real competition. Beta’s Cody Webb claimed the fastest lap time in the battle for heat race gate picks. Blazusiak settled for second, followed by KTM teammate Mike Brown, Husqvarna’s Cory Graffunder and Monster Kawasaki’s Justin Soule. Blazusiak, Brown and Webb proved strong enough in the Hot Laps to earn a direct shot to the double main events.

In the first main event, Blazusiak shot to the front right away, winning the $1,000 Girardi Wealth Management Holeshot award. He kept that lead all the way to the finish line, though Soule remained close enough to make the race an exciting one for both the competitors and the fans. Graffunder also rode an impressive race, making it to the podium in his second race after a broken wrist kept him off the tracks for most of the season.

GEICO Honda’s Kyle Redmond claimed the holeshot in the second main event, but Blazusiak was hot on his trail. Blazusiak quickly took the lead – and took it in a big way. He led by a long shot throughout the remainder of the race. Robert, Brown, Soule and Redmond crossed the finish line behind, him. Keith Sweeten and Jacob Argubright finished second and third, respectively, behind Robert for the E3 Spark Plugs Junior Championship.

Visit the EnduroCross website for full results and mark your calendars for the 2012 championship kickoff in Las Vegas May 4. To all the winners this weekend, congratulations from E3 Spark Plugs!

Johnny Depp and Aaron Eckhart. along with a few great vintage rides, star in the film adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's "The Rum Diary." This late 1950s Austin Healy just might be our favorite.

After years of will-it or won’t-it-get-made speculation, the Johnny Depp-fronted adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s The Rum Diary finally hits theater screens nationwide Friday. We here at E3 Spark Plugs have been waiting with bated breath for this one. Not just for the crazed Gonzo brand of entertainment. Not just because Amber Heard is a stone cold hottie. Not just because any movie with a line like “We’ll nail this bastard to his own front door” has to be a good one. But for the parade of sweet (and just plain funny) vintage rides.

The Rum Diary is the story of Paul Kemp (played by Depp in a young Thompson-esque way), a divorced, anti-authoritarian boozehound of a journalist who jettisons the madness of New York and the crushing conventions of late Eisenhower-era America for the beautiful Puerto Rico to write for The San Juan Star, a tiny local newspaper on its last legs. Kemp quickly adapts to the rum-soaked island life and develops an obsession for the beautiful Chenault (Heard). Trouble is, Chenault just happens to be engaged to Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart), who just happens to be a corrupt developer bent on turning the pristine island into a capitalist paradise sucking up to the wealthy. Sanderson recruits Kemp to write some positive fluff about his latest scheme, which sets the film up for its major conflict: Kemp must decide whether to use his words to benefit the sleazy businessmen’s bottom line or to take the bastards down.

Great storyline, no doubt. But what we love are the great vintage vehicles you’ll see all through the film, set in the late 1950s. The trailer opens with Kemp driving a sweet candy apple red ’59 Corvette, which Producer Graham King let Depp take home after filming wrapped. That’s the kind of employment bonus we should all be so lucky to land. Another jaw dropper is Sanderson’s late 1950s Austin Healey. You gotta love the decidedly less glam Fiat 500 minus doors, a roof and a front seat – kinda like that loveable loser friend you’re always bailing out of trouble and but keep around anyway. And who doesn’t dig a vintage motorcycle with Giovanni Ribisi in a sidecar. We’re not sure of the model, but we’re thinking it’s a Harley 45. Incidentally, we hear the film has inspired a jam band named Giovanni Ribisi in a Motorcycle Sidecar.

Got a favorite vintage ride featured in a period film? E3 Spark Plugs wants to know. Leave us a comment on our blog or on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook fan page.

Taddy Blazusiak lands his sixth win this season in the GEICO AMA EndroCross Series main event in Boise, Idaho this weekend. Photo via www.endurocross.com.

Taddy Blazusiak remains the man to beat in the 2011 EnduroCross season. Before a packed crowd at the Idaho Center in Boise Saturday, he took his sixth win of the season in the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series presented by Lucas Oil. And young Taylor Robert continues his lead of the E3 Spark Plugs Jr. Championship within a Championship.

Blazusiak started the race with a bang, securing the lead out of the first turn and launching completely over the first pool on the first lap. Mike Brown trailed closely behind, knowing he had to finish third or better to have any chance at nabbing the championship from Blazusiak. He temporarily lost his second place position to Justin Soule, who passed him in the rock section – a tough section for even the toughest competitors. But Brown won it back when Soule and Cody Webb collided in the pond section. That collision allowed Geoff Aaron to take third place behind Blazusiak and Brown. Soule managed an impressive comeback sans visor or goggles to take fourth place and Gary Sutherlin finished fifth.

Blazusiak remains the series points leader with a perfect 180. Brown follows with 127, then Aaron with 118. Webb and Seoule tie with 103 points.

Taylor “The Threat” Robert continued his lead of the E3 Spark Plugs Junior Championship within a Championship for riders age 21 and younger. His 41 points are enough to beat Keith Sweeten’s 34 and Ryan Sandoval’s 30. Taylor competed in his first race at just four years old and got serious about a pro-racing future when he began racing in amateur nationals at age 10. After sitting out most of the 2010 racing season with a torn ACL, Robert is impressing competitors and fans in both EnduroCross and the WORCS series this year.

E3 Spark Plugs congratulates all the winners this weekend. Next up: the double main event EnduroCross season finale at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas November 19.

GEICO AMA EnduroCross, Presented by Lucas Oil – Boise, ID Expert Main Event Results

1. Taddy Blazusiak – KTM
2. Mike Brown – KTM
3. Geoff Aaron – Honda/Christini
4. Justin Soule – Kawasaki
5. Gary Sutherlin -Kawasaki
6. Bobby Prochnau – KTM
7. Keith Sweeten – KTM
8. Kyle Redmond – Honda
9. Cody Webb – Beta
10. Max Gerston – KTM
11. Eric Rhoten – Kawasaki

Taddy Blazusiak takes the Denver EnduroCross. Photo by Drew Ruiz.

E3 Spark Plugs racing fans were treated to a hotly contested race with the Denver round of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross presented by Lucas Oil. Taddy Blazusiak scored the win, but Geoff Aaron and Mike Brown made him earn it.

Blazusiak started the day fast and furious, setting the top time at during the Hot Laps, followed closely by Aaron and Colton Haaker. He led the first part of the main event at the final start, but not for long Aaron and Brown both got aggressive right out of the chute and quickly relegated Blazusiak to third place. But Blazusiak blasted past both of them on one of the difficult rock sections.

Brown thought he got his chance at the win when Blazusiak crashed in the Matrix, a tough section of closely spaced logs. Brown led for more than full lap before crashing in the Matrix himself. Blazusiak shot past him to the finish line and Aaron followed closely for second place. Brown quickly got back on track after his Matrix crash and managed to cross the finish line third. He had to battle it out with Beta’s Cody Webb, though. Webb had kept pace with Brown for several laps before falling back to fourth. GEICO Honda’s Kyle Redmond crossed next, followed by Monster Kawasaki’s Justin Soule, who had been slowed by a derailed chain. Kevin Rookstook, Colton Haaker, Bobby Prochnau, Kyle Calderini and Gary Sutherlin, respectively, rounded out the finish.

The night’s other winners included Kurt Nichol, who won the Vet class; Eric Rhoten in the Amateur class; and Joey Hamilton, winner of the TrialsCross. Taylor Robert continues his run as the points leader for the E3 Spark Plugs EnduroX Jr. Championship, followed by Ryan Sandoval, Jacob Argubright, Keith Sweeten and Ricky Russell.

E3 Spark Plugs congratulates all the latest EnduroCross winners. Next stop: the Idaho Center in Boise October 22. In the meantime, here’s a vicarious look at EnduroCross racing via Argubright’s helmet cam.