Why AMSOIL?

U.S. Navy Veteran Sees Improved Starts on the Track

Tom Belcher of St. Mary’s, Ga. Races dirt bikes for Brain Pain motorsports. An active-duty submariner, Belcher is also a 19-year veteran of the United States Navy who’s making the most of shore duty. This year he started representing independent AMSOIL Dealer Rebellious Synthetics on his 2011 Kawasaki KX450F.

When he’s not traveling for work or spending time with his family, he’s competing in the Vet Beginner class in as many Florida-Georgia races as he can. With the year divided into four series — one for each season — Belcher has the opportunity to compete year-round. The three-month-long spring series concluded at the end of May with Belcher finishing fourth overall. “This was the first time I raced in 20 years,” Belcher explained.

With guidance from Rebellious Synthetics owner Paul “Mitch” Smithson, Belcher recently switched from AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil to AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil (DB40), which is specially designed help minimize clutch slippage, fade and chatter, giving riders consistent clutch feel during takeoffs or when maneuvering around obstacles on the trail.

“In the eight motos I’ve raced since installing it,” Belcher said, “I’ve pulled four holeshots, three second-place starts and one third-place start. I’ve pulled holeshots in cool and dry conditions, cool and wet conditions and in hot and humid conditions. With AMSOIL Dirt Bike Oil, there’s no clutch fade at all.”

Belcher plans on racing the next three series and hopes to continue improving his starts and finishes. “Without Mitch’s help,” Belcher said, “I wouldn’t be able to ride and race as much as I do.”