■ VP Racing Fuels , Inc ., the world leader in performance fuels , lubricants , additives , and retail , announced the renewal of their licensing agreement with Mr . Brands , an automotive accessory consumer product manufacturer .

“ Mr . Brands has proven to be an incredible licensee over the past three years ,” said Bob Merz , Director of Brand Management and Licensing for VP Racing . “ Mr . Brands ’ product quality and ever-expanding line of automotive accessories is a perfect extension of the VP Racing brand into new product categories and distribution channels , reaching more consumers every day .”

To kick off the new term , Mr . Brands is launching a new line of VP Racing branded auto cleaning tools , including an assortment of cleaning and detailing brushes , wash mitts , applicators , and microfiber towels . This is in addition to the existing line of VP Racing branded auto accessories , automotive snow tools , and jumper cables .

As part of a Father ’ s Day promotion , VP Racing will offer , for a limited time , auto cleaning gift sets that include VP Racing ’ s car detailing appearance products bundled with the licensed auto cleaning tools .

At retail , the new automotive cleaning tools are available exclusively at Ollie ’ s stores . The line will be expanded to other retailers in July .

VP Racing ’ s licensing agreement and renewal with Mr . Brands was brokered and continues to be managed by VP ’ s exclusive licensing agency , Pacific Swell Brands .

For more information about VP Racing and its products for racers , enthusiasts , and general consumers , visit vpracingfuels . com and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .

■ Factory harmonic damper bolts are an area of concern for racers and performance enthusiasts for two reasons . First is the bolt ’ s ability to sustain the necessary clamping force when subjected to high RPM crankshaft flexing and twisting . A second consideration is the extra abuse that comes from rotating the crank manually when adjusting valve lash , setting timing , etc . This often results in the bolt head getting “ rounded off ” to the point where wrenching is compromised . Noted fastener manufacturer ARP has addressed these problems and offers a pair of solutions .

First is a special 12-point bolt that ’ s designed to be used with a deep socket and offered for a variety of domestic and import engines .

Also available for many popular applications is a large hex-headed bolt that is forged to accommodate a standard 1 / 2 ” square drive breaker bar or ratchet wrench .

Both are manufactured from a premium grade 8740 chrome moly steel and heat-treated in-house to provide a nominal tensile strength of 190,000 psi . A large diameter 1 / 4 ” thick washer is included to help distribute the load over a wide area , while the bolts and washers are black oxide finished for extra protection .

For additional information visit www . ARP-bolts . com . A free printed catalog that details 5,000-plus fasteners is available upon request . Personalized tech assistance can be obtained by calling 800-826-3045 .

90 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 183