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Tyler Hughes Wins Old Dominion Speedway Legends Points Championship

25 oct 2011

Fifteen-year-old Tyler Hughes recently began the final race of the season with a 20 point lead and in turn earned the Legend points championship at the Old Dominion Speedway.

At five years of age, Tyler Hughes experienced his first taste of racing, running Quarter Midgets on dirt tracks in Maryland and Delaware. Two years later, Hughes tried his hand at racing on asphalt, an endeavor that throughout the next three years, would take the young driver and his family to venues from "New York to Florida, to Indiana". While still driving Quarter Midgets, Tyler then began racing a dirt 600cc Modified-Lite in Delaware, earning seven wins and the track points championship at the season's end. Seven years into his young career, Tyler and his team changed the engine size to 1,000 cc's, and his success continued.

Tyler Hughes recently finished earned a point championship during his second season racing in the INEX Legends Car Division

In 2010 Hughes embarked upon racing an INEX Legend car at the Old Dominion Speedway in Manassas, Virginia. During his first season, Hughes managed to earn one win, thirteen top five, and sixteen top ten finishes. His impressive record earned him the title of "Rookie of the Year".

Going into the 2011 season, Fifteen-year-old, Tyler Hughes had no intentions of letting up. In turn, while competing in thirteen races, he earned seven poles, seven wins, finished in the top five eleven times and experienced twelve top ten finishes. Hughes' greatest accomplishment during the 2011 season was earning the Legends Points Championship.

Racing in the INEX Legends Car division, Tyler Hughes and his team recently rolled into the Old Dominion Speedway, at Manassas, Virginia to compete in the final race of the season with a twenty point lead over the second placed driver.

After winning the Old Dominion Speedway Legends Points Championship, Tyler Hughes is already looking forward to the 2012 season.

Qualifying with the second fastest time, Hughes started fourth due to the invert. Although his car was fast, with a substantial lead, Tyler opted to play it safe and avoid taking any chances. While running third, Tyler was approached by, and elected to let the number three car driven by, Ryan Polenz, overtake him. In turn, Tyler finished in the fourth position with an eighteen point lead, and was deemed the 2011 Old Dominion Speedway Legends Points Champion.

Referring to playing it safe throughout the race, Hughes said, "It was difficult, because every driver just wants to win every race they can. I just had to focus on the big picture, which was the championship. I knew it would be a bigger victory, if I just stayed out of trouble and made sure I won the championship."

"It felt good to win with that much of a point lead, because it shows the success we had throughout the season," Hughes continued. "It gives me a bit of confidence if I go to a different track. As a champion, I want to show people that I drive like a champion, and I never give up, like I showed all season long."

Referring to the upcoming 2012 season, the driver said. "Next year I will share a Late Model with my car owner. When I'm not running the Late Model, I will be running the legend. Now that I have a Late Model, I will carry this confidence with me, knowing I'll have to do just as well as I did in Legends. Hopefully, the championship on my resume will help me with more corporate sponsors like K&N.

Referring to K&N products, Tyler Hughes said, "We never really started using K&N products until about the middle of last year, when we kept having trouble with another brand of oil filters. Presently we do use K&N air and oil filters on all of our racecars. I think they're the best product out there right now! I suggest K&N oil and air filters to everyone I can!"

Along with K&N products, Tyler Hughes was quick to credit his team for playing an important role in his success. "They played a very important role," explained Hughes. "My dad does a heck of a job setting up my cars. They always make sure everything is right. If I had a (mechanical) problem, they got me back out (on the track) so I could work myself back up to the front to try and salvage a good points night.

I'd like to thank Frank Duncan, Mike Weddell, my parents, Tony Aguilar, and anyone else who volunteered to help out. Of course, I would also like to thank my good sponsors who have helped me out this season."

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

JB Strassweg Discovers K&N Heavy Duty Air Filter Benefits with a Little Help from Don Gatlin

24 oct 2011

Strassweg uses his American Eagle motorhome to tow Don Gatlin's dragster when he's racing the Midwest big-dollar races.

It's a bit tough to pin down exactly what all JB Strassweg does, he wears a lot of hats and they all appear to suit him well. The Evansville, Indiana resident is a partner at JBM Race Cars, LLC; he's Managing Member at Four S Properties and he's been the President at Basden RV Center for the past 20 years. In his spare time he races Super Pro and Top Dragster, sometimes driving K&N sponsored Don Gatlin's car.

By replacing the paper air filter on his RV with a K&N Heavy Duty Air Filter Strassweg says he not only saves a good deal of money, heâ€™s also found the added benefit of increased performance.

"Don and I have known each other via the DragRaceResults website forums, and he bought a car from me about a year ago with the intent to keep it in the Midwest (Don's current Undercover Dragster). We maintain his (Mullis) car in our shop, keep it in top running shape and load it into our stacker trailer whenever he has the time to race with us," Strassweg explained.

Gatlin, as we established before, has two dragsters, the Undercover Dragster that he keeps on the West Coast and the Mullis in Indiana for races in the Midwest. Typically Gatlin attends the high-dollar races in the Midwest, The Tenn Tuck Series in Bowling Green, The Million Dollar Race, The Spring Fling in Bristol, the beginning of the winter series at SGMP in Adel, and the Jeg's US Open. "Don's gracious enough to let me drive every now and again when he's not here," says Strassweg, "and I try to pad his winnings as best I can."

It was sometime during one of Gatlin's visits with Strassweg that the mention of K&N's Heavy Duty air filter came up. Gatlin installed them on his West Coast vehicles and has experienced plenty of performance perks. Taking Gatlin's advice Strassweg installed one on his American Eagle, after which he claimed it was one of the best things he'd ever done for his coach.

"Some of the tracks we race at are very, very dusty, and the design of my coach is such that the exhaust stirs up the dust and it gets sucked right into the filter intake. I was having to clean and replace the paper air cleaner in my coach twice a year. And they cost a lot more than one K&N filter. The added benefit I didn't expect was the increased performance. My coach actually responds when I push the accelerator pedal down! In addition, the filter minder on my RV hasn't so much as moved since I put the (K&N) filter in. That's very uncommon, as the paper elements I would run would move the filter minder shortly after installation."

"Don was just in Bowling Green at the Tenn Tuck event last week," continues Strassweg. "Our schedules have taken us in different directions this month, so I'll miss him at the Million Dollar Race, but I expect we'll race again at South Georgia Motorsports Park for the Winter Series kick off race in a couple weeks."

Strassweg now uses a K&N air filter and oil filter on his Onan diesel generator as well. "We also run your oil filters on all of our race cars and our customer's cars," he adds. "And everyone loves your products!"

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

K&N's Michael Lewis Wins at Monza and Claims 2011 Formula 3 Italia Rookie Championship

24 oct 2011

Lewis gives the "thumbs up" and displays the winner's trophy as he stands on the podium celebrating his win at Monza with PREMA Powerteam's Grazia Troncon on the left.

We have been following 20-year-old Laguna Beach, California native Michael Lewis closely all season long as he campaigned in his inaugural year in the ACI Sport Formula 3 Italia Championship. We've had the opportunity to witness first-hand that what separates exceptionally gifted athletes, from those that win, is an extreme ability to hold their laser focus through periods of adversity. It is in essence an innate denial to accept anything but the very best of themselves at all times. Yet, the flip-side to that coin is that at first, anything less than everything, just isn't satisfactory enough.

Having won the rookie title and finishing second overall in the Formula 3 Italia Championship Lewis now looks forward to his test drive in a Ferrari Formula 1.

"Winning the Rookie title is quite special," Lewis told K&N Race News. "But I am quite hard on myself right now, as I was unable to secure the overall championship. However, it was my mistake and that's it; I can't change the past. My team and I put in a great effort, and apart from that error, we really had a flawless season."

After earning his second win of the season during the previous round of the championship at the Mugello Circuit, which put Lewis into first for the series' rookie championship chase and second for the series' overall championship, Lewis remained completely focused with his sights set on winning both championships as he arrived in Monza for the final round of the 2011 Formula 3 Championship.

After winning on Saturday in Race 1, and locking up the Rookie of the Year title, Lewis was now in striking distance to go for the overall ACI Sport F-3 Italia Series Championship. In Race 2 Lewis had the lead in his PREMA Powerteam car, but when he entered a chicane he accidentally hit the birm with the right rear wheel, which damaged the suspension. He was unaware at that point that he had a problem, so when braking for the next chicane he only had three wheels on the ground, and the car didn't turn as expected. Lewis went off into the gravel, ending his day and his chance to win the overall series championship.

K&N sponsored Michael celebrates his third win of the Formula 3 Italia season at Monza.

"Race 2 started out amazing. I was on the grid in P8 because of the top 8 invert from qualifying. I then got an amazing start, and I was in P4 by the second corner. By the second lap I was in P3. By lap-5 I was in P2. Then on lap-6, my teammate was very kind and let me pass with ease. (It was because he wanted me to win the overall championship as much as possible, because if I did, then he would have been the second driver to test the Ferrari F60 F1 car). In any case, I was leading with a one second margin over the second place car and I then crashed with two laps remaining, as I took a curb and broke the rear suspension."

Lewis not only won the first race at Monza, he also set fast time in practice, qualified first, and set the fastest time of the race.

After the race Angelo Rosin, PREMA Powerteam team principal commented. "This is a great result for both the driver and the team. Michael once again demonstrated his skill and potential. In this past year he has grown as a man and a driver, and we are really proud of him today."

In summary Lewis ended the 2011 Formula 3 Italia season finishing second in the Series Championship, only 13 points behind series champion, Sergio Campana and with the 2011 F-3 Rookie Championship. In the race at Monza he was first in practice, started from the pole in qualifying. He then started Race 1 from the pole, set the fastest lap and led all laps. In Race 2 he once more secured the fastest lap, and he was leading until tweaking his suspension. "Basically I scored every point possible except the race 2 victory," added Lewis.

Clinching the ROY title earned Lewis a test drive in a Ferrari Formula 1, which is perhaps an introduction for a move in that direction in the near future. "It honestly is so amazing. I get to drive an F1 car. Just to say that brings chills up my spine. Honestly, it hasn't hit me yet. I definitely will try everything to make it to Formula 1, and this is a start!"

Lewis returned home this week where we suspect his perspective and level of approval for what he accomplished this year will be more fully released. "Basically, I will train in California, also take a midterm from my college, and then head back to Italy in the first week of November."

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Colton Haaker Earns Podium Spot At Geico AMA Endurocross Series Round 4

21 oct 2011

Colton Haaker recently earned a spot on the podium at the 2011 Geico Endurocross Series, round four, at Ontario California.

After finishing fifth at the Pepsi Coliseum, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Colton Haaker savored a two week rest prior to returning to racing in round four of the 2011 Geico AMA Endurocross Series, at Citizens Business Bank Arena, at Ontario, California. One could say that during his off time, the rider took advantage of the opportunity to get his ducks in a row.

During a two week break between races, Colton Haaker foused on balancing riding, training, gym, friends and life properly.

"Actually, it was the first week since well before X Games that I was able to balance riding, training, gym, friends and life properly! I had some great talks with my coaches, John Ellsworth and Charles Dao, solidifying my readiness," shared Haaker. "I was in a great mental state, and for the first time this year, I was a man with a plan."

Logistics played a large role in Colton Haaker's confidence level as well. In fact, the rider embarked upon a thirty-six hour drive from his home in Murrieta, California to race in Indianapolis just weeks prior, and Ontario was only forty-five minutes up the road. "My confidence level going into the event was good," shared Colton. I had more time to practice and train instead of having to drive thirty-six hours to get to the race," he continued. "Thirty-six hours is a long drive."

After rolling into Ontario, only two other riders exceeded Colton's time in the hot laps in the Pro Endurocross class. When his heat race was deemed underway, the rider experienced problems getting traction on his KTM 250 SXF bike during the start, but still managed to qualify directly into the main event. I knew that the race was going to be dependent upon the start," shared Haaker. "I was wrapping my brain around how I could keep from spinning."

After exploring several potential causes of the problem, the rider suddenly devised a solution upon arriving at the front of the gate, and realizing that previous runs had rutted the topsoil. In turn, Haaker simply leveled the soil from the sides of the grooves, which consequently produced better traction at his starting spot. "This way I could use my start device and start in my normal position without worrying about spinning," explained the rider.

Immediately upon the start, it became evident that Haaker had alleviated the problem, as he grabbed the second place position early on. Once taking the number two spot over, Haaker pursued, but never managed to overtake the leader, Taddy Blazusiak, before the race's end.

"I rode my race and finished a solid second place," explained Haaker. "I executed my game plan perfectly, and showed myself how powerful your mindset can be when you follow through with full intention of your plan. From there I was pumped. I mean I was absolutely ecstatic."

When asked about the importance of his team, the rider explained that friends and his father often serve as team members, but on occasion, he also heads out on the road by himself. Although, Haaker can and has raced alone, he was quick to explain that his team is a very important component and much appreciated. "It's one hundred percent better when they're there," shared the rider.

According to Colton, some of the riders competing in Endurocross racing modify their bikes while others, including him, don't. Regardless of any changes made, proper maintenance is essential if one plans to experience success on a consistent basis. That said, Haaker has been using K&N air and oil filters throughout the 2011 season. Although this is the first year he has used K&N products, Haaker stressed that he is very satisfied with their performance.

When asked what he enjoys about competing in the Endurocross Series, Colton Said, "I like the competition and the lifestyle. You have to get physically and mentally prepared for each race. I really like that. It's like a test every time."

In closing, Haaker said, "If endurocross is in your area, you should come out and watch, because it's some of the most exciting racing you'll see."

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

K&N's Luke Bogacki Continues at Beech Bend with Two Final Round Finishes at Tenn-Tuck

20 oct 2011

Bogacki hopes his last series of successes brings the sort of momentum he needs going into the Million Dollar Race and the season ending Florida Winter Series in November.

"The two finals in Bowling Green were a nice shot in the arm," remarked Carterville, Illinois' Luke Bogacki. The season in nearing a close, but we still have a number of big events left. I'll run the Million Dollar Race in Montgomery, Alabama this weekend, and at least a portion of the year-end Florida Winter Series in November. Hopefully we can build on the momentum from Tenn-Tuck going forward."

K&N sponsored Bogacki drove his ThisIsBracketRacing.com backed American Race Cars dragster to a pair of final round finishes in the Tenn Tuck 2011 Extreme Triple Crown bracket series event at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Tenn Tuck Triple Crown is recognized as one of the most competitive and prestigious big-dollar bracket racing series in North America. In Friday night's $5,000-to-win event, Bogacki took runner-up honors after falling to five-time NHRA champion, Jeg Coughlin, Jr. in the final round. A day later, he one-upped himself by scoring the $5,000 victory when he bested Buddy Ferrell in the final.

The Tenn Tuck 2011 Extreme Triple Crown bracket series victory was Luke Bogacki's 15th final round appearance of the season and his seventh victory for 2011.

"I have a lot of theories as to why I've had so much success there," Bogacki told K&N Race News. "For one, I just love the facility, the owners, the workers, everything about it feels like home. The auto-start count on the tree really agrees with me too, the light just seems to come on when I'm ready for it. It's a little bit longer than most tracks, so a lot of racers tend to struggle there, but it's right in my comfort zone. And of course, winning breeds winning. I've had so much success there over the years that I always feel really confident when I pull through the gate - and that can go a long way."

Saturday's win marked Bogacki's 15th final round appearance of the season and his seventh victory for 2011. Of his 15 final round appearances, five have come at Beech Bend Raceway, as Bogacki continues a history of incredible results at the western Kentucky facility. He won the Tenn-Tuck Triple Crown points championship in 2004 on the strength of a March weekend sweep of the $10,000 main events (a feat that has yet to be duplicated in the history of the series). He has appeared in a whopping 12 Tenn-Tuck final rounds in the past seven years, winning eight of those matchups. In addition, he earned top honors at the Beech Bend NHRA Lucas Oil Divisional event, taking the Super Comp crown in each of the last two seasons.

Bogacki's workhorse Vega went 39 runs on route to a 30 and two record weekend.

To insure that the momentum train was indeed moving in the right direction, last weekend Bogacki put his "little Vega" through a torture test locally in Benton and Harriburg, Illinois. "I entered three classes, Super Pro, Pro (No Box) and Footbrake, at I-57 Dragstrip Saturday. Then Super Pro and No Box at Cars for Kids at Accelaquarter Raceway Park on Sunday. In the two days, I went down the track 39 times and never raised the hood. While they weren't big events, the results were fantastic: three wins, one runner-up, and one semi-final. A 30-2 round record on the weekend," says Bogacki. "Everything worked flawlessly, as I've come to expect."

Regarding his stellar performance last weekend Bogacki adds, "Yea, 30-2 is pretty crazy, regardless of where you're racing. However, 39 runs in a weekend isn't all that unusual, especially for my Vega, it's the workhorse of the team for sure. But that type of success is certainly not something that happens every day. I was just fortunate, the car was great, and I was good when I needed to be for the most part. We got some breaks, and I found myself in the right place at the right time."

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