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Howard Racing Defies All Odds By Gaining Five Feature Wins This Year Alone

20 oct 2011

(Left to Right) Jan, Josh & Dale Howard

Racing has been in the Howard family for as long as anyone in the family can remember. According to Josh Howard, his Dad raced in the 70's & 80's, then his two older brothers Jan & Dale began their own race careers, so it was just a natural for Josh himself to get in on the act as well. Today, Howard Racing is considered a major contender when it comes to Sprint Car Track Championships, but that was not always the case.

Dale Howard has five feature wins under his belt this year alone.

In 2007 during the last race of the season, Josh was involved in a horrible accident in which he flew off the track, broke his neck and was confirmed to be paralyzed from the neck down. His family soon thereafter walked away from the sport, with no real intention of ever looking back. But once Josh got his bearings again, armed with a wheelchair & other devices to help him develop his own form of independence, he determined that racing was in his blood, and it was time to get back in the game. Now, Josh owns the racecar, and brother Dale does the driving, with five feature wins under his belt this year alone. Talk about taking adversity, and turning into something positive! Josh's six-year-old son has also started to race, so the Howard family race tradition will not be fading away anytime soon!

"We met K&N's Bob Harris at the PRI show back around 2005," says Josh. "We had hoped to develop some sort of partnership because their products are top of the line due to such extensive R&D. Well, we indeed formed the partnership, and after the wreck, simply started things back up when we returned. Other people try to replicate their efforts, but no one can."

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 Aleksandr Grinchuk is the 2011 Absolute Drift Racing Champion of Ukraine

18 oct 2011

Grinchuk performs some burnout entertainment at one of the 11 Ukrainian events.

On the increasingly popular Ukrainian Drift Racing scene one name continues to shine brighter than all the rest, that name is Aleksandr Grinchuk. The passionately self-taught driver was the undisputed Ukrainian Drift Racing Champion in 2009, 2010, and in 2011 he once again is the king of Ukrainian Drift Racing.

Aleksandr Grinchuk is presented his third consecutive Drift King trophy by the president of the Federation of Autosport of Ukraine (FAU).

"My team and I did our best to get all three possible drift titles, in all of the three different drift series in Ukraine," Grinchuk told K&N Race News. "These are the TuningFest Drift Edition Championship, Vinnitza Grand Prix Championship and the most prestigious the Ukrainian Drift Championship (UDC). The possession of all three titles gives us the ultimate title of the Absolute Champion of Ukraine 2011."

The K&N sponsored driver was also awarded a special prize from the Red Bull company for 2011. After reviewing the performances of all drivers throughout the year, Grinchuk was selected as the Ukrainian Red Bull Drift Racing Driver of the Year.

"This year was much harder than the others," said Grinchuk. "This is the first complete season with three different series totaling 11 drift events in Ukraine. We also we took part in two of five events in Eastern European Drift Championship and got the 8th place in that series."

On a qualification run at Round 4 of a UDC event in Kyiv.

Grinchuk says the one competition that stands out from the year was the FXOPEN contested in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. It's an event that gathers the very best drifters from all of the Russian speaking countries. "Every year some celebrity drift drivers visit this event to compete with us," explained Grinchuk. "This year it was Ryan Tuerck and Tengku Djan Ley from Drift Alliance. We managed to finish in seventh place at this event from 46 other drift pilots, including the celebrities."

Grinchuk and his team participated in 14 different races in Ukraine and abroad for the season. "Our main goal was the title of the Absolute Champion of Ukraine. And we have not disappointed our sponsors and fans," adds Grinchuk.

The decisive tandem run after which no one would be a threat to Grinchuk for the title of Absolute Champion of Ukraine.

Grinchuk along with only a handful of other talented drivers, are responsible for introducing drifting in the Ukraine. 2011 season marks the countries fourth year of steadily growing drifting competitions, and Grinchuk says the talent pool is becoming far more professional in their approach to the sport which is bringing a lot of new sponsors.

"Drift events became even more popular this year," said Grinchuk, "With a better level of convenience, safety, and overall attractiveness as a show. We had very different races this season too, from closed international airports and race tracks, to enormous parking lots and the closed streets of the city. Also, we had very different weather conditions for 2011, from scorching heat in July and August, to hard showers with hail in early October. Yet, every race our car was ready to compete. We used a twin turbo configuration of VQ35DE engine with K&N filters all the season. We were not afraid of any track or weather with our filters and Pre-Chargers."

"Next year is not going to be any easier," continues Grinchuk. "My team and I plan to switch to a supercharged configuration of VQ35DE. We want to use wider Maxxis tires, a more powerful engine, and more aggressive tactics for 2012. And, as we are the three time Absolute Champion of Ukraine, we want to pay much more attention to Eastern European Drift Championships and other international events. But our Ukrainian titles must be defended too. We are working with our sponsors and looking for some new partners to help us to make our plans come true. It is not a very simple task. But drifting still grows fast here in Ukraine, and nothing is impossible."

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Greg Pursley Grabs 2011 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Championship

18 oct 2011

2011 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Champion Greg Pursley

All Greg Pursley had to do was take the green flag at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif., to win the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West championship on Saturday night.

He made it past the starting line, but didn't complete one lap before he was collected in a crash in turn four. His car and Michael Self's car were turned around. Jessica Brunelli's car was damaged in the crash.

Greg Pursley wins K&N Pro Series West championshiop even though he didn't complete a single lap before he crashed in turn four.

Pursley, who started the race in seventh, had to go to the back of the pack and work his way to the front in the Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by Pick-N-Pull.

"The green flag flew and we got dumped," Pursley said. "We didn't even get into fourth gear. So, we started dead-last and kind of was on a mission after that. We probably had to burn the car down going from last to the top five. We tried to run a little bit and save a little bit. These guys were running hard tonight. We had a good race tonight. We got up to second and battled Eric for the win. I couldn't ask for anything more."

Eric Holmes won the K&N Pro Series West race, his second in a row, taking the lead on lap 140 and surviving a green-white-checkered flag finish.

Pursley worked his way to second place, but never led a lap in the race. He posted his fourth top-five finish in a row and wrapped up the K&N Pro Series West championship with one race to go, the season finale at Phoenix International Raceway on Nov. 12.

"The Gene Price Motorsports team did a great job and gave me a great car," Pursley said. "That's pretty much how it's been all year. It's been a dream season to me, winning six races and five poles and finally winning a championship here. I can't thank them enough." Pursley built a huge lead in the K&N Pro Series West standings, winning six of the first eight races. He has 12 top-fives and finished outside the top five only once. He has 318-point lead over Holmes.

Holmes moved into second place in the K&N Pro Series West standings with the win. He has eight top-five finishes and 10 top-10s in 13 races. He won his fourth K&N Pro Series West race at Roseville in eight starts at the tiny All American Speedway.

"We usually win it or something happens to the car leading it," Holmes said on Saturday night. "Tonight we had a great car. I had to give up the lead there for a little bit. We lost the brakes, had a little bit of a brake issue. Got it dialed in and saved the car for the end."

Holmes started on the front row next to pole winner Jacob Gomes. The 18-year-old rookie won the first pole of his K&N Pro Series West career and led the first 30 laps of the race.

Holmes took the lead on lap 31 and held it for 34 laps before another rookie, Dylan Kwasniewski, made his move. Kwasniewski took the lead from Holmes on lap 68 and battled Derek Thorn for the next 87 laps.

Thorn passed Kwasniewski for the lead on lap 120. Kwasniewski took it back in lap 124. The two made contact on lap 126 and both drivers had to go to the back of the field on the ensuing restart. Kwasniewski was penalized for rough driving. Thorn's car was damaged in the crash.

Cameron Hayley, a 15-year-old rookie, inherited the lead, but Holmes and Pursley right behind him. Holmes passed Hayley on lap 140 and held it for the rest of the race.

"It was an awesome race," Hayley said. "It was a hard race. It worked amazing. My dad, he's always been there for me. I'd like to thank my whole crew and everyone. It's been great."

Jason Fensler crashed in turn 4 on lap 145 and set up a green-white-checkered flag finish. Holmes was out front on the restart and was able to hold off Pursley and Hayley, who finished third.

Kwasniewski led the most laps in the race, 54, but finished ninth. Thorn limped passed the finish line in 11th place.

The Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by Pick-N-Pull will be broadcast on Speed on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. ET.

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.

Teddy Hodgdon Experiences A Stellar 2011 Kart Series Season

18 oct 2011

Teddy Hodgdon poses with friend, family and fans following a recent victory.

Most drivers would consider their season as successful upon walking away with one championship, and rightfully so. That said, ten-year-old, Teddy Hodgdon's season exceeded successful, as he earned two championship titles in 2011.

Ten-Year-old, Teddy Hodgdon earned two Cahmpionships during the 2011 season.

Hodgdon and his family recently rolled into Stafford Springs, Connecticut, where he was scheduled to compete in the Ceric Fabrication Kart Series Season Finale, at the Stafford Motor Speedway. Racing in the Tiger Sprint A class, the young driver entered the competition with a twenty-three point lead over the second placed driver. Although Hodgdon had a comfortable lead and had to finish no worse than twelfth to walk away with the championship, he had no intentions of coasting during the race. In fact, after qualifying on the pole with a 17.606 second run, Teddy immediately took the lead when the twenty-five lap feature was deemed underway.

During the early laps, Hodgdon's lead was challenged by fellow drivers, Daniel Wesson and Steven Chapman, but as the race progressed, the distance between Hodgdon and the remainder of the pack did also. Even though the driver had a comfortable lead near the race's end, he continued pushing until taking the checkered flag. "I was very relieved to win the last race and the championship," explained Hodgdon. "It was a great feeling."

With one championship already under his belt, Teddy Hodgdon and his crew then embarked upon a journey to Claremont, New Hampshire, where the young driver had a ten point lead, and aspirations of taking the Twin State Championship as well. Although experiencing a great start, his lead was erased upon a late caution. During turn three of the restart, Hodgdon was bumped by the second place driver and in turn lost the lead and eventually finished the race in the fifth position.

Starting fifth in the feature, Teddy got a good start and had worked his way to the third spot by the end of the first lap. Still working his way toward the very front, Hodgdon experienced a sight mishap while trying to pass the first place driver and in turn lost several positions. Prior to crossing the finish line, the driver managed to work his way back to the third spot, earning more than ample points to take the championship home.

With the 2011 season behind him, the young driver and his team can finally take a moment to look back and savor the success that lent to a stellar season. Throughout 2011 Teddy Hodgdon has earned two track championships, was the New England Challenge winner, and experienced eleven feature wins and one pole position. "My dad and I worked hard on the kart to get the set-up right, and I drove more aggressively this year," Shared Hodgdon.

Referring to Teddy's string of success, his father, Ted, explained, "It will make him more confident as a driver. In his personal life, it showed him that if he sets a goal, he can achieve it with hard work and perseverance." When asked Teddy's strong point as a driver, his father continued, "He is very smooth, has great kart control, and stays out of trouble. He has become more aggressive this season. If he sees an opportunity to make a move, he will."

"I could not be prouder of him," shared Ted. "This has been a wonderful three-year journey. When we started racing, he was just seven, and he followed the karts in front of him. But as the years passed, I could see him learning and growing as a driver and as a person. He is a quick study. He rarely makes the same mistake twice."

Teddy Hodgdon has already put the 2011 season behind him and is gearing up for twenty-twelve. In fact, the driver is preparing to move up next season to the "Junior Outlaw" division, and in turn is in the process of preparing a new kart.

As one might suspect, Teddy Hodgdon and his crew are aware that their success depends a great deal upon properly maintaining their kart. That in mind, Ted explained, "K&N Filters played a very important role in his success. Not only do they provide good, clean air, they give a performance advantage also. The best of both worlds. We would not even think about using any other filter than K&N." "I am lucky to have sponsors and supporters such as K&N," Teddy stated.

"I would never have the opportunity to race if it wasn't for them. Thank you all."

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.

Menzies Motorsports Earns Three Podium Finishes At TORC Bark River Rounds Seven and Eight

18 oct 2011

Bryce Menzies poses for a shot after winning round seven of the TORC Off-Road Racing Series

After experiencing a successful outing at Charlotte Motor Speedway, in Concord, North Carolina, the Menzies Motorsports Team headed to Bark River Michigan, where they were scheduled to compete in the TORC Off-Road Racing Series, rounds seven and eight at the Bark River International Raceway. As the team had anticipated, they set the pace right off of the bat with some of the fastest lap times in the Pro Light, Pro 2 and Pro 4 classes. In fact, drivers, Bryce Menzies and Ricky Johnson qualified first for the next day's race and teammate, Luke Johnson earned a third position start in his class.

Bryce Menzies recently earned his second win in a row in the TORC Off -Road Racing Series while racing at the Bark River International Raceway.

Lining up in the Pro Light class, Luke Johnson was in the middle of the pack coming out of turn one, but began working his way to the front. After a mandatory yellow, the driver found himself in a fierce battle for third place with 2010 champion, Casey Currie. With only a few laps remaining, Johnson took control of and held the 3rd place position until crossing the finish line, earning a spot on the podium.

On the following day, Johnson and his number 14 Pro Light were working their way to the front, but sustained a flat tire after making a Red Bull jump. Quickly making his way to the hot pits and changing a tire, the driver returned to the field and caught the other drivers in time for the mandatory yellow. Luke charged from the back to the middle, where he crossed the finish line, only to be informed that he was still one lap behind.

Lining up in the Pro 2WD class, Menzies Motorsports team member, Bryce Menzies, started on the pole next to Marty Hart during the first round of the event. Running at speeds in the neighborhood of ninety miles-per-hour, Bryce and Hart were in a close race for the first place position by turn two, a battle that continued until the mandatory yellow. After the restart, Menzies fans cheered him on as Bryce shot in front and held the lead for his second checkered flag in a row. While on the podium, the driver was also honored with his third Oakley Bomb Award of the season for the fastest lap.

Racing in the Pro Light class of the TORC Off-Road Racing Series, Menzies Motorsports team member, Luke Johnson, earned a place on the podium at the Bark Rover International Raceway.

After the invert, Bryce Menzies began round eight in the back. Aware that he had a challenge in front of him, the driver muscled his way to the third position in short order, and had the lead position in his sights. That said, as fate would have it, Menzies #7 truck made contact with first and second place drivers Marty Hart and Chad Hord while they were tangled up in the middle of a turn. Bryce's truck sustained significant damage and in turn was not able to finish the race.

Both of his teammates had managed to earn their positions on the podium in their classes, and Ricky Johnson had full intentions of following suit in the Pro 4X4 division. Starting first in round seven, Johnson eventually found himself in a battle for the lead with Johnny Greave. After the mandatory yellow, Johnson and Greaves continued to fight for the lead, until the Menzies Motorsports team member noticed smoke boiling from the back of his truck after soaring over the Red Bull jump. Johnson managed to continue fighting for the first place position for a few more turns prior to pulling off of the track with a broken shock.

With all needed repairs completed on the following day, Ricky Johnson lined up to race in round eight knowing that he had one more chance to earn his spot on the podium. Once again, the driver had worked his way through a maze of competitors and was setting on the third place position by the end of lap one. As Scott Douglas and Johnny Greaves were the only two obstacles between him and the checkered flag, Johnson continued pressing onward. After the mandatory yellow, when the restart flag dropped, Douglas was in the hot pits, lending to the opportunity for Johnson to move beyond the second place position and challenge Greaves for the lead. During the last turn of the final lap, Greaves ended up facing the wall when he and Johnson went for the same line, putting Ricky Johnson in the front, and earning him the victory and position on the podium.

When asked the key to their success, General Manager of Menzies Motorsports, Cory Beacham, answered, "Full dedication to what is best for the team and sponsors, and trying to put the best and most qualified people in the right spots. We are in TORC to win races and win championships," he continued. "Right now, Bryce has to start and finish the first race in Texas and he will be the Pro-2 Champion. Ricky is only four points behind Greaves for the Pro-4 Championship. Anything less than two championships would be disappointing."

As one might suspect, Menzies Motorsports are strong advocates of properly maintaining their trucks. In fact, the team uses several K&N products including, their air filters, air filter cleaner, filter oil, and air filter wraps. Referring to K&N products, Beacham said, "Menzies Motorsports has been using K&N products since they started racing in 2007. K&N products are superior to anything else out there."

In closing, Beacham explained, "Being with Team Menzies has been the greatest racing experience I have ever had. As a team owner, Steve Menzies has over seventy wins in off-road racing, both short course and desert. Truly an exceptional record, considering he has only been racing for four years."

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.

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