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Menzies Motorsports Walks Away From Charlotte with Two Wins and Great Memories

29 ago 2011

Ricky Johnson, with Menzies Motorsports recently earned a checkered flag at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, in Concord, North Carolina.

Upon learning that rounds five and six of the TORC Off-Road Racing Series were scheduled to be held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway , in Concord, North Carolina, team Menzies Motorsports was excited, to say the least. The entire team was perfectly aware of the rich history of this particular venue. It was a location where big names in the racing industry had been made, and the fans were known for their enthusiasm. Menzies Motorsports would have to battle temperatures well exceeding the century mark, but that was a small price to pay, as they would be involved in some of the best racing they had experienced in their entire racing careers.

Luke Johnson and Menxies Motorsports were excited upon learning that rounds 5 and 6 of the TORC Off Road Racing Series would be held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Racing in the Pro-Light class, team member, Luke Johnson and his Menzies/Red Bull #14 were the first to embark upon a race on the dirt track. Starting tenth, it didn't take long for the driver to muscle his way toward the front, as with every turn came confidence and a faster lap.

After a mandatory caution, Luke continued racing with fire in his eyes, but unfortunately, his truck was stricken with "unpreventable mechanical issues" and he had to give up his sixth position and pull out of the race. "He was making his way through the competition," recalled a fellow team member. "We will never know if he had a chance to win, because the competition is tough in this class, and there were a lot of great drivers."

Crew Chief, Ian Beaman, went to work on the truck immediately when it came off of the track, and when the green flag dropped on the following day, Luke took to driving with his misfortune behind him and success on his mind. In fact, during the first lap, the driver made up three positions and as the race continued, logged some his fastest lap times. When the dust had settled and the checkered flag had swung, the driver had finished in the top five.

Ricky Johnson, with Menzies Motorsports recently earned a checkered flag at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, in Concord, North Carolina.

Racing in the Pro-2WD class, Bryce Menzies was the next member of the team to race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Recently finishing in second place during round three of the series, at Crandon, Wisconsin, Menzies was foaming at the bits to get out there and "show everyone what he is made of." After qualifying second he would line up right beside mentor and one-time team member, Rob (Mac) MacCachren, which would likely make a victory even sweeter.

From the second the race was declared underway, Menzies went to work, and had already earned the lead position in the first turn. From there on, Bryce never looked back, as he and his #7 Menzies/Red Bull Pro2 began to increase their distance from the other drivers. Although leading Mac by 10 seconds near the halfway point in the race, the trucks gathered up during the mandatory caution. When the race was once again deemed underway, Menzies found himself in a fierce battle with MacCachren for the checkered flag. As luck would have it, with only two laps to go, the temperature gauge began to soar, and in the best interest of the truck Bryce Menzies opted to pull out of the race.

When asked if it was disappointing to see Bryce fight so hard and have to drop out of the competition so late on the race, a fellow team member explained, "It definitely was, because he would have most likely had the win. But we all know that is part of racing, and just because you're leading on the last lap, doesn't mean you will finish that way."

As the air thickened with anticipation and the crowds stood on their feet, Bryce Menzies began the race on the following night with even more determination and confidence. The driver once again pulled away from the pack early and was in a heated battle with his mentor for first place for a period prior to moving several car lengths ahead. But this time the mandatory yellow had no bearing on his lead and when the dust had settled, Menzies was the victor.

Lining up in the Pro 4X4 class, Menzies Motorsports team member, Ricky Johnson, hit the track with anticipation of bringing home a win. As the green flag dropped, all seven trucks shot out of the gate with intentions of coming out of the first turn in the lead. Of course only one driver would be successful though, and it just so happened that the #48 Menzies/Red Bull Pro4 of Ricky Johnson filled these shoes. In fact, the driver never looked back and held the lead throughout the entire race until taking the checkered flag.

Johnson and Menzies Motorsports returned on the following night with anticipations of earning yet another win. But after a string of strange events lending to a race that will be talked about by race fans for years to come Ricky Johnson crossed the finish line in second place, behind Johnny Greaves.

Pulling away from the event Menzies Motorsports could hold their heads high, confident that they had made a showing in front of their fans and fellow drivers at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Their racing skills had shined, but the team was also aware that a portion of their success was due to their perseverance in keeping their engines well tuned and clean. That said, Menzies Motorsports has been depending on K&N products since they began racing as a team in 2007. When asked about K&N's performance, they said, "We wouldn't trade them for any other product. They simply are the best!"

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.

The Faccinto Brothers Make a Showing At Plaza Park and Lemoore Raceways

29 ago 2011

Mitchell Faccinto has had an impressive season thus far and is anticipating in finishing out 2011 strong.

One might suppose that as youngsters, Michael and Mitchell Faccinto were competitive against each other, but when it came down to it, they likely pulled together when someone else tried to outdo either of the brothers. Well, although they're both adults now, it doesn't look like there's been much change, as, although competing in the same class, the racecar drivers are both crucial components and members of Team Faccinto.

That said, through a succession of several weeks, the brother's have been making a showing at two California tracks in particular. Racing in the Super 600 class, eldest brother Michael has obviously found his groove at the Plaza Park Raceway, in Visalia, California.

Michael Faccinto has earned five checkered flags this season, three of which were at the PlazaPark Raceway, at Visalia, California.

Throughout the 2011 season, the driver has earned five checkered flags, three of which came from Plaza Park. When asked what he liked about Plaza Park Raceway, the Michael said, "because it's high banked and there's a lot of split-second reactions."

Michael's most recent win at the venue was during the Budweiser Outlaw Nationals, on May 24. Since his victory during the Budweiser Outlaw Nationals, the driver made a trip to Deming, Washington, where he took the checkered flag at the Claycup Nationals, on July 23.

Michael's younger brother Mitchell has been making a showing in 2011 at the Plaza Park Raceway as well this season. I fact, he has yet to finish lower than top five, including earning two quick times.

Recently rolling in to Lemoore, California, Mitchell took his second win of the season at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino Nationals at the Lemoore Raceway. Referring to his victory, Mitchell said, "The win felt good, because it continued the momentum for the second-half of the season."

When asked the key to winning on that particular night he continued, "Not making any mistakes, and knowing when to be patient and when to be aggressive."

Both brothers have seen their fair share of good fortune at this particular track this season. Mitchell's first victory of 2011 was at Lemoore, and Michael has experienced top five finishes in seven races there as well.

When asked the key to his success this season, Michael explained, "Being competitive week in and week out." According to the driver, with success came confidence, and he has full intentions of continuing his winning streak. In fact, both drivers have high hopes of experiencing a successful second-half of season and agree that the key to doing so is remaining focused, and consistency.

As one might suspect, upon taking a checkered flag, Michael and Mitchell Faccinto are the one's who are recognized by the fans, but both drivers are acutely aware that their team plays a huge role in their success. "They're really important," explained the brothers. "We make it a habit to work on cars every week and have a strong relationship."

Team Faccinto Motorsports depends on K&N products to keep their racecars running at their optimal performance. In fact, they have been depending upon K&N air and oil filters for ten years. Racing on dirt tracks it is obviously essential to use the products most capable of keeping the internal components of their engines well-lubed and dust free. When asked about K&N's performance the team said, "They are a reliable product and perform well."

In closing Michael and Mitchell Faccinto left a short yet meaningful message to their sponsors and fans. "We would like to say thank you, and we could not do it without all of the support."

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.

2010 to 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500's Get 30 More HP with K&N

26 ago 2011

K&N Air Intake Installed on a 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.4L

Dyno Chart for Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.4L Air Intake System

Ford introduced an all-new retro-styled equivalent to the early muscle car trend with their modern, but old-school, Mustang Shelby GT500. Mustang Shelby GT500 models are an exciting car to drive and their powerful V8 really moves. This high-performance variant of the standard Mustang seats four and is available in coupe and convertible body styles.

K&N Air Intake System for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.4L

2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.4L

The 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 models continue the retro styling while bumping up the horsepower to 540 for 2010 models and a whopping 550 hp for their 2011 and 2012 models. Ford also made some adjustments to the stability to help it grip the road around a corner.

This Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 delivers a comfortable ride and features aggressive styling, athletic handling and powerful brakes, making it one of the most desirable performance level vehicles on the market.

K&N's 57-2579 air intake system was designed for 2010 through 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 models with the 5.4 liter engine. K&N air intake systems are guaranteed to increase horsepower and acceleration. K&N dyno tests showed an estimated increase of 30 horsepower at 5200 rpm with the use of this intake system.

K&N was able to obtain this massive increase in horsepower by removing the restrictive factory air intake and replacing it with a custom designed non-metallic rotationally molded intake tube and attaching it to K&N's lifetime high-flow cone air filter, part RF-1044. K&N's RF-1044 air filter is washable and reusable and only requires servicing every 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions. It allows high air flow while providing outstanding filtration.

A heat shield is provided with K&N's 57-2579 air intake. It helps bring in cooler air by separating or shielding the air filter from the hot air surrounding the engine. The heat shield also has an opening that allows connection to the OEM fresh air duct.

Installation of K&N 57-2579 on your 2010 to 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.4L is very simple. K&N provides detailed installation instructions that make the process a breeze.

The 57-2579 air intake is backed by the famous K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty and it will last for the life of your vehicle. Adding enormous power to the already powerful Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has never been easier.

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.

Jason Line Marks 20th Career NHRA Pro Stock Pole at Brainerd International Raceway

26 ago 2011

NHRA Pro Stock Racer Jason Line

For the third time during the 2011 season, Jason Line put his Summit Racing Pontiac at the top of the NHRA Pro Stock qualifying sheet and his latest feat came during the 30th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota.

The Summit Racing Pontiac at the 30th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

With so much on the line for Pro Stock teams every time they go down the track, Line and teammate Greg Anderson laid down identical 6.607 ET's during session number one on Friday to take the provisional number one and two spots. Line just edged out Anderson with his ever-so-slightly faster 208.62 MPH.

Normally the late August air conditions during the Brainerd event are not as friendly to the naturally aspirated Pro Stock combinations as they were during this year's race. "It stayed between twenty-five and twenty-seven hundred feet," Line noted of the adjusted altitude over the course of the weekend. "It was pretty steady and that's about as good as you are going to see at Brainerd during August."

During the second session on Friday, Line continued to be strong and picked up on his earlier effort by a few thousandths but it was K&N's Mike Edwards who would bump his way to the top by laying down a 6.595. Greg Anderson also improving with his 6.597 and a mere five thousandths of a second separating Edwards' provisional number one to Line's number three 6.600.

"In addition to the air conditions being what they were, the race track itself was also very-very good," he commented. "It made for probably a little bit quicker ET's than what we would have expected to run there."

Edwards only had Friday evening to enjoy his possible pole position, as Line came back during the first session on Saturday and blazed down the BIR quarter mile to reset both ends of the Pro Stock track record and right back to number one. His 6.581 at 209.26 would set the mark just that much higher for team's hoping to grab the K&N Low Qualifier bonus check and the maximum points for the 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge.

"Our car has just been running great and it felt really good to make that pass," he said of qualifier number three. "We have been on somewhat of an upswing lately and it just feels good knowing when you go to a race that you are going to have a little something for them."

Although unable to improve on his earlier 6.581, Line remained quickest of the pack during the fourth and final Pro Stock session later in the day on Saturday, which also garnered him even more of the NHRA Full Throttle bonus points professional teams are awarded each session, should they make one of the quickest three runs of their class.

Line, who now resides in Mooresville, North Carolina, was able to show off a little and make his hometown crowd proud with his twentieth NHRA Pro Stock pole. Originally from Wright, Minnesota, a small town just seventy miles from BIR, Line noted after he wrapped up qualifying on Saturday, "I'm thinking they'll be pretty proud. They might not make it Jason Line Day but I might end up with the key to the city sometime. There will be a celebration but I don't think it will be too wild, there's a large elderly population there."

With his latest number one, Line grabbed the $3,000 bonus check from K&N Engineering and placed himself firmly in the number two spot in the 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge standings, just trailing teammate Greg Anderson by ten points.

"It's really so awesome what K&N does for our class," said Line. "The Horsepower Challenge is such a great program all the way around and the support K&N gives Pro Stock, with not only the cash bonuses to shoot for, but the R&D in their product available for racers at all levels, well it really shows what kind of company they are."

With one week off to prepare for the biggest NHRA event of each season, The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Line points out that he is going into the "Big Go" with a different frame of mind this season. "My Indy's have been forgettable," confessed Line. "If I want to do a better job there, I have to go into it with a totally different attitude than I ever have before. I'm really feeling good about it, because we have a great team, great crew and great sponsors going into it. We already have ninety percent of it done, I just need to go in there and finish it off."

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 Sponsored Vicki Golden Strikes Gold at 2011 X Games 17 at the Staples Center

26 ago 2011

Golden flew over the massive 65-foot ramp-to-dirt jump with style, throwing her bike sideways with a fist in the air as she flew past the checkered flag.

In the last line of the first story K&N Race News did with Vicki Golden, she is quoted saying "I also really want to win an X Games gold medal this summer in Women's Super X." This time around we get to start by asking her if winning the X Games Gold feels as good, or better, than she imagined it would.

Vicki Golden dominated the Women's Motocross event at X Games 17 only two days after celebrating her 19th birthday.

"It definitely feels great and it means the world to me. It was such a major win for me. Winning X Games has taught me how important it is to be mentally prepared and it has proved to me how much that can boost my performance!"

And what a performance it was, Golden, who celebrated her 19th birthday only two days prior to the X Games, extended the party by flat-out dominating the Women's Motocross event at the 2011 X Games 17, held at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, California. With over 11,000 passionate fans cheering her on, the K&N sponsored rider put together a perfect showing, posting the fastest qualifying time, getting the hole-shot and winning her heat race, and then leading wire-to-wire for the win in the main event.

Golden credits her recent professional Arenacross experience, racing in the Women's Motocross (WMX) Championship, as well as training on the Kawasaki Supercross track, for helping her be ready for the single biggest Women's Motocross event of the year.

The K&N sponsored rider grabbed hole-shot and won her heat race, and then she lead wire-to-wire for the win in the main event.

"Thankfully Kawasaki let me onto their Supercross test track," said Golden. "That played a big part since there were no other Supercross tracks to ride on. It was just another great way that they supported me this year. Sean Hamblin also came out and spent almost every day with me at the track. I feel my riding and my mentality has improved since I've been working with him so I can't thank Sean enough. It helped having a good team. Even though I am a privateer this year, I think things came together with my MotoUSA.com/Langston Motorsports Kawasaki ride by X Games too."

Winning the X Games gold means the world to her said Golden.

With her focus being on winning the gold, we wondered how things were going with the WMX series. "The WMX series hasn't been going exactly as planned. I started the season off with not finishing my second moto in the first round, so that set me back in points. I've caught up to fifth in the points, and I'm only seven points behind fourth, so I really want to reclaim my No. 4 for the year. I have had several fourth place finishes, and a third place in moto one at Lakewood (Colorado). We have three rounds left; I want to put in the results that I know I'm capable of. I'm working hard to be on the podium."

"After I finish the rest of the WMX series I really want to go back to AMA Pro Arenacross and pick up where I left off with that. It starts in October. I hope to race the West races again, and continue to earn points for my Pro license. Also, last year I had the opportunity to go to the Supercross in Geneva, Switzerland and I would love to go back there and race again. So I am pretty much going to focus on indoors again after the 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.

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