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Mark Bitner Takes Checkered Flag in Big Kahuna Series

26 ago 2011

Mark Bitner wins 360 class at New Egypt Speedway in New Jersey

Mark Bitner and Team Twister Motorsports recently rolled into New Egypt, New Jersey with anticipation of testing their skills against fellow wingless sprint car drivers in the Big Kahuna Series at the New Egypt Speedway. Recalling how well the car had performed during their most previous race, the crew quickly made the needed adjustments as soon as it rolled out of the trailer. That said, their confidence level was high.

Mark Bitner's #15 410 Winged Sprint Car

Driving in the 360 class, Bitner started fourth in the heat race. After the waving of the green flag, the driver wasted no time taking the lead, and in fact, had muscled his way to the front position prior to the end of the first lap. Once taking the lead, Bitner was not challenged and took the checkered flag with time to spare.

With the heat race behind him, Mark Bitner lined up third in the feature, with even more confidence on his side. When the race was deemed underway, the driver once again took an early lead. Nearing the end of the final lap, Bitner was ahead of the second place driver by one-half the distance of the track and when the dust had settled had easily taken the checkered flag. Referring to his confidence level going into the feature, the driver said, "After the run in the heat, we were confident, and even though Joe Biasi was fast, he couldn't catch me. I wasn't challenged during the race, but Joe Biasi had a good run. If we'd had a caution, it would have been good."

When asked how his car had been running thus far in the season, Bitner explained, "The car has been running well. It's just that we haven't really concentrated on one division or track. We have been running URC 360 and running up front. We ran with the USAC Series for six races and finished 8th and 5th in two races. Running third in another race, we ran out of fuel. We ran 410 winged for a couple of races," he continued. "Which in Pennsylvania is like running with the outlaws. We are getting faster every week with that car." According to Mark Bitner, he and his team also have a street stock car that they run for pleasure. In fact, one of the crew members drives that particular car.

When asked the key to continued success throughout the remainder of the season, Bitner said, "Keep good preparation in the shop and concentrate on set-ups." Referring to his team he stressed, "My team is key. With this many cars running at different places every week, you need a top of the line crew. Dedication is what they're all about. I could not do it without them."

Understanding the importance of preventive maintenance, Mark Bitner and his crew stay on top of keeping their race cars in optimal running conditions. Referring to keeping the internal parts of the engines clean and well lubed, the driver said, "We use all of the K&N products available on the race car and the hauler. We also sell their products at our shop. I've been using K&N products my entire racing career (22 years), in a lot of different divisions. They're the best out there, period."

When asked to share his thoughts about their hopes for the remainder of the 2011 season, Bitner said, "We're confident. We've got a good roll going and are looking to pick up some more wins." Referring to his most anticipated upcoming events, the driver continued, "We're looking forward to Thunder on the Hill, a URC race at Grandview Speedway at Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania. We have won it a couple of times before."

In closing, Mark Bitner said, "I would just like to thank K&N for the many years of support. That means a lot to a local racer like me. Also, thanks to the sponsors, Bitner Automotive, Haines Towing, John Benko, Pensoil, Fuel Clothing, Simpson, Keizer Wheels, Auto Meter, Manly, Wilwood, Total Seal Rings, Powtech, Rico's Autobody, Rusty Star Ranch, Diamond Pistons, and Wings Unlimited. And thanks to my crew. They 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.

Ten Year Old Hailie Deegan Shines at Glen Helen Raceway with Two Podium Finishes

26 ago 2011

Hailie Deegan acquired a passion for off-road trucks at a very young age. Photo by Metal Mulisha.

Watching her father racing off-road trucks, Hailie Deegan acquired a passion for the sport at a very young age. That in mind, her family probably wasn't too surprised when she grew excited upon learning that there was also a classification for kids. Of course, Hailie wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and at the age of nine, found herself manning a Kart capable of running as fast as 49 miles per hour with the checkered flag in her sights.

10-year-old Hailie Deegan in her #438 off road trophy kart. Photo by Metal Mulisha

Of course there was a learning curve to be followed, and that Hailie did. Returning in 2011 for her second season of racing, the ten-year-old is now navigating the track with experience under her belt. In turn, Hailie "Dirt Princess" Deegan recently earned positions on the podium twice during rounds nine and ten of The Lucas Off Road Racing Series, held at the Glen Helen Raceway, at Devore California.

During the qualifying rounds Hailie prepared to take on eighteen other drivers in front of thousands of spectators and finished in the fifth place position. When asked how she felt about her qualifying finish, Deegan said, "Good, but I know I could do better. I just placed second and third in the last race."

Lining up in the fifth position at the beginning of the main event on the following day, and immediately behind the #474 kart, driven by Maxwell Ries, Deegan recognized and capitalized on the opportunity to pass the driver in the fifth lap. When the waving of the checkered flag deemed the race over, Hailie "Dirt Princess" Deegan had earn a third place finish, and her first visit to the podium in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

Hailie "Dirt Princess" Deegan recently earned positions on the podium twice during rounds nine and ten of The Lucas Off Road Racing Series. Photo by Metal Mulisha.

Stressing that taking third place was a confidence booster, which would follow her into the upcoming race on the following day, the young driver said, "I know I can do it! The top ten kids were all within a hundredth of a second if each other."

With the luxury of having even a better starting position in the main event on the following day, the 10-year-old, Deegan worked her way through the maze of drivers in short order, and passed Paige Porter's #462 kart, putting her in second place. Although she fought a very hard fight, Deegan never managed to pass Myles Cheek, the 1st place driver. That said, the race was still considered a success as the "Dirt Princess" once again found herself on the podium. When asked the key to her success at this particular event, Deegan explained, "Lots of hard work and practice."

Regardless of size, and horsepower, the key to keeping an engine that experiences the rigors of racing in top running condition is proper maintenance. This is a tidbit of information of which Hailie's mechanic, Craig Koback, is acutely aware. That said, the young driver's kart is equipped with a K&N air filter, which has been a staple since the beginning of her racing career. When asked their opinion of K&N products, the answer was quick and to the point, "They're awesome."

When asked how Hailie acquired her nickname of "Dirt Princess", her parents explained, "She has always been our little princess, and she loves to be in the dirt." When asked her strong point as a driver, they continued, "Her drive to win."

Hailie Deegan has full intentions of continuing her racing career and in fact has plans to eventually pursue NASCAR. That said, the youngster understands that she must presently focus on the kart she is driving now, and is confident in what it will take to continue experiencing success. When asked the key to outperforming her competitors, she answered with wisdom, "Practice, focus, listening to my dad's instructions and plenty of sleep the night before."

Hailie "Dirt Princess" Deegan expressed gratitude to her sponsors and all of the others who have played an essential role in her opportunity to get out there and participate in the sport of which she loves. "Thank you for everyone's support, God for keeping me safe, my mom and dad for letting me race, and my AWESOME fans that continually follow and support me."

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.

Team XMX-Dan Jackson Unleashes The Big One at NASCAR Pre-Race XDL Freestyle Event

25 ago 2011

If my handlebars where up here this would be a lot easier, Jackson appears to be indicating.

At some point experienced motorcycle addicts share the same nightmare, the exact scenario varies, but the haunting impact clings hold like an incessant pop song that refuses to shake from your noggin. You're riding along, lost in the moment, and for some dastardly reason your front brake locks up. Schnikes! However, in a more entertaining, parallel, bizarro world, one man's nightmare becomes another's adrenalin fix.

Without any long distance stoppie practice under his belt Dan Jackson still pulled off stupefying distance of 550 feet.

Round three of the 2011 XDL Sportbike Freestyle series was held in Nashville, Tennessee, as a NASCAR pre-race event, and for the first time since 2006, XDL held a "longest stoppie" competition - affectionately nicknamed "The Big One." A stoppie in this circumstance involved dialing a motorcycle upwards of 100mph, deliberately grabbing the front brake so that the rear-tire shoots up, and then riding along on the front wheel for as long as possible. Picture a wheelie on the front wheel.

Also on display at the Nashville event was the K&N Circle Challenge and the Racing 905 Speed and Style Competition, both of which are head-to-head stunt races. The XDL caters to the new audience of urban sportbike enthusiast and it continues to be one of the most meteoric segments of the motorcycle market. K&N sponsored Dan Jackson is one of the premier freestyle riders in the XDL, and we had the opportunity to question him about the seemly lack of good sense required to pull off the big one.

The K&N sponsored rider finished second in the 905 Speed and Style event.

Seriously, a stoppie goes against all my instincts - give us some insights how you even go about learning how to control that. Locking up the front brake is something I've had nightmares about, how ugly does it get when that goes wrong?

"Stoppies are definitely the most dangerous trick out there. Once mastered they seem and look so effortless, in the back of your head you always have to remember if one goes bad it usually results in a bad crash! I've seen some pretty gnarly stoppie crashes over the past 10 years. Nowadays the bikes are more set up with proper equipment that prevents headshake, front end wash, etc."

Few perform the Kawasaki polka with any more style than Jackson.

"I run a Scotts damper all the way locked in stiff position when rolling long distances. This prevents the headshake riders get when popping up the rear wheel too fast. Choice of tire makes the difference too. It's well known that the Michelin Pilot Power is by far the best tire when it comes to rolling long stoppies. It's a very trustworthy, sticky tire, rarely do you get front end wash attempting to pull up stoppies, even at speeds over 100mph."

"The rest is brake control. Stoppies are not a trick to learn overnight. They take lots of relentless practice mastering that front brake pull and feathering technique once you find the balance point. Balance point stoppies are dangerous. There's no coming back if you go beyond this point. The only thing you can pray for then is that your safety gear does its proper job and the bike doesn't smash you in the process."

Give us your take on the NASCAR Pre-Race Freestyle Event?

"The NASCAR event was a demo I performed during the pre-race track Fan-Walk festivities. It was a huge show for me. 45,000 rednecks going absolutely crazy for every trick I performed. It was 10 years of excitement packed into 30 minutes of fun! I'm definitely looking forward to my next NASCAR show. It's really awesome that I'm able to put my riding and sponsors in front of a large crowd and promote the sport of sportbike freestyle to a whole new market of fans."

How long have you been riding freestyle and can you briefly explain what's involved in Racing 905 Speed and Style, the Wheelie Teach Race, and the other various events?

For a number of obvious reasons freestyle riding competitions continue to be one of the fastest growing motorcycle markets.

"I've been riding bikes ever since I was a kid - motorcycles are my passion. My actual first word was bike. My mom bought be a dirt bike to keep me out of trouble and it was also an incentive for me to get good grades. I've been riding professionally now for 15 years. With professional moto-x and freestyle moto-x background, I have accomplished a lot over my career. Right now I devote all my time to freestyle sportbike riding and follow the only national point's series event of its kind - the XDL Show."

"The 905 Speed and Style is a head-to-head bracket type race that consists of various obstacles and stunts all incorporated in to a race. It involves racing around a road type course while doing burnouts, wheelies, and stoppies. One little mistake could cost you the win. Obviously this has been my problem this year. I'm smoking fast in practice, but I've been pushing the limits too much in the race, and then costly mistakes keep me out of that No.1 spot finish."

"The Wheelie Teach race is a head-to-head race on the back wheel. During the race you have to clutch up a wheelie at the start, then wheelie down and around a cone and back to the finish, all while keeping your front tire up in the air. If you drop the front-end you're disqualified. You have to know when to drop it back and get on the brakes to make the 180-degree turn around. If you blow past the cone your competitor may pass you, and if you brake too early he will make up time on you. It seems that the turnaround is the key to winning the event. You have to be smooth on the stall and clutch out in order to make sure you get the right angle of drive out of the turn. It definitely makes for an interesting race."

How many events a season do you regularly attend?

"Over the past 10 years I consistently attend approximately 40 events per year. The TeamXMX.com rig definitely racks up the miles. One year we tallied over 60,000 miles. One perk about living in the Midwest (Olathe, Kansas), its 22 hours to Florida, or New York, and 26 hours to California. I don't know if I could handle a 45-50 hour trip."

What's up next?

"This weekend I have a big demo for a Kawasaki dealership, and then Tuesday I'm off to Indianapolis for the final round of XDL and MotoGP."

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.

Video - Powerful Jeep Wrangler Accessories Installed, K&N Air Intakes

24 ago 2011

2011 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L Air Intake Installation
K&N has designed two performance air intake systems for Jeep Wrangler models with a 3.8 liter engine. The 57-1553 fits 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 models. They both have aerodynamic non-metallic rotationally molded tubes for smooth air flow. K&N dynamometer tests show an estimated 8 horsepower gain at 4807 RPM with use of these K&N performance air intakes. This video shows how easy it is to install these power gaining K&N air intakes into a Jeep Wrangler.

K&N air intake installation video - Jeep Wrangler

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 Caught Up with TiLUBE Racing's Tony Wenck Between Supercross Seasons

23 ago 2011

Daytona's challenging track doesn't slow down Goerke through the whoops.

TiLUBE racings team of Kawasaki supercross bikes are more than just pretty green machines. TiLUBE has only been involved in the supercross series since 2009 and they are already a considerable force in the sport. Their riders like Matt Boni, Manuel Rivas and Matt Goerke consistently make main events; a feat that some riders will never complete in their entire career. K&N was able to catch up with team manager Tony Wenck between seasons to see what TiLube was up to.

What is Tilube racing? What makes it a team and who does it consist of?
We race to not only showcase our products but to also prove them under true race conditions. We offer products for powersports applications. We have a very high end synthetic as well as petroleum based products. We also produce race fuels that are constantly evolving throughout the race seasons.

How long have you been a team what are some interesting facts on your history?
The team was formed in 2006. TiLUBE Racing started in Arenacross and had some success for a couple years and even won some regional championships in the Lites class.

Matt Boni stays low more time on the ground means more traction.

In 2009 we put together a 250 West Coast Lites program on Honda's with a couple rookie pro riders; Alex Martin and Ben Evans. In 2010 we had Nick Wey and he was eventually picked up to be a fill-in rider on the Monster Kawasaki team for Ryan Villopoto. Ben Evans then took his spot at TiLUBE Racing in the Outdoors on a Kawasaki 450.

In 2011 we started with Matt Boni and Matt Goerke on the 450's again racing Kawasaki's. Goerke was injured right before the season started and TiLUBE had the Spanish Supercross Champion Manuel Rivas fill in. Then Goerke returned and raced with TiLUBE until he had a horrific crash at Jacksonville, FL where he fractured his wrist and pelvis. Then a rider that was a local to us during his amateur days Cody Gillmore stepped in. He did well but it was short lived because of a shoulder injury. Cole Siebler was the fill in rider for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile Matt Boni also had a nasty crash at the Dallas round and compound fractured his tib fib. We then hired Bobby Kiniry to finish the season out on his ride.

It was a challenging year to say the least but we managed to keep two riders on the bikes at each round. We worked very hard to deliver everything we promised to our sponsors. We also have been the co-title sponsor for the last two years of the Babbitts Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki team that has won the Arenacross Championship both years.

What makes Tilube different from other motocross teams out there today?
The thing that makes TiLUBE Racing different is we are the main sponsor in an owner operator situation. TiLUBE is in the race fuel and oil business and all other brands in that category typically sponsor a team. We actually manage and operate the team. We get to see first hand how our products perform and can evaluate them at the highest level of tests. Meanwhile we can showcase our product line at the professional racing level. TiLUBE Racing is a major part of the TiLUBE products advertising campaign. We also sponsor some of the teams we compete against in Supercross.

Another night in the lights. This is the show time for TiLUBE Racing and team manager Tony Wenck.

What types of racing is Tilube involved in?
TiLUBE has motocross riders and teams across the U.S. and Canada using the product.

What are your thoughts on the 2011 supercross season?
It was a challenging year due to all the injuries our riders had. It was a year of learning and growth and having completed it, we are all excited to go racing again in 2012.

What do you have to look forward to for next season?
We are all enthusiasts at TiLUBE and the racing has been nothing less than phenomenal in the entire field. We are excited to be a part of Supercross as our program grows.

Matt Boni pushing his Kawasaki through the rhythm section.

Not asking you to pick favorites but is there a rider in particular we should watch for next season?
I think Barcia would be awesome to watch if he goes to the 450 full time. I also think Matt Boni has a lot more to offer this season and expect him to be inside the top ten from time to time. Also I believe in Mike Alessi. I think he has more talent than he has shown this past year. On the right program, he is a consistent top five rider, even in Supercross.

What has your experience been using K&N on your supercross bikes?
We have been using K&N filters for several years now. We've tried several systems and always come back to the K&N. It's unbelievable how much more power we can get with them. At the Supercross level you need every advantage you can get. When we dyno our bikes we know exactly what the K&N system produces; Power!

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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