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Down To Three - 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge Qualifying Heads into the Home Stretch

Jun 7, 2012

We are trying to be close to the ragged edge. You have to be that way to outrun the Summit cars. The goal is to be consistent while not shooting ourselves in the foot.

Each season, K&N Engineering provides the Pro Stock teams competing in the NHRA Full Throttle Series a huge opportunity to gain points during each event, rewarding the top qualifier with both the maximum points and the K&N Low Qualifier $3,000 bonus. Since teams began to gather points for the 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge back in late June of last year, several teams have remained quite dominate at the top of the heap and even more so since the commencement of the official start of the 2012 NHRA season in Pomona back in February.

With eight events in the books for the 2012 NHRA season, there have only been three Pro Stock teams that have been able to acquire the K&N Low Qualifier Bonus and the maximum 175 points for the Challenge. K&N's Mike Edwards got the job done during the second event of the year in Phoenix, but the two names that have been strong at the top are Jason Line, who has grabbed the pole four times already this year and 2009 K&N Horsepower Challenge Champion, Allen Johnson has notched the remaining three with his latest coming for him at Topeka.

Although hoping to hang on to his number one spot, no matter what happens over the next three events, current leader Jason Line has secured a spot to compete in the 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge and it's sure to be fierce battle for the $50,000 check to the champion. Sitting in second is K&N's Mike Edwards, whose strong showing over final three events last season kept him fairly stable in the top part of the ever-changing field.

Next comes Line's teammate and multi-time K&N Horsepower Challenge Champion, Greg Anderson who at this moment holds down the number three spot with 3,185 points, just 265 points behind Line. Allen Johnson sits at number four, Erica Enders holds the fifth spot and a tight battle continues between Ronnie Humphrey, Vincent Nobile and Rodger Brogdon in their hopes to secure one of the remaining two top seven spots.

Fans will again get their say in which NHRA Pro Stock driver will fill the eighth and final spot for the HPC showdown. Voting is still underway and will end Sunday, June 17th, 2012 at 11:59pm ET.

Allen Johnson currently sits in 4th place in the 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge.

2009 K&N Horsepower Challenge Champion, Allen Johnson obtained his latest number one qualifier during the NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park, Topeka only after first watching Jason Line snag the early bragging rights during the initial qualifying session. Where Johnson seemed to struggle out of the gate for the event, only managing a 6.654 and a fourth position, Line's slightly quicker 6.646 was good enough to set the bar.

With slightly cooler air, and a track that was nearly twenty degrees cooler, Pro Stock teams returned to the track for their second session on Friday to take advantage of some of the best conditions they would have all throughout the four scheduled qualifying sessions. Many teams improved during this session, and after a lot of juggling spots around on the ladder, it would be Allen Johnson making the best lap of the pack of any session during the weekend. Johnson's 6.618 would outpace the nearest time of Greg Anderson by eight thousands of a second and hold him on top of the class for the number one spot.

Johnson's feat during the NHRA Summer Nationals was his third of the season and the fifth $3,000 K&N Low Qualifier Bonus that he and his Dodge Avenger have picked up since the new HPC season started mid-2011.

Leading into Johnson's most recent event, he and his team tested quite extensively at St. Louis' Gateway International Raceway. Johnson made numerous mid-6.50 runs in preparation for the Topeka event as well as the remained of the season. "Every test session we have is valuable. We just peck away at thousandths, not major things, thousandths in the motor, thousandths in the chassis, thousandths in the clutch. Most of all, we preach consistency. We don't want to beat ourselves because we have a car that is capable of winning every race if we do our job."

"We are trying to be close to the ragged edge," admitted Johnson following Friday's sessions. "You have to be that way to outrun the Summit cars and Vincent [Nobile] and Mike [Edwards]. You have to be on the edge, this side of the edge. The goal is to be consistent while not shooting ourselves in the foot."

With just Englishtown, Bristol and Chicago [Joliet] events remaining, Pro Stock teams are beginning to salivate at the thought of winning what they all consider, "The Big One." Many teams consider winning a K&N Horsepower Challenge Championship even bigger than winning Indy. Whether it would be their first, as would be the case for current HPC points leader Jason Line or a new K&N HPC Championship ring to put on another finger for some additional flaunting and ribbing that Allen Johnson has admittingly enjoyed with his fellow classmates over the years, there is not one team that does not want the 2012 Championship more than another.

"What Steve Williams and the entire K&N family continue to provide for our Pro Stock class is just outstanding," said Johnson. "The spotlight they put on our class is much appreciated and the opportunity to race our way into this special shootout, just the prestige of running in the K&N event is very, very important to me and our team."

As past seasons have proven, no matter who earns the 2012 K&N HPC championship, for those in the stands, on the sidelines or watching at home on TV, it will come down to some of the most exciting, nail-biting drag racing of the entire season. The 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge will take place on Saturday July 7th as part of the 6th Annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

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.

Michael Self Wins the K&N Pro Series West Race at Brainerd Int'l Raceway in Minnesota

Jun 7, 2012

This car could not have been better. I'm glad to be a part of their first win. We've been fast all year long.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West's first trip to Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota produced a career first for Michael Self. He won the first K&N Pro Series West race of his career chasing down Dylan Kwasniewski in the final laps of the Brainerd 125 and passing him on the white-flag lap of the 50-lap race.

"We were ready. We ran a flawless race," said Self, a developmental driver for Richard Childress Racing. "This car could not have been better. I'm glad to be a part of their first win. We've been fast all year long. We've just had terrible, terrible luck. I feel like we've been due for this for five or six races. This is one we just finally put everything together."

Self won his first race in 33 career starts on the K&N Pro Series West. His previous best finish was a 4th place.

Self won his first race in 33 career starts on the K&N Pro Series West. His previous best finish was a 4th place. Kwasniewski, the leader in the K&N Pro Series West standings, ran into transmission problems in the closing laps of the race after leading a race-high 39 laps. Self trailed Kwasniewski and Greg Pursley for most of the race, but was able to maneuver around both drivers for the win. "These guys are such a blast to race with," Self said. "They race so well. They race so hard. We've given everything for two years and finally it paid off."

Kwasniewski held on for second place and extended his lead in the K&N Pro Series West standings. It was his fifth podium finish in six K&N Pro Series West races. "For the last 10 laps, it kept popping out of gear, so I was driving those last laps with my hand on my shifter to try to keep it in place," Kwasniewski said. "And those last two laps when I went off over there [Turn 9], I completely lost it. I didn't have second gear, it kept popping out, and finally went away."

Pursley, the reigning K&N Pro Series West champion and Kwasniewski's teammate at Gene Price Motorsports, was third. Derek Thorn was fourth, followed by David Mayhew in fifth. Kwasniewski has a 17-point lead over Pursley in the K&N Pro Series West standings after six races. He has finished in the top-five in all six races.

The next K&N Pro Series West race is at the Bullring in Las Vegas on June 2.

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.

Flashy Debut for Kathy Fisher's New K&N Engineering Dragster - Fans Join Celebration at Norwalk

Jun 7, 2012

NHRA Div 3 Tech Director, Ritch Bowers presents the 'Best Appearing Car' award to Kathy and crew for her K&N American Race Cars Dragster during opening ceremonies.

After months of preparation and careful planning, K&N racer Kathy Fisher of Lima, Ohio unveiled her new 2012 American Race Cars K&N Engineering dragster for the masses on hand during the 6th anniversary of the B'laster Cavalcade of Stars at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio. The event was the second stop on the 2012 NHRA Division 3 Lucas Oil Series schedule.

"We realize that we are not the first to get a new car," laughed Fisher. "But this whole process was very special to me since it is my very first new car and only my second dragster. I really wanted to share the fun and celebration of her debut with everyone, friends, fellow racers and of course, the fans. We planned something a little different in that we had an actual debut party for the car during the event at Norwalk."

On Saturday, and the largest attended day of the event, Performance by Fisher Racing provided free food along with an up-close look to all that stopped by their pit area of both the new K&N American Dragster and the team's K&N Top Dragster, equipped with its new Pro Charger. Numerous prizes were also given away at the commencement of the party from $500 gift cards provided by Mickey Thompson, to the tons of cool swag and air and oil filters provided by K&N, as well as several other manufacturers. The party, which started at 11am, boasted more than four hundred attendees that took advantage of the free meals and as many as three times that who stopped to take photos, get autographs and chat with both the Fisher's and their crew.

I also want to say a very special thanks to Adam Stadler from K&N who designed Lil' Vixen's award-winning paint scheme.

"The debut of this new car and the party completely exceeded our expectations," she confessed. "I suppose I didn't really know what to expect, since we had never done anything like this before. It was such a fun day for all and by the time it was over, between talking to everyone, making both my runs on the track and Kevin's two Top Dragster qualifiers, my voice was gone. It was actually overwhelming at times and we not only had our full race crew but also our staff from our shop, all on hand to help. We did everything in our power to make sure there wasn't one fan or racer that came by that wasn't greeted and attended to. We were so grateful for all who stopped by."

Performance by Fisher Racing has been featuring many moments of both the entire new K&N American car build, as well as highlights of the Pro Charger addition to Kevin's Top Dragster, on their online video reality series, "Married with Dragsters". The party, dubbed the "Married with Dragsters - New Car Debut Party" also boldly announced the name that Kathy selected for the new car.

Strapped in and ready to go, Kathy Fisher's appropriately named 'Lil' Vixen' awaits its very first shakedown pass.

"Yes, I like to name my cars. Why not, it's kind of fun," she joked. "The old hard tail car I raced for eight seasons was 'Beastie' and it was rather surprising when folks started to randomly ask me, what I would pick for the new car. Guess I was a little shocked that folks were really paying that much attention and were even that interested. So, after much thought and kicking around several names, 'Lil' Vixen' was chosen."

"K&N has always been a major part of our racing operation and to really be able to feature all the K&N products that we have on both cars and especially the new American Race Cars dragster, was a lot of fun for me," said Kathy. "Normally, I don't drive separate to the event, but with all the extra food and prizes, I even had my daily driver there. So to look around our pit, to stop and think about everything that we had there that is protected by K&N products, was really something else. The Chevy 3500, my Trailblazer, both dragsters and even the generator, if K&N offers it we have it installed."

From top to bottom, the power plant between the 2012 American Race Cars frame rails gets the advantage of full protection from K&N Filters.

Much like Kathy's previous dragster, the new car features both the K&N HP-6002 Wrench-Off Oil Filter, the 100-8512 2nd Generation K&N Composite Scoop, which includes the specially designed tray and K&N high-flowing air filter, along with many K&N breather filters on various tanks. One of the newest items that Fisher has begun to utilize on her new 8.90 car is one of the K&N in-line fuel filters, part number 81-1003.

"Of course we would want the same protection for our fuel system that we are giving to the rest of the car," Fisher pointed out. "Now, air, oil and fuel all are filtered by K&N. It doesn't get in, so to speak, without going through K&N first and we wouldn't have it any other way."

Kathy Fisher's Alcohol-Injected Big Block Chevy now also utilizes one of the new K&N in-line fuel filters.

Not only was the debut party for the new K&N American Dragster a tremendous success, there were also several other highlights for the team over the three-day event. Kevin Fisher, who wheels the team's K&N Top Dragster, made his first full hit on their new Ohio Crankshaft Pro Charger motor to post his very first career six second run, [6.641] during the second qualifying session. He returned during the final session on Saturday evening to lay down a 6.584, in front of the jam-packed house at Summit Motorsports Park.

Out of fifty-one cars vying for one of the thirty-two Top Dragster spots, the final lap placed Kevin at nineteen on the sheet of the quickest qualified field in the history of the class thus far, no matter what the sanctioning body. With a bump of 6.674, that record may actually hold for a while.

Looking good and running good, Kathy Fisher's New K&N 8.90 dragster readies for its maiden voyage into its first round of competition.

For Kathy, the event was not only the first time she had the opportunity to take her new 2012 K&N American down the quarter mile, it was her first driving it around at all. "With only eight days from the time we picked up the chassis and just four from picking up the freshly painted body, we did not have time to test at all and with a couple of things that came up, even an opportunity to fire her up for the first time of the season until Friday morning of the event," she explained. "So the first time I even drove the car under power was to the staging lanes for the first time run session Friday morning. It was a little nerve wracking to say the least. This car is quite a bit different from my old one, which was a hard tail. I had a lot going through my mind and as excited as I was to make the first hit, I was just as anxious to get the initial shakedown pass in the books."

After just a few minor adjustments during the two time run attempts she made, Kathy went into first round on Sunday morning without yet making a full quarter-mile run, but yet enough info to be able to dial a close 8.885 lap on the 8.90 index. "This car really works and now that I am just starting to feel comfortable with her, I really feel like we have a good grasp on what she wants to get the job done," she noted. "I am so very excited for our next event and more seat time."

Kathy's dragster utilizes K&N's new 2nd Generation Composite Hood Scoop.

Before the Fisher's wrapped up their weekend, Kathy was awarded "Best Appearing Car" for the new K&N Engineering 2012 American Race Cars dragster. One must note that the selection was quite an exceptional feat to be singled out for the award, with the well over 570 other entries on the grounds for the event.

"We didn't leave empty handed by any means," she exclaimed of the award presentation. "The debut party itself, Kevin's awesome mid-six second runs and just being able to finally step back and truly appreciate the fine piece that I am so privileged to be able call my own, is nothing short of almost mindboggling."

"Yes, I am just that proud of the finished product," she continued. "This car was built by the best, with nothing but the best parts and pieces, and of course, she is protected by the best with K&N. Steve Williams, Tony Yorkman, Ryan Fellman, to say thank you so much for everything, is really not good enough. I also want to say a very special thanks to Adam Stadler from K&N who designed Lil' Vixen's award winning paint scheme and to Todd's Extreme Paint for laying down the red, orange pearl and the awesome hand painted carbon fiber look and of course, she wouldn't be my car without all that red and orange metal flake. Pictures do not do this American ride justice."

Both Kathy's K&N Engineering 2012 American Race Cars 8.90 index dragster and husband Kevin's K&N/Ohio Crankshaft Top Dragster have a long season ahead as they dabble in two sanctioning bodies for championship points. Over the next month the team has events planned for both IHRA and NHRA that include stops in Pittsburgh, PA, Joliet, IL and a return to Norwalk, OH.

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.

BDC Drivers Steal the Show at 10th Anniversary of Japfest at Castle Combe Circuit

Jun 7, 2012

Thrilled fans spent much of the time on their feet looking to get a better view of the extreme action.

There are things so overwhelmingly scrumptious that with a single taste you risk becoming immediately addicted. The Maxxis British Drift Championship has that sort of powerful allure, collecting enthusiastic converts at an alarming rate wherever and whenever they do their total sensory assaulting thing. Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire, England was the venue for the 10th birthday celebration of Japfest. With over 15,000 fans in attendance, at what is arguably the largest Japanese-based car show on earth, drift racers did their "thing" and flat-out stole the show.

Castle Combe is a fast-paced circuit with flowing corners that are ideally suited to drifting.

A select group of Maxxis British Drift Championship drivers and Team Japspeed were invited to be a part of the monster celebration this year. The collective drifters were allocated three extended time slots throughout the day to showcase their extreme skills, resulting in some of the most epic on-edge driving that the UK fans had ever experienced. Castle Combe is a high speed circuit not intended for the faint-hearted, offering up some fantastic flowing corners fittingly designed to allow gifted drivers to drift in and out like a high speed tango.

The BDC drivers and Team Japspeed monochrome monsters smoked up their Maxxis MA-Z1 drift rubber before the huge crowds that gathered at every available nook and cranny to witness stunning drift techniques with colorful names such as the Scandinavian or Finnish flick, the Pendulum turn and Manji Drifting. The twinning between "Baggsy" and "Smokey" around Quarry corner brought people up on their feet as they searched to get a better view of the door-to-door motorsport dance. At other times over 30 cars held huge drift trains around the fast-paced Wiltshire Circuit stirring fans into a further frenzy.

The 10th anniversary Japfest was yet another great opportunity to showcase the cars, the drivers, and what the BDC is all about to the spectators, and to that end the event was yet another huge success for initiating motorsport fans to the joy of drifting. The Maxxis British Drift Championship is in fact growing so exponentially, that now the 2012 series is going to be televised on Motors TV. This is a huge step forward for sponsors and everyone involved, and very exciting times for UK drifting as it takes steps towards to becoming a mainstream motorsport and a must-see event.

Round 2 of the BDC will be on June 1st and 2nd at the Norfolk Arena, with Motors TV programming providing footage that will allow to catch up on any action that you may have missed.

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.

Andy Forsberg has Successful Weekend with Podium Finish at Silver Dollar Raceway

Jun 7, 2012

Andy Forsberg experienced success early in the 2012, and is looking forward to what might transpire during the remainder of the season.

Andy Forsberg and his crew recently wheeled into the Silver Dollar Speedway, at Chico California excited about what might transpire in the hours to come. As one might suspect, the driver was eager to get the 410 class points race underway, but there was even more at stake on this particular day. The A&A Motorsports #92 car was fine tuned and ready for its 2012 debut.

As the fastest qualifier, Forsberg's eagerness continued to soar. "It's always nice to be the fastest time, but we knew that qualifying was just the start of what we were there to accomplish, which is always to win the main event. The key to success was to have all of our ducks in a row," continued the driver. "The car was prepared perfectly and we were fast right out of the trailer."

After finishing third in the heat race, Forsberg and #92 were to start forth in the twenty-five lap, main event. On a wet and heavy track, the top five drivers in the field continued to challenge each other for the top spot on the podium until the checkered flag finally flew. At the races end, Andy Forsberg crossed the finish line in third place, behind Sean Becker and Kyle Larson, earning himself a spot on the podium.

"I went from sixth to third and then to second," recalled Forsberg. "None of the top five held their position all that long. The track was crazy fast, and it made for a great race." When asked if he enjoys fast and furious races, he said, "I did have fun, but I enjoy getting the lead and staying there more than anything. We had a shot at the win, so that's really all you can ask for."

Andy Forsberg recently earned a spot on the podium at the Silver Dollar Raceway.

On the following day, Andy Forsberg and his team had very little time to enjoy their recent success as they were focused on the 360 class points race that was scheduled just hours down the road at the Placerville Raceway, in Placerville, California.

Finishing the qualifying race fifth quickest from the seat of the F&F X1, the driver prepared for his heat. After taking the third place spot in the heat race, Forsberg would start fifth in the main event. During a fierce battle, Forsberg managed to move up one spot by the race's end, earning a fourth place finish, and capping off a great weekend of racing.

When asked if his success at the Silver Dollar Speedway was a confidence booster for the following night, the driver explained, "Not really. I go to each race planning on winning, regardless of what happened the night before. I will say that when I do put a bunch of wins together, I feel like I can't do anything wrong and everything I plan on doing on the track will work out. The F&F X1 is always fast," he continued. "Those guys always give me a well-prepared car, and we are definitely confident when we race at Placerville."

During the 2011 season, Andy Forsberg competed in seventy-one races, and plans to race in a comparable number events during 2012. When asked if he preferred racing in either the 360 or 410 class, the driver was quick to answer. "I don't have a preference. I just want to be racing. It don't matter what engine is in the car. I love going racing." Referring to the key to success throughout the remainder of the season, Forsberg said, "We have to be prepared at every race when we unload, stay out of trouble and create our own good luck."

Andy Forsberg's driving skills and experience obviously play a huge role in his success, but the driver is quick to credit his team for the role they play. "The team is the most important aspect in racing," explained the driver. "It doesn't matter how good the driver is, if the car won't perform at top level."

Referring to the importance of maintenance, he continued, "Our maintenance checklist that we use every week, says, 'Championships are won at the shop!' We can't control certain events that happen on the track, but we can control mechanical failure as long as we are doing our job in the shop."

That in mind, Andy Forsberg and his team depend upon K&N products to keep the internal components of their engines contaminant free. "We use K&N air filters, filter oil and air filter cleaning solutions," explained Forsberg. "We have been using K&N products since the early 80's, when my dad finally started using air filters instead of just having open stacks on his engines. We love them. They work great, and we love our relationship with K&N."

When asked what fans can expect from Andy Forsberg in 2012, his answer was short and to the point, "Hopefully, lots of wins, and maybe a championship or two. We are trying hard."

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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