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Darrell Wallace Jr. Takes the Win at the NASCAR K&N Pro Series Race at Greenville Pickens Speedway

Apr 12, 2012

Darrell Wallace emerging from his car in Victory Lane.

Darrell Wallace Jr. was back in Victory Lane at Greenville Pickens Speedway in South Carolina, the site of his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East career win. Wallace won the pole and led every lap but one in the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 on Saturday night. It was the sixth K&N Pro Series East win of his career and his first since winning the 2011 season finale at Dover International Speedway in Delaware.

"Awesome run from the drop of the green flag to the drop of the checkered flag," said Wallace, a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing. "It was a very intense race, but a very slow-paced race. Didn't know how weather was going to play out in the end. Luckily it played out very good and we came out with a win."

He won the first race of his K&N Pro Series East career at Greenville Pickens Speedway in 2010. Rain washed out qualifying and Wallace started from the pole. He led the first 127 laps of the race, his only challenge coming from Brett Moffitt. Moffitt took the lead for one lap, 128, and gave it right back to Wallace on lap 129.

Darrell Wallace and his team in Victory Lane.

Corey LaJoie, the son of two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Randy LaJoie, was second. He had four top-five finishes in 2011, including a runner-up at Bowman Gray Stadium. His team brought a new car to the race at Greenville Pickens, but he said he was disappointed with his runner-up finish. "It was really good, being that it's a brand new car," LaJoie said. "We didn't know the first thing about it. We came here, the first practice, and worked it all out. Now I sit here in second."

LaJoie added that his team is close to winning a race. "You can look at it one way, where you want to be in victory lane, because I've had a couple second places," LaJoie said. "I haven't been able to break that barrier into victory lane yet. If we keep running like that, they'll go our way. I'm sure of it."

Brandon Gdovic finished third, his best career finish in a K&N Pro Series East race. "It was definitely an interesting one," Gdovic said. "I don't even know where we started actually. Fell back, pretty far back. Our plan from the beginning was to cruise, basically, just the whole time. I think I went 10 laps a little too late there, but ended up third. It was a good run for us. I'm really proud of the guys."

Travis Pastrana under pressure.

Moffitt dropped back and finished in fourth place. Eddie McDonald was fifth. The race included Travis Pastrana, who started on the second row in the third position. Pastrana ended up in 20th place. Dylan Kwasniewski, a 16-year-old driver and the K&N Pro Series rookie of the year for 2011, made his K&N Pro Series East debut and turned in a top-10 finish. He was seventh. Chase Elliott, the son of Bill Elliott, was sixth.

Wallace has a one-point lead, 74-73, over Ben Kennedy in the K&N Pro Series East standings after two races. Kennedy turned in a ninth-place effort at Greenville Pickens and opened the season with a sixth-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway. Wallace started the season with a disappointing 18th place finish in the season opener at Bristol. He started on the front row in Bristol with pole winner Nelson Piquet Jr., but fell back midway through the race.

Wallace had no problem staying out front at Greenville Pickens though. "I just want to thank God for keeping me safe, all the fans for coming out and especially Joe Gibbs Racing for putting me in this," Wallace said. "This is one bad ride right here. A little bit of cosmetic damage, but we were able to hold on to it. They always put a great piece under me. We'll go to Richmond next. They have a good car, a good set up for there, so I am very excited about that race."

The next K&N Pro Series East race is the Blue Ox 100 at Richmond International Raceway on April 26. The Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 will be broadcast on Speed on May 3 at noon PDT.

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'Furr-ocious' Michelle Furr Preps for the 2012 NHRA Season, as Do Her Children

Apr 12, 2012

K&N's Furr Racing and two of their ever-growing stable of drag cars.

After a very successful and quite memorable 2011, K&N's Michelle Furr of Galax, Virginia has set out to acquire some new goals in 2012. With a near NHRA National Event double under her belt from her outstanding performance during the O'Reilly Auto Parts Nationals at zMax Dragway, where she put both her Ohio Crankshaft/K&N rides in the final, taking the win in Super Comp and runner-up in Super Street, Furr is both grateful for her past success and hopeful for her season that lies ahead.

"Winning that first Wally is so much more than I ever thought it would be in a lifetime of dreams," she reflected back on one of her most exhilarating weekends of her life. "I'm sure that memory will always make me smile and if my racing had to end tomorrow, I'm good. It would be nice to keep marking off that bucket list though, winning two Wally's at one event, a championship Wally or even the big one - driving a pro stock ride. So, we'll see what God has planned."

Some racers go years, decades and unfortunately their entire racing careers without making it to an NHRA National Event final, let alone what Furr was able to accomplish in 2011. To be able to repeat, can put added pressure on some racers, but Furr seems to be taking it in stride. "It's like the pressure is gone," she admitted. It's similar to my first year of Top Dragster in 2006 when I really wanted to join the 200 mph club. I was frustrated in qualifying, as the most I could get was 199 during the first few IHRA national events. Then at MIR that fall, I went 201 mph. It was one of those lifetime memories you keep with you. And while I can run TD now, I am really, really enjoying throttle stop racing."

It won't be too long before Madilyn will be wanting to step into one of Mom's rides.

Furr's preparation for 2012 has included everything from freshening both her versatile 1968 Camaro SS and her 2002 Undercover dragster. Between the two cars, she will once again be seen competing in a multitude of classes from all three index or Super Classes to Top Dragster. Furr and her husband, crew chief Rick, have already hit the track to test and with new plans for the season have even sought advice from multi-time NHRA Champ Peter Biondo.

"After making a huge effort to get both our cars to NHRA National events last summer, we knew we needed to look at making some changes. With Super Street not being contested at the national events that are local to us, we just needed to regroup. Since another car wasn't a possibility and Rick wasn't too sure about making a heavy Super Street car into a Super Gas car or even if I could cut a light on .400 pro tree versus the .500 in the 10.90 class, we reached out to fellow K&N driver and promoter of the K&N Spring Fling 20's, Peter Biondo. We know Peter as a great driver and super fellow racer who was extremely helpful in his advice to us on a good 9.90 setup for the Camaro."

Drag Racing is quite the family affair for K&N's Furr Racing.

Michelle is not the only driver to be found in Furr Racing. Daughter Madilyn and son Adiayn both compete in the ever-popular JR. Dragster program.

"Madilyn, who is twelve, was in her fourth year and Adiayn, eight, was in his first year of JR. Dragster racing last year and their programs took a back seat to allow Mom to compete at more of the NHRA National events level season," Furr explained. "So they are really ready to get going this year. It's hard to find that happy medium for all of us and what we are able to haul together in trailer at the same time. I enjoy watching them even more than competing myself. Anyone who knows me knows how competitive I am, so that's huge."

Veteran JR racer Madilyn, giving some last minute advice to the newest drag racer in the family, Adiayn.

As much as the elder Furr's put into their NHRA Championship hopes, they double that energy for the younger drivers in the household. "Our kids are our lives," she stated. "I can't tell you how thrilled I was when they each made the choice to drive. I actually made Madi ask to drive for 2 months, when she was old enough, before we got her a JR. just to be sure it was what she wanted and not what Mom wanted. Adiayn actually didn't ever say he wanted to drive, he said he wanted to be his sister's crew chief and work on the cars like his Dad. Then in 2010, on our way home from the JR conference finals he said, 'I want to drive.' It was another one of those life memories, listening to the excitement of him and his sister talking all the way home. It was something else to listen as she began teaching him all about driving a JR dragster. We had kept her first JR, an original half scale with the wide rear tires."

"We felt it was a good car for Adiayn, who has been sliding anything with four tires sideways since he was two," she laughed. "This year we are getting ready to see if he will still fit in it, as he looks more like the size of a twelve year old, so we may be looking for a new JR. for him."

While the Furr's had hoped to get out a little earlier in the season, a few factors kept them away from the tracks until just recently, but as Furr points out they will be full throttle shortly. "With the weather for us early in the season and having the kids still in school, it makes our schedule start a little later than we may like it to. With making the various changes and missing the beginning of the NHRA Div. 2 events, we want to pick up the 2013 JEGS All-Stars events in the middle of the season with Atlanta and hopefully follow that through to making all the Div. 2 events next year and see where we are then to finish out 2013 for the All-Stars. We will be competing at the Charlotte, Bristol and Atlanta Nationals as well as taking a look at the closer Lucas events as well like Bristol, VMP, Atlanta, etc."

Michelle Furr and her K&N dragster on her way to her first NHRA National Wally in 2011.

In addition to chasing NHRA points, the Furr's are also looking at an additional series to compete in a little closer to home. "We are excited to learn about a six race series for points at Charlotte this year," she said. "With this short of a series, we wouldn't have the normal thirteen to twenty race commitment that most tracks have for a yearly bracket series and we could compete in it without cutting into my NHRA schedule. That would also open the door for us to take my dragster and both of the kid's JRs, so we could compete together for track points as a family. It would also allow them qualify for the NHRA JR dragster conference finals, which they love. That is an awesome event for kids."

Furr shares some of the numerous changes she and her husband Rick have made to the team cars over the off-season, "We're pretty excited about the addition of the 2nd Generation K&N composite scoop that we have added to the dragster. We also have the new K&N scoop for the Camaro, too and it won't be too long before we get it installed, as well. These are going to give both cars, more cold air for their Ohio Crankshaft motors, while not only protecting them, and from what I've heard, give them more horsepower and some additional mile-per-hour. We're really looking forward to seeing the results."

The new K&N scoops are just the latest addition to the long list of K&N Engineering products the NHRA Super Comp Event champ uses on all of their team cars and daily drivers. "Our 2003 Chevy 3500 Duramax has the K&N cold air induction and it's absolutely awesome in what it does for towing," she exclaimed. "We also use K&N wrench-off filters on everything we have. The generator in the trailer even has a K&N oil filter and both of the kids JRs have K&N air filters and overflow filters. We invest a lot as a team in all of our equipment, so it is extremely important to both Rick and myself to make sure everything is protected with nothing but the best available."

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.

Bio-ethanol Fueled Nova Bike 03 Readies for 2012 Dutch Super Mono Championship

Apr 11, 2012

The newly updated Nova Bike 03 will debut on April 9th with Hugo van den Berg manning the controls.

Don't attempt to convince Stefan Brone, or Ward Van Hout, that building motorcycles isn't rocket science, it's too late. Both Brone and Van Hout are third year Aerospace Engineering students at Delft University of Technology and they are two of the newest recruits on the Nova Bike Racing Team. TU Delft, as it's called by students, is the largest and oldest Dutch public technical university located in Delft, Netherlands, and with support from K&N, Nova Racing, a student based team, is readying Nova Bike 03 for the Open Dutch Championship Super Mono.

To ensure that enough fuel can be carried, a larger fuel tank need to be integrated into the body, and for this reason a whole new design had to be created for the seat.

Super Mono is a unique class that includes single-cylinder motors up to 800cc, which leaves a lot of room for technical interpretation, and Nova Bike 03 is an extension of that creativity potential. The Nova Bike runs on bio-ethanol, an environmentally-friendly fuel substitute for gasoline. The use of this fuel brings with it many technical challenges which students from different disciplines at TU Delft are tasked to find ways to conquer. The ultimate college final then unfolds for them on the racetrack.

As environmental awareness continues to grow, racing using bio-fuel is becoming a very hot topic, and one which embodies a large field of interest. The Nova Bike team understands this and therefore aims to design and build a motorcycle from the wheels up.

The use of bio-fuel brings comes with many technical challenges that TU Delft students are challenged to overcome.

"I will be working on the CAD-design and production of the bodywork," commented Van Hout. "Last semester I studied in the United States, where I was able to gain advanced knowledge in composite flight structures. The knowledge I gained will be of exceptional value during the production of Nova Bike 03, as a large part of the bodywork is made out of carbon fiber composites."

Van Hout became involved with the Nova Bike Racing Team through Wolf Cavens, Wolf was part of last year's Nova Bike 02 team, and also works on the design and construction of Nova Bike 03. Wolf also hand-picked Stefan Brone for the team. Brone's responsibilities include researching ways to optimize the Nova Bike's intake system. He also plays a large role in the promotion of the Nova Bike project.

For the student based Nova Bike Race team at Delft University of Technology, building a bio-fuel motorcycle is nothing short of rocket science.

I have always been very interested in everything that is designed to go fast. It is also for this reason that the concept behind Nova Bike was so very intriguing to me," said Brone. "Last year I chose to do my 'minor' in Nova Bike and in that way I was able to combine this experience with my studies."

Nova Bike was first on display in 2011 at the annual Motorcycle Exhibition held in Utrecht, Netherlands. The yearly exhibition is a way for fans and professionals to gather and kick-off the new motorcycle season. Last season the sheer amount of new motorcycles and new designs nearly rendered the Nova Bike invisible, this year though as interest in the project has grown, members of the team were bombarded by inquisitive visitors interested in the bike's latest developments. Curiosity has risen to the point where many experienced, highly skilled and respected motorcycle fanatics, chimed in this time around with a lot of useful tips.

Piloting the all new Nova Bike 03 for several races during the 2012 campaign will be former GP rider, Hugo van den Berg. Due to his obligations as editor of Motor Magazine, Randy van der Wal will not always be able to ride Nova Bike as he did last year.

"It was Motor Magazine that informed me about the proposition of racing the Nova Bike, said Hugo van den Berg. "To me it seemed a very fun challenge. I am very curious about the feeling of this bike and what the advantages are of riding on bio-fuel."

The Dutch Championship Super Mono series gets underway April 9th.

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.

Duane LaFleur Racing Builds Momentum Heading to Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis

Apr 11, 2012

I cannot worry about the red light. I had the last two races, so that is just part of racing.

There is a consolatory adage in drag racing, claiming that if you don't go red once in a while, you're not trying hard enough. Getzville, New York's Duane La Fleur won't be guilty of that charge anytime soon. LaFleur Racing recently completed their southern swing which consisted of four races in five weeks, and although things went "fair" for the team, a couple of races got away from LaFleur by less than a half a blink, but in drag racing, fouling away a chance at a win by .002 of a second may as well be a quarter-mile.

LaFleur and his K&N sponsored 1967 Camaro Roadster began their five day road trip in Orlando, Florida at the Division 2 Lucas Oil Points Race. LaFleur advanced into the third round of eliminations, before going down to an opponent running a split second closer to their dial. Next up was the second Lucas Oil points race, this one being contested at Gainesville Raceway, and it was there that LaFleur triggered the red light on by .002 of a second.

After a week and a half off LaFleur and his team attended the third Lucas Oil Division 2 event contested on Adel, Georgia and unfortunately he pushed a little too hard again, going red this time be .007 of a second. The last event on the four race southern swing was the Gator Nationals back in Gainesville, Florida, and things once more refused to go completely as planned. After red lighting at the last two events LaFleur missed the tree this time allowing his opponent to take the win. The LaFleur Race team was able to work through these first few events and learn from them, giving them the momentum to move on and get ready for the next event.

LaFleur Racing is looking to put it all together at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis on April 27th.

There are clearly a lot of positives to be taken from your southern outing. From your perspective, what are the some of the things you learned that you can apply later in the season?

"What we have learned in the last four races is that the car is performing perfectly. Race-tech built us a great race car and Larry Sexton has supplied us with a great deal of power so now it is just up to me. I cannot worry about the red light. I had the last two races, so that is just part of racing. I have been practicing on the practice tree and we will go testing a few days before the Division 3 points race in Indy. I am really looking forward to this race."

With this being your 16th season, what would you say has changed the most from the first few years to now? Also, what is the biggest change in the way you approach a new season now from when you started?

In 2012 New York's Duane LaFleur heads into his sixteenth year of competition.

"A lot has changed over the years. The LED lights have helped with reaction times and the technological advancements have made the super class racing a lot tougher. So this has made all the competitors much better and it has made the playing field much tighter. It used to be years ago if you had a .020-.030 reaction time and ran a 9.91-9.92 in E.T. you had a pretty good package. Now you better be a double 0 and run a 9.90 or you could be heading back home. These folks are extremely tough out here and you better be on your game, or you will have a short weekend. But that makes me a better racer too."

"We approach the beginning of each season going for the championship. We feel we have the equipment and ability to do well and compete to win every time we go to an event. For 2012 we have scheduled seven Lucas Oil Points Races and five NHRA National events and once we have reached the midway point of our season, that is when we will evaluate what events we need to go to, and we will adjust the rest of our schedule from there accordingly. We are hoping to finish up on the west coast at the end of the year and that we have a shot at the championship."

"The entire team is looking forward to the race in Indy. We do well at this track and we are really looking forward to going rounds, and with a little luck, maybe we can move up in the points standing as well."

The 29th NHRA Spring Spectacle of Speed Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in Indianapolis, Indiana begins April 27th.

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Michael Jordan Motorsports Starts the Season with Some Ups and Downs at Daytona

Apr 11, 2012

MJM rider, Roger Hayden, began the 2012 season with two podium finishes at the Daytona International Speedway.

After anticipating the beginning of the 2012 AMA Pro National Guard Superbike season, the Michael Jordan Motorsports (MJM) team anxiously got things rolling at the Daytona International Speedway at Daytona Beach, Florida.

Hitting the track with fire in his eyes, team member/Suzuki rider Roger Hayden didn't waste any time earning a spot on the podium. In fact prior to the event's end, the rider achieved two podium finishes, earning third places in both Friday and Saturday's fifteen-lap races.

Taking advantage of his front-row grid positions during both days the rider had some good starts on his National Guard Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000. During the opening day of the season, Hayden battled for position for several laps prior to settling into third and holding that spot throughout the remainder of the race. During the Saturday event, Hayden took the fourth position early and eventually muscled his way into the third spot, earning his second podium finish of the event.

Roger Hayden stands on the Podium after finishing third during two events of the 2012 season opener at Daytona Beach, Florida.

According to MJM Technical Manager/crew chief, #54, Richie Alexander, Hayden's confidence level was high going into the race. "I'd say one of the keys to Roger's success in Daytona was being with the same team/bikes as 2011. He ended the year running very strong and the team continued to test all winter long. So I think coming into Daytona was just a continuation of 2011," he continued. "Getting two podiums the first race of the season is really important for the Jordan team. We all know that the season really starts after Daytona, so to leave there with two great finishes will really help towards the championship."

Although Roger Hayden experienced a successful beginning to 2012, his teammate and fellow rider, Ben Bostrom, was plagued with bad luck at Daytona. In spite of starting out strong and running in the top five during both races on his Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000, the rider's fortune was short lived. In fact, after going down during both outings Bostrom had to remount and articulate through a field of competitive riders. When all was said and done, the MJM team member managed to work his way back into the thirteenth position on Friday and finished fifteenth on Saturday.

Although MJM rider, Ben Bostrom, had a stroke of bad luck at the Daytona International Speedway, he is looking forward to the remaindr of the 2012 season.

When asked about Bostrom's stroke of bad luck, Alexander appeared confident that the rider would pick himself up, dust himself off and would put the event behind him. "Ben unfortunately had a rough Daytona; sometimes Daytona can do that to a rider. I know in winter testing, he was riding really well, and is looking forward to getting back on the real tracks. Daytona is not the best judge of the season. I am pretty sure when we get back to the real tracks, we will really see what the Jordan team has for 2012. It was great to go to Miami following Daytona," the crew chief continued. "Ben was able to end the test on top of the charts and regain his confidence."

As do all racing teams, MJM has an idea of what it will take to experience success throughout the remainder of the season. The team is a firm believer that continuing their testing will prove an element of success. On the other hand, they are also acutely aware that proper maintenance always plays a huge role in the outcome of the overall season, and sports a very strong maintenance structure for their bikes.

That in mind, the MJM team depends upon K&N products to keep their engines running properly and contaminant free in spite of the rigors of racing. In fact, the team has been using K&N air and oil filters for nine consecutive years, which is a testimony to their belief in the products. "MJM feels that K&N products are of the highest quality. We wouldn't use them if they weren't. K&N products have contributed to our success. We have seen great gains with the K&N race filter," commented Alexander.

When asked what fans can expect from the Michael Jordan Motorsports team as the season progresses, Richie Alexander's answer was short and to the point, "To be up front." Referring to Roger Hayden and Ben Bostrom, he continued, "I feel that both Hayden and Bostrom are very determined riders to show what their capabilities are and the team's capabilities." In closing he said, "I would like to thank K&N for supporting our program, and we look forward to having a very successful 2012 racing 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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