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With already five number one qualifiers under his belt for the 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge, Pro Stock standout Jason Line made his early season statement by grabbing his sixth pole for the current Challenge, and the maximum points available, during the 52nd annual O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California.
Jason Line's 6.534 pass was the quickest Pro Stock pass of the entire event.
K&N's Mike Edwards picked up where he left off at the end of 2011 and led the Pro Stock field after the first session on Thursday by posting a 6.545. A comfortable seventy-eight degrees and low humidity for the teams during session number one, the event started off with a near-perfect weather forecast that over the course of the event, quickly changed directions and made each qualifying session more important than the last.
Just one session planned for the professional teams during Friday's activities and like the day before, the weather was conducive to some great on-track action. Edwards made another good run [6.571], but this time around there were numerous teams all within just a few thousandths of a second of his proverbial pole position. Both Ronnie Humphrey and Allen Johnson laid down 6.548 runs and Jason Line a tick behind with his much improved 6.550.
When teams came back on Saturday, the weather situation had started to play not so nice. While there were two more attempts scheduled for the day, only one would be made thanks to an early in the day rain delay and when the teams did get on the track, they were greeted with much different conditions than the two days prior, including a track temp that was nearly thirty degrees cooler. Many teams struggled to just to match their numbers from earlier sessions, but Jason Line managed to blister his previous efforts in what would not only catapult him to number one, but his 6.534 would also remain the quickest Pro Stock pass of the entire event.
"The right lane at Pomona is normally a little trickier to navigate," Line pointed out. "When we were running that particular session, I really didn't feel like we would be able to go to the number one spot, but we did. We were able to make a great run and it was actually kind of a nice surprise. That's why at times, lane choice ends up being a really big deal at certain places and I feel like Pomona is one of them.
"We kind of started off a little slow and struggled some making nice runs all weekend," explained Line. "The track was a little tricky but it was really a great way to start the year, that's for sure. It's a really big deal anytime you can qualify number one. When you do so right out of the gate, you set the tone for the season and you will actually change the way people race you. Having a performance advantage is a big-big deal and it won't help you every time, but there are certainly times when it does."
With the latest number one qualifier, Line now moves to a full one hundred-five points ahead of Mike Edwards who sits at number two in the 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge point standings with 2,170 points and just a mere five points behind at number three, is Line's teammate and former 2011 K&N Horsepower Challenge Champion, Greg Anderson.
"I said I was going to win the Challenge last year and unfortunately it didn't work out for me," Line said of the biggest single payday event in all of NHRA Pro Stock and its $50,000 check to the winner. "I'm hoping that this will be my time to win it and believe me, I am putting as much effort as possible to put that to bed and win it. Winning the K&N Horsepower Challenge is bigger than any other race we have a shot at winning and I hope that everyone at K&N knows just how much all of us in Pro Stock appreciate the opportunity to have such an elite race for our class."
"I've actually started a wall at my house in the garage where I have all of my K&N number one qualifier plaques," he added with a smile. "I've got a pretty big wall, so I'm trying to fill it up."
With no chance to rest, many of the pro teams left Pomona to spend a few days at "The Strip" at LVMS testing before heading to race two on the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle tour at Firebird International Raceway, just outside Phoenix, Arizona and the NHRA Arizona Nationals, February 17-19.
The ICON Vehicle Dynamics shocks made the car handle much better and actually smoothed a lot of the bumps out according to Alexander.
The residents of Parker, Arizona were pleased as punch in welcoming the estimated 2000 plus fans that visited their town last weekend. The Best in the Desert (BITD) series Bluewater Resort & Casino Parker 425 made a huge impact on the area's economy, as race fans looking to get a close look at big time racing machines, poured in for the "Downtown Experience" before the start of the race. Early estimates indicate that not only were there more fans than at the last year's race, race entries were up as well.
(Left to right) Gavin Ferguson and Steve Alexander chilling on their new official KC HiLiTES race vehicle.
Steve Alexander and his Alexander Motorsports team debuted their new look at the Parker 425 as one of the official KC HiLiTES race vehicles. Alexander and co-pilot, Gavin Ferguson, started the race second out of five in Class 5000. The team suffered a 20-minute set back during the second lap due to a nut coming loose on the lower link pin. Once the crew from Las Vegas Dissemination identified and rectified the problem Alexander and Gavin continued to chase the leaders.
At the end of the second lap Alexander was so impressed with the handling of the car he made the decision to stay in the car and drive the last lap. With the sun setting and visibility down to zero they clipped a rock with the rear tire suffering their only flat for the entire race. Just under 10 hours and 425 miles later the brand new Bill Shapley racing engine, which never missed a beat, no matter how deep the washes or silt got, crossed the finish line in third place. "The 2332cc power-plant, protected by K&N had plenty of torque to get the job done," remarked Alexander.
The K&N protected Bill Shapley racing engine, proved to have plenty of torque to get the job done at the Parker 425.
You obviously enjoyed the feel of your new vehicle, as you made the decision to drive the last lap, what is the most significant difference in handling as you see it?
"To start, the ICON Vehicle Dynamics shocks made the car handle much better and actually smoothed a lot of the bumps out. We also changed up our Mickey Thompson tires from a 31" tire in the front to a 33". Between the two, the car was so much more enjoyable to drive."
Is there one moment of the race that stands out?
"The only thing that comes to mind as a highlight is when Robby Gordon's helicopter got in front of us and flew backwards to let us know that Robby was coming up on us. We were able to get out of the way without either one of us losing any speed." (Gordon went on to win the race).
Even after a nut came loose on the lower link pin, and an excessively long tire change, Alexander still managed to land on the podium in third place.
Are there any lessons you learned in 2011 that you would like to change or improve on during this season?
"Being that the Class 5s weakest point is the front arm, we are in the process now of developing a new front arm design for the car and plan on debuting this for the Silver State 300 in May 2012."
How much did the flat tire slow you down?
"Normally it only takes about 4 to 5 minutes to change a tire but due to some very ambitious older spectators/course workers and a very old floor jack it cost us about 15 minutes. I just didn't have the heart to tell them we can just do it ourselves, but it was the last lap, and we were only 15 miles from start/finish, and I really think it made their day to know they did their part to help a racer."
When and where do you race next?
"BITD Mint 400 on March 24th, 2012."
We did it for love. It's a line that many athletes from sports yesteryear have uttered. But for drag racing legends and historians John and Don Ewald, the phrase takes a whole new meaning. The brother's website, www.wediditforlove.com, is the Internet's ultimate visual encyclopedia for drag racing enthusiasts.
John Ewald's John Buttera built BankAmericar dragster
The brother's involvement in drag racing dates back to the sports glory days in Southern California, at places like Lion's Drag Strip. Don got John interested at a car show, and the two would embark on a journey that continues today.
"Don got to be the hero driver and my roll with the dragster was financial and publicity," John said. "After going regularly to Lions with the car club I started shooting photos of our members cars, this led to CJ "Pappy" Hart offering me the position of track photographer."
That's where John's career took off. As the Internet began to explode in popularity, John and Don decided to start a website, a place that could become a meeting ground for legends and fans to come together and share stories and memories. The site started in 1998, and has since added more than 180,000 photos. While membership to the site has struggled in the down economy, We Did It For Love remains a popular meeting ground for racers.
Over the last decade, nostalgia racing began to make a meteoric ascent in popularity, and the Ewald brothers decided it would be a good chance to get back to working on cars as well. They have since restored three cacklefest cars, cars built to fired up at exhibitions and put on display.
"The last one I restored was Gary Ritter's Blood, Sweat & Nitro," John said. "This full bodied car was built in 1968 by Jim Davis and is the only surviving car of its type. Gary won several races at his home track of Freemont Drag Strip in it."
Ewald added this car to his collection that includes the BankAmericar and Mastercar. Blood, Sweat & Nitro has been on display at the NHRA Museum in Pomona, Calif. and is for sale.
When asked about the people who have meant the most to the brothers over the years, they both rattled off lists of drag racing legends that could hardly be rivaled.
"John Buttera built us the best car we've ever had, the BankAmericar," Don said. "Working with Keith Black (of Greer-Black-Prudhomme dragster fame) for six years was invaluable. C.J. "Pappy" Hart, who gave me a job, or in other words let me volunteer, when I was first starting in racing. There are so many that come to mind that I've been lucky enough to know in my 45 years in racing."
John echoed Don's sentiments on Hart. "I would have to agree with Don and put Pappy Hart at the top of my list. He gave me the opportunity to be the Lion's Drag Strip photographer, which set up my successful career. Pappy also was a great teacher in the way he brought out the best in everyone. He taught us values, sportsmanship, fairness and patriotism."
For the Ewald brothers, Auto Club Raceway at Famoso has now become their home away from home. The historic March Meet and the California Hot Rod Reunion are can't miss events that allow the brothers to get together with their racing friends and share great moments.
"For us, the Hot Rod Reunion is the one event we'd have to be dead to miss," John said. "It is truly a reunion intertwined with a race. The reunion has reunited hundreds of old friendships as teams for racing and cacklefest. Sadly each year it is the last time we see some of our old friends as time takes it toll."
K&N Filters is proud to have partnered with the Ewald's restored cackle cars. When asked why they choose to be affilitated with K&N, John had an easy answer.
"Simply every product K&N makes is the best way to get the most out of our engines while protecting those expensive parts from damage. We proudly display the K&N logo."
With one race remaining TUF Racing is in second place overall in the AMA Arenacross Series. Photo by smugmug.com.
Rivalries in sports are pure money. They're the gold standard for drawing fans by creating drama. The 2012 AMA Arenacross series has a dandy growing with each round like a snowball rolling down mountain. As with most good rivalries they originate organically, they're not contrived, and the combatants often share the same skill sets.
Jeff Gibson retaliated in Madison by taking the hole-shot and leading the main event from green to checkered flag. Photo by smugmug.com.
For TUF Racing's Jeff Gibson things heated up in Madison, Wisconsin at the Alliant Energy Center. Gibson started off great on Friday night easily winning his heat race. However, the controversy began in the dash-for-cash event as Tyler Bower intentionally knocked down Gibson on the last lap going for fourth place. Being that this race only pays the winner that came off as a total bone-head move.
"I have no problem with aggressive racing, that's what Arenacross is all about. I do have a problem when a rider is intentionally trying to hurt another rider, TUF Racing's team manager Dave Antolak told K&N. "The AMA has warned, fined and taken away points from Bowers and since then there have been no other incidents. So I would have to say the AMA did a great job in dealing with this situation. The sad part is Tyler is a very talented rider he doesn't need to resort to such behavior to win.
Gibson retaliated in the main event in the most significant possible way, he grabbed a massive hole-shot, then led every lap before taking the checkered. Saturday night started out as a carbon copy of the first night with Gibson easily winning his heat. Only then he won the dash-for-cash too. Gibson donated those winnings to a local teen center. Bowers was not allowed to participate in the dash as a punishment for his shenanigans in Friday's race. In the Saturday's main Gibson slid out halfway through the race going for third place. He got up and managed to finish fifth. Although that was a little disappointing for TUF Racing, they did make up 16 points on the leader and took over the points lead.
We spoke with Antolak again after round nine in Lexington, Kentucky at Rupp Arena. "Kentucky didn't quite go as well as we would have liked. Jeff was sick, but he still pulled the hole-shot in the main event and led for over half the race before it caught up to him and he dropped back to 3rd at the end. We also think we found a problem with Cole's (Siebler) suspension that we have already corrected and we are going into Fresno like we do every week expecting to win."
We asked Antolak how team's spirit and focus was at that point. "Not a lot changes in the TUF Racing camp whether we win or lose. We have had the same mechanics for the last 8 years in ,Andy Brannon and Tracin Seng, and it doesn't matter if their rider is in the championship hunt or not. They love to go racing and have the best bikes on the track and they work their butts off to do that."
"We have two riders in Jeff Gibson and Cole Siebler that are not only great riders, but are also great people to work with. As long as everyone is giving 100% effort the spirits are always high. This is our 16th year in the Arenacross series and we have had a lot of success, but if it was easy to win all the time it really wouldn't mean as much. Being in second just motivates us to keep trying harder.
Antolak's Round 10 Fresno, California prediction proved to be prophetic, as Jeff Gibson held off Bower to take home his third victory of the 2012 season at Fresno's Save Mart Center. With that win Gibson has now closed in on Bower's points lead going into the last race at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Walking away after a 120-foot spill is good - winning 2012 X Games Gold - priceless. Photo by Todd Williams.
In case anyone forgets what the "X" in Winter X Games stands for, Texan brothers Colten and Caleb Moore, have an online video archive visually pinpointing a host of definitive clarifications. During Colton Moore's second run in Snowmobile Best Trick at the 2012 Winter X Games, brother Caleb joined him to throw-down a two-man back-flip. The judges were left dazed and confused, but the pump-up crowd went batty.
At 22-years-old Colton Moore has spent nearly half his life on a snowmobile. Photo by Todd Williams.
They're called extreme sports because you best come large, or stay home and go bowling, and the line between mind-tweaking excellence and OMG catastrophe is razor thin. That particular cold reality was displayed on every video site, sport channel and even crossed over onto network news channels, where millions have now seen Colten flying the distance of a twelve-story building.
During his semifinal run in the freestyle championships at the X Games, Colton couldn't find the handle of his snowmobile after a double grab maneuver in the middle of a 120-foot jump. As the 22-year-old began his descent, he flailed his arms urgently searching for his ride to no avail. Colton thudded hard on the packed snow and slid down the hill behind his snowmobile, as stunned onlookers stood motionless. Astoundingly, Colton got up and walked it off. He even fired up the crowd that had only seconds earlier anticipated the worst.
Colton shared the X Games podium with brother Caleb who earned the freestyle bronze. Photo by Todd Williams.
"The fall I had was definitely not good! It's a horrible feeling to be flying 120 feet through the air without your sled, just preparing for impact," Colton told K&N. "But after the impact, it was a really good feeling to know that I was still okay and able to continue riding. Better than that, it was the greatest feeling ever winning the Gold!"
Just another day hanging out at work for Colton. Photo by Todd Williams.
Most fans at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colorado were surprised to see Colten competing in the finals at all after the crash, but all that training over a foam pit and more than a decade of experience as an ATV quad rider, prepared him perfectly to fulfill his X Games destiny.
"I knew I had to come bring everything I have, plus some," Colten remarked after securing gold. "For a few months I've been training as hard as I could, and I knew I had to come out here and stomp the best run of my life, and that's just what I did. I've never ridden so well in my life. I'm so pumped right now I can't even breathe."
When the snow settled on the16th Winter X Games, Colten and Caleb both shared the Snowmobile Freestyle podium with Joe Parsons taking silver and Caleb claiming bronze.
While standing atop the podium Colton explained "I was just thinking how happy I am, not only to make it to the podium, but to also have my brother right there with me."
This begs the question; do you think the inventors of the snowmobile ever expected one day their sleds would fly? Photo by Todd Williams.
As brothers, they spend a good deal of time riding together, and we wondered what sort of the wacky pranks they dared each other with during practice sessions?
"Every time we go ride, we are constantly challenging each other," answered Colton. "It's like a constant competition. I really don't know what the craziest stuff we do would be, because we tend to make everything we do a bit crazy."
"I'm getting right back on my quad and heading out to the Nuclear Cowboyz tour," adds Colton. Thanks for the support K&N!"
