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For the Pro 2 Unlimited Championship, Deegan drove his K&N supported Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.
"It was cool to be the first person to win Pro Lite and Pro 2 in the same season!" Brian Deegan told K&N, "I'm glad to accomplish my goal of being the first rookie to win the Pro 2 class and setting a record that will be hard to be beat, winning by almost 50 points."
Deegan won his second Pro Lite title in 2011, the first coming in 2009.
Throughout his career, be it motocross, freestyle, or driving his 900hp Metal Mulisha Pro 2 truck, Deegan has made sport of winning championships, and often he's amended record books in the process. Racing fans came in droves to witness the high-octane action of the final round of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing series (LOORRS) held at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Arizona, and watched as Deegan once again ventured where no other driver has been.
Deegan's win and third-place finish was more than enough for the K&N sponsored driver to clinch championships in two classes of the 2011 LOORRS season. Deegan locked down his first ever Pro 2 title, and the Pro Lite championship for the second time in his career at Round 15 of the series, held on Saturday December 10. No racer has ever won the LOORRS Pro 2 class as a rookie. In addition, no racer has ever won two separate classes in the same season.
Deegan and his crew celebrate 2011 Metal Mulisha domination.
For the Pro 2 Unlimited Championship, Deegan competed in his K&N supported Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, and he drove his Ford Ranger to claim the Pro Lite Unlimited title. The two championships added even more accolades to the stellar season "The General" had on four wheels, including his 2011 X Games 17 RallyCross Gold, and representing the USA in Germany at the Race of Champions. Overall, Deegan tallied a total of 21 podiums with 12 first-place wins throughout the LOORRS 2011 season.
It will be tough to top his last season performance in 2012, says Deegan, but make no mistake about, he's looking to win each time he lines up this season.
"2011 was the best season yet," said Deegan, "Winning X Games, two LOORRS championships, and back at Crandon winning. It will be hard to top that in 2012, but I look forward to having fun racing and building Deegan Motorsports. We have the most dominant team and put out the best products."
"I plan on winning every time I line up in 2012," adds Deegan, "So if that brings me to be champion again, then that's what it will be - Metal Mulisha domination!"
Often times we, as human beings, complete certain tasks to remember the loved ones we have lost. Whether it be frequent visits to the last place you saw them or getting a tattoo that reminds you of them; we each have our own way to remember these special people that we hold so dear. Christian Van Lewen has created a vehicle to do just that and has built a one of a kind Camaro SS.
Christian Van Lewen's one of a kind Camaro SS at the 2011 SEMA Show
Van Lewen's custom show car happened to be displayed during SEMA 2011. The most impressive modification has to be the extremely intricate paint job. It combines tribal designs with ghost like images on a bright blue background. Van Lewen described it as a "Fallen Angels" theme. The paint scheme continues throughout the car even onto the lip of each 22" wheel. Van Lewen still drives the car frequently and mentioned he, "Wanted to do something different and wild and that has never been done before." Let's just say it is a pretty wild paint scheme and the one responsible for laying down is Charles Armstrong, from Auto Art Studio.
Other modifications include:
This Camaro SS combines tribal designs with ghost like images on a bright blue background at SEMA
- K&N Typhoon air intake (part number 69-4519TP)
- Kinetik Batteries
- Savini 22" SV29's
- Toyo Tires
- Lexani Black Mesh Grille
- Stillen "J-Hook" Rotars
- Reverse Hood Hinge Kit by Revolution
- Granatelli Motorsports (Rear Lower Control Arms & Coil Plug Wires)
- AAC Styling (Lighting)
- Katzkin Interior done by the Todd Jubert
- Chrome Dressing for Under the Hood
SEMA featured Camaro SS with Savini 22" SV29's
Van Lewen has been modifying cars since he was 17 years old working on his 1996 Silverado. One modification that comes standard on his vehicles is a high flow air filter produced by K&N Engineering. He said, "I have always used K&N filters on all of my vehicles starting with my first vehicle (a 96 Silverado) to my Cadillac to the Camaro, I wouldn't want to use any other product." This is probably because K&N produces quality products backed by a Million Mile Limited Warranty. Or it might be the fact that Van Lewen thinks, "K&N has always provided an amazing product and have recommended them to all of my friends and family. They have great customer service when there is a problem or a concern; an amazing company with a great past and an even better future."
With the help of many friends, Van Lewen was able to get the Camaro SS ready for the SEMA show
With the help of many friends, Van Lewen was able to get the Camaro ready for the SEMA show. It took about 8 hours to detail the car alone. The car had to be washed, waxed, vacuumed, and wiped down really give it that show car appeal.
The "Fallen Angel" Camaro has hopes of getting an upgraded stereo system and forced induction further down the road. Van Lewen wanted to give a special thanks his, "friends and family, Josh Jennings and John Trevino for pushing me to get the car done, Jeremy Rice for my suspension install, Todd Jubert for the amazing interior, and Charles Armstrong for the amazing paint and artwork, and all of my sponsors that helped bring my Camaro to what it is today."
Amber's junior dragster was on display supporting an event to help raise money for Alex's Lemonade Stand.
Next time someone says you drive like a girl, value the complement. As more females enter all venues of racing every year, podiums everywhere continue to embrace their rapid and steady rate of success. For the Bell Family Racing team, the drag racing folk from Hershey, Pennsylvania, girls racing and winning is a reality show they live, only without the annoying cameras and other distractions though. Rick and Stephanie Bell's three daughter's have raced pretty much all their lives, it's how they roll together as a family, and they spend nearly half of each year on the road committed to satisfying that passion. Bell Family Racing's home track is Maple Grove Raceway.
Amber Bell, the "World's Youngest Drag Racer", will move up to the next age group (8.90 class) at Maple Grove Raceway for 2012.
Heather, the oldest, was first to race. Next was Allison, and awed by her sibling, Allison subsequently wanted in on the action. Then along came Amber, and with two racing sisters to look up at, she was clearly inspired to the second-power. So too was ESPN's E60 show, as they have scheduled a visit to the K&N sponsored family's home track, Maple Grove Raceway, this spring time to shoot a segment on Amber. This is a follow-up to her international exposure last year as the "World's Youngest Drag Racer." In keeping with the female theme this time around we spoke with the family matriarch, Stephanie, in order to get her take things.
We last spoke half-way through the 2011 season, how did the rest of year treat you overall?
"The last half of the season went very well. After Allison and Heather went back to college, Rick actually got back in a race car. He hasn't raced since Heather was a baby and he hasn't lost his edge - taking runner-up first time back in a drag car. We had a lot of rain throughout the season so we did not get as many races in as we had hoped. One special event took place at our track, when the Junior Dragster team hosted a lemonade stand to raise money for Alex's Lemonade Stand. Amber's junior dragster was on display for the fun."
Amber's junior dragster and Allison's Bell Family Racing Camaro are both familiar with victory at Maple Grove Raceway.
How is Heather doing and how did Allison and Amber finish the year?
"Heather and her husband Corey had a beautiful little boy on July 15, 2011. Needless to say, Heather did not drive at all last year, and she is looking forward to getting back into the driver's seat this season. She is a senior in college this year at BYU and will be graduating in April. We are very proud of her."
"Allison had a fun first season in a big car driving our '68 Camaro. It was very different than her junior dragster and she says it was a lot of fun to drive. She did very well and actually went to the finals finishing as runner-up her second time in the car."
"Amber did well, qualifying to participate in the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals and for the Division 1 race. Again, with all of the rain, a lot of our races, especially the fun ones at the end of the season were cancelled."
Anything new, different, or special on the calendar for 2012 you'd like to share?
"Heather and Allison plan to share the Camaro for next season. We were hoping to build a new car for Allison, but with the economy, that hasn't happened. Amber will move up to the next age group, and will be running in the 8.90 class. She is excited to be able to go faster and be more competitive. Her lights have been really good, but the slower kids have a hard time competing against the older, faster kids."
"We have a couple of car shows scheduled in January and February. We were invited by Motor Trend magazine to display the Camaro at the Pennsylvania Auto Show at the end of January and we will once again be displaying both the Camaro and the Junior Dragster at Motorama in February."
Are you enjoying your off-season and when does the racing kick back up for you?
"We have had a very nice off-season and have enjoyed our time over the holidays with Heather (and her family) and Allison home from college."
"We are now prepping for the new season starting with freshening all of our K&N oil and air filters to help protect our motors and help them to run the best they can."
"Maple Grove Raceway is our home track and our racing season there will begin in May. We plan to attend some test and tune events at our track, and a couple of others prior to that time, so Amber can get used to going a little faster."
Rispoli credits better training and more seat time on his K&N backed ANT Racing/STAR School/NationalGuard.com Suzuki GSX-R600 for his stellar season.
2011 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion, James Rispoli had the sort of race season he'll be talking about while playing checkers in the park 50 years from now. Not because it will be his high-water mark by any means, with his skill it's anyone's guess as to how high that gets set, but rather because 2011 was his first full season in professional road racing, and it was nuts for the 21-year-old Ormond Beach, Florida resident. Rispoli won two times on his K&N backed ANT Racing/STAR School/NationalGuard.com Suzuki GSX-R600, and he made it to the podium in all but one round of the SuperSport races he entered. His consistency earned him the 2011 for AMA Pro SuperSport East Championship, and the Young Gun Award.
2011 was James "The Rocket" Rispoli's first full season in professional road racing.
The headline on his press release and website reads "We are the Champions" leading us to assume he's a fan of the hit song by Queen. "Is that who did that song," remarked Rispoli laughing. "Being a champion is what I try to be both on and off the track. The AMA Pro SuperSport title was just one of those goals I was able to achieve early in my career. The real champions are all the sponsors and fans that support the sport I love."
When listing a few highlights from his 2011 season Rispoli told K&N, "Well, I picked up some great sponsors that helped pay the bills like Pittsburgh Electrical Insulation, Shakti Warriors and Techmounts. In addition the STAR School helped bring in my National Guard sponsor, without their support the season could not have happened at all. I also have to thank Ant Racing for stepping up and coordinating the team, managing the budget and the day-to-day efforts."
Asked what lessons he will take from 2011 and build on in the 2012 season Rispoli says, "First that training and seat time makes a huge difference. I got on a better training program with the help of Monster Energy and got the help of trainers from GG Events Management in Daytona. Living in Daytona for the off season allowed me to train everyday outside. Also, I trained every chance I got with Jason Pridmore and the STAR School which gave me lots of track time and riding tips."
The K&N sponsored 2011 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion only missed the podium in one race last season.
"We had a phenomenal 2011. Going into next season, I need to figure out qualifying more, how to better tell where I'm at on the track instead of looking down at a lap timer. Another goal is to ride at the front of the pack better by racing the track. This past season I had a mental block when riding my own race, and I know I can race against anybody, but I'd like to improve when racing against myself. I want to win as many races as I can. If I can win some doubleheaders, I'd be really pleased with that."
"Man I have been sponsored by K&N for a long time," continues Rispoli, "Throughout my amateur career and now into my pro racing career. We have done a lot together. We co-branded helmets and I have been using K&N go-fast products in everything we race and drive. They are a great company that has supported not just me but the sport for a long time."
Who is it you look up to as a race hero? Valentino Rossi would have to be the guy. He's always been the guy I would like to be like. I try to align myself with him, and I look up to him as a racer and a person. If he had no chance of winning, I'd pick him, just because he's so much fun to watch."
Team Cummings Motorsports recently saw their fair share of success at the NHRA Division 4 Lucas Oil Drag Racing event, held at Houston Texas.
Slate Cummings and the Cummings motorsports Team recently rolled into Houston, Texas, geared up and ready to race in the NHRA Division 4 Lucas Oil Drag Racing event at the Houston Raceway Park.
The second ranked stock eliminator driver of 2010, Slate was no stranger to success and had no intentions in letting up during the 2011 season. In fact, coming into the race he was only led in points by one driver- Jimmy Hidalgo Jr. From behind the wheel of his B/SA Moser Engineering Pontiac Firebird, the driver managed to earn a victory over Max McGlothan in a final round matchup, giving him a one point edge over Hidalgo.
Referring to the key to success during this particular event, Slate said, "We were focused as a team, and we also had good fortune. Everyone was going rounds, which always makes it a lot of fun." When asked if he anticipated moving ahead of Hidalgo prior to the beginning of the race, he continued, "I try to not get too caught up in points. Our goal is to win races. If we do that, the points will take care of themselves. I knew we had a chance. I didn't know the exact figures, but thought we were a long shot."
The second ranked stock eliminator driver of 2010, Slate was no stranger to success and had no intentions in letting up during the 2011 season.
Hidalgo eventually took the lead back over upon winning the third round of competition in the final NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event of the season at Las Vegas, Nevada. But Slate's victory also moved him up to the fourth position in the National Stock Eliminator points and practically cinched his second top-five finish for the 2011 season.
Referring to having an assured position in this elite group of drivers, Slate said, "It's a great accomplishment. Obviously, the goal is to win the championship, but if we can continue to put ourselves on the top five positions each season, championships will come."
While Slate made a showing in the Stock Eliminator class, his teammates were challenging their fellow competitors in various other classes as well. In fact, Slate's team member and "Family patriarch," Larry Cummings made it to the final round in the Super Stock with his Moser Engineering Cavalier, but lost to Jerry Emmons. Even though he lost in the semi-final round against Emmons, Slate Cummings had previously compiled ample points throughout the season to clinch the Division 4 Super Stock Championship with his 3rd place finish.
Slate Cimmings recently cinched his second top-five finish in the NHRA Division 4 Lucas Oil Drag Racing series at the Houston Raceway Park.
Driving his B/SA Moser Engineering Pontiac Firebird since early 2009, Slate Cummings has likely grown to know the car inside and out. Although appearing as nothing more than a firebird straight from the factory, the Stock Eliminator Car has seen its share of modifications on the suspension, chassis and engine. As one might suspect, Slate and his crew consider keeping their engine in optimal running condition a crucial element of success. That said, they depend upon K&N products to keep the internal components of the motor contaminant free and well lubed during the rigors of the sport. "We use K&N oil filters, fuel filters, and air filters and have been using them for as long as I can remember," recalled Cummings. "K&N is the industry leader. Knowing we have K&N filters under the hood gives us some peace of mind, and a sense of security, which allows us to concentrate on driving instead of worrying about mechanical issues."
Slate Cummings is also acutely aware of the importance of his team. "Our team is all about family. Racing wouldn't even interest me if I couldn't do it with my father, Larry; brother, Britt, and our teammates." Speaking of family, since finishing up his 2011 season, Slate Cummings and his wife have been blessed with a new addition to the family, Brody Ashton, a healthy baby boy.
When ask how they would prepare for the upcoming season, Cummings suggested they would pull typical maintenance on their fleet of competition vehicles. Anticipating the upcoming season, the driver and proud father said, "We're looking forward to a great 2012."
