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410 Winged Sprint Car Racer Justin Henderson's Victory at Port Royal Speedway

Jul 21, 2011

Winged Sprint Car Racer Justin Henderson

No one can make the accusation that Justin Henderson is not focused on racing, as he recently tackled a grueling schedule in Pennsylvania, competing in nine races in a ten day period.

Justin and his crew pulled into Lincoln speedway, at Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, on June 25, preparing to compete in their succession of races that would continue for several days. They ended up finishing 7th in the main, and were on their way to race on the following night at the Bedford Speedway, IN Bedford Pennsylvania.

Justin Henderson's 410 Winged Sprint Car

After finishing fifth at Bedford Speedway, Justin and his crew had a day off and the luxury of regrouping and reminiscing about the two previous races for a short time prior to showing up at Grandview Speedway, located at Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania, on June 28, where, after a water pump failure, they finished the A-Main in 19th place.

On the following night, the team pulled into Hagerstown Speedway, in Hagerstown, Maryland, with a determination to exceed the 19th spot where they placed during the previous race. A 12th place finish in the A-main, would leave them happier with this performance than the one before.

On the last day of June, Justin experienced more mechanical failures at the Port Royal Speedway, in Port Royal Pennsylvania, then went on to a 6th place finish in the B-Main on the first day of July, at the Williams Grave Speedway, at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Although, Justin and his crew were likely exhausted by this time in their string of consecutive races, that was no indication that Justin had any inclination of tackling the final two races of this run less than full blast. In fact, on the following night, Justin earned a first place finish in the A-Main at the Port Royal Speedway.

July 3 was the final of nine races in a ten day period. Justin arrived at Selinsgrove Speedway, located at Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, and managed an 8th place finish in the A-Main. Now, it was finally time to take a short break from his hectic schedule and get a few days of rest before his next race.

Justin Henderson's PA Speedweek victory at Port Royal Speedway

Justin and his crew never thought twice about taking on the challenge of driving during Speedweek. They knew however, that this many races in such a short period of time would prove a challenge. "Well nine races in ten days is one of the most grueling schedules in June or July for any professional sport," shared the driver, "it's hot, and everyone's fuse is real short. Mental toughness is one of the most important assets you have that week," ensured Justin. "We bent a car right in the beginning, so we had to build a new car as well. Our team did a good job of pulling it together after some late week engine problems also. It's just plain tough," he continued. "It really allows our fans and racers to show how die-hard we are. I'm from the mid west, and am not use to this. And let me tell ya, it's die-hard."

Referring to the win on July 2nd, Justin said, "We really needed that win. Our team was down and out and after losing our good motor (to a burned piston) two nights before, We were forced to pull our lips off the ground and get down to business. Fast Freddie Rahmer, who is a legend in central Pennsylvania, jumped out to the early lead, but by lap 18, I had run him down. We passed him and held off Daryn Pittman for the win. Justin continued, "It meant the world to this small, underfunded team, to pull off a great win like that. I really think our biggest attribute to winning that night was the ability to forget the bad things that week and get tough when it counted."

When asked if he considered his success on the track as a team effort, Justin said, "This team means an awful lot to me. We're like a family, and when we bear down and fight back, there's nothing we can't accomplish. This team believed in me when times were tough last year. They got me a new crew chief (Jim Shriner), and we really communicate well."

Referring to maintenance of his car, Justin Henderson said, K&N filters have been a part of my race team since I arrived here in 2009. We wouldn't have it any other way. My dad does my motors, so let me tell you, I would be the first to know if we were letting dirt in somewhere.

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 Lewis Powers to Third in F3 Italia Points Standings and Leads the ROY Battle

Jul 21, 2011

The second and six place finishes in Misano powered Lewis into third place overall for the Italian Championship.

There's a paradoxical phenomenon that every racer exists in, a reality where as the outside world accelerates with blinding speed, their focus sharpens like a movie camera pulling in for a close-up, and their inner world becomes utterly serene. It is in essence a racer's ability to slow the world down that allows them to control it. Michael Lewis, the Laguna Beach, California phenom understands just how critical that reality is on the world racing stage of Formula 3 Italia Championship.

The 20-year-old Lewis says he's pushing as hard as possible to claim the Rookie of the Year title, it's his number one priority for the 2011 season.

"I am calmer and more confident compared to the first race weekend," Lewis told K&N Race News. "The calm manner we do this job with makes me more confident."

With his second and sixth place finishes during Rounds 3 and 4 at the Misano Circuit in Italy, Lewis moved into third place in the 2011 Formula 3 Italia Championship points standings and second place in the rookie championship battle (Update: after his strong finish in Imola last weekend Lewis now holds first place in the rookie championship - see below).

Lewis and the Prema Powerteam were off to a strong start for the weekend with Lewis recording fast lap times in both of the free practice sessions. When it came time to qualify on Saturday morning, Michael's Prema engineer, Fabio Zilio, and mechanic, Marco Sbabo, put together the right set-up, which allowed Lewis to record a lap time of 1:31.098 to place him third overall among the 16 drivers.

Michael Lewis says his he owes his success at Misano to his Prema team, as they worked very hard to get the car right.

"Qualifying well was our team's goal for the Misano weekend," the K&N sponsored driver remarked. "The Formula 3 Italia series is very competitive with its great drivers and teams, so to do well you must put together a strong qualifying effort. I owe my success at Misano to my Prema team, as they worked very hard to get the car right. I work closely with my team to make the best racecar possible, and then go out and drive."

With each successful round Lewis says he gets a little calmer and more confident.

Lewis started Round 3 third on the grid. When the lights went off and the 16 drivers launched, Lewis took charge, moving quickly into second on the exit of turn one. Lewis kept pace with the leader throughout the 30-minute timed race. When the checkered flag waved on lap 20, Lewis had a solid second-place finish, his second podium finish in three race events

Lewis mentioned that he also gained valuable experience with the tire degradation of the Kumho compound during the race. "Each lap, the balance of the car was changing, so I adjusted my references to best fit the situation."

Round 4 fired-up early on Sunday morning. Lewis started the race in sixth position on the grid this time, because the top-eight qualifiers from the first round of the weekend are inverted for the following round. Again Lewis got an excellent start and quickly moved into fifth place on the first lap and kept pace with the lead pack. Lewis was then forced into some defensive driving, however he managed to continue running competitive lap times, crossing the finish line in sixth place. Lewis' teammate, Raffaele Marciello won the race by leading every lap.

K&N's Michael Lewis was a fan favorite during the drivers autograph session prior to the start of the two 30-lap Late Model feature at Toyota Speedway.

"I was very pleased with our results at Misano," commented Lewis. "It means a lot to me to be able to run with the best and be competitive. I know it is important for me to be able to showcase all my sponsors, and because these race events are televised by RAI Sport live, there is an extra added benefit for my sponsors to gain valuable exposure during the race weekend."

After the rounds in Misano, Lewis returned to the United States during a break between Formula 3 Italia events to race a High Point Racing (HPR) Late Model car at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.

"I was excited to be back, as I was away from California for three months. Racing in Irwindale is only a one hour drive from my house, so it is essentially my home track," Lewis said. "In both races I was very fast, and with old/graining tires, I have a fast pace. With the high-grip set up for qualifying, I have some margin to improve my lap time. In any case, driving the Late Model cars were quite fun."

Lewis accepted the offer extended by HPR team owner Tim Huddleston to join his team for six Late Model events this summer at the Irwindale race track. "Any chance I get to race, I love it," Lewis adds.

After Irwindale, Lewis and the Prema team returned to Italy for Rounds 5 and 6 of Formula 3 Italia Championship in Imola, Italy on July 16 and 17. Lewis stalled his engine at the start of Round 5, and then raced from eleventh place to finish in sixth. In Sunday's race he finished a very solid fourth, and now leads the Rookie of the Year chase.

"I set the goal of becoming rookie champion. So far I am leading the rookie championship and I am P3 in the overall championship, so that is good. Setting the goal of the rookie championship is the only thing I picture. Other than that, I focus on what I must do currently without any expectations, and what I must do is push for first place. That's it."

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.

Dan Carter's 1969 Camaro Z28 Reacts at NHRA Route 66 Nationals

Jul 21, 2011

Dan Carter's Super Street 1969 Chevy Camaro Z28

Dan Carter and 43 other racers showed up to compete in the Super Street class of the 14th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Joliet, Illinois just outside of Chicago. After winning rounds one through four Carter drew a bye in round 5. In the final round Carter was matched up against Scotty Rienschield. Carter had a better reaction time than Rienschield but he couldn't pull off the win.

Dan Carter at the 14th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals

Earlier Carter's car had mechanical problems that distracted him and left him frustrated. "The lights (reaction time) were much better this weekend," Carter said. "I found and repaired a problem in the carburetor that stopped the slow response when I smash it on the start. This eased my mind and allowed me to focus on the light." His focus paid off as his reaction times were getting better round by round.

Anyone who follows drag racing will be quick to agree that the sport is a game of microseconds. In fact, according to Dan, the object of the game is to be the first driver to cross the finish line, yet not be too fast. It's essential that each driver has a rapport with their car. Carter has been racing for 29 years and has been driving the same car, a 1969 Camaro Z28, throughout his entire career. Referring to the car, Carter said, "We've had it in the family since 1976."

When asked about the key to his success at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals, Carter credited it to a suggestion made by friend and fellow driver, Dan Fletcher.

"I tend to be too conservative," explained Carter. "I race not to lose, and when you do that, you often lose," he said in a laughing tone of voice. "If you take chances and push it to the limit, you win. After watching me in the first round, Fletcher basically said, if you do another 31 in the second round, you're going to lose. So I went back out there and let it rip for the remainder of the rounds." From here on out Carter is planning to race to win. He is also confident that the key to his continued success throughout the remainder of the season is focus and to be aggressive on reaction time.

Carter personally performs all preventive maintenance on his car. He is acutely aware of the importance in using the best products on the market. "I use all K&N filters on my engines, explained Dan. "I've been using K&N filters ever since I can remember. I've had good luck with engines, and they're the way to go."

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 Announced as a Sponsor of 2011 OPTIMA® Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational

Jul 21, 2011

Select members of the automotive aftermarket industry's most sought after performance brands have signed on as sponsors of the 2011 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational. The invitation-only event is in its fourth year and will take place Saturday, November 5, on the heels of the leading specialty automotive trade event, the SEMA Show.

2011 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational. Sponsored by Wilwood Disc Brakes and K&N Filters

Held at Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club in Pahrump, Nevada, this internationally-publicized Invitational will challenge up to 50 of the finest street machines in the world, showcasing the quality, performance and talent of the country's top builders, car owners and performance parts manufacturers.

New for 2011, Wilwood Disc Brakes will share the title of presenting sponsor with K&N Filters. This will be Wilwood's first year as a presenting sponsor, as well as its first year participating in the Invitational. K&N Filters has been a presenting sponsor of the exclusive event since its inception in 2008.

The featured and additional race event sponsors of the 2011 Invitational include:

BFGoodrich Hot Lap Challenge
Ridetech Autocross
Wilwood Disc Brakes Speed Stop Challenge
Raybestos Performance and Design Challenge
Detroit Speed and Engineering Road Rally

"We are pleased to have such a diverse and well-respected group of sponsors for this year's 2011 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational," said Cam Douglass, Invitational founder and director of product development and marketing for OPTIMA Batteries. "Each year OPTIMA works to unite the industry around an exciting, world class event where we can all show what real street machines and high-performance products are capable of. This year's sponsors will help us achieve just that."

The OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational will have a significant presence at the SEMA Show including an outdoor feature vehicle and car corral, large indoor booth space, judging to determine the final vehicle selections, a press conference and behind-the-scenes video filming. The SEMA Show, Invitational road rally and race challenges will once again be shot for a high-definition, one-hour TV special that will premiere on national cable in early 2012, with repeat airings throughout the year.

For more information about the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational go to optimainvitational.com.

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.

Shane Stewart and His ROCKSTAR/Makita Team Wins Jackson Spring Nationals

Jul 20, 2011

Shane Stewart's 360 Winged Sprint Car

When the waving of the flag deemed the ASCS Midwest Region's Jackson Spring Nationals race underway at Jackson, Minnesota on July 8, Shane Stewart didn't waste any time. Taking the early lead, Shane never looked back. The driver's quick start was followed by a practically flawless performance as he dominated the race and was never seriously challenged prior to crossing the finish line. Following behind Stewart, was Jason Johnson in second place and Wayne Johnson grabbing the third place spot.

Shane Stewart won the ASCS Midwest Region's Jackson Spring Nationals Race.

Although Shane has already logged his share of wins this season, the Jackson Spring Nationals were an important trial for the driver. "This particular race was more like a national race," explained Stewart. "We had all of our top national guys there. It was a big race for us," he continued.

"It paid $6500.00 to win, and that's pretty good money nowadays, especially in the 360. Wins like that throughout the season helps you get up and down the road, and of course helps me."

When asked the key to winning the race, Shane responded, "The key for us on that particular night was that we drew right. We started third and got a good jump in the dash. We started in the front row on the outside in the feature, and got a good initial start. Our car was really good through traffic and it was one of those races that was just meant to be."

Shane Stewart had raced at this particular venue several times in the past and was aware that it was a good track. Referring to the night of July 8th, Shane said, "The guys who prepared the track did a really good job."

"To remain successful throughout the remainder of the season, Shane said it will be necessary to get the right draws. "Most of our races are big races, and there's going to be more cars than what was at Jackson. You know, along with getting the right draws, the big key for us in our particular series is getting yourself through the race without crashing and getting yourself in that redraw."

Although it's pretty well a given that the weight is on Shane Stewart's shoulders when it comes to physically getting out there and out driving his competitors, he is acutely aware of the importance of his team and the critical role they place in his success as a driver. "I can't do my job without the help of my team. They've been working hard all summer, and we have a pretty tight-knit team. We work well together and get along good," he continued. "They're important."

"My car has been performing well," shared Stewart. Contrary to what one might think, as the season progresses, Shane and his team are not plagued with an increase of mechanical failures due to the rigors experienced early in the year. According to Shane, he and his team practice a stringent maintenance program following every race, which keeps their vehicle in good condition throughout the entire season.

Shane Stewart believes in using the best products on the market to ensure the race car continues to run at its peak performance and in turn, is no stranger to K&N products. "I've been using K&N filters for twelve years,"

Shared the driver. "We use their air and oil filters. I'd say K&N Filters are superior to anything else out there on the market," explained Shane.

Shane Stewart said, "We appreciate our sponsor and fans. We couldn't do what we do without both of their support." Referring to the remainder of the season, Shane Stewart continued, "We're going to some tracks where we have been successful in the past, and I'm looking forward to it."

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.