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Matt DiBenedetto wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Bowman Gray Stadium
Matt DiBenedetto didn't put too much thought into a strategy en route to winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina. On the tiny, quarter-mile bull ring, staying out front and out of trouble was the only strategy he needed.
Matt DiBenedetto leads the pack at Bowman Gray Stadium
"It was kind of what I expected, but a little more wrecks than I thought it would be," said the 19-year-old DiBenedetto. "It's just so tight to try and put a 3,300-pound stock car on a quarter-mile bull ring. It was a blast for sure. All the bumping and banging, it was just old school."
DiBenedetto won his first K&N Pro Series East race of the season and moved into second place in the East Series standings after five races. The K&N Pro Series East was making its first visit to Bowman Gray Stadium, one of the first tracks NASCAR raced at in the 1940s. The track was the site of a number of historic NASCAR races, including Richard Petty's 100th career win.
"It was wild for sure," DiBenedetto. "The fans got a heck of a show. It was a blessing getting out there in front right at the beginning and lead from the start. That's what I wanted to do, but I didn't think it would work getting around the outside."
NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina
DiBenedetto led all 156 laps of the Army Strong 150. He started on the front row and took the lead from pole winner Coleman Pressley on the first lap.
"We just got out front, stayed out of trouble a little bit," DiBenedetto said. "It was a wild night for sure. It was just a race for survival. It was finally our turn, good points day, it was a blast."
The tiny track produced a record number of wrecks. There were 15 cautions for 87 laps, a season high. DiBenedetto held off Corey Lajoie to win the race on a green-white-checkered flag finish.
"I was focused on treating every restart like it was a green-white-checkered," DiBenedetto said. "If I would have lost that position and gone back to second, I felt like that would have been the race, no matter if it was early or late in the race. It just showed we could get out front and just stay there."
Lajoie posted his best finish of the season in second place. It was his second top-five finish of the season.
"Second place is our best run of the year," Lajoie said. "Hopefully we can continue on. We need to put a couple strings of good runs together to get back in the points table."
Ben Kennedy, the grandson of Bill France Jr., finished third, the best result of his career in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.
"I definitely had a ton of fun out there," Kennedy said. "A bunch of bumping and banging definitely – patience is the key and a lot of fun."
Darrell Wallace Jr. finished sixth and took over the lead in the K&N Pro Series East standings. He is 17 points ahead of DiBenedetto.
"I can't take all the credit on my side, because there's a lot of luck involved. It was wild," DiBenedetto said. "I was just praying for the luck to continue. That was about it. I had no real strategy other than staying out front and however the cautions fell."
The Army Strong 150 will be televised on Speed on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.
The next K&N Pro Series East race is Saturday at Gresham Motorsports Park in Jefferson, Ga.
One mid-mountain pit area is Cove Creek, which sits at the 11,000 feet, the Spider Grips team was there from 4:15 in the morning until about 9:00, that's when the road opens to tourists, and practicing racers pack up and leave.
When Lt. Zebulon Pike first viewed the mountain that would later bear his name, he swore that this 14,110 foot mountain would never be conquered by man. He of course had no way of knowing that a little of a century later, on August 12, 1901, two Denver men named Yont and Felker would be the first to drive to the top. Their trip in a two-cylinder Locomobile Steamer took just over nine hours, and it involved as much pushing, as it did driving. For this year's 2011 race up the peak, times will need to be less than 12 minutes in order to be competitive.
Greg Tracy and Alexander Smith chat at the start line area during a private testing session on the mountain.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, or "Race to the Clouds," is located in the Rocky Mountains. The race course begins at above 9,300 ft. altitude and twists through more than 156 turns winding uphill over 12 miles to finish at the 14,000 ft summit of the mountain. Adding to the challenge, the race starts on pavement, transitions to dirt, then back to pavement for the finish.
First held in 1916, the event is now on the international calendar of the FIA in addition to holding seven motorcycle categories from 250-1200cc. And, in this year's event, K&N will be the official sponsor of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 750cc motorcycle class. The 750 class has produced the top motorcycle times over the past five years at the hill climb.
At 4:15 in the morning the temperature at Cove Creek was 22 degrees at this particular morning practice session.
"We have been testing feverishly at Le Grange with Gary and Greg Trachy," said team Spider Grip owner Paul Livingston. "Gary is the most likely to win the 750 class and may still set top time for motorcycles. Greg is our Ducati rider and should win the 1200 Pro class and maybe top time if he can beat Gary. Both of them are long time K&N supporters."
K&N is the Official sponsor of the 2011 PPIHC. Custom Pit board displayed on the grid and at class start, K&N Logo will grace the 750 class trophies
"K&N has a long history at the mountain, and I can vouch for the use of the product - it is one of the most prominent products that we see used by all classes of competitors at Pikes Peak," continues Livingston. "Last year the 750 cc class produced the fastest motorcycle time on the mountain with rider Gary Trachy, and I know that he is doing everything that he can to better that time for this year."
In 2008 Spider Team riders Greg Tracy and Alexander Smith took on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb aboard Ducati Hypermotard motorcycles, and came away with first and fourth place finishes respectively. Last year the the Spider Grips/Ducati team returned to the mountain riding Ducati's Multistrada 1200S. Once again Greg and Alexander were successful, bringing home first and third place finishes. In celebration of that famous victory, Ducati recently unveiled the special limited edition Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak motorcycle.
Livingston told K&N Race News, "It was such a surprise when Ducati let us know that they were going to make a race replica of our Pikes Peak Multistrada. We knew before the bike was released to the public and we were sworn to secrecy - it was a hard thing to keep quiet about! We are all quite proud of it, and I think Greg Tracy in particular feels the honor of being recognized by Ducati for his incredible win last year."
The 2011 running up Pikes Peak may will be the last year of dirt if the paving schedule goes as planned. Livingston adds, "It is a little bittersweet for us as, we are all a bit nostalgic about the 95 year tradition of racing in the dirt on the mountain. But, the sweet part is the new paved section at the top of the peak. At our practice last weekend it was really fast and the riders were excited about their speeds there. In preparation for those changes to the mountain we did make a few adjustments to the motorcycles, including changing out to competition Olines brake calipers and Galfer pads and rotors.
"For those interested," says Livingston, "The current winning bike, livery number 555, is now on display in Colorado Springs at the Carriage Museum on the grounds of the Broadmore Hotel. If anyone wants to visit it, we will have it on display for the next few weeks until it is time for it to hit the race course again in preparation for race week - June 21-27th."
Greg Pursley(above) will appear with Dylan Kwasniewski at the O'Reilly Auto Parts store at 1418 W. Craig Rd. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
For the first time since 2003, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will be returning to Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the O'Reilly Auto Parts 200. This prestigious series has been the springboard for many NASCAR stars like Kevin Harvick, Derrike Cope, Chad Little, Ron Hordanday Jr. and Brenda Gaughan.
Luis Martinez will appear at the O'Reilly Auto Parts store at 5780 Spring Mountain Rd. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Four NASCAR K&N Pro Series Racers will make an appearance at three O'Reilly Auto Parts stores around the Las Vegas area, on Friday, June 10, to promote the upcoming O'Reilly Auto Parts 200 race held Saturday, June 11. NASCAR K&N Pro Series Race fans are invited to meet the racers and see their race cars up close. Prizes will also be awarded at these events.
Current points leader Greg Pursley and series rookie Dylan Kwasniewski will appear at the O'Reilly Auto Parts store at 1418 W. Craig Rd. from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday. Pursley has won three of the four 2011 NASCAR K&N Series West races held to date.
Driver Luis Martinez will appear at the O'Reilly Auto Parts store at 5780 Spring Mountain Rd. from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday. Martinez currently sits fourth in the NASCAR points chase.
NASCAR K&N Pro Series Racers Spencer Gallagher and Michael Self will appear at the O'Reilly Auto Parts store at 3954 E. Sunset Blvd. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Spencer Gallagher and Michael Self will appear at the O'Reilly Auto Parts store at 3954 E. Sunset Blvd. from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday.
Fans may obtain free tickets for the O'Reilly Auto Parts 200 by purchasing K&N products. Fans who purchase a new K&N Wrench-Off air filter at their local O'Reilly Auto Parts store will receive two free tickets. Customers purchasing a K&N High-Flow air filter will receive a $10 mail-in rebate and two free tickets to the June 11 event. Those who purchase a K&N High-Flow air intake system will earn a $20 mail-in rebate and get two free O'Reilly Auto Parts 200 tickets.
Joining the K&N Pro Series West contingent on June 11 will be the NASCAR Super Late Model, NASCAR Charger, NASCAR Bomber, Legend Cars and Bandolero classes.
Spectator gates will open at 4 p.m. for this event and general admission parking is always free. The Bullring's concession stand offers a family-friendly dollar menu, including $1 hot dogs, $1 Coca-Cola products and $1 beer. Fans may also save money by purchasing tickets in advance at the LVMS ticket office or by phone.
The O'Reilly Auto Parts 200 Schedule is as follows:
Saturday, June 11
4:00 p.m. - Spectator gates open; NASCAR Super Late Model qualifying.
4:10 p.m. - USLCI Legend Cars qualifying.
4:30 p.m. - NASCAR Charger heat races (8 laps).
4:45 p.m. - NASCAR Bomber heat races (8 laps).
5:00 p.m. - USLCI Legend Cars B-Feature or Young Lions/Semi-Pro Feature (if two features are run).
5:30 p.m. - NASCAR K&N Pro Series West pole qualifying.
6:00 p.m. - USLCI Bandolero Bandit feature (12 laps or 12 min.).
6:15 p.m. - NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Driver autograph session (Chris Trickle Park).
6:15 p.m. - USLCI Bandolero Outlaw feature (12 laps or 12 min.).
7:00 p.m. - Opening ceremonies, national anthem, Jr. Fan-of-the-Week drawing.
7:08 p.m. - USLCI Legend Cars Pro/Master feature (25 laps or 20 min.).
7:28 p.m. - NASCAR Chargers feature (25 laps or 20 min.).
7:48 p.m. - NASCAR Bombers feature (25 laps or 20 min.).
8:08 p.m. - NASCAR Super Late Model Feature (40 laps or 30 min.).
8:40 p.m. - NASCAR K&N Pro Series West driver introductions.
9:00 p.m. - Green flag for O'Reilly 200 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West event.
Spectator admission:
Advance ticket pricing (valid through June 10):
Adults - $15.
Senior citizens and military personnel with ID - $12.
Family 4-Pak - $35.
Kids - $6.
Day-of ticket pricing:
Adults - $19.
Senior citizens and military personnel with ID - $12.
Amber proudly displays her first round trophy from the team's last race at Maple Grove Raceway.
A drag racing family from Hershey, Pennsylvania, it's a monochrome description for a full-spectrum, and then some, family, and it's how the Bell Family Racing team describe themselves. Rick Bell and his wife Stephanie have three daughters, Amber is the youngest, then comes Allison, followed by Heather.
Allison and her life-size double at the Motorama Car Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
For them drag racing isn't a simple hobby pursued occasionally, it's their way of life, and the bond that binds this exceptional family together. By their own estimate they spend somewhere around 22 weeks a year on the road pursuing that passion, and it's anyone's guess how much more time is directed towards racing from home.
Rick uses the same neutral tones when bringing us up to date on how things are going with the K&N sponsored family team. "Well, Amber's junior (dragster) is finally together, up and running. She made it to the second points race this past weekend and went two rounds. She came home with a trophy [from Maple Grove Raceway]. Not a bad way to start off the season."
"Allison will be graduating from high school on June 7th. We, of course, are very proud of her."
Amber loves racing her new car with its Mountain Valley Customs paint job at Maple Grove Raceway.
"Heather is doing well and getting ready to have her baby next month."
When we spoke last season, Heather had just passed along her junior dragster to Amber, what changes, if any, have you made to the car?
"We got a new body for the car and we were sponsored a paint job, which turned out really well. Amber also got a new helmet which was painted to match the new body." (The paint work was done by Mountain Valley Customs in Millmont, Pennsylvania).
It appears as though Amber really likes her new car, what's her take on racing it? Also, from your perspective how is she doing overall?
"Amber loves her new car. She thinks it's awesome, and has the coolest paint job ever. She loves racing and is doing really well. She has really taken to the sport of drag racing. Her lights are really good for such a young driver. She had several races at the end of last season where she was the top qualifier. In her first race this year, she had a .28 light and was the 13th qualifier out of over 30 racers [at Maple Grove Raceway]."
Give us an update on Allison, how is her racing coming along?
"We had a little snag getting Allison into the driver's seat this year. She is driving a 1968 Camaro, but we had to do a little work on the rear end before she could get to the drag strip this year. She should be racing this weekend."
Congratulations on becoming a grandfather. What are Heather's future racing plans after the baby, or is that something she's not currently thinking about? And is there anything else in the Bell Family racing horizon that you'd care to share?
"Heather is expecting a baby boy this July. Allison is actually racing the car we got for Heather this year, but due to her pregnancy is not able to race. Heather absolutely plans on racing next year, when she will be driving the Camaro, and our plan is to build a new car for Allison for next season."
"We are just excited to be back at the [Maple Grove Raceway] track this year. Our track's points season started a little late, so we have been chomping-at-the-bit to race. Our goal is to do the best we can and to get as much exposure for our sponsors as possible. We will be at several car shows, as well as our usual racing schedule."
Replacement Air Filter for 2005 through 2011 Nissan Navara 2.5L Diesel
Japanese automaker, Nissan Motors, developed a mid-sized hard bodied pickup truck called the Nissan Navara.
It comes with a 2.5 liter turbo-diesel engine. The Navara is known as the Nissan Frontier in the U.S., but the U.S. model does not come with the standard 2.5L TD25 turbo-diesel engine.
Restriction Chart for 33-2980 Air Filter
2005 to 2011 Nissan Navara, 2008 to 2016 Hyundai H1, and 2011 to 2016 Hyundai H300 owners who have the 2.5L diesel engine can
stop buying air filters every time they get dirty and simply buy one K&N filter (33-2980) to last the life of your truck. In times like these K&N's 33-2980, lifetime air filter is a great economic solution that will perform
for up to 50,000 miles between servicing, depending on your driving conditions.
Washable, reusable air filter, 33-2980, was developed as a drop-in replacement air filter for 2005 through 2011 Nissan Navara with the 2.5L diesel engine. The 33-2980 is designed to increase horsepower and acceleration while maintaining filtration levels necessary to protect your engine.
Installing K&N 33-2980 in your Nissan Navara is very easy. Simply remove the restrictive stock air filter and replace it with K&N's performance filter and your done. In addition to simple installation
and durable construction, the 33-2980 is backed by a million mile limited warranty and
it will be the last air filter your Nissan Navara will ever need.
