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Greg Boutte Takes Care of Unfinished Business During NHRA Division Event at Famoso Raceway

May 31, 2011

NHRA Super Comp Drag Racer Greg Boutte

When Greg Boutte rolled into Auto Club Famoso Raceway for his most recent NHRA Division event, he was more than ready to pick up where he, unfortunately, had to leave off in 2010. During the same event last season, Boutte had sailed by round one in his K&N/Lucas Oil/Hughes Super Comp Dragster only to lose a lifter in his BBC power plant and have to miss out on round two.

Greg Boutte and his K&N/Lucas Oil/Hughes Super Comp Dragster

"The track is always very good there," noted Boutte. "They always prep it very well and while the weather didn't change a whole lot over the four days, the track temperature did. We would go from having an eighty degree track temp to one-hundred and forty. We also had a little tail wind from time to time, but it didn't get over five-six MPH, though."

Boutte's very consistent time runs on Friday and Saturday gave him all the confidence he needed going into eliminations. "The car was 8.911 to 8.898," he pointed out. "The car has been that good since the first race in Phoenix, the driver just hasn't had his act together."

He has also made a promise to himself, "By the end of the year, I will be a much better driver than I have been. I'm working on that every race, more and more. The toughest thing in Super Class racing, is realizing that you have a good car and not changing it. When you can predict your sixty foot, based on the tune-up and staging properly, you know you have a good car. So just leave it alone and trust it."

The event at Bakersfield was Boutte's third NHRA division claim for 2011 and he was looking to start making a move in the points. And as the rounds went, he got a chance to do some good for his plight, all while keeping the current NHRA Division 7 Super Comp points leader from gaining too much ground on the rest of the field.

First round was the most important to Boutte. "The first round is like a first date," he explained. "You don't really know what you are going to get. When I looked over and saw a car with a small block Chevy, I'd never seen the car before, ever. That is the person you do not want to race first round."

"You know nothing about them," he continued. "You don't know how they stage, if they can drive the finish line and just because it's a small block, you don't know if the car is going to go one hundred fifty or one eighty. I had an eighteen and he had twenty-two, so he did his job at the starting line. He just missed the tune-up and I had a better one, so I won that first round. That was the tough one."

Boutte worked his way through four more rounds before he found himself in his eleventh NHRA Division final and this time to meet up with another tough competitor, Aaron Kinard.

Kinard gave him a run for it at the tree and took a full .013 starting line advantage, but the race was long from over. Boutte trusted his car and drove the stripe extremely well taking just six thousandths of a second at the finish line for his eighth NHRA Division event Wally.

Boutte uses numerous K&N products on his Super Comp Dragster from the HP-3002 Wrench-Off oil filter to the second generation K&N Composite Dragster Scoop, (100-8512) that also includes the K&N high flow air filter.

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.

Kody and Tanner Swanson Sweep Thursday Night Thunder at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis

May 27, 2011

With time running out Kody made a move the sling-shoted from third to first in less than one lap.

The K&N sponsored Swanson brothers and the USAC Pavement Sprint Cars visited Lucas Oil Raceway for the "Thursday Night Thunder." Both Kody and Tanner were rightfully mentioned prior to the event as possible threats to win the 30-lap Sprint Car feature. And true to its billing the Feature manifested into one of the most thrilling of the season, with the Swanson brothers putting on a back and forth show fans won't soon forget.

By sweeping the "Thursday Night Thunder" at Lucas Oil Raceway the Swanson brothers go down in the record books as the first to win at the newly renamed track.

With only four laps remaining, Kody finally got to the outside of Tanner in turns three and four, and had a big run on the leader coming down the front-stretch. Kody snatched the lead coming off of turn two, consolidating his move from third to the front spot in less than a lap. Tanner followed his brother and began pushing him from the number two spot. The duo negotiated lapped traffic on the final lap, but the order stayed the same, with Kody taking the Feature win and Tanner in second to complete the Swanson Brothers sweep.

The brothers will also go down in the record books as the first to win at the newly renamed Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis (formerly O'Reilly Raceway Park and Indianapolis Raceway Park).

For the last ten laps fans were on their feet cheering on the two brothers to victory.

After becoming the first brothers in history to "sweep" a USAC Silver Crown Feature one-two in August of last year, the Swanson Brothers have now completed one-two Feature event sweeps in each of the USAC Pavement Sprint Car series, USAC Silver Crown series, and USAC Western Sprint Car series. The brothers have also finished a combination of first and third in both USAC National Midget series and USAC Western Midget series events, including last year's "Night before the 500" which Tanner won. After Tanner and Kody each picked up wins in National Midgets and their first career Silver Crown victories last year, both were named USAC's "Most Improved Drivers" in 2010.

It sounds as though you guys put on a crazy show, from your perspective just how much fun did you guys have? Also, Kody give us some insights into your move from third to first in the final laps?

"Yeah it really was a lot of fun. The race went non-stop, so you had to drive every lap knowing that it was going to directly affect your race. The three car battle for the lead was really intense, especially as we moved through some lapped traffic during the final 10-laps. The handling on the leader's car was going away, so it kind of made it a strategy game. Knowing that his car was wearing out, you needed to pick and choose the moves you made, especially with the lapped cars coming up. Personally, my struggle was getting to the outside of Tanner. He was able to pull alongside Jacob on the bottom, and it wasn't until four laps to go that I could get to his outside. From there, I knew I at least would have a chance to get underneath the leader for the win, but I didn't know I would be able to make both moves in the same lap."

"I had such a run on the outside of Tanner off of turn four, that I was actually able to pull alongside the leader in turn one and finish the pass in turn two. As a driver, I was so focused on getting my car to the front that I didn't necessarily realize the kind of show we had put on until afterward. People told us that the fans were on their feet for nearly the last 10-laps, and plenty of fans told us that was the best race they'd ever seen there. To be a part of something like that is really neat, but to be the one who ended up winning it all makes it that much better."

What's Tanner's take on you getting by him, and how hard was he closing on you?

"Tanner got toward the front much earlier than I did, and had been running with Jacob while they passed then-leader Tracy Hines, so he was able to put pressure on Jacob for the lead a few laps before I had even caught up to them. Going into the feature, we made one last adjustment to Tanner's car to make it just a little bit tighter handling. While that made Tanner's car really good at the first part of the race, it had become too tight in the closing laps. Tanner was still able to pull alongside the leader, but his car just wouldn't turn well enough on the bottom to complete the pass."

"He tried a number of times to get the lead before I had been able to get alongside of him, and knowing that my car was a little looser, when I got there he left me a little extra room off of turn four, which is really what allowed me a clear shot at the lead. After we both passed Jacob, Tanner was able to close on me a little bit in the final laps, but wasn't able to get close enough to really force the issue. He definitely played a big role in the two of us finishing one and two."

What are your thoughts on going down in the record books as the first to win at the newly renamed Lucas Oil Raceway?

"I have always been fast at that place, but haven't always had the best of luck. I'm hoping the (track) name change helps turn things around in the luck department, and I think that this has been a great first step. Another aspect that is exciting for us is that USAC currently has five Sprint Car races, three Midget races, and a Silver Crown race remaining on the 2011 Schedule at Lucas Oil Raceway. After winning the first one, I'm definitely excited about our chances there during the rest of the year."

You two were the first to sweep a USAC Silver Crown Feature one-two, and now you've gone one-two in a gang of events, as brothers and racers, what does that mean to you guys?

"That means a lot to us, and to our team. Our family team, TK Motorsports, works very closely with our Silver Crown team, Team 6R Racing, and both teams were involved with both the Silver Crown sweeps and our night at Lucas Oil. Beyond us being brothers, it is really special to finish a race one-two as teammates because of what that does for our crew members, supporters, and sponsors. Finishing first, and second, can really be attributed to the team that we race for, including the people that prepare the equipment, just as well as the companies like K&N that make great products and support us in every aspect of the race car."

Are there any other "firsts" that you guys are looking to accomplish?

"I would definitely say so. The "Night before the 500" is coming up, and with the bonus from Crocky Wright, it pays $20,000 to win this year. We both want to be the first to win a $20,000 Midget race at Lucas Oil, and I'm still looking for my "first" Night before the 500 Victory."

"Another accomplishment we'd like to have is going one-two in all three USAC series, and after this week, we've only got the National Midgets left."

"Tanner and I both have goals of moving our careers beyond the USAC ranks. While the racing is very exciting, places like NASCAR and IndyCar currently remain the premier levels of motorsports. We want to get there, and achieving that would be a great "first" for either of us."

K&N Race News Update:
Upon the completion of this story we got word that Kody Swanson was seriously injured last weekend at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Indiana. Kody was Life-Flighted to the local Saint Mary's Hospital in Evansville. After being in the ICU unit for a day and a half he has now been moved into a regular room.

Tanner told K&N Race News "Kody may look like he has been through a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson, but in the last day he has lost a lot of the swelling around his eyes and a lot of the bruising from his forehead. He is now up and walking around in his room, and is anxious to get home. Not only Kody, but our whole family would like to thank everyone for their countless prayers and well wishes, they are appreciated and are greatly needed during this time of Kody's recovery."

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.

Kyle McGrady and the Auto Club Late Models at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale

May 27, 2011

Kyle McGrady has raced door-to-door with some of the best Late Model drivers in the nation.

The third time might be a charm for Hesperia, California native Kyle McGrady. The third-year competitor in the Auto Club Late Models at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale has shined early on, capturing a career-best 3rd place finish already, and cementing himself as a top contender at the tracks premier division.

Kyle McGrady's K&N Filters #11 Late Model

McGrady is coming off a top-10 points finish in 2010, but his K&N Filters #11 had higher expectations entering the season. So far, the results have been positive. After being involved in an unavoidable, multi-car pileup on opening night, McGrady has raced door-to-door with some of the best Late Model drivers in the nation.

"We expect to get a win, first of all," the 18-year-old said. "And we expect to run in the top five every week. We are good enough for that."

Auto Club Late Models at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale

McGrady has excelled throughout his career. In quarter-sprints, he won 5 races and a championship in his only season. A move to the 4-cylinder, Ford Pinto hoarding Mini Stock class at San Bernardino's Orange Show Speedway brought Kyle two more championships. Next up was a move to the Pro-4 class, which are basically 4-cylinder Late Models. A Rookie of the Year and several podiums followed, and so did a move to Toyota Speedway, where Kyle entered the Late Model division in 2009 and just missed winning Rookie of the Year.

Kyle McGrady entered the Late Model division in 2009 and just missed winning Rookie of the Year.

But after a disappointing 2010 season failed to bring Kyle a win, the youngster and his family run team went to work, rebuilding the setup on the car. The new setup has brought the team more confidence, and with that confidence, results.

"We are really working well together. Everyone is working so hard. The key was me getting comfortable in the car. I think I'm finally to the point where I know I can get up there and win. We are very optimistic about the rest of the season, and I'm excited for what the future can bring us," McGrady added.

The move from Orange Show to Toyota Speedway, and its ultra-fast half-mile surface, was a drastic change for McGrady, but ultimately a good one for his style. "I love the big tracks. I like to be able to race side-by-side, and this place is just a more natural fit for me. I'm glad we made the move."

McGrady plans on running Late Models for the foreseeable future, with an eye on an eventual move to NASCAR's K&N Pro Series West, and then to Camping World Trucks. But he was quick to mention that there would be no future if it weren't for the support K&N Filters has provided.

"K&N have been great. Everyone at K&N are just good people. Great people. We've been together for several years, and they help us out a bunch. We have their products on all of our cars and family vehicles, and they are just awesome. From their air filters to their oil filters, nobody can beat K&N at the track."

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.

UMP American Late Model Star Jon Henry Wins Again at Attica Raceway Park

May 27, 2011

#15 UMP Late Model Racer John Henry

Jon Henry has found a home. The UMP Late Model star recently won four straight races at Attica Raceway Park and looks primed to capture another Sunoco American Late Model Series championship. The Ada, Ohio native and 2009 UMP National Rookie of the Year, as well as American Late Model Champion, is off to his best start yet, and the team is showing no signs of slowing down entering the summer months.

John Henry's #15 Wide Open Graphics, K&N Filter's late model car takes the lead.

"We have a solid car and continue to be consistent," Henry said. "As long as I keep the car in one piece, we should continue to be competitive."

Henry and his team are also planning on running some UMP Summer Nationals races this season. But for now, the team remains focused on the American Late Model Series. The winning streak at Attica has the team more confident than ever. "Four in a row is impressive, but to be honest, I didn't even think about it until we got beat," Henry added with a chuckle. "Every time I get in the seat, I have the same game plan; 'keep the nose clean and finish.' I haven't won four consecutive championships or multiple races in a row by not finishing. If you finish, you always have a chance to win."

John Henry recently won four straight races at Attica Raceway Park

Henry's car is one of the most respected throughout the northeast. It has even been featured in Eldora's Prelude to the Dream, where Travis Pastrana competed in the JHR Late Model. With over 30 wins under his belt and track championships at Eldora and Limaland, everyone knows to watch out for #15 Wide Open Graphics, K&N Filter's entry. While Attica has been nice to Henry, he says it's just the teams style that has led to their recent success there.

"Attica is a racers track, and the driver really does a lot, but I think when you're as comfortable as we are, you can make small changes and run well anywhere," he added.

When it comes to performance, Jon Henry Racing only uses one filter on their cars, K&N. "A very important part to dirt racing is keeping the motor clean. K&N products are first class when it comes to keeping dirt out of our motors. I'm shocked every time I use the K&N Power Cleaner to wash out a filter after a race, and I see how much dirt particles the filter keeps out of my engine. The Power Cleaner really works!"

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.

Black Stallion Racing and Michael Vaters Monster Truck Motorsports

May 27, 2011

Michael Vaters and his wife Denise

You hear it all the time; racers saying it's a "family sport" or racing is "my life." But rarely are they being literal. And then there is Michael Vaters. The founder and owner of Black Stallion Racing and Vaters' Monster Motorsports has lived and breathed Monster Trucks since he was 18. For 29 years, the now 47-year-old Maryland native has raced all over the United States, competing at every major event in the country, and capturing countless trophies.

The Black Stallion Monster Truck stands tall for the crowd

"We work 7 days a week," Vaters said when talking about the family business. "It's rare that we take a day off. Our vacations are in the city we are racing in at the time."

It all started with Mike's first truck, a 1982 Ford F-250. After creating his own lift kit, the truck grew too much. It became illegal, and the only place left for it was the Monster Truck circuit. Vaters was a pioneer in the early days of organized Monster racing, campaigning his original Black Stallion before building the world renowned Boogey Van. But the Black Stallion remained his passion, and in 2000 it reappeared. Now, Vaters runs a three truck team, with Stallion joining Iron Warrior and the brand new Higher Education. While most big name trucks are either owned by major promoters or are backed by factory sponsors, Vaters' team is completely funded out of pocket. The sponsors on each truck provide product, but all of the teams financial expenses come out-of-pocket.

Michael Vaters taking photos near his Black Stallion Monster Truck

"We are frugal with our travel expenses. Instead of hotels, we stay in our hauler, which has full living quarters. We also prepare most of our meals in the hauler, instead of eating out," Vaters added. "We repair broken parts if possible, where most teams would just throw them out. We also complete all of our work in house. We built all three trucks from the ground up, from fabrication to paint to the mechanical work."

The team recently invested in two jet-powered quads, Kamikaze and Psycho, which has provided them with an opportunity to earn more income by booking all three trucks and both quads at each event. The quads require minimal maintenance and take up relatively little space in the teams second hauler.

Vaters also founded his promotion company, which last year was voted as Promoter of the Year by the Monster Truck Racing Association. The promotion company allows Vaters to stay busy during the off-racing season. But racing is where Black Stallion thrives. Earlier this month, Vaters' team cleaned up at the Thunder Nationals in Wichita Falls, Texas. The team captured 2 racing wins, 2 runner-ups, and two wheelie competition victories. Other trucks at the competition included Grave Digger, Blue Thunder, Captain's Curse and Madusa, each of whom has competed at the Monster Jam World Finals in the last two years. The weekend reminded Vaters of why he loves the sport so much.

"It's a great feeling when all of your hard work pays off. It's a two-fold victory, especially looking around you in the pits and seeing all the big money backed corporate trucks that you beat. The best part is bragging to our sponsors about it after. They get to see what type of value they are getting in return."

At an age where most drivers would start thinking about retiring, especially with a successful promotion business to manage, Vaters is thinking about how to improve the team. The day-to-day grind isn't easy, but it's all he knows. "It's hard, but the word quit isn't in my vocabulary," he added. "This is all I know, I've been competing since I was 18 and I have no desire to stop any time soon."

Black Stallion Racing has forged a solid relationship with K&N throughout the years. "K&N is a tremendous help to our team. They have gone above and beyond for us over the years, and we really appreciate it. We use K&N's wide selection of products in all of our equipment. We use them in all three of our Monster Trucks, as well as our toter-homes and tow vehicles. We even use K&N Fuel Filters in our jet powered four-wheelers. In my 29 years, I've used or had experiences with similar products to those K&N produces, but nothing else can compete with the quality, endurance and performance of K&N products."

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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