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Josh Bad Fast McGuire Notches Sixth Win of 2010 Season at Portsmouth

Dec 14, 2010

Even with six wins on the season the JMR team wasn't completely satisfied, declaring that 2011 will bring even more success.

Josh McGuire and his JMR team scored their sixth Dirt Late Model feature victory of the season at Portsmouth Raceway Park in Portsmouth, Ohio. McGuire kicked off the evening by first earning the fast time honors during the qualifying session, sending a clear message that "Bad Fast" was in the house.

McGuire says he can always reenergize and refocus at Portsmouth, he considers it his home track.

The K&N sponsored Grayson, Kentucky native lived up to his nickname as he grabbed the top spot with five laps remaining, cruising to a very popular hometown hero triumph.

"It had been awhile since we have been into victory lane, so it felt really good," stated McGuire. "We have had some strong runs in the past month or so, but just haven't been able to put a complete night together for whatever reason. Maybe this win will turn our luck around a little bit and we can close out the season on a high note. I have to thank all of my family, crew, and sponsors for all of their support, as well as all of the fans!"

McGuire says he considers Portsmouth his home track, it's where he learned to race, to cut his teeth as it were. "It's always a place I can go to reenergize and refocus," he explains. "My confidence always seems to find its way back to me there, probably because it feels like home - there is that comfort level there. The track is always well maintained, very racy, and there is just a special adrenaline rush that comes with racing in front of the hometown crowd."

After the win at Portsmouth the number 41 team took off the following week from racing, opting instead to return to action at Whynot Motorsports Park in Meridian, Mississippi, for the 16th Annual Fall Classic.

"Whynot did not go as expected, we did struggle, but we were in a new car, and still feeling our way through the changes and establishing a baseline. We got behind early in the weekend, but by the end of the weekend, we had almost dug ourselves out," said McGuire.

"That put us better prepared for the next week at Magnolia Motor Speedway, where we had a much better performance. No we didn't end on the high note we wanted - a racer is never really satisfied. Although we ended with six wins this year, we did struggle. The entire year was bit unsettling, it was a transition year to try to figure where we stood, and where we wanted to go. But that it is what winter time is for, it is a reset button, time to forget about last year and move on to making 2011 successful."

"Winter is a time to take things a part, look over the car with a fine tooth comb, rebuild and get to yourself back on track. I plan to search out some new opportunities, work on building some new partnerships for our team, and to 'reboot!' Race season comes quickly, so there really is not much time for resting - but you can work at a little slower pace than a normal race week."

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.

Andrea Tomba Wins Back-to-Back Class 8 Open Championships

Dec 14, 2010

The ProBaja championship series consists of seven races, a mix of desert and short course - last year Tomba won six of those races and finished third once.

As he did this year, K&N sponsored Andrea Tomba will once again honor the number 800 on his truck for 2011, by winning the ProBaja Class Championship for the second consecutive year.

Despite contesting this year's championship in a new truck, ATRacing still managed to make it two in a row.

"This was a tougher season for us than last year," said Tomba. "Last year was pretty much as perfect a season as you could wish for, the truck ran perfectly, without a single problem."

In 2009, Andrea Tomba Racing (ATR) won the championship in commanding fashion, with six victories, and third place finish. They sold that truck though, and at the beginning of this season they began racing a new Ford Explorer.

Tomba says he feels the presence of his entire family and crew along with him when he races.

"Although it is a great truck, a new truck will always have teething problems, and we had our share of those this season," commented Tomba. "Overcoming them was a challenge, as was dealing with some freak problems that lead to a blown motor, and at another time three blown shocks. So, all-in-all, it made this year's Championship win feel even better!"

ATRacing declares they have every intention making it three in a row in 2011.

The Southern Baja Series, aka ProBaja, has proved that it's a force to be reckoned with during the last few years. By all accounts these are great races and very well organized, and as a result the number of participants in races is growing exponentially. Races generally run in the area between Cabo San Lucas and Loreto. Most racers admit that pre-running the visually stunning Baja Peninsula makes any journey worth the effort.

Generally, there are around 150 vehicles per race, with approximately 15 very strong Trophy Trucks, about 15 Class 1, and ten Class 8 Open vehicles. Over 100,000 fans spread out along the desert to cheer on racers. And over 10,000 spectators pack in to view the short course races. The championship is a mix of desert and short course races, with seven races total.

"It is also great to see more and more international drivers coming down to participate. For the Dos Mares race in May 2011," adds Tomba. "It runs 500 kilometers, leaving La Paz up a spectacular but challenging route up the Sea of Cortez, before cutting across the Peninsula and driving south along the last Baja 1000 section, from Cuidad de Constitucion to La Paz." Many top racers use this venue as a warm-up before the Baja 1000.

"The only moment that I would rather forget about this year was a DNF in the Coyote 300," remarked Tomba, "the first DNF in two years, and it was from an avoidable electrical problem."

"As for highlights... wow, there are so many. Probably the most memorable race was the Circuito Bronco Short Course, where we came in second, but it was a battle from the start, to a nerve wrecking near photo finish. It was what wheel to wheel racing is all about, 10 laps of adrenaline overdose, not only for us in the truck, but for all the spectators too. However, as in any racing, I think that the real highlight is coming in safe after every race, and to see the faces of family, crew and sponsors who really make it all possible. When you get out of the truck, filthy and tired, and you get a hug from them, you see them smiling from the heart, those are the moments that make me think - wow - all these people are sitting in the truck with me when I am racing!"

About the 2011 season Tomba says, "Of course we plan to make it three in a row! I would be very happy if we could do that, especially as the competition in Class 8 is going to get even better, with quite a few new trucks coming on to the scene. We are hoping to have the trucks dialed in better now, and to be able to start the season at 100 percent."

"The team is always working hard on improving what we have, and we are fortunate that we have support from some of the best brands in the industry. I cannot tell you what a relief it is to be able to discount some of the biggest threats in off-road racing, thanks to our sponsors continuing efforts to be industry leaders. In the last decade that we have run K&N Filters, we have not once had to stop due to filter problems, even when our races have run in what seems like unending miles of the finest silt you can imagine."

"More than anything, we would like to win a hat trick, as a way to show our appreciation to our sponsors and to our team. For over a decade now it is our sponsors that have helped to keep us on top. We can't express how much we appreciate their continuing support, especially through these tough economic times. ATRacing really just feels like one huge family."

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.

Bertrand Motors' Cabral Ends NEMA Season with Win at Thompson World Series

Dec 14, 2010

The win at the Thompson World Series was Cabral fourth of the season and his club-record ninth at Thompson.

The Northeastern Midget Association (NEMA) concluded their 2010 season at Thompson International Speedway in Connecticut. For team owner Tim Bertrand the season couldn't have ended on a sweeter note, as his two drivers, Randy Cabral and Cole Carter, finished first and second in an epic battle.

On the second green, realizing how fast everybody was going, Cabral moved to the outside and went for it, holding onto the lead all the way to his convincing victory.

Cabral of Plymouth, Massachusetts, grabbed the early lead but soon found that his K&N Engineering teammate Cole Carter had put together a strong run, passing point leader Russ Stoeher, with his sights clearly set on Cabral. For the final 15 laps Carter dogged his teammate every inch of the way, but on the final run to the checkers, Cabral managed to stretch his advantage and notched the very popular victory. It was Cabral's fourth win of the season and his club-record ninth at Thompson.

Bertrand Motors' Chris deRitis (75) night ended early after an unfortunate lap-one altercation.

How did Tim Bertrand feel about the win at the Thompson World Series? "Excellent! We really felt in the last three races of the season that we were back to our old form of 2008. We were leading by a half lap at Waterford, and broke a rocker arm. We were coming to the front quickly at Seekonk, and got in a tangle - and then 'redeemed' ourselves at Thompson with a convincing win."

Cabral was eager "to redeem himself" after over-aggression proved costly at Seekonk's DAV. He was cautious on the initial start at Thompson, determined to let things settle out. Then the second green, realizing how fast everybody was going, he moved to the outside and went for it.

"He felt bad about the tangle at Seekonk," said Bertrand. "He said that it was his in-patience that caused the wreck. At Thompson, he laid back for about a lap - but saw the other cars getting away from him, and then just went for it. He had the lead in fewer than three laps."

"When Carter got under him in his team car he was completely surprised. Carter was running an Esslinger 'spec' engine - Cabral never thought he would be able to keep up."

Carter even appeared to grab the lead momentarily coming out of turn two, but Cabral beat him into three. It was really the only time Cabral actually saw his teammate, although the one-time USAC driver did make two other determined moves out of two, before settling into a run on the leader's tail. Cabral said he was surprised it was Cole, expecting somebody else like Russ. Still, he felt "if I didn't screw up I was going to be OK. We wanted to win the race that was our only objective."

"This was one of our best seasons ever," remarked Bertrand. "We were on the podium nine out of 13 races. The other team that won the championship suffered the loss of their car owner early in the year (Gene Angelillo) - who was one of the most successful car owners ever. It is hard to beat 'divine intervention'!"

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.

Honda VFR1200 Motorcycles Get Upgrade with K&N High Performance Air Filter

Dec 10, 2010

Replacement Air Filter for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Honda VFR1200

Born from decades of racing, Honda has utilized the V4 engine for many of its top racing motorcycles, including the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 VFR 1200. This performance machine boasts an impressive redesigned take on such a powerful motor including a 1236cc motor with a 76 degree v-angle

Restriction Chart for HA-1110 Air Filter

creating a smooth yet high performance ride. Honda has also taken motorcycles one step further into the future by integrating a dual clutch transmission, allowing the rider to choose between a CPU controlled automatic transmission or a manual paddle shifting race design.

The Honda VFR1200 is truly a machine built on one of the most dynamic racing engine platforms ever built and that is why K&N has developed the new HA-1110 High Performance Air Filter to protect the custom V4 motor. The HA-1110 is a specially engineered filter to fit 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Honda VFR1200 motorcycles. It allows high air flow via its oiled multilayered cotton gauze media. This filter media design allows for dirt and contaminants to be captured within the filter's fibers without sacrificing airflow like many other filter designs. K&N's HA-1110 is washable and reusable, which makes it the last air filter you will ever need to buy. K&N air filters are also designed to increase horsepower while providing outstanding engine protection.

The HA-1110 comes with installation instructions that make it simple to install with little mechanical experience. Backed by K&N's famous 1,000,000 mile limited warranty, the HA-1110 is designed to give your 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Honda VFR1200 motorcycle a lifetime of protection and power.

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.

Jeff Maldonado of the Revoluscion Car Club and his Modified 2006 Scion tC at SEMA

Dec 10, 2010

2006 Scion tC featured by Tokico at SEMA

The 2010 SEMA Show was very impressive when you compare it to previous years. A plethora of personalized and performance modified vehicles filled the Las Vegas Convention Center. Hundreds of custom cars and trucks overflowed into the parking lots outside; polished and ready for the show.

Jeff Maldonado's custom 2006 Scion tC

Jeff Maldonado, president of the new generation Scion car club called Revoluscion CC, found his way back to SEMA this year with his modified 2006 Scion tC. "Last year I went as a Smartwax feature vehicle," Maldonado explained. "This year, the tC was featured by Tokico."

Maldonado tells us that Revoluscion CC is going to, "set a higher standard outside the ordinary." The Revoluscion car club has set a momentum that continues to push toward success.

Revoluscion Car Club's 2006 Scion tC

"A lot of us have already accomplished Magazine features, Awards and SEMA features in less than 2 years," Maldonado expresses. "Our ultimate goal is to build a family out of the team and support our community while wow'ing everyone at the shows."

Many of Maldonado's impressive accomplishments have been circulating around the press. Automundo, a popular Spanish automotive magazine, did a 4 page feature, L.A. Times did a piece and there was a feature in the 2009 & 2010 SEMA Show Magazine. Some of the awards presented to Maldonado thus far include the Finest Driven & Finest Custom Scion at Remix, Best of Show at Scion's Unlock the tC, First place at Scion Nationals and second place at T.O.R.C.

After his 2009 SEMA feature, Maldonado's fellow Revoluscion CC members were inspired to build cars of their own that could be shown at SEMA. "The reason for my return [to SEMA] was more to support and represent Revoluscion Car Club," Maldonado mentioned, "and to support all of our sponsors like K&N Filters."

Sometimes Maldonado reflects on his many achievements and competitive aspiration. "Having a show vehicle had been my dream since I was a little boy; back when Hondas had the scene controlled," he shared. "Being part of the scion culture, I was influenced to do to my vehicle, what I had once dreamed about." Maldonado began to attend car shows and meets and developed a hunger for being the best. "I started getting more and more competitive," he adds. "I've been in the scene since 2006 and I've been going strong ever since."

The 2006 Scion tC was Maldonado's first vehicle built exclusively for show. "I had a Toyota Tacoma which I did some minor upgrades," said Maldonado. "As for a full show build, this is my first." For performance, Maldonado's Scion tC is equipped with a K&N air intake system and K&N premium oil filter. "Performance and durability," is Maldonado's reason for choosing K&N products, "and the K&N intake matched the look of my tC."

Getting to SEMA is an achievement all in itself. Maldonado explains it as, "A stepping stone for many things to follow. " Maldonado warns, "If you are not mentally, physically and financially ready for the commitment, think twice before going through with it."

This year SEMA was a big success from a business perspective. "From a personal stand point, I enjoyed it a lot more this year," Maldonado expressed. "I felt this time, I was ready. With the help of our sponsors, the 2010 build was much easier than the last year."

When asked about what the tC does when it's not at a show, Maldonado says jokingly, "It's daily driven yo!," then continues. "nah, I think this year, since I got a daily, I will probably use the tC just for the weekends."

Jeff Maldonado and the Revoluscion Car Club would like to be back to SEMA next year to show off their innovative and attractive automotive builds and strengthen their relationships with sponsors that help them achieve, what some would call, automotive excellence. "I don't know what 2011 holds for me and my club," Maldonado concludes. "We'll shoot for a few magazines, help other members reach the SEMA goal and make our club even stronger. All I can say for sure is that we will be behind K&N 100%."

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.