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Allen Johnson on Fire in Las Vegas NHRA Pro Stock Qualifying

Nov 9, 2010

NHRA Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson

With only two NHRA Nationals events remaining in the 2010 season, Tennessee based Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson has been doing all he can to earn every precious point, many of those as of late coming during qualifying.

Allen Johnson and his Mopar Dodge Avenger

Johnson came into the latest NHRA National event at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway fifth in the Full Throttle Series championship standings.

While the 2010 championship may be very close to top-of-mind for any team who still had a mathematical shot at grabbing it, all Pro Stock teams continued to vie for points during qualifying for in the 2011 K&N Horsepower Challenge and Johnson slowly continuing to claw his way to the top of the heap.

Drivers earn points for the K&N Challenge based on final event qualifying position, with a max of one-hundred seventy-five points awarded to the pole sitter along will a $3,000 bonus from K&N Engineering.

Johnson and his Mopar Dodge Avenger have become quite familiar with the accolades of late, after back-to-back low qualifiers over the last two NHRA events in Dallas and Reading, respectfully.

After the first Pro Stock qualifying session on Friday during the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals, Johnson found himself and his 6.671 E.T sitting in third on the sheet, just a mere thousandth behind Rodger Brogdon’s at number two 6.670 and well within reach of Mike Edwards’ 6.667 pole.

When Johnson lined his Hemi power up for the second session on Friday evening, he soared back to his familiar number one spot, posting a 6.660 to bump Edwards from the top spot.

"The first run, we didn't make a very good run at all, so we knew we had a little bit left in the car," said Johnson after the second session on Friday. "The left lane is the lane of preference here for Pro Stock, and we had it there that session. The sun went down about halfway through that session, and it helped us out a lot. We made a very, very good run. The guys got the Hemi power, and now they're just putting it down. I'm telling you this is a strong engine."

For the first session on Saturday, teams would find very similar weather and track conditions to what they had to work with the previous day, including mid-ninety degree track temps.

Johnson continued show he and tuner Mark Ingersoll were “on kill” and were going to “be aggressive” each and every round as they posted an even quicker 6.651 at 207.82 MPH, easily hanging on to the number one spot. And Johnson wasn’t done yet.

After what one may consider a tremendous amount of downtime due to numerous oil downs in the earlier Saturday session for the nitro ranks, which pushed the events final qualifying session well into the darkness, Johnson was actually looking forward to what the track conditions would bring he and his team.

"We knew that this run was going to be the best one after over four hours of down time," said Johnson. "The sun goes down, and the track gets awesome here. We knew we had to get after it to keep [the pole], and that's what we did, we stepped it up."

Other Pro Stock teams did their best to take advantage of the conditions, with several bettering their E.T.”s and qualifying positions, including V. Gaines who matched Johnson’s previous E.T. effort, but not good enough in the MPH department to steal away the pole position.

With a now mid-seventy degree track temp and the final Pro Stock pair on the track for the day, Johnson’s Mopar Dodge Avenger sailed down the quarter mile posting a 6.646 at 207.75 MPH and put a stronghold on the number one spot. This would be his seventh pole of the season and the fourteenth of his career.

Johnson was able to rack up some nice bonus points during qualifying, after being number one in three of the four qualifying sessions, but after an early exit on Sunday, Full Throttle Championship hopes will have to be put off for another season.

It’s a little different story in the 2011 K&N Horsepower Challenge where Johnson continues to be a terror. Should he be able to keep up his string of low qualifiers, he could easily be holding down the top spot when the eight elite Pro Stock teams some together to do battle for the $50,000 winner purse next year in Norwalk, Ohio.

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.

Todd's Performance Driver Curt Michael Makes History Winning 7th URC Championship

Nov 9, 2010

Team owner Bill Gallagher credits Michael's skilled driving, along with the team's overall synergy and dedication, and sponsors like K&N, for winning this year's championship.

"To be the first driver to win five Championships in a row was pretty cool, but to now be the first and only driver to win seven Championships is a very big accomplishment," commented a jubilant Curt Michael.

Driver Curt Michael did precisely what was needed to win the championship Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport, New York.

The Bill Gallagher owned sprinter driven by Michaels did exactly what they needed to do at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport, New York. Michael started the race in fourth place and finished fourth in the feature, thereby collecting the necessary points to earn the championship.

In winning the 2010 Rislone URC Sprint Series Michael set a new United Racing Company (URC) record, becoming the first driver in the company's 63-year history to win seven championships. Michael shared the previous record of six championships with legendary 360 sprint car driver Earl Halaquist, a member of the Sprint Car Hall of Fame.

Curt Michael joined the number 5G team back in 2008, securing the team's first championship during that season.

"I really respect the drivers that paved the way for us, and to surpass a Hall of Fame driver in Earl Halaquist is just amazing," remarked Michael. "I have to thank team owner Bill Gallagher, my brother Sean (crew chief and mechanic) and all of my past owners, mechanics and crews that helped me over the years."

Michael joined the number 5G team back in 2008, securing the team's first championship during that season. Back then Todd Rittenhouse, owner of Todd's Performance, was still the crew chief. He was crew chief in fact until 2009 before passing the baton to Curt's brother Sean.

"As the owner of Todd's Performance I still extend the sponsorship from K&N to Curt and Bill, as well as my son Todd Jr. from the same program," said Rittenhouse, who has been slipping into his retirement incrementally. "I still do all the write ups and have the show car available during the summer months if needed when everybody is racing."

This year the team's record included two wins, 16 top-fives, and 20 top-tens, during the 22 URC race season.

"I am happy, ecstatic, and proud that the 5G won the URC points Championship this year," remarked team owner Gallagher. "Curt, Sean, and the crew did a fantastic job. Curt is, by far, the best driver I have had in my 20 years as an owner. He not only races a great offensive race, but also a good defensive race, keeping out of trouble and not having any crashes, which makes for a happy owner. A true team player and leader."

Gallagher says the team's remarkable year is due not only to the driving talent of Michael, but also team members' synergy and dedication, and, of course, the sponsors.

"We could not have accomplished this without the great support and products from the people at K&N," adds Rittenhouse.

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.

Jean Paul Cyr Wins Final Segment of the 48th Annual Milk Bowl

Nov 9, 2010

Many of the ACT races are every bit as competitive as the Milk Bowl, with up to 50 cars battling for 30 starting positions.

"It's called the Milk Bowl because I believe it was originally sponsored by a Dairy Company," noted seven-time American-Canadian Tour champion Jean Paul Cyr. "The victory lane celebration included drinking their milk, and kissing a cow. That tradition still lives on."

The Annual Milk Bowl run at Thunder Road International Speedbowl has been labeled the toughest short track race in America.

The K&N sponsored Milton, Vermont, resident won the final segment of the 48th Annual Milk Bowl run at Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, Vermont. Winning the last segment of the "toughest short track race in America," credited Cyr with a 17th place finish in the overall three-segment race.

"At least we won the last segment," said Cyr. "I think we're getting really close with the car now, we have a good baseline set up. It's too bad we had a flat in the second segment because I thought we were positioned okay after the first (segment)."

Cyr's number 32 car is “Army Strong” and his patriotic fans are as well.

The field of cars was reversed for segment two. Mid-race Cyr encountered a flat tire that saw him retire into the pit area for the remainder of the second segment.

The new Cyr Motorsports team is confident that they are on the right track to finding a winning combination for the 2011 season.

"I think we had a good enough car where we could've gotten to the front in the second segment, seeing what happened in the third segment," he said. "All the same, I just as soon win the money in the third segment.

Cyr's win earned the team $50 for each lap he led plus a $500 bonus for leading at the halfway mark.

"What makes the Milk Bowl interesting and fun for fans, is that you qualify by time trials, and then by 50-lap heat races, making it very competitive to qualify," explains Cyr. "The Milk Bowl consists of three 50-lap segments. The field is inverted after the first and second race. For example, the winner of segment one, starts last in segment two. The short amount of time between segments makes it difficult to make adjustments. And, there is one short race (other models), between each Milk Bowl segment."

2010 has been a "building" year for Cyr Motorsports and they will be first to admit that they have experienced more than their fair share of disappointments over the course of a long season.

"After coming off of a Thunder Road Track Championship, this year was challenging and disappointing," remarked Cyr candidly.

"I started off the year driving for a great family. Unfortunately lack of funding made it hard to compete at the level needed to truly be competitive. So, half-way through the seasons, and after four years of driving for other teams, I made the decision to start my own team again."

The exceptionally competitive American-Canadian Tour (ACT) consists of approximately 10-14 races held on tracks throughout New England, New York, and Quebec. The Tour is unique in that the tracks have been adapted to ACT rules, and drivers are often racing against "local favorites," at their own tracks. Many tour races are every bit as difficult to quality for as the Milk Bowl, with 35-50 cars typically be vying for 30 starting positions.

"Overall, I'd have to say we had moderately successful year," said Cyr. "We are putting all the key pieces together and looking forward to a good next year. We purchased a new car from McColl Racing Enterprises out of Ontario, and our new crew chief is Brian Latuche, who was instrumental in Brad Leighton's K&N Series Championships."

"I've always enjoyed using K&N products, even before the sponsorship. Then, I had the opportunity to meet Bob Harris, at the PRI Show. K&N's reputation is unequalled, and I jumped at the chance to have a relationship with K&N. I use K&N air filters, oil filters, engine breathers, and vents."

"I'm really happy with the team and what they did, this year," Cyr added. "We had a well thought out plan and stuck 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.

Tommy Phillips Wins NHRA Super Gas Final at Motorplex Silver Anniversary Event

Nov 8, 2010

Earlier this season Phillips won the Super Gas Wally in front of his hometown crowd at the NHRA National in Dallas.

Although it helps, you don't need to have the fastest car in order to win a drag race - but you absolutely do need skill. Forney, Texas, driver Tommy Phillips, of TNT Super Cars fame proved that to be a fact. Phillips engaged his superior starting-line talent to cut a quick .005 light in his 1958 Corvette Roadster, racing to a 9.909 on the 9.90 Super Gas index. This was third national event trophy at the Ennis, Texas Motorplex for the K&N sponsored racer. The other two victories at his home track were in Super Comp, and came decade apart, in 1995 and again 2005.

Phillips said this 1958 Corvette Roadster did exactly what it was supposed to do in every run at the Motorplex.

By all gauges used to measure NHRA events the final rounds of the Lucas Oil Series contested at the now 25-year-old facility was an utterly enthralling success. The event always attracts the-best-of-the-best, and the silver anniversary celebration bumped it up even a few more notches.

"I had several close races throughout the event, and the final was definitely one of them," stated Phillips. After this win Phillips now sits in second place in the Super Gas national standings.

Phillips says there's nothing like winning in front of his biggest fans, his family and team.

"I had a bit of an advantage when we left the starting line and was out in front the whole way, so I slowly started letting out of the throttle, and touching the brake to keep from breaking out," explained Phillips.

The K&N sponsored driver used his superior starting-line skill to bring it home at the Texas Motorplex.

"His car (Charlie Stewart) was a tick faster than mine, so he was gaining pretty quickly, and right at the end, he hit the brakes too. To use a baseball term, it was a 'bang-bang' finish, and I got there first while running right on the index. The track was great, and even with the crazy wind and drastic weather conditions, my Corvette did exactly what it was supposed to every run."

Phillips has been around long enough to understand that you have diversify your portfolio, so like many other successful sportsman racers, Phillips competes in several classes during the year.

"My season has been uncharacteristically inconsistent to tell you the truth," said Phillips. "I have had great race cars, and driven flawlessly at times, while at other times I've looked as though I just learned how to race the day before."

"I have two NHRA national event wins, a national runner-up, one NHRA LODRS race win, a NHRA LODRS runner-up, an IHRA Summit Pro-Am win, and an IHRA Summit Pro-Am runner- up, so it's been a productive year."

"That was my 10th national event win in Super Gas, but my 21st overall," said Phillips. When asked if one win sticks out from all the other he says, "I'd have to say the first one was the most memorable simply because it was a milestone in my racing career."

"This one in 2010 was the most satisfying though, because my entire family was able to be there to see it. My wife, daughter, mom, dad, step mom, sisters, grandfather, niece, nephew and very best friends, they were all there to celebrate with me, and that made it maybe the best ever!"

The way things are stacking up for Phillips he will once again finish the season in the top-five in the Super Gas national standings for the third year in a row. In addition, he is in a very realistic position to win his sixth division championship as well.

"All-in-all, it has been a decent year, and I cannot complain, but I set extremely high goals for myself, so it will fall short in my eyes."

Phillips adds that he's very appreciative of K&N, and all his sponsors, for their continuing support and encouragement.

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 Sponsors Swedish Team - Bryntesson MotorSport in Camaro Cup 2010 Effort

Nov 8, 2010

Tony Bryntesson says his team uses K&N filters on everything requiring a filter for one simple reason, they are the best.

Tony Bryntesson is the CEO and team owner of the Swedish company Bryntesson MotorSport Engineering AB; we recently spoke with him regarding their new Camaro Gen. 5 2010 and the Camaro Cup series that they compete in. This is a series that has been running in Sweden for 22 years, with rules implemented to strictly control costs, and as the namesake implies, it is a series in which only one type of car is welcome - the Camaro.

The Camaro Cup Series has been in existence in Sweden for 22 years, and it growing each year.

"We started with a Camaro Gen.1 and then Gen.2, and so on, until this year when we implemented the new Camaro Gen.5 2010. The biggest difference in the car through the years is that before this car, we always took street cars and stripped them down and made race cars of them. The Gen. 5 car however is a complete racecar with a steel-tube chassis and fiberglass body. The only thing stock is the outside mirrors," explains Bryntesson.

This year kicking off the Camaro Cup 2010, 35 cars stood on the starting grid, with a fairly even mix of Gen.4 and 5 cars. Next year it's expected that there will be at least 40 cars in the running, and most of them will be Gen. 5 cars.

Bryntesson MotorSport Engineering AB is currently building a new bigger shop so that the growing business can house everything in one location.

"We are running together with Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC) and currently we are running six race weekends, with two races each weekend," says Bryntesson.

first started using K&N filters back in 1981 when he was still a drag racer.

"For 2011 the schedule is not yet ready. But I think it will be at the following race tracks: Mantorp Park (two races), Karlskoga (one race), Knutstorp (one race), Falkenberg (one race) and Jyllandsringen in Denmark (one race)."

During the 2010 season the Camaro Cup saw over 75,500 spectators at those six races. There was also an unprecedented amount of exclusive TV programming devoted to the series.

"We've been racing our Gen.4 cars for almost nine years and our series needed a change. When GM started producing the Gen.5 Camaro back in 2007, the members in our drivers association decided that we should try to get this car," says Bryntesson.

"I and a friend, Hans Emerén, earned our associations trust, and we were given the responsibility to run this project. First we looked at possibilities to produce this car in Sweden, but we soon found out that the cost would be too dramatically high. So we decided to use our experience from our old backgrounds. Emerén was classic car restorer, and I was a European Top Fuel driver. Between us we had several old contacts in the U.S. that we used, and in short time we were pointed towards a racecar producer up in Michigan called Howe Racing Enterprises. We contacted Howe and he was interested to produce those cars for us. We made up our guidelines together, and then we contacted GM Performance parts division and asked them about a body in white to make moulds from."

"This was early in 2007, but GM believed in us and offered to help us produce the racing chassis. Then around September of 2008 the car was ready to run, but we still did not have a body. Our friends at GM were contacted again, and in the beginning of 2009, we were the first one to get our body in white - wow what happiness that was."

"Moulds were made and body panels were put in place by Howe racing enterprises. But as always in big projects like this, time was flying by, and our presentation at one of the biggest car shows in Sweden in April 2009 was running out of time. We decided then that we needed to get the cars tested at race tracks in the U.S."

"We did some testing outside Chicago with driver Nic Jonsson (races ALMS prototype cars for Khron racing). Then, when testing and developing was finished, we put our car on a Cargo flight to Sweden, and made the first presentation ever at Grande Finale at Mantorp Park, at end of September 2009."

Bryntesson says his team has been involved with the Camaro Cup since 2003. As an old Top Fuel driver he says he just loves V8 engines, even the smaller ones. His racing career started in 1981, first racing Super Stock, then stepping up to Top Methanol dragsters in 1988.

"We set a few top speed records in Europe and finished second two times in the European Championship. In 1995 we won Swedish Championship, and after that we canceled our successful drag racing career."

"After that I moved over to touring cars and was driving a couple of Mercedes DTM cars in a Swedish series. But then I wanted to get back to V8 cars, and that was how I got involved in Camaro Cup," outlines Bryntesson.

"I continued as a driver in the Camaro for four years, but after things started growing, I decided to put all my efforts towards improving my racing business, and the racing team, so I stepped down from driving and bought more cars."

This year Bryntesson employed four drivers on his team. Bryntesson uses the information he gathers on the track to build racing engines, rear-ends, transmissions, and other racing related products for others through his company. "We are a total of five people, and we are starting to build a bigger shop so we can have everything in one place," he adds.

Bryntesson first got involved with K&N when he was still a drag racer, he used K&N oil filters because he wanted the best he says.

"Now I have a business relationship with G Partners (Kjell-Åke Gunarsson) that is my contact to K&N. We use K&N filters for oil, air, water ventilation, and also for our crank case ventilation. We see when we dyno test our engines that the horsepower and torque increase when we use air filters from K&N - there is no doubt about that. K&N oil filters we also love, because they flow really well, and they take care of all the small parts that other oil filters don't do. We also get really good support from K&N - we just think that their stuff is the best out there - period."

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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