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K&N's Steve Williams Wins at NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series 40th Anniversary Event

May 17, 2010

This marks Steve Williams' second final round win at the Ignitor event - he also won back in 2007 and was runner-up in 2008

Built on an old farmstead just northwest of Boise, Idaho, Firebird Raceway recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor, making it now the longest-running NHRA major drag racing event in the Pacific Northwest. It was 75-year-old general manager, Bill New, that decided on the name "Ignitor" for his inaugural event in 1971.

Next up for Steve Williams is the notorious Western Swing

This season-opening event marked the second stop in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series for Top Fuel, and nearly 400 racers showed up for the opening stop in the Division 6 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

In the Super Comp Final, Round 6 Eliminations it was K&N's own Vice President of Research and Development, Steve Williams taking the victory on a double breakout, as both drivers had identical lights.

Steve Williams took the victory on a double breakout, as both drivers had identical lights

"We race on a 9.20 index at this track," explains Williams. "This means we are trying to cover the 1320 feet in exactly 9.200 seconds. These races are won and lost by thousands of a second and sometimes ten-thousandths. That's called the margin of victory. Winning By one-thousandth of a second is about two and a half inches."

"A double break out is when both cars ran under the index, and the car that runs the least amount under the 9.20 standard is the winner. Identical lights means both cars left the starting line at the exact moment, to the thousandth of a second. In this case both cars left 25-thousandth after the green light came on. The goal is to leave at the exact time the green light comes on, and not before, because that would be a red light, and you lose."

Williams has been to the final round twice before, he won the event three years ago, and was runner-up in 2008.

"I always enjoy going to Boise, because my wife's mom and dad retired up there, and Shelby gets to ride the horses and see grandma and grandpa," says Williams.

"There is always a little extra confidence too that you feel when you go to the same race tracks that you have won at in previous years, and additionally, you have a lot of information regarding varying conditions already stored away. The race is always tough though, because it's still catching some rain, and even snow at times, so the tuning is a little tricky."

We wondered how much of Williams' personal racing insights carried over into product development.

"There is never a time that we aren't trying to improve our cars and products. I listen to other racers, and their needs, and also look for new opportunities to solve problems that people have at the track. It's a great class room. Most people would not guess that there are teachers and students, and they all share information, and compete together."

Next up for Williams is the notorious Western Swing - Seattle, Washington, Sonoma, California, then Topeka, Kansas and Indy. The Western Swing is often crucial to title hopes in the NHRA.

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 Vaters' Ford F250 Monster Truck the Black Stallion

May 14, 2010

Michael Vaters and the Black Stallion Monster Truck

In the early 1980's, the motorsports world would be rocked by something huge - literally. The first monster truck, Big Foot, had just started to be seen by Americans. Its car crushing capabilities captivated gear-heads and children from coast to coast. Fairmonts, Chevettes, Pacers and Gremlins were terrified.

Michael Vaters' Ford F250 Pickup Truck

If you are a fan of monster trucks, or a frequent visitor to our website, then you may recall hearing their names. They both have been around for a while. But have you ever wondered just how somebody starts racing monster trucks? There may be as many answers to that as there are monster trucks but this is just one story.

Michael Vaters of Hagerstown, MD had no idea in 1981 that he would soon be a part of the evolution of one of the most popular forms of motorsports in the country when he decided to purchase a brand new Ford F250 with an inline 6 cylinder. In no time, the wheels began turning. Not so much the wheels of the truck, but the little tiny wheels of the brain. The tiny wheels that make us think of big things, the wheels that spur our imagination, our creativity, and our dreams.

Back then, customizing trucks was nowhere near what it is now. You could not walk into a shop and readily order custom parts. Some say necessity is the mother of invention and Michael Vaters would agree. Since nobody at the time had a lift kit available Mike designed and built his own and added it to the F250 which he would call Black Stallion. 40" tires which previously did not exist had just become available so naturally, that was next. The very next year, Black Stallion was upgraded with 44" tires, a 12" suspension lift, an Alpine stereo with Bose amplifiers, and a 12 speaker system that would announce to all within 3 city blocks that Black Stallion would soon be upon them. In addition, Mike designed and built a rear steering system and added an in-dash television for kicks. But it was not done yet. Again, in 1983, Mike Vaters wanted more. Realizing the need for more power, he yanked the strait six and exchanged it for a Ford 460ci motor. Adding a hydraulic tilt front end helped showcase the efforts he had put in. Adding a few inches of lift can't hurt either but when Maryland bumper height laws became stricter, Mike had a problem. Or, maybe it was a solution. Whatever the case, Mike wasn't going to bring the Stallion down. The realization set in that Mike would eventually be the proud father of a monster truck. "I knew that Black Stallion would become a monster truck when the police told me that I couldn't drive it on the street with the modifications that I had made and I was relieved because I knew that I would not be seeing flashing lights in my rear view mirror anymore." With the help of some good friends, about a year and a half of time, new chrome parts, 2 5-ton military axles, a sunroof, and surely some busted knuckles, the monster truck was a reality. In the fall season of 1985, Black Stallion, the monster truck, entered this world at 12 feet high and 12 feet wide, weighing 13,000 pounds.

Things now began to get interesting. Within a few months, Mike would ink a sponsorship deal that got him 110 shows in the span of one year. It was 1986 and monster trucks had progressed to a point where they were now racing side by side over cars and obstacles. Mike knew what the future held so he went back to work. He started experimenting with different leaf springs, shocks and other suspension components to find a superior combination. In addition, he built another motor, this time a 477ci (Ford of course) with an 871 super charger. Black Stallion could hang with the best monster trucks around. In the spring of 1987, Black Stallion was the very first monster truck to visit the Bahamas. Then again in 1988, Black Stallion went into the shop for a makeover. It was updated with a new 1988 Ford Body. This time, the TV was removed along with the stereo and speakers to lighten the truck up. You see, monster trucks were not just riding over cars, now they were jumping completely over them with room to spare. Mike joined the fracas with Black Stallion and of course, took it a step further with his signature stunt, jumping cars in reverse. The latest version of Black Stallion debuted in 2007. "I think it handles and performs better than any other monster truck in competition. It was fabricated a little differently with the motor sitting lower in the chassis for an optimal center of gravity." Knowing what the truck will and will not do is essential. "As an independent team, we have to be able to push our trucks to the limit without breaking parts. Broken parts equal money, and you have to have enough money left over after one show to get to the next."

Being on the road constantly is not easy either. "Traveling is bittersweet, I like to see new places and meet new people but I miss being home as well but monster truck competition is our livelihood; it's a full time job for us." November and December are easier due to winter and a lack of booked events but that time is spent maintaining equipment, planning upcoming races, and attending trade shows or other industry related events.

In addition to all this, Mike is also a board member of the MTRA (Monster Truck Racing Association) whose mission it is to improve the safety of the drivers, crew members, and spectators. "The MTRA is continuously identifying problems or potential problems and addressing those issues by collaboratively working with the drivers and promoters to come up with solutions."

Michael Vaters has had many projects besides Black Stallion. There was Black Stallion Jr., a slightly smaller version of the original in which he won the 1988 Mini Monster Nationals in Indy. The Battle Cat was another hellacious creation, this time a Ford Econoline van body adorned a 1940 M5 armored personnel carrier powered by a 477ci Ford that not only crushed the cars but shredded them as the tracks gained speed. And who could forget the Boogie Van, a 1992 Ford Aerostar (yes, Aerostar) that was possessed with a 557ci blown, alcohol injected Ford.

To this day, Mike is out racing the Black Stallion and 2010 will mark 28 years of jumping cars, forward and backward. Mike has been a regular in the monster truck scene all of these years and he wouldn't have it any other way. "I believe I will be involved in the monster truck industry for a long time to come and I hope that someday my kids will take an interest and want to get involved and drive the trucks." Look for Mike at these future events.

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.

Del Rougeux Jr. Gets First Big Block Dirt Modified Victory of 2010 at Sharon Speedway

May 13, 2010

Rougeux says the one thing he never worries about, or ever requires fine-tuning, are his K&N products. Photo by: JMS Pro Photo.

Built in 1929, Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio is oldest continuously running dirt ovals in the United States, and it's one of Del Rougeux's favorite all-time tracks. The three-eighths mile, high-banked dirt and clay oval has shown Rougeux, the Frenchville, Pennsylvania driver plenty of favor and success over the years.

Rougeux Motorsports currently holds second place in overall championship points. Photo by: JMS Pro Photo.

"The first win of the season is always a great feeling, you build off the momentum and carry it into the next few races," remarked Rougeux after recently winning at Sharon Speedway. "We ended 2009 winning our last two events, so it makes us feel like we haven't lost our 'magic' during the off season."

After completing his first heat race in fourth place, Rougeux felt that the car wasn't setup the way he wanted it to be, in order to pound out 20 hard laps on the very fast Sharon Speedway surface. To prepare the car for the feature event Rougeux first talked with his father, and then after a short brain-storming session with his crew, they went to work making some "wholesale" changes to the car.

"I was unhappy with how the car was laying hard on the right side through the corners and slowing my ability to exit the corner," said Rougeux. "We decided to make some spring changes to the rear of the car and try a different valving on our shocks. The end result was perfect, the car was stable and comfortable."

Rougeux says the one thing he never worries about, or ever requires fine-tuning, are his K&N products.

"K&N is the top company in motorsports filters. We have been a team for many years and are very happy with our air filters, oil filters, breathers, sealing grease, filter oil and pre-wraps. They are a very important part of keeping us in the front of the field, without a clean engine, it can't perform at the level we need it to."

"We tour with a group called Modified Tour Inc., and our plan for this season is to race Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pennsylvania on Friday nights and Sharon Speedway on Saturday nights. Basically, with this schedule and a few scattered year end specials, we will race about 60 nights a season. My biggest goal is to win as many races as possible, and in turn, take home as many championships as I can."

Del and his Rougeux Motorsports team currently hold second place in the overall championship points standing.

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.

Cody Swanson's Third USAC Western States Midget Series Race Gets Team Back on Track

May 12, 2010

Stockton was Swanson's first pavement race of this season and only his third in the USAC Western States Midget Series

Last season Cody Swanson, the young up-and-comer from Norco, California, was named the "Most Improved Driver" for the 2009 USAC Ford Focus California Dirt Series. This season Swanson moved up into the USAC Western States Midget Series, and as is the case with most new relationships - there's a period of adjustment. Peaks and valleys in racing are the norm, not the exception, it is precisely during these periods that racers learn to define themselves, and when the most valuable lessons are revealed. From all indications Kody Swanson appears to be devouring the learning curve.

During the race Swanson's car experienced a severe push, and it was tough to hang onto, but he still managed a seventh place finish

"Stockton was our first pavement race of this season and only my third in the USAC Western States Midget Series," remarked Swanson. "On the pavement I am driving for Tres Van Dyne, in his number 5 Van Dyne Chevy powered Beast Pavement midget."

Cody Swanson Racing had high hopes going into the weekend and their Friday evening practice sessions were looking quite promising. With each run on the track they continued to pick up time and improved on their position. During the Saturday morning practice the team was still running strong, but the car was slightly loose coming off the corners.

"We knew that if we could get that loose condition out of the car that we could find a few more tenths of a second and be set for qualifying. So we made a few changes to the car to try and tighten it up for the two lap qualifying session, but we quickly realized that we went a little too far and the car had a really evil push, and it showed in the time," recalls Swanson.

"I started in eighth position for the 30 lap main event. Before the race we took all of our adjustments out of the car, so we could get it to where we were fast, but still struggled. When the sun goes down on the pavement, the track gains a lot of grip, and we didn't adjust enough for that. During the race it still had a pretty bad push, and it was tough to hang onto, but we still managed a seventh place finish."

"It was disappointing, but we did learn a lot about the car, and Tres and I are getting better as a team. I am confident that we will continue to get strong throughout the season."

About the track Swanson says "Stockton's 99 Raceway is an awesome track - both corners are completely different and it makes the track really fun to race on. It is small, so the racing is tight, and in turn one and two, you are on the bottom of the track, but then when you come around for turns three and four, you're running right up against the wall, and it gives you a ton of speed down the front stretch. I really enjoyed running on the track and I am looking forward to go back in June."

"The K&N oil filters and breather filters are working great on the Beast Pavement Midget. And on my number 71 Midget we run all of the K&N products. With all our great sponsors continued support, we should be back on the podium soon."

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.

Lovell Racing Wins Round Two of We-Rock Rockcrawling Series

May 11, 2010

Lovell Racings' Rock Crawler Rig. Photos by: Jud Leslie.

Rockcrawling is a lot like stepping into an octagon cage to wage battle - puzzle solving - and hot rodding all at once. You understand from the get-go that you're going to get whacked and bruised and there will be plenty collateral damage to your car. You don't have a tinker's chance of winning if you can't instantaneously decipher, communicate, and correct course navigations. And hot rodding because it's always about making your car bigger, badder and faster. Or, as Brad Lovell put it "Rockcrawling is a fine line between disaster and success."

Puzzle solving 101 at its finest, with Brad at the wheel and Roger doing the spotting. Photos by: Jud Leslie.

Brad and his brother Roger are two of the very best at towing that fine line, and they recently proved it once again by winning. After taking several months to concentrate on how to go fast, AMSOIL/Lovell Racing returned to their roots for round two of the We-Rock Rockcrawling Series in Tucson, Arizona, where they won the Pro-Mod and placed second overall in the Unlimited Class.

"Everything we have done mentally has been wrapped around going fast for King of the Hammers, BITD, TORC, hillclimbs, etc.," says Brad. "We have been concerning ourselves with problems due to heat, vibration, and air flow. Rockcrawling takes thought dedicated to issues like torque, binding, steering angle, fluid control at angles, and absolute traction. It takes a big mental shift."

"The number 232 AMSOIL Ranger has gone through a lot of changes since placing second at King of the Hammers. We have made several suspension adjustments for height and rate, as well as removing hundreds of pounds in spare parts, fuel capacity, and other things we just don't need for a rock course. We want it light."

We wondered if being brothers contributed to the overall success of the Lovell Racing team.

"There is no question that Roger and I communicate instinctively because we are brothers. We have been wheeling together forever. We know each other and we know how the truck is going to react. I have had couple other people spot for me that did well, but when Roger and I work together, we are the best."

"The courses as always were brutal," continues Brad. "The thing with rockcrawling is that only the best guys will be able to finish all the courses. Even though we had the best score in the final round, we almost laid it over a couple times and depended on pure traction to get us up the last climb."

Having the best possible equipment and racing products therefore is crucial to being successful in Rockcrawling. "That's why we have always depended on K&N," says Brad.

"In fact during our last desert race we had a fire in the engine compartment. I was really concerned because there were a lot of flames around the air filter area. We ran another 120 miles to the finish line and found no silt or dust inside the intake. Now that is a pretty tough 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.

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