Red Lion Motorsports' Passion for Racing Stems Far Beyond Aftermarket Performance Parts
- Mar 18, 2013
Although a provider of parts and accessories, the company's passion for the sport of racing goes much deeper. In fact, according to owner, Ben Therrien, they sponsor several vehicles in the world of racing, an endeavor embarked upon in 2006. The 1980 Camaro they sponsor, is equipped with a small block engine. The motor sports a Holly 950 carburetor sitting atop a Procomp intake. Designed to handle the horsepower, a TH-400 transmission is bolted to the bell-housing, and the back wheels are secured to a ten-bolt rear end.
Driven by Brandon Wyatt, the offspring of the father/son Wyatt Racing team, the vehicle's best E.T. (Elapsed Time) is 11.40 at 117 miles per-hour. Having been sponsored by Red Lion for two years the team has seen their share of success, In fact they finished second at the Hangover Nationals and finished ninth overall in the American Dragcar series. Red Lion also sponsors two NASA series cars. They took a 2006 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, driven by Westly Benett, under their wing two years ago. The modifications made to this particular vehicle are extensive, to say the least. Improvements have been made under the hood and throughout the drive train. The steering and braking systems have seen modifications as have the wheels, tires, and suspension.
They have been sponsoring the second NASA series car, manned by Ian Gill, for four years. Although fewer modifications have been made to this particular race car, some essential changes have been made. In fact, the stock engine was replaced with a built/balanced LS/VTECH motor, while Prothane sway-bar bushings and Blox sway-bar end links were added to the mix. Plans for this season are to run the 2000 Integra Type R in the Time Attack events and the Honda Tuning Magazine R Challenge. Red Lion also has an interest in motorcycle racing as well. They have been sponsoring a 2003 Honda CBR 600 RR, ridden by John Stillon for three years. The bike sports a few modifications, including a Zero Gravity Double-Bubble windscreen, a 520 chain and sprocket Double H brakes on the front and rear, a two Brothers racing exhaust with midpipe and custom paint. The crew also saw the importance of installing a K&N air filter. "There isn't one vehicle in particular that we enjoy sponsoring most," explained Therrien. We enjoy all of them. They each bring something different to the events they attend." Referring to sponsoring multiple vehicles he continued, "We actually have only one person who oversees all of the teams. We are working on building an open-road racing team as well. The members of our teams are very important to us. They help promote Red Lion Motorsports with their public relations work and vehicle presence." Ben Therrien and Red Lion Motorsports are confident that success awaits those who adhere to hard work, and good tuning, as well as have an awareness of the importance of good luck. But the crew is also an advocate of proper maintenance. "If you don't perform maintenance, you're just asking for trouble," explained Therrien. "This is a serious matter with us. While racing vehicles, you have the possibility of serious injury or even death over something that could be caught in regular maintenance." The owner and his affiliates are also perfectly aware that maintenance plays a huge role in one's overall success. That in mind, Red Lion Motorsports depends on K&N products to keep the internal components of their engines running clean. "We've been using K&N products since 1973," he stated. All of our vehicles use their air and oil filters." Sharing his thoughts on K&N products, the owner said, "There is nothing better in the industry. We have tested and proven their products on the track and will use nothing else. We also recommend only K&N products to our customers." Red Lion Motorsports is no different from any other entity involved in racing in the fact that they savor victories. When asked their hopes for the upcoming season of the sport, Ben Therrien answered, "This year we are shooting for top-ten positions in each devision, but taking a championship is not out of the question." Other K&N news stories about Red Lion Motorsports include, Red Lion Motorsports Brings Extremely Rare Nissan Skyline R33 to the SEMA Show, Ben Therrien's Red Lion Motorsports is a Time Tested Automotive Parts Powerhouse and RedLion Motorsports Prepares 2006 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbocharged for the SEMA Show. 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. |
