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Troy Coughlin Wins in Vegas Clinching the Coughlin Family's 100th NHRA Victory

19 Nov 2013

Troy Coughlin's win in Vegas earned the Coughlin family their milestone 100th NHRA victory

"It is definitely exciting to win races in NHRA drag racing, but to win our team's 100th victory is pretty awesome to say the least!" Troy Coughlin remarked. "And for it to happen in Vegas, in the last NHRA race of the year, that makes it even better."

Coughlin, the 2012 World Champion, claimed his second victory of the 2013 season in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series at the Toyota Nationals hosted at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This was the last contest of the year for the popular 250-mph touring series. In the final, Coughlin, with a run of 5.913 seconds at 248.34 mph, took his K&N supported turbo-powered JEGS.com Chevy Corvette past Danny Rowe for the historic win.

Troy Coughlin dedicated the Vegas Wally to his younger brother, Jeg Jr

The win gave Coughlin his fourth career NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series victory, and even more significantly, it earned the Coughlin family their milestone 100th overall NHRA win. Beginning in 1990 the Coughlin family, John, Troy, Mike, Jeg Jr., and Troy Jr., has combined for 100 NHRA national event victories. As one of the foremost families in the sport, they have won in nine different categories, including Pro Stock, Pro Stock Truck, Pro Mod, Comp, Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Top Sportsman and Top Dragster.

To commemorate the moment, Coughlin dedicated the Wally to his younger brother, Jeg Jr., as he earned 72 of the 100 victories. Troy signed the base of the trophy with, "To Jeg: You've paved the way to the 100th. This one's for you. Love, Troy." "I handed it to him down at the finish line," Coughlin said. "It's pretty neat. It's a proud moment for the family, and to be able to dedicate this to him, there's nothing better."

Troy Coughlin, the 2012 World Champion defended his title admirably, finishing the 2013 NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series in second place overall

"The 2013 season has been kinda up and down," Coughlin detailed, "the first four races we were either in the finals or we got eliminated in the first round. The first win in 2013 came in Charlotte. We had a fast and consistent race car. In Houston we struggled with the race car set-up on race day, and got beaten the first round by Von Smith.

"We had good success in Englishtown; we qualified well and got down to the final round, when we got beat by Mike Janis. We finished Bristol with another runner-up to Ricky Smith, not a bad weekend as well. We opened up the second half of the season at the Big Go, Indy, and got to the semi-finals, which was another really close race with Ricky Smith."

"We did a lot of testing before we got to the final race in Las Vegas, and we had a lot of good success there and ended up winning the race, and moving up to number two in the world points, a pretty good year overall!"

November the 13 through the 17th the Coughlin family will be competing in their last race of the season at the renowned Streetcar Super Nationals in Las Vegas. "It should be pretty exciting!" Coughlin adds.

Related K&N News Articles about the Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Burton Racing Ends Up with a Father-Son Duel in the Finals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; Bud Kaeding Wins a Thrilling "Sin City Showdown" at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; Kyle LeDuc Experiences Success At Las Vegas Motor Speedway; Short Course Off-Road Racer Mitch Guthrie at Las Vegas Motor Speedway LOORRS Event

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Michael Lewis' 2013 FIA Formula 3 European Championship Season Closes With a Top-10

19 Nov 2013

For Michael Lewis the last race of the season started under a yellow flag so the 28 car field could adequately spread the water around the track first

Racecar drivers are nothing, if not mentally tough. Their ability to compartmentalize sits atop a very specific set of skills, because losing focus for even half a heartbeat at triple-digit speeds is far more catastrophic than merely fumbling the ball. This year, in a tumultuous season both on and off the track, Southern California's Michael Lewis proved to everyone paying attention that he's a poster-boy for American true grit.

"Yeah it has definitely been an interesting year," Lewis reflects. "Not where I wanted to end up, because last year I won a race, and I was generally around the top-5. It's hard to accept sometimes that the results aren't there, but I kept strong and tried to get the best out of the situation. Every lap I went as hard as I know how to drive, so that was positive."

Despite the challenging conditions at Hockenheim Lewis managed to get up to P8 and was fighting to get into the top-5

Despite the challenging conditions at Hockenheim Michael Lewis managed to get up to P8 and was fighting to get into the top-5

The 10th and final round of the 2013 FIA Formula 3 European Championship visited Hockenheim, Germany, and Lewis was determined to finish the last race of the season on a high note. Although the weather would once again prove demanding at best, with a torrential rainstorm depositing standing water on the track, and the race starting under the yellow flag, and the Safety Car leading the pack of 28 drivers for a few laps to spread the water around the track – the dude did abide. Laguna Beach, California's native son held tough to finish with his 8th top-10 finish of the season.

The K&N sponsored driver Michael Lewis left Vallelunga with another top-10

"I mean, considering where I started back in 18th, it was a pretty good result," said Lewis. "I was even up to P8 fighting to get into the top-5, but with so much rain, each corner people were flying off and crashing, so I brought the car back home for a top-10."

Adding to the noteworthiness of this 8th place season ending finish is that Hockenheim is where Lewis crashed during qualifying earlier in the season.

"It didn't do anything," Lewis affirms about the violet impact which was recorded at 21G's. "That's an honest response. For a day or two after the crash I was still feeling the effects of my concussion, but I got right back where I left off at the next race in the A1 ring."

For the most part though, the ups where every bit as significant as the downs during 2013 for the young K&N sponsored driver.

"In terms of a highlight, I remember rolling out to Silverstone and being P2 in practice after not being in the car for five months," Lewis recalls, "that was pretty cool. Also there were some races like Vallelunga, Nürburgring, Hockenheim and Norisring where I was super fast in the races and got some good results."

Regardless of what the 2013 season threw at Lewis, his focus remained on the job at hand

Regardless of what the 2013 season threw at Michael Lewis, his focus remained on the job at hand

Lewis was in fact very good in every race and always in the battle all season long, and with the finicky nature of racing being what it is, the same amount of focus and effort will statistically produce even greater results next season.

"For 2014 we have some exciting new plans and I hope to share them with everyone as soon as possible" Lewis teases. "Until then we will have to wait."

On the subject of living half his year abroad Lewis says, "Living in Europe has always been pretty special. Mainly because of the great quality of food, and just being in a place that is massively different than America. I will always miss the food of Italy (where I had an apartment). Right now I am back in California preparing for 2014."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank K&N Motorsports for the coverage of my 2013 European Racing experiences. It has been fun to share them with all of my fans and it was an honor to represent a brand such as K&N Motorsports this year, and since 2010. That's a four-year partnership. Pretty cool! All the best, and keep on the lookout for what I will be doing this upcoming 2014 season on my Facebook page.

Related K&N News Articles about FIA Formula 3: Michael Lewis on the Ups and Downs of 2013 and the FIA Formula 3 Masters at Zandvoort; Michael Lewis is Back to Full Speed in the 2013 FIA Formula 3 European Championship; Michael Lewis Stays with PREMA Powerteam to Compete In FIA Formula 3 Euro Series Championship

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Chris MACC MacCluggage Wins 3 World Titles at 2013 ISJBA World Finals

19 Nov 2013

In a blur of water Chris MacCluggage ignites his historic run at the 2013 ISJBA finals

In 1986, when Chris MacCluggage was 10-years-old, his dad took him to see his first professional watercraft race. "I want to do this as a job," MacCluggage immediately decreed. "Then my father bought me my first ski and I was hooked instantly!"

For the 2013 season Chris MacCluggage returned to his racing roots, competing aboard Sport and Stand Up Skis

Today, 29 years later, MacCluggage has claimed more podium finishes than anyone in the sports history, earning him the ambiguous acronym title G.O.A.T. - The Greatest of All Time. Already owning 15 World Championships, 15 National Championships, 3 Thailand Kings Cup, 2 Japanese and 2 European Indoor Championships, the Offshore Guadeloupe and Martinique Off Shore Championships, and being crowned the 2013 Mark Hahn Havasu 300 Champion - this season MacCluggage shifted his focus from the runabout division to Sport and Stand Up Skis, a move that took him back to his roots, as these were the race boats that he launched his career on. And the outcome - 3 more World titles in 3 days at the International Jet Sports Boating Association (ISJBA) World Finals.

Competing against the best professionals from around the globe, MacCluggage convincingly added the Pro Ski GP, Pro Ski Open and Pro Sport Class titles to his indomitable resume.

The MacCluggage's, Rachel and Chris, are expecting their second child in December

"Currently I have 18 World Championships," confirmed MacCluggage, "But, this World Finals was by far the best ever. It was the first time I had won these titles in front of my wife and son. A lot of my family members flew out from Florida for the races. It was great to perform so well in front of them. Also, with so many great people surrounding me, it made racing much easier."

Chris MacCluggage says his new K&N filters not only perform better, but they’re also more durable and look better than the filters he’s used in the past

"The common thread between all these classes," MacCluggage adds, "Is that I stand up rather than sit. The Ski GP is similar to the Ski Open, but the Ski Open class is more prestigious. The Ski open title is the most sacred in sport!

As a family man MacCluggage clearly keeps his priorities in order, and he in fact draws his strength from them. Between himself and his wife, Rachel, they have a combined total of 50 years of jet skis racing experience, knowledge which they share at their MACC Racing Training school in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where they live and train year-round. Both are multi-time National and World Champions in there respected classes.

For his defining 2013 championship season, MacCluggage has been running K&N on his skis. "The K&N filters are working out really well for me. Not only do they look better, but they perform a lot better than others I used in the past," says MacCluggage. "They are also much more durable than others on the market."

"For now there is one race coming in Havasu in February," he explains about his race calendar." There are other races I could attend this season, but we have our second child due in December, so family is first!"

Related K&N News Articles about IJSBA: IJSBA Champ Rob Flores Earns National Pro Stock Ski & Pro Ski GP Titles in Watercross National Tour; K&N's Jeremy Parr 2011 ISJBA Freestyle National Champion; Pro Freestyle Rider Jeremy Parr Leads IJSBA National Tour

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Gray Gaulding Wins at Phoenix International Raceway & Derek Thorn Grabs Series Championship

15 Nov 2013

2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Champion - Derek Thorn Showing off the Torphy at Phoenix International Raceway

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West season finale at Phoenix International Raceway produced a couple of first-time winners.

Gray Gaulding won his first race and Derek Thorn won his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series championship.

Gaulding, a driver from Colonial Heights, Virginia, became the youngest winner of a NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race. He is 15 years, 8 months and 30 days, breaking the mark set by Dylan Kwasiniewski, who won his first race when he was 16 years and 2 months.

Gray Gaulding in Phoenix International Raceway's victory lane celebrating his first win

"That's probably the hardest I've ever drove, Gaulding said. "When I got out of the car, my hands were shaking. What a good night though."

Thorn, from Lakeport, California, won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West championship by six points over Cameron Hayley.

Gaulding led only one lap in the race, the final lap, and battled with Cole Custer for the win. Gaulding tapped Custer, who led a race-high 49 laps of the Casino Arizona 50, sending Custer spinning out of control on the final lap at Phoenix International Raceway.

Multi-car accident at Phoenix International Raceway during the Casino Arizona 50

"I knew what I needed to do on the last lap," Gaulding said. "I was closing and closing and closing. I had to take advantage of it, no doubt about it. A few guys came over to me and said a few words. I hate having to take somebody out, but as close as it was, and as fast as we were, it was a huge battle and I knew I had to take advantage of it."

Custer, who also won the pole, slipped to sixth place after spinning out. Gaulding and Custer are regulars in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

"All those guys set the bar high for us," Thorn said. "We on the West Coast tend to be more in a bubble. Competition is what drives the sport. It keeps everybody competitive. It keeps everybody moving forward. These guys always come out and give us a rude awakening."

Cole Custer wins the Pole in the Casino Arizona 50 at Phoenix International Raceway

There were only two caution periods in the race. The first was a red flag on the opening lap because of multi-car crash. The race resumed on lap 5.

Rookie Jesse Little finished in second place, followed by Hayley in third. David Mayhew was fourth and Brandon McReynolds was fifth.

Thorn entered the season finale with a 16-point lead over Greg Pursley in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West standings. Thorn finished in 15th place in the race at Cole Custer wins the Pole in the Casino Arizona 50 at Phoenix International Raceway. Hayley's third-place finish cut the lead to six points, but not enough to catch Thorn.

"This championship is by far an all-time high," Thorn said. "Hopefully it's not the end of my career. At the same time, I've been trying to cherish every moment. Racing itself is tough right now. It's tough for any kid."

Pursley, the 2011 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion, finished in third place in the final series standings. Michael Self, who was ninth in the race at Cole Custer wins the Pole in the Casino Arizona 50 at Phoenix International Raceway, came in fourth place in the West Series standings. Rookie Dylan Lupton was fifth in the final series standings.

Related K&N News Articles about Phoenix International Raceway: NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Driver Greg Pursley Wins at Phoenix International Raceway; Eric Holmes Wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race at Phoenix International Raceway

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Greg Pursley Wins NAPA Auto Parts 150 at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield

15 Nov 2013

Greg Pursley chasing No. 21 Michael Self in the closing laps

Greg Pursley won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield and put himself in contention to win the series championship.

Pursley won his NASCAR K&N Pro Series West leading fifth race of the season. It was the 18th NASCAR K&N Pro Series West win of his career.

It also put him in second place in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West standings with one race to go.

Celebrating his 5th win of the season - No. 26 Greg Pursley

Pursley won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West championship in 2011. He trails Derek Thorn by 16 points with the season finale Casino Arizona 50 at Phoenix International Raceway coming up on Nov. 9.

Pursley was able to cut into Thorn's lead at Bakersfield. Thorn finished in sixth place despite starting on the front row and leading the first lap of the race.

"I'll tell you what, lapped traffic was very interesting here," Pursley said. "I split a couple cars a couple times. It was hairy a few times, but everybody did a great job. It's a great series to run."

Pursley battled Michael Self over the last 30 laps of the race. There were only four cautions for 24 laps in the inaugural NAPA Auto Parts 150. The last caution period proved to benefit Pursley, but he didn't exactly want to see the race interrupted.

"I didn't want to see it and I did," said Pursley, driver of the No. 26 Ford for Gene Price Motorsports. "I knew we were good on the outside there and I knew once I got a good start and could get away from him that he'd have to chase me back down. Fortunately it worked out for us and we came home with a win here."

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Has returneds to Bakersfield, CA as the NAPA Auto Parts 150

Cameron Hayley was also able to cut into Thorn's lead a little. He was fifth in the race at Bakersfield and trails Thorn by 18 points in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West standings.

Pursley started the race on the second row, behind Thorn and Gray Gaulding, the pole winner. Gaulding, from Colonial Heights, Va., is the youngest driver to win a pole in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. He is 15 years, 8 months and 16 days. He is also the youngest driver to win a pole in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

Gaulding passed Thorn for the lead on lap 2 and was out front for the next 54 laps. Pursley and Gaulding battled for the lead until lap 63 when Pursley took over for good.

Winner of the 21 Means 21 Pole Award - Gary Gaulding

He led the final 89 laps of the race and won by 0.178 seconds over Self.

"We were so free on restarts, scary free," Self said. "We dropped back a couple positions there a couple of times. It took us a good five or six laps for us to go. Thankfully this was a long-run race. We were able to catch back up to him a couple of times. Those last 20 laps were probably the hardest laps I've ever logged there."

Gaulding's car cut a tire and he crashed into the wall on lap 112. He finished in 21st place.

Eric Holmes was third, followed by David Mayhew in fourth.

"I was hoping Michael and Eric would mix it up a bit and give us a shot at it" Holmes said. "I'm really proud of the NAPA team. Kinda struggled all year long and we got it turned around here at the end of the year. We got some really fast NAPA Toyotas right now."

Related K&N News Articles about NASCAR K&N Pro Series West: Cameron Hayley Celebrates 1st NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Victory at All American Speedway; Greg Pursley Wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race at NAPA Speedway in Albuquerque; Andrew Ranger Celebrates Another NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Win at Miller Motorsports Park ; Greg Pursley Wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race at Spokane County Raceway

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