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With a Stellar Performance Comes Carl Renezeder’s Ninth Career Championship

18 Oct 2013

Carl Renezeder recently cinched his ninth career Championship while racing in Rounds 14 and 15 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing series at The Las Vega Motor Speedway

To many drivers recently competing in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, at the Las Vega Speedway, rounds 13 and 14 signified the season's end was nearing. However, Carl Renezeder went into the event with a different mindset. In fact, there was plenty at stake in his mind. He was leading in the Pro-4 points race and was sitting in third in the Pro-2. If everything went without a hitch, the driver would walk away with his ninth career Championship.

Drivers would be qualifying for rounds 13 and 14 during the opening day of the event. Renezeder finished 11th and sixth in the pro 2 class and qualified third during both runs of the Pro-4.

As spectators filled the stands, the drivers geared up for a heated battle. And a heated battle it was. When the pro-4 class was deemed underway, Carl Renezeder went to work, picking off drivers, situated between him and a win. However, his competitor, Kyle Leduc also had the checkered flag in his sights and would not give up the first place position without a fight.

Carl Renezeder earned podium spots during every race at the Las Vega Speedway, while competing in rounds 13 and 14 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Series

Carl Renezeder earned podium spots during every race at the Las Vegas Speedway, while competing in rounds 13 and 14 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Series

One could only imagine the fans were going wild as the two drivers went toe-to-toe and the remaining laps began to dwindle. Finally, with less than two to go, Car Renezeder managed to maneuver his truck around the leader of the pack. And upon taking the first place position, he never looked, back, earning the top of the podium.

Lining up in a field of 17 in the Pro-2 class, Carl Renezeder once again found himself fighting for position. This race proved brutal to many drivers, as only eight trucks manage to cross the finish line. Although the run was unforgiving, Carl Renezeder was determined to finish near the front of the pack. And Renezeder's persistence paid off with a third place performance and another trip to the podium.

Renezeder and his competitors were greeted the final night with high winds. After a one-hour delay, the roar of screaming engines, hopes and anticipation permeated the air as the Pro-2 class race was finally underway.

Starting at the pole position, Renezeder managed to hold onto the lead for several laps. However, one slight miscalculation in turn four was just enough to cause the back end of his truck to slide. Recognizing his opportunity, Ronnie Woods, shot in front of Renezeder for the lead. But a no-quit attitude once again paid off for Renezeder. He managed to regain the front position on the backstretch of the final lap, earning his second win of the season in the Pro-2.

With confidence on his side, Renezeder eagerly embarked upon the final race of the event. He had a comfortable lead in the points race, and with the series nearing its end, a good run on this particular night would likely cinch the championship.

Carl Renezeder and his team's record speaks for itself, as he has earned nine championships in 15 seasons of racing

Thus far in the event, Renezeder had managed to podium during every race. And Carl Renezeder had no intentions of blemishing his impressive run. In fact, when the waving of the checkered flag deemed the race over, Carl Renezeder crossed the finish line in second place. Not only had he earned another spot on the podium, but he had acquired the needed points to ensure he would be titled the 2013 champion.

"We had a great weekend overall," recalled Renezeder. "We were leading the Pro-4 points and were third in the Pro-2 going into the event. Honestly, we weren't thinking about securing the championship," he continued. We were just focused on winning races. It was a bonus to find out on Sunday, while on the podium, that we cinched the title. We also moved to second place in the Pro-2.

"The competition gets tighter every year," explained Renezeder. "Everyone ups their game every year, and they get stronger as each season goes along. To win this series is a huge accomplishment. All of the drivers are great. If they show up, I have to be ready to compete against them if I want to finish up front."

Having recently won his ninth career championship, Carl Renezeder has obviously proven his capabilities and skills from behind the steering wheel of his Pro-2 and Pro-4 trucks. However, he is also acutely aware that proper maintenance is an essential aspect of success. That in mind, he and his crew are strong advocates of using K&N products to keep their engines running contaminant free.

"We have been using K&N oil and air filters in all of our race trucks, haulers and team vehicles for over ten years," explained Renezeder. "K&N is the industry leader, and we're proud to be able to run their products in our equipment."

Looking back at his recent victory, Carl Renezeder said, "We knew we had to take care of the truck, because a DNF would be catastrophic in the points standing. However, If I try to protect a position rather than get into a racing rhythm and charge forward, I usually find myself in trouble. The guys gave me a great truck, and I went out and tried to win with it. That's what made us a successful season."

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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Joe Sylvester with His Bad Habit Monster Truck Break World Record Jump

18 Oct 2013

Joe Sylvester Flying Through the Air as he Attempts to Break the World Record Jump

It's not every day that someone wakes up and thinks, "today, I'm going to jump a monster truck over 230 feet."

And it's not every day that one wakes up as Joe Sylvester, longtime pilot of the Bad Habit Monster Truck.

Sylvester, the 2013 Monster Jam Young Guns Shootout winner, broke a world record when he jumped his truck 237-feet, six-inches. The previous record was just over 214-feet.

Landing was a Bit More Exciting as the Truck Almost Went End Over End Again

The 10,000-pound truck broke the record at the Cornfield 500 in Pennsylvania, taking off at 85mph in order to safely travel the distance needed for the record. He was motivated by one thing.

"The same thing that motivates me every day to push my limits," Sylvester said. "The rush of adrenaline."

Joe Sylvester made a similar jump in 2010, breaking the world record. That record was broken again last year, setting the state for Bad Habit to return to the Cornfield 500 and take another shot at history.

"To be honest, there was a lot more preparation involved with the first jump in 2010," Sylvester said. "After getting the ramp angles figured out a couple years ago, we knew it was simply going to take more speed to propel the truck past the 214-foot mark.

"Using the same ramp from 2010, we just cleaned it up a bit and made several speed test runs with various sets of gears to get the truck to optimum speed."

Having Saftely Landed, Joe Sylvester Broke the Record Again with his 237-ft 6-in Jump

In the video of the jump, put together by KMC Wheels, one of Joe Sylvester's many sponsors, the truck pretty clearly gets off line at the end of the jump. That definitely wasn't planned.

"My successful jumps from a couple years ago didn't hurt, but this one did a little when I landed so hard on the front wheels," Sylvester said. "Right about when the truck started nosing over, I just saw a replay of my practice jump in 2010 going through my head, and I immediately smashed the throttle to the floor."

That replay was of one of the worst monster truck crashes in recent memory. While practicing for his first record-breaking attempt, Bad Habit nosed too far forward on landing, catching the front end and cartwheeling the truck, ripping it to pieces.

Joe Sylvester Celebrating After His Record Breaking Jump

This time, things were different. But it took a while before Sylvester knew he was out of harm's way.

"Once the front wheels hit and I throttled out of an endo and the rear wheels touched back down," he said. "That was quite a relief. Then I had to get the thing slowed down and under control with absolutely no steering because the impact sheered the bolts off of my front tie rod."

In the end, the jump was a success, and it helped Sylvester gain some more exposure for his team. Now, he has his sights set on 2014, where he will jump out of a monster truck and into a Pro Light in the TORC series.

"We are ready and excited to begin competing in this rapidly growing sport," Joe Sylvester said. "But yes, I do have plans in the back of my head to jump a monster truck again. I vowed that 300 feet is possible, and I won't stop until I reach that point."

The Bad Habit monster truck was equipped with K&N Filters when it set sail. "I run K&N Filters on everything from the air filter in my rig to the fuel and oil filters on the monster truck," Sylvester said. "They keep us performing at our best and never let us down."

Related K&N News Article about Joe Sylvester: Joe Sylvester Wins the Young Guns Shootout and a Spot in Monster Jam World Finals

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A Victory for Alexander Motorsports at the General Tire Las Vegas to Reno Race

17 Oct 2013

While racing in the 2013 General Tire Vegas to Reno race, Alexander Motorsports and their competitors raced during daylight and under darkness. in a rugged and unforgiving desert terrain

Prior to a 500-mile drive, many of us dread the journey. But as the 2013 General Tire Vegas to Reno race neared, the Alexander Motorsports team grew eager with anticipation. Preparing for the event, they were foaming at the bit to embark upon the longest off-road race in the United States. The event would take the team 543 miles through an unforgiving desert before they finally crossed the finish line.

Lining up in the Class 5,000 (Unlimited Baja Bug), Steve Alexander would be manning the steering wheel, while team member, Mark Pettit would be serving as the navigator. When the race was deemed underway, the team was the second to leave the line. However, they had no intentions of doing anything but leading the field of drivers. No more than ten minutes had elapsed and they were already at the head of the pack.

However, as mile-25 neared, Alexander noticed an inconsistency in the rear suspension. Continuing to the first pit, Alexander and Pettit were greeted by a crew, who was geared up and ready to alleviate the issue. Within 40-minutes the crew had the issue resolved and Alexander Motrosports was back on track and in pursuit of a victory.

Alexander Motorsports recently walked away from the General Tire Vegas to Reno, the Longest off-road race in the United States, victorious

Pushing forward, Steve Alexander and Mark Pettit managed to regain the lead 125 miles into the race. Reaching pit six at the 220 mile marker, Doug Roorda took over behind the steering wheel, while Pettit remained at the navigator position.

The pit crew gave the rig an inspection and refueled at mile 354 in preparation for a section of track consisting of huge silt beds and rugged mountains. Not only was the tearm faced with treacherous conditions, but a falling sun would soon lead to darkness

With other drivers closing in on their lead, no time was wasted when Roorda rolled into pit 13, and Steve Alexander took over the driving position again. With Sean Babb as his co-driver, they embarked upon the final 75-miles of the race with vigor.

Quickly disappearing into the desert night, the team crossed the finish line more than 15 hours after the waving of the green flag deemed the race underway. Finishing one-hour-and-fifteen-minutes ahead of the second place vehicle, Alexander Motorsports had earned the victory and their rightful place atop the podium.

When asked at what point was he confident the race was in the bag, Steve Alexander said, "As we crossed the finish line. When you see cars broke down 2-miles before the finish, it reminds you that it's never over until it's over. You have to stay focused," he ensured.

"The Vegas to Reno is the longest off-road race in America," he continued. "A lot of people come to race it and have never seen the finish line. last year, we broke 315-miles into the race; It's a hard race to finish and a harder one to win."

Alexander Motorsports has aspirations of cinching another series championship in 2013

Referring to the victory, he said, "I would say my confidence went up a couple of notches. But you can't let it go to your head. The next race could smack you right back down again."

A win at the Vegas to Reno event is a testimony that team Alexander Motorsports is a well-oiled machine. However, they would likely be quick to admit that maintenance is equally as essential as any other aspect of the sport. That in mind, they are strong advocates of using K&N products to keep their engines running at their optimal performance and contaminant free.

"K&N keeps our fuel, oil and air clean," explained Steve Alexander. "This is our second season running their products. We won the championship last year and are leading the points this year. K&N filters has played a huge role in our success."

Looking to the future, Steve Alexander explained, "We want to move up to a different class. I would like to get a truck. I love racing buggies, especially the class-5. But there is more competition in the truck classes."

Alexander Motorsports has aspirations of walking away with another championship at the 2013 season's end. With a little luck and a lot of hard work and determination, their goals to man the highest point on the podium might very well come to fruition.

Related K&N News Articles about the Las Vegas to Reno race: CT Racing's Danny Prather and Dave Scott 1st Pro Quad at 2012 BITD Las Vegas to Reno Race; Las Vegas to Reno Best in the Desert Off Road Race Win for K&N Supported Team; Best in the Desert Las Vegas to Reno 1000 Race is a Wild Adventure Off Road Event

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Michelle Furr Earns Eliminations Superstreet Victory at Bowling Green, Kentucky

17 Oct 2013

During her short stint in the NHRA, Michelle Furr has already managed to earn her fair share of victories

Michelle Furr got a first-hand taste of the excitement that comes with fast cars and screaming engines at the age of 15, when her dad sat down beside her and explained how to do a burnout. The young teenager was immediately "bitten by the bug," and 30-years later is still drag racing.

"My dad was a very good local bracket racer, who never went beyond the IHRA bracket finals," explained Furr. "But I knew, when I was a little girl, I wanted to win a Wally. I only started running NHRA a couple of years ago and am thrilled that we have earned four wallies in that short time. I feel I have found my place."

Referring to what she enjoys most about racing, Furr explained, "My family; it's so great to have that time together at the track without the interruptions of everyday life... I am also very competitive," she continued. "So I love that we worked to build a race team capable of winning races. I love to see that win bulb come on at the end of a run. With the cameras at the two national events down track, my excitement has been dubbed "the happy dance." We celebrate every round win, which is an accomplishment within itself."

Michelle Furr Recently walked away victorious from round 6 of the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event, held at Beech Bend Raceway Park, at Bowling Green, Kentucky

Michelle Furr's family recently had ample reason to cheer and she likely honed her dancing skills. And why, might you ask? Furr earned a victory in round six of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Michelle Furr started the morning off with a bang, upon lining up against Mike Holcomb. "The lucky round was round one," she recalled, "when I put a wheel on Holcomb, taking the stripe to go 10.809 to his 10.807. We knew the track was fast, but that was crazy. Reminiscing about the remainder of the race, she continued, "I had a couple of what I call Slow-mo lights where your hands move in slow motion, but I was faster than most of my opponents. So I watched the race play out and I could put my Camaro on a 10.90 after the first round when I needed to.

After taking Holcomb in the first round, Furr began to pick drivers off one-by-one in her quest for the event win. She was lining up against and outperforming fierce competitors, including, Reggie Baudoin, Gaines Hickman, Ed Jirousek and George Maxson.

Michelle Furr is confident that proper maintenance is a key element of her success and is a strong component of using K&N products to keep her engine running contaminant free.

Gearing up for the final race of the day, Michelle Furr prepared to go against Damien Hazelton. And when the roaring engines returned to an idle, Michelle Furr had managed to claim the well-deserved victory.

In reference to her final competitor, she said, "We go back to Hot Rod racing in the IHRA. I've always said 10.90 is the toughest racing there is. I'm still growing acquainted with a lot of the drivers who run NHRA," she explained, "which is good for me. I hate to be in the opposing lane of the driver who is considered "the nice guy", and who everybody likes. But I'm working on that. The drivers are awesome though; the lanes are always fun. My husband, Rick, tells me how fast the guys in the other lane is and I do my job."

Michelle Furr was obviously elated with her recent performance as she likely is with every win. However, she is also acutely aware that great driving skills are but one of the elements of constant success. That in mind, she and her crew are strong proponents of proper maintenance and depend upon K&N products to fulfill their filtering needs.

"My husband, Rick, has caught so many small issues with normal maintenance, and in turn, has saved so much in cost and downtime," she ensured. "It's a must for our team. We love the added safety of our K&N carbon fiber scoop and air filter. We find peace of mind that nothing is going down through the carb, and it's amazing that K&N designed a scoop/filter combo that increases your horsepower immediately upon installation.

"We use K&N filters exclusively - on everything from our hot rods to our personal cars. If they make it, we use it. We've used K&N products from the beginning, with the utmost confidence in getting the best possible performance."

Looking to the future, Michelle Furr concluded, "We are heading to Reynolds Georgia for the last Division 2 Lucas Oil event. We'll run Super Street and Super Comp and try to add to our collection. We would like to travel out west, to Vegas or Pomona, at some point in time. But that's just a dream right now. I am working on going to the Million, it's one of those races, where I think I can do well. And I love stepping up against the best drivers."

Related K&N News Articles about the Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky : Two Comp Eliminator Finals for David Rampy at NHRA Nationals in Brainerd & Div 3 at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green; K&N's Luke Bogacki Continues at Beech Bend Raceway Park with Two Final Round Finishes at Tenn-Tuck; Ray Connolly Rules Over Super Gas Class at NHRA Div 2 Event for His First Victory at Beech Bend Raceway Park; K&N Sensation David Rampy Nearly Doubles at NHRA Div 3 Event at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green

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Bradley Morris Continues His Hot Streak in Vegas During LOORRS Rounds 13 & 14

17 Oct 2013

BME Motorsports and Bradley Morris put their new Pro Buggy K&ampN graphics on display by winning round 13

BME Motorsports and Bradley Morris put their new Pro Buggy K&N graphics on display by winning round 13

Bradley Morris was riding a monster sized wave of momentum heading into Las Vegas for rounds 13 and 14 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. Morris had only recently won the Pro Buggy TORC World Championship Race at Crandon International Raceway, sweeping the weekend, and setting a new track record in the process. He was sitting in second place overall in the Pro Buggy championship chase and fourth in Pro Lite. So understandably, expectations all around were high.

With his Pro Buggy win Bradley Morris has now won at least once in his last six events

The weekend kicked off in great form with the BME Motorsports' Pro Buggy flashing new bling, with the panels wrapped in chrome and sporting freshly designed K&N Filters graphics. Morris started the race on the front row next to Dave Mason Jr., and the two racers put on an entertaining dual for the first half of the race, until Morris seemed to find another gear and pulled away until a caution flag stopped his charge. On the restart Morris remained laser focused on his line, making no mistakes on his way to another checkered flag. Morris has now won at least one race in his last six events.

Up next was the Pro Lite race and right from the get-go it was a non-stop battle between Morris and veteran Brian Deegan, as the two scraped for several laps with the rest of the field falling behind them. However in one of the most caution flag filled races of the season, Morris got center-punched on a restart with only a few laps remaining, and he was sent back to 8th place. By the end of the lap Morris had already moved back into 4th place, just before another caution flag came out and the officials called the fight. Morris had to settle for 4th place.

Bradley Morris racing under the lights in Vegas produced plenty of highly entertaining racing and an unusual amount of caution flags

In the second Pro Lite bout it was once again the Morris and Deegan show, only this time Morris held the lead, and again the two skirmished the entire race. Then half way through the race, after a restart, Morris caught a rut and did a clean barrel roll, landing the truck back on all fours. Undaunted he battled on, all the way back to 4th, missing another podium by a mere heartbeat.

Although the results weren't up to BME Motorsports or Morris' expectations, the young man continues to show everyone what he's made of. "I have felt more confident lately, and I just had a hard time in the Pro Lite in Vegas," said Morris. "But we still salvaged two 4th place finishes."

In his second Pro Lite race Bradley Morris endured a barrel roll in his truck, yet he still managed to bring in a 4th place finish

Indeed, two podiums and a top-five finish in all four races amounts to a stellar weekend by any standards, especially considering the hurdles Morris had to overcome. Morris and the BME Motorsports wasted little time on reflection though, because they had to immediately refocus on getting the Pro Lite prepped for Primm, Nevada, for TORC rounds 15 and 16, along with the Traxxas Pro Lite Cup.

"At TORC I got two 6th place finishes in my first Pro 4 races, and then a 4th and a 3rd in the Pro Lite," reported Morris. "And then I almost won the cup race. But when I was passing for the lead, I tagged the inside K-rail and took myself out because I wanted to win so badly."

Next up for BME Motorsports is Elsinore. "I just wanna remain top three in points in both my classes In LOORRS," adds Bradley Morris, "And to go win the Challenge Cup for my team and family, who are always there supporting me."

Related K&N News Articles about Bradley Morris and TORC: Bradley Morris Wins TORC World Championship Race and Sets Crandon International Raceway Track Record; K&N's Bradley Morris Dominates LOORRS at Glen Helen Raceway for Second Year in a Row; K&N's Bradley Morris Caps Off a Rocky Weekend with Two Sunday Podiums at Lake Elsinore; Rookie Cam Reimers Earns First Traxxas TORC Series Pro-Light Podium

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