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Bradley Morris Becomes a Fixture on The Podium During LOORS Events

31 Jul 2012

Bradley Morris earned a spot on the podium during rounds five and six of LOORS at Speed World, at Surprise, Arizona.

Bradley Morris began his racing career in 2008, racing trophy Karts. Since his passion came to fruition, the young driver has never looked back. In fact, two years later, he earned the title of 2010 Monster Jam Kart Champion, and continued his successful run during the following year upon being awarded with Rookie of the Year honors on the Limited Buggy class. Bradley Morris made his way to the record books in the Pro-Lite class, as he was the first driver less than sixteen years of age to take a spot on the podium. Although many drivers would be satisfied with the accomplishments Bradley has already experienced early on in his career, there is no indication that he has remotely reached his goals. In fact, Bradley's aspirations are not only of standing on the podium in this particular class, but he is focused on manning the top spot on the podium.

After earning a staggering four trips to the podium during rounds three and four of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORS), Bradley Morris and Team BME Motorsports, rolled into Speed World in Surprise, Arizona, eager to get rounds five and six underway.

The driver had a full weekend ahead of him as he prepared to race in the Pro-Lite Unlimited, Modified Kart, and Limited Buggy classes. "I was a little tentative coming into this race," he recalled, "but once I got on the track, my nerves got confident and ready to race. The track was perfect."

Since beginning his racing career in 2008, Bradley Morris has seen his share of success.

After qualifying second in the Pro-Lite class, Bradley Morris started the race on the second row. When the waving of the green flag deemed the race underway, he wasted no time in his pursuit for the leading position. His charge forward was hindered in the fourth turn when another truck slammed into and caused him to spin out.

Although striving to get back on track, by the time Bradley Morris got all of his ducks back in a row, he was near the back of the pack. Knowing he had a lot of ground to make up, the driver began working his way back toward the front, but a flat tire demanded that he pit for repairs.

Once returning to the track, Bradley Morris had fire in his eyes and the lead on his mind. Working his way through the field at a furious rate, the driver managed to reach the sixth spot, but on the last lap, damaged suspension parts reared their ugly heads and lent to him roll his truck in the corner, and starting a fire. In spite of his string of bad luck, Bradley Morris was still able to finish in the top ten.

"I was surprised I even got a top ten, considering the roll-over at the end," he recalled. "But I was upset because I had worked myself all the way back to the sixth position."

With the first day of the event behind him, Bradley Morris returned to Speed World on the following day with an eagerness to get out on the track and make a showing. Starting in the middle of the field, the driver got a great jump at the waving of the green flag and immediately began working his way toward the front. Avoiding chaos caused by others, and sliding smoothly through the corners, Bradley was sitting in the fifth place spot at the mandatory caution. The remainder of the race prove a heated battle, and at the waving of the checkered flag, he had earned another position on the podium with a third place finish.

"The race on the day prior made me want to drive harder," explained Morris . "I was really fast on the first day, but had the bad luck." Referring to his third place finish on day two, he continued, "The key was to stay patient and drive smart. With a broken left suspension, I had to drive hard but cautious."

In 2011, Bradley Morris earned Rookie of the Year in the limited buggy class.

Bradley Morris also managed to make a showing in the Limited Buggy class during his weekend at the LOORS event. Qualifying fourth on the first day of action, the driver embarked upon a fierce battle during the first half of the race. After a mandatory caution, he took the inside and made a pass for the lead. Although challenged through a portion of the remainder of the race, Bradley eventually pulled away. Never looking back, Bradley Morris crossed the finish line leading all of the other drivers.

"I had to work hard to make sure no one would be able to catch me," he ensured. When asked the key to winning the race, he answered, "To be patient and to be there at the end of the race."

Bradley Morris returned on the following day with aspirations of earning yet another spot on the podium. After racing elbow-to-elbow, with six drivers during a portion of the race, Bradley Morris eventually put his sights on the leader. Although right on his bumper, time ran out and at the race's end Bradley Morris was in second place, earning another spot on the podium.

One obviously has to be a skilled driver to experience the success that Bradley Morris has seen throughout his career, but the driver also understands that maintenance is extremely essential. That in mind, he and his team are strong advocates of using K&N products for their filtering needs.

"I use K&N air and oil filters, their lubricant, and filter cleaner," he explained. "I've been using their products for six years. They are great. They keep my engine running strong, and last a long time."

When asked the key to success throughout the remainder of the season, Morris said. "I have to be patient and consistent. Fans can expect some exciting racing in all three classes and me on the podium multiple times each weekend."

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Bill Balog and Team B2 Motorsports Earn A Podium Spot At Beaver Dam

30 Jul 2012

Bill Balog and his team have already earned nine feature wins and are hungry for more.

Having previously raced at the Beaver Dam Raceway earlier in the season, Bill Balog and B2 Motorsports arrived at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin with confidence on their side. Racing in the 410-Winged Sprint Cars class, the driver was prepared to go elbow to elbow with a field of 29 drivers.

"The more appearances any team makes at the same track will help the car setup," explained Balog. "Things like gearing shocks, tires, and wings," he continued. "Also, more laps at the same track help the driver feel comfortable over time."

Bill Balog and team B2 Motorsports are geared up for an exciting and successful season.

Referring to the track conditions on that particular day, Balog said, "Usually, a hot, breezy day will dry the track out and the track will slow down a little bit. But at the same time, more water is usually added to compensate. The trick is reading the track and making sure you know where it’s going before the A-Main event. For example, it helps to know if it will be dry-slick, rough, heavy moisture and so on.

Balog then said, "My favorite track conditions seem to be when the track is a little bit slick. A nine-hundred horsepower sprint car is difficult to "hook up" in these conditions. A lot of finesse is needed, and it puts the driver back in it."

After qualifying fifth quickest, the driver eagerly waited for the second heat race to get underway. Starting in the fifth position, Balog held that spot going into the final lap of the race. Recognizing an opportunity to move into the fourth position, Bill Balog made a slight miscalculation in a turn and tagged the wall.

"I had earned a good qualifying spot," recalled the driver. "It would give us some points toward the championship. The car was definitely in the ball park. After bouncing off of the wall, the car wasn’t as bad as we had thought. It needed some wheels, shocks, a nose wing, and some other bolt-on parts that usually break during an accident.

We put the car together as fast as we could to get out to the B-Main," he continued. "I started in the rear of the field and just tried to stay out of trouble. One more mistake and we would have been done for the night. The car was still messed up from the crash and we needed one more chance to repair it for the A-Main."

After taking it easy for a few laps Balog grew confident in the car, and in turn, began a run toward the front of the pack. In fact, by the race’s end, the driver had managed to move into the second position, crossing the finish line behind Robbie Pribnow.

Starting in the eleventh position on the A-Main, Balog didn’t deter from the same game plan that had just earned him a second place finish in the "B". Once again the driver held his position while checking the car out. Once comfortable that his #17B Sprinter was ready for battle, he began his charge toward the front of the pack.

By lap eighteen of the thirty-lap event, Balog had managed to increase his position by six spots. Now fifth in the field, the driver went straight to work after the caution and managed to gain two more positions before the waving of the checkered flag. Although the night had proved a trough one, Bill Balog and his team managed to cross the finish line in third place.

"I like to win, but after a night like that, I was happy with third," shared the driver. Referring to the importance of his team, he continued, "My team spends a bunch of time in the shop, and we work hard on our race cars every day. They do the motor maintenance, tire work, and everything in between. I definitely couldn’t race without them."

Bill Balog is obviously aware of the importance of proper maintenance. In turn, he is a strong advocate of using the best filters on the market. "We use K&N carbon fiber airbox filters, oil filters, and K&N cleaners," he explained. We’ve been using their products from the beginning, and they work great. K&N has been around for a very long time and have a great reputation. Their oil filters are very strong, and have superior filtering capabilities. Their air filters are very light-weight, which is huge in sprint car racing. They stop the dirt at the filter."

In closing, Bill Balog said, "My favorite thing about sprint car racing is the on-track competition; racing side-by-side with other cars. I also enjoy the raw power of the 410 engine. They are a blast to drive! We just need to keep working and doing what we’re doing," he continued. "We have nine feature wins so far and are hungry for more."

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 Filters Celebrates Colton Haaker's First Win at Las Vegas Opener

30 Jul 2012

Colton Haaker rides the Lucas Oil/K&N Filters sponsored Kawsasaki

Colton Haaker snagged his first AMA EnduroCross win at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas

There's something to be said for starting off on the right foot. So, when the 2012 GEICO AMA EnduroCross championship, presented by Lucas Oil, started this past May in the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, none were more excited than Lucas Oil, Kawasaki, K&N Filters' Colton Haaker. Colton not only snagged his first ever GEICO AMA EnduroCross main event win, taking the top spot on the podium, but did so by leading the pack in every lap of the main event.

Colton Haaker is the jack of all trades with experience in Motocross, Trials, and Edurocross

Colton Haaker rides a K&N equipped Kawasali

Colton was overdue for a win, but is no stranger to podium finishes. He clinched consecutive EnduroX Pro Junior Champion titles for 2009 and 2010. Colton also took the AMA National Trials Expert Championship and Junior EnduroX Champion for 2007. This past May's shutout came after yeas of riding. Colton recalled,"I got started riding when I was 7 years old. Riding was always just a family thing on the weekend. When I was 12, I raced my first race. From there I have taken it to new levels racing nationally and being involved with awesome events like the X Games.

“I raced amateur Motocross events growing up,” Colton continued."My first ever professional race I was actually competing in National Trials. From that day I have been a Pro MX, Trials, Endurocross, and off-road racer.” ' experience riding in a variety of different conditions prepared him for this 2012 GEICO AMA EnduroCross, as the events incorporate a cacophony of elements, ranging between rocks, boulders, logs, sand, mud, water, giant tires and the other racers on the Supercross-style track. Indeed, Endurocross earns the moniker as the "toughest racing on two wheels."

Colton Haaker is the jack of all trades with experience in Motocross, Trials, and Edurocross racing

It was success that caught the eye of K&N Filters. He explained,"K&N does a great job with support at the events I compete in. They felt it was a good match to sponsor my program. They make the only products I wanted to use; easy to clean air filters with half the wear and half as many cleans as a regular filter. Less restricted air flow for maximum air intake for increased power. That's why I'm always getting holeshots!"

Even with his K&N-equipped Kawasaki, Colton's win was no cakewalk, as he fought off Monster Energy Kawasaki's Justin Soule over the laps but never let the fellow Kawasaki rider by. KTM's Taddy Blazusiak came swinging back from a first turn crash, finishing in third. After going undefeated in 2011, Blazusiak's tough day totaled with a couple of crashes in practice and during his heat race, forcing the Champion to the Semi.

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.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. Leads Formula Drift Championship After Second Win in a Row

30 Jul 2012

The Monster Energy Falken Tire 2013 Ford Mustang RTR devoured all that got in the way of victory.

Initially built as a horse-racing track, Evergreen Speedway located in Monroe, Washington is the oldest track on the Formula Drift circuit and boasts some of the most knowledgeable fans in the nation. The Pacific Northwest aficionados love their drifting, so when the event's headline moniker declared "Throwdown" - you best not come in here with any weak stuff. We're here to report that everyone that witnessed the fiery action at the sold-out speedway got every penny's worth of their drift racing entertainment buck.

K&N's Vaughn Gittin Jr. is looking to ride his two round win momentum into Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Round 6.

"This has been one of the most exciting events of the season," commented Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula Drift. "The chase for the championship heats up as we head into the final two events of the season and it is still anyone's to take with only 62 points separating the top 5 drivers."

The epicenter of the reverberating exhilaration generated at Formula Drift Round 5, at Evergreen Speedway, was once again K&N's Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his Monster Energy Falken Tire 2013 Ford Mustang RTR. After his last round win in Wall, New Jersey, Vaughn was focused on feeding that winning feeling he was riding. We are pleased to once again report that things went as planned, actually, better than expected. Vaughn first earned crucial points by qualifying in the number one spot, and then once more maintained the top tier of the podium. As a result of doubling-up on the points Vaughn now sits in the first place position overall in the Formula Drift Championship standings.

"It is a true testament to the hard work and passion of my team and myself that we are here now in first place overall after a not so ideal start to the season,"remarked Vaughn after the event. "The Monster Energy Falken Tire Ford Mustang RTR was on fire tonight, and I can't wait till Las Vegas to keep this momentum going!”

With Evergreen Speedway being so close to Seattle fans poured in from all over to see their favorite drivers compete on this high-speed, electrifying drift course. The track consisted of a fast entry into a long bank, with a quick transition into the technical "power ally.”

With his second straight win Vaughn is now in first place overall in the Formula Drift Championship standings.

Vaughn fought his way through Miro Ovcharik in the top 32, and then Michael Essa in the top 16, only to be matched with Matt Powers in the Great Eight. Vaughn led first and rode the bank high, while Powers pushed to keep close to the Ford, managing only to narrow the gap in the final turn. Next it was Vaughn's turn to give chase, following Powers' line into the infield. Powers went spinning and Vaughn managed to slide past him. Forced into altering his line in order to avoid contact, Vaughn too ended up spinning. However with his advantage in the first run, Vaughn was awarded the win and moved on to the semi-finals.

In the semis Vaughn met 2005 Formula Drift Champion, Rhys Millen. Vaughn led first and blasted the bank high on the wall until the transition into the "power ally" with Millen attempting to stay close. Vaughn played follow-the-leader next and stuck to Millen's door on the bank and into the infield, Millen, feeling the pressure, dropped a tire off course. Vaughn was judged the winner of the battle and moved on to the finals.

In the finals Vaughn battled his Drift Alliance teammate, Ryan Tuerck for the top spot on the coveted podium. Vaughn led first, initiating early, and maintaining a high-line on the bank. Vaughn transitioned into the infield and hit the outer clipping zone collecting two clipping points on target, while Tuerck pushed to keep up. Vaughn took the trailing position next, managing to keep close enough to Tuerck to prevent him from putting down a lead run as convincing as Vaughn's. The judges spoke and Vaughn was once again declared the victor of the final battle, and the winner of Formula Drift Round Five.

Next up for Vaughn on the Formula Drift circuit is Round 6 August 21 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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 Pro Series East Driver Brett Moffitt Takes Checkered Flag in Pennsylvania

30 Jul 2012

Bret Moffitt drives the No. 11 car in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East

Brett Moffitt led from the pole to the checkered flag in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at CNB Bank Raceway Park in Pennsylvania to win his second race of the season and the ninth of his career.

Moffitt wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Greenville Pickens Speedway

He had to put in a little extra work to win the Samuel 150 with a green-white-checkered flag finish, which resulted when the lights went out on the back stretch of the track on lap 147. Moffitt finished 0.396 seconds ahead of rookie Kyle Larson. "Kyle in the 96 car there gave me a heck of a run at the end too,"Moffitt said.

Moffitt won a NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race leading wire-to-wire at Greenville Pickens Speedway in South Carolina in 2011.

With the win in Pennsylvania, Moffitt moved in to first place in the K&N Pro Series East standings. He has a four-point lead over Larson.

"From what I've heard we're the points leader,"Moffitt said. "It couldn't get any better than that. Just go on to Ohio and hopefully capitalize on that."

It was the first time since 1988 that the K&N Pro Series East has visited CNB Bank Raceway Park.

Chase Elliott, who entered the Samuel 150 as the leader in the K&N Pro Series East standings, had a rough race. A flat tire early in the race knocked him back in the field and he finished in 15th place.

Corey LaJoie, another K&N Pro Series East championship contender, didn't have a good race in Pennsylvania either. He was a point behind Elliott in the K&N Pro Series East standings when the race started, but finished in last place. He completed only eight laps and had to withdraw on lap 82 after his car suffered damage from a crash early in the race.

Larson was second in the Samuel 150. He has seven top-10 finishes in eight races and is in second place in the K&N Pro Series East standings.

Bret Moffitt has a four-point lead over Kyle Larson in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East

"As soon as we took the green for the second half, I knew we were pretty good,"Larson said. "I could roll the bottom better than most could. It was definitely a good run, good points night for us. Hopefully we can keep these consistent runs going.”

Ben Kennedy was third, matching the best finish in his K&N Pro Series East career.

"We had a real good run tonight,"Kennedy said after the race. "Hopefully we'll be back at it in Columbus.”

Ryan Gifford was fourth and Bryan Ortiz was fifth.

The next K&N Pro Series East race is the Jegs 150 at Columbus Motor Speedway in Ohio on July 21.

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.