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Michael Lewis Powers to Third in F3 Italia Points Standings and Leads the ROY Battle

21 lug 2011

The second and six place finishes in Misano powered Lewis into third place overall for the Italian Championship.

There's a paradoxical phenomenon that every racer exists in, a reality where as the outside world accelerates with blinding speed, their focus sharpens like a movie camera pulling in for a close-up, and their inner world becomes utterly serene. It is in essence a racer's ability to slow the world down that allows them to control it. Michael Lewis, the Laguna Beach, California phenom understands just how critical that reality is on the world racing stage of Formula 3 Italia Championship.

The 20-year-old Lewis says he's pushing as hard as possible to claim the Rookie of the Year title, it's his number one priority for the 2011 season.

"I am calmer and more confident compared to the first race weekend," Lewis told K&N Race News. "The calm manner we do this job with makes me more confident."

With his second and sixth place finishes during Rounds 3 and 4 at the Misano Circuit in Italy, Lewis moved into third place in the 2011 Formula 3 Italia Championship points standings and second place in the rookie championship battle (Update: after his strong finish in Imola last weekend Lewis now holds first place in the rookie championship - see below).

Lewis and the Prema Powerteam were off to a strong start for the weekend with Lewis recording fast lap times in both of the free practice sessions. When it came time to qualify on Saturday morning, Michael's Prema engineer, Fabio Zilio, and mechanic, Marco Sbabo, put together the right set-up, which allowed Lewis to record a lap time of 1:31.098 to place him third overall among the 16 drivers.

Michael Lewis says his he owes his success at Misano to his Prema team, as they worked very hard to get the car right.

"Qualifying well was our team's goal for the Misano weekend," the K&N sponsored driver remarked. "The Formula 3 Italia series is very competitive with its great drivers and teams, so to do well you must put together a strong qualifying effort. I owe my success at Misano to my Prema team, as they worked very hard to get the car right. I work closely with my team to make the best racecar possible, and then go out and drive."

With each successful round Lewis says he gets a little calmer and more confident.

Lewis started Round 3 third on the grid. When the lights went off and the 16 drivers launched, Lewis took charge, moving quickly into second on the exit of turn one. Lewis kept pace with the leader throughout the 30-minute timed race. When the checkered flag waved on lap 20, Lewis had a solid second-place finish, his second podium finish in three race events

Lewis mentioned that he also gained valuable experience with the tire degradation of the Kumho compound during the race. "Each lap, the balance of the car was changing, so I adjusted my references to best fit the situation."

Round 4 fired-up early on Sunday morning. Lewis started the race in sixth position on the grid this time, because the top-eight qualifiers from the first round of the weekend are inverted for the following round. Again Lewis got an excellent start and quickly moved into fifth place on the first lap and kept pace with the lead pack. Lewis was then forced into some defensive driving, however he managed to continue running competitive lap times, crossing the finish line in sixth place. Lewis' teammate, Raffaele Marciello won the race by leading every lap.

K&N's Michael Lewis was a fan favorite during the drivers autograph session prior to the start of the two 30-lap Late Model feature at Toyota Speedway.

"I was very pleased with our results at Misano," commented Lewis. "It means a lot to me to be able to run with the best and be competitive. I know it is important for me to be able to showcase all my sponsors, and because these race events are televised by RAI Sport live, there is an extra added benefit for my sponsors to gain valuable exposure during the race weekend."

After the rounds in Misano, Lewis returned to the United States during a break between Formula 3 Italia events to race a High Point Racing (HPR) Late Model car at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.

"I was excited to be back, as I was away from California for three months. Racing in Irwindale is only a one hour drive from my house, so it is essentially my home track," Lewis said. "In both races I was very fast, and with old/graining tires, I have a fast pace. With the high-grip set up for qualifying, I have some margin to improve my lap time. In any case, driving the Late Model cars were quite fun."

Lewis accepted the offer extended by HPR team owner Tim Huddleston to join his team for six Late Model events this summer at the Irwindale race track. "Any chance I get to race, I love it," Lewis adds.

After Irwindale, Lewis and the Prema team returned to Italy for Rounds 5 and 6 of Formula 3 Italia Championship in Imola, Italy on July 16 and 17. Lewis stalled his engine at the start of Round 5, and then raced from eleventh place to finish in sixth. In Sunday's race he finished a very solid fourth, and now leads the Rookie of the Year chase.

"I set the goal of becoming rookie champion. So far I am leading the rookie championship and I am P3 in the overall championship, so that is good. Setting the goal of the rookie championship is the only thing I picture. Other than that, I focus on what I must do currently without any expectations, and what I must do is push for first place. That's it."

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.

Dan Carter's 1969 Camaro Z28 Reacts at NHRA Route 66 Nationals

21 lug 2011

Dan Carter's Super Street 1969 Chevy Camaro Z28

Dan Carter and 43 other racers showed up to compete in the Super Street class of the 14th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Joliet, Illinois just outside of Chicago. After winning rounds one through four Carter drew a bye in round 5. In the final round Carter was matched up against Scotty Rienschield. Carter had a better reaction time than Rienschield but he couldn't pull off the win.

Dan Carter at the 14th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals

Earlier Carter's car had mechanical problems that distracted him and left him frustrated. "The lights (reaction time) were much better this weekend," Carter said. "I found and repaired a problem in the carburetor that stopped the slow response when I smash it on the start. This eased my mind and allowed me to focus on the light." His focus paid off as his reaction times were getting better round by round.

Anyone who follows drag racing will be quick to agree that the sport is a game of microseconds. In fact, according to Dan, the object of the game is to be the first driver to cross the finish line, yet not be too fast. It's essential that each driver has a rapport with their car. Carter has been racing for 29 years and has been driving the same car, a 1969 Camaro Z28, throughout his entire career. Referring to the car, Carter said, "We've had it in the family since 1976."

When asked about the key to his success at the Route 66 NHRA Nationals, Carter credited it to a suggestion made by friend and fellow driver, Dan Fletcher.

"I tend to be too conservative," explained Carter. "I race not to lose, and when you do that, you often lose," he said in a laughing tone of voice. "If you take chances and push it to the limit, you win. After watching me in the first round, Fletcher basically said, if you do another 31 in the second round, you're going to lose. So I went back out there and let it rip for the remainder of the rounds." From here on out Carter is planning to race to win. He is also confident that the key to his continued success throughout the remainder of the season is focus and to be aggressive on reaction time.

Carter personally performs all preventive maintenance on his car. He is acutely aware of the importance in using the best products on the market. "I use all K&N filters on my engines, explained Dan. "I've been using K&N filters ever since I can remember. I've had good luck with engines, and they're the way to go."

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 Announced as a Sponsor of 2011 OPTIMA® Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational

21 lug 2011

Select members of the automotive aftermarket industry's most sought after performance brands have signed on as sponsors of the 2011 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational. The invitation-only event is in its fourth year and will take place Saturday, November 5, on the heels of the leading specialty automotive trade event, the SEMA Show.

2011 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational. Sponsored by Wilwood Disc Brakes and K&N Filters

Held at Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club in Pahrump, Nevada, this internationally-publicized Invitational will challenge up to 50 of the finest street machines in the world, showcasing the quality, performance and talent of the country's top builders, car owners and performance parts manufacturers.

New for 2011, Wilwood Disc Brakes will share the title of presenting sponsor with K&N Filters. This will be Wilwood's first year as a presenting sponsor, as well as its first year participating in the Invitational. K&N Filters has been a presenting sponsor of the exclusive event since its inception in 2008.

The featured and additional race event sponsors of the 2011 Invitational include:

BFGoodrich Hot Lap Challenge
Ridetech Autocross
Wilwood Disc Brakes Speed Stop Challenge
Raybestos Performance and Design Challenge
Detroit Speed and Engineering Road Rally

"We are pleased to have such a diverse and well-respected group of sponsors for this year's 2011 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational," said Cam Douglass, Invitational founder and director of product development and marketing for OPTIMA Batteries. "Each year OPTIMA works to unite the industry around an exciting, world class event where we can all show what real street machines and high-performance products are capable of. This year's sponsors will help us achieve just that."

The OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational will have a significant presence at the SEMA Show including an outdoor feature vehicle and car corral, large indoor booth space, judging to determine the final vehicle selections, a press conference and behind-the-scenes video filming. The SEMA Show, Invitational road rally and race challenges will once again be shot for a high-definition, one-hour TV special that will premiere on national cable in early 2012, with repeat airings throughout the year.

For more information about the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational go to optimainvitational.com.

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.

Shane Stewart and His ROCKSTAR/Makita Team Wins Jackson Spring Nationals

20 lug 2011

Shane Stewart's 360 Winged Sprint Car

When the waving of the flag deemed the ASCS Midwest Region's Jackson Spring Nationals race underway at Jackson, Minnesota on July 8, Shane Stewart didn't waste any time. Taking the early lead, Shane never looked back. The driver's quick start was followed by a practically flawless performance as he dominated the race and was never seriously challenged prior to crossing the finish line. Following behind Stewart, was Jason Johnson in second place and Wayne Johnson grabbing the third place spot.

Shane Stewart won the ASCS Midwest Region's Jackson Spring Nationals Race.

Although Shane has already logged his share of wins this season, the Jackson Spring Nationals were an important trial for the driver. "This particular race was more like a national race," explained Stewart. "We had all of our top national guys there. It was a big race for us," he continued.

"It paid $6500.00 to win, and that's pretty good money nowadays, especially in the 360. Wins like that throughout the season helps you get up and down the road, and of course helps me."

When asked the key to winning the race, Shane responded, "The key for us on that particular night was that we drew right. We started third and got a good jump in the dash. We started in the front row on the outside in the feature, and got a good initial start. Our car was really good through traffic and it was one of those races that was just meant to be."

Shane Stewart had raced at this particular venue several times in the past and was aware that it was a good track. Referring to the night of July 8th, Shane said, "The guys who prepared the track did a really good job."

"To remain successful throughout the remainder of the season, Shane said it will be necessary to get the right draws. "Most of our races are big races, and there's going to be more cars than what was at Jackson. You know, along with getting the right draws, the big key for us in our particular series is getting yourself through the race without crashing and getting yourself in that redraw."

Although it's pretty well a given that the weight is on Shane Stewart's shoulders when it comes to physically getting out there and out driving his competitors, he is acutely aware of the importance of his team and the critical role they place in his success as a driver. "I can't do my job without the help of my team. They've been working hard all summer, and we have a pretty tight-knit team. We work well together and get along good," he continued. "They're important."

"My car has been performing well," shared Stewart. Contrary to what one might think, as the season progresses, Shane and his team are not plagued with an increase of mechanical failures due to the rigors experienced early in the year. According to Shane, he and his team practice a stringent maintenance program following every race, which keeps their vehicle in good condition throughout the entire season.

Shane Stewart believes in using the best products on the market to ensure the race car continues to run at its peak performance and in turn, is no stranger to K&N products. "I've been using K&N filters for twelve years,"

Shared the driver. "We use their air and oil filters. I'd say K&N Filters are superior to anything else out there on the market," explained Shane.

Shane Stewart said, "We appreciate our sponsor and fans. We couldn't do what we do without both of their support." Referring to the remainder of the season, Shane Stewart continued, "We're going to some tracks where we have been successful in the past, and I'm looking forward to it."

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's Kathy Fisher Repeats Quick Rod Final Round Appearance During IHRA Mopar Nitro Jam Nationals

20 lug 2011

Driver, Tuner, TV Host, Frank Hawley Drag Racing School Rep and more - K&N's Kathy Fisher

After a few minor successes this season in her Dragon Racing Fuels/K&N Engineering entry, Ohio based driver Kathy Fisher battled through the brutal heat to put her dragster in the Quick Rod final during the IHRA Mopar Nitro Jam Nationals at Grand Bend Motorplex.

Fisher's K&N clad 1998 Boulton Dragster waits it's turn for winner's circle pictures after the Quick Rod Final.

"We had to miss our annual trip to Canada in 2010 due to a family emergency and it was great to get back up that way," she explained. "The last time we were there I was able to make it to the final so of course I was looking forward to picking up where I left off. Plus it would be our first time in Canada with Kevin's Top Dragster."

The husband and wife team would have to make the trip north of the border without crewperson, Scott Simmons, due to the late nature of his joining the team and lack of time needed to acquire a passport. Thanks to longtime friend, Pete Hunt of Sarnia, Ontario Canada, they wouldn't be completely shorthanded.

Canadian Friend Pete Hunt and Kathy Fisher take a moment to celebrate the final round.

Qualifying for Quick Rod [8.90 Index Class] was held on Saturday with three attempts given to each class. Fisher laid down perfect .000 reaction time and a very nice 8.874 to get things started.

"That was a great pass for right out of the box in the conditions we had to work with," she said. "From there, the car was just fantastic the entire weekend. From lane to lane and morning to afternoon, it was just amazing how tight the down track splits times were. I watch those quite closely for many reasons. Many of my runs over the weekend showed that my 1/8 mile to 1000 foot and 1000 foot to quarter mile split times were absolutely identical. I know that says quite a lot of the products we run and how we tune the car."

K&N's Kathy Fisher gets ready to light 'em up during qualifying at the IHRA Nitro Jam in Ontario Canada.

IHRA qualifies entries a little different for their Nitro Jam events than others. Qualifying is based on the best package which combines reaction time and how close to index. Should a driver redlight or go under their index, it drops them down farther on the sheet.

"I had a decent 8.913 pass during the second session, but of course it pretty much got thrown out because I also had a .003 redlight," she noted. "So it qualifies you by the redlight and not the elapsed time, therefore it was like running .003 under. Lane choice wasn't all that important to me since I knew how to dial the car based on what lane I would be in anyway. Once you make it through first round of eliminations, drivers are re-qualified to be placed on a ladder for the remainder of the event."

Fisher's 548ci BBC sports all the latest from K&N including the 2nd Gen Composite Dragster Scoop.

Eliminations were scheduled to begin on Saturday prior to the two evening Nitro Jam sessions, but due to just a slight amount of sprinkles and a couple of minor oil downs, Fisher and her Dragon/K&N dragster would have to wait until Sunday morning for any more on-track action.

"I would have rather gone right into first round that day, since we were dialed and ready to go, but it was also nice to get out of the firesuit and take a break," Kathy confessed. "And if we thought it was super-hot on Saturday, well Sunday was going to be worse. But based on what kind of numbers we had, we felt confident we would be ready to go right into eliminations in the morning."

Kathy Fisher launches her way to a round victory at Grand Bend Motorplex.

First round Fisher would find herself paired with Division 1 racer George Williams. Williams had lane choice and put Fisher in the right lane, but he may have wished he would have made another selection after he got a little too anxious and handed Fisher the win when he went .016 red.

"The way the tree and the boards are at Grand Bend makes it pretty difficult to know when your opponent has gone red," she said. "I kinda thought maybe he had gone red, but I wasn't even close to being one-hundred percent sure, so I still treated it like a regular round. When we got down to the stripe, I felt fairly confident where my car was running and I just played it accordingly."

Fisher's 8.895 caused her to just miss the number one qualifying spot by a mere five thousandths of a second, which would have earned her the only bye of the race, and set her up for a match up with Rick Stroud.

"It was about three and a half hours between round one and two," she reflected. "I don't know if I got tired or too hot or both, but I certainly didn't have a light that I would ever want to repeat. I hate even thinking about how late I was and I knew it the moment I launched. I actually yelled in my helmet 'You were so late'."

"My car was just dialed to do exactly what I wanted and she totally bailed me out," she continued. "Kevin was doing such a good job getting the motor and tranny cooled back down to the same temp as I went to the lanes the round before for every pass. Let me tell you, in the heat and scorching sun we had, it wasn't exactly a piece of cake."

A memorable round for Fisher would be the semi-finals where she would meet up with a very close family friend and fellow Lima, Ohio resident, Bill Rudy. "I am going to be perfectly honest and say I don't like to race Bill," she pointed out. "Meeting in the final would have been better. I really had to forget about who was in the other lane that round. Bill and Connie mean a lot to me but I just had to remember, it's racing and there is business to take care of. Good friends or not."

Rudy had Fisher by .01 on the tree but wasn't able to hold her off at the top end. "He had a wheel on me and then I saw him drop back just a hair," she said. "I knew where the car had been and there was no way I was lifting too much, this was a round where that stripe was mine."

Fisher's 8.927 and .012 at the stripe sent her to her second Quick Rod final in row at the Grand Bend, Ontario facility.

"I had a totally different feeling going into this final than I've ever had before," she admitted. "It's a little hard to explain, but for the first time I really honestly wasn't going to be "OK" with just a runner-up. The car was running way too good and it was time to get the job done."

Fisher's final round competitor, Barry Ryan, had been on a roll of double-oh lights in the two previous rounds and while Fisher had sent him home early during her last trip to Grand Bend, this time it would be Ryan's turn.

"I hate to say it, but I have no idea what happened in the final," she said of her uncharacteristic hefty foul on the tree. "I didn't change the delay in the box from the semi's to the final and should have been right there with Barry. I saw the red right away, but I still wanted to know if the car was dialed on the 8.90 I had it set up for in the right lane so I ran it through the 1000 foot mark. Wouldn't you know, heat and all she was on an 8.903 pass based on the numbers."

"To be able to get the kind of consistent numbers we were getting from my Team Dragon Racing Fuels car all weekend is the kind of thing that wins races and championships, [laughs] when you don't give it up on the line by going red of course," Fisher said of the weekend. "Although I have all the say in what to dial and how to set up the fuel for my car, I just can't thank Kevin enough for all that he does to maintain her for me between races and between rounds. It was pretty hot throughout the whole weekend and I couldn't have gone the rounds that I did, let alone as consistent as she was without the products that we use."

"It's absolutely no lip service here," the latest IHRA Nitro Jam Quick Rod Finalist continued. "K&N products are second to none. Everything that can be filtered on our engines is protected by a K&N filter. From the K&N Second Generation Carbon Fiber Dragster Scoop with its specially designed high flow K&N filter to our extra capacity K&N Wrench-Off Oil Filters, why would anyone want anything less than the World's Best Filters on anything they own. There aren't too many items we can use on our race cars or street vehicles that for such a small investment be able to reap the huge benefits gained like we do with all our K&N products."

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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