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K&N Sponsored Michael Lewis Earns Formula 3 Podium Finish at Franciacorta

27 juin 2011

K&N sponsored driver Michael Lewis is currently in second place in the rookie championship battle.

The first two rounds of the Formula 3 Italia Championship got underway at Italy's Franciacorta Circuit. And, following up on his extremely successful preseason testing efforts on the track, American Michael Lewis found the podium in only his second race. Lewis' strong times from preseason testing, carried over first into the practice sessions, where he recorded excellent times in the two free practice sessions, and then into race two on Sunday. After the 30-minute contest Lewis crossed the finish line in third place, nearly two car lengths ahead of the fourth place driver.

Lewis contested for second place briefly in Race 2, but his front wing damage created too much under steer.

"Every time we visited Franciacorta, we were always setting the pace," Lewis told K&N Race News. "Honestly, the Prema Powerteam and I were able to make the car work for me during each test prior to the race weekend. There are many slow corners and you need to turn the car quite hard, rear traction exiting the turns is extremely important as well. So we found a solution to turn the car, and exit well, without creating additional problems."

Going into his first ever Formula 3 Italia qualifying experience Lewis said his goal was to qualify in the top three. He came up short of his goal by just one-tenth of a second. "I knew that I would have to push hard in Race 1 to run up front with the leaders after that," Lewis said.

Race 1 earned the "wet track" designation requiring all the competitors' to use "wet" tires. Running in his sixth place starting position, with only five laps remaining, Lewis got tagged from behind, and as a result he made a one half spin, losing several positions. He finished Race 1 in tenth position.

Race 2 brought out the sun and a completely different race scenario, with Lewis starting third on the grid this time. After a frenzied start exiting turn one, Lewis and another driver collided as they raced side-by-side and Lewis' left front wing got damaged. However, the damage did little to affect his progress as he exited turn one in third place.

Finding the podium in only his second race of the season was a tremendous boast for the young California racer.

During the early stages of the race Lewis challenged for second place briefly, but because of the increasing loss of function of the front wing, the car developed a tremendous under steer condition that lasted the entire race. Lewis worked hard to keep his position and fend off the challenges of the fourth place driver.

"The Prema Powerteam has given me fast racecars this year and we work very well together," Lewis commented. "I feel as if the team is a part of my family. My engineer Fabio Zilio and the team principals Rene Rosin, Angelo Rosin, and Grazia Troncon have created an atmosphere that allows me to succeed. I enjoy driving and being around those people. For the remaining events, the team and I are continuing to develop the car in order to set the pace."

Angelo Rosin, Prema Powerteam Team Principal, spoke about his team's three drivers, Michael Lewis, Raffaele Marciello, and Andrea Roda, after the race.

"I'm satisfied with how the first weekend of the 2011 Formula 3 Italia championship ended up for us. Our drivers finished on the podium in the two races and they captured good points in the standings. Marciello went really close to record his maiden formula 3 win, but despite committing a mistake, he showed that such results are clearly in his frame. Lewis scored a podium finish too, despite a front wing problem that certainly hit his car's potential. I feel for Roda, who was unable to get to the results he deserved, but I'm sure he will in the next round of the series at Misano."

After the race in Misano, Lewis told K&N Race News, "I was more nervous than normal in my first qualifying effort, and it's not the best to be on edge while driving. The second race weekend in Misano, I approached qualifying as I normally approach any session, in a calm manner. As a result I was nearly on pole and ended up P3, in Misano. Basically, just doing what I had to do, and concentrating on nothing else is the way."

With his second and sixth place finishes during rounds three and four at the Misano Circuit in Italy this past weekend, Lewis, from Laguna Beach, California now claims third place in the Formula 3 Italia Championship points standings, and second place in the rookie championship battle.

"I am pushing to win the rookie championship," Lewis said. "That is my goal, and I will do everything in my power to achieve that goal."

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Jason Johnson and JJR Team Continues Hot Streak at I-30 Speedway

27 juin 2011

2010 ASCS Champion Jason Johnson

Throughout the month of May, Jason Johnson and the Jason Johnson Racing Team experienced their fare share of success. On June 4, Jason and his crew rolled into the I-30 speedway, at Little Rock, Arkansas with anticipation of continuing their hot streak. After finishing the runner up in their heat race, Jason and his team earned the fourth starting spot in the A-Main Event. When the dust settled at the night's end, Johnson and his team had earned a victory.

"It's definitely important to finish a month strong and carry that momentum into the next month," explained Johnson. "When we pulled into Little Rock, everyone had confidence and was upbeat."

This was not Jason's first race at the I-30 speedway. In fact, according to the driver, it is one of his favorite tracks. "In the past, it's been a really great racetrack," shared Johnson. "It develops a top groove and a bottom groove, but the last few years it has kind of been one way or the other, with a single file on the top or on the bottom. During our most recent race it was like the old days. It was a lot of fun."

Upon his arrival to the track, Jason Johnson was also aware that the competition would be stiff. According to Jason, the ASCS National tour is the toughest 360 division throughout the world. He also was confident that the I-30 speedway sported very talented and competitive local drivers as well, who had a good understanding of the track and where the grooves will develop. "It's probably one of the most challenging places to go and try to win a race. The competition is definitely up there."

When a wave of the green flag deemed the race underway, Tim Crawley jumped out in the lead, but Jason followed closely behind. During the seventh lap, Johnson made his move on the high side, overtaking his competitor. After battling back and forth with Crawley for first place, Jason took the lead in the 24th lap, a position he continued to hold until the completion of lap number 35, deeming the race over and Jason and his team the victors. "I had to go where I thought I would be quicker that night," stated Johnson. And things kind of fell our way."

According to Jason, positioning is the key to winning in the ASCS National Tour. "If you can work your way up through the heat race, get a few points and get yourself in the right position to start in those first four rows, you have a chance," he said. "We just want to capitalize anytime we can start up front like that."

When asked what it would take to experience success throughout the remainder of the season, Johnson stressed that it is important to continue driving year-around, which in turn helps keep him sharp at the wheel. He also stated "The main thing is to keep focused as a driver, keep everyone encouraged, and keep your momentum rolling week in and week out."

Jason Johnson is acutely aware that keeping his car in tip top shape is essential if he plans to continue his run. "K&N Filters are the number one filtration system out there on the Market," explained the driver. "At the caliber of racing we are doing, it's important that we finish every event. We race in a dirty environment. They keep our engines clean and help keep us up front."

Jason Johnson was quick to say that he and his team appreciate the support of their fans and sponsors. "The support we receive from all of our partners is appreciated greatly," shared Jason. Referring to the fans, he continued, "It's really awesome to see the following that we have week in and week out."

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.

Dane Laraway Makes Showing After Eight Consecutive Rainouts

27 juin 2011

Dane Laraway and the Laraway Motorsports team

After anticipating the opening night of the 2011 season, Dane Laraway and the Laraway Motorsports team experienced a letdown when the race was cancelled due to rain. As luck would have it, although eager to get out on the track and compete, Dane experienced the same scenario for the next seven scheduled races. With eight rainy nights behind them, he finally had the opportunity to line up against his competitors on May 21st. That said, when the green flag waved, tires spun, dust flew and engines roared as Dane and his competitors ran neck to neck, each driver with hopes of finishing first.

Dane Laraway returned to Marion Center Speedway on June 11, and finished in first place.

"It felt really good," explained Laraway. "The first night out was at Marion Center, and we got second." Dane returned to Marion Center Speedway on June 11, and finished in first place on that particular night. On Friday, June 17, Dane and his team earned fifth place at Dog Hollow, and finished third at the same track on the following night.

Twenty-one-year-old Dane Laraway, spends a majority of his time racing at two venues. According to the driver, he races predominantly at Marion Center Speedeway, at Marion Center Pennsylvania, and Dog Hollow Speedway, which is located at Strongstown Pennsylvania. When asked which of the two tracks he preferred, Dane said, " This year, I would have to say Marion Center, because we've had more success there, but last year we had more success at Dog Hollow."

Dane Laraway became interested in racing in 1998 upon attending his first race with his father, Brian, who began racing in the 99 season. In 2005, at age 15, Dane accepted the offer when his father asked him if he was interested in racing. Now 21 years old, Dane has had the opportunity to acquire six years worth of valuable experience.

When asked if he had improved throughout his career, Dane said, I'm a lot more consistent now." I can see when other drivers are making mistakes a lot better than I previously could. I use to follow people, and now I try to pass them." When asked if there was still improvement to be made, he continued, "I need to become a better driver and to understand what to change on the car for certain conditions and know it will be correct." When asked his strong points, Dane said he drives more aggressively than a lot of his competitors.

Dane accredits a portion of his success to his aggressive style of driving, but is also aware that there are other factors involved as well.

According to the driver, regardless of one's driving skills, a little luck is always involved. He also stressed that his car must be mechanically sound. "We maintain our car very well," he explained. "We use the 5 inch high by fourteen inch K&N air filter, with an extreme air filter top. I Like K&N Filters very much, and they do improve the power of the car," he said.

"In fact, with just the extreme air filter top, it added eleven horsepower to the engine. We also use the K&N oil spray, the sealing grease and the air filter cleaner. It is very important to keep the internal components of your engine clean. If the engine is not maintained properly, part failure will ensue."

When asked what the key was to continuing his success throughout the remainder of the season, he stressed the importance of staying focused and staying calm. "I need to remain patient on the track and at the same time, be aggressive," He said.

When asked if he found his sponsors and fans of importance, Dane Laraway answered quickly, "We are very lucky and thankful for our sponsors.

We get a lot of help from people and companies, and that's hard to come by right now. We really appreciate our fans and hope they have a good time at the racetrack." In closing, he offered one more message to his fans, "See ya there."

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.

Late Model Racer Jon Henry Wins at Attica Raceway Park After Tire Problems Slow Him Down

27 juin 2011

Jon Henry battles it out in his late model car.

The old saying goes 'when you're hot, you're hot,' and K&N dirt late model driver Jon Henry is hot. The Ohio native is off to a sizzling start in June, and his team even overcame what could have been a catastrophic mistake to win again at Attica Raceway Park.

K&N dirt late model driver Jon Henry

"It was just a miscommunication," Henry said of his right-rear tire coming off during the heat race. "The tire just never got fully tightened. I was pretty down because we started on the front row and had a great shot at winning the heat and the main."

Henry's team wasted no time going to work on his car, and after some help from competitor Wayne Maffett's crew chief Ed Ty, the team was able to re-build the right rear and send Henry out for the B-Main. The veteran drove from the back of the pack to 2nd in a 16-car field, and then drove from 17th to the lead in the Main Event, taking home another victory in front of a packed house.

"I was prepared for the challenge. The car was so good; I didn't have time to think about what was happening. When the first caution came out on lap ten, I was in third and I thought 'man, we have a pretty good car,'" Henry added.

Jon Henry's win at Attica Raceway Park

The following night Henry and his team traveled to Oakshade Raceway, dominating the competition with no hiccups along the way. Henry called the night "A total change of paceâ€¦very relaxing and very confident."

The following weekend ended in disappointment for Henry though. After travelling to the Mecca of all dirt late model races, the DREAM at Tony Stewart's Eldora Speedway, Henry jumped behind the wheel of the Mike Lawrence Motorsports #11. The car was down on power, causing Henry to start in 10th for the fourth heat race. After aggressively moving into the top-5 on the first lap, the car broke a suspension part, and Henry slammed the wall, ending his weekend.

Still, Henry's team remains confident as he returns to the wheel of the Jon Henry Racing entry for the rest of the month, looking to continue his team's winning streak in their home state of Ohio. For more information on Jon Henry Racing, visit www.jonhenryracing.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 The Silva Motorsports Team, Continue On Track

27 juin 2011

Shane Stewart quickly jumped out in front at USCS Speedweek

Prior to arriving at Beebe, Arkansas in early June, Shane Stewart and Team Silva Motorsports had already made a showing, with several wins throughout the first half of the season. Lining up on the front row with Tim Crawley, who had dominated the first three rounds of USCS Speedweek, Shane Stewart quickly jumped out in front . Following a fierce battle, Stewart walked away from the race victorious, earning his second consecutive win.

Shane Stewart won the 40th Annual Dirt Cup at Skagit Speedway

With the race at Beebe behind him, Stewart headed to Alger Washington, where he and his team were schedule to race at the Skagit Speedway. Starting in the ninth spot in the 40th Annual Dirt Cup, Shane began weaving his way around fellow competitors. Before the 30 lap feature was over, Stewart had worked his way in front of the leading car and completed the race in first place.

Although Shane's experience and driving skills obviously play a huge role in his success, he is quick to give credit to his team as well. "My team is a little unique, because my car owner, Paul Silva, is also my crew chief. We have been working together for three years now, and he knows what I like in a race car," explained Stewart. "We've got some great sponsors. It doesn't matter whether we've got a 410 or a 360 engine in, we can be competitive.

When asked the key to continuing their successful run throughout the remainder of the season, Stewart said "First and foremost, you have to finish the races, and keep yourself out of trouble. The series we follow, mainly the USCS, is a tough series. We average about 50 or sixty cars during every race. The main thing is to put yourself into contention each and every night," he continued. "If you don't do that, you're not going to win."

Referring to the competition level, he said, "It's hard to come out of rows four or five like you use to be able to do. If you don't start up front each and every night, more than likely, you're not going to have a shot at winning the race. That's obviously our focus. Everywhere we go, the competition is stiff now days," explained Shane. "Everyone has great equipment, whether it's a local guy, or a guy who travels a national series like myself."

According to Stewart, the drivers who compete at venues throughout the country are going to be very experienced, as they generally race more and find themselves in various situations at various tracks. That said, he also has an understanding that the local drivers at each venue are to be reckoned with as well. "Sometimes you come across tracks, where they have very good local drivers who know that particular track very well," Shared Shane Stewart. "They can be tough."

Shane Stewart said it is essential that their car remain mechanically sound throughout every race of the season, and for that to be possible the internal components of the engine must stay well-lubed and clean. "We use K&N air filters, oil filters and we use their cleaning spray every night," he explained. "They keep the inside of our engine clean, which is important."

When asked if there was a message that he wanted to relay to the Sponsors and fans, he quickly answered, "Thanks for your support. You know, I couldn't do it without my sponsors, of course, and can't race without fans. We give it one hundred percent each night and hope that our sponsors and fans see that."

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.