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NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Racer Cole Custer Victorious at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Oct 2, 2013

NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Race North American Power 100 Delivers Side by Side Racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

When the NASCAR spotlight shines brightest, Cole Custer puts on his best performances.

Cole Custer won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway after taking the pole and leading a race-high 60 laps.

It was his second win of the season. He also won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series race at Iowa Speedway against the top teams from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Race Started Off with Cole Custer & Dylan Kwasniewski Racing Side By Side

The 15-year-old Custer became the youngest driver to win a K&N Pro Series East race at Iowa Speedway. The win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway was special too, because it was close to home for many of his crew members

"This one was a lot more hectic, so it feels a lot better," Custer said. "All my guys are from up here. They really wanted to win this race. It feels really good. All my guys are really excited. It’s awesome to win at New Hampshire [Motor Speedway], too."

Custer has four top-five finishes in his first 12 races on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. He has two top fives at Iowa Speedway and another top five at Richmond International Raceway. He made history at New Hampshire Motor Speedway as well, becoming the youngest driver to win a race at that track.

He passed Daniel Suarez on lap 87 of the North American Power 150 and led the final 18 laps, including a green-white-checkered flag finish, to win the race.

The 21 Means 21 Pole Award Was Presented to Cole Custer at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

"I was a little bit worried there at the end, but it seemed like we had the car to beat at the end," Custer said. "I was able to get by him. There was no other way to pass. It was just really hard to pass. I had to shove him up a little bit, just try to get a run off the corner. We raced really clean. It was fun racing with him."

Suarez finished second, his fifth top-five finish of the season.

"I feel the communication with my crew chief and everybody on the whole racing team, they did an awesome job," Suarez said. "I feel we were pretty strong. We are learning a lot. The next race is Dover. I’ve never been to Dover. I’m excited to be there."

Cale Conley was third, his fourth top-five finish in 12 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races this year.

"It was a solid run," Conley said. "Started fourth, we were tight there the first half. We came in and loosened the car up, but we overshot a little bit. We struggled there. All around a pretty good run. Just happy to be here in New Hampshire."

Dylan Kwasniewski, who leads the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East standings, was involved in a crash on lap 34. He spun out while battling Custer for the lead in the race and ended up finishing a season-worst 24th.

Brett Moffitt finished in seventh place and cut into Kwasniewski’s lead. Kwasniewski has a 23-point lead over Moffitt with two races to go.

The next race on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East schedule is the Drive Sober 150 at Dover International Speedway on September 27, 2013.

It's a Picture Perfect Finish as Cole Custer Takes the Checkered Flag at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Cole Custer Celebrating the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Victory with the Haas Automation Chevrolet Team

NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Racer Dylan Kwasniewski Spins Out After Contacting Cole Custer at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Tire Damage for Eddie MacDonald While He Was Leading at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Related K&N News Articles about NASCAR K&N Pro Series Races, Venues and Drivers: Cole Custer Wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series at Iowa Speedway Leading Entire Pork Be Inspired 150; Brett Moffitt Wins K&N Pro Series East Race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway; Max Gresham Wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

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Dan Fletcher Earns 2nd Career Western Swing Sweep and 1st Double-up Win in Seattle

Oct 1, 2013

Dan Fletcher’s 85th victory ties him with NHRA legend, Bob Glidden, for 4th place on the all-time NHRA wins list

"On the road again" - it’s a familiar theme for Dan Fletcher. Since 1997 the highway or his shop in Churchville, New York has been where the fulltime professional drag racer has defined his career, and how he goes about continuing to add ink into drag racing’s big book.

Timothy Fletcher will be racing the Peak/Mickey Thompson/K&N Nova at the IHRA bracket finals in Pittsburgh

The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Sportsman racer recently scored victories in both Stock and Super Stock at the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals in Seattle. Fletcher first ran down Don Elgin for the win in Stock Eliminator then went toe-to-toe with Jody Lang in Super Stock. Lang blinked first and left early by one one-thousandth of a second, turning on the red-light and giving the victory to Fletcher.

It was the K&N legend’s first career double-up, and it nicely topped off his sweep of the NHRA Western Swing. Coming into Seattle Fletcher had already claimed a Super Stock win in Denver and a Stock title in Sonoma, California, completing his second career Western Swing sweep. The last time Fletcher won all three events was back in 1994.

"Sweeping the Western Swing and doubling at Seattle makes this season pretty good overall," said Fletcher. "Everything went my way the whole time, but last month, not so much."

In his last race at Charlotte Fletcher lost in the 3rd round in Super Stock and he got inched out in the 4th round in Stock. ".005 finish line in Super Stock and .001 red in Stock. Very frustrating to say the least," he states, adding credence to the theory that champions focus more on their loathing for losing, than they waste time on their love for winning. "I’m currently tied for the points lead in Super Stock and trying to squeeze into the top-10 in Stock," he adds.

The double in Seattle earned Fletcher wins 84 and 85, making him the 17th driver to accomplish the double-win feat, and it marked only the 28th double in NHRA history. Remarkably it was his first double after failing to accomplish the feat in the eight previous times he had reached two finals. Fletcher’s double is particularly meaningful because the 85th victory ties him with NHRA legend, Bob Glidden, for 4th place on the all-time NHRA wins list.

"The cars have run well, but I now have four cars in the fleet, so it’s a lot of work to keep up with everything," explains Fletcher. "The SS Camaro is in the chassis shop for a rear end update and the Camaro stocker, and Chevelle wagon stocker, both have the motors out at the current time."

The next event for the Fletcher’s is this weekend. "Timothy will be racing the Peak/Mickey Thompson/K&N Nova at the IHRA bracket finals in Pittsburgh, and Thomas will be racing the Camaro stocker at the Northern Sportnationals in Columbus, Ohio," he says. "And I will compete again next weekend at the NHRA event in St. Louis."

Related K&N News Articles about K&N's Dan Fletcher: K&N's Dan Fletcher Adds to His Ever Growing NHRA National Event Win Tally at Brainerd; Dan Fletcher Reaches Fourth NHRA National Final of 2012 Season at 4-Wide Nationals; K&N's Dan Fletcher Mixes it Up in Las Vegas and Grabs 76th NHRA National Event Win; Dan Fletcher Makes It a Golden 75 with Back-to-Back NHRA National Event Wins

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Matt Long Takes Checkered Flag at Beckley Motorsports Park

Oct 1, 2013

Matt Long is looking forward to a fierce battle at the Fastrak World Championship in the days to come

Team Matt Long Racing is no stranger to the thrill of a heated battle to the end. But they just couldn't seem to get over the hump during the first part of the 2013 season, with four runner-up finishes and several great runs at various venues.

However, persistence recently paid off at the Beckley Motorsports Park, at Beckley West Virginia. Recalling a fast and furious performance during his previous visit to the venue, Long rolled into town with an eagerness to get the show on the road.

"My confidence was very high," recalled Matt Long. In reference to their first trip to Beckley this season he said, "We were one of the fastest cars, but I spun out passing for the lead.

"I love this track," he continued. "You can pass all over it; run top, middle and bottom grooves. It gets very slick and makes the driver concentrate and be very consistent."

Running in the Crate Late Model class, Matt Long didn't waste any time setting the bar. In fact, Long took the victory in his heat race. Having earned a front-row starting position in the feature, Matt Long was focused on a win when the drop of the green flag deemed the race underway. Immediately taking the lead, he never looked back. Long managed to pull himself from the pack and hold his position throughout the entire race. And when the dust had settled, Matt Long Racing had earned their first victory of the season, and Matt Long's rightful spot atop the podium.

After several near wins, Matt Long and Matt Long Racing walked away from Beckley Motorsports Park with a victory under their belt and aspirations of more checkered flags throughout the remainder of the 2013 season

When asked the key to success at this event, Long explained, "Probably the confidence I had in the set-up and car. As long as there were no screw ups by the driver, I was pretty confident we could take the win. Winning the heat gave us a front row starting spot. It's always better and easier to start from the front row."

Although Long made it through the race without any challenges from his competitors, he was acutely aware that one driver in particular had the potential to make a run for the victory. "Eddie Hambrick, a regular at Beckley, has won double-digit features this year," recalled Long. "So going into the night, he was the guy to beat. When I got to traffic," stated Long, "the car would go anywhere I put it. I assumed the guys behind me couldn't move around that much."

But Matt Long and his team were ready for the challenge. And upon taking the checkered flag, Matt had distanced himself nearly a straightaway from his competitors.

When asked the key to success throughout the remainder of the season, Matt Long said, "Along with keeping focused, making the right calls throughout the night is always important. Fortunately, our next race is at Beckley once again, and it's a big one - the Fastrak World Championship, paying $20,000.00 to win. I feel really confident that we can mix when the laps wind down for the purse."

Matt Long was quick to credit his team for many superb runs this season. "My team and my friends who help me are really important to me. I will always have racing in my life, and some of the best friendships I have are because of or through racing."

Having been driving in the sport for eight years and involved in dirt racing since he was a child watching his father and grandfather compete, Matt Long has learned that enough can't be said about the significance of maintenance.

"It is one of the most important, yet least understood things in racing," explained Matt Long. "Having a great maintenance program is second to none. I'm fortunate that my crew chief, Jim Cook Jr., fully understands that, and goes above and beyond in that department each week."

A strong advocate of keeping the internal components of his engine contaminant free, Long depends upon K&N products for his filtering needs. I've been using their products my entire racing career," he explained. I use K&N's 14"X5" air filter, 1 3/8" breather with shield, 3/8" breather, oil spray, cleaner their outerwear and oil filters.

"K&N products are fantastic!" he ensured. " If taken care of the correct way, they can save you thousands of dollars on engine wear and tear. My engine cylinders are always in great shape at the end of the season, and same for my quick-change rear end and transmission." Acutely aware that the outcome of close races is often determined by decisions executed in the shop, Matt Long concluded, "Such great protection and still allowing the highest horsepower and torque are what sets the K&N products apart from their competition."

Related K&N News Articles about Matt Long: Circle K Pop Racing Team's Matt Long Takes Victory at I-77 Speedway in South Carolina; NDRA Racer Matt Long Wants NDRA Regional Championship Win

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Shannon Lightning McQueen Gathers Momentum With Podium Finish

Oct 1, 2013

Shannon "Lightning" McQueen racing in her USAC Midget

Bakersfield, California native, Shannon "Lightning" McQueen, experienced her fair share of bad luck during the first portion of the 2013 season. However, things have recently changed. Two consecutive top-five finishes has rekindled her confidence and an eagerness to end the season with a run of impressive races in the Midget class.

With her first impressive run of the season already behind her, McQueen recently rolled into the Placerville Speedway, at the El Dorado County Fair Grounds in Northern California, with aspirations of continuing her success. Muscling her way from sixth to second place during the second heat, she ran out of laps prior to catching the lead driver.

Although she would have preferred the winning spot, McQueen was acutely aware that her impressive performance was more than likely an indication of what would transpire during the remainder of the Bay Cities Racing Association event.

USAC Midget racer Shannon "Lightning" McQueen racing at the Bakersfield Speedway

"I knew we had a really good car that was consistent," recalled McQueen. "Our car’s always fast. My dad builds my motors, and we always have plenty of horsepower for sure. We are working with a new crew chief and have been really working well together. And that gives me a ton of confidence. I knew we had a car that could win, as long as we could get a little bit of luck, which we have not had a lot of lately."

Having earned the sixth position in the main, McQueen did not waste any time at the waving of the green flag. Running in the top five of the field during the first half of the race of the race, McQueen never lost focus of the first three positions, all of which would earn a podium spot.

Recognizing an opportunity to move closer to the front of the pack McQueen moved forward, eager to battle Greg Bragg for the third place position. And a fierce battle it was. Going neck-to-neck, the two drivers would capitalize on the other’s mistakes, in turn, swapping the position back and fourth. And when the checkered flag deemed the race over, Shannon "Lightning" McQueen had managed to cross the finish line in third place, earning her rightful spot on the podium.

"Greg and I always have a good time racing against each other," McQueen shared. "I can trust him, and he can me, as we have raced together in different divisions for the past 20-years. We were super-close to second place," she continued. "Maybe a couple more laps, and we could have challenged for that position. A good race, all-in-all."

Of course, great driving skills are an essential element of success in the world of racing. However, one must also depend upon good fortune. In reference to luck, McQueen said, "It’s huge. You can have the fastest car, but if the breaks don’t go your way when you can capitalize on them , you are probably not going to win."

Experience has also taught McQueen that the support of a good team is irreplaceable. "I cannot do it without my guys," ensured McQueen. My dad builds my motors, and without him the cost would be very high. He has huge success in building motors. . . I also have two guys who work for me at the track - my crew chief, Rob Russell and another crew guy, Jeremy Queener. It takes all of us working together to achieve success. This is most definitely a team sport."

Shannon "Lightning" McQueen is also aware that proper maintenance is often the determining fact in one’s overall success throughout a season. "Races are won and lost at the shop," she ensured. "If you have a poor maintenance program, it will reflect at the race track. I do 90% of my own maintenance at the shop."

That in mind, McQueen depends upon K&N products to keep the internal components of her engines running contaminant free. "We use their oil and air filters and filter oils in our race cars and street cars. I have used K&N products since we started racing the midget in 2004. Their products are awesome," she continued, "as they are reliable, dependable and provide us with the performance we need."

Looking forward to the remainder of the season, Shannon "Lightning" McQueen said, "It was a rocky start to the beginning of our year. Hopefully we’ll finish the season on a strong note."

Related K&N News Articles about Shannon "Lightning" McQueen and USAC Midget Racing: Shannon "Lightning" McQueen Earns Double Silver in BCRA Doubleheader; F&F Racing's Frankie Guerrini Wins USAC Mopar Western Midget Race at Santa Maria Speedway

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Andrew Ranger Celebrates Another K&N Pro Series West Win at Miller Motorsports Park

Sep 28, 2013

Andrew Ranger Racing Down Miller Motorsports Park

Andrew Ranger certainly makes the most of his opportunities in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

Ranger won the iON Camera Utah Grand Prix at Miller Motorsports Park in only his second start of the season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

Cameron Hayley and Greg Pursley Running Side By Side

He started from the back of the field after rain washed out qualifying and raced to the front to win the second NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race of his career in a green-white-checkered flag finish.

"We had a different strategy," Ranger said. "We pitted a little too early. We came in the pits a second time to put fuel in. We were like seventh at that point, pushing really hard."

Derek Thorn won the pole and led the first 11 laps of the race. He gave way to Cameron Hayley on lap 12. Hayley led the most laps in the race, 19, but he slipped down the field after making contact with Ranger at the end of the race.

Greg Pursley took the lead from Hayley on lap 22 and was out front for 16 laps.

"Got a flat again. It's been I think the last three or four races in a row we've got a flat leading," Pursley said. "The guys did an awesome pit stop. We came in and changed a tire, they were really fast. Got us out there and thank goodness we got a yellow."

Hayley regained the lead on lap 38 before Ranger finally made it to the front.

Ranger, a two-time champion in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, passed Hayley on lap 47 and led the final six laps of the race. He made contact with Hayley on lap 47. The collision resulted in Hayley spinning out and dropping out of contention.

Fierce competition is the name of the game during a NASCAR K&N Pro Series Race

"With three to go, I had contact with the 24 car (Hayley)," Ranger said. "It surprised me a lot. That's why I turned left really quick. I hit him a little bit. I spun him. I'm very, very sorry about it."

Pursley, who won the previous three races at Miller Motorsports Park, held on for second place in the race.

"Andrew did a good job of squeezing us over there and got us in the dirt a little bit," Pursley said. "Got it in gear and got it back in second place, and just didn't have enough there."

Andrew Ranger celebrating his win at the iON Camera Utah Grand Prix NASCAR K&N Pro Series Race at Miller Motorsports Park

Rookie Dylan Lupton was third. It was his fourth top-10 finish in 11 races in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.

"We were there at the end," Lupton said. "I think we had a car to win. We needed at least another two to three laps. It took us a while to get it back up to speed. It was overall a great race."

Michael Self was fourth, followed by rookie Matt Tifft in fifth.

Hayley ended up in sixth place while Thorn came in ninth.

Thorn leads the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West standings by 19 points over Hayley with four races remaining. Pursley is in third place in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West standings, one point ahead of Self.

The next race in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West is the NAPA Auto Parts 150 at NAPA Speedway in Albuquerque, N.M., on September 28, 2013.

Related K&N News Articles about Andrew Ranger and NASCAR K&N Pro Series Racing: Andrew Ranger Wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Race at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut; Andrew Ranger Wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma; NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Driver Greg Pursley Wins Again at Miller Motorsports Park

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