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NHRA Driver Luke Bogacki Experiences a Stellar Super Comp and Super Gas Race Season

Jan 14, 2013

NHRA driver, Luke Bogacki, experienced a stellar season in 2012

Although only 31 years of age, Luke Bogacki is definitely an old hand at racing. In fact, his racing career began at the ripe old age of eleven years, and his passion for the sport has done nothing but increase for the past twenty years.

“My father raced all of the time, and instilled a passion for the sport in me,” Bogacki shared. “If he went racing without me, from the time I was three until I was old enough to start racing, I didn’t know about it, because I would have been upset.”

Referring to what has kept his passion burning strong for two decades, he continued, “A lot of things really. Mainly the competition and the people. I love the challenge as a driver and tuner. The people I’ve met while racing over the years make up my extended family”.

Along with acquiring many friends during his tenure as a driver, Luke Bogacki has also seen his share of success. In fact, he considers 2012 as a dream season, and rightfully so, as his recent accomplishments are impressive, to say the least.

Bogacki’s most recent victory came at Las Vegas, Nevada, in the NHRA Big O Tires Nationals. Manning his ThisIsBracketRacing.com Super Comp dragster through several victories throughout the event, the driver found himself in a heated battle with fellow driver, Greg Boutte, in the final round. Leaving the starting line with a “near perfect” .005 reaction time, Bogacki managed to take the win, 9.081 to 9.087. Although only winning by mere thousandths, his time was more than enough to earn him his third NHRA national event trophy of 2012 and his fifth national event victory of his career.

Luke Bogacki recently won his third national event trophy of 2012 while competing at the Bog O Tires Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada

When asked what separates him from his fellow competitors, he answered, “If I have an advantage, it’s probably experience. I’ve raced for twenty years, and for the past eight years, I’ve raced for a living. That has put me in a lot of cars, classes and situations as a driver. Like anything,” he continued, “the more you do it, the more comfortable and confident you become in various situations. I think the key to success was a combination of hard work, good fortune and marketing partners like K&N .”

Looking back over the entire season, the driver obviously had many fond memories. But he suggested there was one event in particular that he considers most memorable. According to Bogacki, winning the Super Gas class and earning runner-up in the Super Comp at the national event in Brainerd, Minnesota was unsurpassed, and in fact, “marked one of the most successful events” in his career of racing.

With the 2012 season behind him, Luke Bogacki is already gearing up for 2013. In fact, he recently sold his Super Comp Dragster to make room for two new American Race Cars dragsters. Bogacki will drive one of the 2013 models in Super Comp next season, and will assemble the second car for his wife, Jessica, who is presently carrying their first child.

Referring to his new car, the driver stated, “I actually just picked it up last week and have started the final assembly process. I’m ecstatic about it! Mark Horton and his staff at American Race Cars have once again exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to get it finished and take it to the track!

As experience has taught the driver, there are several aspects of the game that all prove essential if he plans to continue his triumph. When asked the key to future success he explained, “Hopefully, more of the same - attention to detail, great equipment, and an excellent line of marketing partners.”

Luke Bogacki has been racing since he was 11 years old

The driver is also acutely aware of the importance of maintenance. Referring to keeping his race car in tip-top running condition, he said, “It’s vital. In this sport, tens of thousandths of dollars change hands over races that are determined by thousandths of a second. So everything is crucial. I’m a stickler for maintenance; from routine to preventative. You find over time, that the winningest racers aren’t just the best divers; they are the racers who are willing to put in the work to avoid as many stupid mistakes and part failures as possible.”

That in mind, Luke Bogacki is a firm believer in K&N filter’s ability to keep the internal components of his engine running contaminant-free. In reference to K&N products, he said, “Honestly, I take them for granted. K&N is the industry leader , so when I install an air filter, or screw on an oil filter, I know it is one less area on my race car, tow vehicles and personal cars that I have to worry about. K&N protection gives me peace of mind to focus on what I have to do behind the wheel.”

His winning record is a testimony that Luke Bogacki knows the recipe to success. When asked what his fans can expect in the future, the drivers answer made it obvious that much thought has already been given to the future. “Hopefully more of the same,” he promised. “My schedule will include nine NHRA national events and eight divisionals. And I will focus on Super Comp and Super Gas again in pursuit of the Lucas Oil Championships in Both categories. I plan to start out west at the Winternationals in Ponoma and hit it hard for the first couple months of the season, then take about two months off for baby-time, before picking back up in the summer. I have high expectations for 2013, but our sport can be very humbling. Hopefully, we can go out and be competitive. I think a top-ten finish in both categories is a challenging, yet attainable, goal.”

Luke Bogacki was also featured in First NHRA Divisional Trohpy, Division 2 Super Comp Championship, Super Gas Win.

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.

Pflum and Wagner Racing Set 2012 SCTA Special Construction Fuel Class Record

Jan 14, 2013

Pflum and Wagner Racing’s SCTA record setting Hondas

Speed without limits is an elusive and compelling notion, there are always, it seems, rules. Freefalling has to contend with terminal velocity, while breaking 186,282 miles-per-second, supposedly the maximum speed limit at which anything can move, would overturn Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. Breaking speed records and going faster than the next guy is an intrinsic part of our hardwiring, from the first foot race by upright man, to spaceflight, it has played an integral part in our overall human development.

Jeannie Pflum and Jamie Wagner are among a very elite group of people that understand speed and breaking records better than most. They hold a number of SCTA (Southern California Timing Association) records for motorcycles. In 2010 at Bonneville they set the 1000cc Production Class record at 196.476 mph. The following year they reset their own Production Class record, and set the new 1000cc Special Construction Gas record at 186.050. This year they set the 1000cc Special Construction Fuel Class record at 186.542 mph. We spoke with Jamie Wagner to help set straight the definition of speed records and to give us some insights into what it takes to hang on to a motorcycle hurdling over salt flats at triple-digit pace.

Pflum and Wagner Racing ran 196.190 mph at El Mirage last year in the Production class, how does this differ from your Special Construction Class record in 2012 and what defines the various classes?

“Production Class means that the bike has to have the same features and 'look' of the representative bike as sold at the dealership with no optional accessories. The only exception to this rule is some components can be changed or removed for safety concerns. Mirror, signal lights, etc can be removed and the paint scheme can be changed.”

“When components are changed that make a production bike no longer legal, such as an aftermarket exhaust, [the bike would be placed] into the 'Modified' (M) class. Then, [with] further modifications such as purpose built frames, multiple engines, and others that exceed the Modified classification, [the bike would] move into the 'Special Construction' (A) class. Now in the “M” and “A” classes, [there] are two different Body categories; Partial Streamlining (fairings or aero aids forward of the rider) and Open Class (no firings or aero aids forward of the rider), there are engine categories [as well,] based on displacement, Blown (turbo or supercharged), and then [there is the] Gas Class (must use event gasoline) and Fuel Class (any fuels other than the event gasoline).”

“The 196.190 record is on a Production class bike. It was set on the Black 2007 CBR1000RR. The 189.984 Special Construction class record was set on the Red 2006 CBR1000RR that has had the fairings removed to fit into the Open Class rules and runs a small shot of Nitrous, which is what puts it in the Fuel Class. We also have the current record in the Special Construction Gas Class at 186.050 on the same 2006 bike without Nitrous.”

Jeannie Pflum, a Gynecological Surgeon from Santa Rosa, California is your rider; tell us a little about her riding background?

“Jeannie was a large part of the reason I built the first bike. I had worked with Jeannie’s father, Lee Gustovson. Lee has been the engine builder on the Seth Hammond’s Bonneville Lakester for many years. During the Bonneville World Finals in 2002, Jeannie drove the Lakester to a 302.179mph record. That put her as one of three women in the Bonneville 300mph Club. I have been helping Lee and Seth with the Fuel Injection and Data system on their cars since 1998. In 2007 Lee had asked if I might be interested in putting a bike together to run because Jeannie was interested in riding a bike at Bonneville.”

Jeannie Pflum has set multiple records aboard this 2006 CBR1000RR

“I had been thinking about putting a bike together myself so the timing was right. I had been working with the Corona Honda AMA Road Racing team, and was able to pick up a bunch of the stock take-off parts and build the 2007 Production bike. That was when Pflum and Wagner Racing started.”

What all goes into making speed runs and what sort of unique skills are required?

“Many of the challenges of Land Speed Racing are the same as other forms of Motorcycle racing; getting the most power and reliability possible from the engine and dialing in the suspension setup. The unique aspect to our form of racing is traction. We race on surfaces made of salt or dirt which make maintaining traction tough.”

“As far as riding skills, this type of racing is much less demanding than other forms of motorcycle racing, but it does require a lot of concentration and fair amount of courage. The unique aspect of Land Speed racing, especially at Bonneville, is the sustained speed over a long distance. On a typical pass, Jeannie will be traveling at speeds between 190 to 200 mph for 4.5 miles. At those speeds, a bike with full fairing gets to feeling very light, and can move around on the course a lot. You can be riding in a relatively straight line down the course, and a gust of wind can move you 20 feet or more in the blink of an eye. You have to kinda let the bike go where it wants and just make gentle corrections. Sudden or dramatic movements on the bike are something you want to avoid at [high] speed.”

2013 marks your 25th year of racing motorcycles, do you have anything special planned for next season?

“We are very excited about the 2013 season. After four years of racing out of our own pocket, on a very, very tight budget, American Honda and many other companies have come on board as sponsors to help us achieve our goals. We will be running at least one more Honda for the 2013 season. We also have a new engine program in development, CP Carrillo, Vance & Hines Motorsports and Web Camshafts are helping us with some updated pistons, camshafts and cylinder head work that should really make a difference in our performance for the 2013 race season. It’s important to note that during all those years, whether it was off-road racing, drag racing, or Land Speed Racing, I’ve always used K&N. They simply give you maximum performance without sacrificing engine reliability.”

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.

Brian Hobaugh at SEMA with 1973 Camaro and Later Wins Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge

Jan 14, 2013

Behind-the-scenes at the starting line - Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge

If you attended the 2012 SEMA show last November, you may have spotted an orange 1973 Camaro with a flat black stripe down the center in the Wilwood Brakes booth. This beautiful project is owned by Brian Hobaugh, the shop manager at Car West Elite in Freemont, CA.

Brian has been exhibiting at SEMA for 8 years, and a whole lifetime of experience in the automotive industry. Brian started working at AAA as a field inspector when he graduated college, and then moved on to Car West Elite in 2002. Car West specializes in high-end bodywork, and is affiliated with a number of dealerships, including Mercedes Benz, Lexus, and Porsche. Car West did all of the bodywork for this build, with Brian managing the entire project. Brian explained, “The hardest part of this build was the flares, getting the size and shape I wanted was difficult.”

Some last-minute tips from TV personality Bill Goldberg as Brian prepares to race

K&N built a custom intake for Brian focusing on the tube-design and cone air filter. K&N’s Intake Engineer Bert Heck commented on the build, “When Brian brought his vehicle in; it had a filter clamped on the end of the throttle body and the car made 501HP. We fabricated a one-off intake that would now use one of our large cone filters with a radius adaptor to help improve air flow. We made sure the new intake system not only looked like it belonged in the vehicle but it performed like all of K&N’s products. After the new intake was powder coated and reinstalled, we dynoed the vehicle again and it made 516HP at the wheels.”

Brian Hobaugh takes off at the start in the Road Course Hot Lap

Before this Camaro, Brian had owned a number of cars, which include a Buick Regal, Corvette, Lexus GS 430, and a Tow Rig - each equipped with a K&N Air Filter. Brian’s first car (a 1984 Chevy Camaro) was the main inspiration which turned him towards K&N. “I wanted to get the most out of my 305 high-output motor, and at 190HP at stock it just wasn’t cutting it. I installed a Flowmaster exhaust system, Edelbrock headers, an aftermarket computer system and I was trying to get as much filtered-air as possible so I bought a K&N Air filter I saw in a magazine ad.” Brian has been using K&N for 25 years.

K&N fabricated a custom intake for Brian, giving him extra performance

Brian was first inspired to build this Camaro by his father. He grew up watching his dad race his Camaro against others as well. After SEMA, Brian took the car to the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. He ended up placing 1st for the Road Course Hot Lap, and 2nd in the overall race.

Brian not only races this car, he also has the car featured in numerous muscle car magazines including Camaro Performers Magazine - due to publish February 2013. Brian Plans on building a 1966 Comet in the future, and continue to race his Camaro, as well as, his father’s Corvette.

Vehicle Modifications:

K&N Fabricated Performance Air Intake System
Maier Racing front upper/lower A Arms
Spindles
Sway bar
Maier Racing 3 link rear suspension
Maier Racing roll cage
JRI Shocks
Mast Motorsports LS3 Engine
GForce 4 speed Transmission
Speedway Engineering Ford 9” rear end

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.

Many vehicles like Brian Hobaugh's Camaro, Sam Piazza’s 2012 SEMA Build , 1969 Hellcat Camaro at SEMA and Pilot Transport Camaro at SEMA 2012 get the opportunity to shine at SEMA.

More pictures of Brian Hobaugh's Camaro pictured below:

A custom K&N badge welded to Brian’s intake tube

Brian Hobaugh’s ’73 Camaro at SEMA 2012 in the Wilwood booth

An OPTIMA girl gives Brian shade as he prepares to compete

Brian taking off from the starting line

The hardest part of this build was the flares, getting the size and shape I wanted was difficult

Behind-the-scenes at the starting line - Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge

Team Hybrid's Custom Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Features Performance Air Filter at SEMA

Jan 14, 2013

Team Hybrid Mitsubishi Evo X at SEMA

SEMA stands as the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. Even though it isn't open to the general public, the 2012 SEMA Show drew in over 100,000 industry leaders and more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers as well. Every year hundreds of cars are displayed at the Convention Center in Las Vegas, while thousands of car and auto enthusiasts make their rounds. If you attended this year, you might have noticed a first ever Varis Widebody EVO X on the West Coast built by Eric McWilliams from Team Hybrid's Las Vegas Chapter lead by Archie ConCon.

SEMA featured 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X

Team Hybrid was founded in 1995 by James Lin the current President of the company. They specialize in import builds for race, street, and show cars. Team Hybrid is a company with outstanding performance, innovation, dedication and passion for the automotive aftermarket industry. Team Hybrid had a number of cars on display at the 2012 SEMA show, and it wasn't their first rodeo either. 2012 marked the 14th anniversary for Team Hybrid's attendance at SEMA.

Eric McWilliams brought Lancer Evo X to Las Vegas SEMA show

In the past, Team Hybrid has built cars for Scion's Team, including the xA, xD, and tC. James Lin states, "Our Specialty is attention to detail and thinking outside the box, while making sure that every aspect of the vehicle is assembled well and completely."

Team Hybrid's cars aren't just for looks and racing, they're made to last as well. This Evo in particular, is a daily driver. Even though Eric's Evo X is equipped with over 40 different modifications, that doesn't stop him from driving this beauty daily - and can you blame him?

Let's face it, this car is hooked up! Evo enthusiasts will be the first to notice the wide-body fenders on this car - these allow for wider rims which can help handling, while improving the look of the car as well.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X at the 2012 SEMA show

A few other modifications include a Mishimoto Performance Aluminum Radiator, Status Ring Carbon Fiber Seats, or maybe the Agency Power Exhaust Manifold with a Greddy Ti-C Turboback Exhaust in the rear. When it came to induction for this wide-bodied masterpiece, Team Hybrid looked to K&N to provide them with a high performance air filter. The K&N filter was installed on the Evolution X, which helped improve its performance through greater airflow. "We have been using K&N for over 18 years," says James Lin, who helped get the car owner Eric McWilliams sponsored with K&N. "K&N products increase power, and are easy to maintain and clean while withstanding the test of time."

Modifications for Eric's 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X:

Engine

Aeromotion R2 Static Wing on Lancer Evolution at SEMA

AMS Widemouth Down Pipe
AMS Test Pipe
AMS 3" Cat Back Exhaust
AMS FMIC
AMS UICP
AMS LICP w/ Tial QR valve
Agency Power Exhaust Manifold
Cobb SF Intake
Cobb turbo inlet
FIC 1100cc Fuel Injectors
FP Red Turbo
GSC S2 Cams
Hallman MBC RX
K&N Performance Air Filter RP-4600
Mishimoto Temperature Gauge 1.3 Bar Radiator Cap Small
Mishimoto Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Performance Aluminum Radiator, 2008+

SEMA featured Mitsubishi Evo X equipped with K&N performance air filter

Mishimoto Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Silicone Radiator Hose Kit, 2008+
Supertech Dual Valve Springs and Retainers
Walbro 255 lph Fuel Pump

Interior

Glowshift Boost Gauge
NRG Black Suede Steering Wheel
NRG Quick Release Gen 2.0
Works Bell Short Hub
Status Ring Carbon Fiber Seats
AMS Shifter Bushings
AMS Shift Knob
Agency Power Short Shifter

Wheels/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

Enkei RPF1 Wheels 18x10.5 +15
BFGoodrich G-Force Sport Comp 2 Tires 275/35/18
Stance GR+ Coilovers

Mitsubishi Evo X was equipped with this K&N performance air filter at SEMA

Exterior

Aeromotion R2 Static Wing
JDM Fog Light Delete

Remember when K&N suspended Andrew Comrie-Picard's Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution at SEMA 2008, from the ceiling? Check out this impressive 450 horsepower Lancer Evo from past SEMA show? RedLion Motorsports' SEMA featured Cobalt SS is also an remarkable performance vehicle.

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.

Williams Motorsports' Jonathan Allard Wins King of the West Championship in 410ci Sprint Car

Jan 14, 2013

Jonathan Allard wins 2012 "King of the West Championship" in his 410ci Sprint Car

The 2012 season was good to Jonathan Allard and his Williams Motorsports 410ci sprint car team. For the third time in his career, Allard was crowned King of the West champion, culminating what was already a career year.

“Winning another King of the West championship was huge for our team,” Allard said. “At times the west coast gets shunned for a lack of talent, but on a nightly basis we run against World of Outlaw champions and Hall of Famers who can win races anywhere in the world, and to win a title with those types of drivers competing is a major accomplishment, and a true testament to our team.”

There is some tough Sprint Car competition on the west coast

Allard and his team showed the west coast can compete with the big money teams at the legendary Knoxville Nationals. Allard competed all weekend and had a chance to do some real damage in the feature, until a parts failure ended his night early.

“Making the feature at the Knoxville Nationals and having that good of a starting spot was something we were proud of,” Allard said. “The last few years we had terrible luck during our preliminary nights and found ourselves in the back of the alphabet (for the mains), so having a strong run really meant a lot to the team.”

“Unfortunately we were disappointed again, even though we started at the front, we had a shock break during the main and it really kept us from having the type of night we are capable of. We were strong but we just had some bad luck, this time during the feature.”

Sadly for Allard, tragedy struck multiple times. First, fellow racer and friend David Tarter died after a tire he was working on in the pits exploded back in June.

Some tough losses for Jonathan Allard came in 2012, followed by many checkered flags

“I learned we could overcome tough circumstances, and pull together to win races. It was tough to focus on racing, but we came together and honored our friend with a win that night.”

Then, over the Christmas holiday, while Jonathan was in New Zealand competing, news broke that his older brother, fellow sprint car champion Stephen, died. The news crushed the northern California racing community, which also lost champion Tyler Wolf in an on-track crash late in the season. Allard plans on returning to the states and running a similar schedule to 2012 in honor of his brother.

The Williams Motorsports team has this to say about K&N: “K&N Filters provide us with the components we need to win races. Crew Chief Ashley Smith busts his tail in the shop during the week using K&N products to get our car ready to go compete.”

For more action packed racing write ups on Jonathan Allard check out:Jonathan Allard at SilverDollar Speedway, First Win at Antioch Raceway, Crowned GSC King of California.

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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