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Shea Holbrook Slated as Celebrity Contestant in Epic 2012 Fireball Run AdventuRally

May 1, 2012

Holbrook says he's working very hard to reclaim that winning feeling she experienced after her 2011 Long Beach Grand Prix victory.

Holbrook says she's working very hard to reclaim that winning feeling she experienced after her 2011 Long Beach Grand Prix victory.

The Fireball Run is by definition not a race, and it's totally unlike any rally competition in the world, it is in fact a completely riveting, sport and entertainment hybrid, and an original live point-of-interest and destination based American expedition. To navigate the route and score, teams may use anything (and anyone) at their disposal to solve clues, and accomplish missions. Clues incorporate history, road side points-of-interest, attractions, brands, even pop-culture; anything in relation to the team's geographical location.

At the end of 2011 Holbrook partnered with TrueCar, her new sponsor for a multi-year contract, to race in Pirelli World Challenge (Photo - Alison Merion Padron).

"I was immediately on board when I heard the sole purpose of the adventure is to aid in the recovery of missing children," said Holbrook. "The adventure has already aided in recovering 38 and I hope to add to that."

Holbrook was selected to be a celebrity contestant based in part on her infectious charisma, her competitiveness, and most of all her passion to help others. Holbrook won the 2011 Long Beach Grand Prix, becoming the first female to win a touring car race at Long Beach. We talked with Holbrook to get the lowdown on the Fireball Run and to see what's been going on with her.

It sounds oddly kooky yet completely entertaining, give us some insights about the Fireball Run, how exactly does it work?

"Fireball Run brings you to multiple states in only eight days covering 2,500 miles and all for a great cause, aiding in recovering missing children! I'll be competing against some of the top U.S. executives with my lifelong friend and co-driver, Tarah Mikacich, a professional wake boarder. It's the most fun you can have while going the speed limit."

Holbrook graduates from the University of Central Florida this May 5th, and that's a tremendous source of satisfaction for her, knowing she got it done while also meeting her racing obligations.

"I'm very excited and of course ready to rise to the challenge. But the sole purpose of this is to raise awareness and find missing children. We will each receive a child's name and then we do everything in our power to find them. I can't currently give too much information, but my child is a boy named Donald. Just knowing his name now gives me goose bumps. I can't wait to become a voice for him. Teams must use clues to find final destinations and we can use any resources to do so. Therefore, I'll need fan support along the way. I'll be tweeting often (Twitter:@SheaRacing). So what do we win? Bragging rights and lots of publicity! The real win will be aiding in the recovery of missing children."

How did you get involved with the event and what will you be driving?

"They asked me to be a celebrity contestant (ha ha). This year's Fireball Run is empowering women - it's a perfect match for me! In November 2011 I partnered with TrueCar, my new sponsor for a multi-year contract, to race in Pirelli World Challenge. TrueCar Racing has formed the first ever all Women Empowered Racing Initiative. The opportunity to be a part of the Fireball Run couldn't have come at a better time. At this time, I cannot announce the car I'll be driving."

You fired-up 2012 in a big way, with a strong performance at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, what else has been going on with your racing?

"A Top-5 in St. Petersburg was a great start for me and the Shea Racing/Compass360 team. I'm looking to finish extremely well in the championship this year (1stïŠ). My partnership TrueCar, Lucas Oil, Premier Capital, and K&N has meant absolutely everything to me, and because of these relationships I am where I am today."

How is school going and what are some of your other race goals for 2012?

"I graduate May 5th with my Bachelors in Sciences, majoring in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications, and a minor in marketing from the University of Central Florida. I'm literally flying home to walk at graduation. But I wouldn't miss it for the world. It was my goal to get my four year degree in four years on top of racing - and I did it! It was very difficult (especially this year), but I got it done. I'm actually being honored in the commencement ceremonies... so cool!"

"As for my racing goals, I'm really focusing on becoming a great driver. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life, so being talented behind the wheel will help. For the first time I have the appropriate resources to do so. For example, I actually currently have two private driver coaches I'm working with, a wonderful team and support system, and of course fantastic fans. I do feel I have it in me to win the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car Championships - this is an ultimate goal of mine. At the end of the day, I need podiums. I tasted what it was like to win a race in 2011 at the Long Beach Grand Prix and now all I want is to feel the way I did on that day - all the time."

You can follow Holbrook as her eight day adventure unfolds September 21-29, 2012. She will need your help along the way uncovering clues and she may be coming to a city near you. Cities include: Independence, Ohio, Monroesville, Pennsylvania, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, Watertown, New York, Waterbury, Connectect, and Bangor, Maine.

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.

Cody Gibson and Team Walsh Race Craft Make A Huge Showing At Aonia Pass

May 1, 2012

Cody Gibson is very comfortable with riding for the Walsh Race Craft team and is anticipating much success in 2012.

The week prior to round one of the 2012 AMA/ATVA GNC Motocross to be held at Aonia Pass Motocross Park, in Washington, Georgia, Cody Gibson and team Walsh Race Craft were focused on getting his Pro-Am Production LT-R450 built. Completing the project with one day to spare, they put the ATV on the dyno. Upon seeing the results of their labors, they were instantly pleased. The quad pulled the best numbers they had ever seen. Their Pro-Am Unlimited WALSH CRF450R had been ready for the rigors of racing for a while and with the Production ATV fine tuned, they were geared up and ready to go.

Cody Gibson and team Walsh Race Craft began the ATVA Motocross Nationals off woth a bang with four moto wins at Aonia Pass, in Washington, Georgia.

"My confidence level was high," recalled Gibson, "because I am back with the Walsh Race Craft Team. I came into this season knowing I was going to win. I was technically pro two years ago, but had started the season off with a broken collar bone. So I just never got into the swing of things. But being that I had won Pro-Am Production and Pro-Am Unlimited in 2009, I knew I could still win it. To sum it up, I have 100% confidence in myself, my team, and my quads, and the products that Walsh Race Craft uses on them," he continued. "The key to success going into the race was my Walsh Race Craft team, my mentality, my physical ability, and endurance."

The first day of racing brought with it instant success in the Pro-Unlimited class for Gibson and the team. In fact, after separating himself from the second place rider by two seconds in the qualifying round, he had earned the option of first gate pick. When the gate dropped Gibson pulled the holeshot and took a demanding lead. Never looking back, the rider managed to take the checkered flag twenty seconds ahead of the remainder of the pack. The second moto of the day was no different, as Gibson pulled the holeshot and left his field of competitors battling for the remaining positions.

With a successful outing under his belt, Gibson returned the next day with full intentions of continuing his winning streak, and continue he did. Racing in the Pro-Am Production class on the Suzuki LT-R450, it was obvious early on that he had not manned this particular bike in nearly two years, as the beginning of the qualifying round proved a little rough. That said, he quickly grew comfortable and managed to set the fastest qualifying time, and was anxious to get the moto underway.

Having earned the first gate pick again, Gibson took the lead early and had no intentions of riding in a close race. Pulling away from the field, he crossed the finish line with a twenty-second lead over the second place rider, and eager for the next moto.

Moto two did not start as smoothly as he had grown accustomed to though. Coming off of the line, Gibson bumped into another racer, in turn slowing his momentum. It quickly became evident that the mishap was no indication of how the race was going to end though, as he eventually found a descent line and swept into third place. Gibson continued forward and took the second place spot. Before his competitors knew it, he had made a pass nearing the end of the first lap and took the lead position. Accepting nothing less than another victory, the rider pulled away from the field and in turn won his fourth and final moto of the weekend.

Although aware that his riding skills are an essential element of success, Cody Gibson is quick to credit his team. "They're very important," he explained. "I have always been completely confident and comfortable with Walsh Race Craft and our supporting sponsors. Walsh picked me up coming out of the A class in 2007 very early in my career. So I had really grown and somewhat been raised with Walsh," he continued. "When I left Walsh in 2010 and went pro with a different team, I never really felt comfortable. Mainly, I wasn't confident in the quad or the management, and was not getting the full effort from that 2010 team, because they had other riders. Where I am planning on going in ATV racing, I need full effort from my team, and now I have that once again."

Cody Gibson and the Walsh Race Craft team are strong advocates of proper maintenance and depend upon K&N products for their filtering needs. "We want to finish every race. We do not want to break down, or break me due to a mechanical failure," explained Gibson. "The team is heavily involved in ATV racing. I mean that is their main form of business, so the maintenance heavily reflects on Walsh Race Craft, and that effects reputation, which affects sales and all of that."

Referring to K&N products he continued, "We use their air filters, air filter oil and cleaner, and their oil filters. As long as I have been with Walsh, it is all we have used. We used K&N products with my previous team also. I would say I've been using K&N for four years now. I love them," he explained. "Their air filters make the best power, hands down, and everything K&N manufactures is high quality."

Looking forward to the remainder of the 2012 season, Cody Gibson said, "Our fans can expect a lot of holeshots and wins; some stunts like heel clickers during motos; probably some 'toss-out' goggles, and any other way we can help make people's race experience the best it can be."

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.

Zaskowoski Motorsports Experiences a Great Weekend at The JEGS NHRA Cajun SPORTnationals

May 1, 2012

Brad Zaskowski recently missed the tri-fecta at Belle Rose, Louisiana while driving a 2010 Cobra Jet owned by Downing Farms.

Team Zaskowski Motorsports recently embarked upon a long drive from Belding, Michigan to Belle Rose, Louisiana. Upon reaching their destination the crew was more than likely elated to have the journey behind them. They hadn't necessarily grown tired of driving, but they were anxious to get the JEGS NHRA Cajun SPORTSnationals underway.

Bill Zaskowski recently made a showing at the JRGS NHRA SPORTSnatioanls at Belle Rose,Louisiana in his Chevy II.

Bill Zaskowski, the patriarch of the family lined up in the Super Stock Class behind the wheel of his Chevy II. As the team had anticipated, the driver saw his fair share of success down in Cajun country. In fact, after a .002 reaction time in the first round, Bill came up just a few thousandths short of the win. Racing in the Stock J/S class, Bill's son, Brad began the event on a positive note and continued a great run throughout all three days of racing.

Driving a 2010 Cobra Jet, owned by Downing Farms, Brad took his class, qualifying him to run in the bonus CIC race, an event where Stock and Super Stock class winners compete against each other off their indexes. When all was said and done, Brad had earned the title of CIC race champion and was looking forward to the final day of the weekend. In fact, of 106 cars scheduled to compete in the event, the driver managed to whittle his competitors down to eight cars before making it to the quarter-finals. With only three rounds left, the Zaskowski finally experienced defeat. Although he would have rather earned the win, Brad had no reason to grow discouraged, as he ended the weekend only three rounds shy of pulling off the tri-fecta.

Although Brad Zaskowski's performance was incredible throughout the entire event, there was a point during the first day of racing when the driver was almost forced to cut the weekend short. "The key to success was getting the car back together before class, after breaking the 3-link on the car during the second qualifying run," recalled Brad Zaskowski. "When the third link broke, it sent the drive shaft up into the mount and destroyed the end of the shaft. Wirth only a few hours from the last qualifying run until the first round of class, there wasn't much time to get the car fixed. We needed to repair the drive shaft or find one the same length, which is like finding a needle in a haystack."

"Jeff Teuton's shop was near by, and he had a bunch of drive shafts," he continued, "but none the right length. Although Jeff didn't have one, he suggested that Jim Schaechter might have one that would work, and it did," he continued. "I was about five minutes from loading the car up and calling it a weekend, and then Jim had this drive shaft that was perfect."

When asked his thoughts about the reaching the quarter-finals out of a field in excess of one-hundred cars, Zaskowski said, "My confidence level was high on Sunday. After the wins on Friday and Saturday, Sunday felt like there was nothing to lose and I was just having fun!"

Of course, the entire Zaskowski Motorsports team enjoys standing in the winner's circle but there are other element of racing that they find of importance as well, one being tradition. When asked his thoughts on competing in the sport as a family, Brad said, "My dad races and my brother, Shane, also races with us in the Stock Class. Racing is very important to us as a family; it is what we have always done. Dad was racing before I was born, and we have always gone to the races together as a family."

As a second generation Driver, Brad is acutely aware of the importance of keeping their vehicles properly maintained. In fact, team Zaskowski Motorsports depends upon K&N products to keep their engines contaminant free. "We have been using K&N air filters on our street cars as long as I can remember. It was always the best option when purchasing a filter. The oil filters are great, and we have been using them on all three race cars since K&N started making them," he continued. "The wrench-off nut on the bottom is a great advantage too, where we have very little room to use a standard filter wrench."

"K&N's new inline fuel filter is the new must have product for us this year," stated Zaskowski. "We just had three of these filters delivered to us a few weeks ago, and they look great! K&N is the best. There is no other filter company that comes close! If we can't keep the engines clean on the inside, there is no way they are going to last and run as good as they do for us."

Referring to the key to success during the remainder of the 2012 season, the driver said, "I think it's just going out and having fun at the races. It has worked for us in the past, and we are just going to keep doing that." When asked what fans can expect from Zaskowski Motorsports in 2012, the driver said, "I hope you can expect to see us in the winner's circle more! We have a full schedule of races for the year that are going to be in full swing here soon and we can't wait!"

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.

Tony Gualda's Confidence Level was High Going Into Season Opener

May 1, 2012

Ladd Lane school sixth grader, Tony Gualda, is no stranger to the sport of racing and is anticipating success during the 2012 season. (Photo by bryanlugo.com)

Ladd Lane School sixth grader, Tony Gualda, was bitten by the racing bug early on, and is no stranger to competing in the sport. In fact, the young driver recently kicked the 2012 season off at the Lemoore Raceway, in Lemoore, California.

Tony Gualda recently kicked off his second season in the Restricted class of Micro Sprint racing at the Lemoore Raceway in Lemoore, California. (Photo by bryanlugo.com)

"On practice day, both the team and I learned a lot about the track," recalled the driver. "It was bigger and flatter, more of a driver's track. We had to make adjustments to tighten the car up since the track was dry-slick. My confidence level was high," he continued. "My lap times were faster than the main event winner of the last race of the previous season." When asked the key to success at this particular event, Gualda's answer was short and to the point. "Being calm, and keeping the car under control while the track has slicked off, making my car very loose."

Qualifying tenth, the young driver earned the pole position during his heat race. After a fierce battle, Gualda took forth place in his heat, putting him at a mid-pack starting position for the main in a field of eighteen cars.

"To me, more cars were an advantage, since I can keep my momentum up when there are many drivers using one groove. I like racing with a lot of drivers at this track. Everybody races me very hard and clean," he explained.

Gualda had a great start in the main event, and had already worked his way into the sixth position when a yellow flag was waved due to a spin in turn two. After the restart, he found himself in seventh and continued to hold the spot for several laps. Gualda was passed by a fellow driver with only seven laps to go. Although strongly contended, the young driver managed to hang on, ending the night with an eighth place finish.

When asked if he was satisfied with the end result, Gualda explained, "I was happy with the finishing position. We had a fifteenth place car, but I was still able to keep it in the top ten, not spin out, or hurt the car."

When asked his strong point as a driver Gualda said, "Being able to keep calm and breath, not driving over my head, and trying different lines until I found one that makes the car faster."

Although Tony Gualda's driving skills will have a huge bearing on his success during the 2012 season, he is also acutely aware of the importance of his team. "My team is very important to me," shared Gualda. "My dad is always working 110% to get the car faster, during the week, as well as on the weekends. I'm able to give him great information, so we know how to adjust the car."

Keeping the car in tip-top running condition is always a top priority for team TG Motorsports. "Maintenance is very important to me," he explained. "To finish first, you must first finish. In my six years of racing, I have only had two DNF's, both engine failure, one in my Outlaw Kart, and one in my 600 Micro."

That in mind, Tony Gualda and team TG Motorsports depend upon K&N products to keep their engines contaminant free. "I have six championships with the K&N air filters on my Outlaw Kart," shared Tony, "and last year, my first year of racing my micro sprint, I gained five miles per hour from the beginning to the end of the year. I've been sponsored by K&N for one year and use their High Flow horsepower making air filters and their spin-on oil filters. They help my oil stay clean and give me horsepower to get to the winner's circle. K&N products are great, long lasting, horsepower making products," he continued.

"To be successful throughout 2012, I'll have to be consistent, make good decisions on and off of the track, keep breathing, have fun and win," explained Gualda. When asked what fans could expect from Tony Gualda and TG Motorsports this season, he said, "A consistent finishing, confident driver. When you come to see me, you will see an exciting race with a great finish."

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.

Bud Kaeding Makes His 2012 Winged Debut With World OF Outlaws

May 1, 2012

Following a feature win, Bud Kaeding rolled into the Thunderbowl with confidence and anticipation of an action packed and exciting outing.

With an action packed feature win behind them, Bud Kaeding and team BK Motorsports were prepared for a night of racing in the "world of Outlaws" series at the Thunderbowl, at Tulare, California. The Brian Matherly owned, Kaeding Performance/SCI/BZE backed #19 car had performed well at the previous venue, and Kaeding's confidence level was high.

Bud Kaeding and BK Motorsports recently embarked upon their first race in the 2012 "World of Outlaws" series, at The Thunderbowl, at Tulare, California.

Finishing with the sixteenth quickest lap in the qualifying round, the driver was to line up in the sixth position during his first heat. Very little passing transpired in the field full of drivers during the heat, and in turn the Kaeding finished in the same position where he started at the waving of the green flag, earning him a spot in the middle of the pack during the main.

Beginning in the sixteenth position, Kaeding began slowly and methodically maneuvering his way toward the front of the pack. The driver had worked his way into the top ten by the thirteenth lap, when the first red flag of the night flew. During the next thirteen laps, Kaeding managed to gain yet another spot and was in command of the ninth place position at the waving of a yellow flag.

After the restart, a steering issue demanded that the driver bring his car to a stop when heavy rains began pounding the track. As the field lined back up, the precipitation intensified and the red flag was thrown.

Throughout the commotion, Kaeding had lost his grip on his position but the race was far from over. That in mind, the driver worked his way to the high side, and continued charging forward. Upon crossing the finish line Kaeding had regained possession of the ninth place spot.

Although he would have obviously preferred earning a spot on the podium, Bud Kaeding was positive about the outcome of the main event. "The team had worked hard to get the car perfect," recalled Kaeding. "The race was a lot of fun. It was dry slick, and there was a lot of racing going on during the feature. Those kinds of nights are fun!"

With the 2012 season barely underway, Bud Kaeding and BK Motorsports are looking forward to the future. "We just have to make sure we are in the hunt to win every night," explained the San Jose, California driver. "I am looking forward to the summer months. There are a lot of events on our schedule, and we are excited to get them under our belt." When asked what it would take to deem the season as a success, Kaeding's answer was short and to the point, "Winning races and titles."

An experienced driver, Bud Kaeding is quick to say that his team plays a huge role in his success. "My teams are very important," he explained. "You need chemistry to make it all work."

Kaeding and team BK Motorsports are also aware of the importance of maintaining their vehicles. Maintenance is key," he suggested. "Races are won in the shop. If you're not prepared to win, it is most likely not going to happen."

Of course keeping the internal components of one's engines contaminant free is one of the main objectives if the driver expects his car to properly handle the rigors of racing. That in mind, BK Motorsports depend exclusively upon K&N filters. "We use the hp oil filters and the four inch K&N sprint car air box, Kaeding explained. "They are the most efficient products on the market. Our engine builders love them. If you want to be the best, you have to use the best."

Bud Kaeding and team BK Motorsports have high hopes for the 2012 season, and in turn, have intentions of providing the folks filling the stands with action packed racing. When asked what fans can expect from him and his team in the future, the driver said, "Victories. Racing is a team effort, and for our teams to be successful, it takes a combined effort from drivers, teams, sponsors and fans. Without all of those, none of this would need to be mentioned."

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.