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Duane LaFleur Racing Builds Momentum Heading to Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis

Apr 11, 2012

I cannot worry about the red light. I had the last two races, so that is just part of racing.

There is a consolatory adage in drag racing, claiming that if you don't go red once in a while, you're not trying hard enough. Getzville, New York's Duane La Fleur won't be guilty of that charge anytime soon. LaFleur Racing recently completed their southern swing which consisted of four races in five weeks, and although things went "fair" for the team, a couple of races got away from LaFleur by less than a half a blink, but in drag racing, fouling away a chance at a win by .002 of a second may as well be a quarter-mile.

LaFleur and his K&N sponsored 1967 Camaro Roadster began their five day road trip in Orlando, Florida at the Division 2 Lucas Oil Points Race. LaFleur advanced into the third round of eliminations, before going down to an opponent running a split second closer to their dial. Next up was the second Lucas Oil points race, this one being contested at Gainesville Raceway, and it was there that LaFleur triggered the red light on by .002 of a second.

After a week and a half off LaFleur and his team attended the third Lucas Oil Division 2 event contested on Adel, Georgia and unfortunately he pushed a little too hard again, going red this time be .007 of a second. The last event on the four race southern swing was the Gator Nationals back in Gainesville, Florida, and things once more refused to go completely as planned. After red lighting at the last two events LaFleur missed the tree this time allowing his opponent to take the win. The LaFleur Race team was able to work through these first few events and learn from them, giving them the momentum to move on and get ready for the next event.

LaFleur Racing is looking to put it all together at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis on April 27th.

There are clearly a lot of positives to be taken from your southern outing. From your perspective, what are the some of the things you learned that you can apply later in the season?

"What we have learned in the last four races is that the car is performing perfectly. Race-tech built us a great race car and Larry Sexton has supplied us with a great deal of power so now it is just up to me. I cannot worry about the red light. I had the last two races, so that is just part of racing. I have been practicing on the practice tree and we will go testing a few days before the Division 3 points race in Indy. I am really looking forward to this race."

With this being your 16th season, what would you say has changed the most from the first few years to now? Also, what is the biggest change in the way you approach a new season now from when you started?

In 2012 New York's Duane LaFleur heads into his sixteenth year of competition.

"A lot has changed over the years. The LED lights have helped with reaction times and the technological advancements have made the super class racing a lot tougher. So this has made all the competitors much better and it has made the playing field much tighter. It used to be years ago if you had a .020-.030 reaction time and ran a 9.91-9.92 in E.T. you had a pretty good package. Now you better be a double 0 and run a 9.90 or you could be heading back home. These folks are extremely tough out here and you better be on your game, or you will have a short weekend. But that makes me a better racer too."

"We approach the beginning of each season going for the championship. We feel we have the equipment and ability to do well and compete to win every time we go to an event. For 2012 we have scheduled seven Lucas Oil Points Races and five NHRA National events and once we have reached the midway point of our season, that is when we will evaluate what events we need to go to, and we will adjust the rest of our schedule from there accordingly. We are hoping to finish up on the west coast at the end of the year and that we have a shot at the championship."

"The entire team is looking forward to the race in Indy. We do well at this track and we are really looking forward to going rounds, and with a little luck, maybe we can move up in the points standing as well."

The 29th NHRA Spring Spectacle of Speed Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in Indianapolis, Indiana begins April 27th.

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Michael Jordan Motorsports Starts the Season with Some Ups and Downs at Daytona

Apr 11, 2012

MJM rider, Roger Hayden, began the 2012 season with two podium finishes at the Daytona International Speedway.

After anticipating the beginning of the 2012 AMA Pro National Guard Superbike season, the Michael Jordan Motorsports (MJM) team anxiously got things rolling at the Daytona International Speedway at Daytona Beach, Florida.

Hitting the track with fire in his eyes, team member/Suzuki rider Roger Hayden didn't waste any time earning a spot on the podium. In fact prior to the event's end, the rider achieved two podium finishes, earning third places in both Friday and Saturday's fifteen-lap races.

Taking advantage of his front-row grid positions during both days the rider had some good starts on his National Guard Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000. During the opening day of the season, Hayden battled for position for several laps prior to settling into third and holding that spot throughout the remainder of the race. During the Saturday event, Hayden took the fourth position early and eventually muscled his way into the third spot, earning his second podium finish of the event.

Roger Hayden stands on the Podium after finishing third during two events of the 2012 season opener at Daytona Beach, Florida.

According to MJM Technical Manager/crew chief, #54, Richie Alexander, Hayden's confidence level was high going into the race. "I'd say one of the keys to Roger's success in Daytona was being with the same team/bikes as 2011. He ended the year running very strong and the team continued to test all winter long. So I think coming into Daytona was just a continuation of 2011," he continued. "Getting two podiums the first race of the season is really important for the Jordan team. We all know that the season really starts after Daytona, so to leave there with two great finishes will really help towards the championship."

Although Roger Hayden experienced a successful beginning to 2012, his teammate and fellow rider, Ben Bostrom, was plagued with bad luck at Daytona. In spite of starting out strong and running in the top five during both races on his Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000, the rider's fortune was short lived. In fact, after going down during both outings Bostrom had to remount and articulate through a field of competitive riders. When all was said and done, the MJM team member managed to work his way back into the thirteenth position on Friday and finished fifteenth on Saturday.

Although MJM rider, Ben Bostrom, had a stroke of bad luck at the Daytona International Speedway, he is looking forward to the remaindr of the 2012 season.

When asked about Bostrom's stroke of bad luck, Alexander appeared confident that the rider would pick himself up, dust himself off and would put the event behind him. "Ben unfortunately had a rough Daytona; sometimes Daytona can do that to a rider. I know in winter testing, he was riding really well, and is looking forward to getting back on the real tracks. Daytona is not the best judge of the season. I am pretty sure when we get back to the real tracks, we will really see what the Jordan team has for 2012. It was great to go to Miami following Daytona," the crew chief continued. "Ben was able to end the test on top of the charts and regain his confidence."

As do all racing teams, MJM has an idea of what it will take to experience success throughout the remainder of the season. The team is a firm believer that continuing their testing will prove an element of success. On the other hand, they are also acutely aware that proper maintenance always plays a huge role in the outcome of the overall season, and sports a very strong maintenance structure for their bikes.

That in mind, the MJM team depends upon K&N products to keep their engines running properly and contaminant free in spite of the rigors of racing. In fact, the team has been using K&N air and oil filters for nine consecutive years, which is a testimony to their belief in the products. "MJM feels that K&N products are of the highest quality. We wouldn't use them if they weren't. K&N products have contributed to our success. We have seen great gains with the K&N race filter," commented Alexander.

When asked what fans can expect from the Michael Jordan Motorsports team as the season progresses, Richie Alexander's answer was short and to the point, "To be up front." Referring to Roger Hayden and Ben Bostrom, he continued, "I feel that both Hayden and Bostrom are very determined riders to show what their capabilities are and the team's capabilities." In closing he said, "I would like to thank K&N for supporting our program, and we look forward to having a very successful 2012 racing season."

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Trenton Briley and Briley Motorsports Earn Podium Spot at Glen Helen LOORRS

Apr 11, 2012

At the age of fifteen, Trenton Briley is already making a name for himself in the off-road racing community.

Trenton Briley has been bitten by the racing bug at an early age. In fact, at fifteen he has already grown accustomed to lining up with and competing against drivers who have been participating in off-road racing for many years. Some folks might consider Briley's age as a disadvantage when it comes to competing against seasoned drivers, but Briley doesn't necessarily share that sentiment. "I don't see my age being an advantage or disadvantage," he explained. "But it definitely feels awesome, beating adults who are double my age."

Trenton Briley and team Briley Motorsports recently pulled into Glen Helen in Devore, California with anticipation of what might transpire in the hours to come. Racing in the Superlite class, Briley was prepared for fierce battle with fellow drivers who were equally as eager to get the SoCal Lucas Oil Off-Road Series event underway. Coming off of a win, the driver's confidence level was elevated and he was more than anxious for the waving of the green flag.

It didn't take long for the driver to figure out that the race was going to be as exciting as he had anticipated. Starting in the second place, Briley didn't waste any time working his way to the lead position. In fact, he was leading the pack by the second corner. Although holding the lead for a short period, it only took one miscalculation for his luck to go south. "Going into turn three, I made a mistake and hooked a rut, which put me on my lid, then back on my wheels," he explained. "When I landed back on my wheels, I was in fourth place."

Granted Briley had lost a few spots, but as long as there were still laps to go, he still had ample time to earn a position on the podium. That in mind, the driver continued to muscle his way forward and eventually found himself in a heated battle for the second place spot with fellow driver, Ryan Hagy. As the race progressed, Briley eventually took control of the position. At the waving of the checkered flag, the driver had managed to hold on to second place and earned a well-deserved spot on the podium behind the winner, Sheldon Creed, and in front of third place finisher, Cody Rhaders.

Trenton Briley recently finished second in the SoCal Lucas Off-Road Series event at Glen Helen.

Recalling the event, Trenton Briley said, "The race at Glen Helen was definitely full of excitement. Throughout the whole race, there was a lot of beating and banging going on out there, but it was good, clean racing and a fun race for the fans. The key to earning a podium spot was just to pick off each position one at a time, and keep charging."

Although Trenton Briley lacks the experience that many of his competitors have acquired throughout the years, his early success during the 2012 season is a testimony that he is a force to be reckoned with. When asked, Briley suggested that his strong point as a driver is an ability to chase down drivers ahead of him. Although, Trenton is aware that his driving skills will play a huge role in his future success, he is also quick to credit his team with past wins, and is aware that they play a very important role in future podium finishes. "I feel our team is definitely a force to be reckoned with this year," he said, "and our goal is to take the championship."

Briley's success is also dependent upon keeping his truck mechanically sound. That in mind, he and team Briley Motorsports follow a stringent maintenance program and use K&N products to keep the internal parts of his engine contaminant free. "Maintenance is definitely a very important thing in off-road racing," explained Briley. "I couldn't do it without my crew, and everyone who helps out with setting up and working on the truck."

Referring to the importance of using the proper filters, he continued, "We have used K&N products in everything I have raced since I've started racing. We only use the best. I think K&N is going to help us a lot in our success this year and think they're the best product we can use."

Of course, Trenton Briley is very appreciative of his fans. When asked what followers the Briley Motorsports team can expect in 2012 his answer was short and to the point- "They can expect us to be on the podium and going for wins all season long in our chase to be the 2012 champions."

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Corvette Racing's Magnussen and Gavin Qualify 1-2 for Sebring 12-Hour Race

Apr 11, 2012

The Dane, Jan Magnussen qualified 2.5 seconds faster than last year.

2012 marks the 60th running of the legendary Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring endurance race. This year the New Hudson, Michigan, Corvette Racing team also commemorates their 60th year and to celebrate they posted their quickest lap times ever in the American Le Mans Series GT class. Running concurrently with the inaugural race of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the two K&N backed Compuware Corvette C6.Rs driven by Jan Magnussen and Oliver Gavin were third and fourth respectively in combined ALMS/WEC GT qualifying.

This is the ALMS season-opening debut for the new wide-body Corvettes and all indications are this will be another stellar season for the team, as their qualifying lap times are more than 2.5 seconds faster than last year. Magnussen ran his quickest time in his fifth and final lap around the historic 3.7-mile, airstrip-turned-race track circuit, running a 1:58.996 (113.147 mph) in the No. 03 Corvette C6.R, while Gavin posted his best time on his fourth lap at 1:59.007 (113.136 mph) in the No. 4 Corvette C6.R.

"There is a lot of difference from last year - 2.5 seconds difference!" Magnussen said. "It's a big step forward for the category. Qualifying was the first time that everyone showed what they can do, and I think it's going to be 12 hours of really hard racing."

Oliver Gavin, driving the number 4 Corvette C6.R qualified behind his teammate for the 60th running of Sebring.

"With the WEC here with ALMS, there is only going to be one winner," continued the Dane. "My point of view is that we're here to win Sebring in the GT category, and that includes everybody. There is a championship for us in ALMS and the points are very important, but this is Sebring."

"We definitely got the most of what we had today with both cars, and Oliver did a fantastic job," noted Magnussen. "We didn't work on a qualifying setup. It was a little warmer today, but there was a tailwind down the back straight that actually makes the lap a little faster. The wind helps you turn into Turn-16, helps on the exit of Turn-1, and in Turns-13 and 15. I had a feeling that we'd be going faster - but not this fast!"

The difference between the two Corvettes was a scant 0.011 seconds.

"It was intense," Gavin said. "We kept finding a little more time with every lap we ran. I wanted to go for it again on the last lap, but ran low on fuel. Jan just pipped me and two Ferraris are in front of us, but we're starting at the sharp end.

"Looking at the lap times, Jan and I were almost dead even all the way through," Gavin explained. "It's great that both Corvettes are equally fast, and now it's up to the drivers and crews to take the fight to the other cars tomorrow. I feel that we're well poised for the race. We want to beat everyone else in GT, and that's the plan. I'm very proud to be part of Team Chevy and representing Corvette in the 60th anniversary of Sebring."

The Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series and the Corvette Racing team will be at Long Beach April 13 and 14, 2012 for the next round of spectacular racing.

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Duck Tape Racing's Michael Beard Scores First Win of 2012 Season

Apr 11, 2012

When the Ironman Classic got rained out Michael Beard moved to the Carolina Class Racer Association season opener at Piedmont Dragway for his first win of 2012.

Although the Ironman Classic was canceled due to rain, Michael Beard and his Duck Tape Racing team had no problem simply going with the flow. When the sun came out on Sunday, Beard and his crew were ready to roll at the Carolina Class Racer Association (CCRA) season opener at Piedmont Dragway, just outside of Greensboro, North Carolina.

"The CCRA provides a great-paying, one-day race for class racers in-between the regular schedule of IHRA and NHRA national and divisional races," explained Beard. "It's also a great turnkey 'show-in-a-box' the host tracks can promote to spectators."

Before racing got underway at Piedmont Dragway, Beard was honored for his 3rd place overall finish in last season's CCRA point chase. Then Beard went out and continued his winning ways by knocking down three consecutive 6.67 ET's in qualifying, the last of which was a dead-on 6.672 on a 6.67 dial-in to capture the bonus money in the Kenny Koonce, Jr. Memorial Dash for Cash, sponsored by Ronnie Hamlin. That performance also qualified him for the first of just eight positions available in a special "Shootout" program at the end of the year. Beard went on to win the event, topping defending CCRA series champion Homer Carty in the finals with a solid .019 reaction time and another dead-on 6.678 on a 6.67 dial-in to collect a healthy payday, an Iron Tree trophy, and the early points lead.

Beard won the CCRA event with a solid .019 reaction time and a dead-on 6.678 on a 6.67 dial-in.

"It has been a great start to the year, and that just gives me even more confidence for later in the year," remarked Beard. "A glance at the results so far gives me a win, two runner-ups, two semis, and two quarterfinals, along with the points lead in two different series. It may not look like it, but I'm actually fighting a couple issues with the car. I know that when it's 100%, things could be even better!"

Despite the calendar having barely turned to March, Beard is already embroiled in the points chase in multiple series. He leads the CCRA as well as the IHRA Div. 2 Super Stock standings, and is double-entered in the Carolina Bracket Series, currently claiming both the 6th and 12th place in points.

Before the CCRA race Beard was honored for his third place finish in last year's point chase.

"2011 was a building year," reflects Beard. "I started out the season racing Stock Eliminator with my 2.2L front wheel drive 1985 Turismo, while Sloan Racing Engines built a new 2009 Dodge DragPak 5.9L fuel-injected engine for the Volare to run in Super Stock. We hit the track with the new combination in June, and made it to the finals the second week out. We struggled with a bit of a learning curve and some issues elsewhere in the car, but as soon as we hit on what it needed, we immediately scored a win and a runner-up back-to-back. Since it was tough for me to get both cars to the track, Terry Knott let me drive his Dart Sport, the car he was driving when he won the 2003 IHRA Stock World Championship with. I drove it two weekends, coming away with a Nitro Jam win, a Sportsman Spectacular runner-up, and a semifinal in the Tournament of Champions. Altogether, the Duck Tape cars were on the track 37 weekends last year, totaling four wins, five runner-ups, and six semifinals."

"The off-season wasn't overly busy," continues Beard, "Just some maintenance and preventative maintenance. We installed a new set of Moser axles, put a good hardened input shaft in the trans, and replaced a broken output shaft. Then we filled 'er up with six fresh quarts of CAM2 Blue Blood Racing Oil flowing through a K&N Wrench-Off Oil Filter."

What's next on the 2012 schedule for the Duck Tape Racing team? "I've been wanting to upgrade the rear-end for over a year now, and since the car is a Super Stocker now, I think it makes sense to go all the way and make it a back-half, big tire four-link car. The plan is to do it right once, and never touch it again! That way, the chassis will be ready if we ever decide to throw some more power to it. I'll be chasing multiple series, including IHRA, NHRA, CCRA, the Carolina Bracket Series, and fill in the schedule with a large number of big money bracket races as well as local bracket races."

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