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Bryce Menzies and his off-road truck catching some air.
Racing off-road flat-out, plotting split-second, mid-air calculations, while thrashing over deliberately unpredictable terrain, requires an extraordinary set of driving skills. To win - requires an astonishingly persistent, and dogged confidence in those skills at every instant. Bryce Menzies, the 22-year-old off-road rising star from Las Vegas, Nevada, has all of that, in truckloads. Menzies showcased his racing prowess lately in both top classes of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, doubling-up with two victories in rounds nine and ten, held at Speedworld Raceway in Surprise, Arizona.
Menzies Motorsports use K&N products on everything they have.
"Bryce started racing off-road April '07 at CORR, in Lancaster, California, in a single buggy, that weekend he won his first event - and the rest has been a direct result of that weekend," believes Steve Menzies, Bryce's father, a successful entrepreneur and team owner of Menzies Motorsports (Big Red Machine).
The 22-year old phenom has been consistently tightening up on a wicked learning curve ever since. Only recently, he took his No. 7 Super Clean Ford F150 Unlimited Pro-2 truck, and scraped sponsor decals with the defending champion, Carl Renezeder, at Speedworld Raceway. Brutally hot temperatures did not deter over 15,000 fans from packing the grandstands for the Unlimited Pro-2 main event held over the two-day race weekend. At the finish though, it was the young talent that out raced all of the competition, earning the weekend sweep.
Bryce Menzies has a total of five wins in the Unlimited 2 for the season
"What a great weekend of racing. Bryce and the team performed better than ever. Anytime you can double up victories at this stage of the season it's a good thing. Once again the entire team came together and gave Bryce a perfect race truck and he went out and drove it to the checkers, twice! I couldn't be any happier with the performance of Menzies Motorsports," commented a jubilant Menzies senior. That gives Bryce a total of five wins in the Unlimited 2 for the season. He also holds two checkered flags in the Limited Buggy class this year.
"I think the extra seat time and a great truck, from the preparation, to the set up, is what has propelled Bryce to the front of the pack this year," adds Steve.
"We use K&N products on everything we have, the support has been phenomenal. K&N has spent time helping us develop a trick new air cleaner for the Unlimited 2, that really helps us with the weight and with increased clean air, we really appreciate it," comments Steve.
"The 2010 season will bring an expanded race program for Bryce, he will race Trophy Truck and also Short Course, in both classes," concludes Steve.
Next year the USAC enters it's 55th season in racing. In '09 they conducted nearly 300 total events, spanning nearly every possible type of racing. Since it's inception in 1956, the USAC has conducted more than 8,000 total motorsports events. This not-for-profit sanctioning organization is without a doubt the granddaddy of them all.
Billy Wease Western Speed Racing
The USAC actually came into existence out of necessity, when the American Automobile Association (AAA) unexpectedly announced in August of 1955, that it would cease auto racing sanctioning activities at the end of the year. Up until then triple-A had been the nations' leading sanctioning body ever since 1902.
Getting its start with the inaugural USAC Midget race on January 8, 1956, at Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USAC events have spanned the globe from Europe to the Orient, from South America to Canada and 43 of the United States. On June 11, 1994 the United States Auto Club's 5,000th event was staged, a National Midget race at Indianapolis Raceway Park.
Midget and Sprint car races have made up the majority of USAC's first 54 years of competition, but competition over the years has included Indy cars, Formula One, Silver Crown Championship Dirt cars (in affiliation with K&N), Stock cars, Road races, Formula Ford 2000 and 5000, IROC, Mini-Indy, Pro-Fords, Late Models, Supermodifieds, Russell Pro Championship, Fast Masters, Pikes Peak Hill Climbs and Solar Powered races.
USAC Midget Sprint Car Racing Green Flag
A member of the ACCUS (Automotive Competition Committee of the United States), USAC is affiliated with the World governing council, F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l'Automovil), located in Paris, France. In addition to motorsport competition, USAC, under its USAC Properties arm, also engages in testing and certification of automotive products and they are the officiator for the land speed records.
#14 USAC Midget Sprint Car
As a support group under the auspices of the FIA, USAC has also participated in Red Bull Moto GP Motorcycle events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and annually conducts FIA World Land Speed Week at Bonneville Salt Flats where official World Records are established.
This year the USAC broadened its racing embrace further with its involvement in Off-Road Truck Racing, launching the TORC Series, or "The Off Road Championship" started by Ricky Johnson. USAC took the reins as the Official Sanctioning Organization to bring a professional and established racing organization to the off-road sport. USAC has also delivered on bringing safety and technical oversight to the series.
"TORC, and short course off-road racing is new to USAC. However, we do have a vast history with rally racing and the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, so this isn't too far from our core," commented spokesperson Kevin Miller.
Safety has always been of paramount concern at the USAC. Specifications established by the USAC in its competition rules have become industry standards and the basis for rules governing other sanctioning body activities. "We have thousands of racers across the country licensed with USAC today, keeping them safe always comes first and foremost," adds Miller.
USAC also launched its first youth program this year, targeting young racers starting at age 5 and going through 16. The new USAC quarter-midget series held their first race in March and has already grown to host events throughout the country, including a National event at the "Brickyard", the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where over 200 participants enjoyed racing in Gasoline Alley. This will be an annual event on the racing-calendar.
"We totally value K&N as a partner with the authenticity of its product in racing. Throughout our series we see the K&N brand and product being used by racers. It goes to show the quality of products offered, when so many of our racers depend on K&N's product," says Miller.
"For the future we are working on developing an even stronger marketing platform, we believe that's key. We have several initiatives underway to continue the evolution of our sport and our series'. There's continuingly growing demand, and we want to ensure we grow with it," concludes Miller.
Racing motocross requires tremendous levels of physical fitness, mental fortitude, and the right equipment. It is difficult to imagine performing any task for 24 hours straight, let alone racing a motorcycle for that amount of time.
Travis Ginter aboard one of two RM-Z450 motorcycles ridden by Team Malcolm Smith/Norco Tires. Photo courtesy of Sean Renshaw.
Team Malcolm Smith/Norco Tires kicking up roost. Photo courtesy of Sean Renshaw.
On October 17-18, 2009 the K&N supported five-person team of Brett Dimanno, Nick Hogan, Patrick Bleckert, Ronnie Anderson and Travis Ginter did not just race their dirt bikes for 24 hours, they dominated the 251cc-open sportsman class.
A pit crew member from Team Malcolm Smith/Norco Tires works on one of the motorcycles.
Team Malcolm Smith/Norco Tires racing through the obstacles at night. Photo courtesy of Sean Renshaw.
Travis Ginter, a senior service advisor for Malcolm Smith Motorsports in Riverside, California, said the 24-hour Glen Helen endurance event in Devore, California was almost unreal. According to Travis “There were no major crashes, injuries, or flat tires on the team,” said Ginter “Racing takes good preparation and it was one of those races where all the pieces seemed to come together.”
The 24-hours of Glen Helen race began at 10 am Saturday morning and ended 10 am Sunday. During the day temperatures hovered in the mid-nineties. Track conditions were rough, but race staff did a good job watering the track, keeping the dust down. The evening brought much welcomed cooler temperatures and the moisture in the air kept the dust to a minimum. “The course was tight with many turns and sections only wide enough for one motorcycle,” said Ginter.
An oversized gas tank on the RM-Z450 allowed the team to ride four laps before refueling. During the day Team Malcolm Smith/Norco Tires members rode 22-23 minute lap times. Each rider took turns riding one lap at a time. Lap times slowed down to about 25 minutes after sunset with each rider racing two laps before switching. This gave team members more time to sleep at night.
Teams were allowed up to six riders and two motorcycles. “Since we had 5 riders we shorted ourselves some sleep,” said Ginter. The K&N supported Team Malcolm Smith/Norco Tires rode identical 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 cc motorcycles equipped with K&N products. Four hours into the race a minor crash put their first motorcycle out of commission. This forced the team to ride their second bike for 20 hours without changing the oil. Team Malcolm Smith/Norco Tires used K&N oil filter part number
KN-207 during the race. “When I changed the oil after the race it was clean and clear” said Ginter “Our K&N oil filter gave us outstanding filtration.”
When the race was over Team Malcolm Smith/Norco Tires finished 44 minutes ahead of the second place 251-open cc sportsman class team. “The 251-open sportsman class was one of the largest and most competitive classes at the event,” said Ginter. Finishing two laps ahead of second place is astonishing with 16 to 22 other sportsman teams at Glen Helen. Team Malcolm Smith/Norco Tires was able to clinch the endurance series championship, which consisted of a 6, 12 and 24-hour race, with their win in the 24-hour Glen Helen race.
Of course no championship winning team would be able to succeed with out the support of their pit crew. “I want to thank Sean Hodgdon and Justin Jones. Mike Bevan, and K&N’s Anthony Basso who both stayed awake the whole 24 hours. I also want to thank Malcolm Smith Motorsports technicians Javier and Freddy for helping out with the night shifts,” said Ginter. Legendary racer, Malcolm Smith, came out to personally support the team. Travis said “I offered Malcolm my fifth-wheel trailer, but he slept outside on a cot the whole night.”
Ryan Reed, the 15-year-old wunderkind from Bakersfield, California, capped off his track championship, and a nearly perfect season, by winning his final event - driving a nearly flawless race in the process.
Ryan Reed Racing uses K&N on their Late Model and tow vehicle
"Winning the championship at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale was an awesome way to wrap our season," says Reed. "We started the season with our focus on winning races, but like my father always reminds me, in order to win, you have to finish. Winning the final race of the season was the perfect finish to a championship season. We had clinched the title with one race to go and so we had nothing to loose. Our season just kept getting stronger with wins and podium finishes - It was almost a dream year. Everyone at Ryan Reed Racing puts in 100 percent to make sure I have the best cars and with our great sponsors and products like K&N, we finished every single lap in our '09 Legends Car this year."
"As his father, I couldn't be more proud," adds Mark Reed. "To watch Ryan drive with so much talent behind the wheel, and to see how much he really loves what he is doing, just motivates me help him in every way possible to reach his goals."
Next year Reed is moving up to Toyota Speedways' top and most competitive division - Super Late Models. "This is a big step in building my career and I will try to have the same approach as always. I feel if we work hard, and pay our dues, that we can find the same success next year."
Ryan Reed won the final race of the season
In this, just his first year in the program, Reed consistently displayed heaping helpings of talent and instincts at every level, and blended that nicely with a veteran's dose of patience. "I have been very fortunate to win in so many different types of racing," reflects Reed. "I grew up in a racing family, my father was a multi-time winner in the NASCAR Camping World West and Southwest series. When I was four, we started racing kid karts, and I was hooked instantly. Everyday when school is out, I head straight to the shop to work on the cars and hangout with the crew. My crew chief, Robert "Toby" Tobias, has been a huge influence on helping me to recognize how important it is to understand the cars I drive, and to fully appreciate the work my team contributes. I get fired up about every part of the sport now, and I can't wait for Saturday night."
Ryan Reed Racing uses K&N air and oil filters, filter cleaners and oil. "Oh, I almost forgot, we also use K&N air filters and intake system on our teams tow-rig," adds Reed. "Our team feels that all K&N products are superior and truly give us a competitive edge. K&N is also viewed as leader in the automotive industry and I hope to be associated with this great company through out my career.
Next year the 2010 season will prove to be an exciting and challenging time for the Ryan Reed Racing crew. Reed will make the jump to a 550 horsepower NASCAR Late Model and his home track will be Toyota Speedway in Irwindale - a track Reed is already comfortable on. They will also race at several other select races on the west coast (to be determined later).
"Our long range plans include the NASCAR Camping World West and East series, and ultimately to a top NASCAR team in the big three series. Again, I really want to thank K&N for all their support to Ryan Reed Racing, and to the motorsports world," concludes an understandably euphoric Reed.
K&N oil filter, part number HP-1018 is part of the engine specifications on the K&N Infiniti G35
The K&N Infiniti G35 is scheduled to attend selected media events in 2010
K&N employees put the final touches on the K&N Infiniti G35 before it gets wrapped for SEMA 2009
K&N employees worked in the K&N race shop for many hours to get the K&N Infiniti G35 ready for SEMA 2009
K&N Infiniti G35 tested on one of K&N's Dynos
K&N will have several unique vehicles on display at the 2009 SEMA (Specialty
Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. SEMA is one of the
largest automotive aftermarket conventions in the world. It will take place from
November 3 to November 8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
One of the showcase vehicles in K&N’s booth, Central Hall number 22443, will be a 2003 Infinti G35. The car was built by K&N employees at K&N headquarters in Riverside, California.
Many of the components found in the car are one of a kind. Julian Hinojos and Jonathan Fiello designed the custom plenum intake manifold using CFD software. There is also a custom dual inlet K&N air filter.
The K&N Infiniti G35 specification sheet includes:
Engine:
3.5 liter V6 Twin Turbo
Turbocharger Jim Wolf with Custom K&N plumbing
Built Bottom end by Cosworth Assembled by K&N
BRE Cylinder Heads
NISMO Cams
Super Tech Valves and springs
K&N Custom Dual Inlet Air Filter
K&N Oil Filter part number
HP-1018
Transmission:
Borg Warner T56 6 SPD
4.09 Rear End Gears
Inland Empire Driveline Aluminum Driveshaftv
Driveshaft shop axles/Quaife LSD
Speedway Engineering Sway bar with SPL end links
Custom Roll cage by K&N sub frame re-enforcement and seam welding
Stillen Upper control arms
K&N Fabricated Mid Links and Toe arms
Stop Tech 4 Piston front and rear brakes
Hawk DTC 170 Brake Pads
Exterior:
Viral Sport by Anceltion Carbon Fiber doors, hood fenders and trunk lid
SEIBON
Volk Wheels
Hankook Tires
Interior:
Sparco Pro 2000 seats
Woodward collapsible steering column
Sparco steering wheel
Sparco safety harness
Safecraft SFI Fire System
After the SEMA show, the K&N Infiniti G35 is scheduled to attend selected media events in 2010. It will also be at the Optima Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational in Pahrump, Nevada running in the exhibition class.
