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Alexander Motorsports Takes Victory in the 5000 Class at Parker 425

30 Apr 2013

Alexander Motorsports recently celebrated a hard-earned victory at the Parker 425

Crawling out of the sack before a rising sun deemed it a new day, the Alexander Mororsports crew nourished themselves with breakfast burritos. Although their meal was likely unsurpassed, one might ponder why the team would rise so early to simply break bread. Well...their intentions actually went a little deeper than easing hunger pains; they were getting geared up for an eventful day.

Arriving at the pits early, Steve Alexander and the crew were scheduled to make a showing in the parade at Parker, Arizona bright and early in the morning. Fans had likely anticipated the spectacle along the streets, but the team was anxious for the event that would take place just a few hours later. They were focused on racing in the 5000 class of the Parker 425 for their second consecutive season.

With all of the festivities behind them, Alexander and his team started in the third position of a field of three. At about 8:40 a.m., Alexander was given the green flag and he hit the course with one thing, and one thing only, on his mind: he had a race to win!

"I was very confident, because we run the best equipment in today's market," recalled the driver. I would have preferred being the first of the line," he continued. "But when you start behind the pack, and you pass them all, you know you're in the lead. My plan was to take the lead early and put as much distance between us, so when my relief driver, Doug Roorda got in the car, he'd be able to run a clean race."

Within the first two miles of the 425-mile race Steve Alexander had already managed to muscle his way around the field of drivers and was setting the pace. In fact, he was determined to put as much distance as possible between himself and his competitors.

Due to previous rains, the course at the Parker 425 was more rugged than usual. But Steve Alexander and his crew managed to keep their vehicle intact, and in turn earned a victory

Pulling into the pit at the first lap's end, Alexander was informed by his crew that they had discovered a minor crack in the steering mount. The crack was repaired within 35-minutes though, and after Kris Trajano took over the co-rider/navigator position, Alexander was back on the track and on his way.

Although this race proves demanding on both the driver and the car year-in and year-out, this particular race lent to an array of obstacles resulting from the fury of "Mother Nature". Recent rains had deemed the track more brutal than usual, and the adverse conditions were taking their toll.

In fact, one of the competitors had already fallen victim to the conditions and was out of the race before the second lap was complete. Alexander had no idea of where the other driver was though, until happening upon where they sat idle at mile-62. At this point the Alexander Motorsports team knew the only thing that might separate them from a victory would be mechanical malfunction of their own vehicle. Their goal was simple - keep the car together, and the victory was in the bag.

With 280 miles of navigating the rugged terrain under his belt, Steve Alexander gave the wheel to team member, Doug Roorda. Although the fix on the cracked steering mount was holding fast, one of the bolts had been jolted to a point it had been pulled from the housing. But the driver knew what had to be done and began his journey to the checkered flag.

Referring to the victory, Steve Alexander said, "It was huge! Three of the biggest races in America are the Parker 425, the MINT 400 and Vegas to Reno. When you win one of these, you have done something!"

Alexander Motorsports recently celebrated a hard-earned victory at the Parker 425

Crediting his team for their performance , he continued, "They're very important. Without a team, you are alone, And there is no way you're gonna win when you are alone."

The Alexander Motorsports team is also confident that proper maintenance played a huge part in their victory. When asked the importance keeping one's car in optimal condition, Alexander stated, "That's an easy one. When I see the number of cars broke down in the first two miles, and I see why, it's obvious many of the issues could have been prevented by doing proper maintenance."

A strong advocate of keeping the internal components of his engine well lubed and contaminant free, the driver continued, "We use K&N oil filters, fuel filters and air filters. I won last year's championship and I won the first race of this season, and K&N played a huge part of that!"

With the 2013 season just getting underway, Steve Alexander and Alexander Motorsports are looking forward to what might lurk around the next corner. When asked what fans can expect in the days to come, Alexander's answer was short and to the point, "Consistency and determination."

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.

Other K&N news stories about Alexander Motorsports: Alexander Motorsports Wins 2012 Bluewater Desert Challenge and 3rd Back-to-Back Championship; Alexander Motorsports Takes Class 5000 Win at BITD Silver State 300; Alexander Motorsports Takes 3rd in Debut Race at the 2012 BITD Parker 425

Mongo Racing Walks Away From Parker 425 Victorious

30 Apr 2013

Randy Merritt, with Mongo Racing, finished more than eight minutes ahead of the second place driver in the Parker 425

Randy Merritt and the rest of the Mongo Racing team recently participated in the "Parker Youth Off-Road Experience" at Pop Harvey Park, in Parker Arizona. The event lent the opportunity for youngsters from four area schools to meet the invited drivers and crews and get a close-up look at their race vehicles.

"The Parker Youth Experience was very important," explained Merritt. "And that goes for any school. I figure these kids are the future of our sport, and if we can have a positive impact to get kids racing into the future, then I'm all for it."

The next two days of the event consisted of the "Parker Downtown experience, geared toward the racers and fans, followed by a full day of "contingency and technical inspection at the Blue Water Resort and Casino in Parker, Arizona."

Then it was finally that much anticipated day Randy Merritt and his crew had been preparing for - an exciting race. The Mongo racing team showed up at the starting line for the Best of The Dessert's Parker 425, eager to compete in what had been billed as the "Legend Lives On".

They had fire in their eyes and were prepared for a long hard battle. Although the course only consisted of three laps, the laps were long and trying. In fact, Merritt, the driver, would be deluged with a plethora of obstacles, and at the day's end would have driven his 7281 KC HiLiTes General Tire rig 425 gruesome miles.

With the Parker 425 win under their belts, the Mongo Racing team is anticipating a successful run in 2013

Starting the event fourth in a field of 19 official starters, Merritt remained in the top ten during the first lap. In fact, the driver was in the sixth position and only 16-minutes behind the lead driver. After a quick pit stop he was back on the route.

"I knew there was a lot of time left, and I just wanted to be patient and move my way up to the lead," recalled the driver. "I was very confident that I was going to win.I feel that way every race," he continued. "I have an awesome team and awesome sponsors, so that takes a lot of pressure off. Starting first would be better, but there were a lot of miles, so I really don't worry about where I start."

Merritt experienced a fast lap during his second round, and had managed to muscle his way into second place and only seven and one-half miles behind the leader, Shawn Giordano.

Going into the third lap, the driver would accept nothing but a victory, and after a quick pit stop he embarked upon the final 136-mile lap with vigor and his sites on the finish line.

With about 20 miles separating him from the checkered flag, Merritt managed to take the lead, and never looked back. When the dust had settled, Mongo Racing had cinched the championship title, as they had finished more than eight minutes in front of the second placed driver.

When asked his thoughts on winning the race, Randy Merritt said, "It felt great; It still hits me every couple of days and I get pumped up about it. I live in Parker and and have been on that course many times, and know the fast lines I suppose. Having a problem-free lap helped a lot. The weather was perfect, and dust was not a factor for a change."

Although Randy Merritt obviously sports exceptional driving skills, he is also quick to explain that his team is an essential component of success. "My team is great! These guys have been with me for over 15 to 20 years." looking back at the fruition of the team, he continued, "We all were young punk kids and now they are seasoned veterans. I'm proud of them!"

Mongo Racing recently walked away victorious from the 7200 class of the Parker 425

Merritt and his crew are also aware of the importance of keeping their vehicle perfectly maintained. "You can win the race in the shop, and you can lose it in the shop," ensured the driver. "So shop prep is everything. Having a great team doesn't do any good if they don't have a truck to pit."

That in mind, Merritt and his crew are strong advocates of keeping the internal components of their engine contaminant free, and in turn, depend upon K&N products for their filtering needs.

"I use the 14X6 round filters with foam outer wrap with winning results," he explained. "K&N has been in racing forever, and with their involvement in motorsports, K&N has become the biggest name. And as a result, they make the best filters. We are very glad to be a part of such success and hope to help the cause."

With a big "W" at the Parker 425 behind them, Mongo Racing is looking forward to a success filled run throughout the remainder of the season. When asked what fans can expect from his team, Randy Merritt said, "The big plan is to win the championship. I really want to win every race this year, and I think that's possible. And if we don't win every race...We'll sure give it our all!"

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.

Other K&N news stories about Randy Merritt and the Mongo Racing team include: Randy Merritt and Mongo Racing Finish Mint 400 in Debut of New Ford Truck and TrailReady Motorsports Teams with Tracy Rubio in the Trophy Truck Class

Sprint Car Driver Cody Swanson Races Into 2013 Season and Gets His First USAC Western States Victory

27 Apr 2013

Swanson put it all together for his first USAC Western States win in Bakersfield.

Along the upper edge of all motorsports competition everyone has plenty of skill, so what separates top ten-finishes from a consistent run of podiums, has more to do with brains than brawn. Making high-quality decisions at the speed of thought, with adrenaline working to blur that process, is in part inborn instinct, part experience and a huge dose of heart. After a couple of exploratory years that produced mixed results, Cody Swanson has clearly begun to align his driving muscle with his racing I.Q. starting the 2013 season.

“The success we have had at the start of this season honestly began midway through last season,” Swanson clarified. “We started making a lot of changes to the car with set up and have kept making improvements. We feel like there is always something on the car that can be better and our goal is to fix that then move onto the next thing. It has really been paying off. I also feel that I have matured a lot in my driving and the decisions I make behind the wheel over that time as well.”

Cody Swanson kicked off 2013 by winning two of his first three races.

Cody Swanson Motorsports started of the racing season at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California with the VRA Midget Series. Swanson started the Main event in the second position next to veteran Sprint and Midget driver Rick Hendrix. For the next 23 laps Swanson worked on the back bumper of the No. 12 Hendrix car looking for a hole.

Finally, on lap 23, Hendrix bobbled just enough so that Swanson had his opening. He took the lead and never looked back to see that his cousin, Jake Swanson, had finished right behind him in second place. This is the first one/two finish for the cousins.

When his sway bar link broke off in Ventura Swanson adjusted his driving style to take the checkered flag.

“I had to be really patient while I was behind Rick. I knew that if I were to try and make moves on him every lap that I would risk wearing out my RR (right rear) tire because the track was really slick,” Swanson said. “So my plan was to keep all the pressure on him that I could, making sure he knew I was there the whole time. Every so often I would duck down to the bottom and slide up in front of him, but nothing stuck until lap 23 when I finally completed the pass.”

“It was very cool getting the 1-2 finish with Jake. Especially because we have both been working really hard on improving our programs and that finish showed just how much we’ve put into it. Hopefully that is the first of many.”

The following weekend Swanson and this team headed to Bakersfield Speedway for the USAC Western States Midget Series event. Swanson won his heat and started the Main event from the outside pole position; beside him stood Midget and Sprint Car ace, Ryan Bernal, on pole. The outside proved to be the better lane though as Swanson owned the lead before the cars reached turn one.

Swanson believes he and his team are on the right track for success this year.

"At about half way, I noticed my car tightening up,” Swanson recalls. “I thought maybe my right rear bleeder stuck open and the tire was going down.” What he didn't know was that his rear sway bar link had broken off. It didn't matter though, as Swanson simply adjusted his driving style and focused on the track to hold off the field for his first USAC Western States Midget series win.

"This is really special! Flag-to-flag, I can't believe it,” Swanson exclaimed in the winner's circle. “My car was a real handful when the sway bar broke and I have to thank Ronnie (Gardner) for racing me hard but clean. This was a stellar field of cars and tonight was our night. I am so happy!"

Swanson says he and the team learned a great deal about themselves and the car last year. “There were things that we consistently noticed that we needed to improve on, and we have really focused on making those improvements, and we are still making those improvements. The way I look at it, every race has something that we can learn from and make an improvement on, whether it is an improvement on the car, my driving, or the team in general.”

“There are about 25 races left to be run that we can attend, and right now I am very happy with how the car is responding and acting out on the track,” Swanson adds. “I am also pleased with my driving and becoming more confident, and more comfortable every time we go out. But there is still work to be done, it's a long season and we always need to keep moving forward and that's what we plan to do. The competition is going to keep getting better, so we need to as well.”

(Special Swanson request) “My 13-year-old cousin, Julia Jones, has been in LA Children's Hospital the past few weeks in sudden need of a heart transplant; we appreciate prayers for her for strength and healing during this time."

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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Related K&N News Articles about Cody Swanson and VRA Midget Racing: K&N Sponsored Cody Swanson Becomes 2012 Ventura Racing Association Midget Champion; Cody Swanson Grabs 3rd at the VRA Midget Show in Ventura, California; K&N's Cody Swanson Gathers Momentum in VRA Midget Racing Series at Ventura Speedway; Cody Swanson's Third USAC Western States Midget Series Race Gets Team Back on Track

Team PCS Performance/Can-am's Josh Creamer to Race AMA ATV Motocross Racing Series

27 Apr 2013

Josh Creamer will be racing in the AMA ATV Motocross Racing Series during the 2013 season with team PCS Performance/ Can-am.

At the 2010 AMA ATV Motocross Racing Series’ end, Josh Creamer had pulled off the accomplishment that, he and all of his fellow drivers, had been shooting for. From the seat of his factory-backed Suzuki LTR 450 ATV, he had earned the series champion title.

At the beginning of the 2011 ATV racing season, all of the competitors hit the tracks sharing the same goal. But there was one thing distinctively different - Josh Creamer was not on the scene.

In fact, after wining the 2010 championship, the rider found himself in somewhat of a pickle. Suzuki opted to pull out of the series. Choosing to step away from AMA ATV Motocross racing events, the rider focused his attention to riding in the NEATV-MX series. With full intentions of continuing a winning tradition, Creamer was second in the points race at the season’s end, behind, Dustin Wimmer.

After sitting out of the AMA ATV Motocross Racing Series, former champion, Josh Creamer, is anxious to return in 2013.

The rider jumped onboard with the BCS Performance Can-am team the following year to race in the New England ATV Motocross series. Again, Creamer put his nose to the grindstone with winning on his mind. At the end of the 2012 ATV race season, his persistence and skills from the seat of his BCS Performance Can-am DS450 ATV had earned him two more titles. He walked away having earned both the NEATV-MX Pro and Pro-Am championships.

After sitting the AMA ATV MX series out for two years, the former champion is geared up and ready to return for the 2013 season with team BCS Performance/ Can-am, and hopefully regain the number one plate.

“I am very excited about my return. I came down to Florida in the beginning of January to start training physically,” he explained “But mentally, I’m always preparing. I work out in the morning and do two motos during the day, then another workout session in the afternoon.”

Stressing the importance of physical preparedness, Creamer continued, “Fitness is key to the sport. You have to be strong and in shape to hold onto and be able to control a 400-pound machine through obstacles and rough conditions.” With a chuckIe he said, “I have to get myself back into the shape I used to be in and am not getting any younger.

“The key to success is going to be starts,” he stated.”Races are a bit shorter this year, and the top six of the field is very tight. So whoever can get out front and have clear track is going to be tough to run down in traffic. I think 2013 is going to be one of the toughest years in a while. There are a lot of us who want to win and know we can.”

Although Josh Creamer as obviously proven himself as a force to be reckoned with, the rider is also aware that his team will play a huge role in his success. “My team is great,” he shared. “Everyone at BCS Performance works hard and builds a great bike.”

As all riders of Creamer’s caliber will agree, the greatest of bikes are vulnerable to breakdowns, and must be maintained to the jot and tittle. “Maintenance is the key; without it you have problems. And with problems, you don’t win,” he explained.

That in mind, ATV racer Josh Creamer and team BCS Performance are strong advocates of keeping all foreign debris from entering the internal compartment of their engines. In turn, they depend upon K&N products to provide them with their filtering needs.

“We run K&N air and oil filters,” he explained. “Love the product. . . I have been using them for years. It’s easy to use what works best. They let the bike get more air, and more air equals the potential for more power. And with Jay at BCS doing the motors, I know it’s more power.”

Josh Creamer and PCS Performance are scheduled to run 10 ATV race events during 2013, the season opener taking place at Aonia Pass, in Washington Georgia. Looking forward to the season, the rider concluded, “Fans can expect to see some great racing and hopefully, a lot of wins.”

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.

Related K&N ATV racing news: Dalton Millican Wins 2011 AMA ATV National Championship; Walsh Race Craft's Jeremy Lawson Finishes 3rd in 2011 AMA ATV Motocross Series; Dalton Millican Has AMA ATV Motocross Victory in His Sights; AMA ATV Motocross racer Cody Gibson Makes a Huge Showing At Aonia Pass.

Sprint Car Driver Jonathan Allard Eager for World of Outlaws at Thunderbowl Speedway

27 Apr 2013

Jonathan Allard recently finished second place in a World of Outlaws event at the Thunderbowl Speedway, in Tulare, California.

As the racing season wound to an end here in the United States last year, Sprint Car driver, Jonathan Allard had no intentions of sitting idle throughout the off season. In fact, the driver embarked upon a long journey to New Zealand where his performances were impressive to say the least. Allard took six checkered flags and at the season’s end and won the Western Springs Speedway Track Championship.

“Most of the tracks there (New Zealand) are old rugby stadiums,” he shared. “So we essentially race on tighter tracks that have stands all the way around them. Much smaller tracks than in the U.S., but a ton of fun to race.”

Jonathan Allard recently returned from New Zealand, where he raced sprint cars during the off season in the United States.

Recently returning to the states with confidence by his side, Allard was geared up and ready to roll. With intentions of continuing his successful run, he headed for the Thunderbowl Speedway, in Tulare, California eager to compete in the World of Outlaws event.

“Tulare is a demanding track,” he explained. “You have to be aggressive and willing to run all over the track. Typically, you are on the top of the track, right on the fence, and it can be intimidating to some people.”

“It was our first weekend back in the U.S., and we were having a good weekend. . . So we had pretty high confidence.”

Manning the Williams Motorsports car, the driver qualified as the 12th fastest car, earning a front row position in his heat. Taking the victory in his heat race, Allard took an eighth place finish in the dash. Faced with a rough track during the final race of the night, he would cross the finish line in 11th place.

On the final night, Allard qualified with the eighth fastest time, putting himself in great position for the upcoming event. Taking second place in his heat, the driver earned a pole position in the dash.

He had no intentions of experiencing nothing less than success and when the dash was deemed underway, immediately took an early lead. Managing to hold on to his position, the driver took the win.

“With the World of Outlaws, it is crucial to run first or second in your heat, so you have the opportunity to start in the top ten of the feature event, ” he ensured. “We won our heat and put ourselves in the dash, so we were pleased with that.”

Aware of the condition of the track, Allard and his fellow drivers knew that everyone would choose the lane most likely to take grip, and in turn, passing would not be an easy task. That in mind, it would prove essential to take an early lead.

Starting the feature race on the front row, Allard and his team’s chances of a reputable finish were favorable.

When the waving of the green flag deemed the race underway, Jonathan Allard found Craig Dollansky the only obstacle between him and the lead position. Recognizing the track conditions would likely have an adverse affect on his tires, Allard drove smart yet aggressive. He managed to “get up on his rear bumper at times”, but as suspected prior to the start, passing proved practically impossible.

Allard’s only hope was for his fellow driver to falter or make a mistake, but Dollansky drove a flawless race. In turn, Jonathan Allard took a second place finish, still earning a spot on the podium.

“As a racer, you are never happy with second place,” explained the driver. “But as a team, we were pleased with the second place run against the best drivers in the world. It is always tough to beat them, and it was a great night to measure our team so early in the season.”

With the bulk of 2013 in front of him, Jonathan Allard considers the ability to finish races as the key to success. The driver also knows the importance of his team. “Racing is a team sport,” shared Allard. “Without my guys and my car owners, Morrie and Kate Williams, nothing would be possible. They get the car ready during the week, and at the track, the are working their tails off to make sure it is the best it can be based on what the track is doing.”

Allard and his crew are also acutely aware of the importance of maintenance. That in mind, they are strong advocates of depending upon K&N filters to keep their engines debris free. K&N provides such great products for our team,” he explained. “We are on the cutting edge, with the long-term reliability that it takes to win races and championships. K&N has always been very involved with our team and provides us the situation of feeling like family.”

With confidence, a reliable team and proper maintenance at his disposal, Jonathan Allard is anticipating a successful run in 2013. When asked what fans can expect during the upcoming season, Allard said, “We look to defend our 2012 King of the West Championship. We will also run select World of Outlaw shows out west, and hopefully, make a trip back to the Knoxville Nationals.”

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.

Other K&N sprint car news about Jonathan Allard: Williams Motorsports' Jonathan Allard Wins King of the West Championship in 410ci Sprint Car; 360 Knoxville Nationals K&N Sponsored Sprint Car Racers Flood the Field at Iowa Raceway; Jonathan Allard Wins a Remarkable 11 Times out of 15 Starts in New Zealand and Trip to Western Springs Speedway in Aukland; New Zealand Pays Off for Sprint Car Driver Jonathan Allard

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