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With SEMA 2012 in their sights, car owner, Carlos Islas and 742 Marketing CEO, Jeff Maldonado, began to devise a game plan. The Nissan 370z would lend to a perfect build for the show, with Maldonado and his crew being experts at building vehicles for such venues. Referring to his company, Maldonado explained, "We specialize in project vehicle builds for shows like SEMA and CES."
Nissan 370z aka Project Carbon Z at SEMA
Having attended SEMA events for the past six years, the builder was no stranger to what lies in store at the fruition of the project. "It takes a lot of hard work and time," he explained. From the time the SEMA week finishes, we are already planning and working on the next year's vehicles. It seems easy to just pick a car and get parts for it," he continued. "But in reality, it's hard to choose the right vehicle to help market products..."
K&N air intakes on custom Nissan 370z at SEMA
The CEO is acutely aware that having a history in the industry proves advantageous in the choosing and building process. "As we grow, we gain a lot more experience," he ensured. We specialize in finding newer or specific type vehicles that our affiliates are looking for. You could say we're the middleman between K&N and those aspiring to be sponsored."
With all of their ducks in a row, the team named what they considered as one of the most important builds they had embarked upon, "Project Carbon Z." As one might suspect, the team had a specific goal in mind; they aspired to produce a vehicle that would of course stand out from the rest but would continue to maintain a street look.
Dual air intake system for SEMA featured Nissan 370z
In fact, they strived to ensure the vehicle could be driven on a daily basis. It was essential to turn heads at SEMA 2012, but they wanted to showcase all of the products used in the build to the general population as well. It was of utmost importance that those traveling the streets and freeways had the opportunity catch a glimpse of the finished product.
With a bulk of the planning behind them, it was finally time to start making modifications to the Nissan, some of which took place under the hood. Eager to provide an ample air flow, which would increase the engine's overall performance, they went with a K&N's double air intake system 69-7078TS. Logic tells us that the amount of air flowing into the engine must be able to escape at the combustion process' end. So with that in mind, the team turned to an ARK performance exhaust system. An Odyssey Battery was also added to the mix to ensure there was plenty of juice to keep the electronics happy.
The Project Carbon Z outside SEMA North Hall
The builders chose Carbon Creations to provide the carbon fiber body parts. In fact, the company's workmanship lent to some of the vehicle's most radical and obvious changes to the onlooker. The company brought a hood, trunk, spoiler, lipkit and a wing to the build.
Air Runner played their part in the project as well with an air suspension and R1 provided the custom rotors. For the finishing touches on the car's exterior, Concept One wheels were added to the mix.
Conecpt One Wheels & R1 Custom Brake Rotors on SEMA Nissan 370z
Referring to the K&N double intake used in the project, Maldonado said, I started using them in 2005. According to the builder the product's selling point was two-fold. Not only did he notice an increase in power , but the sound was "just perfect."
Once SEMA 2012 was behind them, that was no indication that their project would simply sit idle. In fact, it has since been featured in a German magazine, on a variety of online videos and in various other magazines for advertising purposes.
SEMA featured Nissan 370z demands attention
As Maldonado shared their upcoming goals, it quickly became evident that much thought has already gone into future plans. "We are in discussion about bringing back the Z to SEMA 2013 with a different look," he explained. "Something different and unique."
In closing he continued, "K&N has been a big part of the growth of 742 Marketing in the past years, and every time, they go that extra mile to help us out. We are not your typical marketing firm. We are known for grass-roots marketing. That's something I feel K&N found special about us, and for that we thank them."
Dylan Kwasniewski won the DRIVE4COPD 125 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee
Dylan Kwasniewski has already conquered the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. He took his first step in conquest of the K&N Pro Series East. Kwasniewski won the DRIVE4COPD 125 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee, the season opener in the K&N Pro Series East.
K&N Pro Series West Champion Dylan Kwasniewski at Bristol Motor Speedway
"My car was working everywhere and I think that's what made us win the race," Kwasniewski said, "because we go could all the way high and all the way low without having any trouble at all."
He won the K&N Pro Series West championship last season with Gene Price Motorsports. Kwasniewski, a 17-year-old from Las Vegas, is competing in the K&N Pro Series East with Scott Turner Motorsports.
He took the lead in the race at Bristol on lap 30 and stayed out front for the final 96 laps of the race. It was his first race at Bristol and the first K&N Pro Series win for Scott Turner Motorsports.
"We definitely took to it pretty quick," Kwasniewski said. "To have a crew that gave me the best car possible, we went out there and I played around with the lines a little bit and got to where I needed to be and I knew what we needed to do to win that race."
DRIVE4COPD 125 Trophy at Bristol Motor Speedway goes to K&N Pro Series West Racer Dylan Kwasniewski
Rookie Michael McGuire won the pole and led the first 29 laps of the race. He was collected behind lapped traffic under caution and lost his lead to Kwasniewski.
"My car pretty much worked everywhere," Kwasniewski said. "The high lane was definitely good for trying to get tire management. I pretty much stayed in the middle to high just tried to keep my tires under me and make sure I had some stuff saved for the end. When I went down low, it was so fast down there. On the restarts, I definitely tried to get my car down there to gain that extra track position right away, to gain that gap right off the restart."
Brett Moffitt pressed Kwasniewski on seven restarts in the race, but couldn't pass for the lead. Moffitt crossed the finish line in second.
"It was fun racing," Moffitt said. "The outside groove was fun. It's not very many tracks we get to do that. That's what's great about Bristol. Glad to come out of here second."
Moffitt finished in third place in the K&N Pro Series East standings in 2012. The season opener at Bristol last year produced a 32nd place finish. His team is off to a much better start this year.
"We had a rough start last year," Moffitt said. "We came here just saying if we finish the race and beat 33rd or wherever then we'll have less of a hole to dig out of. That's what we did. It's a great weight lifted our shoulders to start the season in the top three, top two in points and hopefully we can stay there."
Ryan Gifford was third, followed by McGuire in fourth and CJ Faison in fifth.
"This is a good start to the year," said Gifford. "This kind of race shows us that what we did over the winter was going in the right direction. I think we'll be able to contend all year."
Kenzie Ruston, Kwasniewski's teammate at Scott Turner Motorsports, was 11th. It was the best finish by a female driver in a K&N Pro Series East race since Danica Patrick finished in sixth place at Dover International Speedway in 2010.
Kwasniewski recorded his sixth K&N Pro Series win in 29 career starts. His previous five K&N Pro Series wins came in the West. He has made four starts in the K&N Pro Series East.
"I go out there every weekend and I try to mess around with my team and have the time of my life when I'm out here," Kwasniewski said. "Even though I may miss the stuff back home, there's nothing better than going out and racing a race car, especially winning at Bristol. This track was so much fun. It's definitely one I can put a notch in my belt for."
The next K&N Pro Series East race is the Kevin Whitaker 125 at Greenville Pickens Speedway in South Carolina on March 23.
Michael Jordan Motorsports's new racing livery was inspired by the Air Jordan XX8 basketball shoe.
Here's a peculiar conundrum - why in the world is there a motorcycle parked in a glass elevator 103 flights above Chicago? The answer - because the Skydeck on the top of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), is where Michael Jordan Motorsports was founded ten years ago. Michael Jordan, by most accounts the greatest NBA superstar ever, has no shortage of interests outside of basketball. In addition to honing his golf skills, owning the Charlotte Bobcats and serving as one of the most recognizable faces of the NBA, Michael Jordan is a colossal motorcycle racing enthusiast, and his race-winning team is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2013. As a part of the festivity Michael Jordan Motorsports soared to extraordinary new heights in Chi-town as Danny Eslick unveiled the team's bike and new livery.
Danny Eslick unveiled the team's new colors 103 flights above Chicago.
Combining motorcycles with one of Michael Jordan's other loves - sneakers - has resulted in the creation of these strikingly distinctive Suzuki motorcycles that were inspired by the Air Jordan XX8, which also recently dropped at shoe stores everywhere. However, unlike Jordan's signature kicks, the Air Jordan inspired bikes will not be available for purchase. Instead, in addition to celebrating an impressive decade in road racing, the Michael Jordan Motorsports team will debut their new racing colors as the 2013 AMA Pro National Guard Superbike Championship season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. This is the team's first time at the prestigious Daytona 200.
This is the team's first time competing at the prestigious Daytona 200.
For the 2013 season K&N has signed Michael Jordan Motorsports teammates, Danny Eslick (No. 23) and Daytona Superbike podium-finisher, Roger Lee Hayden (No.54). Both riders will be competing on a Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 donning the dynamic new colors. The team will also run James Rispoli's National Guard Celtic Racing Suzuki GSX-R600 (No. 43) and National Guard Celtic Racing teammate Corey Alexander (No. 5) in the new colors. Rispoli is a former Daytona SuperSport winner, while Alexander finished on the podium in that class last year.
"The whole Michael Jordan Motorsports team is looking forward to Daytona," said Kreig Robinson, MJM Vice President of Corporate Relations. "We expect solid results from Danny and Roger in AMA Pro National Guard Superbike, and we're excited about James racing the Daytona 200 for the first time. Additionally, we look forward to supporting Corey in AMA SuperSport. Overall, 2013 is a landmark season for Michael Jordan Motorsports as we reflect on the significance of a successful decade in road racing and the unlimited potential of the future."
Andy Gregg's GUTS Racing kicked off 2013 in grand form, leading 9 of 10 laps at Marysville Raceway Park.
Racers call winter "the off-season" which is somewhat of a misnomer, they may not be battling on the track, but there's nothing "off" about the off-season. Winter is a seriously busy time when teams like Andy Gregg's GUTS Racing restructure, rebuild, and reassess. It's the intense labors of love during winter that sustains his team during the "on-season."
"I am excited to hit the track and show off our new K&N logo and our other new sponsors," Gregg said before his season opener at the Marysville Raceway Park. "We have partnered up with some great new companies for 2013, and I'm eager to show their colors off on our car."
Gregg is a big fan of Marysville Raceway; in 2007 he started there in 13th position and went on to win a California Civil War Series event. More recently, in 2011, he put together a strong third place run with the King of the West Series at MRP.
"The Marysville Raceway Park seems to fit my driving style," Gregg remarked. "It has long straights and sweeping corners, and we have been able to put together some good runs on it. I hear they added some clay towards the end of last year, so I'm curious to see how it races."
Last weekend Gregg found out firsthand how the new MRP clay suits his driving technique. "The first race of the season was great. We set the fastest lap in qualifying and passed the most cars in our heat race. Also, I led the first nine laps of the10-lap main event. Unfortunately, I had to pull in to the pit with a mechanical problem so we didn't get the win, but it was still a great night."
Gregg first ignited his competitive fire racing motocross when he was five. "I raced through the ranks and got my AMA pro license at 16," he explains. "But when I was 18 I got hurt, so I looked for a new adventure. I found sprint cars and fell in love. I knew immediately that this is what I wanted to do next in my life when I healed up."
Andy Gregg's GUTS Racing is looking to build on their highly productive 2012 Sprint Car season. Last year Gregg had 17 starts with four top-3 finishes, 11 top-10 finishes, including a 9th place effort at the prestigious Dave Bradway, Jr Memorial, two Last Chance Qualifier Wins, to go along with three heat wins, and two dash wins. "I also finished 8th in 2012 Cancel Oil King of the West Series," he says.
This season Gregg also welcomes the addition of crew chief, Brian Cannon, to help take the team to the next level. "Brian and I have worked together on a limited basis in the past and we have had some success," Gregg said. "In 2011 I filled in for Brett Miller on occasion, and we were able to win a race and finish third at the Gold Cup Race of Champions, so I'm excited to hit the track this weekend. Having Brian onboard this year gives the team a ton of confidence. He's had a lot of success over the years with different teams and we're looking for the same."
"Teaming up with K&N for 2013 is huge for the team, adds Gregg. "K&N is the premiere air and oil filter company for high-performance racing. We are looking forward to representing K&N for years to come."
Aston Martin Racing will use custom manufactured K&N air filters specifically developed for the Vantage GTE cars.
"Aston Martin Racing is very excited to announce that they will be working with K&N Filters. K&N Filters are the best filters in the world and to be working with them is a great privilege. The partnership of these two great companies working together at the highest level of GT Racing will focus on one goal - to win!"
Following extensive test sessions at Portimao and Road Atlanta, the new V8-powered Vantage GTE will debut this week at the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Warren Jones, Technical Partner Manager at Aston Martin Racing makes his objective crystal clear. 2013 marks the most ambitious motorsport program for Aston Martin Racing to date, as it aims to win both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) - as the distinguished marque celebrates its 100th Birthday.
This week (March 13-17) Aston Martin Racing's 2013 motorsport season will get underway at the legendary 12 Hours of Sebring in Highlands County, Florida. The new V8-powered Vantage GTE - a revised version of the race-winning 2012 Vantage GTE - will make its competitive debut ahead of Aston Martin Racing's four-car campaign, all of which will be sporting the K&N logo. K&N has been a longtime supplier to Aston Martin Racing; however the technical partnership for the 2013 season in essence takes their relationship to the next level.
Aston Martin is celebrating its 100th this year which will bring increased attention to AMR.
"The partnership covers the entire AMR team," outlines Joost Adriaans, K&N's EMEA R&D Manager and OEM Account Manager. "This includes K&N logos on the four white iconic Aston Martins with the baby blue Gulf livery, the team transporter truck, the garage and hospitality unit, and on their website."
Adriaans first met with Warren Jones at the renowned Silverstone race track in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom in August 2012, during round 5 of the WEC. "We ended up chatting about AMR's plans for the upcoming season, and from a technical standpoint, I was very interested in the air filter construction on the new car as well. This is where the initial contact was made and formed the foundation for the technical partnership which is in place today," explains Adriaans.
2013 is slated to be Aston Martin Racing's most exhilarating and rewarding season to date.
"I feel as a manufacturer of high quality air filters, it is important to team up and compliment other high quality automotive corporations. With Aston Martin stepping up with its most ambiguously exciting racing program to date, it was an excellent opportunity for K&N to join this program and provide them with the best support possible. The team will use custom manufactured air filters, specifically developed for the Vantage GTE cars. With the knowledge that K&N has gathered in 40 plus years of air filter development, we feel we can make a valuable contribution to the goals of AMR for the 2013 season. It's an honor to work so closely with a brand that has such a rich racing heritage. At the same time, Aston Martin is celebrating its 100th year Anniversary this year, which will draw even more attention to the luxury brand and its racing team."
