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Pflum and Wagner Racing Set 2012 SCTA Special Construction Fuel Class Record

14 Jan 2013

Pflum and Wagner Racing’s SCTA record setting Hondas

Speed without limits is an elusive and compelling notion, there are always, it seems, rules. Freefalling has to contend with terminal velocity, while breaking 186,282 miles-per-second, supposedly the maximum speed limit at which anything can move, would overturn Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. Breaking speed records and going faster than the next guy is an intrinsic part of our hardwiring, from the first foot race by upright man, to spaceflight, it has played an integral part in our overall human development.

Jeannie Pflum and Jamie Wagner are among a very elite group of people that understand speed and breaking records better than most. They hold a number of SCTA (Southern California Timing Association) records for motorcycles. In 2010 at Bonneville they set the 1000cc Production Class record at 196.476 mph. The following year they reset their own Production Class record, and set the new 1000cc Special Construction Gas record at 186.050. This year they set the 1000cc Special Construction Fuel Class record at 186.542 mph. We spoke with Jamie Wagner to help set straight the definition of speed records and to give us some insights into what it takes to hang on to a motorcycle hurdling over salt flats at triple-digit pace.

Pflum and Wagner Racing ran 196.190 mph at El Mirage last year in the Production class, how does this differ from your Special Construction Class record in 2012 and what defines the various classes?

“Production Class means that the bike has to have the same features and 'look' of the representative bike as sold at the dealership with no optional accessories. The only exception to this rule is some components can be changed or removed for safety concerns. Mirror, signal lights, etc can be removed and the paint scheme can be changed.”

“When components are changed that make a production bike no longer legal, such as an aftermarket exhaust, [the bike would be placed] into the 'Modified' (M) class. Then, [with] further modifications such as purpose built frames, multiple engines, and others that exceed the Modified classification, [the bike would] move into the 'Special Construction' (A) class. Now in the “M” and “A” classes, [there] are two different Body categories; Partial Streamlining (fairings or aero aids forward of the rider) and Open Class (no firings or aero aids forward of the rider), there are engine categories [as well,] based on displacement, Blown (turbo or supercharged), and then [there is the] Gas Class (must use event gasoline) and Fuel Class (any fuels other than the event gasoline).”

“The 196.190 record is on a Production class bike. It was set on the Black 2007 CBR1000RR. The 189.984 Special Construction class record was set on the Red 2006 CBR1000RR that has had the fairings removed to fit into the Open Class rules and runs a small shot of Nitrous, which is what puts it in the Fuel Class. We also have the current record in the Special Construction Gas Class at 186.050 on the same 2006 bike without Nitrous.”

Jeannie Pflum, a Gynecological Surgeon from Santa Rosa, California is your rider; tell us a little about her riding background?

“Jeannie was a large part of the reason I built the first bike. I had worked with Jeannie’s father, Lee Gustovson. Lee has been the engine builder on the Seth Hammond’s Bonneville Lakester for many years. During the Bonneville World Finals in 2002, Jeannie drove the Lakester to a 302.179mph record. That put her as one of three women in the Bonneville 300mph Club. I have been helping Lee and Seth with the Fuel Injection and Data system on their cars since 1998. In 2007 Lee had asked if I might be interested in putting a bike together to run because Jeannie was interested in riding a bike at Bonneville.”

Jeannie Pflum has set multiple records aboard this 2006 CBR1000RR

“I had been thinking about putting a bike together myself so the timing was right. I had been working with the Corona Honda AMA Road Racing team, and was able to pick up a bunch of the stock take-off parts and build the 2007 Production bike. That was when Pflum and Wagner Racing started.”

What all goes into making speed runs and what sort of unique skills are required?

“Many of the challenges of Land Speed Racing are the same as other forms of Motorcycle racing; getting the most power and reliability possible from the engine and dialing in the suspension setup. The unique aspect to our form of racing is traction. We race on surfaces made of salt or dirt which make maintaining traction tough.”

“As far as riding skills, this type of racing is much less demanding than other forms of motorcycle racing, but it does require a lot of concentration and fair amount of courage. The unique aspect of Land Speed racing, especially at Bonneville, is the sustained speed over a long distance. On a typical pass, Jeannie will be traveling at speeds between 190 to 200 mph for 4.5 miles. At those speeds, a bike with full fairing gets to feeling very light, and can move around on the course a lot. You can be riding in a relatively straight line down the course, and a gust of wind can move you 20 feet or more in the blink of an eye. You have to kinda let the bike go where it wants and just make gentle corrections. Sudden or dramatic movements on the bike are something you want to avoid at [high] speed.”

2013 marks your 25th year of racing motorcycles, do you have anything special planned for next season?

“We are very excited about the 2013 season. After four years of racing out of our own pocket, on a very, very tight budget, American Honda and many other companies have come on board as sponsors to help us achieve our goals. We will be running at least one more Honda for the 2013 season. We also have a new engine program in development, CP Carrillo, Vance & Hines Motorsports and Web Camshafts are helping us with some updated pistons, camshafts and cylinder head work that should really make a difference in our performance for the 2013 race season. It’s important to note that during all those years, whether it was off-road racing, drag racing, or Land Speed Racing, I’ve always used K&N. They simply give you maximum performance without sacrificing engine reliability.”

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.

Brian Hobaugh at SEMA with 1973 Camaro and Later Wins Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge

14 Jan 2013

Behind-the-scenes at the starting line - Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge

If you attended the 2012 SEMA show last November, you may have spotted an orange 1973 Camaro with a flat black stripe down the center in the Wilwood Brakes booth. This beautiful project is owned by Brian Hobaugh, the shop manager at Car West Elite in Freemont, CA.

Brian has been exhibiting at SEMA for 8 years, and a whole lifetime of experience in the automotive industry. Brian started working at AAA as a field inspector when he graduated college, and then moved on to Car West Elite in 2002. Car West specializes in high-end bodywork, and is affiliated with a number of dealerships, including Mercedes Benz, Lexus, and Porsche. Car West did all of the bodywork for this build, with Brian managing the entire project. Brian explained, “The hardest part of this build was the flares, getting the size and shape I wanted was difficult.”

Some last-minute tips from TV personality Bill Goldberg as Brian prepares to race

K&N built a custom intake for Brian focusing on the tube-design and cone air filter. K&N’s Intake Engineer Bert Heck commented on the build, “When Brian brought his vehicle in; it had a filter clamped on the end of the throttle body and the car made 501HP. We fabricated a one-off intake that would now use one of our large cone filters with a radius adaptor to help improve air flow. We made sure the new intake system not only looked like it belonged in the vehicle but it performed like all of K&N’s products. After the new intake was powder coated and reinstalled, we dynoed the vehicle again and it made 516HP at the wheels.”

Brian Hobaugh takes off at the start in the Road Course Hot Lap

Before this Camaro, Brian had owned a number of cars, which include a Buick Regal, Corvette, Lexus GS 430, and a Tow Rig - each equipped with a K&N Air Filter. Brian’s first car (a 1984 Chevy Camaro) was the main inspiration which turned him towards K&N. “I wanted to get the most out of my 305 high-output motor, and at 190HP at stock it just wasn’t cutting it. I installed a Flowmaster exhaust system, Edelbrock headers, an aftermarket computer system and I was trying to get as much filtered-air as possible so I bought a K&N Air filter I saw in a magazine ad.” Brian has been using K&N for 25 years.

K&N fabricated a custom intake for Brian, giving him extra performance

Brian was first inspired to build this Camaro by his father. He grew up watching his dad race his Camaro against others as well. After SEMA, Brian took the car to the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. He ended up placing 1st for the Road Course Hot Lap, and 2nd in the overall race.

Brian not only races this car, he also has the car featured in numerous muscle car magazines including Camaro Performers Magazine - due to publish February 2013. Brian Plans on building a 1966 Comet in the future, and continue to race his Camaro, as well as, his father’s Corvette.

Vehicle Modifications:

K&N Fabricated Performance Air Intake System
Maier Racing front upper/lower A Arms
Spindles
Sway bar
Maier Racing 3 link rear suspension
Maier Racing roll cage
JRI Shocks
Mast Motorsports LS3 Engine
GForce 4 speed Transmission
Speedway Engineering Ford 9” rear end

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.

Many vehicles like Brian Hobaugh's Camaro, Sam Piazza’s 2012 SEMA Build , 1969 Hellcat Camaro at SEMA and Pilot Transport Camaro at SEMA 2012 get the opportunity to shine at SEMA.

More pictures of Brian Hobaugh's Camaro pictured below:

A custom K&N badge welded to Brian’s intake tube

Brian Hobaugh’s ’73 Camaro at SEMA 2012 in the Wilwood booth

An OPTIMA girl gives Brian shade as he prepares to compete

Brian taking off from the starting line

The hardest part of this build was the flares, getting the size and shape I wanted was difficult

Behind-the-scenes at the starting line - Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge

Team Hybrid's Custom Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Features Performance Air Filter at SEMA

14 Jan 2013

Team Hybrid Mitsubishi Evo X at SEMA

SEMA stands as the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. Even though it isn't open to the general public, the 2012 SEMA Show drew in over 100,000 industry leaders and more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers as well. Every year hundreds of cars are displayed at the Convention Center in Las Vegas, while thousands of car and auto enthusiasts make their rounds. If you attended this year, you might have noticed a first ever Varis Widebody EVO X on the West Coast built by Eric McWilliams from Team Hybrid's Las Vegas Chapter lead by Archie ConCon.

SEMA featured 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X

Team Hybrid was founded in 1995 by James Lin the current President of the company. They specialize in import builds for race, street, and show cars. Team Hybrid is a company with outstanding performance, innovation, dedication and passion for the automotive aftermarket industry. Team Hybrid had a number of cars on display at the 2012 SEMA show, and it wasn't their first rodeo either. 2012 marked the 14th anniversary for Team Hybrid's attendance at SEMA.

Eric McWilliams brought Lancer Evo X to Las Vegas SEMA show

In the past, Team Hybrid has built cars for Scion's Team, including the xA, xD, and tC. James Lin states, "Our Specialty is attention to detail and thinking outside the box, while making sure that every aspect of the vehicle is assembled well and completely."

Team Hybrid's cars aren't just for looks and racing, they're made to last as well. This Evo in particular, is a daily driver. Even though Eric's Evo X is equipped with over 40 different modifications, that doesn't stop him from driving this beauty daily - and can you blame him?

Let's face it, this car is hooked up! Evo enthusiasts will be the first to notice the wide-body fenders on this car - these allow for wider rims which can help handling, while improving the look of the car as well.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X at the 2012 SEMA show

A few other modifications include a Mishimoto Performance Aluminum Radiator, Status Ring Carbon Fiber Seats, or maybe the Agency Power Exhaust Manifold with a Greddy Ti-C Turboback Exhaust in the rear. When it came to induction for this wide-bodied masterpiece, Team Hybrid looked to K&N to provide them with a high performance air filter. The K&N filter was installed on the Evolution X, which helped improve its performance through greater airflow. "We have been using K&N for over 18 years," says James Lin, who helped get the car owner Eric McWilliams sponsored with K&N. "K&N products increase power, and are easy to maintain and clean while withstanding the test of time."

Modifications for Eric's 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X:

Engine

Aeromotion R2 Static Wing on Lancer Evolution at SEMA

AMS Widemouth Down Pipe
AMS Test Pipe
AMS 3" Cat Back Exhaust
AMS FMIC
AMS UICP
AMS LICP w/ Tial QR valve
Agency Power Exhaust Manifold
Cobb SF Intake
Cobb turbo inlet
FIC 1100cc Fuel Injectors
FP Red Turbo
GSC S2 Cams
Hallman MBC RX
K&N Performance Air Filter RP-4600
Mishimoto Temperature Gauge 1.3 Bar Radiator Cap Small
Mishimoto Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Performance Aluminum Radiator, 2008+

SEMA featured Mitsubishi Evo X equipped with K&N performance air filter

Mishimoto Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Silicone Radiator Hose Kit, 2008+
Supertech Dual Valve Springs and Retainers
Walbro 255 lph Fuel Pump

Interior

Glowshift Boost Gauge
NRG Black Suede Steering Wheel
NRG Quick Release Gen 2.0
Works Bell Short Hub
Status Ring Carbon Fiber Seats
AMS Shifter Bushings
AMS Shift Knob
Agency Power Short Shifter

Wheels/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

Enkei RPF1 Wheels 18x10.5 +15
BFGoodrich G-Force Sport Comp 2 Tires 275/35/18
Stance GR+ Coilovers

Mitsubishi Evo X was equipped with this K&N performance air filter at SEMA

Exterior

Aeromotion R2 Static Wing
JDM Fog Light Delete

Remember when K&N suspended Andrew Comrie-Picard's Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution at SEMA 2008, from the ceiling? Check out this impressive 450 horsepower Lancer Evo from past SEMA show? RedLion Motorsports' SEMA featured Cobalt SS is also an remarkable performance vehicle.

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.

Williams Motorsports' Jonathan Allard Wins King of the West Championship in 410ci Sprint Car

14 Jan 2013

Jonathan Allard wins 2012 "King of the West Championship" in his 410ci Sprint Car

The 2012 season was good to Jonathan Allard and his Williams Motorsports 410ci sprint car team. For the third time in his career, Allard was crowned King of the West champion, culminating what was already a career year.

“Winning another King of the West championship was huge for our team,” Allard said. “At times the west coast gets shunned for a lack of talent, but on a nightly basis we run against World of Outlaw champions and Hall of Famers who can win races anywhere in the world, and to win a title with those types of drivers competing is a major accomplishment, and a true testament to our team.”

There is some tough Sprint Car competition on the west coast

Allard and his team showed the west coast can compete with the big money teams at the legendary Knoxville Nationals. Allard competed all weekend and had a chance to do some real damage in the feature, until a parts failure ended his night early.

“Making the feature at the Knoxville Nationals and having that good of a starting spot was something we were proud of,” Allard said. “The last few years we had terrible luck during our preliminary nights and found ourselves in the back of the alphabet (for the mains), so having a strong run really meant a lot to the team.”

“Unfortunately we were disappointed again, even though we started at the front, we had a shock break during the main and it really kept us from having the type of night we are capable of. We were strong but we just had some bad luck, this time during the feature.”

Sadly for Allard, tragedy struck multiple times. First, fellow racer and friend David Tarter died after a tire he was working on in the pits exploded back in June.

Some tough losses for Jonathan Allard came in 2012, followed by many checkered flags

“I learned we could overcome tough circumstances, and pull together to win races. It was tough to focus on racing, but we came together and honored our friend with a win that night.”

Then, over the Christmas holiday, while Jonathan was in New Zealand competing, news broke that his older brother, fellow sprint car champion Stephen, died. The news crushed the northern California racing community, which also lost champion Tyler Wolf in an on-track crash late in the season. Allard plans on returning to the states and running a similar schedule to 2012 in honor of his brother.

The Williams Motorsports team has this to say about K&N: “K&N Filters provide us with the components we need to win races. Crew Chief Ashley Smith busts his tail in the shop during the week using K&N products to get our car ready to go compete.”

For more action packed racing write ups on Jonathan Allard check out:Jonathan Allard at SilverDollar Speedway, First Win at Antioch Raceway, Crowned GSC King of California.

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.

Sprint Car Racer Dominic Scelzi Dominates Rebel Wing Main at Kings Speedway in Hanford, California

14 Jan 2013

Dominic’s convincing win at Kings Speedway in Hanford earned him respect from the some of the best racers in the sport

Here’s a concept you can bank on – a reality show following the full spectrum arc of two brothers fueled by super-charged racing DNA. Dominic is fifteen and Giovanni is ten, and over the past several years the Scelzi brothers have continued to evolve into respected giant killers on the track right in front of our eyes. They either win or finish up front most times, and when they don’t, you can bet they learned something and will come back even wiser and stronger the next time out. The maturity curve is highly accelerated when you grow up on the track, and these two siblings make it look easy.

Back in September at Kings Speedway in Hanford, California Dominic lined up with 17 of the biggest hitters in the game, racers on the level of Tommy Tarlton, Tim Kaeding, and Jason Stattler. After some thoroughly engaging and highly continuous racing, Dominic got the sign that Tim Kaeding was charging up behind him looking for a mistake and an opening to pass. With a final flare of drama on the white flag lap, Dominic drove into turn one a bit too hot and he slid up the race track, allowing Kaeding to gain four car lengths on him. Yet, when the checkered flew Dominic was the winner by nearly three car lengths. It was his second win of the season.

“After the race all of these great drivers came over to congratulate Dominic on a great race, which is probably even more outstanding than the win,” remarked Dominic’s dad, NHRA Top Fuel drag race legend Gary Scelzi. We spoke with Gary to get his overview of 2012 and the continuing success of his sons.

Giovanni continued to finish in the top 5 all season long

Put into perspective how significant Dominic’s win at Hanford was going up against all those heavy hitters?
“This was huge! Dominic was very excited and relieved to prove to himself that he could run with the heavy hitters. For me, every time Dominic gets in this car it’s big. I am so proud of his hard work and focus in learning how he can become a better driver each time he gets in the seat.”

You mention that Kaeding Performance, and especially Matt Britt and Tres VanKeuren are taking Dominic to another level, what aspects of racing have they been helpful with?
“Yes, Dominic has improved rapidly with the help from everyone at Kaeding Performance. Dominic feels very fortunate having the opportunity to learn from a legendary driver like Brent Kaeding. The experience is priceless. There is so much knowledge within the Kaeding Performance umbrella that every person there has helped and continues to help Dominic become a better driver/racer and person. Dominic’s experience comes from the Super 600 Mirco Sprints, and even though the 360 Sprint Car looks just like a larger version of the Micro, they are very different.”

Working with Kaeding Performance this year has elevated Dominic’s track performance to next level

How is Giovanni since his mishap at Watsonville is he feeling back up to speed?
“Yes, Giovanni is back in the seat, he is more than ready to race at every opportunity he gets. He continues to run in the top 5 everywhere we go.”

How did things go for you at the Super 600 Nationals at Plaza Park Raceway?
Well the boys raced in the same class for this race. They both had qualifying struggles. The Friday main event started with Dominic on the Pole and Giovanni 3rd, and all the heavy hitters where there. Dominic won and Giovanni finished 5th.”

“In the Saturday night main event Giovanni started 16 and finished 8th, and Dominic started 22nd and finished 5th. Both boys did great jobs. We finished the weekend safe and sound and with no car damage.”

From your view, how did 2012 treat you guys overall?
“2012 has been a great year for Dominic and Giovanni. Dominic’s first year in 360 Sprint Cars gave him two wins, and a great showing at the Trophy Cup in Tulare, and several top finishes, along with a great deal of knowledge and he is only 15. Giovanni’s first year in the Stock 600 Micro Sprints gave him two wins at 10 years old. It has been amazing watching these two. We are all really looking forward to the 2013 Season!”

For more articles on the Scelzi race team check out; Scelzi Brothers Win and Inspire, Giovanni Scelzi First Time Out and Dominic and Giovanni Continue to Win.

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.