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Fully Custom BMW 328IS E36 Owned by Team Hybrid President James Lin Blends Style and Performance

3 Oct 2012

Team Hybrid 1996 BMW E36 328IS

As one of the most reoccurring vehicles on Car and Driver's annual "Ten Best" list, the BMW 3 series is a true ultimate driving machine balancing both performance and style. There is one 1996 BMW 328IS on the road today showing how this sweet combination dubbed "streetability," creates a perfectly harmonious blend capturing the complete identity of Team Hybrid founder James Lin. Hailing from Hsin-Chu City in Taiwan and based in Oxnard, California, James Lin is a major player in the automotive world. Lin's E36 has been spotted and honored at these recent events:

James Lin's Modified BMW E36 328IS Photo Shoot

-3rd Place BMW and StopTech car for 2012 Motion Auto Show
-3rd Place Euro/Other and NOS Energy Drink car at Import Showoff-Nisei
-K&N car at Formula D, Irwindale race event

Recently, K&N was able to catch up with Lin to talk about his E36 and how he was inspired to build such completely custom ride.

What inspired you to have a passion for modifying cars?
"Founding team Hybrid and Hybrid Hunnyz in January of 1995... dominating year after year... and reaching many of our team's milestones."

What drew you to this specific model?
"The DTM styling and the classic [look of the] BMW E36."

When asked further about the uniqueness of his E36, Lin shared how it served as the test vehicle for the Tokico Illumina 5-Way adjustable shocks as well as how the car sports a motorized audio setup allowing the 4 SONY amps in the trunk to be raised with all the other electronic features loaded into this BMW. James also installed a K&N high performance intake kit among the other performance upgrades in the E36's engine bay. A full catalog of all James' mods is been listed:

Completely Custom BMW 328IS E36

Exterior:
Rieger GTR-1 Body Kit in Artic Silver
Rieger GTR-1 Roof Spoiler in Artic Silver
M3 Sport Package in Artic Silver
M3 Side Moldings in Artic Silver
BBR Carbon Fiber Lip
European-Spec Headlight w/ Angel Eyes
European-Spec Taillight
European-Spec Side Markers in Artic Silver
European-Spec Eyebrows in Artic Silver
HID 5000K Head Lights
HID 5000K Fog Lights
B1 Hybrid Corner Bulbs
Dual Way M3 Heated Side Mirrors in Artic Silver
Wraptivo Carbon Fiber Decals
Glossy White Decals by Graphic Impact

BMW 328IS E36 Engine Upgrades

Engine:
Racing Dynamic Carbon Fiber Valve Cover
Racing Dynamic Polished Strut Bar
BMW Grade Wrapped Carbon Fiber Radiator Cover
BMW Grade Wrapped Carbon Fiber Fuse Box
K&N Intake System w/ Carbon Fiber Filter
European M3 Polished Oil Cap
Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator
Mishimoto Carbon Valve Cap
Mishimoto Radiator Hoses
HKS Klasse Exhaust System
AMSOIL 10W-40 Premium Protection Oil
AMSOIL Differential: Severe Gear 75W-90
AMSOIL Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube
Clutch Masters 03041-HD00 FX100 Stage 1 Clutch Kit

James Lin's BMW E36 328IS Sports Custom Wheels and Tires

Wheels & Tires & Suspension:
Dresmann 3 Piece Rim
Front: 19 X 8.5
Rear: 19 X 8.5
BF Goodrich G-Force T/A KDW
Front: 215/35/ZR19
Rear: 215/35/ZR19

Brakes & Suspension:
StopTech Trophy Street BBK: 4 Piston Front (One-off KIT and only set in the world)
StopTech Trophy Street BBK: 2 Piston Rear (One-off KIT and only set in the world)
StopTech Drilled 2-Piece AeroRotors (F & R)
StopTech Stainless Steel Brake Lines
StopTech High Performance Brake Pads (F & R)
AMSOIL Dot 4 Brake Fluid
Tokico Illumina 5-Way Adjustable Shocks/Springs Suspension Kit
Energy Suspension Bushings

BMW E36 328IS Custom Interior Design

Interior:
Sparco Piuma Steering Wheel
Sparco Piuma Shift Knob
Sparco Piuma Pedal Set for Manual Transmission
Sparco Torino 2 w/ 3PT Sparco Double System Harness
Sparco Track Set Sliders
Sparco Seat Brackets
NRG Short Hub
NRG 3.0 Quick Release
Torasport Brushed Aluminum Dash Kit
Carbon Fiber Shift Boot
Carbon Fiber E-Brake Boot
Carbon Fiber Arm Rest
Carbon Fiber E-Brake
Suede Front Door & Rear Panel Inserts by Art's Customs
BMW Grade Wrapped Carbon Fiber Handles
Embroidered "Team Hybrid" Floor Mats
Relocated Climate Control
Relocated 18-Botton On-Board Computer
LED Ultra White Interior Lights

Team Hybrid Custom Audio/Video for BMW 328IS E36

Audio & Visual:
Sony XNV-770BT Double Din 7" w/ Touch Screen, Navigation, DVD & Bluetooth w/ Remote
Sony XS-GTR1720S (2) Xplod GTR Series 2 - Way Speakers
Sony XS-GTX1641 (1) Xplod GTX Series 4-Way Speakers
Sony XS-GTR100L (2) Xplod™ 10" 4-ohm Component Subwoofer
Sony XM-4S (2) Slim Series 4/3 Channel Amplifier
Sony XM-15 (2) Slim Series Class D Mono Amplifier
Sony XVM-B62 (4) Flush Mount 6.25" LCD Monitor
Sony XA-R800C (1) Rear View Camera
Sony NSZ-GT1 (1) Internet/Powered by Google TV/Apps/Blu-ray Disc Player
Savv LBM - S5000 - Security Rear View Mirror Monitor w/ Remote
Custom 7" Double Din Dash
Custom Rear Interior Flush Mount 6.25" LCD Monitor into the Ash Tray Compartment
Custom Motorization for Sony AMPS (4pcs)
Custom Motorization for Sony Internet/Powered by Google TV/Apps/Blu-ray Disc Player
Stinger TRUE-SPEC Tinned Oxygen-Free Copper Line Wires and Cables
Stinger Power Supply
Stinger Power Converter
NRG Chrome/Silver Aluminum Washers and 10mm Bolts
Optima Deep Cycle Yellow Top Battery
LED Ultra White Lights
Clifford Keyless Remote Entry & Alarm System
E36 is also Wi-Fi Ready
Customized and Fabricated in Fiberglass Trunk & Trunk Lid Painted in Artic Silver/ Suede / Wraptivo Carbon Fiber Wrap Multimedia Audio and Video System by Al & Ed's Autosound

James founded Team Hybrid, a world leading automotive racing, street and show team in 1995. With his team, he has been dedicated to promoting and building a proud member base as well as founding the Hybrid Hunnyz models. K&N supports Team Hybrid and James's motto, "May our 17+ years of legendary tradition, philosophy, quality, innovation and management continue making import history..." K&N has been manufacturing aftermarket performance products for over 40 years and understands the importance of quality in performance. K&N high flow air filters and intake systems offer increased power as well as excellent engine protection, which for vehicles like Lin's E36 is crucial.

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.

Howard Racing has 2012 Sprint Car Points Lead at Riverside International Speedway

3 Oct 2012

The K&N air-box mounted on Howard Racing's 305 is the only one in their class and based on their recent dominating results, it definitely shows.

Riverside International Speedway (RIS) is situated just a tad due west of the Mississippi River and Memphis, Tennessee. Established in 1949, the grand old lady has never missed a racing season during all those years. It's a tribute to the sprite of fortitude shared by those that compete here regularly. Josh Howard and his two older brothers Jan and Dale make up Howard Racing, and in these parts they are the considered the big-hitters of Sprint Car racing. Howard Racing is homed a mere 34 miles away from RIS so the three brother call the quarter-mile, high-banked oval race track with the gumbo surface, there home track. Racing has been the thread binding this tight brotherly bond since back in the early 70's, that's when dad, who inspired the boys, used to race.

On the weekend of June 23rd, Dale ran both the 305 and 360 winged sprint classes, just as he did the weekend before. He dominated 305's, winning with half a track lead in the A-main. In the 360 class he crossed the stripe in solid 5th place, while his brother Jan took the checked driving his number 46 car.

"We once again pulled double duty running two classes. Our 305 was the class of the field again taking the win by a significant margin," Josh reported. "And for the second week in a row we posted a top-5 finish in the 360 division."

"We race 360 and 305 cubic inch classes, because we really believe the extra track time is crucial. Dale does everything from driving the car and determining setup to building our race engines. The K&N air-box we have mounted on our 305 is the only one in our class and it definitely shows!"

So far in the 2012 race season the Howard Racing brothers have collected four wins, with no finishes out of the top 5, and only two races that they weren't able to complete. Dale is the current point's leader at Riverside International Speedway. "We have three or four events still slated on the schedule for the 2012 season," Josh adds.

We would be remiss if we didn't mention that Josh also used to race, and he worked as a firefighter, as a volunteer for three years in the Alphaba, Cockrum and Ingrams Mill communities, and then as a full-timer for six months in the Olive Branch Fire Department. "I was on engine 3," Josh adds. That was before Josh broke his neck during the final lap of the final race of the season in his Sprint car at the Short Track Nationals in Little Rock on October 25th, 2007. Josh's incredible courage as he continually works to regain his strength and usefulness has been an immeasurable source of inspiration for his family and the entire local race community. Josh brings life to the adage that our lives are ultimately not measured by honors or titles collected, or by the material possessions we accumulate, but by the things we overcome.

Howard Racing goes back to work at Riverside International Speedway this weekend, September 29th for the Grass Roots 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.

K&N's Chance Beverly Finishes Strong in 2012 Schoolboy Jr. and Sr. Quad Classes

3 Oct 2012

Chance finished Schoolboy Jr. and Sr. classes 4th and 6th in 2012 points

Ask a young racer what their goal is, and they will usually tell you 'win.' But for most youngsters, a successful season can be measured by the amount of improvement shown throughout the year. For teenage ATV motocross racer Chance Beverly, 2012 was filled with improvement, and as a result, a successful label.

Beverly competed in the ATV Motocross Nationals in both the Schoolboy Jr. and Schoolboy Sr. class. He finished 4th and 6th in points, respectively, and finished on a high note with a pair of podiums in the Jr. class in the final two events.

"The season went really well," Beverly said. "I did experience a little bad luck throughout the season, but I guess that can be expected so I'm not going to complain. I never had a DNF (did not finish), which is always a good thing.

Chance rides a K&N sponsored 300cc Honda quad and hopes to move up to a 450cc model next season

"There were many positive points throughout my season, from winning a moto at Maryland, to starting fifteenth and riding through the field, working my way up to third."

Beverly's season impresses even more when considering he missed a race in July, saying the event simply required too much travel time and expenses. Had Beverly competed in that event, he could have finished 2nd in Schoolboy Jr. points and in the Top 5 in Sr. points.

The difference between the two classes allows Beverly to get time on both better handling quads and ATV's with more power.

"Both classes have been positive learning experiences for me. With my 300cc in the junior class, I ran stronger and it corners a lot better. With my 400cc in the senior class, the perk is the difference in power. I was able to put a better season together with my 300cc, but was happy with both quads and both classes this year."

Beverly made a late season switch from his 400cc Suzuki to his 300cc Honda in the Schoolboy Sr. class, choosing to run the bike in both events. The switch allowed the team to start focusing on a bigger 450cc quad for next year.

Beverly's favorite moment of the year came not at a race, but instead when he was asked to join the Media All-Stars team.

With a lot of hard work, number 9 dreams of turning Pro one day

"This has been an amazing season full of a lot of positive moments, however I would have to say when I was asked to join the Media All-Stars amateur team was the best. It was not only the highlight of my racing career thus far, but one of the biggest moments in my life.

"I was speechless knowing that all my hard work and dedication to riding was noticed and appreciated by a team. It was such an awesome feeling."

Beverly, like every young rider, is full of ambitious goals for the future, but for the talented rider, they all seem attainable.

"There are so many goals I want to achieve. Being a strong competitor, grabbing as many podium appearances as possible, representing the Media All-Stars team with pride and season championships. I really want to move up in this sport. I know it is extreme and takes a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication, but I want to go all the way; I want to go pro!"

Beverly credited K&N Filters and their support for his quick quads this season.

"K&N Filters have always been the number one choice for me. When it comes to my quad I simply want the best. We all know motocross racing is a dirty sport, from dust to rain and mud, and having a filter that keeps the air flowing strong and clean is always a plus. It keeps the quad running stronger, longer! I am privileged to be sponsored by K&N Filters."

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.

F&F Racing's Frankie Guerrini Wins USAC Mopar Western Midget Race at Santa Maria Speedway

2 Oct 2012

17 year old Frankie Guerrini drives the number 63 car in the USAC Midget Series

It was nearly one year to the date that Francesco Ottavio Guerrini III, aka Frankie, created a disturbance on the race-scene radar when he clinched both his heats and then won the dirt 600's Main Event at Delta Speedway in Stockton, California. The San Rafael, California native was 16-years-old, and at the time, the young racer had his sights firmly set on making all the right moves in order to someday realize his dreams of making it large on the big-time race stage. If that particular accomplishment was one small step in the right direction, his latest triumph clearly amounts to one mega leap.

Frankie came out with a win at Santa Maria Speedway after leading all 30 laps

Last Saturday Frankie and the F&F Racing crew hit Santa Maria Speedway for the "Don Roberts Memorial" Mopar Western Midget race, and in what was only the fourth race of his rookie USAC season, the K&N backed wunderkind flat-out stole the show. Frankie led all 30 laps, finishing with more than half a straightway lead, despite having to survive five yellow flag restarts.

"Everyone told him not to expect a win in his first season, and that with some drivers it has taken years to get the first win," said Beth, Frankie's understandably proud mom. "He did not expect it, but he sure wanted it, and he was not going to give up his lead or the win once it was in sight! He was so excited that he jumped out of his car and stood on the top of the cage in victory!"

What makes his win even more impressive is that Frankie had to beat fast qualifier Ronnie Gardner, Randi Pankratz, Cole Carter, and series point leader Shannon McQueen to get it done.

"Frankie's dad (Frank) and I were overjoyed about his first win in the Midgets with USAC," adds Beth. "This is such a huge accomplishment at 17-years-old. He has been racing since he was five and a half years old, and was always successful in any form of racing he tried. He loves the midgets and couldn't wait to finally get to drive in the USAC series. We were extremely excited for him and the team."

Overall the 2012 race season has "gone pretty well" says Beth. "He has learned a lot about both the dirt and pavement cars. Other than the crash at Watsonville (which was in the race just before his win), it has been a good learning season and I would say a successful rookie season so far."

In his last dirt race in Victorville, which came before the ill-fated Watsonville race, Frankie started 18th and finished 10th. In what amounted to a shortened 20-lap race, his performance earned him the Hard Charger Award, for passing the most cars in that event.

The next race on pavement for Frankie and F&F Racing is at Madera Speedway this weekend September 14th. "We are looking to have a good result," said Beth. "The last race there, the car had engine trouble, and resulted in a DNF. He finished 6th in both races prior, and he will be looking to improve at this event." The following weekend the team will be back on the dirt at Bakersfield Speedway.

For the 2013 season Frankie has every intention of staying with the Midgets on both dirt and pavement. "If sponsorship permits, we may expand out of the West Coast, and go to a few National events next year," adds Beth.

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.

IHRA/NHRA Drag Racer Michael Beard Gains Another Victory for Duck Tape Racing

2 Oct 2012

Michael Beard makes some moves and comes up with a win in Atlana

Michael Beard makes some moves and comes up with a win in Atlanta

Attitude drives behavior. Make no mistake about it, by choosing your attitude properly you set the mood and send out a message that everyone comprehends, whether consciously or unconsciously. If you feel like a winner, you already are. Duck Tape Racing's Michael Beard feels like a victor every time he gets to compete, because he's doing something that gives him an unlimited source of bliss and fulfillment, and the sheer power in that is quantifiable. Beard found his mojo partway through 2012, and he's been on a roll ever since, marking his fourth win in the last five weeks. The string of success began with a Memorial Day Weekend Footbrake win at Rockingham Dragway, followed by a Stock win at the Pittsburgh Nitro Jam, then a Super Stock win at the Jackson, South Carolina IHRA Pro-Am.

Michael Beard's Duck Tape Volare had its NHRA Super Stock debut in Atlanta

Then at Atlanta Dragway's NHRA Division 2 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series (LODRS) event, Beard inked a victory on his résumé in his NHRA Super Stock debut. Atlanta also marked the beginning of the 2012-2013 JEGS Allstars points chase, so Beard grabbed the early lead there as well. And despite his late start on the NHRA tour, and with being four events behind, Beard still only trails the NHRA Division 2 Super Stock points leader by just over 150 points, while maintaining his commanding 142 point lead in IHRA Division 2 Super Stock.

We talked with Beard to get his take on 2012 up to this point, and to check on his mind-set in regards to racing.

From all indications you seem to enjoy racing about as much as anyone we've ever written about, would it be fair to say that your success in racing comes from your pure enthusiasm for what you do?

"I live for it. While it's not a fulltime job, I think you have to put that level of thought and effort into it. I really enjoy the thinking and strategy involved in our sport. You have to pay attention to details, not only in every aspect of your car, your staging and driving technique, and the weather conditions, but also your opponents. Knowledge is power."

How do you account for winning in "Hotlanta" your first time out in an NHRA event?

"It was a hot weekend and it lived up to the moniker, but the car ran phenomenal. It made seven laps within .011 seconds to the 1000' mark. We debuted the 5.9L DragPak engine in the Duck Tape Volare last summer, and have been sorting it out on the IHRA circuit. Gibbs Race Cars back-halved the car with a 4-link, Moser 60 rear, and 14x32 Mickey Thompson in May, and I've been working on the fuel injection tune-up in the FAST system. Although I've competed in NHRA before, I'll admit that it felt a little like going to my first race. By the end of the race, though, I'd gotten to know the tech and other officials better. It was a two-day event, and then they had a barbecue Friday night... it kinda felt like an IHRA race!

It was my first trip to Atlanta, and I have to say, I loved the track. With the new fiber optic Compulink, the rollout was nice and tight, how I like it, so I was comfortable with the tree right off the bat. I was really happy with the runs I was putting together, but it turned out that I didn't need them. It seemed like everyone I ran had put down good laps too, but then they all missed the tree when they got to me. Elisha Boyd got under his blinder in the finals, and caught a glimpse of the second bulb. He hung onto the button and was late, but he ran dead-on with a zero. Like you hear so many people say-it really was just my day!"

How is 2012 treating you overall up to this point?

"It was a bit of a learning year, as we discovered that we were overpowering the chassis, until we back-halved the car. We still had a few finals early in the season, but it's gotten even better since we made it a big-tire car. Overall, I've been in nine finals so far this year, with five wins. I won the IHRA Div. 2 Super Stock Championship, and qualified for the IHRA Summit Tournament of Champions in Super Stock, as well as in Stock with my buddy Terry Knott's Dart Sport. It's the car that we won the 2003 Stock World Championship with. I'm really looking forward to Memphis."

What are your short and long term goals for the rest of this season?

"There are a lot of really big races coming up, including the NHRA Northern Sportsnationals at Columbus, two $10K races at the Jim Harrington Footbrake Classic, and the IHRA Tournament of Champions. My partner Anthony Walton and I are also promoting a couple of big money bracket events of our own in November, each one a $5K-$20K-$5K race. One is an all-doorslammer box race at Fayetteville, and the other one is the Fall Footbrake Frenzy at Coastal Plains over Thanksgiving weekend."

You've raced since Atlanta; update us on how it went?

"I've recently moved from North Carolina (Seagrove) back to Ohio, so there are some different races on my schedule now. We had a successful weekend at the IHRA Northern Nitro Jam in Martin, Michigan. I had a runner-up in the national event in Stock with Terry Knott's Dart Sport, and then a runner-up in Super Stock with my Volare in the Pro-Am. The following week, I made it to the semis in Modified ET at Quaker City Motorsports Park, a track I used to work at many years ago. Ironically, the move to Ohio made the typical 2-hour drive to Darlington into a 12-hour ride, and I didn't do anything spectacular there, but I did well enough to hold onto the Division championship!"

What's up next and have you started thinking about the 2013 season yet?

"Moving and getting settled into a new place has taken a great deal of time, and made life so busy that I've hardly had time to think about where I'm going from one weekend to the next, but there's a rash of national events and big money bracket races coming up! Next year, I'll utilize the Gold Card to keep up with the IHRA circuit, but I also plan to run a lot more NHRA LODRS and National Events."

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.