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Adam Kekich Victorious at Mercer Raceway Park in 410 Winged Sprint Car Class

1 Aug 2012

Adam Kekich enjoys the winners circle after domination at Mercer Raceway Park in the 410 cubic inch Sprint Car class

A budding star is rising in the world of winged sprint cars. Adam Kekich, a second-generation driver from Hermitage, Pennsylvania, had a statement win two weekends ago at his home track, Mercer Raceway Park, when he drove through the field for a dominant 410 cubic inch Sprints win, the first of his career.

"Driving through the field was pretty cool," the kid they call 'Adam Bomb' said. "It felt like any other race, because no matter what, I show up to the track to win. But to be able to race for the win with guys that I grew up watching win races, was really cool."

Adam Kekich hopes to keep crossing the finish line in 1st for the remainder of 2012 in his number 5 Sprint Car

Adam Kekich hopes to keep waving checkered flags for the remainder of 2012 in his number 5k Sprint Car

"If I had a helmet camera, my face would've been priceless to see when I took the lead. It was an unforgettable feeling."

Kekich is in the middle of one of those 'turning point' seasons, where a driver finally puts it all together and the talent shines through with results. He is sitting sixth in points at Mercer and he has started to run races at other tracks as well, perhaps setting him up for a move into some travelling series down the road.

"We have had our ups and downs (this year) but we keep working to be consistent week in and week out. We have moved around a little this year to help me get seat time at different tracks and to race with the top guys in the All Star series. We went to Fremont Speedway for the two-day All Star show, and by going to that race I learned a lot that helped me out when we came back home to race at local tracks.

"I would have liked to get my first win sooner, but we just started to get the balance of the car to where I can put it anywhere I want to and still be fast."

Many Sprint Car racers, like Adam Kekich, trust K&N products to protect their race cars

With the monkey off his back, Kekich is looking to impress potential owners and move into a United States Auto Club (USAC) ride in the future, a goal for all aspiring open-wheel racers.

"I feel like we are in contention to win more races this year, so I would like for my career to take off from here. I would really like to find the opportunity to find a USAC Midget ride. All I want to do is race as many days as I can, and I feel, if I got the opportunity, Midgets would help develop me as a driver in the open wheel cars."

You would think that getting his first career win would be the highlight of the season for a young racer, but perhaps in a sign of maturity, Kekich also pointed out that his performance at Fremont was a game-changer for his confidence.

"The All Star at Fremont was the first time we were at that track and we went out and qualified twelfth in a very strong forty-car field. That was pretty cool to go out there and run that fast."

Kekich said the race he looks forward to the most from here on out, is "whatever race is next." but ideally the team would like to travel some more, visiting Fremont, the incredibly competitive, Lernerville Speedway, and Attica Raceway Park, but "that is all depending on our budget. We are still looking for some extra help with sponsorship to finish off the year, but I am looking forward to the rest of the season."

"Our goal is to win more races and finish strong every week. Also, we'd like to be a solid car in the rest of the All Star races that we go to. K&N's support has made a world of difference for our program. First, in performance, these 410 engines need lots of air to make horsepower, and with the K&N air box attached it can really breathe.

"Second is in engine life. We race on the dirt, and the dirt is the mortal enemy of any engine, but especially when you are turning 8,000 plus RPM. Not only does our engine last all season, but at tear down each year, the bearing and cylinder walls have no scoring from dirt. It's less expensive to rebuild and there is no loss of power, amazing!"

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.

Eric Holmes Wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race at Evergreen Speedway in Washington

31 Jul 2012

K&N Pro Series racing certainly demands focus and endurance, something Eric Holmes has plenty of

Holmes won the 50th K&N Pro Series West race with Bill McAnally Racing, second only to Jack McCoy with 54, the most in K&N Pro Series West history.

"I didn't know about the 50-win thing until about a month ago and I wanted to be the one to get it. But with the bad luck we had been having I wasn't sure we need the extra pressure," he said. "I'm really happy for the whole team now that we got it. Now it's time to move on and get some more wins down the stretch."

Eric Holmes could not be more excited to pull off a NASCAR Pro Series win at Evergreen Speedway

It was also the 17th career West Series win of Holmes' career. He is tied with two-time West Series champion Bill Sedgwick for eighth most in West Series history.

Holmes, a three-time West Series champion in his own right, won his first race of 2012. He won two K&N Pro Series West races last year, the most recent coming at All American Speedway in Roseville, California, on Oct. 15.

"We've had a lot of bad luck this year but I think we got that changed tonight by getting the No. 20 NAPA Toyota back into Victory Lane,” Holmes said after the race on Saturday night. "The NAPA Toyota was really consistent all night long. The No. 21 car (Michael Self) gave me a great run for the fans and it was a lot of fun. Thank you Evergreen Speedway for having us."

Holmes took the lead in the Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 on lap 131 and led the last 19 laps of the race to take the checkered flag. Michael Self was second, followed by Derek Thorn in third.

Greg Pursley won the pole and led the first 37 laps of the race. Holmes passed Pursley for the lead on lap 38 and held it for the next 44 laps.

Self used lapped traffic to take the lead on lap 83 and was out front for 48 laps before Holmes took back the lead.

Eric Holmes takes the number 20 Napa powered K&N Pro Series race car across the finish line

"His car was fast,” Self said. "At the end of that first segment right there, I didn't think we had a whole lot for him. He beat us by a straightaway. We came in and made some changes. That second segment, we were really, really strong. I'd say we were pretty dead even."

Holmes passed Self on lap 131 and stayed out front through a red-flag caution period on lap 140. John Wood crashed in turn 3 and stopped the race as the track crew cleaned up the mess.

When the race resumed, Holmes stayed out front and won by 0.475 seconds over Self.

Dylan Kwasniewski, the leader in the K&N Pro Series West standings, was seventh. He has a six-point lead over Pursley after nine races.

Pursley, the reigning K&N Pro Series West champion, ended up in sixth place.

Jonathan Gomez was fourth, followed by David Mayhew in fifth. It was Gomez's third top-five finish of the season and Mayhew's sixth top-five.

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.

Bradley Morris Becomes a Fixture on The Podium During LOORS Events

31 Jul 2012

Bradley Morris earned a spot on the podium during rounds five and six of LOORS at Speed World, at Surprise, Arizona.

Bradley Morris began his racing career in 2008, racing trophy Karts. Since his passion came to fruition, the young driver has never looked back. In fact, two years later, he earned the title of 2010 Monster Jam Kart Champion, and continued his successful run during the following year upon being awarded with Rookie of the Year honors on the Limited Buggy class. Bradley Morris made his way to the record books in the Pro-Lite class, as he was the first driver less than sixteen years of age to take a spot on the podium. Although many drivers would be satisfied with the accomplishments Bradley has already experienced early on in his career, there is no indication that he has remotely reached his goals. In fact, Bradley's aspirations are not only of standing on the podium in this particular class, but he is focused on manning the top spot on the podium.

After earning a staggering four trips to the podium during rounds three and four of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORS), Bradley Morris and Team BME Motorsports, rolled into Speed World in Surprise, Arizona, eager to get rounds five and six underway.

The driver had a full weekend ahead of him as he prepared to race in the Pro-Lite Unlimited, Modified Kart, and Limited Buggy classes. "I was a little tentative coming into this race," he recalled, "but once I got on the track, my nerves got confident and ready to race. The track was perfect."

Since beginning his racing career in 2008, Bradley Morris has seen his share of success.

After qualifying second in the Pro-Lite class, Bradley Morris started the race on the second row. When the waving of the green flag deemed the race underway, he wasted no time in his pursuit for the leading position. His charge forward was hindered in the fourth turn when another truck slammed into and caused him to spin out.

Although striving to get back on track, by the time Bradley Morris got all of his ducks back in a row, he was near the back of the pack. Knowing he had a lot of ground to make up, the driver began working his way back toward the front, but a flat tire demanded that he pit for repairs.

Once returning to the track, Bradley Morris had fire in his eyes and the lead on his mind. Working his way through the field at a furious rate, the driver managed to reach the sixth spot, but on the last lap, damaged suspension parts reared their ugly heads and lent to him roll his truck in the corner, and starting a fire. In spite of his string of bad luck, Bradley Morris was still able to finish in the top ten.

"I was surprised I even got a top ten, considering the roll-over at the end," he recalled. "But I was upset because I had worked myself all the way back to the sixth position."

With the first day of the event behind him, Bradley Morris returned to Speed World on the following day with an eagerness to get out on the track and make a showing. Starting in the middle of the field, the driver got a great jump at the waving of the green flag and immediately began working his way toward the front. Avoiding chaos caused by others, and sliding smoothly through the corners, Bradley was sitting in the fifth place spot at the mandatory caution. The remainder of the race prove a heated battle, and at the waving of the checkered flag, he had earned another position on the podium with a third place finish.

"The race on the day prior made me want to drive harder," explained Morris . "I was really fast on the first day, but had the bad luck." Referring to his third place finish on day two, he continued, "The key was to stay patient and drive smart. With a broken left suspension, I had to drive hard but cautious."

In 2011, Bradley Morris earned Rookie of the Year in the limited buggy class.

Bradley Morris also managed to make a showing in the Limited Buggy class during his weekend at the LOORS event. Qualifying fourth on the first day of action, the driver embarked upon a fierce battle during the first half of the race. After a mandatory caution, he took the inside and made a pass for the lead. Although challenged through a portion of the remainder of the race, Bradley eventually pulled away. Never looking back, Bradley Morris crossed the finish line leading all of the other drivers.

"I had to work hard to make sure no one would be able to catch me," he ensured. When asked the key to winning the race, he answered, "To be patient and to be there at the end of the race."

Bradley Morris returned on the following day with aspirations of earning yet another spot on the podium. After racing elbow-to-elbow, with six drivers during a portion of the race, Bradley Morris eventually put his sights on the leader. Although right on his bumper, time ran out and at the race's end Bradley Morris was in second place, earning another spot on the podium.

One obviously has to be a skilled driver to experience the success that Bradley Morris has seen throughout his career, but the driver also understands that maintenance is extremely essential. That in mind, he and his team are strong advocates of using K&N products for their filtering needs.

"I use K&N air and oil filters, their lubricant, and filter cleaner," he explained. "I've been using their products for six years. They are great. They keep my engine running strong, and last a long time."

When asked the key to success throughout the remainder of the season, Morris said. "I have to be patient and consistent. Fans can expect some exciting racing in all three classes and me on the podium multiple times each weekend."

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.

Bill Balog and Team B2 Motorsports Earn A Podium Spot At Beaver Dam

30 Jul 2012

Bill Balog and his team have already earned nine feature wins and are hungry for more.

Having previously raced at the Beaver Dam Raceway earlier in the season, Bill Balog and B2 Motorsports arrived at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin with confidence on their side. Racing in the 410-Winged Sprint Cars class, the driver was prepared to go elbow to elbow with a field of 29 drivers.

"The more appearances any team makes at the same track will help the car setup," explained Balog. "Things like gearing shocks, tires, and wings," he continued. "Also, more laps at the same track help the driver feel comfortable over time."

Bill Balog and team B2 Motorsports are geared up for an exciting and successful season.

Referring to the track conditions on that particular day, Balog said, "Usually, a hot, breezy day will dry the track out and the track will slow down a little bit. But at the same time, more water is usually added to compensate. The trick is reading the track and making sure you know where it’s going before the A-Main event. For example, it helps to know if it will be dry-slick, rough, heavy moisture and so on.

Balog then said, "My favorite track conditions seem to be when the track is a little bit slick. A nine-hundred horsepower sprint car is difficult to "hook up" in these conditions. A lot of finesse is needed, and it puts the driver back in it."

After qualifying fifth quickest, the driver eagerly waited for the second heat race to get underway. Starting in the fifth position, Balog held that spot going into the final lap of the race. Recognizing an opportunity to move into the fourth position, Bill Balog made a slight miscalculation in a turn and tagged the wall.

"I had earned a good qualifying spot," recalled the driver. "It would give us some points toward the championship. The car was definitely in the ball park. After bouncing off of the wall, the car wasn’t as bad as we had thought. It needed some wheels, shocks, a nose wing, and some other bolt-on parts that usually break during an accident.

We put the car together as fast as we could to get out to the B-Main," he continued. "I started in the rear of the field and just tried to stay out of trouble. One more mistake and we would have been done for the night. The car was still messed up from the crash and we needed one more chance to repair it for the A-Main."

After taking it easy for a few laps Balog grew confident in the car, and in turn, began a run toward the front of the pack. In fact, by the race’s end, the driver had managed to move into the second position, crossing the finish line behind Robbie Pribnow.

Starting in the eleventh position on the A-Main, Balog didn’t deter from the same game plan that had just earned him a second place finish in the "B". Once again the driver held his position while checking the car out. Once comfortable that his #17B Sprinter was ready for battle, he began his charge toward the front of the pack.

By lap eighteen of the thirty-lap event, Balog had managed to increase his position by six spots. Now fifth in the field, the driver went straight to work after the caution and managed to gain two more positions before the waving of the checkered flag. Although the night had proved a trough one, Bill Balog and his team managed to cross the finish line in third place.

"I like to win, but after a night like that, I was happy with third," shared the driver. Referring to the importance of his team, he continued, "My team spends a bunch of time in the shop, and we work hard on our race cars every day. They do the motor maintenance, tire work, and everything in between. I definitely couldn’t race without them."

Bill Balog is obviously aware of the importance of proper maintenance. In turn, he is a strong advocate of using the best filters on the market. "We use K&N carbon fiber airbox filters, oil filters, and K&N cleaners," he explained. We’ve been using their products from the beginning, and they work great. K&N has been around for a very long time and have a great reputation. Their oil filters are very strong, and have superior filtering capabilities. Their air filters are very light-weight, which is huge in sprint car racing. They stop the dirt at the filter."

In closing, Bill Balog said, "My favorite thing about sprint car racing is the on-track competition; racing side-by-side with other cars. I also enjoy the raw power of the 410 engine. They are a blast to drive! We just need to keep working and doing what we’re doing," he continued. "We have nine feature wins so far and are hungry for more."

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 Filters Celebrates Colton Haaker's First Win at Las Vegas Opener

30 Jul 2012

Colton Haaker rides the Lucas Oil/K&N Filters sponsored Kawsasaki

Colton Haaker snagged his first AMA EnduroCross win at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas

There's something to be said for starting off on the right foot. So, when the 2012 GEICO AMA EnduroCross championship, presented by Lucas Oil, started this past May in the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, none were more excited than Lucas Oil, Kawasaki, K&N Filters' Colton Haaker. Colton not only snagged his first ever GEICO AMA EnduroCross main event win, taking the top spot on the podium, but did so by leading the pack in every lap of the main event.

Colton Haaker is the jack of all trades with experience in Motocross, Trials, and Edurocross

Colton Haaker rides a K&N equipped Kawasali

Colton was overdue for a win, but is no stranger to podium finishes. He clinched consecutive EnduroX Pro Junior Champion titles for 2009 and 2010. Colton also took the AMA National Trials Expert Championship and Junior EnduroX Champion for 2007. This past May's shutout came after yeas of riding. Colton recalled,"I got started riding when I was 7 years old. Riding was always just a family thing on the weekend. When I was 12, I raced my first race. From there I have taken it to new levels racing nationally and being involved with awesome events like the X Games.

“I raced amateur Motocross events growing up,” Colton continued."My first ever professional race I was actually competing in National Trials. From that day I have been a Pro MX, Trials, Endurocross, and off-road racer.” ' experience riding in a variety of different conditions prepared him for this 2012 GEICO AMA EnduroCross, as the events incorporate a cacophony of elements, ranging between rocks, boulders, logs, sand, mud, water, giant tires and the other racers on the Supercross-style track. Indeed, Endurocross earns the moniker as the "toughest racing on two wheels."

Colton Haaker is the jack of all trades with experience in Motocross, Trials, and Edurocross racing

It was success that caught the eye of K&N Filters. He explained,"K&N does a great job with support at the events I compete in. They felt it was a good match to sponsor my program. They make the only products I wanted to use; easy to clean air filters with half the wear and half as many cleans as a regular filter. Less restricted air flow for maximum air intake for increased power. That's why I'm always getting holeshots!"

Even with his K&N-equipped Kawasaki, Colton's win was no cakewalk, as he fought off Monster Energy Kawasaki's Justin Soule over the laps but never let the fellow Kawasaki rider by. KTM's Taddy Blazusiak came swinging back from a first turn crash, finishing in third. After going undefeated in 2011, Blazusiak's tough day totaled with a couple of crashes in practice and during his heat race, forcing the Champion to the Semi.

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.