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Ray Connolly Gains Division Victory in Super Comp at Silver Dollar Raceway

14 Nov 2011

Like Father like Son or like Son like Father, either way you look at it, if your last name is Connolly you've had some great successes in NHRA competition once again during the 2011 season. Ray Connolly recently added another notch to his ever-growing win column when he outdrove anyone who showed up in the opposite lane in Super Comp to take the NHRA Div 2 Wally during the event at Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, Georgia.

Ray Connolly grabs NHRA Div 2 Super Comp Win at Silver Dollar Raceway in Reynolds, Georgia.

After a little rain on Thursday, when teams first arrived at the track, Connolly notes that the weather for the remainder of the race was beautiful. "It stormed pretty good when we first got there, so I was in no hurry to unload. After that, a little chilly at night, but it was really comfortable and sunny for racing during the day."

Ray competed at the event in both his K&N Super Comp dragster and his Super Gas Corvette Roadster that he won a divisional event with earlier this season at Beech Bend. While he didn't make it to another final in the Corvette, he did manage to put a few more rounds under his belt, before bowing out to George Caheely in round three.

This race would be his time to shine in Super Comp, although he wasn't very pleased with some aspects of his driving. "I wasn't very good on the tree," he laughed. "But I was driving the finish line good, so everything seemed to work out. At that track, it's a little touchy at certain times of the say in the way the sun hits the tree. Not to use that as an excuse. When I didn't hit the tree, well neither did the guy in the other lane, so it all worked out well."

"It wasn't pretty," he added of his elimination rounds with a chuckle. "But it all pays the same."

Connolly started off elimination rounds in his borrowed K&N/Dart American dragster [owned by Mark Horton] by sending home Houston, Roberts and Sheldon before meeting up with Duane D'Agostino in round four. As Connolly has pointed out, when he wasn't at his best on the tree, the other guy wasn't either and in this case, D'Agostino went way red, sending Connolly on to match up with Deborah Bogle in the Super Comp quarter finals.

"When I ran Debbie, she was like double-oh and I just completely missed it," he admitted. "I was sixty-three. I went down there [top end] and it was just easy. I mean there was no way I was catching her and I just got out of it and hoped my win light came on. It was just that simple."

Now moving on to the semifinals, next Connolly would face Brad Plourd. "That was a really good race," he pointed out. "It came down to two-thousandths at the finish line. Brad had been on the tree all day. He is always tough."

Connolly might be a little too hard on himself concerning his reaction times during eliminations, since he did use a nice .016 light and a 8.928 to Plourd's .008 ad 8.938 to seal the deal at the stripe by taking only seven inches and safely on his way to the championship round.

For the Super Comp final, he would match up with Frank Altilio, who only took the tree during his bye the previous round and didn't make a pass down the track. Neither driver had a light to write home about, but when it came down to it, they were only separated by one-thousandth of a second and the advantage was Connolly's. The former NHRA Lucas Oil World Champ put together another great driving job at the stripe, taking only inches for a .008 margin, the Super Comp Wally, all while adding more to his points for 2011.

"It was a really fun weekend," he said. "I have run that race from time-to-time and while it was great to win in Super Comp, I had gone there hoping to do well in the other car. I was trying to get a few more points in Super Gas to remain in the top ten nationally. I knew with not doing as well as I had hoped to there in Super Gas, I could easily get bumped out with the races that were left on the west coast."

Still a fantastic NHRA season for Connolly, who currently holds the number eleven spot nationally in Super Gas and number three in his home division standings. Thanks to this recent win, he also sits strongly at number four on the divisional level in Super Comp.

While Connolly's NHRA points season may be completed, he has one more race on his agenda before hanging it up for the year. He plans to return to Georgia to compete in a big money four day bracket race the first weekend of November at South Georgia Motorsports Park.

With 2012 fast approaching, Connolly already has a new American car on the way and is excited about finally being able to add a K&N Composite Scoop to his new ride. "All my cars have used and will continue to use K&N oil and air filters," he said. "Being able to add the K&N carbon fiber scoop to the new car, it's pretty neat. We've heard so much about it and it will be a super addition to the new dragster. We're looking forward to getting some of that instant bolt-on horsepower that others are experiencing with their K&N scoops."

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K&N's Javelin Broderick Wins 2011 B Superbike WERA West Championship

14 Nov 2011

Lining up for his "B" Superstock race Javelin knew he would need to come up large to pull out a championship.

If there were a poster-model search for racing perseverance, self-belief, and relentless drive, 15-year-old Ojai, California roadracer Javelin Broderick would be on the short list. Javelin and his dad, Bernie, went into the last weekend of the Western Eastern Roadracing Association (WERA) competition at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a shot at winning a championship. They weren't leading in any class, but they were close, and if things aligned just so, they might very well head home with a number-plate.

Going into the last race of the 2011 WERA season Javelin Broderick still had a chance of winning two titles, however uncalled-for side-by-side elbowing in the "C" Superstock class prevented him from getting it done according to his dad.

With only three years of roadracing experience under his helmet, the K&N sponsored rider did indeed win the WERA West 750 Superbike Expert title. After a demanding season, Javelin clinched the championship by the slimmest margin with his thrilling victory on the final day of competition. To clarify, the "B" Superstock and Superbike class is essentially the same; however you can move up to 750cc machines. Meaning you are allowed to race up a class in WERA, so Javelin won his championship in a 750cc class, racing on a 600cc motorcycle.

"He didn't start on a bike until he was nine-years-old which is old compared to a lot of the kids he was racing against," explained Bernie to K&N News. "His learning curve was much steeper than most and he had to adapt quickly to both the motocross and roadracing disciplines. He pulled back on the motocross effort after two years and decided to focus his attention to roadracing, starting on a Honda RS125 with an 85cc engine. Those were rough days, as just about everyone on the track was able to run circles around him, but he was very determined and never gave up a fight."

Javelin won the 750 Superbike Expert title riding his new Yamaha R6 and set the fast lap with a 1:18.6. (Photos by Eric Anderson and Alberto Gonzalez)

Javelin was 12 when he first started racing as a novice with WERA, riding a Suzuki SV650 Superstock. "First race of the year he came in dead last, yet by the end of the season he won both the Lightweight Twin Superstock and Superbike novice classes. Exciting for our first year," says Bernie.

"Second year we went expert, still racing the SV650 in Superstock, but added a Suzuki GSXR600 in "C" Superstock (600cc stock class). That year went amazingly well and he clinched the LWT Superstock "Expert" class at the final race in Vegas, and also set the lap record for a Superstock SV650 at that track. We didn't win a championship on the 600, but we were okay with that - it was a learning year. Finally, we went all 600cc this year, racing a pair of Suzuki GSXR600's in both C and B Superstock, and Superbike."

The year started off a little rough for team Broderick, as their Superbike wasn't ready in time, and they had to miss the first Superbike even of the season. But things steadily improved and by mid-season, Javelin hit his stride. "We continued to make up points and actually went into the final event at Las Vegas with a chance to win two championships," said Bernie. "We only ended up taking one away, but that was more than enough for us, as he set his personal best laps around the track, and we learned a huge amount from the year."

For Javelin and Bernie there wasn't any one moment during the 2011 season where they felt comfortable that this might be a benchmark year for them, it was a year where they just kept grinding, and moving forward.

"I don't think either of us thought we were getting a championship this year, as the competition was very high. On top of the riders in WERA, we would regularly have to compete against AMA Pro riders that use WERA events for practice," added Bernie. "Not that WERA riders can't hold their own against them, but it made it very challenging. We learned a lot from these guys though and love having them there. I wish they would white flag their own races though and not take the finish. It screws up the points for racers who are in it all season. If there was any real turning point, I would have to say the R6 was probably it (three-quarters through the season the Superstock was replaced with a Yamaha R6). At that moment, he was pretty determined to put that thing on the box. In 2012 we will be competing on Yamaha R6's in AMA Supersport."

Sixteen is the minimum age for AMA Pro Racing and Javelin turns 16 this November the 8th. "So we are legit to start racing the national AMA circuit next year starting in Daytona. We have formed a brand new team for the effort with Title Sponsor "Dynojet Research out of Las Vegas, and also "Diablo Racing from North Carolina. We are still in the infancy stages of getting the team together for next year, but we know it's going to be a strong effort," continues Bernie.

"I'd like to add that we are very grateful for the help that K&N filters provided for us in 2011. Johnny Jump was instrumental in putting our deal together and he has been great. The products are the unsung soldiers on a sportbike, because you can't really see them. We are working to create ideas for K&N in our 2012 AMA effort to change that!"

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K&N Supported Team LeDuc Racing Scorches Speedworld in LOORS

14 Nov 2011

Kyle currently sits in third place in the LOORS series, with Todd behind him in fourth and Curt holding on to the number eight spot.

During their last visit to Speedworld in Wittmann, Arizona, K&N sponsored team LeDuc Racing was literally and figuratively on fire. Kyle LeDuc won both rounds 11 and 12 of the 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORS), Todd eked out a hard fought third place, and patriarch Curt's truck caught flames. With only two laps to go, Curt's Ford caught fire in front of the grandstands, ending his day. The fire brought out the red flag which allowed Todd to be the benefactor of the bunched up field. Todd managed to pick off all but the top two trucks in the final laps to land himself on the podium next to his younger brother, racking up even more hardware for the ROCKSTAR Energy Drink / Makita Tools team. Kyle's back-to-back victories give him a huge bump in the overall points standing as he makes a push towards the series championship with three races remaining.

Kyle LeDuc endured triple-digit heat on his way to winning both round 11 and 12 in the 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series at Speedworld.

"Not many teams run multiple trucks; much less have two on the podium in the same race. It was great to get both Rockstar Energy Drink/Makita Tools Fords up there, the only thing left for us to do this year is to sweep the podium with all three LeDucs," Curt LeDuc told K&N News "Few things make you prouder as a father than to share the podium with your sons, but seeing my two boys up there together, and knowing how much time and preparation it took them at the shop before the race to claim those trophies, are memories and accomplishments that will never be replaced."

Curt wasn't injured as it was only grease from a hub that caught fire when the brakes got hot. "The fire did bring out the red flag though, and that helped Todd catch up to the field and get on to the podium, so there was a silver lining," added Curt.

"With only three rounds of racing left there a lot of concerns, but getting clean air isn't one of them thanks to our K&N air filters," commented Kyle.

A dark shadow hangs over team LeDuc and the entire field of competitors in the 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, as they lost two of its brightest stars, brothers Rick and Jeff Huseman, in a tragic plane crash on October 16.

"We definitely feel a void on the course since we lost our Pro-4 friend and racer, Rick, and his brother Jeff," commented Kyle, "It was always Rick and me going at it, and battling it out on the track, but once we were out of our trucks and in the pits, we would do anything for each other." Curt echoed the sentiments of his son, "The entire LeDuc family has a heavy heart over this loss, I hope we can go out and claim the victory and make him proud in Vegas. We will be dedicating our race to his memory."

Heading into the Vegas race, Kyle is third in championship points behind series leader, Carl Renezeder, and Rick Huseman holds the number two spot. "I really wish I had the opportunity to see how the rest of this year would have played out. Unfortunately, Rick and his brother were taken from us too early and we will never know how the season would have finished," remarked Kyle. Todd is currently positioned right behind his younger brother and Curt is sitting in eighth place. With three racing remaining, there isn't much time left to lock up the championship, but the LeDucs have illustrated in the past that they do their best work under pressure. Kyle won the Rockstar Energy Lucas Oil Off Road Challenge Cup at the end of 2010, taking home the $30,000 paycheck, and he's clearly motivated on repeating in Phoenix on December 11th.

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Josh Hodges Scores Big ASCS Southwest Series Victory at USA Raceway

14 Nov 2011

The win in Tucson marked the 16-year-old racers third career ASCS Regional win. Pictured next to Hodges is Troy Brubaker; he occasionally helps out when the team races in Tucson.

An uncharacteristically hard dessert downpour held up racing action for twenty-minutes or more at USA Raceway in Tucson, Arizona. When it was over as fast as it began, the 3/8-mile track had a good top and bottom groove, with a slick black streak through the middle, which lent to some good hard racing.

The rain washed USA Raceway track suited Josh Hodges just fine, as he worked from his sixth place start to victory.

No one was feeling it any better that night than 16-year-old Tijeras, New Mexico driver Josh Hodges. The K&N sponsored driver was able to work his way up from sixth place to ink his first American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) feature win of the year by topping Saturday night's 25-lap Sunoco Fuel ASCS Southwest feature event. This marks the young racers third career ASCS Regional win, driving the Wesmar-powered Hodges Automotive/Napa Auto Parts/Benic Enterprises No. 74x Maxim.

"It was great to get the win in Tucson! USA Raceway is definitely the track that I have the most experience at and I'm really comfortable there, probably more than anywhere else," Hodges told K&N News. "We finally got back to the basics a little bit after trying some new things at the end of last year, and the beginning of this year, and it really showed on the track. I had a lot more confidence, and the car was really good. I have to thank Brad Benic at Momentum Racing Suspensions and Wayne Priddy for helping get our wing program turned around here lately."

Overall Hodges now has four race wins for the 2011 season, the other three wins all coming in his non-wing car competing with the New Mexico Motor Racing Association (NMMRA). Two wins were at Aztec Speedway and the other at the Sandia Dirt Track in Albuquerque.

"Both times in Aztec we had a pretty good car but I could have been better," said Hodges "and the one at Sandia ended up being a survival sort of race. All of them were on slick, dusty tracks, and we honestly could have been better in any one of them, but luck was on our side in all of them. This past win in Tucson was definitely our strongest and most dominant win of the year."

Hodges says that although the season has had its ups and downs, he and the entire Hodges Motorsport team agree they are on an upswing, and getting back to basics has been the key. "I feel we've been more consistent, and at times better, in the non-wing car this year, but we've also showed some strength in the wing car at times. I think the biggest thing for these last couple of weekends will be putting everything together, and focusing on my driving more than anything. Our cars are good and have speed, but now I need to work on myself behind the wheel a bit."

The only sprint car races remaining on the schedule this year for Hodges Motorsport are the ASCS National shows in Las Cruces, New Mexico (wing, Nov. 11-12) and Tucson, Arizona (Western World, wing and non-wing, Nov. 17-19). "I am really excited for Western World, because we can really test ourselves at our best in Tucson in both the wing and non-wing car," adds Hodges. "I will also be driving for Mike and Kenny Brewer in this year's Tulsa Shootout on New Year's weekend in a wing and non-wing mini sprint. I am also really excited for that, and I appreciate the Brewers giving me an opportunity to drive one of their cars."

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Jason Johnson and JJR Puts I-30 Behind Them and Focuses on Remainder of the Season

14 Nov 2011

Jason Johnson is looking forward to competing in his last four schedued races of the 2011 season. (photo By Corbet Deary)

Jason Johnson and the Jason Johnson Racing (JJR) Team recently rolled into Little Rock, Arkansas to compete in the Lucas Oil ASCS Short Track Nationals. After a rain delay midway into the first night, Johnson and his crew returned the next day prepared to compete with 100 of the best drivers in the country for one of the twenty spots in the championship race.

Jason Johnson Recently finished in twelfth place in the USCS Lucas Oil Short Track Nationals at I-30Sppedway in Little Rock, Arkansas.(photo by Corbet Deary)

Starting second in his heat, Johnson held his own and finished behind the first place driver. Lining up third in the qualifier round, Jason ended the run in fourth, and was still not guaranteed a spot in the finale.

Starting on the outside of the first row in the "B" Main, Johnson took the checkered flag and was advanced into the "A" Main. Beginning the race toward the back of the pack, the driver worked his way forward throughout the twenty-five lap event and was in seventh place upon crossing the finish line, finally earning a guaranteed spot in the Short Track Championship.

Lining up nineteenth in the 40-lap event, Jason Johnson began strategically working his way around the one-quarter-mile dirt oval track. Although passing on the track was not an easy task, Johnson began overtaking one driver at a time, and by the race's end had managed to move forward seven spots, placing twelfth.

When asked what would have been the key to success on the final night of the event, Jason Johnson said, "position is everything. We didn't leave a very good road last night, and it made for a long night tonight. We're lucky we came from ninth to seventh in the "B", because there wasn't very much passing going on," he continued. "In the "A" we actually did pretty good, until we broke a shock mount and limped to the checkered."

Referring to I-30 Speedway, the driver said, "I like the place. I've been here before and had a lot of success and have also had some chokes here. All in all, it's generally a pretty good racy track. They had 100 cars here tonight, and I think they did a great job."

When asked about the remainder of the season Johnson said, "we have four national races left, two out in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and the final two in Tucson, Arizona. JJR is leading the car owner's side of the points race, and we hope to cap it off with an owner's championship."

When asked the key to success throughout the remainder of the season, Johnson said, "I think consistency. We need to have some good draws and get through the heat races and get ourselves in the right position and capitalize on it. We've previously raced well at Las Cruces and Tucson and are excited to get out there."

When asked about the importance of his crew, Johnson said, "They're very important, it's good to have good communication, and guys who believe in you, keep you motivated and enjoy being part of the organization. I'm surrounded by a great group of guys right now, and we're having a lot of fun. That's the key to success."

Jason Johnson and the Jason Johnson Racing team are strong advocates of proper maintenance and the driver has been depending upon K&N products throughout his career. Anytime you can get the most elite product to be a part of your organization, it's always an honor. It's a privilege to have great products keeping our motors clean and keeping us up front."

Referring to his fans, Jason Johnson said, "We appreciate all of the fan support across the country. We travel from one side to the other, and even down in Australia. We have great support, and with the social networking of today it keeps us in touch. It's amazing how much support we have."

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.