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National Champion Pro-lite Off Road Racer Marty Hart

7 Mar 2011

"Winning championships never gets old, each one you earn just gets sweeter" and that is exactly what Marty Hart does in his Pro-lite Off Road Racing Truck, win championships. Hart has been doing so for about 20 years. He told us "I started in motorcross, went to ATV racing because I love dirt, if it throws dirt I will ride it or drive it." From 1983 to 1988 Hart was an American Honda Factory ATV Rider.

Pro-lite Off Road Racing Driver Marty Hart

Hart has done well over the years and made a name for himself in the off-road world.

Marty Hart and his Pro-lite Off Road Racing Truck

His wins, awards and championships include; 1984 Score Baja 1000 Overall, 250cc ATV Class, and first 3-Wheel team to beat all vehicles, 1984, 1985 and 1986 AATVA Grand National Championship 4-Wheelers, 1990 Score Off-Road Series Class 5 Championship, 2005 ESPN Great Outdoor Games - Gold Medal Winner Terracross Event, 2005 Rookie of the Year - W.E. Rock, 2007 Rookie of the Year - WSORR Pro-lite, 2008 CORR Pro-lite Championship, 2009 2nd TORC Pro-lite and most recently 2010 Lucas Oil Offroad Series-Prolite Championship winner. Marty Hart's latest victory, the 2010 series championship, was won in his 2010, Keith Stamper-built Prolite truck.

Hart attributes his success to thorough car prep, strong team support and DESIRE. Speaking of team support, besides man and machine, Marty gets help from his crew Jason, Will, Mike & Dan. He also gets a lot of his support from his wife, Sharon. Wins like Marty's can't happen without great sponsors as well. Some of Hart's sponsors include Maxxis, Redilift, K&N, ProAm, Kolpin, Lucas Oil, Fiberworks, Fox and Simpson. Hart tell us "My K&N filters help improve engine life in a class that is brutal on engines. I have used K & N throughout my racing career and have never used any of their competitors. K & N helps me race at my best and that's the way it's going to stay."

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K&N Team Green Rider Wins the Team Green - 2010 Rider of the Year Award

4 Mar 2011

Wise before his years, Trevor says he didn't win the Rider of the Year award, his entire family did.

"I was given the award," said 13-year-old Trevor Pearson, "But my family won it. I didn't win it. We did."

13-year-old Trevor Pearson is the reigning Team Green - 2010 Rider of the Year.

Trevor is an eighth grader at George Elliot Secondary School, and it when it comes to life, or racing fundamentals, he's way ahead of the learning curve. As a member of K&N's Team Green Riders, he clinched the "Team Green - 2010 Rider of the Year Award."

2010 was the first year for Canadian Kawasaki's "Team Green - Rider Support Program," a program were riders signed up through their local dealerships and then reported their race results directly through a Team Green website. The rider of the year award was then given to the top Kawasaki rider in Canada, regardless of discipline, meaning it includes all sanctioning bodies of motocross, cross-country, Enduros, and so on. The winner is based on an overall point total for the entire year, which thereby implies a torrid level of racing consistency and perseverance.

Trevor's dad says that one of the mitigating factors for his son's success this year is that he simply loves to race.

"I think that Trevor's success can be attributed to a couple of mitigating factors. First of all, though maybe not the most important, he truly loves to race," remarked Chris Pearson, Trevor's dad.

Not only is the award a huge source of pride for Chris and the entire family, but it also upped Chris' "cool" quotient several notches at work, as Chris is District Manager, Canadian Kawasaki Inc.

"He enjoys the competition and the challenge of riding against top caliber riders. Although I don't believe that this in particular is what gave him the drive to finish the season with the results he did, I do believe that it is what kept him going when exhaustion and disappointment would have stopped others."

Chris explains that the real key to Trevor's continuing success is the relationship he shares with his brother, as well as the respect and admiration that he has for his mother's courage dealing with her own challenges. Trevor's mom was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of Multiple Sclerosis, yet her unwavering focus has steadfastly remained on the family.

"Trevor's focus was never in winning the "Team Green - Rider of the Year", it was simply to get better and spend as much time with the family as possible - until we couldn't."

"Witnessing firsthand the courage and determination of both his mom and brother as they struggled through rehabilitation, put his own challenges in perspective," adds Chris. (Justin, Trevor's brother, had a horrendous crash and broke his leg in six places halfway through last season.) "During that time, we focused on the positive things in our life - the fact that we could travel together, work together, and ultimately 'win' together - it gave each of us the opportunity to celebrate and remain positive, despite some of the other circumstances that we were facing. As a father looking in, I believe that this is what drove Trevor, his brother, and our family, to succeed."

Chris says his own clear perception of being a father was passed along from his dad, a great role model. And although his own father was always the definitive "father figure," he also continues to be one of Chris' closest friends.

"I have tried to emulate him as a father myself, and in doing so, have tried to teach my kids three things."

"Faith - that though things don't always work out the way we want, we trust that they'll work out the way that they should."

"Perseverance - it's not the results that define us, but rather the choices we made on our journey to get there."

"And respect - which is difficult to earn, easy to lose, and owed to those around us."

Chris has now prolifically passed on these essential values to his own family, continuing with the straightforward aphorism that a building a better world begins at home.

"Trevor has a great balance right now," continues Chris. "He is an Honor Roll student, and accomplished musician, and enjoys playing a number of different sports. Motocross is most definitely his favorite, and while I think that it's important to let it run its course, I also believe that racing must remain 'fun.' For 2011, Trevor will race both the Vancouver Mainland and Vancouver Island race series. In addition, Trevor would also like to run into Washington State and race against some different riders, as well as participating in the Western Canadian Amateur Championships in Raymond, Alberta."

Both Trevor and Justin will be working with CnC Crash Co. /BC Team Green Race Team for 2011. "In addition to racing at the above mentioned events, there will also be a strong 'non-profit' component to their 2011 efforts," adds Chris. "Last year, we helped organize the Kelowna and Victoria MX 'Ride for the Cure,' supporting Breast Cancer Research in British Columbia. We also coordinated the first ever 'Dry Grad Freestyle Show.' These events brought positive exposure to the Motocross community while also raising much need funds for two incredibly important causes."

"We realize the importance of having sponsors, and how their involvement makes it possible to participate in a far greater amount of events than you could as a privateer. While race results are important, the boys realize their responsibility to build exposure for their sponsor's products. Last year, we started making videos of the events that we participated in. This gave us the ability to keep our corporate partners updated on our progress, showcase our results, as well as acknowledge our sponsors involvement on a more global level. My daughter, Reanne, has taken an active role in this, and can be seen clicking pictures and video at the races, which can be viewed on YouTube under BCTeamGreen.

"Thank you to Johnny Jump and the staff at K&N for believing in us, and helping out all year long. You made it possible for us to achieve our goals."

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.

Lamb Motorsports - Three Wins, Three Classes, in Three Separate Cars, in Eight Days

2 Mar 2011

Lamb says his new Racetech Race Cars dragster is one of the most consistent race cars he has ever owned or raced.

"What a great way to start the season," declared 23-year-old Justin Lamb after branding his mark on 2011 in his very first race. The K&N sponsored driver took a double victory at the NHRA Division 7 National Open at his home track, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. But that was so eight days ago, as Lamb followed that up with another win in the Competition Eliminator Category at the Lucas Oil Division 7 race in Chandler, Arizona. Let's count together shall we, that's his third Wally in three different classes in three different race cars. He also qualified number one with his updated Madcap engine.

The 2010 Cobra Jet Ford Mustang was a winner for Justin Lamb in his very first race of the season.

"We've worked real hard all winter to make all of these cars fast and competitive. It's nice to see it begin to pay dividends so quickly," remarked Lamb. Just like any off season we rebuilt all of the Lamb Motor Sports from front to rear. We rebuild all of the engines and update all of their components, as well as rebuild all of the working parts of the race cars."

This is a key aspect to their racing program explained Lamb, as it helps to prevent superfluous mechanical failures at the drag race, especially during pivotal races.

The K&N sponsored Lamb said he immediately felt comfortable in the new Mustang.

"As well as working on all of our current cars, we also received a 2010 Cobra Jet Ford Mustang to race in super stock. We spent a lot of time getting that ready to race and making it a better race car then it is from the factory. That is one of the cars we won with in the first race. The car worked great right out of the box, and I felt very comfortable and was able to drive it very well. I also won in my new Racetech Race Cars dragster which just works incredible. It is one of the most consistent race cars I have ever owned or raced."

The new Mustang came about when Rodger Comstock purchased the car and asked Lamb Motorsports for some help setting it up to be race worthy.

"He wanted me to help make it a great race car and also wanted me to try and win in it at a few races," added Lamb. "He felt it would be good for his company, Mail Terminal Services, to get some great exposure, and he was very excited to have a huge success right away."

From Lamb's perspective, all three classes were equally as tough to win. "Winning in the Mustang was a much bigger deal to the sponsors and to my father and Rodger, but for me, winning in my dragster was very important. The last few times I raced my dragster I did not drive it as well as I had hoped, and to go out and win in it really helped me build confidence in myself and in that car again."

Lamb says that for 2011 his goals remain the same as they do every year. "My goal is to win as many national events as possible and to try and make some big prize money. I do not currently have much interest in chasing points, but if I end up with a few race wins in a particular class, I am sure that view will change."

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.

Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Team Tyree Motorsports

1 Mar 2011

Tyree Motorsports' Off Road Truck

Jimmie Johnson. Robby Gordon. Walker Evans. Brendan Gaughan. Those are just a few of the drivers who used off-road racing as a springboard to careers in NASCAR and Indy Cars. Nick Tyree wants next.

Nick Tyree and his Pro 2 Unlimited Truck

The El Cajon native is coming off a solid showing in his freshman season racing Pro 2 Unlimited trucks in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. Tyree overcame a sharp learning curve to post solid finishes week in and week out. He was rewarded with a 13th place points finish in a series that saw more than 30 drivers compete for championship points.

"I was introduced to the Lucas Oil Series by a friend at the end of 2009," said the former karting and motorcycle racer. "Last season was all about learning for us as a team. It would be hard to pinpoint one specific thing that we learned, because there was constantly an opportunity to learn. I think the value of humility, sportsmanship, and teamwork were front and center for Tyree Motorsports in 2010. We learned how to troubleshoot technical problems and performance issues with help from some of the legends of the sport. That really improved our team."

Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Driver Nick Tyree

Tyree is looking forward to 2011, and a chance to stick his name into the discussion for most improved driver. He also wants a win, and he possesses a rare quality that the greats usually have; the ability to be self critical. "I am a perfectionist. I need perfection and I don't stop when I get it. Even when I drive a good race I am constantly looking for more ways to improve. I have a standard of excellence that I hold myself to both on and off the track."

Nick and his father Curtis founded the team in 2010 on the premise of bringing their family closer, and so far it's succeeding. "Tyree Motorsports would not exist without the support of our entire family. All of my crew members are friend and family, and they all have full time jobs to keep up with. Yet they all take time out of their lives to come work in the shop at night. That's what keeps this team going."

On that topic, Tyree says life would be a little less stressful heading into 2011 if more sponsorship could be secured. "The less I have to worry about funding, the more I can focus on our main goal; winning races. I want to focus on my skills as much as possible to ensure a successful season."

K&N bought in to Tyree Motorsports core values and entered into a relationship with the team for the 2010 season. Tyree is even more excited about the relationship heading into his sophomore campaign.

"Everyone knows K&N is a reputable company with a high standard for quality products. That's why we are proud to use K&N products at Tyree Motorsports. I am looking forward to establishing a long running relationship with K&N as Tyree Motorsports continues to evolve into a winning program."

And who knows, maybe a legend will be born as well.

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.

Erica Enders Blasts Her Way to Number One NHRA Pro Stock Qualifier at Pomona

1 Mar 2011

Erica Enders in the Cagnazzi powered Chevy Cobalt

With weather plagued and shortened qualifying sessions for the 2011 NHRA season opener, one could say that Mother Nature actually might have shown who her favorite was during Pro Stock qualifying for the 51st annual Kragen O'Reilly NHRA Winternationals.

NHRA Pro Stock Driver Erica Enders

New Orleans based Erica Enders, who has been a crowd favorite throughout her pro career, returned to her Pro Stock roots for 2011 by rejoining forces with Cagnazzi Racing, a team she has worked on and off with since debuting in the class in 2005.

During the opening session of Pro Stock qualifying one Friday, Enders and her Cagnazzi powered Chevy Cobalt laid down her career best ET and MPH when she posted a 6.553 at 211.69, placing her team at the top and setting the pace for the rest of the field.

That would be the only session of Pro Stock qualifying on Friday with the second scheduled sessions scrapped due to persistent weather delays.

Saturday's plan was to get two more professional sessions in the books, but this time it wasn't just rain that delayed the on track activities, it was a down-pouring of hail during the midmorning hours. With the tight curfew at the Pomona facility, Pro Stock competitors were only afforded one more hit.

During the one and only session on Saturday, Enders dodged a bullet after 2010 K&N Horsepower Challenge Champion Greg Anderson came very close to knocking her off the pole with his 6.556 pass.

Not only is qualifying position important for race day ladder placement and championship points, but even more crucial for the NHRA Pro Stock drivers as they vie for a shot at the 2011 K&N Horsepower Challenge.

An elite field of eight Pro Stock teams, comprised of the top seven Pro Stock qualifiers and the eighth position filled by fan vote, compete for the biggest single payday in all of Pro Stock and the $50,000 Championship bonus awarded to the winner when the showdown takes place in June.

Enders, whose last number one national event qualifier came in 2006, is seeking to make it into the K&N Horsepower Challenge for the second time. She nearly made it in the number eight fan voted position for the 2010 shootout, but was edged out by "The Professor" Warren Johnson.

With only eight events between now and the final event in Bristol for teams to earn K&N Challenge points, for Enders to make her way into the top seven, it will take a whole lot of top if not number one qualifying.

Nonetheless, Enders showed that "ladies are first", grabbing the first Pro Stock pole of the infant season and if nothing else, give a good shake to the standings in the 2011 K&N Horsepower Challenge.

The K&N Horsepower Challenge is not just for the Pro Stock competitors as it also includes a shot at one of eight trips to the 2011 K&N Horsepower Challenge event with the K&N Horsepower Sweepstakes. The grand prize winner will drive away in a 2011 Ford Explorer XLT! For complete sweepstakes rules and information plus online entry form, visit today!

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.