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Bobby Santos Gets Pole Position in NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at Thompson Speedway

29 Apr 2010

Bobby Santos was the only driver to win in all three USAC National Series in 2009

Bobby Santos started racing go-karts and quarter midgets before he had even started kindergarten and he has been racing ever since. "Both my grandfather and father drove race cars, and it was my father who got me involved in racing. Racing has always been a very important part of my life, and for as long as I can remember, it has been my goal to make a career in racing," says Santos.

Bobby Santos' racing team is one of the most versatile auto racing teams in the country

Santos Motorsports is a small, family team and Santos' sister also races. "Racing has allowed me to travel around the country and to see places I probably would not have had the opportunity to see otherwise. It has also allowed me to stay very close with my family," says Santos. "We have had success racing against factory-supported teams. We were the only team to win in every USAC pavement division (sprint, midget and silver crown) in the 2009 racing season, racing against Toyota, Ford and other factory-supported teams," says Santos. He has also raced for some other well-known teams and car owners, including Bill Davis Racing, Bob East and Carl Edwards.

Bobby Santos won the Whelan Modified Tour season opener at Thompson Speedway's Icebreaker in CT

At the age of seventeen, Bobby was the youngest driver to ever win an ISMA supermodified event. In 2006, he won the Inaugural "Big One" at Stafford Motor Speedway. "I won the open-competition midget race and then chose to start last in the PRA Big Car race for the opportunity to win $50,000 by winning both events. I ended up winning both events and taking home the $50,000 prize for my team," says Santos. He also won the "Night Before the 500" event at Indianapolis Raceway Park. In 2007, Santos qualified 4th in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at New Hampshire International Speedway and won The World Series in NASCAR Whelan Modified Tour Finale at Thompson Speedway.

In 2009, he was the only driver to win in all three USAC National Series, including winning the Copper World Classic at Phoenix International Raceway.

Bobby is already off to a good start for the 2010 season. "In my first race this year, driving the Mystic Missile Racing v4 modified in NASCAR's Whelan Modified Tour, I won the pole, set a new track record and won the 150 lap feature at Thompson Speedway," says Santos. "My plan for the 2010 season is to race on a full-time basis in the Whelan Modified Tour with the Mystic team. I am very excited about this opportunity, because the Mystic Missile Racing team is a championship team that has won championships in two of the last three years." Santos will also be participating in all USAC pavement races with Carl Edwards/R.E. Technologies Racing. "The 2010 season has been a success so far. I won the Whelan Modified Tour's season opener at Thompson Speedway's Icebreaker in Thompson, CT. I also set a new track record. That track record was a proud accomplishment for me because I consider Thompson Speedway to be my home track. I grew up racing quarter midgets at the small track on the speedway grounds," says Santos.

Bobby Santos' racing team is one of the most versatile auto racing teams in the country. They have won or set poles in numerous styles and sanctions of racing, including USAC (midget, sprint and silver crown), super modified racing (with and without wings), NEMA midgets, NASCAR's modified tour, PRA, ARCA. "While there are plenty of teams that have had great success in any particular sanction, I feel that we are one of the few teams able to win in multiple sanctions across the country," says Santos. Versatility in racing calls for versatile car products. "I choose K&N because they produce the best quality products on the market. I feel that if we want to win races, we need to put only the best quality products in my car. And I love the look of the Carbon K&N Air Filter on my midget."

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.

Cory Kruseman Gets First Win of the Year in USAC Western States Midget Series

29 Apr 2010

With his recent win in the USAC Western States Midget Series Kruseman is now in second place for the championship

At some point you expect the master to always revert to being the pupil, but not just yet for Cory "The Kruser" Kruseman. Kruseman has been racing for 26 years and teaching at his driving school for 11 years, and he's far too focused on winning championships to take a backseat to anyone real soon.

Still the best way to learn how to race is to watch the master churn up a track

Recently Kruseman had a very impressive showing on his home track at Ventura Speedway in Ventura, California; he won a heat race and placed fourth in the main.

"It was a great weekend for us running fourth in the midget and as well as winning the sprint car race that same night," remarked Kruseman.

He followed that up by notching his first USAC Western States Midget Series victory of the year at Bakersfield Speedway in Bakersfield, California. It was an important win for Kruseman, as he has his sights set on winning the 2010 championship. He now finds himself in second place in the point standings.

Kruseman's Sprint Car and Midget Driving School, run at Ventura Speedway, is the official driving school of the United States Auto Club (USAC). "Our Goal at Cory Kruseman's Sprint Car and Midget Driving School is to give the fan, or racecar driver, some safe seat time and instruction in a Sprint Car or Ford Focus Midget," says Kruseman. The course is approximately 80 laps, split up into four sessions of 20 laps, with Kruseman supplying individual hands-on instruction between each session.

There is also a "Semi Advance Course" offered, which mainly focuses on driving lines, braking drills, apex drills and learning how to read the race track. The majority of this course is spent on the track driving.

Kruseman says, "We always use K&N oil and air filters in all of our racing applications - we simply think it is to our advantage to do so."

Asked about his goals for the rest of the year Kruseman says, "We plan on racing for a championship in the USAC Western States Midgets."

Kruseman is a native of Ventura and has already earned such titles as Non-winged World Champion, Chili Bowl Champion, Western States Dirt Track Champion, ESPN Points Series Winner, TQ Midget Fall Nationals Champion, and set numerous records, some of which still stand.

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.

David Glidewell is Doing Well in Pro 4 Standings and Works Toward a Pro 4 Championship

29 Apr 2010

David Glidewell has an 18-point lead in the Pro 4 standings

David and Bryan Glidewell have a healthy sibling rivalry. The brothers have won their share of Pro 4 races at Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino in California.

David Glidewell plans to race at tracks in Idaho and Washington in addition to the Orange Show Speedway

Bryan Glidewell has a Pro 4 championship at the track. David Glidewell has more wins. Both added to their win total, but David Glidewell has the advantage in the Pro 4 standings after two races and is on the right track to matching his brother with a Pro 4 championship.

David Glidewell won the opening night race at Orange Show Speedway last month. He was the runner-up in the most recent Pro 4 race at the track on Saturday night.

He has an 18-point lead in the Pro 4 standings, but winning a Pro 4 championship might be more complicated than finishing the season with the most points.

"Leading the points is a big deal to me because it's hard work," said David Glidewell, whose Chevy Impala is sponsored by Keller Williams Reality Redlands, Susan Hansen, K&N Engineering, Taco Village, Redline Racing Oil, Spy Optic Wear, Anderson Race Engines, Body Systems, Castilo's Crankshaft Specialist, Inc., Photos by Ms. Mary, Fastrack Engineering, Secord Motorsports and Riverside Paint Company.

The Orange Show Speedway is running an abbreviated Pro 4 schedule because of low car counts. David Glidewell won the opening night race in a field of eight cars. He led every lap of the 25-lap race and said his car was mostly perfect.

His brakes went away a little bit at the end of the race, but aside from that his car ran great he said.

"It's finally starting to turn around," David Glidewell said. "We led from start to finish. It was kind of nice. Every part is the best of the best. We went top-notch on the car."

The car count was up a bit for the next race. Ten cars entered the race and made it a little more challenging.

David Glidewell was able to buy a new set of tires for the second race, courtesy of Taco Village, which gave him a little extra money. He bought two right side tires and made some suspension adjustments for the second Pro 4 race of the season.

The adjustments didn't quite work as he and his team planned, but his car was the top qualifier for the race. The suspension and handling were a little off, but good enough for him to finish second.

"That was the first time we were the No. 1 qualifier," David Glidewell said. "The car was working real well."

Bryan Glidewell won the race, but he has some work to do if he wants to get into championship contention. Bryan Glidewell missed the first race of the season.

David Glidewell said he would like to match his brother's championship season. That's his primary goal.

He also wants to take his car on the road and race at tracks out of state. His plans are to visit and race at tracks in Idaho and Washington in addition to racing at the Orange Show Speedway.

The next race for the Pro 4s at Orange Show Speedway is scheduled for May 29.

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.

Turbocharged Volkswagen and Audi Models Become Even Sportier with K&N Air Intake System

29 Apr 2010

K&N Air Intake Installed on 2009 Audi A3 2.0L

Dyno Chart for 69-9504TTK Performance Air Intake

Lately, it seems like everyone is trying to do more with less, even in the automotive industry. Car buyers want vehicles which have lots of power, are reliable, and use as little fuel as possible. Car manufacturers can deliver a big punch from a small engine through the use of a turbocharger. Many Volkswagen and Audi vehicles use turbochargers, which is one reason why these brands of vehicles are among the most popular, fun to drive, and fuel efficient vehicles on the road today.

K&N Air Intake System for 2009 - 2012 Volkswagen Passat, Eos, CC, GTI, and 2008-2013 Audi A3 2.0L

K&N Air Intake System for 2009-2012 Volkswagen Passat, Eos, CC, GTI 2.0L, and 2008-2013 Audi A3 2.0L

K&N has designed an air intake system (part number 69-9504TTK) for 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 Volkswagen Passat, Eos, CC, GTI, and 2008-2013 Audi A3 vehicles equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged gasoline engine. The K&N cold air intake system replaces the vehicle's factory air box and air intake tube with a mandrel-bent aluminum tube and open element cone filter, which work together to eliminate restriction and allow the engine to perform at its full potential.

K&N engineers designed this air intake to be easy to install with common hand tools and photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions. The vehicle's factory air box and filter are replaced with K&N's washable RX-4730XD XStream^® top air filter and a metal heat shield assembly. The heat shield helps to funnel cooler outside air into the RX-4730XD air filter and helps isolate hot engine heat allowing a clean, cool air supply for the turbocharger to inhale. The mandrel-bent intake tube efficiently channels the incoming air flow from the filter to the turbocharger, in a design compatible with all factory emissions equipment and sensors. The RX-4730XD air filter provides outstanding engine protection and it will last for up to 100,000 miles before service is necessary, depending on driving conditions.

Results from testing on K&N's chassis dynamometer shows the 69-9504TTK air intake system provides a 9.1 HP increase at 4853 RPM when tested on a 2009 Audi A3 with a 2.0 liter turbo engine. Increased performance does not have to sacrifice reliability; the K&N 69-9504TTK is backed by K&N's Million Mile Limited Warranty and Consumer Protection Pledge, and is compatible with your vehicle's engine management software so no vehicle modifications are necessary in order to realize this added performance.

The K&N 69-9504TTK will fit the following Volkswagen and Audi vehicles:

2016 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0L L4
2016 VOLKSWAGEN CC 2.0L L4
2015 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0L L4
2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0L L4
2014 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4
2014 VOLKSWAGEN CC 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group EVWXV02.03PA
2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0L L4
2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group DVWXV02.03PA
2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group DADXV02.03PA
2013 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4
2013 VOLKSWAGEN CC 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group DVWXV02.03PA
2013 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group DADXV02.03PA
2012 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0L L4
2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group CVWXV02.03PA
2012 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group CADXV02.03PA
2012 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4
2012 VOLKSWAGEN CC 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group CVWXV02.03PA
2012 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group CADXV02.03PA
2011 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0L L4
2011 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group BADXV02.03PA
2011 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4
2011 VOLKSWAGEN CC 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group BVWXV02.03PA
2011 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group BADXV02.03PA
2010 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0L L4
2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group AVWXV02.03PA
2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group AADXV02.03PA
2010 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group AADXV02.03PA
2010 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4
2010 VOLKSWAGEN CC 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group AVWXV02.03PA
2010 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group AADXV02.03PA
2009 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0L L4
2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L L4
2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group 9ADXV02.03PA
2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group 9ADXV02.03PA
2009 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0L L4
2009 VOLKSWAGEN CC 2.0L L4
2009 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group 9ADXV02.03PA
2008 AUDI A3 2.0L L4 F/I - US, Exc. LEV2 SULEV Test Group 8ADXV02.03PA

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.

GR Motorsports is Committed to Racing and Having Fun

28 Apr 2010

GR Motorsports is a family committed to racing and having fun

GR Motorsports of Cushing Wisconsin was established in 1992 by Bill Gross. As a teenager, Bill became interested in racing. In addition to his involvement in several stock star teams, he also raced snowmobiles and even horses. No surprise then that two of Bill's seven sons, Jason and Jeremy, now race full time.

GR Motorsports was established in 1992 by Bill Gross

In 1992, eldest son Jason began his career racing four cylinder mini stocks. During this time, he won a combined total of 30 races. "After that, I moved up to WISSOTA Modified class where I raced weekly at Rice Lake Speedway," says Jason. "I qualified for 13 of 18 features that year and went on to be named Rookie of the Year." More accolades followed for Jason. In 1999, he won his first feature race at Kopellah Speedway in St. Croix Falls, WI and was runner up in points in 2003.

"I had a record year in 2004, winning Track Champion at Kopellah Speedway for the Modified class with six feature wins," says Jason. "I was ranked 4th in Wisconsin State Points and 18th in National Points out of 550 registered drivers and went on to be named Track Champ at Kopellah for the next two years." In 2008, he enjoyed two feature wins, and came in 4th in NASCAR National Points at Cedar Lake Speedway where he also had ten top 10 feature finishes. 2009 brought two feature wins, and a 5th place finish in the points at Cedar Lake Speedway.

Younger brother Jeremy started his racing career in 2000, running a few races in the pure stock class. Jeremy ran a full season in 2001 and earned himself his very own Rookie of the Year at Kopellah Speedway with ten feature wins, a mid season championship and Track Points Champion in the Pure Stock class. "In 2002, I moved up to run in the Super Stock class, finishing the season with 7th place in track points, and earning another Rookie of the Year title at Kopellah Speedway," says Jeremy. He continued to run the Super Stock class and walked away with one feature win, seven top five finishes, and 3rd in track points at Kopellah Speedway in 2003.

"I decided that I wanted to try running in the modified class, so with the help of my brother Jason, I ran a limited modified schedule at Kopellah and took second in track points that year in the Super Stock," says Jeremy. He went on to win eight heat races, three feature races, 14 top five finishes and a 4th place finish in the Wissota Super Stock Points.

In 2007, Jeremy concentrated on his Modified, garnering eight top five finishes and a 5th place in track points at Cedar Lake Speedway. "I raced in Barberville, FL in 2008 at the Alltel Winter Nationals, where I finished top twenty in points," says Jeremy. "I took 5th in NASCAR National Points at Cedar Lake Speedway where I had ten top 10 finishes." Jeremy took 4th in track points at Cedar Lake Speedway in 2009.

Both brothers have started the 2010 season off with a bang. Jason is currently building a new 2011 Matrix Chassis and Jeremy welcomed his first child in February. "I had a great start to the 2010 season, with a feature win my first night racing at Cedar Lake and a 4th place finish my second night," says Jason. Jeremy started off his season with a top 10 finish, and then wrecked his car the second race of the season. "Hopefully, it will be ready to go for the next race," says Jeremy.

So what about the rest of this talented racing family? Father Bill owns and operates Gross Trucking and he is also the team transporter. Bill's wife Vicki is the team Mom, cook, and biggest fan. Vicki and Bill have seven children, all boys with names that start with the letter J. "Jared is the team machinist and can build anything. Jordan is the fabricator, and if you can dream it, he can make it reality. John and Jamison are the team 'gophers' - they help us with anything and they are in the pits and the stands every night for support. Last, but not least, Justin is the family car salesmen and the team manager," says Jason.

The team at GR Motorsports is a family committed to racing and having fun. "We do our best to promote the sport, as well as the sponsors in the most professional way possible," says team manager Justin. "Our goal for the 2010 season is to race in at least 60 shows at Superior and Cedar Lake speedways, in order to advertise our sponsors at as many tracks as possible. We will do our best to see that we bring home a Track Championship to be in contention for national points," says Justin. "We would not be able to do this without the help of our wonderful partners at K&N and all their great products they provide. Dirt track racing demands the best and K&N delivers."

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.