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K&N Sponsored Vicki Golden Strikes Gold at 2011 X Games 17 at the Staples Center

26.08.2011

Golden flew over the massive 65-foot ramp-to-dirt jump with style, throwing her bike sideways with a fist in the air as she flew past the checkered flag.

In the last line of the first story K&N Race News did with Vicki Golden, she is quoted saying "I also really want to win an X Games gold medal this summer in Women's Super X." This time around we get to start by asking her if winning the X Games Gold feels as good, or better, than she imagined it would.

Vicki Golden dominated the Women's Motocross event at X Games 17 only two days after celebrating her 19th birthday.

"It definitely feels great and it means the world to me. It was such a major win for me. Winning X Games has taught me how important it is to be mentally prepared and it has proved to me how much that can boost my performance!"

And what a performance it was, Golden, who celebrated her 19th birthday only two days prior to the X Games, extended the party by flat-out dominating the Women's Motocross event at the 2011 X Games 17, held at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, California. With over 11,000 passionate fans cheering her on, the K&N sponsored rider put together a perfect showing, posting the fastest qualifying time, getting the hole-shot and winning her heat race, and then leading wire-to-wire for the win in the main event.

Golden credits her recent professional Arenacross experience, racing in the Women's Motocross (WMX) Championship, as well as training on the Kawasaki Supercross track, for helping her be ready for the single biggest Women's Motocross event of the year.

The K&N sponsored rider grabbed hole-shot and won her heat race, and then she lead wire-to-wire for the win in the main event.

"Thankfully Kawasaki let me onto their Supercross test track," said Golden. "That played a big part since there were no other Supercross tracks to ride on. It was just another great way that they supported me this year. Sean Hamblin also came out and spent almost every day with me at the track. I feel my riding and my mentality has improved since I've been working with him so I can't thank Sean enough. It helped having a good team. Even though I am a privateer this year, I think things came together with my MotoUSA.com/Langston Motorsports Kawasaki ride by X Games too."

Winning the X Games gold means the world to her said Golden.

With her focus being on winning the gold, we wondered how things were going with the WMX series. "The WMX series hasn't been going exactly as planned. I started the season off with not finishing my second moto in the first round, so that set me back in points. I've caught up to fifth in the points, and I'm only seven points behind fourth, so I really want to reclaim my No. 4 for the year. I have had several fourth place finishes, and a third place in moto one at Lakewood (Colorado). We have three rounds left; I want to put in the results that I know I'm capable of. I'm working hard to be on the podium."

"After I finish the rest of the WMX series I really want to go back to AMA Pro Arenacross and pick up where I left off with that. It starts in October. I hope to race the West races again, and continue to earn points for my Pro license. Also, last year I had the opportunity to go to the Supercross in Geneva, Switzerland and I would love to go back there and race again. So I am pretty much going to focus on indoors again after the season.

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Mark Bitner Takes Checkered Flag in Big Kahuna Series

26.08.2011

Mark Bitner wins 360 class at New Egypt Speedway in New Jersey

Mark Bitner and Team Twister Motorsports recently rolled into New Egypt, New Jersey with anticipation of testing their skills against fellow wingless sprint car drivers in the Big Kahuna Series at the New Egypt Speedway. Recalling how well the car had performed during their most previous race, the crew quickly made the needed adjustments as soon as it rolled out of the trailer. That said, their confidence level was high.

Mark Bitner's #15 410 Winged Sprint Car

Driving in the 360 class, Bitner started fourth in the heat race. After the waving of the green flag, the driver wasted no time taking the lead, and in fact, had muscled his way to the front position prior to the end of the first lap. Once taking the lead, Bitner was not challenged and took the checkered flag with time to spare.

With the heat race behind him, Mark Bitner lined up third in the feature, with even more confidence on his side. When the race was deemed underway, the driver once again took an early lead. Nearing the end of the final lap, Bitner was ahead of the second place driver by one-half the distance of the track and when the dust had settled had easily taken the checkered flag. Referring to his confidence level going into the feature, the driver said, "After the run in the heat, we were confident, and even though Joe Biasi was fast, he couldn't catch me. I wasn't challenged during the race, but Joe Biasi had a good run. If we'd had a caution, it would have been good."

When asked how his car had been running thus far in the season, Bitner explained, "The car has been running well. It's just that we haven't really concentrated on one division or track. We have been running URC 360 and running up front. We ran with the USAC Series for six races and finished 8th and 5th in two races. Running third in another race, we ran out of fuel. We ran 410 winged for a couple of races," he continued. "Which in Pennsylvania is like running with the outlaws. We are getting faster every week with that car." According to Mark Bitner, he and his team also have a street stock car that they run for pleasure. In fact, one of the crew members drives that particular car.

When asked the key to continued success throughout the remainder of the season, Bitner said, "Keep good preparation in the shop and concentrate on set-ups." Referring to his team he stressed, "My team is key. With this many cars running at different places every week, you need a top of the line crew. Dedication is what they're all about. I could not do it without them."

Understanding the importance of preventive maintenance, Mark Bitner and his crew stay on top of keeping their race cars in optimal running conditions. Referring to keeping the internal parts of the engines clean and well lubed, the driver said, "We use all of the K&N products available on the race car and the hauler. We also sell their products at our shop. I've been using K&N products my entire racing career (22 years), in a lot of different divisions. They're the best out there, period."

When asked to share his thoughts about their hopes for the remainder of the 2011 season, Bitner said, "We're confident. We've got a good roll going and are looking to pick up some more wins." Referring to his most anticipated upcoming events, the driver continued, "We're looking forward to Thunder on the Hill, a URC race at Grandview Speedway at Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania. We have won it a couple of times before."

In closing, Mark Bitner said, "I would just like to thank K&N for the many years of support. That means a lot to a local racer like me. Also, thanks to the sponsors, Bitner Automotive, Haines Towing, John Benko, Pensoil, Fuel Clothing, Simpson, Keizer Wheels, Auto Meter, Manly, Wilwood, Total Seal Rings, Powtech, Rico's Autobody, Rusty Star Ranch, Diamond Pistons, and Wings Unlimited. And thanks to my crew. They are the best!

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.

Ten Year Old Hailie Deegan Shines at Glen Helen Raceway with Two Podium Finishes

26.08.2011

Hailie Deegan acquired a passion for off-road trucks at a very young age. Photo by Metal Mulisha.

Watching her father racing off-road trucks, Hailie Deegan acquired a passion for the sport at a very young age. That in mind, her family probably wasn't too surprised when she grew excited upon learning that there was also a classification for kids. Of course, Hailie wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and at the age of nine, found herself manning a Kart capable of running as fast as 49 miles per hour with the checkered flag in her sights.

10-year-old Hailie Deegan in her #438 off road trophy kart. Photo by Metal Mulisha

Of course there was a learning curve to be followed, and that Hailie did. Returning in 2011 for her second season of racing, the ten-year-old is now navigating the track with experience under her belt. In turn, Hailie "Dirt Princess" Deegan recently earned positions on the podium twice during rounds nine and ten of The Lucas Off Road Racing Series, held at the Glen Helen Raceway, at Devore California.

During the qualifying rounds Hailie prepared to take on eighteen other drivers in front of thousands of spectators and finished in the fifth place position. When asked how she felt about her qualifying finish, Deegan said, "Good, but I know I could do better. I just placed second and third in the last race."

Lining up in the fifth position at the beginning of the main event on the following day, and immediately behind the #474 kart, driven by Maxwell Ries, Deegan recognized and capitalized on the opportunity to pass the driver in the fifth lap. When the waving of the checkered flag deemed the race over, Hailie "Dirt Princess" Deegan had earn a third place finish, and her first visit to the podium in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

Hailie "Dirt Princess" Deegan recently earned positions on the podium twice during rounds nine and ten of The Lucas Off Road Racing Series. Photo by Metal Mulisha.

Stressing that taking third place was a confidence booster, which would follow her into the upcoming race on the following day, the young driver said, "I know I can do it! The top ten kids were all within a hundredth of a second if each other."

With the luxury of having even a better starting position in the main event on the following day, the 10-year-old, Deegan worked her way through the maze of drivers in short order, and passed Paige Porter's #462 kart, putting her in second place. Although she fought a very hard fight, Deegan never managed to pass Myles Cheek, the 1st place driver. That said, the race was still considered a success as the "Dirt Princess" once again found herself on the podium. When asked the key to her success at this particular event, Deegan explained, "Lots of hard work and practice."

Regardless of size, and horsepower, the key to keeping an engine that experiences the rigors of racing in top running condition is proper maintenance. This is a tidbit of information of which Hailie's mechanic, Craig Koback, is acutely aware. That said, the young driver's kart is equipped with a K&N air filter, which has been a staple since the beginning of her racing career. When asked their opinion of K&N products, the answer was quick and to the point, "They're awesome."

When asked how Hailie acquired her nickname of "Dirt Princess", her parents explained, "She has always been our little princess, and she loves to be in the dirt." When asked her strong point as a driver, they continued, "Her drive to win."

Hailie Deegan has full intentions of continuing her racing career and in fact has plans to eventually pursue NASCAR. That said, the youngster understands that she must presently focus on the kart she is driving now, and is confident in what it will take to continue experiencing success. When asked the key to outperforming her competitors, she answered with wisdom, "Practice, focus, listening to my dad's instructions and plenty of sleep the night before."

Hailie "Dirt Princess" Deegan expressed gratitude to her sponsors and all of the others who have played an essential role in her opportunity to get out there and participate in the sport of which she loves. "Thank you for everyone's support, God for keeping me safe, my mom and dad for letting me race, and my AWESOME fans that continually follow and support me."

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.

Team XMX-Dan Jackson Unleashes The Big One at NASCAR Pre-Race XDL Freestyle Event

25.08.2011

If my handlebars where up here this would be a lot easier, Jackson appears to be indicating.

At some point experienced motorcycle addicts share the same nightmare, the exact scenario varies, but the haunting impact clings hold like an incessant pop song that refuses to shake from your noggin. You're riding along, lost in the moment, and for some dastardly reason your front brake locks up. Schnikes! However, in a more entertaining, parallel, bizarro world, one man's nightmare becomes another's adrenalin fix.

Without any long distance stoppie practice under his belt Dan Jackson still pulled off stupefying distance of 550 feet.

Round three of the 2011 XDL Sportbike Freestyle series was held in Nashville, Tennessee, as a NASCAR pre-race event, and for the first time since 2006, XDL held a "longest stoppie" competition - affectionately nicknamed "The Big One." A stoppie in this circumstance involved dialing a motorcycle upwards of 100mph, deliberately grabbing the front brake so that the rear-tire shoots up, and then riding along on the front wheel for as long as possible. Picture a wheelie on the front wheel.

Also on display at the Nashville event was the K&N Circle Challenge and the Racing 905 Speed and Style Competition, both of which are head-to-head stunt races. The XDL caters to the new audience of urban sportbike enthusiast and it continues to be one of the most meteoric segments of the motorcycle market. K&N sponsored Dan Jackson is one of the premier freestyle riders in the XDL, and we had the opportunity to question him about the seemly lack of good sense required to pull off the big one.

The K&N sponsored rider finished second in the 905 Speed and Style event.

Seriously, a stoppie goes against all my instincts - give us some insights how you even go about learning how to control that. Locking up the front brake is something I've had nightmares about, how ugly does it get when that goes wrong?

"Stoppies are definitely the most dangerous trick out there. Once mastered they seem and look so effortless, in the back of your head you always have to remember if one goes bad it usually results in a bad crash! I've seen some pretty gnarly stoppie crashes over the past 10 years. Nowadays the bikes are more set up with proper equipment that prevents headshake, front end wash, etc."

Few perform the Kawasaki polka with any more style than Jackson.

"I run a Scotts damper all the way locked in stiff position when rolling long distances. This prevents the headshake riders get when popping up the rear wheel too fast. Choice of tire makes the difference too. It's well known that the Michelin Pilot Power is by far the best tire when it comes to rolling long stoppies. It's a very trustworthy, sticky tire, rarely do you get front end wash attempting to pull up stoppies, even at speeds over 100mph."

"The rest is brake control. Stoppies are not a trick to learn overnight. They take lots of relentless practice mastering that front brake pull and feathering technique once you find the balance point. Balance point stoppies are dangerous. There's no coming back if you go beyond this point. The only thing you can pray for then is that your safety gear does its proper job and the bike doesn't smash you in the process."

Give us your take on the NASCAR Pre-Race Freestyle Event?

"The NASCAR event was a demo I performed during the pre-race track Fan-Walk festivities. It was a huge show for me. 45,000 rednecks going absolutely crazy for every trick I performed. It was 10 years of excitement packed into 30 minutes of fun! I'm definitely looking forward to my next NASCAR show. It's really awesome that I'm able to put my riding and sponsors in front of a large crowd and promote the sport of sportbike freestyle to a whole new market of fans."

How long have you been riding freestyle and can you briefly explain what's involved in Racing 905 Speed and Style, the Wheelie Teach Race, and the other various events?

For a number of obvious reasons freestyle riding competitions continue to be one of the fastest growing motorcycle markets.

"I've been riding bikes ever since I was a kid - motorcycles are my passion. My actual first word was bike. My mom bought be a dirt bike to keep me out of trouble and it was also an incentive for me to get good grades. I've been riding professionally now for 15 years. With professional moto-x and freestyle moto-x background, I have accomplished a lot over my career. Right now I devote all my time to freestyle sportbike riding and follow the only national point's series event of its kind - the XDL Show."

"The 905 Speed and Style is a head-to-head bracket type race that consists of various obstacles and stunts all incorporated in to a race. It involves racing around a road type course while doing burnouts, wheelies, and stoppies. One little mistake could cost you the win. Obviously this has been my problem this year. I'm smoking fast in practice, but I've been pushing the limits too much in the race, and then costly mistakes keep me out of that No.1 spot finish."

"The Wheelie Teach race is a head-to-head race on the back wheel. During the race you have to clutch up a wheelie at the start, then wheelie down and around a cone and back to the finish, all while keeping your front tire up in the air. If you drop the front-end you're disqualified. You have to know when to drop it back and get on the brakes to make the 180-degree turn around. If you blow past the cone your competitor may pass you, and if you brake too early he will make up time on you. It seems that the turnaround is the key to winning the event. You have to be smooth on the stall and clutch out in order to make sure you get the right angle of drive out of the turn. It definitely makes for an interesting race."

How many events a season do you regularly attend?

"Over the past 10 years I consistently attend approximately 40 events per year. The TeamXMX.com rig definitely racks up the miles. One year we tallied over 60,000 miles. One perk about living in the Midwest (Olathe, Kansas), its 22 hours to Florida, or New York, and 26 hours to California. I don't know if I could handle a 45-50 hour trip."

What's up next?

"This weekend I have a big demo for a Kawasaki dealership, and then Tuesday I'm off to Indianapolis for the final round of XDL and MotoGP."

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.

Video - Powerful Jeep Wrangler Accessories Installed, K&N Air Intakes

24.08.2011

2011 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L Air Intake Installation
K&N has designed two performance air intake systems for Jeep Wrangler models with a 3.8 liter engine. The 57-1553 fits 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 models. They both have aerodynamic non-metallic rotationally molded tubes for smooth air flow. K&N dynamometer tests show an estimated 8 horsepower gain at 4807 RPM with use of these K&N performance air intakes. This video shows how easy it is to install these power gaining K&N air intakes into a Jeep Wrangler.