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Daytona's challenging track doesn't slow down Goerke through the whoops.
TiLUBE racings team of Kawasaki supercross bikes are more than just pretty green machines. TiLUBE has only been involved in the supercross series since 2009 and they are already a considerable force in the sport. Their riders like Matt Boni, Manuel Rivas and Matt Goerke consistently make main events; a feat that some riders will never complete in their entire career. K&N was able to catch up with team manager Tony Wenck between seasons to see what TiLube was up to.
What is Tilube racing? What makes it a team and who does it consist of?
We race to not only showcase our products but to also prove them under true race conditions. We offer products for powersports applications. We have a very high end synthetic as well as petroleum based products. We also produce race fuels that are constantly evolving throughout the race seasons.
How long have you been a team what are some interesting facts on your history?
The team was formed in 2006. TiLUBE Racing started in Arenacross and had some success for a couple years and even won some regional championships in the Lites class.
Matt Boni stays low more time on the ground means more traction.
In 2009 we put together a 250 West Coast Lites program on Honda's with a couple rookie pro riders; Alex Martin and Ben Evans. In 2010 we had Nick Wey and he was eventually picked up to be a fill-in rider on the Monster Kawasaki team for Ryan Villopoto. Ben Evans then took his spot at TiLUBE Racing in the Outdoors on a Kawasaki 450.
In 2011 we started with Matt Boni and Matt Goerke on the 450's again racing Kawasaki's. Goerke was injured right before the season started and TiLUBE had the Spanish Supercross Champion Manuel Rivas fill in. Then Goerke returned and raced with TiLUBE until he had a horrific crash at Jacksonville, FL where he fractured his wrist and pelvis. Then a rider that was a local to us during his amateur days Cody Gillmore stepped in. He did well but it was short lived because of a shoulder injury. Cole Siebler was the fill in rider for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile Matt Boni also had a nasty crash at the Dallas round and compound fractured his tib fib. We then hired Bobby Kiniry to finish the season out on his ride.
It was a challenging year to say the least but we managed to keep two riders on the bikes at each round. We worked very hard to deliver everything we promised to our sponsors. We also have been the co-title sponsor for the last two years of the Babbitts Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki team that has won the Arenacross Championship both years.
What makes Tilube different from other motocross teams out there today?
The thing that makes TiLUBE Racing different is we are the main sponsor in an owner operator situation. TiLUBE is in the race fuel and oil business and all other brands in that category typically sponsor a team. We actually manage and operate the team. We get to see first hand how our products perform and can evaluate them at the highest level of tests. Meanwhile we can showcase our product line at the professional racing level. TiLUBE Racing is a major part of the TiLUBE products advertising campaign. We also sponsor some of the teams we compete against in Supercross.
Another night in the lights. This is the show time for TiLUBE Racing and team manager Tony Wenck.
What types of racing is Tilube involved in?
TiLUBE has motocross riders and teams across the U.S. and Canada using the product.
What are your thoughts on the 2011 supercross season?
It was a challenging year due to all the injuries our riders had. It was a year of learning and growth and having completed it, we are all excited to go racing again in 2012.
What do you have to look forward to for next season?
We are all enthusiasts at TiLUBE and the racing has been nothing less than phenomenal in the entire field. We are excited to be a part of Supercross as our program grows.
Matt Boni pushing his Kawasaki through the rhythm section.
Not asking you to pick favorites but is there a rider in particular we should watch for next season?
I think Barcia would be awesome to watch if he goes to the 450 full time. I also think Matt Boni has a lot more to offer this season and expect him to be inside the top ten from time to time. Also I believe in Mike Alessi. I think he has more talent than he has shown this past year. On the right program, he is a consistent top five rider, even in Supercross.
What has your experience been using K&N on your supercross bikes?
We have been using K&N filters for several years now. We've tried several systems and always come back to the K&N. It's unbelievable how much more power we can get with them. At the Supercross level you need every advantage you can get. When we dyno our bikes we know exactly what the K&N system produces; Power!
Air Intake Installation for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L
K&N has designed a performance air intake system for the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 Jeep Wrangler with 3.8 liter engine. Air intake part 77-1553KP has an aluminum tube with a shiny chrome like finish. K&N dynamometer tests show an estimated 7.92 horsepower gain at 4807 RPM with use of this K&N air intake modification. K&N tests multiple vehicles for each air intake design to help ensure long lasting quality. This video demonstrates the steps needed to install a power gaining K&N air intake into 2007 through 2011 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.8L engine.
Air Intake Installation for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L
Coburn pushed hard all the way to the top, resetting the bar with an impressive time of 11:59.021.
When George Mallory was asked "Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?" his famously quoted retort was "Because it's there." For K&N sponsored ATV racer, Michael Coburn, another legendary mountain ascent cast much the same sort of straight forward spell over him.
"I saw it (Pikes Peak race) on TV when I was little and I dreamt about how cool it would be to race up it someday," Coburn told K&N Race News.
In the 2011 running of the Pikes Peak race to the clouds Coburn broke his own impressive record set last year, by three seconds in the Quad Modified class (11:59.021), making it the third straight year he has reset his own record.
Coburn broke his own Pikes Peak record for the third straight year riding aboard his K&N sponsored Hoosier/Spark's Racing Honda TRX 450R Big Bore ATV.
Yet, slightly over three years ago, Coburn wasn't even certain what was required to enter the race. "I did some research and found out what it took to enter the race and decided to enter it," said Coburn.
Coburn regularly competes in the Extreme Dirt Track ATVA Nationals, an eight round series with venues spread out throughout the country. For the past two years Coburn has held the Pro Champion title.
"This year I am currently in second. Had a few rough races, and now I'm trying to regain some points," Coburn adds. "We have two rounds left. This weekend we have round seven at my home track (Garretson, South Dakota). We are putting this race on, and have been busy lining up sponsors, track equipment and workers. We have been putting a lot of time in on the track to make the best race we can. Then the first week in September we finish up our season at Busco Beach, North Carolina.
Had it not been for the steady 30mph wind near the top of the mountain, Coburn feels he may have set an even lower time.
Coburn says he loves all sorts of racing and that he's always been open to new events and new types of racing challenges. He's hot-lapped a sprint car and a street stock car on dirt ovals, but he mostly sticks with ATV racing for now. "I have been riding ATV's since I was six," says Coburn. "Growing up riding was my hobby and most favorite thing to do." In 2004 he started racing TT at his local track, and then two years later Coburn started racing on the national level.
"I put a lot of time and effort into my racing season. I workout every day and also train on my quad about five days a week. I try keeping myself in the best shape possible, because racing is a tough sport, and can definitely wear you out. It's especially important to have good cardio for Pikes Peak, because the elevation is so high, and the air lacks oxygen. This Pikes Peak I ran pretty close to the same set up as the year before. I focused a little more on my jetting and gearing. That is very important at this race."
The K&N sponsored rider says he plans to return to Pike's Peak next year in hopes of another win and maybe even another record.
Coburn feels, had it not been for the wind at this year's race, he may have broken his 2010 record by even more. "The wind I feel was a big factor this year. The lower sections of the mountain were real fast and the wind was hard to notice. But the closer I got to the summit the stronger the wind became. On some straightaway's the wind was strong enough that it was hard to pull fifth gear. I think if it wasn't so windy the times would have lowered a little more for everyone."
In regards to his relationship with K&N Coburn explains, "I have always run K&N on all my stuff. That's the only filter I have ever known. Growing up I always saw K&N stickers on performance vehicles and wanted them on my ATV's. A couple years ago I sent some stuff in for rider support. Ever since then, John Jump has been helping out our race team."
"I am going to finish the Extreme Dirt Track Series out, hit some local races, and start rebuilding stuff for next season," continues Coburn. "Hopefully I will be setting up a new ATV. I also do some ice racing in the winter, and maybe I'll race in the Tulsa Shootout too, if they offer an ATV class this year."
Teams compete to disassemble identically prepared high performance engines, and then reassemble them to ready-to-run condition.
In the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, students battle against the clock and each other, to tear down a complete engine and rebuild it to ready-to-run condition.
For an automotive enthusiast, gaining admission to the SEMA Show is a rite of passage. The annual trade show of the Specialty Equipment Market Association is not open to the public. To catch a glimpse of the new products being released, new styling trends, and ultra-tricked out customized show cars, you must be associated with one of SEMA's member companies. Unless of course, you happen to be one of the industry's invited guests. These special guests can be many different types of people: executives from the major vehicle manufacturers, members of the media, members of state and local government who support the automotive enthusiast and the car hobby, high school students...
Team K&N was one of the best teams, tearing down and correctly reassembling their engine in just 31 minutes and 31 seconds!
High school students? Yes, that's right! The SEMA Show serves as the host for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge National Finals. Teams of 5 high school students compete against the clock, and against each other, to disassemble identically prepared high performance engines, and then reassemble them to ready-to-run condition. Not only must the students understand how an internal combustion engine operates, but they must also demonstrate teamwork, cooperation, problem solving skills, the ability to perform under stress/pressure, and many other valuable skills which seem to be inherent with the automotive enthusiast hobby. These skills, along with a creative and supportive teacher, can set these students on a path to success. K&N is a proud supporter of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow and other programs designed to keep youth interested and involved as automotive enthusiasts.
Five students from North Orange County ROP (Regional Occupational Program) make up Team K&N. Julia Chou handles the engine's "middle components" like the timing chain/gears, water pump, harmonic balancer, intake manifold and distributor, and making sure the rotating components are timed correctly. Nathalie Lopez and Erick Peredes tears down and assembles the side components: pistons and connecting rods, cylinder heads, and valvetrain. Damiana Marquez and Heather Saravia handle the bottom end components such as mating the connecting rods to the crankshaft, lubrication components like the oil pump and filter, and removal/installation of the oil pan. The advisors to Team K&N, Russ Bacarella and Dave Endo, provide leadership and direction inside the classroom, and emotional support during competition. Earlier this year in the divisional elimination rounds, Team K&N was one of the best teams, tearing down and correctly reassembling their engine in just 31 minutes and 31 seconds! This fast time locked Team K&N in for a spot in the National Finals at the SEMA Show, November 1-4, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The winning team from the National Finals at SEMA will win scholarship money to pursue/continue their education in the automotive industry.
K&N is proud to be represented by the outstanding students from North Orange County ROP, and we will be there to cheer you on during the competition! Good luck!
NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Racer Luis Martinez Jr.
Luis Martinez Jr. didn't exactly get off to the start he wanted in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. After winning the Sunoco Rookie of the Year in 2010, Martinez was poised to challenge for the K&N Pro Series West championship when the season started.
Instead, his team sputtered off the starting grid. Martinez said his team had to examine the direction it was going midway through the season.
Luis Martinez Jr. at Portland International Raceway
After the K&N Pro Series West race at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, Martinez's home track, the team made some significant changes to the car.
"We took a car to Irwindale. Took that same car to Monroe. It was just not working out," Martinez said. "At that point we decided it's not worth trying to keep fixing stuff and trying to make it better. We had something great to start with last year. Now we're running a lot better."
Martinez broke through with the first K&N Pro Series West win of his career at Portland International Raceway in July, three weeks after a 13th place finish at Irwindale. The 21-year-old driver from Long Beach has turned his season around and is showing why he is one of the Next 9 developmental drivers as chosen by NASCAR.
"That was a great win for us," Martinez said. "The season started out real slow. After Irwindale, our home track, we didn't really run great. We decided to go back and start at square one. Go back to the basics. That's where our season started taking a turn for the best."
Luis Martinez Jr. in his #6 King Taco Ford Fusion
Winning at Portland is no easy task. It's one of three road courses on the K&N Pro Series West schedule and one of the more challenging tracks for stock car drivers.
But Martinez raced Formula cars and won races at Portland when he was younger. Even though he has only raced twice in Portland with the K&N Pro Series West, he said he is very familiar with the track.
"I've had a lot of experience at Portland. That's where I got my first Formula car win. I have good history on the that track. Winning there was really special for me," Martinez said. "For me, I like it. I don't find it really difficult. Some people don't like short tracks, some people don't like big tracks. I like road courses. It's just driver preference."
Experience paid off for Martinez at Portland. He was actually running second behind David Mayhew during a green-white-checkered finish. Mayhew overdrove one of the final corners of the course and slid off the track. Martinez passed Mayhew and crossed the finish line in first place.
While Martinez was happy to win his first race, he said he had one regret. Greg Pursley, the leader in the K&N Pro Series West standings, fell out of contention early in the Portland race. Martinez said he would have liked to race Pursley for the win at Portland.
"We knew some of the guys weren't going to make it the whole time," Martinez said. "It wasn't my plan to have him not be there - because that's the one guy that I did want to race. It's unfortunate, but a win's a win. The team has definitely been looking forward to that for a long time. So have I."
There are three races left on the K&N Pro Series West schedule. Martinez said he is looking forward to returning to All-Amerian Speedway in Roseville for some unfinished business. He finished a disappointing seventh in the second race of the season.
"I think we have a good chance when we go to Roseville," Martinez said. "The last time we went there, we ran really strong. We made some changes to that car and I know for a fact we are going to be really good when we go there."
Before the Roseville race, the K&N Pro Series West visits Spokane County Raceway in Washington over Labor Day weekend. Martinez will also be racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Richmond International Raceway in Virginia before the end of the year.
Despite the slow start to the season, Martinez is in third place in the K&N Pro Series West standings after 11 races. He has two top fives and seven top 10s in those 11 races. While it might be a bit of a lost season for Martinez, he can look back on a couple positive notes.
"Our expectations were big. We wanted to go out there and be one of the top contenders for the championship and definitely win a couple of races," Martinez said. "We won a race. We gotta get another one by the end of this year. Honestly, we wanted to be in championship contention. Now, that's hard to do. There's always runner-up. That's good for press, good for the team."
