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Luis Martinez Jr. Wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race at Portland International Raceway

Jul 26, 2011

Luis Martinez Jr. comes in for a victory at the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Portland International Raceway

Luis Martinez Jr. won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Portland International Raceway in Oregon using patience and staying calm when those around him experienced blown motors and lost control of their cars on Sunday.

NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Racer Luis Martinez Jr.

Martinez won the pole, the second of his NASCAR K&N Pro Series West career, and led the first three laps, but fell back as the Bi-Mart Salute to the Troops 125 unfolded around the 1.967-mile road course.

"At the beginning of the race, we thought we really had something," Martinez said of his No. 6 King Taco/Sunrise Ford/Lucas Oil Ford. "Sometime about halfway it kind of went backwards for us. We ended up in the back."

Greg Pursley, the leader in the K&N Pro Series West standings, passed Martinez for the lead on lap 4 and held it until lap 20. Martinez was able to take back the lead on lap 21, but held it for only a lap.

Luis Martinez Jr. wins the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Portland International Raceway in Oregon

Brandon Davis passed Martinez for the lead on lap 23 before Pursley jumped back out front on lap 27. Pursley was pulling away when his motor blew on lap 46 and he had to withdraw.

With Pursley out of the race, Michael Self and Andrew Ranger took turns leading. But Ranger's motor blew and Self spun out in the oil. But drivers fell out of contention after the crash.

Martinez worked his way back to the front and was racing Davis for the lead when Davis spun off the track.

"We couldn't really recover that fast," he said. "Little by little, we started making our way back up."

The next challenger for Martinez was David Mayhew. He passed Martinez on the last turn of the last lap of the race, but Mayhew overdrove the turn and went off the track. Martinez took advantage and rallied past Mayhew to the finish line.

Martinez, the 2010 Sunoco Rookie of the Year, won for the first time in 23 career NASCAR K&N Pro Series West starts and admitted after the race he thought his engine wasn't going to make it to the end of the race.

"We thought the motor was about to blow up," he said. "So I kind of drove it real easy and that helped us out when Mayhew overdrove it. That helped us get by him."

Eric Holmes followed Martinez in second place, followed by Derek Thorn in third.

"We gambled and I wasn't sure if it was the right thing or not, but it kinda paid off at the end there, all the stuff that was going on," said Holmes. "It was a little crazy there at the end. Too bad for David, he made a great pass there around the 6 car (Martinez) and I thought he had the win there, just overdrove the last turn. It was pretty wild the last couple laps. It was fun. Everybody ran pretty clean with each other."

Pursley led a race-high 37 laps, but finished in 26th place after blowing his motor. He has a 233-point lead over Moses Smith in the K&N Pro Series West standings. Martinez is third, 306 points behind Pursley.

Thorn was making his first K&N Pro Series West start for the Sunrise Ford team owned by Bob Bruncati.

"Third place here at the end was quite the feat," Thorn said. "My downfalls led to some positive things. We just kinda hung on there at the end. They kinda gave it to us. Pursley blew up. The 35 (Ranger) blew up. The 10 (Davis) went off the track. It was just kind of attrition. That's what everybody's been telling me: Bring it home in one piece and you'll be in the top five. That was the case and I can't thank these guys enough. It's cool for this team to come home one and three."

The Bi-Mart Salute to the Troops 125 will be broadcast on Speed on Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. ET.

The next NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race is the Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 at Colorado National Speedway on Aug. 6.

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.

K&N's Dominic and Giovanni Scelzi and New Pace Chassis a Winning Combination

Jul 26, 2011

Both Dominic and Giovanni have nothing but high praise for their new cars. Dominic feels can lead races now driving at less than his usual 120-percent.

The last time Gary Scelzi Motorsports raced at Plaza Park Raceway in Visalia, California, Giovanni "Hot Sauce" Scelzi ran his new Pace chassis. This is Giovanni's rookie season in the Restricted 600 Class, and older brother, Dominic's second year in the same class. By every indication both boys really love their new cars.

NHRA legend Gary Scelzi says heâ€™s very happy and confident with his decision to switch to the new Pace Chassis.

Giovanni kicked it off by setting the fast time. He started fourth in his heat race, finishing third, then won the trophy dash, and led all 30-laps of the Outlaw Nationals. "It was Giovanni first win in the restricted class, and to our amazement he even showed some emotion and got excited, even jumping up and down," commented Gary, Giovanni's dad and arguably one of the most dominant NHRA Top Fuel drag racers of all time.

Dominic showed his continuing appreciation for his new car as well, starting fourth in his heat race and finishing second, also winning his trophy dash, and leading the main until a broken rod took him out of contention.

Gary says Giovanni only appears shy when the helmet comes off, on the track that all changes.

"We have always run PMP chassis out of Fresno, but recently a chassis builder from Visalia, called Pace Chassis, built a new car that is really good on dry, slick race tracks," explains Gary. "No matter what we did to our PMP chassis we could not get them to handle on dry, slick race tracks. So, we switched to Pace Chassis a month ago. So far the chassis switch has paid off big!"

Dominic currently leads both Restricted 600 Classes at Visalia and Lemoore race tracks, and with a real shot at winning both championships.

"Giovanni is not very excitable, but he was very happy to win," Gary said, "Giovanni is very shy until he puts his helmet on. But, he did say that the new car turns itself, and he can it put anywhere on the race track that he wants."

"Dominic's review of his new car was that it handles like a Ferrari. He said that with his old car, he had to drive it a 120-percent to keep up with the pack, and with the new car, he can lead the race driving at 80-percent. Which tells me that I made the right chose with the chassis change. We have also put on Factory Kahne shocks, which I feel are an unfair advantage, just like the K&N products we use," says Gary jokingly.

At this point in the 2011 season Dominic is just a few points out of the lead at both the Visalia and Lemoore race tracks, and he has a realistic shot at both championships. Giovanni is in second place at one track (only few points behind the leader), and in fourth at the other. He too has a chance at winning the championship, and as a rookie in the Restricted 600 Class.

"Tomorrow morning we are leaving for Pismo Beach for a family vacation, and no racing," Gary adds "And dad's going to love it!"

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.

Success Continues to Follow Jonathon Payne and Team Major Payne Pulling

Jul 26, 2011

Jonathon Payne and the Major Payne Pulling Team

After experiencing their share of success early in the season, Jonathon Payne, and Team Major Payne Pulling had no intentions of kicking back and coasting through the month of July. That said, on the ninth day of the month, they pulled into Clay City, Indiana prepared to compete against eight other trucks in a Lucas Oil Pro Pulling event at Goshen Park.

Jonathon Payne pulled the sled more than four feet farther than the second place competitor

When the dust had settled, Jonathon Payne, and Team Major Payne Pulling had logged another victory. In fact, Payne pulled the sled in excess of four feet farther than the second place competitor. "I felt I could do well after looking at the track," recalled Payne. When asked of the victory was rewarding, the driver continued, "It made me feel that all of the hard work and preparation had paid off."

With this win under his belt, Jonathon Payne and Team Major Payne loaded up and headed about sixty miles down the road to Terre Haute, Indiana, where they would embark upon another Lucas Oil Pro Pulling competition at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds on the following night.

Jonathon Payne at Lucas Oil Pro Pulling event at Goshen Park in Clay City, Indiana

As one might suspect, a win on the previous night was a confidence booster for the team, but Payne was also aware that he had a challenge ahead of him. "I had confidence in myself and my Major Payne Ford truck, but was not over confident" explained Jonathon. "It is hard to have two wins in a row in such a competitive class." Although earning two consecutive wins was going to prove a chore, the driver pulled it off, as the distance he drug the sled on that particular night exceeded the second place driver by three feet.

"The traction was so different," he explained, while comparing his two most recent venues. "Some tracks are loose, some are hard, some get worse and some get better as the night goes on. When the sun sets, the moisture in the ground comes up, changing the conditions."

Already with two victories under their belt in July and the second half of the month still to come, Team Major Payne Rolled into Owensboro, Kentucky to compete in the Battle of The Bluegrass Pulling Series. Although a win didn't come on this particular night, Jonathon Payne had managed to earn a third place spot. Five nights later, the team headed the Kentuckaina Truck Pullers Association event held in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Granted, two victories and a third place spot in a seven day period is nothing to shake a stick at, but evidently Jonathon and his crew were focused on even bigger and better things, as the driver had earned yet another victory at the night's end.

If someone was to question Jonathon Payne's driving abilities and will to win, I suppose one could simply say that the proof is in the pudding.

When asked if he anticipated success throughout the remainder of the season, he said, "It will be hard to keep up this pace, but I think I will do well. So far, I think I have five wins, four third places and one eighth." When asked if there were any upcoming events of which he looked forward to, Payne said, "Brandenburg, Kentucky. I have won it for the past two years, and would like to win it again. There are usually twenty trucks there, all Chevys (excluding Jonathon Payne's Ford), and it will be hard."

When asked about future plans, Jonathon Payne explained that he is looking for a major sponsor, so he can move to the modified four wheel drive class. Regardless of the class in which he races, Jonathon Payne is aware that preventative maintenance of his vehicle will prove of great importance.

"I've been using K&N filters for ten years," explained Payne. "I use them in my work vehicle, tow vehicle and my Yamaha Rhino. I've had good luck with them and they're the way to go. K&N has been a great sponsor to work with, and I am proud to have their name on my truck."

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.

Curt Michael Walks Away From Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pennsylvania Victorious

Jul 26, 2011

Winged Sprint Car Racer Curt Michael

Curt Michael recently lined up against fellow sprint car drivers at the Lincoln Speedway, in Abbottstown, Pennsylvania to compete in the 360 class of the United Racing Company (URC) event. Thus far, the driver and his team had been performing well throughout the season, and in turn were situated second in the URC points. That said, a win would prove advantageous for Michael, as he had hopes of moving closer to the number one spot.

Curt Michael at Lincoln Speedway, in Abbottstown, Pennsylvania

Michael was no stranger to this particular venue, as the driver experienced his first career 410 sprint car win and has previously earned multiple victories in the 360 class there as well. "Lincoln is one of my favorite tracks," explained Michael. As a result, the driver began this race with confidence on his side.

Starting 5th in his heat, Curt Michael took the lead in lap five.

Pulling away from the second place car, the driver was not challenged throughout the race and upon completing 10 laps was the victor. Starting second in the feature, Michael bolted out and took an early lead. As he had done in his heat, Michael continued to hold the lead throughout the remainder of the 25 lap race and after gaining a substantial lead, was deemed the winner of the race at the waving of the checkered flag.

Referring to the feature win, Curt Michael said, "We were never challenged, we just had to take our time dealing with lapped traffic." When asked the key to his recent success, he continued, "My crew chief and brother, Sean Michael, made the right decisions with the car. After starting second, it was very important that we got the lead on the first lap. We were confident prior to the race, "shared the driver. "I like Lincoln Speedway a lot and knew we had a good car."

Of course, Curt Michael and his team were elated with their recent victory, but the team was also aware that there are several more challenges to come before the season's end. In fact, they are looking forward to about 15 more races in the 360 class and five more 410 races. When asked the key to continued success, Michael said, "We need to keep doing what we are doing as a team, and I think some more wins will come to us."

That said, Michael finds his team of great importance. "They play a major part in my success," he shared. "Without my car owner, Bill Gallagher, my crew chief (Sean Michael), I would not be able to put such a good car on the track. I can't win races if the car does not finish, and Sean does a great job maintaining the car, he explained."

"The car has been great all year," he ensured, "but we've had some unexpected motor problems that we're doing a good job fighting through."

Referring to keeping the car running properly, he continued, "It all starts at the shop. If you bring a car to the races well-maintained, it makes it easier for everyone to do their job on race night."

That said, Curt Michael understands the importance of using the best filters on the market. "I've been proudly using K&N Filters for many years. We use the Carbon Fiber Air Box, and K&N air filter oil. We also use the air filter cleaner. I'm proud to be associated with such a great company and great products," explained Michael. "They have helped me win many of my record 7 United Racing Company Championships."

In closing, Curt Michael said, "I want to thank everyone associated with our team, and the fans, who make it possible for us to have races to run. I look forward to meeting everyone at the races."

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.

Modified Racer Elliott Despain Earns Two Weekly Racing Program Wins

Jul 22, 2011

Despain Motorsports' Modified Race Car

Elliott Despain is a perfect example of the cliché "persistence pays off", as he recently experienced two feature wins in their weekly racing programs, after a two year dry spell. Elliott and the Despain Motorsports team's luck began to sway in their direction when they rolled in to Junction City, Kentucky where they would race at the Ponderosa Speedway.

Modified Series Racer Elliott Despain

After laying down the second quickest time of the evening during the modified time trials, and winning the second heat, Despain entered the feature with a bode of confidence. Starting on the outside in the front row, he took the lead in the second turn, and managed to fight off Benji Lee for the victory in the twenty lap race. At the race's end, Despain said, "I want to dedicate this win to Pop (Elliott Despain's paternal grandfather, who passed away in October of 2011), as I know he is celebrating with us." The driver also dedicated his long-awaited victory to his parents, crew and patient sponsors.

After placing 13th in early July at the Midwest Modified Mania, at Moler Raceway, in Williamsburg, Ohio, Elliott Despain and his team headed for Lake Cumberland Speedway in Burnside Kentucky. At the night's end, Despain had managed to log yet another victory in the modified race action.

In fact, the driver was obviously in his zone on that particular night.

After posting the fastest lap in the modified qualifying race, he won his heat race, setting himself up in a great position for the feature. When the green flag dropped and the main was underway, Despain bolted to the lead and never looked back. Holding the number one position throughout the entire 20 lap event, he scored his ninth career victory.

Although plagued with a stretch of winless races, Despain's confidence level was fairly high prior to his victory at Ponderosa Speedway. Referring to his confidence level, the driver stated, "It was pretty good. We had some good runs for the month leading up to that night. We had a couple of fast times, a few heat race wins and a top five car in most features."

Recalling the race, he continued, "Well, we qualified good, won the heat and started 2nd in the feature so when all of that falls your way, that's always a plus for your race team. It was awesome! I'd been going there since I was a little kid and to finally be able to win one meant a lot to me." Referring to his dedication of the race to his grandfather, Elliott shared, "It meant the world to me. Pop was my biggest fan, and a big supporter. To stand there and know he was looking down on me was a great feeling!"

Of course the win was big to Elliott Despain and the Despain Motorsports team, if for no other reason, it was long awaited. On the other hand though, the victory served as a confidence booster that would play a part in the win at Lake Cumberland on the following week.

To suggest that a driver is going to win every time they pull their car on the track would prove ludicrous. However, Elliott Despain and his team have anticipations of continuing their winning streak. "To continue success, we just have to keep putting ourselves in good positions for the feature wins," explained Despain. "Good upkeep, qualifying well, and starting up front are good ways to continue success."

Speaking of upkeep, Elliott Despain is aware of the importance of maintaining his engine, and has been a fan and user of K&N products since 2005. According to the driver, he uses K&N air and oil filters. "They are the best in the business at all levels of racing," he explained.

Elliott Despain was quick to give his team and family kudos when asked if they played a roll in his recent success. "Without my mom and dad, I wouldn't be racing, so I have to thank them for what they do," shared the driver. "I have great people who go to the track and help us," he said referring to Dale Gorely and Mike Williams. "I also have to thank the remainder of my family as well. I have a lot of great sponsors, family and friends who make it possible for me to climb in that racecar. Without each and every one of them, there would be no Despain Motorsports. Thanks again."

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.