K&N race news and notes

The NASCAR K&N stock cars raced 50 laps on the Brainerd 2.5 mile course, that was 10 laps more than the Trans-Am series cars, most cars stopped between lap 25 and 30.  The race took 1 hour and 32 minutes to complete.

A nice field of 19 cars raced and only one accident, Anthony Giannone spun just before the bridge in turn 12 and was stuck in the sand trap, numerous other cars skimmed that trap after over running the turn with no major trouble.

16 yr old point leader Dylan Kwasniewski (photo above) spent most of his free time before the race kicking a soccer ball in the pits and acting like a teenager.  Once he strapped into the car he was very impressive, setting fast time in practice, even with very limited experience on a road course.  He was set to win the race until they lost second gear and lost the lead coming to the white flag lap.

Much of the passing on this day was made in corners 4 & 5 after the big high speed swooping corners 2 & 3.  BIR added brand new bleacher seating in this area and at the end of pit road, just before the bridge.

The old asphalt section of the course will be replaced before the K&N series race in 2013, much of this tar was laid down in 1968 and has lost grip, this means the high speed turns in 2 and 3 will be even faster next year.

The lead swapped between team mates Kwasniewski and Pursley 3 different times, Pursley was better at the start of the race, after the restart and after his pit stop then his car would tighten up and Kwasniewski would pass him making for exciting racing up front.

Eventual winner Michael Self was so excited in victory lane after his first career win, he jumped up on the roof of his car, to the dismay of the tech officials.

The storm clouds stayed around all day on Saturday with a heavy downpour cancelling qualifying, the race weather was fine but, shortly after the victory lane celebration it started raining again. 

BIR track owner Jed Copham (in photo above with winner Michael Self) said in victory lane that he would like to make this race an annual event.

Here is a video of the full field taking the green flag http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u97Fx75Xqw&feature=youtu.be

Here are radio interviews with numerous drivers just before the race including:  Cameron Hayley, Bret Thompson, David Mayhew, Eric Holmes, Greg Pursley also Gary Curtis and Jed Copham.  https://soundcloud.com/speedtalkon1360/bir-kn-2013 

Listen to Speedtalk on 1360 Saturday mornings 10-11am on KRWC 1360 AM and www.krwc1360.com