K&N Filters Racer Shayna Texter Unfettered by Setbacks, Charges Ahead to Podium Finish

2 Jan 2013

Motorcycle Racing has been in Shayna Texter's blood for many years

To many, including multiple championship-winning DFW Honda/K&N Filters racer Shayna Texter, racing is all about family. Many owe their careers to parents and older siblings who blazed trails, provided coaching and encouragement and who continue to help these racers along their paths. For Shayna, it started in 2004 after watching her older brother race. Of course, older brother Cory's example wasn't the only one - her grandfather, Glen Fitzcharles, who was inducted in the Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2008, and father Randy, a professional flattrack and road racer of his own, both sparked a love for motorcycle racing in Shayna as a little girl.

In the passing years, time had been both cruel and giving. The Texter family lost Randy and his father, Shayna's grandfather, legendary Ray “Tex” Texter in less than two years. Meanwhile, Shayna continued to bring in championships, including the 2012 AMA All-Star Series Champion, multiple accolades from the AMA (Most Dedicated Rider, Most Outstanding Performance, and Female Rider of the Year), and four career AMA Grand National wins.

Shayna brought home a Pro Single championship victory in Springfiled, IL during 2012

The road to her 2012 AMA All-Star Series Championship was a difficult one, particularly at the series' close. Rain-outs in Springfield, IL, mechanical mishaps and track conditions added up to some stiff competition for the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield Short Track Nationals last September. Shayna was prepared to ride the same Honda CRF 450 she had ridden to the podium in 2011; the very same 2009 Honda she rode to the win at Sacramento California’s Mile in July of 2012.

Unfortunately, on the last lap of Qualifying, she blew 5th gear in the gearbox, forcing the crew to pull out their backup bike, a 2012 Honda. With only two-hours to set up the bike, Shayna's crew continued to make adjustments throughout the evening. “There was no way I could have done all the work in the swap-over; there were so many helping including Mark Cheza, Billy Gruwell, Jared Mees who were also helping to keep me focused," Shayna recounted.

Thankfully, both bikes shared similar equipment including K&N Filters. "My family has been using K&N products for as long as I can remember," Shayna explained. "If they make a product available for our bikes, we use them. The whole crew at K&N are really genuine people and I am really excited to be a part of the K&N family. The quality of the products and strong history in the company is something that can't be matched among their competitors. It adds performance to our motorcycles in the horsepower department and the products keep our bikes one step above the competition."

Shayna rides a 2012 Honda CRF450 in AMA flat track events across the country

Thankfully, with the bike tuned, Shayna returned to the field of Pro Single competitors. Through the heat, Shayna was in 6th before moving outside to take the spot behind the number two qualifier, Stephen Vanderkur. With one more outside line, Shayna made her move on the forth lap to take the lead, bringing home the championship. She then celebrated with her brother Cory and has remained forever grateful for the family she has and the new family she has acquired while racing.

Make sure to check out other articles of K&N sponsored flat track racers like, Jared Mees, Adam Bushman, Johnny Lewis, and, Henry Wiles.

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.

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