HERTA TEAM REVVED UP.

Byline: TIM HADDOCK Motor Sports

The Andretti Green Racing drivers are feeling pretty good about this weekend's Bridgestone Indy Japan 300 at the Twin Ring Motegi track, the third race of the Indy Racing League season.

Valencia's Bryan Herta says all four Honda-powered teams are benefiting from teammate Tony Kanaan's victory at Phoenix International Raceway last month. And the incentive of winning for Honda in Japan is giving each team an added boost.

``The whole team feels good heading into Motegi after Tony's win last race,'' said Herta, a Hart High of Newhall graduate. ``The XM Satellite Radio crew has worked really hard, and we have been competitive this year and now we're ready for a good result.''

Herta, making his fourth career start at the Twin Ring Motegi track, is coming off a top-10 showing at Phoenix. Continuing Honda's success, especially in Japan and against the rival Toyota teams, is on the mind of all the Andretti Green drivers.

The Japan race started Friday night at 8:30.

``Obviously, Japan is an important race for the team, as well as Honda, but I wouldn't say there is added pressure on us,'' Herta said. ``We want to win every race. We have had four strong cars at both events this year and I don't think it will be any different in Japan.''

Added Kanaan: ``I would love to get Honda its first win there and would love to get another win for Team 7-Eleven, so we'll see what happens. It will just be a matter of finishing and having a good car.''

Honda Performance Development is based in Santa Clarita.

Kanaan comes into the Twin Ring Motegi race as the IRL points leader. Heading into Japan last year, Kanaan was in a similar position, coming off a win at Phoenix and leading in points.

After leading for 70 laps in last year's race, though, Kanaan crashed with driver Scott Dixon in lap 177. The Andretti Green Racing driver broke his left wrist and injured his thigh in the wreck.

``I've been so close many times in Japan, so I feel really good about going back there,'' Kanaan said. ``We have all the tools, equipment and resources to get it done, so hopefully luck will be on our side this time.''

But team president Kim Green doesn't want to put much weight on luck for the race in Japan.

``Obviously, this would be a great victory for us to deliver to Honda and to the team,'' Green said. ``A lot of people say there is luck in racing. In our case, we need to try to take the luck out of it as much as possible and control our own destiny.''

--Irwindale Speedway: Two Santa Clarita Valley drivers posted top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Super Stocks race at Irwindale Speedway last Saturday night.

Chris Houwen of Acton was sixth and rookie Brent Cusick of Valencia was seventh in the 40-lap Super Stocks main event. Houwen jumped to second in points.

Craig Rayburn of Simi Valley, making his season debut, won the Super Stocks race.

Kevin Wood of Saugus was 14th in the NASCAR Late Models race. Tim Huddleston of Agoura Hills won his second consecutive Late Models race.

Racing continues tonight with the NASCAR Super Late Models, Super Stocks, Grand American Modifieds, Legends and Mini Stocks. Races start at 6 p.m.

Canyon Country's Greg Pursley is going for his third win of the season in the Super Late Model division.

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