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K&N's Mike Edwards Holeshots His Way to NHRA GatorNational Pro Stock Wally

20 Mar 2012

2012 GatorNationals Pro Stock Champ Mike Edwards

"It was a great win for all of us and great win for our team and hopefully we can build off of it and continue on," said Mike Edwards after becoming the newly crowned GatorNationals Pro Stock Champ when he defeated a tough Greg Anderson in a 6.566 to 6.538 holeshot victory, during the rain delayed 43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA GatorNationals in Gainesville, Florida.

Mike Edwards at the 43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA GatorNationals in Gainesville, Florida

Edwards has been waiting, not so quietly in the wings, for his first NHRA Pro Stock win of the season after making noise with a number one qualifier at the previous race on the NHRA schedule in Phoenix and hoping to carry that success into a victory. Now with the third event of the still young 2012 season upon him and an event that he had yet to add to his extensive win list, Edwards set to do battle for the GatorNationals and for the first time this season, it was from a little farther down the qualifying sheet.

Edwards and his K&N/Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac made a good opening pass of 6.556 in the right lane during Friday's first session, only to come back for the afternoon session to make his run in the troublesome left lane, shaking the tires shortly after launch which caused the former NHRA World Champ to abort the run. "We just struggled with the left lane there," he admitted. "With the setup we were trying to use, well we just weren't having much luck over there in that lane. We ran really good during the last qualifying run, so we ended up fourth, but we did struggle some in qualifying and more than we have so far all year."

When Saturday rolled around, Edwards would get to go back to the right lane and to give it his best shot in not only what many Pro Stock drivers referred to as the better lane, but the best conditions of all four sessions. But it was not to be for Edwards and his troubles continued when the car went silent not long after the green came on and he coasted to a stop halfway down the track.

Now hanging in at an uncharacteristic fourteenth spot on the ladder, Edwards made a huge move to get onto the top half of the ladder in the fourth and final session. Never to be written off, his final effort landed him in the number four spot for eliminations with a 6.506, a whopping five hundredths of a second quicker than his one and only other full qualifying pass the day before down the north central Florida drag strip.

First round Edwards would meet up with Shane Gray and set the stage for what was to come by not only putting a heck of a bulb on Gray with his .011 reaction time to Gray's .054, but also had the best reaction time of any driver the entire round. The round win would set him up for the quarter final pairing with Ron Krisher. Even though it may not be a reaction time to write home about, Edwards had a huge advantage by more than doubling Krisher on the tree. Krisher with problems down track, causing him to lift, Edwards went on to make another solid run with a 6.528, the quickest of the round.

With that, the rains came and caused NHRA officials to postpone the remainder of elimination rounds to the following day. Sunday, Monday or whatever day, Edwards was looking forward to a chance to put his K&N Pontiac in the winner's circle and take home his first ever GatorNationals win but he would need to get past Summit teammate, Ronnie Humphrey first. Waiting until the next day to finish eliminations always poses certain questions as Edwards points out. "You always wonder what the track will be like the next day when you have to wait like that. The thing is, you had two runs on it on Sunday, so you kind of had a feel for how it's going and what you need to do. So when you have to shut down for the day and come back the next morning, you are kind of skeptical of what to do or just not really sure of how to set up. It's really just like starting all over again. You just have to go with your best guess, I'd say." Call it a good guess or whatever you may, Edwards made a stout run in the semi-finals come Monday morning when again, he left first on his competitor, Ronnie Humphrey, while making his best run of eliminations, 6.521. But it was that one teeny-tiny thousandth of a second at the end of his time slip that had Edwards and his team concerned about the championship round, it cost them lane choice over Greg Anderson and his 6.520.

While the main goal in professional drag racing is getting to the stripe first, sometimes you still don't turn the win light on buy just having the lower E.T. and if anyone had been paying attention to Edwards throughout eliminations, they would have noticed that he was doing a pretty stout job on the .400 pro tree, with the better reaction time each and every round.

That would hold true for the final as well. After losing lane choice Greg Anderson and not all too happy to have to go back into the troublesome left lane, Edwards sliced the tree in two with an almost psychic .003 light to Anderson's quite late .070 and he needed it. Admitting he may have staged the car a hair little different in the final, which any changes in staging can cause a swap in reaction time and elapsed time, Edwards' car still slowed quite a bit from the round before, but with the outstanding starting line performance he took the stripe by nearly twelve feet and in doing so, denied Anderson of getting another win this season.

"When you are in the finals, well basically you just have to go for it," said K&N's Edwards. "We were real skeptic about the [left] lane anyway and we have made a lot of adjustments for the lane. We weren't really sure if we were going to run that great anyway, so we had to pull it all out and do all that we could do. We were fortunate and it turned our way. We didn't make the best run, but anytime you can win it's awesome and we'll take it. It was an ugly win, but it was a good win."

The victory would become Edwards' 34th NHRA Pro Stock national event win, his first at the GatorNationals and move him into number two in the 2012 point standings.

With his first win of the season under his belt, Edwards won't be taking his K&N/Penhall/Interstate Batteries Pontiac home to rest until the next event, but right back out for some further testing and he will be ready for the first of two scheduled events in Las Vegas in two weeks. "There are a lot of changes that you have to make to these cars when you go from somewhere like Gainesville to Las Vegas," he pointed out. "Gear changes and a lot more. But we are all used to it and have information on how we have run it [Las Vegas] before, so it's not that big of a deal. So instead of running 6.50's and 40's, we'll be running 6.70's and 60's out there. It's just another way to race and I think it's more fun to do it that way. You have to adapt and know what to do in all those different situations and it makes it more fun and more interesting."

Every venue has its own special reason that Edwards looks forward to being there and for the next one at "The Strip" at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, it's getting to see certain folks that don't get to attend every event. "I'm really looking forward to seeing Steve Williams and Greg Boutte from K&N. Steve is going to drive my car and I'm going to drive his," he joked. "And you know, we are actually going to make that happen one of these days. He really needs something like that to happen for as much as he's done for our sport, our class and for our team, I'd be all about it if he would want to do it. Steve Williams and K&N have been a real blessing to us and the support they have given our team is wonderful. That also includes the K&N Horsepower Challenge that they do for the Pro Stock class, that whole program is just phenomenal."

"Every year it just keeps getting bigger and bigger and better and better," he continued about the K&N Challenge. "Sometimes I just don't feel like we do enough to give back to them. One of these days I would love to win that deal at Norwalk. I've got close a couple of times, but I would like to seal the deal one time for sure."

"And maybe this year," he added with a smile.

With eight events left to add points to his total before the shootout in early July, Edwards is also sitting well in the 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge standings, where he also currently sits number two and should he continue the strong performance he has shown over the first three events, still with a good shot at taking over the top spot from leader, Jason Line.

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 Supported 2011 World Championship of Custom Bike Building Experiences Stellar Turnout

20 Mar 2012

Ken Tabata walked away the world champion during the recent AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building.

Sixty-five competitors representing eighteen countries showed up at Sturgis, South Dakota in early August to showcase their interpretations of the world's ultimate motorcycle. Each competitor participating in the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building was allowed to enter as many as two bikes and in total, eighty bikes were judged in the competition.

North American Bureau Chief for the World Championship North American Bureau, Jeffrey Najar said, "The World Championship of Custom Bike Building exists to showcase and promote custom motorcycle design and engineering quality, craftsmanship and innovation." Referring to the bikes that have been entered throughout previous years, including 2011, he continued, "They are unique. They do not follow the bobber, cruiser, chopper trends that we have experienced in the domestic marketplace. They are from builders that have originated from Canada, USA, Europe and Japan. The 2008 championship bike was taken to Bonneville Speedway Trials and the 2010 entry is looking to go into production." When asked if he has noticed a change of tends, Najar explained, "The trend is in engineering quality, craftsmanship and innovation. That has not changed. Trends come and go, but our desire to personalize our bike and create it in our own image is universal."

Custom builders recently had the opportunity to showcase their interpretation of the ultimate motorcycle during the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, held at Sturgis, South Dakota.

Although it's not uncommon for the custom builders to be internationally renowned in the business, one doesn't have to fit that mold to enter and even win the 2011 World Championship of Custom Bike Building. In fact, walking away with the title this year, Ken Tabata of Tavax Engineering, Tao City, Osaka, Japan, was a relatively unknown customizer prior to winning the title. That said, Tabata became a household name in the custom bike world immediately upon being declared the champion, as earning the title has been compared to winning the Indy 500. From here on out, the builder will always be known for his accomplishment.

Tabata's winning project was not devised and assembled overnight. It actually took 3 1/2 years to complete the build. Tabata describes his winning bike, TAVAX2011V, as being designed to look like a Cheetah about to pounce, all dynamic movement and power.

According to Najar, "TAVAX2011V effortlessly combines sculpted aluminum bodywork with one-off hand-made pieces that form the suspension and replace the stock engine and transmission covers. At the rear of the bike the swingarm pivots from behind the rear cylinder, arching over the transmission, and carrying a linkage system operated single shock, a design similar to that found in many modern sports bikes."

Larry Houghton, of Lamb Engineering, took second place with a bike he named "Son of a Gun." Based around a 1951 BSA single cylinder engine and Talon motocross wheels that he found on eBay, Houghton built the remainder of the custom bike predominantly from materials he found in scrap bins of friends working in the engineering industry. That said, his conviction to use recycled materials lent to a custom build costing less than nine thousand dollars.

Sticking to his motto, that a bike should have "everything it needs, and nothing it doesn't," Satya Cross built the third place bike. His custom cycle sported a "93ci S&S Shovelhead motor in a one-off frame carrying mono-shocked swingarm, telescopic forks and 17 inch Alpina spoked wheels shod with Metzeler sport bike tires."

Not only did Ken Tabata and the winners of each division earn instant notoriety, they also walked away with a K&N Intake System. Referring to K&N products, Najar said, "The very first performance upgrade on a motorcycle is a performance exhaust pipe and a high-flow K&N air filter. It provides the greatest bang for your buck. K&N's products not only look good, they are reusable; they perform."

"Without sponsors like K&N, we would not have an AMD World Championship," Najar continued. "K&N is integral to the health and well-being of the custom bike show." Referring to their sponsors, he explained, "Without the enthusiastic support, we would not have a championship. The closer we work together, the greater their investment will pay off."

In closing he said, "We would like to thank the participants for their hard work, interest and enthusiasm. Their work is truly outstanding, and we are blessed to be working with world-class engineers, artists and visionaries."

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 Signs on as Official Partner for 2012 British Drift Championship

20 Mar 2012

Drifting is decisively more art and finesse than blunt force. It's a power dance with mayhem.

From San Diego to the Ukraine, fans worldwide are going rip-roarin' mad for drifting. Next month April 21st and 22nd, round one of the 2012 Maxxis British Drift Championship will ignite at the Teesside Autodrome in Middlesbrough, North East England. Beginning this season, K&N, the preeminent leader in performance air filters, will be on hand to bump-up the buzz and excitement to entirely new levels.

"We have been involved with the drift scene over in America for a number of years, through various forms of sponsorship," explained K&N Sales and Marketing executive, Samantha Wallace. "The drifting crowds are huge car enthusiasts who use our product on a regular basis. Our products relate well to this type of sport, as our filters will help the engines breath better and increase power to the engine helping the drift cars to perform better, and do what they do best."

What they do best is to fire-up crowds on an unprecedented level. From the mountains of Japan, to the plains of the United States, drifting continues to be fastest growing motorsport around the planet. The 1990's freestyle motorsport that originated in Japan hopped the Pacific and exploded in North America, rapidly moving from its initial underground roots to become a mega mainstream motorsport. Unlike other motorsports, drifting is a "judged" sport; it's not about crossing a finish line first, but rather about technique and style points. Although often referred to as "drift racing," purists don't like the term since drifting isn't a race.

Drifting is decisively more art and finesse than blunt force. It requires an absurdly deft touch and balance between feathering the brakes, accelerating, steering and shifting. Think of it as a series of complex power-slides and counter-steering corrections. Talented drift drivers have the ability to take six to eight opposing turns without ever having traction. It's a power dance with mayhem. It's the difference between motocross racing and motocross freestyle. It screeches and roars, with smoke bellowing from the tires and sparks shooting like fireworks, and it's overpoweringly persuasive.

In 2012, the British Drift Championship moves into its fifth year and it continues to be the UK's premier professional series. The six event series will be running three separate classes as they did in 2011, Semi Professional, Professional and Super Professional. These classes are used to ensure that drivers will compete on an equal playing field and that they will be judged along similar standard. For the first time in the championship's history the series will run a minimum of top16 finalists in every class.

"The British Drift Championship is new to us this year," adds Wallace, "we are looking forward to watching the championship unfold."

For a teasing peek into the exhilarating world of drifting watch as 2010 Formula DRIFT Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. in his 2011 Ford Mustang drift car chases an RC drift car replica through the K&N factory in Riverside, California. You can find it at K&N's YouTube Channel.

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.

Select 2005 Through 2014 Volvo S60 and XC90 Attain Performance Gains with K&N Filter

15 Mar 2012

Replacement Air Filter for 05-14 Volvo S60s and XC90s 2.4L diesel.

"Cars are driven by people. The guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo, therefore, is and must remain - safety." That was the declaration made by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson, the founders of Volvo. Since the first Volvo, the OV4 (nicknamed Jakob), rolled out of their Gothenburg factory in 1927, quality and passenger safety have been paramount.

Swedish inventor, Nils Bohlin invented the modern version of the three-point seat belt, and in 1959 when Volvo introduced Bohlin's lap-and-shoulder belt, there was no way of knowing it would one day become a standard safety device. Few other vehicle manufacturers have so persistently led the industry with safety innovations or have so consistently rated five-stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Simply making a car safe is one thing, though not having it look like a tank or car in a plastic bubble is entirely another. What continues to distinguish Volvo is their ability to incorporate cutting-edge Scandinavian style lines and the finest creature comforts into an exceptionally well handling car that also happens to be extremely safe.

Restriction Chart for 33-2972 Air Filter

Case in point- the Volvo S60 and XC90. The S60 is a well established yet unconventional member of the entry-level luxury sedan segment, and the XC90 is a solid seven-passenger alternative for those needing more room for cargo. Both are big on safety, comfort and functionality, and both are prestige-style leaders in their respective classes. Select models of the S60 and XC90 can also benefit from a K&N 33-2972 high-performance air filter replacement.

Very few things can improve on what Volvo has already established with these two cars, or be anywhere near as cost-effective as replacing the existing factory air filter with a K&N 33-2972 high-performance replacement, designed to increase horsepower and acceleration while providing outstanding air filtration. This reusable air filter is a direct replacement for the stock OEM air filter, so no alterations of any sort will be necessary. Using the same amount of effort and time required to replace the existing factory air filter, you could be installing the premier reusable air filter.

The 33-2972 replacement air filter comes with K&N's Million Mile Limited Warranty, and based on regular day-to-day commuting results, you won’t even need to think about cleaning your K&N air filter for up to 50,000 safe and carefree miles depending on driving conditions.

K&N 33-2972 reusable air filter fits the following:

2014 VOLVO XC90 2.4L L5 Diesel
2013 VOLVO XC90 2.4L L5 Diesel
2012 VOLVO XC90 2.4L L5 Diesel
2011 VOLVO XC90 2.4L L5 Diesel
2010 VOLVO XC90 2.4L L5 Diesel
2009 VOLVO XC90 2.4L L5 Diesel
2009 VOLVO S60 2.4L L5 Diesel - 185BHP
2008 VOLVO XC90 2.4L L5 Diesel - 185BHP
2008 VOLVO S60 2.4L L5 Diesel - 185BHP
2007 VOLVO XC90 2.4L L5 Diesel - 185BHP
2007 VOLVO S60 2.4L L5 Diesel - 185BHP
2006 VOLVO XC90 2.4L L5 Diesel - 185BHP
2006 VOLVO S60 2.4L L5 Diesel - 185BHP
2005 VOLVO XC90 2.4L L5 Diesel - 185BHP
2005 VOLVO S60 2.4L L5 Diesel - 185BHP

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.

2007-2008 Mitsubishi Raider and Dodge Dakota Models Get Simple Performance Add-on

15 Mar 2012

K&N Air Intake System for 07-08 Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider 3.7L V6

Built off of the same platform, the Mitsubishi Raider and Dodge Dakota offer drivers a reliable transport for light towing and all around driving. While these vehicles alone offer a great driving experience, the engineers at K&N have designed an air intake system to take that experience to the next level of performance.

The 57-1558 Fuel Injection Performance Kit (FIPK) is designed to increase horsepower and improve the performance of the engine. This cold air intake is 50 state street legal with the vehicle applications listed below. Testing on 2007 Mitsubishi Raider models with a 3.7 liter engine, resulted with the 57-1558 air intake boosting output by an estimated 9 horsepower at 4200RPM and increasing torque by an estimated 11 lb-ft. at 4200RPM.

Dyno Chart for 57-1558 intake

This improvement is possible when incorporating K&N's high flow air filter technology into your Raider or Dakota. K&N air filters are designed differently than typical disposable paper filters. K&N uses layers of an oiled, breathable cotton gauze media that not only protects the engine from harmful contaminants, but lowers the restriction on the motor while it breathes in air. The filter is also washable and reusable but you won't need to work about that for up to 50,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

The 57-1558 has a heat shield that helps direct cooler outside air to the filter, avoiding warmer engine bay air. The heat shield and air filter combined with a non-metallic rotationally molded intake tube, replace the restrictive factory air box and intake setup with a more free flowing, powerful air intake system.

Simple to install, the 57-1558 air intake system is a bolt-on replacement upgrade that does not require any additional tuning or remapping of the engine to use. Best of all, the 57-1558 is backed with K&N's famous Million Mile Limited Warranty to ensure this intake kit will last the lifetime of your vehicle.

The 57-1558 fits the following applications:

2008 Mitsubishi Raider 3.7L V6
2008 Dodge Dakota 3.7L V6
2007 Mitsubishi Raider 3.7L V6
2007 Dodge Dakota 3.7L V6 F/I - All

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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