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Jim Cassidy, Tom McGann, Joey Logano and James Bickford were on hand to announce the 12-year extension between NASCAR and K&N Filters

The recently released K&N air filters commercial featured a NASCAR K&N Pro Series car wrapped in custom K&N livery

NASCAR announced today it has reached a five-year agreement with K&N Filters to continue as the entitlement sponsor of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series through 2021. The renewed deal ensures that K&N Filters will own exclusive rights as the title sponsor for a total of 12-consecutive years. “Any time that you can extend what is already a long-term relationship, it’s a good signal that things are working in that relationship,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations, of the K&N deal. “K&N has been a significant partner at a really significant time in the K&N Series.”

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series is universally recognized in the racing industry as the top rung in NASCAR’s developmental ladder – notable alumni include Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick, both finalists in last year’s Chase for the Sprint Cup, as well as rising stars like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and Darrell Wallace Jr. The series introduces NASCAR fans and industry stakeholders to the next generation of stars, and the diverse mix of short tracks, road courses and national series speedways appeals to a broad range of motorsports fans.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will kick off the 2015 season at Kern County Raceway Park with the running of the NAPA Auto Parts 150 on March 28

K&N Engineering, Inc. CEO Tom McGann was on site during the entitlement sponsorship extension announcement along with notable Pro Series alumni Joey Logano

“The NASCAR K&N Pro Series features the most competitive regional racing in the country and thanks to this newly signed agreement the series has never been healthier,” said Jim Cassidy, Senior Vice President of Racing Operations for NASCAR. “K&N Filters has the unique ability to showcase its products to a fiercely brand-loyal fan base on a national stage, while partnering with NASCAR to introduce professional motorsports’ stars of tomorrow.”

“K&N Filters has played an integral role in NASCAR for years and we’re thrilled to renew our commitment to the sport and specifically as the title sponsor of the K&N Pro Series,” said Jesse Spungin, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, K&N Filters. “Our ability to leverage the power of NASCAR’s intellectual property on and off the track while cultivating the sport’s rising stars across the country elevates our brand and drives our business.” The newly signed agreement ensures that K&N Filters will continue as a NASCAR Performance Partner, providing Contingency Sponsorship across the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. As part of the extension deal, K&N has acquired the designation as the “Official Automotive Filters of NASCAR.”

Although the announcement was made on K&N’s “home turf” in Fontana, California, the relationship with NASCAR is truly national in scope, encompassing both the K&N Pro Series East and K&N Pro Series West. “For K&N, where we truly race on Saturday and sell on Monday, a high-performance company working in Riverside here and working with NASCAR has provided us the opportunity to co-market with some of our largest customers," said Tom McGann, CEO of K&N Engineering, Inc. “One of our core values is the future of performance and the future of the sport. Working with this series fits right with our core values. ... It’s all in line very, very well with our goals as a company and our vision as a company, along with the vision of NASCAR.”

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will kick off the 2015 season at Kern County Raceway Park with the running of the NAPA Auto Parts 150 on March 28.

K&N’s on-site capabilities, such as CNC machining, air filter manufacturing, and powder coating, allowed the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 one-off air cleaner to be created in a matter of days

K&N built a unique oval high-flow air filter to serve as the heart of a custom air cleaner assembly designed to tie both Weber side-draft carburetors into a single low-profile air filter assembly

The Clarion Corporation of America chose to restore a 1974 BMW 2002 as its first project under the Clarion Builds program. The Clarion Builds choice of cars has left some people wondering why they chose an aging BMW. However, few cars have attained the cult status and impacted a modern car manufacturer the way the iconic BMW 2002 did for Bavarian Motor Works (BMW). This project would be more accurately described as a resto-mod since Clarion Builds has not only restored the car to factory condition but also enhanced key components of the ‘74 2002. Clarion Builds will bring the O2, as they’re called in certain circles, up to modern standards without sacrificing what made the little BMW a success over 40 years ago.

Restoration of the Clarion Builds 1974 BMW 2002 is in the final stages and is nearly complete. The process began with a complete tear down, followed by extensive rust repair. Once the body was back to like-new condition, Diamond Hills Collision Center applied a fresh coat of primer and a treated the O2 to a shiny new factory Fjord Blue paint job. Following the paint and body work, the Clarion Builds 1974 BMW 2002 was trailered back to the CoupeKing BMW specialist shop for assembly.

K&N designed a custom billet aluminum air filter top plate was to mate to the new backing plate with dual acorn nuts for as little hardware as possible and a matching uncluttered look

The well-worn BMW 2.0-liter engine received repairs and upgrades at the same time. CP custom forged pistons, a balanced crankshaft, an aftermarket camshaft and a new heavy-duty valve train all meticulously machined and assembled will ensure the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 performs better than it did forty years ago. Suspension, brakes, wheels, and tires are all new units from aftermarket companies such as Wilwood Brakes, BBS Wheels, and Toyo tires. Clarion Builds installed an aftermarket exhaust from Magnaflow, and a dual side draft Weber carburetor system from Ireland Engineering. This custom dual carburetor system made it necessary for K&N to build a one-off custom air cleaner assembly.

When Clarion Builds delivered the 1974 BMW 2002 to K&N Headquarters in Riverside, California the car completely lacked air filtration. Bolted to the dual two-barrel side draft Weber Carburetors were four stainless steel velocity stacks. Running nothing but velocity stacks is good for unrestricted airflow, however they do nothing to prevent the engine from ingesting debris which can lead to carburetion issues or engine damage. There are many readily available air cleaner assemblies for Weber carbs; however K&N was extremely limited by the space between the car’s battery, vacuum brake booster, and oil dipstick.

The custom machined billet air filter base plate incorporates new spun aluminum velocity stacks and was given a brushed aluminum finish to match the BMW 2002 cylinder head

K&N’s air intake department looked under the hood of the 1974 BMW 2002 and decided a one-off custom air cleaner was the only way to provide the car’s engine with enough superior airflow without sacrificing superior performance. In just a matter of days the custom air cleaner assembly, built specifically for the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 project, went from the concept phase, to design, build and finally assembly. Keeping production in-house at its Riverside, California facility gives K&N the ability to control quality and ensure efficient lead times. K&N’s on-site capabilities, such as CNC machining, air filter manufacturing, and powder coating, allowed the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 one-off air cleaner to be created in a fraction of the time needed if any phases of the project were outsourced.

K&N’s air intake department designed a one-off billet air cleaner to provide the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 engine with plenty of superior airflow without sacrificing superior performance

K&N designers took measurements and a rather unique oval K&N high-flow air filter was built to tie both carburetors into a single low-profile air filter assembly. Further measurements were taken and the K&N team designed a custom machined air filter base plate incorporating new spun aluminum velocity stacks. A custom air filter top plate was designed to mate to the new backing plate with as little hardware as possible for an uncluttered look. Factory aesthetics were taken into consideration during the design phase of the air cleaner assembly. It was decided that the air filter base plate would retain a raw brushed aluminum look to match the engine’s bare aluminum cylinder head, while the air filter top plate would be powder coated in a textured black to match the BMW’s valve cover. After being powder coated, stripes were machined into the top plate’s surface to match the valve cover design and the use of a period correct vintage K&N logo makes this air cleaner a functional piece of art.

Stripes were machined into the top plate’s surface to match the BMW 2002 valve cover and the use of a period correct vintage K&N logo makes this air cleaner a functional piece of art

Clarion Builds gave fans a sneak peek of the 1974 BMW 2002 at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), however Clarion still needed to put the finishing touches on the car. Plans for the Clarion Builds O2 include magazine coverage, attendance at a variety of shows, as well as turning the keys over to Clarion Builds’ official team test driver and 2X Formula Drift champ Chris Forsberg to put the car through its paces. K&N will continue to follow the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 as it makes its official debut and beyond. Updates on the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 can be found on K&N social media platforms as well as the KNFilters.com/news webpage.

About Clarion:

Headquartered in Cypress, California, Clarion Corporation of America is a subsidiary of Japan-based Clarion Co. Ltd, which has been a consolidated subsidiary of the Hitachi Group since 2006. Clarion has been an international leader in car audio and electronics since 1940. The company is engaged in the research, development, engineering, design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of mobile entertainment, navigation, infotainment, communication, safety and security products for the automotive, marine, recreational vehicle, commercial fleet and heavy industry environments. Clarion has been the recipient of numerous excellence awards for design, innovation, support, manufacturing and product reliability from independent organizations. The company has marketing and sales affiliates in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. Clarion is located on the web at www.clarion.com.

The fuel sipping 2013, 2014, & 2015 Ford Fusion 1.6L EcoBoost engine can receive improved performance from K&N Air Intake System, number 63-2586

The 2013, 2014, and 2015 Ford Fusion 1.6L EcoBoost turbo engine is a step up from the base naturally aspirated 2.5L Duratec 4-cylinder engine. The optional 1.6L EcoBoost L4 engine adds a little more performance with the real benefits being rated in miles per gallon. Ford EcoBoost technology has managed to squeeze good power and excellent fuel economy out of surprisingly small engines. 2013, 2014, and 2015 Ford Fusion 1.6L EcoBoost owners can enjoy 182 horsepower, and 184 lb-ft of torque while stopping to fill up less often.

The 2013, 2014, & 2015 Ford Fusion can be equipped with an optional 1.6L EcoBoost turbocharged engine which focuses on maximizing power as well as fuel efficiency

Realizing 2013, 2014 and 2015 Ford Fusion 1.6L EcoBoost owners would enjoy a boost in power, K&N engineers decided to free up some horsepower and torque by reducing restriction and turbulent airflow, while also maximizing the amount of air available to the 1.6L EcoBoost engine's turbocharger. K&N replaced the restrictive factory intake ducting and air filter box with a free-flowing, molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE), air intake tube and an oversized K&N high-flow air filter. By eliminating these restrictive factory components, K&N air intake system 63-2586 is able to minimize restriction, straighten, and increase airflow to the engine. More air and less restriction means more usable power throughout the engine’s RPM range by allowing the turbocharger to work more efficiently.

Roto-molded air intake tubes, like the one used in the 2013-2015 Ford Fusion 1.6L EcoBoost intake system, allow K&N the most freedom of design and offer an OE fit and finish

K&N includes an over-sized chrome-top reusable air filter RC-1637 fitted to the inlet of the K&N rotationally-molded air intake tube to provide superior airflow and superior performance without sacrificing engine protection. The K&N clamp-on performance air filter is washable and reusable and can go up to 100,000 miles between cleanings, depending on driving conditions. K&N air intake 63-2586 for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Ford Fusion 1.6L EcoBoost incorporates an application specific heat shield which serves to deflect engine heat away from incoming air. This helps to keep inlet air temperature (IAT) readings within factory specifications as well as promoting more efficient combustion.

K&N Air Intake System, 63-2586, produced noticeable horsepower and torque gains across the RPM range an otherwise stock 2013 Ford Fusion 1.6L EcoBoost

The K&N 63-2586 Performance Air Intake System for 2013, 2014 and 2015 Ford Fusion 1.6L EcoBoost models freed up horsepower and torque previously being used to overcome intake tract restriction. Considering how much power is being squeezed from the small Ford 1.6L EcoBoost L4, any additional horsepower and torque gains are impressive. On the dyno, when installed on a 2013 Ford Fusion 1.6L, the K&N 63-2586 Performance Air Intake System produced an estimated additional 5.41 horsepower at 5,751 rpm and an equally important 5.19 lb-ft of torque at a commonly used 4,128 rpm. It is said that torque is what gets you moving, and horsepower is what keeps you moving. Increases in torque will provide very noticeable improvements in acceleration.

The 63-2586 performance air intake system is an easy to install performance upgrade that can be installed in about 90 minutes or less using basic hand tools. By following K&N’s simple step-by-step instructions owners of 2013, 2014 and 2015 Ford Fusion 1.6L EcoBoost models can experience increased performance while still being able to brag about their car's fuel efficiency. The K&N 2013-2015 Ford Fusion 1.6L EcoBoost air intake system maintains all necessary factory connections and does not require any additional modifications to experience a boost in performance. K&N backs its air filters and air intake systems with a 10-year/million mile limited warranty so owners can rest assured that their intake system will probably outlast their car.

Performance Air Intake 63-2586 is guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque on the Ford Fusion EcoBoost powered models below:

2015 Ford Fusion 1.6L L4
2014 Ford Fusion 1.6L L4
2013 Ford Fusion 1.6L L4

Use the search by vehicle tool on knfilters.com to find additional products for your vehicle. Find additional air intakes for your Ford Fusion on the Ford Fusion Air Intakes page. To find a local authorized K&N dealer, use the Find Dealer search function.

K&N Performance Air Intake System 77-3085KP for 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L and GMC Sierra 1500 4.3L EcoTec3 V6

These days a full-size pickup truck is expected to do more than just carry a fully loaded bed, or tow a trailer. A modern full-size pickup truck is expected to also incorporate a refined interior with modern-day technology, a comfortable platform that is quiet on-road, rugged off-road, and of course, it must have style. Not only that, but EPA requirements and consumer expectations have forced full-size truck manufacturers to squeeze more power and better fuel economy out of their engines.

General Motors (GM) used the 4.3L 4300 Vortec V6 as its base engine for the full-size Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 for years. In 2013 this engine was rated at 195 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, for 2014 the same size 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine with new technologies such as direct injection, variable valve timing, and even active fuel management, allows the standard V6 to produce 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. This puts the standard 2014 Silverado / Sierra EcoTec3 V6’s performance on par with the 4.8L Vortec V8 engine of the 2013 Silverado and Sierra.

This of course doesn’t mean that 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 owners won’t benefit from a little more horsepower and torque. In fact, by simply installing K&N performance air intake 77-3085KP 2014 Silverado and Sierra V6 owners can increase acceleration and add more power for hauling or towing.

This 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 features a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine as its standard power plant and boast best in class standard V6 torque

The 77-3085KP intake system’s bright intake tube looks good under the hood of this 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L EcoTec3 V6

The K&N 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L and GMC Sierra 1500 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 air intake system is expert-engineered and guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque. It replaces the restrictive factory system with a free-flowing, mandrel-bent aluminum air intake tube to help minimize restriction, straighten, and increase airflow to the engine. The intake tube is then finished with a bright, chrome-like, finish for good looks and durability.

A K&N high-flow chrome top conical air filter RF-1041 is fitted to the inlet of the intake system to provide superior airflow and superior performance without sacrificing filtration efficiency. The filter is washable and reusable and can go up to 100,000 miles between cleanings, depending on driving conditions.

When it does come time to service the K&N air filter, cleaning can be easily completed using one of K&N’s readily available Recharger air filter service kits. The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L and GMC Sierra 1500 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 air intake system also incorporates an air filter heat shield which helps to guard cooler air entering the engine from ambient heat.

Because the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L and GMC Sierra 1500 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 air intake system is designed to decrease restriction, and increase airflow, it is able to make impressive performance gains in horsepower and torque throughout the entire RPM range of the already powerful standard V6 engine.

On the dyno, when installed on a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 4.3 liter EcoTec3 V6, the 77-3085KP performance air intake system produced an estimated additional 10 horsepower at 5285 RPM and 13.54 pound-feet of torque at just 3,548 RPM. Increased power will require the engine to expend less energy to cruise down the highway with active fuel management in place, or help during full throttle acceleration situations.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 4.3 liter EcoTec3 V6 gains an estimated 10 more horsepower and 13.54 lb-ft of torque

The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L and GMC Sierra 1500 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 air intake system is an easy to install performance upgrade that can be installed in about 90 minutes or less using basic hand tools, and by following K&N’s simple step-by-step instructions.

The cold air intake maintains all necessary factory connections and does not require any additional modifications be made to the vehicle. K&N backs its air filters and air intake systems with a 10-year, Million Mile Limited Warranty^® so that owners can rest assured that their intake system can stand up to tough conditions.

Whether the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L and GMC Sierra 1500 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 is used as a reliable daily driver, dedicated workhorse, or something in between, the K&N 77-3085KP Performance Air Intake system will provide increased performance with better engine sound for years to come.

The 77-3085KP performance air intake system is guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque on the following Chevrolet and GMC models:

2016 GMC SIERRA 1500 4.3L V6
2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 4.3L V6
2015 GMC SIERRA 1500 4.3L V6
2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 4.3L V6
2014 GMC SIERRA 1500 4.3L V6
2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 4.3L V6

Find additional air intakes for your Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra, or another vehicle, using the search by vehicle tool on KNFilters.com or view the GMC Sierra 1500 Air Intakes or Chevy Silverado 1500 Air Intakes pages. To find a dealer near you, please use the K&N Dealer Search function.

It will be a minimum of 10 years before he’ll be licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, however, 6-year-old Jacob Hodges has earned his Jr. Drag Racing license

Jacob Hodges was initiated into the world of drag racing at the recent SCEDA event at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California

It will be a minimum of 10 years before he’ll be licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, however, 6-year-old Jacob Hodges has earned his Jr. Drag Racing license. During the recent Southern California Drag Racing Association (SCEDA) race weekend at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California Jacob was initiated into the heart pounding world of drag racing. Jacob spent two days on the track running through the paces and earning his stripes. He was taught the rules and basics of drag racing before being towed down the track to practice steering and braking in a moving car.

The next morning Jacob was ready to get live seat time with the engine running in his 2006 Hansen built Jr. Dragster. The drills consisted of practicing staging, accelerating to the 60 foot mark and stopping, followed by a longer 330’ run down the track. After a break Jacob was ready to get back in the car and make his first attempt at a full 1/8 mile run. According to Jacob’s father Travis Hodges, who is K&N’s Race Team Manager, “He did perfect, staged good and ran down the track in 20.36 seconds at 25 mph.” Jacob had two more runs down the 1/8 mile drag strip clocking an elapsed time (E.T.) of 17.40 seconds at 32 mph for his final license earning pass.

Jacob’s dad, Travis, has equipped the Jr. Dragster with K&N clamp-on universal air filter R-1100 to keep the Briggs & Stratton 5 HP “lawnmower” engine running at its peak

Come Sunday Jacob was ready for some real racing. He took two practice runs in the morning with his first round race scheduled for early in the afternoon. Jacob was pitted against Carlie Ball in the Lil DudeT 7927 Jr. Dragster. Jacob had the better reaction time behind the wheel of the 7290 K&N Motorsports Jr. Dragster at just .041 seconds versus Carlie’s .185. However, at the stripe Jacob ran slower than his dial-in time handing the first round win over to Carlie.

Jacob was pitted against Carlie Ball in the Lil DudeT 7927 Jr. Dragster and Jacob had the better reaction time off the line

In the end Travis Hodges said “It was a great weekend getting 6 full runs, his license and seat time. Jacob got a lot of compliments on his ability to listen well, stage the car like a pro, and drive the car down the track straight, especially for a 6-year-old.” Jacob’s 2006 Hansen built Jr. Dragster is powered by a 5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton spec engine. The car’s frame has been powder coated tangerine orange and wrapped in K&N graphics. This car wouldn’t be complete without the superior airflow and superior performance of a K&N high-flow air filter. Jacob’s dad, Travis, has equipped the Jr. Dragster with K&N clamp-on universal air filter R-1100 to keep the “lawnmower” engine running at its peak.

Jacob’s next race will be on March 21 and 22 at the NHRA Division 7 drag races at Irwindale Raceway. Jacob and his dad plan to enter 5 to 9 different races and it will be exciting to watch this young driver progress. Travis Hodges said “Thanks to K&N, Raven & Hawk LLC, and Doug Whitten, if it wasn’t for them none of this would be possible.”