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Roland Sands Design Unveils K&N Custom Harley Davidson Softail at 2013 SEMA

12 Nov 2013

The Roland Sands K&N Custom Softail received a lot of attention at the 2013 SEMA Show

The first rule of writing is to focus on matters you've lived through, and understand, which aptly embodies the keep-it-simple-stupid (KISS) principle. KISS is a long held design rule that states most things generally perform best when they have simple designs rather than over thinking it. It is not meant to imply stupidity, on the contrary.

a The K&N logo and colors inspired the Harley-Davidson’s paint scheme

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." Believed Albert Einstein, by which he meant simplify the design of a product and success is achieved when a design is at its maximum simplicity.

So, Roland Sands uncomplicated response to why he chose a 2006 Harley Davidson Softail for his latest project fits that logic perfectly. "We had one and it made sense," he remarked. "It was a pretty simple project actually. I had a bike in the shop that was a custom we wanted to change. So we based the bike off the original Softail and added some new tweaks. Obviously the paint job is very K&N, so that was my initial inspiration, as well as some vintage racing flavor. I love the K&N logo and colors, so those three were easy to apply." The Roland Sands K&N Custom Harley Davidson Softail was on display at the 2013 SEMA Show.

The custom RSD Slant Carbon Fiber Intake with K&N Filter adds some much needed knee room to the Softail

The custom RSD Slant Carbon Fiber Intake with Kamp;&N Filter adds some much needed knee room to the Softail

The Long Beach, California native is an award winning designer for Performance Machine, and he is the owner/founder of Roland Sands Design. Sands was the 1998 AMA 250GP National Road Racing Champion, and he has a lifetime of motorcycling experience from which he draws his design insights. He intrinsically understands the subtle nuances of the motorcycle culture, the clear distinction between cool and kitsch, which he applies to his creations. Since opening RSD in 2005 Sands has distinguished himself as a leader in the design of functional, aggressive, well-rounded, and aesthetically pleasing motorcycle hard parts, accessories, and riding gear. His ultimate custom motorcycle designs have been described as balance of sport bike and chopper influences.

In an early design rendering the K&N Softail still sported a vintage seat

"Every rendering is different," Sands says about his process and his frequently evolving design sketches. "Sometimes it's basically just to get the paint nailed. Other times we really try to build it exact. This bike may have had a vintage seat on it originally, but we decided to go with our Boss solo, as we haven't used one on a bike, and we had one in the shop. It was last minute."

The head-turning Softail features an exclusive custom designed Slant Carbon Fiber Air Cleaner with a K&N Air Filter. "This idea came from an existing K&N air filter that we morphed into Carbon fiber to match our Slant Exhaust tip," Sands explains. "It was really a new way to look at an exhaust and intake package. The cool thing about the air cleaner is it allows for more knee clearance, which is really nice on a Harley."

How was the bike received at SEMA? "People want to ride it," Sands reports. "That's a good thing."

"I have a few KTM's were finishing up and a Dyna Glide just went on the table today," he adds about his ongoing project list. "Things are getting chopped up a bit as usual."

The Roland Sands K&N Custom Softail Specs:
Year:   2006
Make:   Harley Davidson
Model:   Softail Standard
Builder:   Roland Sands Design
Date Built:   October, 2013
Engine:   88 C.I. Fuel Injected / Air Cooled / V-Twin
Engine Covers:   RSD - Nostalgia
Transmission:   5 Speed w/ Performance Machine Hydraulic Clutch Conversion
Primary:   PM – Contour Belt Drive
Intake:   RSD Slant Carbon Fiber Intake with K&N Filter
Exhaust:   RSD Slant 2-into-1 Exhaust
Front Wheel: RSD - Del Mar 23x3.5"
Front Disc:   RSD - Del Mar 13"
Rear Wheel:    RSD - Del Mar 18x5.5"
Rear Disc:    RSD - Del Mar 11.5"
Pulley:    RSD – Del Mar
Calipers:    Performance Machine
Gas Tank:    RSD – Vintage
Gas Cap:    RSD - Vintage
Rear Fender:   RSD – Tracker 200mm
Seat:    RSD – Boss Solo Seat
Hand Controls:   PM – Contour
Foot Controls:   PM – Contour Forward Controls
Suspension:   Progressive Suspension Shocks and Fork Springs
Headlight:    RSD – Chrono
Handlebars:    RSD – ProStep 12"
Risers:   RSD – Nostalgia 4-bolt
Grips:   RSD – Chrono
Triple Trees:   RSD – Custom

Related K&N News Articles about vehicles at SEMA: Sergio Higareda Builds Super Hummer H2 Shown at SEMA and Dub Car Show Los Angeles; Show Cars Inc. Features Ren Jenson's Custom 1955 Bel Air at SEMA 2012; Carlos Islas and 742 Marketing Consider New Look for 370z at SEMA 2013; 2012 SEMA Featured Bright Orange Ford Mustang GT with Matching Wheelchair Trailer

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Mitch Guthrie Jr. Wins the 2013 WORCS SXS Production 1000 Championship

12 Nov 2013

Mitch Guthrie Jr. dominated the WORCS SXS Production 1000 class, winning 5 of the 8 rounds he competed in

Earlier in the year we reported that the Mitches of Guthrie Racing had claimed the 2013 King of the Hammers title. Veteran driver Mitch Sr. backed up his 2012 win, and made it an even four KOH titles, with his son Mitch Jr. in the co-pilot seat of their Polaris. Clearly Mitch Jr. was keeping detailed notes each time he raced with dad, because this time the story is about him.

The 2013 World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS) wrapped up at Buffalo Bill’s Casino, just a klick outside Primm, Nevada, and Guthrie Jr. skillfully drove his No.751, K&N supported HRP Polaris RZR XP 900 to a solid second place finish.

Mitch Guthrie Jr. of Guthrie Racing had the 2013 title clinched 2 rounds before the final in Primm

"Primm went well," established dad, "he (Mitch Jr.) was able to get the hole-shot and an early lead. After some trouble with lap traffic he fell back to second, and with a hard track to pass on, the traffic became an even bigger problem later in the race. But in the end he was able to gain time and finish only six seconds behind 1st place.

Finishing the season on a high note is the focus of every team, but for Guthrie Racing the Production 1000 Class Championship was never in doubt at this event. Guthrie Jr. flat-out dominated his class all season, and he had in reality locked the title two races before Primm. Guthrie Jr. in fact won races in 5 of the 8 rounds he competed in and only finished off of the podium two times all year.

The 2013 Production Championship is the first WORCS title for Mitch Guthrie Jr.

"This is Mitch's first championship," confirmed an understandably proud Mitch Sr. "He was very happy and proud to have won two races ahead of time, but we were all a little apprehensive until we got confirmation from WORCS officials."

Relaxed and confident with the championship pressure of his shoulders early, Guthrie Jr. raced the SST series in the RZR at the Sand Sports Super Show.

"The Sand Sport Super Show was a little different, as the track had a lot of asphalt," said Guthrie Sr. "Mitch qualified 2nd on Saturday and started in the back due to the inversion. He was in 3rd on the last lap and made a mistake and ended up finishing 5th. Sunday he qualified 1st, started in the back again, and won."

And, perhaps because contestants and fans both agree that a long jump contest is always thoroughly entertaining, the Sand Sport Super Show staged one. Guthrie Jr. won that as well.

"We are not sure how long it was," said Guthrie Sr. regarding the jump distance. "I think Robby Gordon wanted to fill some time, so they came up with the idea. The winner was the one that had the loudest applause from the crowd. It was a great Weekend!"

"We are in the off season now, but if any races come up, we might go," Guthrie Sr. adds. "We will be busy soon building two RZR XP 1000's for next year. WORCS starts in January, and Mitch Guthrie Jr. will be racing in Pro Production 1000, and we will be racing the King of the Hammers UTV race again in February."

Related K&N News Articles about the World Off-Road Championship Series(WORCS): H&M Motorsports' Haagsma and Baron Win 2012 Quad-X and WORCS Championships; Beau Baron Pulls Off WORCS Championship While David Haagsma Grabs #3 Spot; R3 Motorsports' Cody "Code" Rahders Wins 2012 Production 700 Class WORCS; Kamp;&N Re-Signs Colton Haaker to Race the 2012 WORCS and GEICO Endurocross Series

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Andy Forsberg Enjoys A Busy Weekend of Racing at Placerville Speedway

11 Nov 2013

Andy Forsberg recently earned the title of 360 champion in the Wing-Sprint Class

Andy Forsberg and his team had already cinched the championship when he rolled into Placerville Speedway. One would suspect that his standing in the points race lent to a sense of relief. However, it was the final 360 (class) event of the season, and the competitive nature that drove him to earning the championship, lent to a desire to chalk up one more victory.

"It's always nice, not having to worry about points," ensured Forsberg. "Final point nights are usually about positions, and where the other racer is compared to you. Qualifying, heats and the main event is aways stressful. You have to be worried about finishing good, making the inversion and starting the main," he continued. "Usually, if aware I'm not going to get a win, I just focus on a good finish. This night, we just got out there and raced with no worries."

Referring to his mindset, going into the race, the driver said, "I don't think I‘m one of those drivers who changes much of anything. I always go out on the track to set quick time, finish in the top four in my heat to transfer directly into the main. Then I race for the win. And like I said," he reiterated, "If I can't get the win, I race to get the best possible finish."

After qualifying second quickest, Forsberg managed to finish fourth in his heat, earning an eighth place start in the main event. He was definitely in a position where he could work his way to the front of the pack by the race's end. But bad luck reared its ugly head in the first lap, when he lost a rear brake caliper causing a yellow flag.

Going into Placerville, Andy Forsberg had already cinched the points needed to win the 2014 championship

The crew worked their magic, had the line plugged, and had Forsberg back on the track in a jiffy. But the delay sent the driver to the back of the field, and he would eventually be forced to pit one more time for final repairs.

Becoming a champion certainly wasn't a derivative of a willingness to throw the towel, and Andy Forsberg was committed to getting back out there and battling for position. When the checkered flag deemed the race over, he had managed to work himself from 18th to eighth place.

Forsberg and his team headed to Calistoga, California, the next day, eager to participate in the Louie Vermeil Classic, at the Calistoga Speedway. This promised to be an interesting and exciting event for the driver and his crew.

They would be competing in night two of the USAC non-winged show. Not only would he be disassembling the wing from his car, but he was prepared to run his 360 in the 410 class race. But there was 360 bonus money at stake, and the driver was more than willing to give it a shot.

"The 360 verses 410 issues didn't bother me," he explained. "Horsepower becomes less important when you take the wing off of your sprint car, and we were the 12th quickest qualifier out of 24 cars. So I knew we had the speed to be competitive, and go after the 360 bonus money.

"Getting the car set up was most important," he recalled. We don't run many non-winged races and that was the first night for the 7c car with the wing off. So there was as always is a bit of a guesstimating factor. the goal is to get as much traction without getting the non-wing cars too tight."

Upon finishing fourth in his heat, Forsberg started the main event 12th in the field. Having not raced at this venue the night prior, the driver was sort of behind the eight-ball, as his competitors who had already experienced the track the day before had gotten the feel of it. In turn, they would benefit from more accurate setups.

Andy Forsberg recently raced his 360 winged sprint car in the 410 race at a USAC Non-winged event at Calistoga speedway

Forsberg fought a valiant battle, but at the 30-lap event's end, he crossed the finish line in 13th place. "We missed the setup big time," he recalled. "The car was way to loose." Referring to a fellow 360 racer, he explained, "Bradley Terrell finished sixth. He had run Calistoga the night before, when I was racing at Placerville. So I think his group had learned a lot about the track conditions, and how it was going to change for the main event. I know we learned a lot of tricks that we would have done differently if we had another night. Terrell got the job done."

When asked if satisfied with the outcome of the race, Forsberg said, "Yes and no. a 13th place finish was obviously not what we went went there to get, but it was the first time all year without a wing; the first time ever for thePT Shocks 7c car. We were decent and rolled the car on the trailer in one piece. and that's always important."

As the 2013 season winds to an end, Andy Forsberg and his crew are already anticipating 2014. The driver's record speaks for itself, and one can rest assured that he has full intentions of successfully defending his championship title.

He is also acutely aware that success will depend a great deal upon keeping his cars in optimal running condition. In turn, he depends up K&N products to ensure the internal components of his engine remain contaminant free.

"We're real big believers that you win races at the shop," he explained. We use K&N oil filters, filter oil and filter cleaning solution. It's a huge part of our engine program. K&N products keep everything clean and flowing strong."

Looking to the future, Andy Forsberg concluded, "I would guess our 2014 plans will be similar to what we did in 2013. We are just waiting for next season's schedule to come out in January."

Related K&N News Articles about Placerville Speedway: Andy Gregg Wins Wing 360 Sprint Car Race at Placerville Speedway in Northern California; Pacific Sprint Car Division Race Win at Placerville Speedway for K&N Sponsored Racer; K&N's Jonathan Allard is Bumped into Second Place at Placerville Speedway

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Joe Sylvester Jumps Into The Record Books

11 Nov 2013

Joe Sylvester understands the importance of keeping his rig in optimal working condition, and in turn, is a strong advocate of using K&N products for his filtering needs

Try to imagine yourself climbing into the cab of Joe Sylvester's truck. And I do mean climb, as 66" tires combined with 26" shocks lend to an overall vehicle height of 10-feet. The perspective would be much different from what the average person is accustomed to.

However, one could safely say that Sylvester is probably not the "average person." In fact, not only does he feel at home in this monstrous rig, but he savors the opportunity to approach ramps at high rates of speeds, and soar incredible distances through the air.

"I've been jumping since I learned to ride a bicycle," recalled the Ohio native. "Ever since I was a little kid, it was just something I enjoyed. The feeling of flying through the air, whether it's on a bike, a pair of skis, an ATV or a truck, is a tremendous sense of freedom and adrenaline."

With age and experience came much longer and more complicated stunts. In fact, Sylvester set a world record with a 208-feet jump in 2010 - a proud moment in his racing career. But records are made to be broken and Sylvester's aspirations lent to little time to bathe in his accomplishment.

Joe Sylvester recently set a new world record, jumping a staggering 237-feet

The driver recently devised another stunt that would exceed his previous performance. Rolling into Columbus, Ohio, he was prepared to dazzle the fans with a jump that would clear a staggering 237-feet.

As the engine roared and anticipation thickened the air, Joe Sylvester hit the ramp at the optimal speed. Fans were mesmerized as his truck soared over a tractor trailer. The crowd bellowed with approval upon a safe landing and cheering intensified when they learned he had set a new world record.

When asked what he found most exciting about the jump, Sylvester answered, "The adrenaline rush and the satisfaction of knowing had just accomplished something that no one else had ever done. It was a feeling of accomplishment."

As one might suspect, countless hours of preparation are imperative for a stunt of this magnitude to go without a hitch. "Physically, I train in the gym five days a week," explained Sylvester. "I've been into physical fitness since I was around 12-years old. I have found that whether I am in my pro-light race truck, on my mountain bike, or in a monster truck, being physical fit makes a big difference in my performances.

"I don't do much to prepare mentally.," shared the driver. "I guess it's just part of me. It's what I do and who I am; a bit of modern-day daredevil, you might say. All of my efforts and thoughts go into making sure the truck is 100% ready for the jump, and my ramp is built properly.

"As with any other motorsport," Sylvester continued, "it takes a solid team working together to win races, and in this case, set world records. My crew all pitched in to make sure the truck was ready, and I was safe. Maintenance is very important. When a monster truck is flying 35-feet off of the ground at 85 miles-per-hour, equipment failure is simply not an option."

Mindful that keeping the internal components of his engine contaminant free is one of the key elements of dependability and performance, Joe Sylvester is a strong advocate of using K&N products for his filtering needs.

"I've been using K&N products since I was in my teens - from street and mud trucks to racing ATVs and dirt bikes," recalled the driver. "In the monster truck, we use K&N air, fuel and oil filters. We also use a K&N air filter on my transporter. Simply put... Their the best filter in the world. I wouldn't use anything else."

Although Joe Sylvester currently holds the world record, that's no indication he's ready to hang it up. "I've always said I want to jump 300-feet," he explained. "So I started thinking about the next jump almost immediately after the last two. Like I said, I'm all about pushing my limits."

Related K&N News Articles about Joe Sylvester: Joe Sylvester Wins the Young Guns Shootout and a Spot in Monster Jam World Finals; Joe Sylvester with His Bad Habit Monster Truck Break World Record Jump

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Mike Edwards Scores Fifth NHRA Title of 2013

11 Nov 2013

Mike Edward and his Camaro were recently unstoppable at the Brainerd International Raceway

Mike Edwards had already proved his driving skills during the 2013 season, prior to his recent arrival at the Brainerd International Raceway, in Brainerd, Minnesota. He had already earned four NHRA Pro-Stock titles this season, and sported an impressive resume, with 38 career wins.

In spite of a record any driver would find satisfying, Edwards showed up at this event with something to prove. For some reason, he had never managed to pull off a victory at Brainerd, and it was due time for change.

"As a team, we knew we had the car to win the event, explained Mike Edwards Motorsports Publicity manager, John Miller. "We just had to make good runs on Sunday, and maybe get a little "racing magic. We were coming off the Western Swing, and it was the last race carrying the K&N colors on the Chevy Camaro. So we wanted to go out with a bang and give them a Pro Stock victory.

Mike Edwards is a strong advocate of maintenance, and depends upon K&N products to keep the internal components of his race car engine contaminant free

Mike had never reached the final at the track," he continued, "and had competed at Brainerd every year since 1996, minus one season, when he took the year off as a driver.

"It's a great facility on the NHRA tour. The lakes and trees lend to one of the coolest settings we go to. For some reason, we never had a winning combination. It was nothing the track threw at us, we just never figured it out until this year."

And figure it out they did, as Mike Edwards and his Chevy Camaro proved unstoppable at the recent event, in spite of the hard knocks that often come with the sport. After suffering through ignition issues while qualifying, Mike Edwards and his crew hastily put their noses to the grindstone and made the needed changes prior to eliminations.

Although there were a few competitors who would likely prove "the man to beat," Edwards and his team went into the event knowing that each and every driver was capable of earning the victory title. That in mind, they focused on one competitor at a time.

Mike Edwards started his run from the number four position. Although this was his second lowest starting position throughout the entire 2013 campaign, that certainly didn't deter his pursuit for the championship.

Edwards immediately took out Greg Stanfield, positioning him in the following round with Allen Johnson. Scoring a mere five-thousandths faster than the competitor who was second on the overall points race, Edwards posted a 6.630 and a near perfect 0.007 reaction time to inch his way past Vincent Nobile, and earn a much deserved spot in the final against Vieri Gaines.

Not only was Edwards on the verge of putting his lack of success at this particular venue behind him, but it was also a first in the sense that he had never had the opportunity to meet up with this driver in a final.

The air grew saturated with anticipation, as the Christmas tree deemed the race underway. And when the roaring engines returned to an idle, Mike Edwards had earned the victory.

"It was huge to win at Brainerd," ensured the team's publicity manager. "When you go to the same place year after year with no success, you begin to dread the next year when that event rolls around. To get a win, we can return in 2014 knowing we have conquered that hill, and maybe can start a long winning streak.

"Winning any race is always huge," he continued. "But Brainerd was even bigger. It gave us the momentum that helped carry us to a win at the U.S. Nationals. It put us in a position at the start of the playoffs, that if we did not excel, we had a buffer. Thus, it has helped keep us in the title chase with a couple of races left."

Mike Edwards and his team are acutely aware that consistent success depends a great deal upon their engine's ability to operate at its optimal performance. that in mind, they depend upon K&N products to ensure the internal components of their engines remain contaminant free. The team uses a K&N hood scoop air system and oil filters on their race car and use K&N products on their support vehicles as well.

"K&N is the best product on the market," he ensured. "We have used K&N filters as long as I can remember, and they always perform flawlessly. It is great to be associated with such a company that strives for perfection in all they do. That is clear in the product they produce and the reputation they carry throughout the automotive industry.

Looking to the future, Mike Edwards' game plan is plain and simple. "We just have to be consistent and fast. Those are the two main ingredients of success. As a driver, I have to leave on time and do my job. We will come out and do our best, and make everyone proud to be part of Mike Edwards Motorsports."

Related K&N News Articles about the Brainerd International Raceway: NASCAR K&N Pro Series West's Michael Self Wins NAPA Know How 125 at Brainerd International Raceway; Jason Line Marks 20th Career NHRA Pro Stock Pole at Brainerd International Raceway; Two Comp Eliminator Finals for David Rampy at NHRA Nationals at the Brainerd International Raceway & Div 3 in Bowling Green; Michael Self Wins the K&N Pro Series West Race at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota

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