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Baja-Style Off-Road Racer Kyle LeDuc Rises to the Top in Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series

31 Aug 2013

Kyle Leduc has achieved first-time winner in the Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR) series back in 2003, a Pro 4x4 win in 2008, and he's currently competing in both Pro 4 and Pro2 classes in the LOORRS Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

In a perfect confluence of "nature vs. nurture," Baja-style off-road racer Kyle LeDuc was destined to be a top competitor. Raised in the Baja California desert watching his father, the legendary off-road racer Curt LeDuc, compete and helping out in the pits, Kyle was born and bred in this world.

Earning his stripes while riding dirt bikes, Kyle, 31, first entered into the arena at age 19, racing in his first pro off-road race.

Piloting his Ford truck to a blazing "Fastest Lap" trophy in late June at Miller Motorsports Park, Kyle's Monster Energy-backed truck relies on K&N Filters to keep it in top shape.

Since then, Kyle has escalated through the ranks - as a first-time winner in the then Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR) series back in 2003, his first Pro 4x4 win in 2008, and currently competing in both Pro 4 and Pro2 classes in the LOORRS Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

Piloting his Ford truck to a blazing "Fastest Lap" trophy in late June of this year at Utah's Miller Motorsports Park, Kyle's Monster Energy-backed truck relies on K&N Filters to keep it in top shape.

"Getting the fastest lap trophy solidifies that we have a truck that can run with the top guys in the class," said crew chief, Sean Hodgdon in an interview with Jenn Hellstrom. Making 900-horspower requires every component on Kyle's truck work at optimum levels, and K&N Filters make that possible.

Kart Series Racer Hunter Smith in Top Five for Championship at Borger's Speedway

31 Aug 2013

Hunter Smith has a win, a pole, three top 5's and six top 10's in just eight starts running a limited schedule in the Slingshot by Tobias National Series and full time at Borger's Speedway in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania.

Most kids just want to race, but Hunter Smith has found a way to take his passion to the next level. This season Smith changed his number in support of two very serious illnesses that have impacted his family.

The senior at High Point Regional High School in Sussex, New Jersey, decided to start racing with the number 30. "The thirty represents the thirty million people in the world battling cancer and multiple sclerosis," Smith told K&N News. "Both conditions have affected my family greatly and I wanted to do my part in helping out and raising awareness."

Cancer changed Smith's life before he was even born; one of his grandmothers died of lung cancer. Smith also lost a grandfather to bladder cancer in 2005, and an aunt is a survivor of breast cancer. As for multiple sclerosis, Smith's great aunt, who helped raise the teenager and supported his racing career, is battling the disease.

Smith decided to start racing with the number 30. "The thirty represents the thirty million people in the world battling cancer and multiple sclerosis."

Smith has used the inspiration of his aunt and great aunt, as well as the memory of his grandmother and grandfather, to guide him to a successful first half of the season.

Smith has a win, a pole, three top 5's and six top 10's in just eight starts running a limited schedule in the Slingshot by Tobias National Series and full time at Borger's Speedway in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania.

"It's definitely the most consistent season I have ever had," Smith said. "My favorite moment was my very first Slingshot win in April," Smith said. "It was our first race with the number thirty on the car and we were on fire that day. Everything went our way. We qualified on the pole and led every lap. Needless to say, there were a lot of tears between my mom, dad and I. It was so special to win with the thirty too. It felt like I brought all those suffering to victory lane with me, and that was an amazing feeling."

On August 18th, Hunter Smith had his car on display at Sussex County Community College in Hampton, New Jersey, signing autographs and teaching new fans about the sport he loves.

Smith's season has been mostly free of negatives. "Knock on wood," he adds. Smith pointed to a race in late July at Borger's Speedway where he qualified poorly but had worked his way through the field when he tangled with another car while battling for third. Smith managed to "salvage" a respectable eighth after the late race mishap.

Smith also enjoys showing others what he does. On August 18th, he had his car on display at Sussex County Community College in Hampton, New Jersey, signing autographs and teaching new fans about the sport he loves.

Speaking of college, Smith has a tough decision to make in a few months. In September, he will visit his top three college choices: High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, UNC Charlotte and NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Smith intends to major in sport marketing and minor in physical training, two fields he views as instrumental in the development of a racecar driver. Smith also has some lofty racing goals in mind.

"This season, we just want to win," Smith said. "We are sitting in the top five in the championship at Borger's Speedway. The goals are strictly to win and hopefully finish in the top three in points. Beyond this season, I hope to move up and really give my career a jumpstart. I am working real hard to bring sponsors to the table to run some open wheel stuff. My goal for next season would be to run the Mazda Road to Indy USF2000 series."

But if that doesn't work out, Smith says he isn't too picky about where he races. "If I was ever offered the opportunity to run some stock car races, I would accept it with a smile. I really just want to fulfill my dream and race," Smith said.

Smith also talked fondly of K&N Filters and the company's support of his racing career. "K&N helps me in two big ways," Smith said. "The first way is the product. I only use K&N air filters on my racecars and in my personal car. They supply us with the best airflow and keep my engines running smoothly. Second, they do things like this. K&N gives drivers like myself, who are trying to live their dream, a chance to communicate with the fans and show them what we've got."

Related K&N News Articles about Hunter Smith and Kart Series Racing: Driver Interview: Up-And-Coming Racer Hunter Smith - This Kid is Going Places; Brooke Kawell Racing Readies for 2013 LOORRS Modified Kart Racing Championship Bid; Fourteen-Year-Old Modified Kart Racing's Brooke Kawell Anticipates Success in 2013; Teddy Hodgdon Experiences A Stellar 2011 Kart Series Racing Season

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Lucas Oil Regional Series Racer Cody Rahders Takes Third After Loosing Wheel on Final Lap

31 Aug 2013

During round four of the Lucas Oil Regional Series, Cody Rahders took third place in spite of loosing a wheel in the final lap.

One could safely say that 18-year-old Cody Rahders has a passion for the sport of off road racing. In fact, he competes in both the WORCS and Lucas Oil Regional Series. In most cases, competing in both series poses little problems. However the driver recently found himself in somewhat of a pickle as races from both series were scheduled for the same day.

Although not an easy choice, a decision had to be made. However, Rahders was closer to the number one spot in the Lucas Oil Points race. That in mind, he chose to compete in that series event.

Having placed second in the first three rounds, the driver was anticipating success in round four. "I felt that having a well-prepared race car and getting a good qualifying position would be the key to success," he explained. "All I had to do in the main was get on it and go, and hope the car would keep up."

Cody Rahders anticipates success in the Lucas Oil Regional series throughout the remainder of the 2013 season.

Qualifying third in the XP class, Rahders started the feature in row three. When the waving of the green flag deemed the main underway, the driver wasted no time, taking the second spot over on the second lap.

"I really had to keep my head down and race clean," he recalled. "There is usually a lot of carnage for the first couple of laps. After that, the track would clear up, and I would go to battle."

And battle he did. In fact, Cody Rahders held on to the the second place position for the next 13 laps, patiently awaiting his opportunity to take the lead. At the most opportune moment, the driver took the front position on the final lap.

Things appeared to be going in the Rahder's direction, as he gained distance from the field. But everything went south in the blink of an eye when the second place driver bumped Rahders in turn five, sending him to the wall.

Cody Rahders races in the WORCs, as well as the Lucas Oil Regional Series.

The other driver took the lead, as his rig sustained significant damage. However, it quickly became evident that the word "quit" is not in Cody Rahder's vocabulary, as he limped across the finish line on three wheels to take third place.

"It was a huge bummer," he recalled. "I ran a clean race for 13 laps and never touched him. Then to get the lead only to get cleaned out in the last turn - a huge disappointment. I really wish I could have gotten the first," he continued. "But I am happy I salvaged the race for third."

Putting disappointment behind them Cody Rhaders and team R3 Motorsports geared up and prepared for the Pro Open class. Qualifying fourth in a field of 17, he started sixth in the main.

Upon the waving of the green flag, it appeared that the driver was on his way to a successful run as he worked his way into the third position. But bad luck once again reared its ugly head when a right tire blew in lap seven. The fight was still in him, but the malfunction forced him out of the race.

Looking back, Rahders said, "In the XP class, I guess I should have put two wheels up on the bank to keep the second place driver behind me. In the Pro Lite, we normally would have had a spare tire in the hot pits. But we only had four good tires left, and I was saving them for the National. We took a chance on an old tire, but it didn't work out."

Sitting in second place and only six points down in the Palaris XP class of the Lucas Oil Regional Series, Cody Rahders and his team are anticipating the final two races of the season.

The driver is aware that earning podium spots during the remaining events is a definite possibility. "The key is to keep it clean and win," he explained.

Although his driving skills will play an intricate role in success, Rahders also has an acute understanding that victories are often determined by decisions not necessarily made on race day.

That in mind, he referred to the importance of his team. "They're a huge part of my racing," ensured Rahders. "Without them, I wouldn't even have a car to race or anyone to represent. They are the ones you don't see that keep things going. I need my team to keep racing."

The driver is also a strong advocate of keeping his rigs well maintained, and depends upon K&N products for his filtering needs. "Without maintenance, none of our race cars would be able to even finish a race," stated Rahders. "Having a clean and maintained car leads to less fatigue, more reliability and more victories."

"We use K&N air and oil filters in the Polaris XP 900, Ford V8 Pro Lite, the Polaris RZR 570 and our truck that pulls our trailer to the races. K&N products are one of the most effective and reliable parts that will never let me or my race car down."

Although round 4 of the Lucas Oil Regional Series was a far cry from what Cody Rahders and Team R3 Motorsports would consider as a perfect night, they are anticipating what lies in store during the remainder of the season.

"I'm going to be going for the series championship in the XP class at the Lucas Oil Regional Series, and a podium finish in the Pro Lite truck at the Lucas National Series," ensured the driver. "If I can get on the box, I know I can win."

Related K&N News Articles about Cody Rahders and R3 Motorsports: Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Team R3 Motorsports' Cody Rahders Wins 2012 Production 700 Class WORCS Championship; Cody Rahders takes Second Place for R3 Motorsports at Race Town 395 In Spite of Slow Start; Cody Rahders and R3 Motorsports Nears Podium at LOORRS Season Opener; Catching Up with K&N-Sponsored, LOORRS Racer and Young Gun Cody Rahders and R3 Motorsports

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International Superboat Vee Class Offshore Boat Team Scott Free Racing Prepares for Next Event

31 Aug 2013

The father/son team of Scott Free Racing recently took a victory at the hometown of Sarasota, Florida.

With a plethora of reservoirs and rivers throughout the United States, many fathers and sons build and strengthen bonds on the water. In many cases, the platform is fishing. Others enjoy strengthening their relationships while paddling small crafts, and others find pleasure in being powered by the wind.

Steve Kildahl and his son Stephen find camaraderie on the water as well. However, their interest lies in a much faster and aggressive sport than does the average family's. They share a passion for roaring engines, speed and the challenge of an ever changing ocean's surface. They make up the Scott Free Racing team.

Scott Free Racing Is anticipating success throughout the remainder of the 2013 season and lis looking forward to racing in the Superboat International World Championships at Key West.

Comparable to other styles of racing, those competing in offshore racing are expected to follow a course. Running in the Vee Class, the Kildahl team generally embarks upon an eleven lap race consisting of 50 to 55 miles. In optimal conditions, the Vee class boats will run in the 80 to 90-MPH range. Referred to as some as "NASCAR on the water, the races take anywhere from one to one-and-one-half hours to complete.

"This is our seventh season racing together, and our second season racing in the Superboat Vee class," explained, Stephen. "My father, Steve is the throttle man and I am the driver.

"What makes the sport of offshore boat racing different (from many other types of racing) is the fact that it takes two people to operate the boat. As the driver, my sole responsibility is to steer the boat.

"As the throttle man, my dad's responsibility is to control the speed," Stephen continued. "He also controls the attitude of the boat with the trim of the outdrive and the trim tabs. He controls how much water ballast is in front of the boat for different sea conditions. So it literally takes a team that can work together to be competitive in the sport. Being the fact I race with my dad, we get along great and think alike in the boat. I think this is a strong advantage for us on the course."

Running a 30-foot Phantom race boat powered by a 525-horsepower Innovation racing engine, the father/son team of Scott Free Racing, recently had the opportunity to race in their home town of Sarasota, Florida. Having already worked out a mechanical issue after their previous race at Cocoa Beach, they were geared up and anticipating a successful run.

"Our team always holds high expectations in every race we go to," ensured Stephen. "Especially in Sarasota. My dad and I have a good track record there, winning six out of seven previous races at this venue."

With confidence on their side, they prepared for a fierce battle in a field of four. When the final run deemed the event behind them, Steve and Stephen Kildahl were declared the victors.

"It was something our team needed, and no better way than in our hometown," recalled Stephen. "Our team spent the whole off season making changes to the boat to improve its speed and handling. Our win was a good boost and motivation to keep working to better the boat and to prepare for our next race. It was also a great feeling to win in front of our hometown crowd and fans," he continued. "My dad is only one of two racers to have competed in all 29 Sarasota Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix boat races."

Currently sitting first in the points race, team Scott Free Racing is in competition for the 2013 Florida Championship of the Superboat International. However, they still have two more races ahead of them.

In the month of September, Scott Free Racing will have the opportunity to hold or even increase their lead at Clearwater Beach. Their final competition of the season, the World Championships, will follow in Key West, Florida.

Steve and Stephen Kildahl anticipate success during the remaining races of the season, and have proven their ability to win. However, they are also acutely aware that victories don't come easy. That in mind, they understand that each member of their team is an essential element of success.

"Our team is very important," explained Stephen. "We are a small team consisting mainly of family members. My dad works and maintains the boat, while I handle the marketing aspect and work with sponsors. It takes more than one person to make the team work."

The father/son team also understands the significance of keeping their boat running at its optimal performance. "Maintenance is very important to our team," he continued. "We have certain tasks that are completed before and after every race. In order to win a race you have to finish. Lack of preparation results in not competing in the race, and can also lead to failures in the boat that could result in injuries. My dad crawls through and inspects the strength of the boat after every race to ensure it is safe."

Sticklers for maintenance, team Scott Free Racing is a strong advocate of keeping the internal components of their engine contaminant free. That being said, they depend on K&N products for their filtering needs.

"Our team will not run any other air filter," Stephen ensured. "We've had tremendous success with K&N, winning three world championships, two national championships, three Florida Championships, and three speed records. K&N products can take the beating we put them through racing in rough seas. We have never had an issue with a K&N product, which shows why they are the number one air filter in the industry."

With September growing nearer by the day. the Scott Free Racing team is eagerly preparing for the next Superboat International event. When asked what the crowds can expect from their team throughout the remainder of this season Stephen Kildahl said, "Fans can expect our team to continue to prepare for our race in clearwater to compete for the Florida Championship. After that, we'll prepare for the biggest race of the year in Key West for the World Championships. Scott Free Racing plans to continue to race in the Super Vee class in the 2014 season as well."

Related K&N News Articles about Watercraft and Boat Racing: Watercraft Racer Renee Hill Takes First in Moto 2 at 2013 ISJBA Jettribe West Coast Series Lake Perris Open; Jay Gignac and K&N's Hydroplane Boat Racing Team Gi Wizz Racing Ready to Win; Wicked Racing Finalizes a Stellar Boat Racing Season With two Championship Wins In Port Angeles, Washington; Milton Tolen Thanks Best Friend for Getting Him Interested in World of Drag Boat Racing; Two-Time World Champion Milton Tolen Racing Boats for Southern Dragboat Association

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Select Freightliner, Mack and Peterbilt Truck Owners Can Save Money with a K&N Heavy Duty Air Filter

30 Aug 2013

When it comes to running a business that uses heavy duty trucks as one of its resources, owners and operators know there is a lot of upkeep cost when it comes to maintenance. One constant cost for most owners is in having to replace the stock paper air filter over and over and over again. Well that has finally changed for owners of select Freightliner, Mack and Peterbilt semi-trucks with the K&N 38-2032S reusable heavy duty air filter.

K&N Replacement Air Filter for Heavy Duty Diesel Trucks

The 38-2032S Heavy Duty air filter is designed to fit into the stock housing the same as the stock air filter. Simply un-clip and remove the stock paper air filter, install your new K&N commercial grade air filter, reconnect the clips and you are good to go. This heavy duty air filter has been designed around how the stock air cleaner housing seals and flows to make for a long lasting seal.

K&N engineered the 38-2032S with their hybrid dry media that does not require the use of air filter oil. K&N's hybrid media is a dry synthetic media that does an excellent job filtering the air and protecting the engine. This commercial grade air filter is also constructed with a heavy duty black powder-coated support screen both on the inside and outside of the filter. This high quality support screen will help make sure the air filter can perform, even when under extreme air flow conditions.

Due to the way the K&N hybrid media holds dirt, the 38-2032S air filter can be used for long periods before it needs to be cleaned. Unlike paper media that traps dirt on the surface, blocking the air pathways, K&N's hybrid media uses a depth loading method to capture dirt without restricting the air flow as quickly. This means that a K&N heavy duty air filter should be less restrictive as it gets dirty, than its paper counterpart, allowing the engine to work less to suck in the air it needs to breath.

When the 38-2032S heavy duty air filter does become dirty enough for cleaning, which is once a year or when the air restricting gauge reaches 20 inches of restriction, cleaning is very easy. Between the durable hybrid media and the heavy duty support screens, this air filter can be washed out using a low pressure, pressure washer and low pressure compressed air. Simply spray on the K&N 99-0638 synthetic media air filter cleaner, let the cleaner soak in, then rinse it and the dirt out of the filter with water. Once the media is dry, you can reinstall the heavy duty air filter.

By using the 38-2032S reusable air filter, semi-truck owners can stop buying a new air filters every time the old one gets dirty. Besides the possible cost savings, by using this heavy duty air filter, you also stop throwing away those dirty old paper air filters on a regular basis, helping to lower the amount of waste going into our landfills.

The 38-2032S has been engineered to do exactly what you need your air filter to do and last a lot longer than the stock paper air filter. Backing this commercial grade air filter is K&N's 3 year or 300,000 mile limited warranty. To find the correct K&N heavy duty air filter for your rig enter your existing air filter information into K&N's cross reference filter search.

K&N 38-2032S cross references to the following:
Baldwin PA2680
Carquest 88882
Donaldson DBA5047
Donaldson EAF5047
Donaldson P150695
Donaldson P185047
Fleet Air FA2680
Fleetguard AF1969
Fleetguard AF1969M
Fram CA6512
Hastings AF797
Luber-Finer LAF695
Mack 25042054
Mack 57MD42
Mack 57MD42M
Napa 6882
Purolator A84433
WIX 46882

Also find K&N products for street vehicles using the K&N product by vehicle search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Related News Stories: K&N reusable Heavy Duty Air Filter Replaces Disposable Air Filters. K&N Heavy Duty Air Filter for Isuzu, Chevrolet & GMC Diesel Trucks Offers Reusable Performance. International Trucks and Busses Get a Washable Reusable Heavy Duty Air Filter. K&N Heavy Duty Air Filter for GMC, Chevrolet, Kenworth, Sterling and Isuzu Diesel Trucks Available

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