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This custom 2006 Pontiac GTO has K&N air intake 63-3053
When you think of modern muscle cars, what is one car that always comes to mind? For me, it's the Pontiac GTO, or also referred to as the "Goat". It has baffled me and I always ask, why did GM scrap the project?
Adrian Sotelo is more of a horsepower guy and he enjoys spending time working on his Pontiac GTO or taking it to the track.
Recently, at a car show in El Paso Texas, I stumbled across a 2006 Pontiac GTO owned by Adrian Sotelo. I could see myself sitting behind the wheel of this powerhouse waiting for the "Christmas Tree" starting lights to flash green. Well.. that wasn't happening, but I had to find the owner of this ride and tell him how much of a fan I am of the Modern GTO. As I explained how I felt, all he could do was laugh and tell me it was his dream car.
Adrian told me that he wasn't as much of a car show enthusiast as he is a horsepower guy. He just really enjoys spending all his free time working on his car or taking it to the track. Adrian explained that most of the modifications on his Pontiac GTO were not really noticeable, but they are definitely there. His list of modifications include 1-7/8 Kooks long tube headers, cat-less mid pipes, 3" exhaust and Kooks mufflers, custom air brushed hood, Cortex superchip programmer, 18" rims staggered 18x8 front 18x9 rear, R1 Concept performance rotors and, last but not least, a K&N performance air intake 63-3053.
Adrian Sotelo's highly modifid 2006 Pontiac GTO
When asked Adrian why he chose a K&N air intake, he simply said that everybody at the track recommended it and K&N has the best warranty out there and their product is known world-wide.
Custom air brushed hood of Adrian Sotelo's modified 2006 Pontiac GTO
As we were discussing the process of building this performance modified Pontiac GTO, I asked Adrian what he would concider the most difficult part. He said it was the Kook's Headers, not because of the brand, but with almost any long tube headers, you have to remove the motor mounts, tilt the engine and lower the steering box. Adrian also went on to mention it was definitely worth the time and really enjoyed installing them.
You would never have guessed that this was the first car Adrian Sotelo had ever purchased; he has proven that even if you're young, you can still build the car of your dreams with enough, blood, sweat and tears. Great job on the build Adrian and we are glad to see you pursuing your passion of fast cars!
Related K&N News Articles about Pontiac GTO models: Julio Torres Transforms Pontiac GTO Into Rolling Tribute to All Who Have Died Serving Our Country; Modified Pontiac GTO Wins Awards for Brandon Ambrose; The Pontiac GTO Gets Performance with Simple Add-Ons; Pontiac GTO Gains 15+ Horsepower with K&N's 69-Series Typhoon Air Intake System; Add 18+ Horsepower to Your 2004 Pontiac GTO with K&N's Air Intake
Julio Torres' uses K&N's 2004 Pontiac GTO air intake system 57-3044
After being medically retired from the Army, Julio Torres wanted to do something that would honor those who have lost their lives while serving our country. Building off of his 2004 Pontiac GTO he built his version of Captain America. It won't take long to see that Julio has a lot of passion in this build. While talking with Julio a recent car show in El Paso Texas, I noticed he has a tattoo on his arm that matches the design on the door of his GTO. I looked closer and realized it's the Army symbol for the fallen soldier and Captain Americas Shield.
Julio Torres' custom 2004 Pontiac GTO is a rolling tribute to all those that have died serving our country.
I asked Julio about the symbolism behind the image. "After being deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, and losing several good friends during combat, I wanted to do a tribute to them," he told me. "I didn't do it just for them, but for all fallen soldiers and heroes that are gone but not forgotten. What better way to remember our brothers in arms then a show car built by a wounded veteran himself."
Julio Torres reversed the hood of his modified Pontiac GTO so he could properly display his Mural of Captain America.
Julio Torres had his official Purple Heart proudly on display by his car. This man is truly a hero and should be honored for his service and all he has done to protect our great country. All I wanted to do was thank him for his service.
Julio Torres has a tattoo on his arm that matches the design on the door of his custom Captain America GTO.
After getting past the sentimental parts, I realized, with the numerous modifications Julio made to this ride, he didn't cut a single corner. He even reversed the hood to properly display his mural of Captain America. Every part of this 2004 Pontiac GTO was shined to a perfect luster like the Army would have demanded, even down to his K&N performance air intake 57-3044.
I asked Julio why he decided to use K&N's Pontiac GTO air intake system. "I used K&N products for its reputation and the fact that I want to work on my engine," Julio explained. He had certain expectations he knew a K&N air intake would meet. "First by adding horse power and looks... What better way to kill 2 birds with 1 stone then a K&N cold air intake! You get more power and a great look to a stock engine!"
Julio Torres has received numerous trophies for his modified Captain America Pontiac GTO.
Julio not only uses K&N for his GTO air intake but his ride is also equipped with K&N's HP-1007 oil filter for Pontiac GTO. Julio says his K&N oil filter is one of the most important parts of his build because oil is the "blood of the motor", and if it isn't clean, your motor will soon turn unreliable.
I asked Julio to name a few other custom modifications made to his 2004 Pontiac GTO. "The exterior has a RK sport polyurethane body kit, CBK carbon fiber hood, vertical doors, TSW 18 inch wheels wrapped with 245/40-18 tires in the front and 295/45-18 tires in the rear and R1 drilled slotted rotors. The interior has 2 headrest TVs, 2 visor TVs and the trunk has a custom box to fit 2-12inch Kicker L7 subwoofers, a Kicker ZXS1500.1 amp . Under the hood it has K&N performance cold air intake, MSD spark plug wires with NKG spark plugs, silicone hoses, upgraded fuel injectors, Super Chip tuner, complete SLP headers and SLP loudmouth exhaust system and a 200 shot of NOS".
As you can see, this soldiers ride is a rolling tribute to all those that have died serving our country. Even though Julio Torres is retired, this service man continues to give back to his country!
Related K&N News Articles about Pontiac GTO models: Modified Pontiac GTO Wins Awards for Brandon Ambrose; The Pontiac GTO Gets Performance with Simple Add-Ons; 2004 Pontiac GTO Gains 15+ Horsepower with K&N's 69-Series Typhoon Air Intake System; Add 18+ Horsepower to Your 2004 Pontiac GTO with K&N's Air Intake
This custom Hyundai Genesis engine bay looks so clean and has K&N air intake 69-5302TTK.
Remember back in the days when, as kids, we would lie on our stomachs and play hot wheels on the carpet? As a kid, this was one of my favorite pastimes. I remember that as young as 5 years old I could name almost every make and model that Hot Wheels made. My favorite was a green Porsche 911. To this day I wish I could find another one of those cars.
Brent Stafford's modified 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is truly one of a kind.
For Brent Stafford, his memories are almost the same as mine. Recently I had the chance to meet him at a car show and talk about the passion involved in building show cars. Brent Stafford told me a story of a day he was spending time at his Grandparents house and playing with his hot wheels. He told his Grandfather that one day he would own a cool car that would be magazine worthy and bring home trophies taller than he was. Brent told me that his Grandfathers response was "no one in this family will ever be that famous and you will never have a cool car like that, it takes a lot of time and money to have something like that". Brent then told me that on that day he promised his Grandfather that one day he will prove him wrong.
Brent Stafford replaced the trunk lid and hood of his custom Genesis with VIS Carbon fiber.
Many years later Brent Stafford was watching his favorite Professional Driver Rhys Millen who just happened to have a yellow track Genesis Coupe in a football halftime show, Brent then decided that this was going to be the car to build. Brent purchased a 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe that he started building with all the top parts including Rhys Millen Racing parts including front bumper and rear diffuser , which he not only has the track edition , he also has the Time Attack, and can change them out for different looks. Brent has also replaced the trunk lid and hood with VIS Carbon fiber versions. As you can see there is no part of the body left stock and this means that the stock fenders had to go and the only option was Carbon fiber versions from ABS Dynamic.
While I was walking around the car, I was amazed. I have seen plenty of top notch show vehicles, but nothing on this Hyundai Genesis was left stock. Interior, audio, engine work... nothing was left untouched. One thing I noticed that separated Brent Stafford's Genesis from most show vehicles was the engine bay. I have never seen an engine bay look so clean. Brent is a very detailed oriented individual. Even the mounting hardware on his K&N air intake ( part # 69-5302TTK) was customized to work with all of his modifications and meticulously mounted with all the hardware facing the same direction.
Brent Stafford never had the chance to prove to his grandfather that he would own a "cool show car", but I am sure that his grandfather is looking down and nodding his head in acknowledgement of a job well done. Brent is proof that where there is a passion, anything can be done!
Brad Noble in AMA Division 3 NEATV series ATV racing
Change is intimidating, uncomfortable and often time scary. So when Brad Noble decided it was time for a change and a new, more competitive ATV division in 2013, he knew it wouldn't be easy. He also didn't know it would be such fun.
Brad Noble advanced into the B division this year, running in both the New England ATV MX Series and in AMA's Division 3 action, and Noble has used the experience to learn more about how to race an ATV. It was definitely tough at first though.
Brad Noble advanced into the B division this year, running in both the New England ATV MX Series and AMA's Division 3.
"Moving up to a new class can be stressful for anyone, especially the first time you lineup with your new competitors," Noble said. "I think the worst moment this year was at my first round of the NEATV series. I got up there and as soon as I saw there were forty-plus entrees in my class, I lost my confidence.
"It was a rough first round where I unfortunately crashed out of the last chance qualifier and headed home early."
Brad Noble would quickly make up for the rough start, running strong at other events and grabbing two holeshots on his way to a second place at an AMA Division 3 event.
"I'm pretty happy with the way things have been going," Noble said. "It has been a real learning experience running the NEATV series. Those guys are the real deal and I've learned a lot competing with them."
After the first race of the season, many riders would have become discouraged. But Brad Noble instead used the failure as motivation and refocused his attention towards preparation and training.
Brad Noble looks forward to NEATV racing at Hurricane Hills in Clifford, Pennsylvania.
"The most important thing to becoming a successful racer is dedication," Noble said. "If you are not dedicated to motocross, that means you truly don't love the sport and will never push yourself enough to learn. If you are motivated, you will do anything in your power to make it to the track and on the podium."
Brad Noble grew up on the dirt and, while he had a few minibikes in his youth, never really got serious about racing until his teens, and at that point, ATVs were his primary focus. Now, Noble finds himself pushing the limit weekly in order to become one of the top racers in the world. It's a lofty goal, and Noble admittedly has a long way to go, but it's a goal he believes is attainable. But for now, Noble is just focused on this season and right now looking forward to the upcoming NEATV event at Hurricane Hills in Clifford, Pennsylvania.
"My goal is to just keep pushing myself and keep racking up top five's," Noble said. "I have been working hard and training and am confident that I can get back on the podium soon. I know I can still improve."
With a new class comes a higher demand out of performance parts, and in that regard, Brad Noble said his K&N air filters have always delivered.
"The K&N Filters really make my bike come alive," Noble said. "I have had no problems running K&N and I even run the pre-filter depending on the conditions. They really help my engine breath as much as possible without allowing any dirt and debris in there.
Related K&N News Articles about ATV Motocross Racing: AMA National ProAm & College Class ATV Racer Cody Gifford Ready for RedBud MX in Buchanan, Michigan; Team PCS Performance/Can-am's Josh Creamer to Race AMA ATV Motocross Racing Series; ATV Racing's John Natalie & Chad Wienen Go One & Two at Ballance MX for Team Motoworks; Canada Cup Champion ATV Racer Richard Pelchat Proud of his 2009 Season
Renee Hill finished first in Moto 2 at 2013 ISJBA Jettribe West Coast Series Lake Perris Open.
Racing is truly a family sport for watercraft racer Renee Hill, and this season Hill's K&N powered team is taking it to the next level.
Renee Hill is already a world-class watercraft racer, and her 16-year-old son, Tyler, was twice a runner-up at the World Finals in 2012. But Renee Hill added a third craft for her 18-year-old daughter, Kendall, this year, and the results were impressive.
World-class watercraft racer Renee Hill is looking forward to World Finals in Lake Havasu.
At the 2013 ISJBA Jettribe West Coast Series Lake Perris Open, Kendall took home the win in the Beginner Sport Spec class. It was just Kendall's second race. Tyler also finished on the podium, placing third in the ultra-competitive Sport Spec class, a division he finished second in at the World Finals last year.
"Jeff (Renee's husband) and I are both proud parents," Renee said.
But the weekend wasn't all about the kids. Renee Hill overcame some adversity herself to capture the first win of 2013. After appearing to finish second in Moto 1, Hill was penalized and placed in fourth.
Racing is truly a family sport for watercraft racer Renee Hill.
"After being docked a lap in the first moto, I didn't think I had a chance to win the overall," Renee said. "I couldn't hold my line on the start because a younger racer moved into my lane, so I moved over too. At the end of the race, we were both penalized."
Renee Hill entered Moto 2 focusing solely on taking home a win and salvaging some good from the weekend. She was surprised yet again at the end of the race, but this time, good news was in store.
Renee Hill managed to keep the boat running after an early collision in the Moto 2 race and ended winning the race.
"I thought I had taken second," Hill said. "But to my surprise, I had won the moto, and finished first overall too."
Even more surprising about the win was Renee Hill's ability to keep the boat running after an early collision.
"I don't know how I was able to hold onto the boat," Hill said. "When the race ended, I looked at the side and it had a huge crack down it. I'm just glad old red was able to keep running and get me that win."
Hill's husband, Jeff, is already hard at work preparing the family boats for the next race, August 17th at Lake Perris. It will be the final tune-up before the World Finals in Lake Havasu, Arizona, Renee Hill is looking for some payback after mechanical issues prevented her from winning either of her two classes at last year's event.
Jeff is a well-known mechanic and builder of stock and limited boats, engineering some of the fastest boats in the world for riders from as far away as Kuwait and New Zealand.
"Many of Jeff's racers have taken world championships while being powered by K&N Filters," Renee Hill said. "We have huge success with them, and they power more than just our boats. We use K&N on our Ford truck, quads and our Harley Davidson motorcycles as well."
Related K&N News Articles about Renee Hill Racing and Watercraft:Renee Hill Racing Puts Together a Spectacular 2012 Watercraft Race Season; Pro Freestyle Watercraft Rider Jeremy Parr Leads IJSBA National Tour; K&N Flame Arrestors for Personal Watercraft; K&N Marine Personal Watercraft Flame Arrestor Performance Parts and Accessories
