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Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School - Building Dreams and Successful Careers

18 Feb 2013

Two of the school's Super Class cars and their K&N composite scoops

As the world's very first school fully dedicated to training drivers in the sport of drag racing, Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School boasts a nearly three decade history of graduates that have gone on to be some of today's top professional and highly successful sportsman competitors.

Students who participate in the class offerings come from all walks of life, as well as a wide variety of backgrounds. As the graduate roster clearly indicates, neither age nor gender matter when it comes to having the desire to learn the proper way to maneuver the quarter-mile and those who have taken one or more of Hawley's classes have ranged in age from sixteen to over eighty.

Drivers attend Hawley's classes for a vast amount of reasons from checking off an item on their "bucket list", to stepping up their racing program and sharpening their skills. Many students have used the school as a strong foundation in pursuit of a professional drag racing career, such as multi-time Top Fuel Champ, Tony Schumacher plus many other successful NHRA pilots, Larry Dixon, Robert Height, Ashley Force, reigning NHRA Nitro Funny Car Champ Jack Beckman and Top Fuel Champ Antron Brown.

School Founder and Instructor, Frank Hawley

The school's most popular course is known as the "Super Class". This two day course offers drivers the opportunity to learn to drive and even earn their NHRA [7.50 and quarter mile] competition license in one of the school's Chevy powered dragsters or Firebirds. All courses available at Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School are offered year-round, but the Super Class is also offered at numerous NHRA National Event facilities all across the U.S., including the school's home location in Gainesville, Florida, Las Vegas, Nevada, Norwalk, Ohio, Reading, Pennsylvania, Indianapolis, Indiana, Denver, Colorado and Houston, Texas.

For more experienced drivers, Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School also offers courses in Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, as well as Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Drivers participating in the Super Class spend their time divided between both the classroom and making progressively longer laps down the quarter mile. Hawley, Two-time NHRA Nitro Funny Car Champion, instructs students on not only the vital information needed before heading to the starting line, but also crucial lessons regarding ways to change ones way of thinking, and how to better deal with ones emotions, fears and conflicts. After participating in Hawley's lectures, many note that they learned to be better prepared for both optimum performance at the track, as well as many philosophies that they could use and apply in everyday life situations.

Hawley's Super Class is offered all across the U.S., including "The Strip" at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Hawley not only spends time continuously tweaking and expanding his knowledge to bring to the classroom portion of his school, but equal time in making sure that each of the school's cars are in are in the best condition in order to provide the best experience possible for each future graduate participating in one of the school's courses. In doing so, Hawley has a strict maintenance program in place for each race car in the fleet in addition to only selecting products and parts from the top manufactures.

A big part of Hawley's program is utilizing K&N's line of air and oil filters.

"It's highly important for the experience of each driver, in each of our classes to be the consistent," Hawley pointed out. "Throughout a given year, there is great demand placed on the school's stable of cars to always remain at peak performance and part of achieving that is using K&N oil and air filters. Between the wrench-off K&N oil filters being easier for the guys to take off, they also don't collapse. The high-flowing K&N rechargeable air filters are great at keeping small debris out of our engines without hindering performance."

Right from the first day of their Super Class, Students learn the proper way to implement starting line procedures from the burnout to staging

"From track to track all across the country, we run our Super Class cars in all types of conditions and the K&N filters we use help to protect our investments time and time again," he added.

Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School Super Class cars also sport some very good looking K&N Engineering composite scoops. The school dragsters don the 2nd Generation K&N scoop [100-8512] that come equipped with its own tray and specially designed K&N high performance cone shaped filter and the K&N [100-8506] scoop on the school's Super Gas cars share the same great features as their dragster cousins but it's the shape and size that has chief instructor, Frank Hawley the most pleased with the addition.

"I wasn't expecting it, but once we installed the K&N scoop on the Firebirds, I was surprised by how the driver's field of vision changed and for the better," Hawley commented. "Driver's need as much clear visibility as possible and the design and shape of the K&N scoop broadened the landscape in which drivers can see better for going through the all-important starting line procedure and lining up straight when staging."

"Compared to the scoops we had before, the K&N scoops also seem to get a lot of air in and have a much better directional flow," he added.

Be sure to check out this other article on Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School

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.

Renault Wind and Twingo Performance Air Filter is Engineered to Boost Power & Acceleration

14 Feb 2013

Replacement Air Filter for select Renualt Wind and Twingo models

In the U.S. the only place you'll find a Renault Wind or Twingo is on a list of cars not yet available in the states. The active word here is "yet" which is encouraging. In England, and throughout Europe and parts of Asia, drivers have already learned to embrace these two mighty-minis. Both produce disproportionate amounts of pep and driving joy from a mini car platform, whilst sipping on petro.

The Wind is a uniquely styled roadster that started as a concept car at the Paris Motor Show in 2004. While the Twingo turbo hatchback is one of the cars the French auto maker believes will restore Renault's sporting car mojo. Being that the Twingo's is the offspring of the same minds that created the Clio 197 and Megane R26R, two of the favorite sporting cars of any description, there's no questioning its pedigree.

Restriciton data for part number 33-2993

The 1.2 liter, 16 valve, inline-4 engine produces 100 hp in the naturally aspirated version, and 136 hp in Twingo turbo model, and both versions can increase performance by simply replacing the existing disposable air filter with a K&N 33-2993 high flow air filter. Designed to fit directly into the existing air box, this high performance air filter is engineered to increase horsepower and torque, while providing excellent filtration and engine protection.

The 33-2993 is washable , reusable and servicing is as simple as following the instructions in a K&N Recharger Kit. Depending on your driving conditions, servicing intervals can run up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is necessary. With K&N's renowned Million Mile Limited Warranty , this will be the last air filter you'll ever purchase for your Renault Wind or Twingo.

Replacement Air Filter part number 33-2993 is an easy install

Another view of K&N's replacement air filter part number 33-2993

K&N 33-2993 fits the following Renault models:

2014 Renault Twingo 1.2L L4 - Turbo
2013 Renault Wind 1.2L L4
2013 Renault Twingo 1.2L L4 -Turbo
2012 Renault Wind 1.2L L4
2012 Renault Twingo 1.2L L4 -Turbo
2011 Renault Wind 1.2L L4
2011 Renault Twingo 1.2L L4 -Turbo
2010 Renault Wind 1.2L L4
2010 Renault Twingo 1.2L L4 -Turbo
2009 Renault Twingo 1.2L L4 -Turbo
2008 Renault Twingo 1.2L L4 -Turbo
2007 Renault Twingo 1.2L L4 -Turbo

Looking for even more performance? Check out these awesome products for Renault vehicles: Induction System for the Twingo and K&N Performance Air Filters for Renault models.

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.

2009 to 2015 Audi R8 & Lamborghini Gallardo Have Performance Air Filter Option

14 Feb 2013

Replacement Air Filters for select Audi R8 and Lamorghini Gallardo models

Welcome to the era of supercars where nearly every automotive manufacturer has had a hand in building one. From Lexus' LFA to Ford's current ground pounding GT500, these cars have the power and look that attract consumers. For those with a more German oriented taste and a little more dough in their pockets, Audi has a supercar answer for you. The Audi R8 with the available 5.2 liter V10 monster churns out a whopping 525 horsepower at 8000 RPM and has a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds thanks in part to its legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system. Audi has also kept the traditional racing spirit alive with an optional manual transmission for those who remember the days when a proper supercar was driven with technique in mind and not just straight line speed.

Restriciton data for part number E-0669

For the discerning owner, K&N offers a high performance replacement air filter designed to increase horsepower. Mounted to the throttle bodies and nestled within the stock air box, K&N part number E-0669 comes with two high flow replacement air filters per package. These filters will also fit the Audi R8 GT as well as, their evil Italian twin, the 2009 to 2014 Lamborghini Gallardo with the 5.2 liter V10. In order to keep in the spirit of racing and the idea that less weight is better, K&N has topped these performance air filters with carbon fiber not only giving them a fantastic look but also reducing their overall weight. With power options hitting the 560 horsepower mark in the R8 GT, a little more performance is never a bad thing.

Washable and reusable like other K&N air filters, the E-0669 filters are backed by an industry leading Million Mile Limited Warranty .

K&N E-0669 Air Filters installed on a Lamorghini Gallardo

Part number E-0669 fits the following vehicles:

2015 Audi R8 5.2L V10 F/I - W/Manual Trans.
2014 Lamborghini Gallardo 5.2L V10
2014 Audi R8 5.2L V10 F/I - W/Manual Trans.
2013 Lamborghini Gallardo 5.2L V10
2013 Audi R8 5.2L V10
2012 Lamborghini Gallardo 5.2L V10
2012 Audi R8 5.2L V10
2011 Lamborghini Gallardo 5.2L V10
2011 Audi R8 5.2L V10
2010 Lamborghini Gallardo 5.2L V10
2010 Audi R8 5.2L V10
2009 Lamborghini Gallardo 5.2L V10
2009 Audi R8 5.2L V10

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.

Alexa Brown Shares Her Appreciation for Jeeps, Off-Roading, and K&N Products

12 Feb 2013

Alexa Brown installed her K&N air intake by herself in less than an hour

Regardless of our noble attempts to the contrary - initially, we all judge eye-catching books by their covers - it is after all a part of our basic survival hardwiring. Our acutely sensitive vision was designed to be ever vigilant for predators on the horizon and the next encouraging locale for a delicious snack. Without the ability to make snap judgments based on looks we certainly wouldn’t have evolved. Nevertheless, had we not regularly exercised the aptitude to look beneath the surface, we’d still be living in caves, and oysters on the-half shell clearly wouldn’t exist.

Misleading first impressions of model Alexa Brown may have you believe she’s a southern California beach dweller, providing an ample stream of material for shallow blonde quips. Alexa is in fact a Jersey girl with a healthy addiction to Jeeps, off-roading, and the great outdoors.

Alexa’s enjoyment for nature started with weekend camping trips she took with her father

"Every weekend my father would take me up in the mountains in his 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sahara," Alexa explains." We'd drive up the mountains to camp and hike, crawl over some rocks, and splash through some mud while rockin' out to Bruce Springsteen. So I’ve always wanted a Jeep of my own someday and eventually I got there."

Alex Brown became an offroad enthusiast at a young age while going for rides in her father's Jeep

"A Jeep isn't like any other car," Alexa continues. "It's not made to be fast or luxurious. Having a Jeep really depends on your personality. It's for those who seek adventure and want to go to places they've never gone before. There is nothing that I enjoy more than being out in the great outdoors with my Jeep. I am adventurous and love animals and outdoor activities. If I could choose where I would live, I would live by the mountains. I love driving my Jeep through deep mud pits and getting it covered with mud. The best part is then driving back into town with mud flying off the tires and everybody staring at me. A muddy jeep turns more heads than a Ferrari!"

The K&N intake part number offers increased performance for Alexa's Rubicon

Alexa’s Jeep Rubicon in an ongoing project, as she keeps adding more aftermarket goodies every year. "I even keep a little toy Jeep inside my Jeep, which I used to play with when I was younger, because I wanted my Jeep to look like that one day." Her latest addition towards that goal is a K&N 77 Series High-Flow Performance Air Intake, which she installed herself.

"The installation took about 45 minutes to an hour and it was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be. I have known about K&N products for about six years. Most of my friends use K&N products and they all love the results, which is why I chose K&N."

Alexa has already modeled several times for automotive related projects and feels equipped to expand that into other major companies

Alexa has been modeling for Cycle City, a motorcycle store in New York, for over a year now. She has also modeled for numerous talented photographers looking to expand and advertise their own portfolios. "I have done all sorts of modeling for cars and trucks, motorcycles, fitness, and swimsuit ads, etc," recounts Alex. "I would love to eventually get my modeling career out there and become more noticed so I could represent all sorts of different companies."

Adding even more reason to be cautious when making verdicts based solely on erroneous outward appearance, Alexa adds with a knowing smile. "Modeling isn't the only thing I am concerned with though, I am in my junior year of college majoring in biology, and I hope to go to Medical School after I graduate. I am not just some dumb blonde, which is what most people think. I was actually a geek in high school!"

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most iconic off road vehicles avialable and many enthusiasts like Rebeca Olavarrieta, Alex Andrade along with Ben and Nicki Parker can certainly apreciate the oustanding off road performance.

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.

Barkley Takes 2008 WRX Where No Subaru has Gone Before for SEMA 2012

5 Feb 2013

2012 SEMA Show feature car

Sports car or show car? This question plagues the minds of many car builders and customizers in their quest to create something unique, something that sets them apart from the rest. The Impreza WRX is a great platform for creating a great handling, all-wheel drive sports car and the perfect canvas to create a visual masterpiece. Amidst the sea of impressive show quality vehicles and extreme sports cars at SEMA 2012 sat a little Subaru that made a big impression.

Rob Barkley's 2008 Subaru WRX

Owned by Rob Barkley, his 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX was surely a sight to behold. From its custom Extreme Dimensions C-Speed front bumper to its impressive sound system, this Subie had all of the right trimmings. To give it the best of both worlds, performance and style, Rob rebuilt the motor using JE forged pistons and borrowed parts from the WRX’s big brother, the STI, including rods, cams and the engine block. Everything from the engine to the exhaust has been modified to make it a street worthy adversary and as Rob put it, “It's a blast to just cruise and it's fine to down shift and show those V8's what this 4 cylinder is made of.”

This WRX has a great combination of styling and performance

Beginning his quest of customizing cars when he was only 15 years old, Rob’s passion for automobiles has carried over from focusing primarily on audio systems to customizing every part of the vehicle. When asked what modifications Rob gets the most amount of attention for, he replied “The turbo Kit built by Vivid Racing in Gilbert Arizona. GT3071 Turbo with Agency-Power Front mount intercooler, Agency-Power Fuel Rails, injectors, custom down-pipe with a TIAL 41mm Wastegate and dump pipe.” With a laundry list of modifications done to his Subaru, this restaurant manager’s attention to detail has made this WRX one to remember. His future in the automotive industry is bright, and with a daughter on the way, we here at K&N wish Rob nothing but the best for him and his family.

With a 1964 Lincoln Continental and a Nissan GT-R (R35) on his mind, we can only sit and wait to see what awesome creations he has in store for the automotive world.

“Thank you K&N for taking the time to learn about me and my SEMA Subaru. Also thank you for the great product you continue to improve year after year,” said Rob in his closing statements. If his cars are any indication of his restaurant, than we will be stopping by soon for lunch.

2012 SEMA holds many vehicles like this 2008 Subaru WRX

2012 SEMA feature vehicle

Black and Blue 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

Also check out these other great SEMA Show vehicles like; the 2005 Subaru WRX Sti, 2012 Subaru STi at SEMA 2011 and Rob Barlkey's 2008 Subaru WRX at SEMA 2011

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.