Latest News | Read Our Blog

K&N Dealer Promotes Motorcycle Safety with the Army Air Force Exchange Service

19 Mar 2010

Campbell's Custom truck has a very affective theft deterrent built in

"Black Hawk Customs started back in 2003. The idea was to jump into the industry for fun, build or customize some bikes, and go after a contract with the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)," explains James Campbell, veteran and CEO of Black Hawk Customs.

Black Hawk Customs AAFES Tour 2010 truck says it all

"Well, the fun burnt off for some of it, we stopped building and customizing bikes, but we found our niche - supporting the safety and morale of our military service members through AAFES worldwide. Being that each of us are all prior military, served in the Air Force, or like me, Army and Air Force, and we all have a desire to help our fellow brothers and sisters that have served, or are still serving, and their dependants - we found the true purpose of Black Hawk Customs. The true purpose being the Military member's largest and fastest growing powersport dealership. Campbell says that they understand the needs and requirements of our Military customers better than any civilian could ever hope for.

Campbell's Custom truck has a very affective theft deterrent built in

Asked why he chooses to be a K&N Powersport dealership Campbell says, "We've been a K&N Powersport dealer since the beginning of Black Hawk Customs."

Black Hawk Customs AAFES Tour 2010 truck says it all

"When you use only one product in all of your trucks, cars, and motorcycles, that you've ever owned, and not just you, but everyone at Black Hawk Customs, it only makes sense to become a dealer. We all know the quality of the product, the performance we gain, and the ease of maintenance. So the idea of offering K&N Powersport products to our number one customers, the service members of the best military force in the world, is a no-brainer. They deserve the best, so we offer them the best."

The future for Black Hawk Customs is looking incredible says Campbell. "We're expanding our locations worldwide. We're teaming up with some of the best companies the Powersport industry has to offer. We're expanding our support of our service members with more motorcycle safety days and military appreciation events that are put on at the different military installations. Matter of fact, I'm leaving March 18th, 2010, on a 38 military installation tour. At those installations we'll be promoting some companies that support us, and what we do for our military service members. K&N has offered up a ton of promotional freebies for us to give away while on the road just for this tour."

Campbell has customized a truck and trailer display and he's taking Black Hawk Customs on a two and a half month tour. Campbell is currently on the road supporting joint military forces motorcycle safety events across country.

Black Hawk Customs Touring Schedule:

Barksdale AFB LA Monday, March 29, 2010
Fort Polk LA Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Keelser AFB MS Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Eglin AFB FL Thursday, April 01, 2010
Hurlburt Field FL Friday, April 02, 2010
Tyndall AFB FL Saturday, April 03, 2010
Fort Rucker AL Monday, April 05, 2010
Maxwell AFB AL Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Robins AFB GA Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Fort Gordon GA Thursday, April 08, 2010
Fort Jackson SC Friday, April 09, 2010
Fort Knox KY Friday, April 16, 2010
Fort Campbell KY Saturday, April 17, 2010
Scott AFB IL Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Fort Leonard Wood MO Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Whiteman AFB MO Thursday, April 22, 2010
Fort Leavenworth KS Friday, April 23, 2010
Fort Riley KS Saturday, April 24, 2010
Tinker AFB OK Monday, April 26, 2010

Fort Sill OK Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sheppard AFB TX Thursday, April 29, 2010
Fort Hood TX Saturday, May 01, 2010
Randolph AFB TX Thursday, May 13, 2010
Lackland AFB TX Friday, May 14, 2010
Fort Sam Houston TX Saturday, May 15, 2010
Goodfellow AFB TX Monday, May 17, 2010
Dyess AFB TX Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Cannon AFB NM Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Kirkland AFB NM Thursday, May 20, 2010
Holloman AFB NM Friday, May 21, 2010
Fort Bliss TX Saturday, May 22, 2010
Fort Huachuca AZ Monday, May 24, 2010
Davis Monthan AFB AZ Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Luke AFB AZ Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Nellis AFB NV Saturday, May 29, 2010
Edwards AFB CA Tuesday, June 01, 2010
March AFB CA Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Vandenberg AFB CA Thursday, June 03, 2010

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.

Scott Dodd to Race 2010 NASCAR Whelen Super Late Model at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale

19 Mar 2010

Scott Dodd looks forward to running the 2010 NASCAR Whelen Super Late Model class at Toyota Speedway of Irwindale

At the age of 8, Scott Dodd's parents bought him a Quarter Midget as a birthday gift and the now 22 year old from Mira Loma, California has been tearing up the track ever since. "My dad had raced at the Pomona Valley Quarter Midget track when he was a kid. I won the very first Quarter Midget race that I participated in at that same track," says Dodd. Scott then went on to win 13 championships, 7 track championships, 3 regional championships, 2 California Monza Championships, and 1 national championship.

Scott Dodd is the youngest driver to win a Super Late Model race at Toyota Speedway of Irwindale

Scott ended up breaking over 10 track records in the 5 years he ran Quarter Midgets. "I also won over 300 races. In IKF Karts, I won 5 of the 7 races that I competed in," says Dodd. He is the youngest driver to win a Super Late Model race at Toyota Speedway of Irwindale and the youngest driver to lead the point standings in the Super Late Model class. Dodd has won in every series that he participated in, including Quarter Midgets, Karts, Micro Midgets, Speed Trucks, Dirt Super Stocks, Modifieds and Super Late Models. Dodd says one of his proudest moments came in 2001 when he became the USAC/QMA National Champion. "I got to go to the USAC awards banquet in Indianapolis and received a special Road to Indy award from Tony George, owner of the Indianapolis speedway."

Dodd relates that he was pleased with his 2009 season but is looking forward to running the 2010 NASCAR Whelen Super Late Model class at Toyota Speedway of Irwindale. "Last year I won two races and had 4 top ten finishes. Due to engine problems we were not able to run most of the races in 2009 season," says Dodd. Even so, he is one of the top picks to win the 2010 Super Late Model championship at Irwindale. "Our team has worked very hard and I've been lucky enough to win more races than most other drivers, even those that have more Super Late Model experience than me," says Dodd.

He believes having great sponsors is also part of the team's success. "K&N makes excellent products that save the consumer money and improve racing performance. We have received so much support from K&N for many years and it is greatly appreciated," says Dodd. "Racing is one of the most important things in my life. I work hard at it and have learned from some of the best racers around. I hope to be able to continue to move into higher levels of competition."

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.

Kim Madrid Gets Win at Vintage Auto Racing Association Route 66 Classic Race

19 Mar 2010

When engine builder Dietmar Bauerle isn't around Madrid resigns herself to doing most of the maintenance herself

The Vintage Auto Racing Association (VARA) is the largest Vintage and Historic Auto Racing and Motorsports Organization in the US. VARA members invariably race for the purity of the sport, and few are any more passionate or joyful about racing than Rancho Cucamonga, California resident Kim Madrid. Madrid drives the hot pink number 291 K&N Formula Vee.

Madrid's daughter Dana and son Chris are all smiles about mom's Auto Club Speedway victory

At the recent Route 66 Classic, held on the 2.88-mile road course portion at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, Madrid dominated her class. Having set the fastest time during the morning session, Madrid started the afternoon Qualifier Race on the pole. She went on to win that race, beating second place finisher, Dietmar Bauerle, her engine builder, by a narrow .0804 of a second.

That was funny," remarks Madrid. "Bauerle only runs one race a season and that is at Auto Club Speedway. That seems to be the race that I am the most pumped up about. He probably also has the most experience of anyone racing Formula Vees. He has been involved with the Vees for over 20 years. I do like racing when he is there though, because when things happen to the motor, he is there to work on it. When he is not racing I am the one that has to do the work."

Streaking to victory at the Route 66 Classic in her hot pink number 291 K&N Formula Vee

A friend of Madrid's told her about VARA while she was still racing a Mazda RX7. I wanted to switch to open wheel cars – I love the rush," says Madrid.

"I made the decision to buy a Formula Vee because I am racing on a budget. The Vee class is a spec class that tends to show your ability more. We all have the same motor, tires and set up. I love the competition in this class."

The race weekend at Fontana went exceptionally smooth for Madrid, after Friday's two 25-minute practice sessions, no major repairs were required.

"Saturday was an awesome race. Very close and very exciting. So much so that when I was trying to get to the pits, I had so many people in there, that I couldn't even get my car under the EZ up sign next to my K&N Flag. I thought my husband and son were going to tackle me after I got the victory. I was on a high all night. We did our traditional BBQ for all the Vee drivers, my husband Rudy is the chef, and everyone was having a blast."

"Sunday morning we had one morning practice for 15 minutes. It was very wet and slippery due to all the rain on Saturday night. We went back and forth between slicks or treaded tires due to the weather. We ended up running the slicks. The weather held out and it was a dry fast track."

Madrid started on the pole again and had an incredible start. "I was out in front all alone and led for seven of the ten laps, then on lap eight, going into turn four, I spun for some reason. I keep watching my car in the video to see what I did and I can't figure it out. I did get passed by one Vee but ended up getting second place over all and second in class. Go Figure," adds Madrid.

"I am so thrilled that K&N has decided to sponsor me. Thankful is more like it. Racing on a budget is tuff. I have always used K&N products on all my racecars and streetcars. Both of our Vees use K&N air and oil filters. I love the fact that I am going to be promoting K&N at races and car shows that we attend."

This season Madrid plans on running in all of the VARA races, plus one extra vintage race held at Laguna Seca. That one is a Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA) event held on the 24th and 25th of April. And, leading up to that race Madrid will compete with her friend Greg Monise, in his Austin Healy Sprite, in a two-hour Enduro race on the main road course at Willow Springs, on April 10th and 11th.

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.

Ron Daniel to Race Season at Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino, California with Son

18 Mar 2010

Ron Daniel describes himself as a quiet man. His reputation on the race track is quite the opposite. His own son describes him as an intimidating driver.

Ron and Ryan Daniel, father and son, continue to race together

"He's an aggressive old man," Ryan Daniel said. "You could learn so much from watching him."

Ron Daniel has a sentimental side too. After running partial schedules over the past few years, the 53-year-old driver from Mentone has decided to race the entire 2010 late model schedule at the Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino mainly because he wants to race with his son.

Ron Daniel is 25 years removed from his last full season at the Orange Show. He started eight races in 2009, almost won a couple of those races with two runner-up finishes, including on opening night.

"We were always in contention," Ron Daniel said. "It just never happened. I'm looking forward to going down there and winning some more races."

The last time he raced a full schedule at the Orange Show was in 1985. He raced at Mesa Marin in Bakersfield, Havasu 95 Speedway and Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway in Blythe since then. He won a track championship at Havasu in 2007.

Last year, his son won the late model track championship at Orange Show Speedway and Ron Daniel decided he wanted to race with his son rather than talk him through races as his spotter. But make no mistake, Ron Daniel is out to win some races too.

"I taught him a lot over the radio," Ron Daniel said. "He learned a lot from watching me. Hopefully he's right there to win with me."

Unlike his son, who races a car built by Jackson Racing, Ron Daniel has a car from Victory Circle and Finish Line Motor Sports. It's an example of Ron Daniel's old-school ways, relying on a proven product than experimenting with new equipment. It's his second car from Victory Circle.

As for being described as an aggressive driver, Ron Daniel said there is a fine line between being overly aggressive and taking unnecessary risks.

While he admits he uses some aggressive tactics, Ron Daniel insists he has a reserved personality.

"When I put my helmet on, it all changes," he said.

In one race last year, Ron Daniel drove up underneath his son, lifting the rear end of his car off the track. Ryan Daniel has a photo of the move, and says it's one of his favorite shots.

"He's real intimidating," Ryan Daniel said. "But one of the cleanest racers I've ever watched."

Ron Daniel said one of his goals is to win some races, but more important than that is to help his son improve.

"I want to try and win as much as I can and not get into too much trouble," Ron Daniel said. "But I want to make Ryan better than he is now."

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.

Chris Brandt Rocks the Opening Rounds of Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series

18 Mar 2010

Brandt's game-face says it all - win or go home

The new one and a tenth mile track at Las Vegas Motorspeedway, constructed in less then three weeks, features steep bank turns, high-speed technical obstacles and massive jumps that provide hundreds of feet of hang-time. It was just the kind of track fodder that Chris Brandt and his TV Hart and Huntington number 82 Pro Light Toyota feed on.

In Saturday's round one race Brandt lead from start to finish

On Saturday, round one of Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Brandt qualified third but dominated the entire 12 lap main event, taking the hole shot and leading start to finish. But the best was yet to come.

At the start of round two on Sunday, Brandt found himself buried under a three-truck pile up. The accident seriously crunched his gear-shifter and it had to be completely sheared off. In its place the Hart and Huntington crew installed a Powerbuilt half-inch drive extension and a 13-millimeter socket to engage the gears. Re-starting from the very rear of the field, Chris struggled at first to find gears with the makeshift setup, but with his crazy-focused determination, brilliant improvising, and inspired driving, Brandt managed to pull off a third place finish.

After a post race technical inspection, Pro Lite race winner, Rodrigo Ampudia was disqualified, moving Brandt up as the official second place finisher.

So just how huge was it for Brandt to podium twice in the opening rounds of the LOORRS? "After the way last year finished, ultimately it was my fault I was disqualified, which means I gave away the unlimited light championship to (Brian) Deegan," reflects Brandt. "This is a new race year and I have raised the bar for myself. Last year I was on the podium 10 out of 12 races. The only way to raise that bar is to win. So to answer the question, it's always awesome to podium, but I am accepting nothing less than Saturdays win, because nothing else will do."

Having said that, Sunday's spectacular display of driving prowess also holds a warm fussy place for Brandt. "In my mind, Sundays race was one of my career highlights, to start a race almost a lap down, with a socket and extension for a shifter, and come back to finish third was amazing. And, after Ampudia's misfortune, I end up second; a little luck never hurts either. Still it was not a win. It is unfortunate for Ampudia, I know how he feels, but better the first weekend of racing than the last."

"When racing at this level, you have to have the best of the best, that is why we depend so much on all of our K&N racing products to win, they never let us down," continues Brandt.

"Next up for the Mav TV Bailiegh Industrial BF Goodrich Toyota is to get everything ready for a tough weekend at Speed World. "After all, they aren't just going to give me the next two wins - I'm going to have to take them before they even know what hit them," say Brandt with his game-face on.

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.