Latest News

The Scott Free Racing Teams' 30-foot Extreme powerboat competes at Key West, Florida in 2016.

Stephen Kildahl has been racing offshore boats for Free Scott Racing since 2007 and his father, Steve, has been boat racing for 33 years. Free Scott Racing has participated in the Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix for all 33 years of existence.

Scott Free Racing took second place in the Key West event

The team also has a history with the Key West World Championship, which was created about 37 years ago, Stephen pointed out.

They race in the Super Boat Vee class on the Super Boat International Circuit and the Offshore Powerboat Association, the two major organizations that sanction boat racing events. The team races in six Super Boat International racing events and two Offshore Powerboat Association contests.

They race a 30-foot Extreme powerboat and compete in five or six races in Florida as well as races in Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri. Races take place on oceans, lakes, and rivers. When racing in Florida, the contests are held in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

The racing team has developed a good reputation for the past several years. Since 1985 they have garnered:

• 3 World Championships

• 2 National Championships

• 3 Florida Championships

• 2 Endurance Records

• 2 World Speed Records

• 1992 Throttle Man of the Year

In 2017, Scott Free Racing will participate in 8 events, primarily in Florida

Scott Free Racing does not compete in every Super Boat International and Offshore Powerboat Association sanctioned races. Stephen and his dad have other responsibilities during the racing season. For example, they each have a full time job. Stephen drives a forklift for Bonita Bay Marina in Bonita Springs, Florida, and Steve owns Central Marine Services in Sarasota, Florida.

As a result, they participate in from eight to 10 events of 15 to 20 events scheduled during the year. That means that they have to select what races in which to compete.

“Last year we competed in 10 events and this year we will participate in eight,” said Stephen. “We select the races with feedback from our main sponsor, Boatfloater.com. They tell us what events to attend based on demographics and we choose what we consider to be the premier events. That includes the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, the National Championships in Clearwater Florida, and the Super Boat International World Championships in Key West, Florida,” said Stephen.

The Kidahl clan at the 2016 Lake Race in Michigan City Indiana.

“We consider the Super Boat International World Championships in Key West a premier event because it is a week long and it is our Daytona 500. It has been going on for about 37 years.”

We interviewed Stephen in 2016 when Scott Free Racing had competed in just a few races. During the present interview we asked him how things turned out.

“2016 ended up being a pretty good year,” he said. “We ended up finishing second in the Championship.

“We learned a lot,” he continued. “We tried a lot of set up changes. We didn’t know how they would work out, but we actually learned a lot. We got a lot of data throughout the year that will allow us to do better this year.”

Scott Free Racing's 30-foot Extreme powerboat getting a fresh coat of paint before the 2017 season

“We did some playing around with the weights,” Stephen continued. “Obviously, things vary from race to race. It all depends on water conditions. We tried a lot of new things like placing weights in different areas of the boat and it really worked out well, especially in rougher conditions. It allowed the boat to fly a lot more level. We moved the weight around mainly in the bow area.

“The tests that we did last year allowed us to learn where to run the weights and where we don’t need to run them for certain conditions.

“We still have a little bit of work to do on our rough water set up, but as far as flat and intermediate water is concerned, we pretty much know now where we need to run the weights,” Stephen said.

Stephen also pointed out that they introduced a new engine package.

2017 marks the sixth year that K&N has sponsored Scott Free Racing

The new engine generates about 600 horsepower while the old Vortec engine offered between 550 and 570 horsepower.

The team now has three engines –- the new one, the Vortec, and a Mercury 525 engine. The new engine is used in Super Boat International sanctioned races, the Mercury 525 is used in Offshore Powerboat Association sanctioned contests, and the Vortec engine serves as a backup.

Scott Free Racing won podium positions in two of the premier races in 2016. They won the Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix and finished second in the Super Boat International World Championship in Key West, Florida.

The 2017 season for Scott Free Racing starts in May. Their schedule for this season includes:

• May 21, 2017 – Space Coast Grand Prix, Cocoa Beach, Florida

• June 3, 2017 – The Lake Race, the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

• July 2, 2017 – The Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix, Sarasota, Florida

• July 23, 2017 – Mentor Grand Prix, Mentor, Ohio

• August 6, 2017 – Great Lakes Grand Prix, Michigan City, Indiana

• October 1, 2017 – The National Championships, Clearwater, Florida

• November 12, 2017 – The Super Boat International World Championships, Key West, Florida

• November 19, 2017 – The Offshore Powerboat Association World Championships, Englewood Beach, Florida

The new engine powering the Scott Free boat includes a K&N 66-1480 Oval Air Filter Assembly.

“In 2017, K&N will be providing us with product. We use K&N air filters. We change the filters out about two to three times per season. We’ve run K&N Filters since the beginning and we’ve never had any issues. Our engine builder puts K&N in all of their engines and they have government contracts and they trust K&N filters for all of their engines,” said Stephen.

2017 marks the sixth year K&N has sponsored the team.

In previous years Scott Free Racing has used the K&N RU-2800 universal clamp-on air filter. However, with the new engine they now use the K&N 66-1480 oval air filter assembly.

The K&N 33-3057 air filter is designed for five Renault models manufactured between 2015-2017

First, it is washable and reusable and can be used for the life of your vehicle. You may never have to buy another air filter again. That will obviously save you a great deal of money. That’s because most conventional air filters that are neither washable nor reusable will probably last for about 15,000 miles. Assuming an engine life of 150,000 miles you will go through ten air filters over the life of the vehicle.

Second, the K&N air filter features a unique multilayered cotton gauze medium that performs better than conventional paper or foam air filters. The cotton within the air filter is treated with a special grade of oil that makes its strands very sticky. This allows them to capture and hold potentially harmful contaminants. This is all done without sacrificing air flow. And better yet, as the filter gets dirty, the dirt and dust it collects absorbs some of the oil from the filter. This makes the contaminants essentially become part of the filtration media.

Third, the K&N air filter better airflow than conventional paper filters. That’s because conventional paper air filters must be thick and/or the fibers must be tightly compressed and dense just to meet minimum filtration standards. So, right out of the box the conventional air filter is typically more restrictive to airflow than the K&N air filter. In addition, conventional paper air filters become more and more clogged as dirt collects on the surface. The air pressure inside the filter drops while the air pressure outside stays the same. As the air pressure differential between the inside and outside of the filter becomes more severe, the filter becomes more restrictive and pulls contaminants through the paper medium threatening its ability to protect the engine. As a result, the performance of the paper filter decreases near the end of its service interval.

Conventional foam air filters lack enough surface area and that hinders the filter’s ability to capture and hold contaminants. Dirt builds up on the outside and blocks openings causing higher vacuum pressure that distorts the cells and causes contaminants to be drawn deeper into the filter and potentially into the engine.

Unlike conventional paper and foam filters, the contaminants captured by the K&N filter become part of the filter medium because they are suspended in the cotton strands. So there is less of an effect on airflow. The air continues to pass through the cotton strands and is not affected by the captured contaminants.

K&N offers the 99-5000 filter service kit, which is specially formulated to cleanse and rejuvenate the K&N air filter. If the air filter is properly cleaned, it can be used over and over again. As a result, K&N backs the air filter with a 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty that guarantees that the filter will perform for up to 10 years or 1,000,000 miles without needing replacement.

The K&N air filter works with the car’s original equipment electronics and will not void the vehicle warranty. It is designed to fit into the existing factory air box and can be installed in less than 5 minutes.

The K&N 33-3057 air filter is designed for the following vehicles:

2017 RENAULT TALISMAN 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2017 RENAULT TALISMAN 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2017 RENAULT TALISMAN 1.5L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2017 RENAULT SCENIC IV 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2017 RENAULT SCENIC IV 1.5L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2017 RENAULT SCENIC IV 1.2L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2017 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2017 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2017 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.5L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2017 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.2L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2017 RENAULT GRAND SCENIC IV 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2017 RENAULT GRAND SCENIC IV 1.5L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2017 RENAULT GRAND SCENIC IV 1.2L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2017 RENAULT ESPACE V 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2017 RENAULT ESPACE V 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2016 RENAULT TALISMAN 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 RENAULT TALISMAN 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2016 RENAULT TALISMAN 1.5L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2016 RENAULT SCENIC IV 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2016 RENAULT SCENIC IV 1.5L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2016 RENAULT SCENIC IV 1.2L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2016 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.5L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2016 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.2L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 RENAULT GRAND SCENIC IV 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2016 RENAULT GRAND SCENIC IV 1.5L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2016 RENAULT GRAND SCENIC IV 1.2L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 RENAULT ESPACE V 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 RENAULT ESPACE V 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2015 RENAULT TALISMAN 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 RENAULT TALISMAN 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2015 RENAULT TALISMAN 1.5L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2015 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2015 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.5L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models
2015 RENAULT MEGANE IV 1.2L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 RENAULT ESPACE V 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 RENAULT ESPACE V 1.6L L4 Diesel Engine - All Models

Any serious off-roader installs a snorkel intake on their JK Jeep Wrangler before heading off-road

The 3.8L V6 was based on Chrysler’s 3.3L narrow-angle 60-degree V6 engine, of which nearly 5 million of the smaller displacement engine had been produced. While the 3.8L (230.5 CID) V6 saw duty in various mini-vans, it was installed in only one Jeep model: the 2007 – 2011 JK Wrangler.

The 3.8L V6, code named the EGH, was manufactured in Chrysler’s Trenton, Michigan engine plant. The increase in displacement was achieved by both increasing cylinder bore and crankshaft stroke. The EGH featured a cast iron engine block with forged steel connecting rods and aluminum cylinder heads with a single central camshaft, roller tappets, pushrods, and overhead valves. Fuel delivery was by sequential multiple-port fuel injection.

From 2007-2011, JK Wrangler customers had to make do with the 202 horsepower EGH V6. However, in 2012 Jeep began installation of the Chrysler Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine, which boosted power to 285 horsepower, leaving owners of previous model years over 80 horsepower short of the new models.

The K&N AirCharger kit comes complete from snorkel to the intake manifold connection

The uniquely designed snorkel system that’s a key component of the K&N 63-1574 AirCharger system brings in outside air from an ideal location to allow you to ride your Jeep hard in extreme off-road conditions. Fresh air is directed through the low-restriction snorkel tubing and into a tough K&N roto-molded air box that contains a RF-1048 7.5-inch K&N high-flow air filter.

The Roto-Molded air box features a cover to allow for easy access to the oversized air filter

The K&N 63-1574 was designed for the following vehicles:

2011 JEEP WRANGLER 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 JEEP WRANGLER 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 JEEP WRANGLER 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2008 JEEP WRANGLER 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 JEEP WRANGLER 3.8L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

K&N 63-1133 is designed to improve throttle response and engine sound on Polaris 1000 UTVs

What separated the Polaris RZR from its competitors at the time was that the RZR was sold straight off the dealers' showroom floor with high levels of off-road performance. The Polaris Ranger RZR, typically shortened in conversation to the Polaris RZR, was the first true “out of the box” sport UTV available.

Building upon the success of the original model, Polaris has spent the last decade improving and expanding the RZR product line. A common feature among all RZR models, though, is the disposable (and expensive) pleated paper air filter fitted to the OEM air box. While a disposable paper air filter is efficient at trapping dirt up to a point, it leaves a bit to be desired in terms of performance, longevity, and cost.

The custom fabricated intake completely replaces the OEM unit and provides better air flow

K&N developed the 63-1133 Aircharger® performance air intake systems specifically for select 1000 series RZR models to increase power and torque, as well as reduce maintenance costs. This air intake system is an easy to install, bolt-on upgrade which replaces the entire restrictive original equipment air box and filter.

K&N's Polaris Ranger RZR XP 1000 air intake features a conical air filter and free-flowing aluminum intake tube which deliver air an increased flow of air into the engine’s throttle body for a guaranteed power gain. The intake system also features a custom air box designed to shield the air filters from engine heat. Beyond gains in power the performance air intake kit also improves throttle response and engine sound.

And while initially a little more expensive than the OEM disposable paper filters, the conical K&N air filter is washable and reusable. Further, not only is the filter designed to dramatically reduce intake air restriction but also provides excellent protection from harmful dirt, dust, and contaminants.

K&N filters are constructed with strong pliable rubber flanges to absorb vibration and shock

K&N Aircharger air intakes for select Polaris RZR models provide increased horsepower and better throttle response. When dyno tested, the Aircharger performance air intake systems increased output by an estimated 3.3 horsepower at the drive wheels.

This air intake is relatively easy to install - taking just 90 minutes or less - using existing factory mounting points and common hand tools.

Everything needed to install the 2014 - 2017 Polaris RZR 1000 kit is included in the box

2017 POLARIS RZR XP 4 1000 EPS HIGH LIFTER ED. 999 - All Models
2017 POLARIS RZR XP 4 1000 EPS 999 - All Models
2017 POLARIS RZR XP 1000 EPS HIGH LIFTER EDITION 999 - All Models
2017 POLARIS RZR XP 1000 EPS 999 - All Models
2017 POLARIS RZR XP 1000 B 999 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RZR XP 4 1000 EPS 999 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RZR XP 1000 EPS HIGH LIFTER EDITION 999 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RZR XP 1000 EPS 999 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RZR S 1000 EPS 999 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RZR XP 4 1000 EPS 999 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RZR XP 1000 EPS HIGH LIFTER EDITION 999 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RZR XP 1000 EPS DESERT EDITION 999 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RZR XP 1000 EPS 999 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RZR XP 4 1000 EPS 999 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RZR XP 1000 EPS 999 - All Models

Jimmie Johnson celebrating his win at the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway

“Yeah, just a really solid performance all day long, great pit stops,” Johnson said. “Same thing at Texas. I think that was the piece we were lacking to start the season. Don't know why, don't know what it was, but our cars have been very capable of running up front, and it's been nice these last two weeks to execute from the start of the race qualifying. Was saved by the rain this week and the week before. I spun out after I took the flag”.

This was Johnson’s 82nd career win, which puts him within one for sixth place on the all time career wins list. The win was also the second career win for Johnson at Bristol Motor Speedway. Johnson did not lead until the 394th lap of the race, and eventually led three times for a total of 81 laps.

“I know we won here one other time, but I think from a consistency standpoint and competitive standpoint, this is the best we've ever been, and I've been looking and trying to figure this place out, and I've come here with the identical race car that Jeff Gordon wins with, and I run 15th,” Johnson said. “That's where a lot of that emotion came from is more in the personal category today and getting that win”.

Clint Bowyer came in second place, finishing just 1.199 seconds behind Johnson. This was Bowyer’s best finish since finishing in second place in 2013. Bowyer is still looking for his first win since 2012 at Charlotte. This was Bowyer's fourth top 10 finish this season and his 11th at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Drivers led by Martin Truex Jr stopped for a pit stop

Kevin Harvick came in third place, who was passed by Bowyer, his teammate, on lap 485.

“We just needed track position,” Harvick said. “I think we showed how fast it was there on no tires and kind of able to hold our own. A good weekend, and we’ll just keep going."

Kyle Larson, who finished in sixth, leads the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Standings with 360 points and 7 playoff points. Chase Elliott is in second place with 333 points. Martin Truex Jr is in third place with 323 points and 10 playoff points. Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson, and Martin Truex Jr are tied for the lead the in the current playoff standings with 10 points.

The next race in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be at the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway.