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Designcraft Debuts K&N-Supported AWD Turbo Honda Powered Bugeye At LA Auto Show

The turbo Honda powered Bugeye Sprite gets a final polish for the LA Auto Show opens to the public

The turbo Honda powered Bugeye Sprite gets a final polish for the LA Auto Show opens to the public

Sometimes things just work out when you drive the long way home. Just ask Minh Ta. Minh would drive past the Designcraft Fabrication shop slowly and take a peek at what Gary Castillo and his crew were working on. Eventually Minh stopped at the Westminster, California, shop and a conversation ensued about what Gary could do with the 1960 Austin “Bugeye” Sprite that Minh had hanging around.

We’d be surprised if you’ve heard of Gary Castillo of Designcraft Fabrication before as much of his best work is displayed under someone else’s name. What happens is that a marketing firm will approach an automaker about building an attention-getting show car for SEMA or other auto show. Once the marketing company gets the approval and the money, they turn to Gary to convert their sketches into actual working show vehicles.

In Minh, Gary found an excellent partner. His only condition was that the Sprite be converted to AWD. As Gary pondered his options, he recognized it was going to be a tight fit on a car with only an 80-inch wheelbase. His solution was to take a FWD engine and transmission and mount it longitudinally. This way the six-speed transmission’s diff operated as the center diff, with front and rear differentials at each end from a Nissan GT-R and with that arrangement met Minh’s requirement.

The massive K&N Filter can feed more than enough air than the turbo KA20 needs

The massive K&N Filter can feed more than enough air than the turbo KA20 needs

After that, according to Gary, whatever he and his team came up with for ideas on how to build the car, Minh gave him the go-ahead - clearly demonstrating his trust and patience as the build took a year-and-a-half.

The engine is a Honda K20A, well-known for its capability of producing prodigious power while retaining reliability. The only internal engine mods made were JE pistons and K1 connecting rods. Outside the engine, a Garrett GT3076 turbo has been fitted with Turbosmart 33 mm wastegate and blowoff valve. The ECU is from Hondata with a RYWIRE harness. The intake, fitted with a sizeable K&N filter, the exhaust system, and the dump tubes were all fabricated by Designcraft. Fuel is fed from an ATL fuel cell in the trunk through AEM 440 LPH pumps.

“We tried to keep as much of the original frame as possible,” Gary explained. A tough task when you’ve at least tripled the horsepower that the car was designed for. A subframe was created that further stiffened the stock structure and is visible in a few places: the double-hoop roll bar and the replacement of the transmission tunnel by four steel tubes, for example. The shift linkage was designed and fabricated in-house and the shift knob features a Bluetooth control of the Rockford Fosgate system that includes three 10-inch subs.

The single center-mounted iPad serves as the complete instrument panel for the Bugeye

The single center-mounted iPad serves as the complete instrument panel for the Bugeye

In the cockpit, all vehicle operations are controlled via an embedded iPad. The iPad runs two apps, one from Switchpros that controls the functions of the car like fuel pumps and ignition, while the other serves as a “glass cockpit” with integrated tachometer, speedometer, and engine function gauges. Driver and passenger fit snugly into specially-modified vintage racing seats from Sparco, with the driver facing a Sparco steering wheel.

Creating a modern suspension inside the confines of such a small car was another major hurdle. At the front, a pushrod system was fabricated at Designcraft, right down to the control arms, steering knuckles, and cantilever shock arrangement. At the rear is another custom set-up, with the shocks mounted between cockpit and truck and operated via long pushrods. Because of space limitation, and the lightness of the car, Gary was able to use Suzuki RM125 coilovers all the way around. Braking is via four-piston Wilwood calipers at the front and two piston calipers at the rear.

Walk around the exterior and among the first things you’ll notice are what appears to be enormous wheels and tires stuffed under the Sports Car Motion overfenders. But it’s an optical illusion, as the Sprite is so small. At the front 205/40R16 Falken tires wrap 16X9.5-inch custom HRE wheels, while at the rear slightly larger 225/45R16 tires from the Japanese manufacturer are mounted to 225/45R16 HREs. Because the open diff in the Honda transaxle now serves as the transfer case, the Bugeye can accommodate different diameter tires without tearing the drivetrain apart.

Custom narrow Sparco vintage style seats were installed in the snug confines of the Bugeye's coc

Custom narrow Sparco vintage style seats were installed in the snug confines of the Bugeye's cockpit

A KSR vent has been fitted the hood and the entire car is finished in a striking paint combination of Valspar Silhouette Mica Black with a Nantucket Grey stripe. A four-inch acrylic deflector serves as the windshield, so it might be a good time for Minh to invest in a pair of vintage aviator goggles.

In its first day on the show floor, Gary reported the Bugeye attracted a lot of attention from a variety of different audiences when the doors opened to the public at the 2017 LA Auto Show. Admirers ranged from older fans of classic sports car fans to younger street tuners and drift fanatics. “Everybody is really digging the car,” as Gary so succinctly put it.

Gary wanted to make sure he thanked the Designcraft crew who worked so hard over the long 18 months this project required: Tony Ruiz, Sean Adriano, David Lim, Steve Chan, Kenny Chieu, Eric Song, Alan Viado, Salvador Reyes, and the man so awesome he needs no last name, Caesar.

Minh and Designcraft may well be bringing the Sprite to the K&N World Headquarters where we’ll have a chance to get more detailed photographs, perhaps roll it up on our dyno, and maybe even take a turn behind the wheel and report the experience back to you. Stay tuned!

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K&N Partner Aston Martin Racing Seeks To Defend Le Mans Title With New Vantage GTE

The car with which the team won Le Mans in 2017 dated back to 2005, easily the oldest in the field

Based on the 2018 Vantage, the new Vantage GTE racer will benefit from a more modern chassis

You may recall that Aston Martin Racing pulled off a surprise win at the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans, passing the leading Corvette on the second to last lap. What you might not know that unlike its other competitors, including the Corvette C7.R, Ford GT, Porsche 911 RSR, and Ferrari 488 GTE, that the design of the race-winning Vantage GTE dates back to 2005, making it the oldest platform in the field.

In fact, unlike some of its competitors, the 2005-2017 Vantage was never intended to be raced at an international level, so it’s a testament to the dedication and efforts of the engineers, drivers, and technicians at Aston Martin Racing (AMR) that the Vantage GTE was competitive as it was, winning the GTE AM championship in its final year of competition. K&N is proud to be a technical partner, supplier, and sponsor of the Aston Martin Racing team.

An All-New Vantage Chassis For 2018

Now imagine the same team with a 2018 Vantage, designed with both road use and motorsports in mind and consider what the team could be capable of in 2018.

Constructed in compliance with the strict GTE class regulations, the new Vantage GTE is an extensive optimization of the powertrain, chassis, and aerodynamics of the 2018 Vantage road car. Designed and engineered in-house at Aston Martin Racing, the project is led by Technical Director Dan Sayers, who also led the design and development of the prior V8 Vantage GTE - the car credited with 36 of AMR’s 50 international race victories, including two Le Mans 24 Hour class wins.

The 2018 Vantage GTE could give Ferrari a run for the money as the best-looking car on the track

Stunning without all its decals, Aston Martin's styling department helped with the race car design

Sayers said of the 2018 Vantage GTE, “we’ve collaborated closely with the Aston Martin headquarters to develop the road and race cars in parallel. Attention to detail has been a priority at every step of this process and we’ve made big improvements in each area of the car, which has paid dividends during our current testing schedule”.

Though the new Vantage road car has just been launched, development of the new Vantage GTE race car began while the road car was still under development, with more than 8,000 miles of testing completed, with all current AMR drivers participating. The car has also been through a rigorous durability program at the notoriously rough Sebring circuit, in central Florida.


AMG-Mercedes Provides 4.0L Turbo V8 Under Technical Partnership

AMR reports that reliability has been exceptional right out of the box, while the drivers have reported the car is easier to control at the limit than its predecessor. Together with Aston Martin Racing’s engineers, the factory drivers have worked hard to optimize the drivability and performance of the base Mercedes-AMG 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine, which has been developed for use in the Vantage GTE application by Aston Martin Racing. Daimler AG (Mercedes parent company) is a minority owner and technical partner of Aston Martin.

Aston Martin Racing is working with new technical partners for 2018: Alcon for the braking system, Öhlins for the suspension, and Michelin with a dedicated program to maximize the performance of the Vantage GTE. K&N Filters returns as a valued technical partner and product supplier.

With this new car to develop, Aston Martin Racing has retained its highly-experienced and successful driver line-up. This year’s Le Mans 24 Hours GTE Pro class winners Darren Turner and Jonny Adam have been retained, as have the Danish duo and 2016 FIA WEC GTE Pro world champions, Nicki Thiim and Marco Sørensen. In addition, AMR has recruited ex-GP2 race winner and now Formula E racer Alex Lynn. In addition, a few more professional road racers will be added to the program, which would perhaps indicate a large presence by AMR at the 2018 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Over the years K&N has moved from supplier to technical parner, as well as sponsor, to AMR

Plenty for the driver to monitor and control over a 24 hour race. Air filters are never a worry

Whether you’re looking for an air filter that will deliver peak performance for 24 hours of flat-out racing or you’re looking for an air filter that will last for the life of your car, K&N has both – in a single filter. Developed in 1969 and never superseded, the K&N air filter design with oiled high-flow cotton air filter has won countless races and earned the enthusiastic praise from millions of drivers.

Coupled with a Million Mile Warranty, the vehicle owner will never again have to purchase another filter for their car, truck, or SUV, at about the cost of only two inferior, easily clogged paper replacement filters. That’s why K&N remains the number one choice for racers and consumers alike for high performance intake air filtration.

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Vildosola/Stronghold Team Takes Trophy Truck Legends Class Win in Baja 1000

The Vildosola Racing / Stronghold Motorsports trophy truck racing in the Baja 1000

The massive combined experience of the Vildosola / Stronghold drivers pays off in a Baja 1000 win

The number 50 was big at this year’s SCORE Baja 1000 desert race. First, it was the 50th running of the legendary off-road endurance race. The 50 theme was extended further as the 2017 Baja 1000 welcomed the new Trophy Truck Legends Class, which requires all drivers to be at least 50 years of age.

The K&N-sponsored Vildosola Racing/Stronghold Motorsports team featuring racers Gustavo Vildosola, Rodrigo Ampudia, Mike Coleman, and Scott Bailey made the most of the new Baja class by piloting their trophy truck past the checkered flag and securing the inaugural Legends Class victory.

Veteran K&N-sponsored racer Gustavo Vildosola started the race in the 20th position. However, he used his 300-mile section to make a clean and fast run and advance several positions.

The Vildosola Racing / Stronghold Motorsports trophy truck before the Baja 1000

The calm before the storm at the Baja 1000 staging area

When Vildosola passed the controls on the #21 trophy truck over to fellow K&N racer Rodrigo Ampudia, both the fast pace and the elevated position were maintained. Ampudia raced a 240 mile leg of the Baja 1000.

At mile 540, Mike Coleman, the team’s third driver took over the wheel. Coleman battled through a thick fog from San Juanico to Loreto and again the team maintained race position.

The fourth and final driver, Scott Bailey, took over at mile 835 and continued a fast pace all the way to the checkered flag in La Paz. Bailey's strong final leg secured the win for the team.

The Vildosola Racing / Stronghold Motorsports trophy truck racing in Baja  with K&N filters

K&N filters are made to withstand brutal environments like the Baja 1000

In the end, the strong team performance added up to a huge victory for the Vildosola/Stronghold team in the inaugural TT Legends Class. The team covered the brutal 1134.4 mile course in a time of 23:43:38 with an average speed of 47.81 mph. At the finish line, Bailey was understandably elated when he emerged from the truck.

“It’s awesome man!" Bailey exclaimed. “It’s really exciting to have two Mexican Nationals and two Gringos down here teamed up, and for us to be able to do it like we did is pretty incredible and we are excited.”

K&N is proud to have been an integral part of the Vildosola Racing/Stronghold Motorsports victory in the legendary Baja 1000. K&N Engineering is the industry leader in performance filtration especially in brutal environments like those found on the Baja Peninsula.

Baja 1000 50 years logo

The Baja 1000 celebrated 50 years of racing excitement in 2017

Vildosola/Stronghold Baja 1000 Drivers:

Gustavo Vildosola - Winner 2010 Baja 1000

Rodrigo Ampudia - Founder Papas & Beer Racing

Mike Coleman - Veteran Desert Racer

Scott Bailey - Stronghold Motorsports Team Owner

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Yamaha’s Wolverine and Viking SxS UTVs Get More Air From the K&N YA-6914 Filter

The Yamaha Wolverine R-spec on the trail is one of the applications for the K&N YA-6914 filter

The Wolverine R-spec is one of the Yamaha SxS UTVs that will benefit from the added airflow

The Yamaha Viking SxS is powered by a torquey 686cc, liquid-cooled, fuel injected, SOHC engine. Its wild brother, the Wolverine, features a single cylinder, liquid-cooled, 708cc DOHC four-stroke with an innovative top end design that delivers solid performance. Both of these proven and reliable engines will benefit from the added airflow that the K&N YA-6914 direct-replacement filter delivers.

Whether you drive one of the recreational or ranch variations of the Wolverine or Viking, or the R-spec Wolverine which UTV Driver calls, “the best UTV Yamaha has ever produced,” you will feel the added throttle response that the YA-6914 is designed to deliver. That added power-producing airflow comes with K&N’s commitment to highly-effective filtration. Let’s take a look at both sides of this performance/protection equation.

Performance

The K&N YA-6914 is designed to provide increased horsepower and acceleration. The large surface area of pleated, cotton gauze filter media passes a greater volume of air to the Yamaha intake. That large intake is limited by the restrictive stock air filter, but the YA-6914 is designed to let the big single breathe.

K&N YA-6914 Air Filter product view for the Yamaha Wolverine and Viking SxS

The K&N YA-6914 filter fits perfectly in the Yamaha Wolverine and Viking air box

This potential power increase does not require fuel management modifications to the Wolverine or Viking. The YA-6914 is a true one-step performance upgrade that does not necessitate a laundry-list of other modifications and expense.

Protection

That same filter media that provides an increase in airflow features a large filtration area that offers a high dirt-holding capacity and long service intervals. K&N’s engineers designed the multiple layers of oiled, cotton gauze knowing full well that the filter would be subjected to extreme duty.

In K&N’s rigorous testing, the YA-6914 showed an estimated dirt holding capacity in excess 460 grams. That impressive number is complemented by an overall estimated filtration efficiency of over 98%.

To ensure a secure and airtight seal, the YA-6914 is designed with an application-specific sealing bead ensuring a precise fit. The filter installs perfectly in the stock Yamaha air box.

K&N YA-6914 Air Filter product view for the Yamaha Wolverine and Viking SxS

The YA-6914 features multiple pleats of oiled, cotton gauze filter media for airflow and protection

Convenience

Like all K&N filters, the YA-6914 is fully washable and reusable. It gets you back on the track or trail in a snap with a quick cleaning and re-oiling. The K&N 99-0621 washing fluid and the 99-0516 spray oil are all that are needed to complete this simple and straight-forward maintenance task.

Check the application list below for your Yamaha SxS, and consult the K&N online application search tool for all or your filtration needs.

2017 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING VI EPS SE 686 - All Models
2017 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING VI EPS RANCH EDITION 686 - All Models
2017 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING VI EPS 686 - All Models
2017 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING VI 686 - All Models
2017 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 W/SUNTOP 686 - All Models
2017 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 EPS W/SUNTOP 686 - All Models
2017 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 EPS SE 686 - All Models
2017 YAMAHA YXE70 WOLVERINE R-SPEC EPS SE 708 - All Models
2017 YAMAHA YXE70 WOLVERINE R-SPEC EPS 708 - All Models
2017 YAMAHA YXE70 WOLVERINE R-SPEC 708 - All Models
2017 YAMAHA YXE70 WOLVERINE EPS 708 - All Models
2017 YAMAHA YXE70 WOLVERINE 708 - All Models
2016 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING VI EPS SE 686 - All Models
2016 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING VI EPS RANCH EDITION 686 - All Models
2016 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING VI EPS 686 - All Models
2016 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING VI 686 - All Models
2016 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 W/SUNTOP 686 - All Models
2016 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 EPS W/SUNTOP 686 - All Models
2016 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 EPS SE 686 - All Models
2016 YAMAHA YXE70 WOLVERINE R-SPEC EPS SE 708 - All Models
2016 YAMAHA YXE70 WOLVERINE R-SPEC EPS 708 - All Models
2016 YAMAHA YXE70 WOLVERINE R-SPEC 708 - All Models
2016 YAMAHA YXE70 WOLVERINE 708 - All Models
2015 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING VI EPS SE 686 - All Models
2015 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING VI EPS 686 - All Models
2015 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING VI 686 - All Models
2015 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 W/SUNTOP 686 - All Models
2015 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 EPS W/SUNTOP 686 - All Models
2015 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 EPS SE 686 - All Models
2015 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 EPS 686 - All Models
2015 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 686 - All Models
2014 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 W/SUNTOP 686 - All Models
2014 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 EPS W/SUNTOP 686 - All Models
2014 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 EPS SE 686 - All Models
2014 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 EPS 686 - All Models
2014 YAMAHA YXM700 VIKING FI 4X4 686 - All Models

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Goodguys Rod & Custom 2017 Southwest Nationals "Duel in the Desert at Westworld"

Photo of convertible at the Goodguys Rod & Customs Southwest Nationals2017

Just one of the beautiful cars at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Southwest Nationals 2017

The Goodguys Rod & Custom 20th Southwest Nationals held at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been one of the biggest and best car shows in the country. But it seemed that this year’s attendance was off the charts. The coolest part of the big show has to be the autocross. For nearly ten years show goers, participants, and spectators alike, have been treated to the autocrossers grand finale, “Duel in the Desert”. Seriously, these are the finals we are talking about drawing racing biggest names like Al Unser Jr. and his cousin Robby Unser, along with the likes of the Leisinger Family, et al, of Summit Racing Equipment just to name a few.

Photo of custom cars on display at the 2017 Southwest Nationals

Goodguys Rod & Custom showcases over 3,000 incredible vehicles at the Southwest Nationals

Over the course of a typical show/race season, the “pro” autocrossers earn points based on their finish. The top points earners ultimately receive an invite to participate in the grand finale, Duel in the Desert. The shootout field starts with the Top 18 invites. An additional 14 spots allow for the opportunity for those who did not earn enough points for an invite to qualify or rather race their way into the event. Qualifying runs all day Friday until noon on Saturday. And the competition gets rather stiff. We are talking about the nation’s top autocrossers converging upon Scottsdale to see if they’ve got what it takes to compete for real cash and prizes, not just bragging rights.

Photo of the pit area at the Duel in the Desert in Scottsdale

Great shot of the pit at the 2017 Southwest Nationals Duel in the Desert

Let’s set the scene for this incredible event. We are talking about over 3,000 rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, and trucks through 1972. The “Top 12” cars and trucks of the year presented by Meguiar’s are on display. Along with the Duel in the Desert Autocross Finals Shootout, any participant can try their hand at the K&N filters All American Sunday, welcoming American made or powered vehicles of all years! And if you need even more horsepower you can head over to Nitro Thunderfest Dragster Exhibition. There are literally hundreds of vendors and manufacturers exhibits, a swap meet, the Cars 4 Sale Corral, and so much more. But let’s get back to the shootout!

A photo of the Saturday afternoon shootout board with racer pairing.

A glimpse into the Saturday afternoon shootout pairing.

K&N had several race team drivers on hand to compete for the win. The coolest by far though had to be seeing Mike Maier competing in Mike and Ingrid Ansell’s bad ass big block 1972 Corvette with the MMI designed and tuned suspension. The Ansell’s have owned this beautiful C3 since the mid-90s and have been regularly competing at events in Northern California since their purchase. After seeing, competing with, and having spent time with Maier at some local events, Ansell approached Maier to discuss improving the suspension and handling on he and his wife’s Vette.

Photo of Jane Thurmond in her C2 as she comes off the autocross course

Jane Thurmond in her 1964 Chevrolet Corvette as she comes off the autocross course

In fact, Mike Ansell wanted to work alongside Mike Maier to create the perfect setup. He was ready to do the work. And that’s just what he did. Together, the two Mikes sought out those competitors who’d been instrumental in performance car set-up in the Trans Am series, along with folks who had seen great success at the local level. To that, Mike Maier implemented his years of suspension and race experience along with a little MMI flavor to come up with the suspension we see today in that beautiful burgundy C3, what Mike Maier refers to as the “every man” or “any man’s” car. That car that came from the dealer forty years ago that still has some of the sexiest body lines and is perhaps one of the best platforms for an incredible pro-touring or autocross car.

Photo of Mike Maier, Mike & Ingrid Ansell in the pits discussing race strategy.

Great minds think alike. Mike Maier discussing strategy with Mike & Ingrid Ansell.

Earlier in the year Mike Maier qualified in the Ansell’s Corvette and received an invite to the Southwest Finals for the greatly anticipated Duel in the Desert Shootout where he would compete against folks like Brian Hobaugh, Bret Voelkel, Greg Thurmond, Al Unser Jr., Josh Leisinger, and Robby Unser to name just a few. As his weekend progressed he was able to get a great feel for the competition and the course. And let’s talk about the course! Really it felt like four drag races with a couple of showcase turns and some minor wiggles between. It was fast and fun and the weather was quite ideal with the exception of a minor rain delay on Friday. But that didn’t dampen the spirits of our competitors.

Photo of Robby Unser in the Speedway Motors purpose built '68 Camaro on track

The legendary Robby Unser on course in the Speedway Motor purpose built 1968 Camaro

On the flip side, our K&N team driver, Jane Thurmond, had to actually race her way in to qualify to compete in the shootout. There were 14 spots and she held the field on Friday maintaining a Top 5 spot securing her place in the shootout field. Saturday morning brought some fresh eyes and faster times among those hoping to qualify. The wind had picked up slightly, the skies were no longer overcast and the track played a little different on Saturday for our racers. Jane consistently laid down competitive lap times but couldn’t break past the 41 second mark going into the shootout. At noon Saturday, if you were hoping to have made the cut you’d have better done everything you could because qualifying was over and the field was set.

Shot of Robby Unser out on the autocross track doing donuts after hearing that he won the shootout!

Robby Unser and the Speedway Motors purpose built 1968 Camaro tearing up the course after the win

Our team drivers made it. Maier by invite and Thurmond by qualifying. The real pressure would begin come one o’clock on Saturday afternoon. A quick drivers meeting and the reveal of just who would race who. In the third round, Jane was paired with 12-time SCCA Champion, race mentor, and friend Mary Pozzi. After a fast and clean run by Thurmond, Pozzi came out for the win by laying down a faster run and would move on to the second round of the shootout where she would subsequently be inched out by Detroit Speeds, Ryan Matthews.

Photo of Wes Drelleshak in his '59 Chevy Apache out on the autocross course

Wes Drelleshak and his 1959 Chevy Apache tearing up the autocross track

Mike Maier, with a fastest qualifying lap time of 40.709, would be paired with fellow NorCal racer and friend Mike Erickson who laid down a lap time of 41.888 and would give up the win allowing Maier to move on within the shootout. In the second round, Mike Maier would go on to beat Jason Tanner from Speedway Motors, who didn’t let up one bit. In the semi-finals, Mike would beat Josh Leisinger by a mere 3/10th’s of a second and left the crowd in the grandstands and pit area cheering. As other racers fell away from the shootout, only two competitors were left, Mike Maier and Robby Unser competing in his 1968 purpose built Speedway Motors Chevrolet Camaro. And Maier in the 1972 Chevrolet Corvette owned by Ingrid and Mike Ansell, the “every man” car with the 20-year-old big block motor. To have made it to the finals in and of itself was an achievement. But it was time to go racing.

Mike Maier, Mike & Ingrid Ansell with check in hand in front of their '72 Corvette.

Mike Maier, Mike and Ingrid Ansell and their 1972 Corvette, alongside their Goodguys purse!

Maier would run first and lay down an incredible lap time of 40.5 seconds, however, he nicked a cone and that left the door wide open for Unser to come in laying down a fast, clean run and walk away with the win. But Robby didn’t just play it safe. He had been on fire throughout the shootout and was the only competitor to run clean in the 39s. In true Unser fashion, he didn’t disappoint and brought home another high 39-second lap, clean. Upon being informed of his win, he turned that Camaro loose on the course and treated the crowd to the smokiest donut show and the crowd went wild. What a great way to end the day.

Photo of Eric Sheely and his Ford Focus RS, winner of All American Sunday

Eric Sheely in his 2017 Ford Focus RS after the win on K&N filters All American Sunday

Sunday saw the K&N filters All American Sunday with a field of forty enthusiasts and die-hard autocrossers getting out on track and laying down their fastest lap times. We had a chance to see old muscle and new and everything in between. Eric Sheely in his 2017 Ford Focus RS came away with the fastest lap of the day with a time of 41.646. Truly a fantastic day for Eric and the Sheely posse.

K&N Engineering is proud to be a part of the Goodguys Rod & Custom shows and very proud to be a part of this community. We would like to congratulate our drivers and the winners of the 2017 Southwest Nationals.

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