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[Video] Custom 2017 Ford Super Duty on Airbags Stuns at SEMA 2017

31 oct 2017

When a customer approached Jake McKiddie, of Phat Phabz, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to build a truck to haul his 1959 Cadillac from show to show, Jake started by cutting up a brand new $75,000 Ford F350 with a 6.7 L Power Stroke Diesel. First, Jake discarded the frame and built a new chassis from scratch to accommodate four 3800 lb. bags controlled by a Endo-VT tank with E-level. Jake says he’s been loyal to K&N from when he began building trucks and this platinum white beast has two of them: a K&N cold air intake system and a K&N cabin air filter. Watch the video to check out the amazing detail work on this build.

K&N Equipped Entrants Compete For The 2017 SEMA Show Battle Of The Builders

28 oct 2017

Entrants came from 38 states and from outside the US. Judges reduced the field to 30 finalists.

2017 is the fourth year of the SEMA Battle of the Builders which will be broadcast on Velocity

One of the most highly-prized accomplishments at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas is to win the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. Even though this is only its fourth year in existence, the competition has drawn hundreds of applicants from seven countries and 38 states. In fact, it has its own TV show on Velocity. Initial judging reduced the field to just 30 entries.

Several of the builders selected have equipped their custom creations with K&N Air Filters. In this article we’ll cover the first three of the K&N-equipped entries.

Ringbrothers 1971 Javelin AMX

The front wheels were moved forward in the body by 6.5 inches.

The Ringbrothers lengthened the wheelbase of their 1971 AMC Javelin AMX

As AMC was absorbed by Chrysler it’s fitting that the Ringbrothers AMX has been fitted with a Wegner Motorsports 6.2L Hemi Hellcat MOPAR crate motor that carries a Whipple 4.5L supercharger drawing air through a K&N Engineering Filter. Controlling the flow is a Holley Dominator fuel-management system, while a Bowler Transmission 4L80E automatic and a QA1 carbon-fiber driveshaft transfer power to the rear axle. Anyone familiar with the story of the Javelin knows that AMC created a longer, more aerodynamic body for Trans Am racing, but still based on the existing chassis and wheelbase. To most the car looked a little nose heavy. The Ringbrother corrected that styling awkwardness by moving the front wheels forward 6.5 inches. The Ringbrother 1971 Javelin AMX can be viewed at the Prestone Products Corp. booth #30321 at the 2017 SEMA Show.

Phat Phabz 2017 Ford F-350

Riding on a four bag suspension this 2017 Ford F350 features a custom frame and rear linkage

This 2017 Ford F-350 from Jake McKiddie’s Phat Phabz is fitted with a 6.7L Ford Power Stroke Diesel engine with a PPEI tune, AirDog Fuel System, and a K&N Engineering Air Intake System. The chassis rides on a custom frame built in Jake’s shop that’s bagged at all four corners, with a custom parallel four-link set-up on the dually rear axle.

Stopping this beast are Wilwood six-piston calipers front and rear clamping onto 16-inch rotors. Besides the overall drop, the bed sides have been raised, with handles shaved and replaced with Kindig handles. Phat Phabz’s 2017 Ford F350 can be viewed in the Lower South Hall lobby, SL05 Undercover Truck Beds exhibit at the 2017 SEMA Show.

Steve Burkett Soul Stealer 2015 RAM 1500 Quad Cab Sport 4x4

The 2015 RAM 1500 audio system includes 22 seperate speakers

With a mind-blowing dual 15" subwoofer system the Soul Stealer can turn rocks into dust

Steve Burkett’s carefully-planned modification of a 2015 RAM 1500 Quad Cab Sport 4x4 was nicknamed the Soul Stealer. The truck is fitted with a 5.7 L Hemi V8, complete with K&N Engineering intake and MagnaFlow exhaust. Elevation is courtesy of a Bulletproof 12 inch suspension lift, Hellwig sway bar, Sik Fabrications lower control arms, and aluminum shafts by Inland Empire Drivelines.

The real insanity begins in the interior with a pair of Orion 15 inch subwoofers housed in a custom enclosure in the truck bed. A giant passageway was cut out between bed and cab for low frequencies to reach driver and passengers. If that we’re enough installed in the cab are an additional eight 6.5 inch Orion mid-range speakers and a total of 12 Orion tweeters. Powering this system is a 315-amp alternator by Ohio Generators. Steve’s RAM 1500 can be viewed at the Pilot Automotive Booth #20113 at the 2017 SEMA Show.

All of us at K&N Engineering congratulate all participants selected and wish all finalists the very best of luck in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builder competition.

K&N SEMA: New Products, Racers, Roadster Shop 1971 Camaro and RSD BMW R nine T

20 oct 2017

The NRE engine has been designed to operate at 900 hp and 1300 hp

Select octane with a switch in the Roadster Shop Camaro: very powerful or insanely powerful

What’s now regarded as the very first SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association) was conducted under the grandstands of Dodger Stadium with less than 100 exhibitors. In 1968, the show moved indoors to the Anaheim Convention Center. Then in 1969, K&N introduced its first pleated oil cotton performance air filter and K&N has been a mainstay of the SEMA Show ever since.

For 2017, the K&N booth is located in the easily-accessible Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center; as one of the larger aftermarket manufacturer booths, there’s always plenty to see and do when you get there. For example:

Featured is the first public showing of a 1971 Chevy Camaro in their booth, built by the master craftsmen at the Roadster Shop and entered into the SEMA Battle of the Builders. The 427ci aluminum small block with forged internals is from Nelson Racing Engines. It features a dual fuel injector system, spraying either 91 or 117 octane gasoline (from separate fuel cells) into high-pressure air from two Turbonetics turbos. It develops 1,500 horsepower.

Not only with the R 9T outperform the '37 model but also its 2017 basis

The Roland Sands R nine T captures the spirit of a 1937 BMW R5 motorcycle

The car in which this mighty mouse resides was rebuilt from scratch, has a complete Roadster Shop Chassis, and extensive interior and exterior metalwork, and a paint job that looks so deep you’ll be tempted to dip your toes in it. And be sure to check out the unique way the K&N filters were incorporated in the front fascia.

For two-wheel fans, the Roland Sands Design BMW R nine T will also be on display. Based on a 1937 BMW R5 that brings the beautiful classic lines of the pre-war BMW to a modern machine. First stop was Sosa Metal Works where the frame was modified to better reflect the 1937 design. But its not just about duplicating history as its expected the Roland Sands custom will outperform the off-the-showroom-floor model. The front fork was rebuilt with GP suspension and Ohlins shocks in the rear, in addition to sticky Dunlop tires, upgraded Brembo brakes, and of course a K&N filter.

Sara's career goal is to race Trophy Trucks in the desert

Former MX and current SxS racer Sara Price won the Next Female Hoonigan competition

In addition to the mechanical displays, we’ll have a number of well-known K&N racers available to sign autographs, per the schedule at the bottom of the page. Attending will be:

From one of the first families of off-road racing, the father and son one-two punch of Curt and Kyle Leduc. They’re the only father and son team to have won the Labor Day Championship race at Crandon International Off-Road Raceway twice each. In recent years, Kyle has won both the Pro 4 Unlimited class championship and the Pro Lite Unlimited championship in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series.

RJ Anderson started racing at age 14, and now at 23 has earned five Off Road Racing SxS Championships and 46 career Lucas Oil-WORCS victories along with over 100 career podiums. On top of his racing schedule, RJ has produced viral videos that have gained over 30 million views.

Sara Price is a former motocross racer who had competed in the X-Games and then moved on the race SxS, not just in North America but Africa as well. This summer she was selected by Fiat and Hoonigan as the “Next Female Hoonigan” with the opportunity to drive a fuel WRC-rally spec Fiat 124 Abarth up the challenging Mt. Washington Hillclimb.

The Le Duc family has been a mainstay of off road racing for decades

Kyle LeDuc doing his best to give sponsor K&N some extra exposure

And speaking of Hoonigans, Formula Drift champion and professional funhaver Vaughn Gittin Jr. will be in the house of K&N as well. In 2005, he became the first American ever to win a D1 Grand Prix event, then won his first Formula Drift title in 2010, and was awarded the Ace Driver of the Decade title in 2013 with more victories than any other driver in 10 years of Formula Drift history.

We know that show cars and racing personalities aren’t really what you come to SEMA for. You’re looking for the latest products and K&N has a whole batch to share with you. From a snorkel for Jeep Wranglers to a new line of air intakes for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, plus K&N's new line of side-by-side air intakes for the Polaris RZR XP1000 and XP1000 turbo will all be on display. Product experts will be available during all show hours to answer any questions you might have regarding new or existing product.

So come look for us, check out the new products, and talk to the industry experts on high-performance induction at the K&N booth number 22755 in the convenient Central Hall.

David Haagsma Claims 2nd Straight WORCS Pro SxS Championship

19 oct 2017

David Haagsma racing in his naturally-aspirated SxS to the WORCS championship

Despite developing a turbo SxS, Haagsma opted for the reliability non-turbo to win the WORCS title

David Haagsma had built such an impressive cushion in the series that he simply needed to make a showing in the season finale at Adelanto Stadium in Adelanto, California, to lock up the WORCS Pro SxS Championship. The K&N-sponsored UTV racer ran a smart and conservative race to finish 8th and claim his second straight pro title.

“We came into it knowing I had to only finish half a lap,” Haagsma said. “I didn’t get a good jump at the start, so I just ran my own race and didn’t get into trouble. I’m really proud because the guys that did it before me were really good. We didn’t change one thing from last year.”

Haagsma tallied a total of seven podium finishes on the season. That consistency combined with two season wins was the recipe for success in the championship run.

The championship is especially impressive considering Haagsma competed in a naturally aspirated car in a class that allows the higher horsepower turbo engine configuration. Haagsma and his team decided that the reliability of the non-turbo setup, breathing through a K&N intake, was the smart season plan.

David Hagsma with a WORCS championship smile

Haagsma has reason to smile with his strangle-hold on the WORCS SxS podium

While his innate racing talent is undeniable, Haagsma knows that a smart mental approach is vital to his success. Haagsma told K&N that balancing the highs and lows of the long WORCS season is a key to a consistent and effective championship effort.

“For me, the highs have to be the wins,” Haagsma said. “When those come and come frequently, I find myself quickly getting into a groove and staying confident. The lows are trying to stay focused when you run into problems that set you back. Over the years, I’ve patiently learned to relax and rebound quickly, then you find yourself right back on top. That’s also helped by confidence, so it’s a good package.”

Haagsma is no stranger to the top spot on the podium. However, since moving from ATVs to focus strictly on SxS racing, the 2017 championship is especially sweet.

“To be honest, this is the one I really wanted to get,” Haagsma told K&N. “To put yourself in the group of racers that also have back-to-back National Pro Championships says a lot. This one ranks up there for sure. I left my ATV program to come back home and really put my efforts towards this program.”

David Haagsma racing in his K&N-filtered SxS wins the WORCS championship

Big talent and a perfect racer's mindset have resulted in back-to-back Pro championships for Haagsma

There is an old adage that “no man is an island.” Haagsma is acutely aware that elite level professional racing is a team effort. The WORCS champion is quick to share the spotlight with those who have contributed to his success.

“Everyone is out here with me,” said Haagsma, “My two mechanics, Allan and Theo, my engine builder Curtis Sparks, my car builder Justin Lambert at Cognito Motorsports, my rep Jason Reed, and my awesome sponsors that I couldn’t do without.”

Clearly, H&M Motorsports is a true family affair, and Haagsma told K&N that both his immediate and extended family are vital to his success.

“Most importantly, (I thank) my mom, dad, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and all my friends that I consider family as well,” Haagsma said. “Lastly, I met my fiancée Paige last year, and having her in my corner and seeing the support she has for me in this business means a lot to me. I couldn't do it without all those people.”

After taking a moment to enjoy this year's championship, the H&M team has turned its attention to the 2018 WORCS season. Jason Reed, Marketing/Media Coordinator for H&M Motorsports, let us in on the planning and the team's goals.

David Haagsma racing off the line in WORCS SxS action

Hagsam (#1) has emerged as the cream of the talented WORCS Pro SxS crop

“Our plans next year are to defend our WORCS Pro SxS Championship," Reed said. "We currently have a turbo car and depending on the support we get, that’s the direction we’ll end up going. Although, we did prove this year that the naturally aspirated model was reliable and competitive as well. We’re just excited with the support we’ve had with our long-time sponsors and fans, and we want to go for a 3-peat. That’s the goal for 2018."

K&N congratulates David Haagsma and his H&M Motorsports team on a second straight WORCS Pro SxS Championship. We are proud to be a vital part of the success.

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Greg Anderson Takes Lead in NHRA Pro Stock Standings

18 oct 2017

Greg Anderson took the green light over teammate Jason Line at the NHRA Midwest Nationals

NHRA Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson reached the final round in each of the first three races of the Countdown to the Championship. He finally broke through at Gateway Motorsports Park in Illinois. It couldn’t have come at a better time either. By winning the Pro Stock portion of the NHRA Midwest Nationals, Anderson took the lead in the Pro Stock standings with three races to go in the Countdown to the Championship. “It’s been three final rounds in a row,” Anderson said. “It’s hard to win out here. It’s really, really difficult to win. My race car worked great all weekend. I had a little bit of an issue with my engine and it was a little bit off speed-wise.”

Anderson’s car wasn’t perfect. He even admitted he needed a little luck to beat his KB Racing teammate Jason Line in the final. The race was almost as close as possible. Anderson won by 0.026 seconds. “I didn’t expect to get around Jason,” Anderson said. “He had a great car all weekend. I knew it was tough and I knew it was going to take someone looking over me to get the win and it happened.”

KB Racing NHRA Pro Stock driver Jason Line lost in the final to teammate Greg Anderson

Anderson has a three-point lead over Bo Butner, who lost in the first round of eliminations at Gateway Motorsports Park. Line is in third place in the Pro Stock standings, 76 points behind Anderson. Anderson said he made his final run with blinders on. He couldn’t bear to see how Line raced down the strip next to him. When they crossed the finish line, Anderson’s win light came on. He couldn’t believe he won the race. “I feel like a boxer,” Anderson said. “You get slugged constantly. If you dodge enough punches, if you find a way to win, it’s the greatest feeling in the world. Tough sport. That’s why I love it so much.”

It was Anderson’s third win of the season and his seventh final round appearance. He has met Line 36 times in NHRA finals. Anderson is 20-16 against Line head-to-head. Three different NHRA Pro Stock drivers have won the first three races of the Countdown to the Championship. Butner won at Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania. Tanner Gray won at zMAX Dragway in North Carolina to start the Countdown. Anderson said there could be six different winners in the Countdown and as many as five drivers in contention for the Pro Stock championship in the season finale at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California.

Greg Anderson holds up his Wally after taking the win at the NHRA Midwest Nationals

“I said earlier when we started this countdown there’s liable to be six winners in the Countdown, six different winners,” Anderson said. “Who knows who’s going to win this thing? We got three different ones so far. Three races to go. Luckily I got one win, but I got a couple runner-ups. I don’t have any DNFs. I haven’t had a bad day, that’s what it’s going to take the rest of the way out. It looks like you’re probably going to have to average about a runner-up finish to win this stupid thing. That’s how tough the competition is.”

Anderson’s strategy at this point is to be within striking distance of the lead for the season finale. He is in the lead at the halfway point, but he knows how quickly that can change. “When we get to Pomona you just want to be in the lead or somewhere within 50 or 100 points of the lead,” Anderson said. “I would just about guarantee it when we get to Pomona, there’s going to be five cars alive on that day to win the championship. Crazy, crazy deal. Tough deal, but that’s what’s awesome about NHRA Pro Stock.”