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Brad Otoupalik brings his knowledge of international business as well as a passion for the automotive aftermarket and motorsports to the K&N team

Brad Otoupalik has joined the K&N family and taken on the role of Senior Director International Sales. Brad has years of experience in this field of business as he was previously the Director of International Business Development for Magnaflow Exhaust Products and Vice President of Sales for Performance and Motorsports at Cosworth Engineering. Brad is able to contribute extensive knowledge of developing and building new revenue streams and partnerships within the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. Jon Holder, who was recently appointed as the Chief Sales Officer for K&N, said “I am pleased to announce that Brad Otoupalik is joining K&N as Senior Director International Sales reporting to me and responsible for markets outside North America, and Europe.”

Brad’s remarkable resume is further complemented by his impressive educational background. Brad attended the University of California, Los Angeles where he received his undergraduate degree and ventured just twelve miles away to attend the University of Southern California earning his JD/MBA. When asked about his experience attending intensely rival universities, Brad admitted “I’m a (UCLA) Bruin. Graduate school at USC was all business for me.”

Brad Otoupalik has been in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry since 1998 when he started his own business. He also began road racing BMW cars in 2000 and considers himself an avid motorsports enthusiast. “Don’t let the slacks fool you; I’m a car guy at heart” said Otoupalik. On a personal note, Brad is married to his wife of 16 years and the couple has a 9-year-old son together.

K&N Engineering is the world's leading manufacturer of washable performance air filters and air intake systems. The K&N World headquarters, main manufacturing facilities and primary distribution center is based in Riverside, California. K&N is a world class filtration company selling air filters, oil filters, and air intake systems in over 30 countries with more than 5,000 products designed for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and industrial applications. From the K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty to the K&N Consumer Protection Pledge, K&N stands behind its products and its consumers. The distinctive K&N logo has represented performance for more than 45 years.

Roto-molded air intake tubes, like the one used in the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST intake system, allow K&N designers to maximize use of tight spaces under the hood of modern cars

The Ford Fiesta has been in production since 1976 and is one of the best selling cars from the Ford Motor Company. The 2010 model year saw Ford release the sixth generation Ford Fiesta worldwide and was the first time since 1980 that the Fiesta has been sold in the United States. In 2013 Ford decided to add some life to the party with the EcoBoost 1.6-liter turbo powered Fiesta ST making its debut for the 2014 model year. The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST EcoBoost features overboost allowing the 1.6L turbocharged engine to make a claimed 197 horsepower when using premium unleaded fuel.

Stop searching for cold air induction kits, a short ram intake style K&N Performance Air Intake System, number 63-2587, for the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST is here

A sub-compact car, like the 2014 Ford Fiesta, with 197 horsepower may seem like overkill, however the electronic traction, and stability control combined with race inspired suspension make this a fun car to drive. In fact, many owners are searching for a Ford Fiesta ST cold air intake to increase power. If you’re such owner, look no further than K&N’s 63-2587 Performance Air Intake System. The 63-2587 Ford Fiesta ST air intake is expert-engineered and guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque. It replaces the restrictive factory system with a free-flowing, high-density polyethylene air intake tube to help minimize restriction, straighten, and increase airflow to the engine. More air means more usable power throughout the engine’s RPM range.

Dyno Chart - 2K&N Air Intake System, number 63-2587, produced an estimated additional 7.21 horsepower at 5,210 RPM on an otherwise stock 2014 Ford Fiesta ST EcoBoost 1.6L L4

K&N RU-4960 reusable air filter is fitted to the inlet of the K&N roto-molded air intake tube to provide excellent airflow rates as well as outstanding engine protection. The filter is washable and reusable and can go up to 100,000 miles between cleanings, depending on driving conditions. K&N air intake 63-2587 for the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST incorporates a heat shield which helps to deflect engine heat away from incoming air. To help direct relatively cold air toward the auto air filter the factory cold air inlet is incorporated into the design of 63-2587 for the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST EcoBoost.

The K&N 63-2587 Performance Air Intake System produces notable horsepower and torque increases worthy of the Ford 1.6L EcoBoost engine. On the dyno, when installed on a 2014 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6L, the K&N 63-2587 Performance Air Intake System produced an estimated additional 7.21 horsepower at 5210 rpm and an impressive 10.07 pound-feet of torque at 3959 rpm. K&N is adamant about providing real world power gains and an explanation of how we perform dyno testing. Additional testing was performed to determine if replacing the turbo charge pipe was necessary for power gains. Replacing this additional section of the air intake tube did not result in increased performance, and made installation much more difficult than necessary.

The 63-2587 performance air intake system is an easy to install performance upgrade that can be installed in about 90 minutes or less using basic hand tools, and by following K&N’s simple step-by-step instructions. It maintains all necessary factory connections, including the factory crankcase breather clips, and does not require any additional modifications, like a tune, to be made to the vehicle. K&N backs their air intake systems with the famous K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty so owners can rest assured that their intake system can stand up to the test of time.

Performance Air Intake System 63-2587 is guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque on the Ford Fiesta ST EcoBoost powered models below:

K&N Performance Air Intake System 57-2587 for the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST

Non-US 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 liter L4 Fuel Injected Engine
2015 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 liter L4 Fuel Injected Engine
2014 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 liter L4 Fuel Injected Engine

Note: The 63-2587 air intake system cannot be sold in California. They are not considered street legal for use in California or other states adopting California emission standards. For this reason, K&N has designed the 57-2587 air intake system that boast the same benefits and gains in horsepower as its counterpart the 63-2587, but the 57-2587 has received its CARB EO number and is street legal in all 50 states. K&N 57-2587 is guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque on the Ford Fiesta ST EcoBoost powered models below:

2014 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 liter L4 Fuel Injected Engine

For all K&N Ford Fiesta air intakes visit the Ford Fiesta Air Intakes page on KNFilters.com.

Emotions ran high for Heckert as he accomplished back to back wins with the last race at Watkins Glen International Raceway being his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East career victory

Cameron Hayley was leading the Biscuitville 125 race until a restart on lap 52 of 60 gave Heckert the opening he needed to drive the number 34 Project Lifesaver Chevrolet past Hayley

Just a week ago Scott Heckert, a 20-year old hailing from Ridgefield, Connecticut, brought home top honors in his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East victory at Watkins Glen International Raceway in Upstate New York. By pulling off a daring pass late in the race, Heckert took the Bully Hill Vineyards 125 win at Watkins Glen. With a similar late race pass in the Biscuitville 125, Scott Heckert was able to prove that his win at Watkins Glen wasn’t just luck. Heckert seems to have a knack for turning his Project Lifesaver Chevrolet both left and right on a road course.

Cameron Hayley, who led the most laps in the Biscuitville 125, was out front on lap 51 when the fifth caution flag of the day forced a restart with eight laps to go. This restart gave Scott Heckert just the edge he would need to work his way past Cameron Hayley and take over the lead. Heckert wasn’t in the clear just yet as another caution flag came out before the final lap. “I thought I had it. Then we got the caution and that restart was a lot of work. It was everything the car had for two laps. It was tough, but glad we got the win” said Heckert.

Cameron Hayley had to settle for another runner-up finish with the Biscuitville 125 being his fourth this season. If Hayley was disappointed in his finish it didn’t show. After the race Hayley commented “It was a wild and hot afternoon. Overall a great run for the Cabinets by Hayley Chevrolet.” Austin Hill would finish third with Gray Gaulding and Kaz Grala rounding out the top five finishers.

The top 10 finishers were running pretty close at Virginia International Speedway in Alton, Virginia but Heckert held onto his lead finishing .848 seconds ahead of runner-up Cameron Hayley

Scott Heckert also won the 21 means 21 presented by Coors Brewing Co. Pole Award and is seen here with Ben Rhodes who currently leads the championship points battle

Ben Rhodes continues to lead the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship points with 65 points separating him and second place Cameron Hayley. Only two races remain in the 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season. Brandon Jones currently sits in third, just 14 points behind Hayley. Scott Heckert’s win moved him up to eighth.

The next NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race will at the Greenville Pickens Speedway in Greenville, South Carolina.

There has been a shift in the motorcycle cruiser market over the last few years. Motorcycle manufacturers, like the Yamaha Star Motorcycles division, have taken notice of the growing number of younger motorcyclists seeking stylish, fun-to-ride, middle weight cruiser motorcycles. For 2014 the Star Motorcycle division of Yamaha Motor U.S.A has thrown a wrench in the works of their competitors with the 2014 Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt and XVS950R Bolt R-Spec motorcycles.

K&N air filter number YA-9514 is engineered to increase airflow and fit inside the stock 2014 Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt and XVS950R Bolt R-Spec air cleaner without modifications

The K&N YA-9514 reusable air filter for 2014 Yamaha Star XV950 Bolt and XV950R Bolt R-Spec models is designed to fit inside the stock air filter box, also referred to as an air cleaner. K&N air filter number, YA-9514, is intended as a direct air filter cross reference for the stock Yamaha disposable air filter. For YA-9514 to fit the 2014 Yamaha Bolt without modification; K&N engineers had to design precision molded nylon mounting plates. The molded top and bottom plates sandwich the famous K&N high-flow pleated cotton gauze filter media and form a solid mounting surface.

Flow Chart for K&N stock 2014 Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt and XVS950R Bolt R-Spec air cleaner, without modifications, Air Filter YA-9514

A K&N high-flow replacement air filter is different from stock in that K&N uses cotton gauze filter media woven to exacting specifications. Cotton, by nature, is more breathable than the paper or foam media used for most motorcycle air filters. Since an internal combustion engine is essentially an air pump, getting more air into your engine can increase performance, acceleration, and throttle response.

Some might be worried that an increase in airflow comes at the expense of filtration efficiency and engine protection. To put minds at ease K&N performs filtration efficiency testing following the internationally recognized ISO 5011 protocol to guarantee that our air filters will provide high airflow without sacrificing engine protection. K&N YA-9514 air filter was shown to have a 98.72% overall filtration efficiency when tested with ISO coarse test dust. Calling this test dust coarse is almost preposterous, as 22% of the dust is rated at 10 microns or less. To provide perspective, a human blood cell is typically between 6 and 8 microns across. Detailed filtration test results are available for viewing.

Perhaps more exciting than the increased performance that comes with a K&N high-flow replacement air filter is that they are also washable and reusable. The advantage of a washable air filter is that it will pay for itself over time. Part number YA-9514 can be washed and made like new using one of the K&N Recharger air filter service kits. K&N Recharger kit 99-5000, includes 12 fluid ounces of air filter cleaner and a 6.5 ounce aerosol bottle of air filter oil for quick and easy application. Recharger kit 99-5050, differs in that it includes an 8 ounce squeeze bottle of K&N filter oil for a more precise application.

Part number YA-9514 high performance air filter for 2014 Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt and XVS950R Bolt R-Spec models is backed by the industry leading K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty. This means that 2014 Yamaha Bolt owners can enjoy a lifetime of increased performance, reusability, and long air filter service intervals when using part number YA-9514.

Washable air filter, number YA-9514, is designed provide a lifetime of increased performance without any need for modifications or tuning for the following Yamaha Star motorcycles:

2016 Yamaha XVS950 Bolt R-SPEC 942
2016 Yamaha XVS950 Bolt 942
2015 Yamaha XVS950 Bolt R-SPEC 942
2015 Yamaha XVS950 Bolt C-SPEC 942
2015 Yamaha XVS950 Bolt 942
2015 Yamaha XV950R 950
2015 Yamaha XV950 950
2014 Yamaha XVS950 Bolt R-SPEC 942
2014 Yamaha XVS950 Bolt 942
2014 Yamaha XV950R 950
2014 Yamaha XV950 950

For all K&N Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt and XVS950R Bolt R-Spec air cleaners visit the Yamaha Star XVS950 Bolt Air Cleaners and Yamaha XVS950R Bolt R-Spec Air Cleaners pages on KNFilters.com.

David Mayhew drove the number 17 MMI Services/Ron’s Rear Ends Chevrolet to his third NASCAR K&N Pro Series win this season at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington

David Mayhew had NASCAR K&N Pro Series West fans standing in their seats as he made a bold pass in turn four of the final lap at Evergreen Speedway to take the win without having led a single lap of the NAPA Auto Parts/Toyota 150. It was tight racing amongst the top three drivers as the white flag came out with Dylan Lupton leading Mayhew and Brandon McReynolds.

Greg Pursley, who leads the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West points championship, took the race lead on lap one, but a mechanical problem forced him into the pits halfway through the race

“It was a close one,” said Mayhew about his daring pass heading toward the checkered flag. “(Lupton) kind of checked up to protect the bottom on the last lap, getting into three. So I used a little bit of momentum we had, got up underneath him with a little bit of the bumper and just got lucky and had a good drag race to the end” continued Mayhew.

Dylan Lupton led 73 laps during the NAPA Auto Parts/Toyota 150 at Evergreen Speedway but lost the lead in turn four of the final lap letting David Mayhew and Brandon McReynolds past him

Dylan Lupton, who had been leading in that final turn, settled for a third place finish as pole winner Brandon McReynolds also made it past Lupton at the end. “We were running great. Coming into that last corner, I drove it in there just like usual and (Mayhew) got into us a little bit right on entry. It washed us up and we lost two spots because of it” said Lupton.

A representative from K&N and Miss Evergreen Speedway presented the MMI Services/Ron’s Rear End Chevy race team with a trophy for their NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race win

Greg Pursley, who leads the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West points race, took the lead from pole winner Brandon McReynolds on the first lap and led until the halfway point. A mechanical issue forced Pursley to enter the pits and would rejoin the race a few laps later. He settled for an 11th place finish which is his first finish outside the top five all season.

Pursley continues to lead the driver points championship followed by Dylan Lupton, and Brandon McReynolds just 6 points back in third place. The next NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race will be at the Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, California.