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KWS Motorsports and Millennium Technologies Win Multiple WERA Championships

Dec 29, 2011

Fifteen year-old phenom Jake Lewis won a total of 21 races. He made the podium 31 times and won six of the seven championships.

Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia hosted the 2011 WERA Grand National Finals where K&N supported KWS Motorsports and Millennium Technologies won multiple races and championships. "We have been supporting riders in the WERA national series for the last 10 years with lots of success, but this year was really good." Chip Spalding, Manager of KWS Motorsports told K&N, "Jake (Lewis), Tim (Hunt) and Luie (Zendejas) did an awesome job."

Heading the list of awesome accomplishments was fifteen year-old phenom Jake Lewis. Lewis added the 600 Superbike National Championship, as well as three regional Sportsman Championships, to his list of achievements in 2011. Overall Lewis competed in four classes for the Nationals and he won the championship in three. He also won three regional championships at the GNF. Lewis won a total of 21 races, made the podium 31 times, and won six of the seven championships.

"This was a huge year for Jake," said Spalding. "He has won championships in USGPRU (United States Grand Prix Racers Union) on 125cc machinery and in flat track, but this is his first full season on a big four-stroke and he was awesome."

"Thanks to Earl's Racing Team, Millennium and KWS! Thanks to all the sponsors that helped us this year. Thanks to Garrett for pushing me at every track. We had a blast racing each other. Thanks to my family and Tryce Welch for all the support. It was an awesome year of racing. That's all I can say," commented Lewis.

In his first full season, Luie Zendejas finished the year with one win and five podium finishes in the WERA National series in 2011.

Tim Hunt also had a banner year riding for the North Charleston, South Carolina team. Hunt won the Open Superstock National Championship on his Dunlop-shod KWS Motorsports built Suzuki GSX-R1000. Unfortunately the WERA Superbike race was decided before it started when both Hunt and his main competition for the championship, Tim Bemisderfer, crashed in separate races on Saturday. Both riders sustained minor injuries, but they were enough that neither rider could compete. This meant the Open Superstock Championship fell into Hunt's hands and the WERA Superbike Championship was conceded to Bemisderfer.

Hunt said, "It's been a great year and I cannot thank all the sponsors enough for making it possible. We won one out of the two championships we were going for and we won a lot of races, so I can't ask much more than that. It's a shame the season ended the way it did with a spectacular crash, but that's the way it goes. Congratulations to Tim Bemisderfer on the WERA Superbike Championship. We pushed each other all year long. I really want to thank my mechanic Aaron Ralph and all sponsors for their support, especially Millennium Technologies, KWS Motorsports, Race Tech, and Dunlop!"

KWS Motorsport's Luie Zendejas switched to a KWS built GSX-R1000 Superbike for the last race of the season, while continuing to run the BMW S1000RR in Superstock. The new GSX-R helped him finish his first full season as an expert with three top-five finishes, and he finished fourth in both the Open Superstock and WERA Superbike championships. In total, Zendejas finished the year with one win and five podium finishes in the WERA National series in 2011.

Luie Zendejas switched to a KWS built GSX-R1000 Superbike for the last race of the season, while continuing to run the BMW S1000RR in Superstock.

"It was an awesome year and we learned a whole lot about what it takes to complete a full season at this level," said Zendejas. "Every time we went to the race track we learned something. I would not have been able to do any of this without the help of Michael Godin, Eric Knight and Mike Fitzgerald. A special thanks goes out to all the sponsors too."

Spalding added, "I can't tell you how proud we are of Jake, Tim, Luie, Scott, Dan and all of our sponsored riders, teams, and customers. It was a great year and we are very much looking forward to doing it again next year. Special thanks to all of our long term friends, partners, and sponsors for supporting us and our racing endeavors for all the years."

Team KWS rider Dan Crawford achieved three podium finishes and won both the 750 Superbike and 750 Superstock Novice championships in his first year of racing. Veteran Scott Carpenter won his eighth Senior Superbike Championship on his KWS built GSX-R1000.

Regarding 2012 Spalding concluded, "Next year we will continue to support riders in the WERA National Series, but our program is not in place at this time."

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.

NHRA Racer John Hale Enters 20th California Hot Rod Reunion at Famoso Raceway

Dec 29, 2011

NHRA driver John Hale experienced a stellar season, and won the Drag Racing Online 2011 Nostalgia Funny Car Championship.

Coming off of a win at the World Series of Drag Racing at Cordova Raceway in Cordova, Illinois, John Hale pulled into Famoso Raceway in the San Joaquin Valley of McFarland, California with confidence on his side. Along with winning their most recent race, Hale and his team set the E.T. and MPH records, earning them the Drag Racing Online 2011 Nostalgia Funny Car Championship.

Referring to the Online Nostalgia Funny Car Championship, Hale explained, "I chased Paul Romine all year long; we wound up facing each other numerous times. He was my favorite opponent, and to finally outrun him in Cordova on our way to the finals was important." Recalling a mechanical malfunction, he continued, "We went into the race, found our problem, wound up being low qualifier, set both records, won the race and eventually won the championship. To do all of that coming into the race more than sixty points behind, and come out on top means a lot."

"We had a lot of confidence going into Famoso, because we had a mag problem at Cordova and wound up running a 5.67," explained Hale. "We knew that with a better track and better air, we could improve. We were happy that we found our ignition problem and were ready to go to Bakersfield."

Entering the 20th California Hot Rod Reunion at Famoso, situated seventh in the NHRA Heritage Series Points in his Mike Burkhart 1969 Camaro, Hale qualified thirteenth in the quickest Nostalgia Funny Car field in history. During the first round of the event, John lined up against fellow driver Jon Capps and his Texas Jungle Jim car. When the race was deemed over, Hale had run a 5.91 and earned his first victory of the event.

Even though they beat Capps, Hale and his team were aware that something was amiss. Regardless of steps taken to tune their engine up, it simply wouldn't respond as expected. That in mind, Hale and his crew chose to change engines prior to the beginning of the round two race. "We knew something was wrong with our car," explained the driver. "It just wouldn't respond with the number we knew it should run. We had to do something to step it up. The engine change was the key to our success," he explained. "I have to credit our tuner, Gary Kennedy, for suspecting a camshaft problem, and making the call to change engines. We went from a .91 to a .73, and we knew we had our race car back."

John Hale and his team were recently victorious at the 20th California Hot Rod Reunion at Famoso, and in turn ended the season second in the NHRA Heritage Series Points.

Facing Mike Halstead and the McCain Nitro Angel car in the second round, it quickly became evident that their decision had proven wise, as Hale beat Halstead's 6.02 time with a 5.73. Earning his second victory of the event, John Hale prepared for the semi-finals.

This time, lining up against the Dale Pulde's War Eagle car manned by James Day, Hale improved his time by .03 seconds which was more than enough to move him up into the final round. Everything was fitting together like a puzzle; Hale's car had increased in speed during each and every run, and all of the teams leading John in the Points race had fallen by the wayside. Hale couldn't have been in a better position.

Facing the March meet champion, Kris Krabill and his Gary Turner's Pedaler car, John Hale won the final race and logged the fastest National Funny Car E.T. in NHRA history with a 5.58, at 255.96 miles per hour. The victory projected John Hale from seventh to second place in the NHRA Heritage Series points- a vast improvement from last season's ninth place finish.

Reviewing the entire 2011 season, Hale said, "We're satisfied, as our goal was to win one race. We ended up winning three races, and a championship, as well as runner-up in the Heritage Series."

Aware of the importance of maintaining their engines, John Hale said, "We use K&N air and oil filters on all of our equipment. We've been selling and using K&N products for fifteen years, and they are second to none. We have zero bearing problems, and I think the K&N HP oil filter has a lot to do with our motors staying happy."

During the upcoming season Hale and his crew will approach their races as they have in the past. "I just want to continue to be a better driver," explained John Hale. "First off, I want to thank the folks at K&N for their support, and secondly, for all of the fans that buy K&N products."

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.

Short Course Off-Road Racer Mitch Guthrie at Las Vegas Motor Speedway LOORRS Event

Dec 29, 2011

Short Course Off-Road driver Mitch Guthrie experienced a stellar 2011 season in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

At only fourteen years of age, Mitch Guthrie has already tasted the excitement of racing. In fact, one might suspect that the young driver already considers the sport as a way of life, as he recently wrapped up his fourth season as a short course off-road driver.

Some students in Guthrie's shoes might find the chore of juggling their school work and racing somewhat overwhelming, but the Glendora High School sophomore doesn't seem to mind the responsibility. His outlook is fairly simple and straightforward. "It's not that hard. I just have to keep up on what I miss, and focus on school as much as possible."

Guthrie and his crew recently pulled into the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to compete in a Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series event. Qualifying with the second fastest time on day-one of the two-day event, Mitch entered the race in his #555 modified kart with confidence on his side. "I was very confident and knew I could win," recalled Guthrie, "I felt that I could be the fastest in the race and I was consistent."

Starting in the fifth spot, the high school sophomore worked his way into a favorable position. After taking the lead from Bradley Morris in the tenth lap, Mitch never looked back and took the checkered flag.

On the following day, Guthrie qualified first and was inverted to the sixth starting position. Upon the waving of the green flag, Mitch began working his way to the front and soon thereafter found himself running in third place. Aware that he was amongst the front of the pack in the points race, Mitch and his father decided it would prove advantageous to avoid the risk of being taken out. That said, Guthrie opted to hold back and finished fourth on the twelve lap race.

Mitch Guthrie recently took the checkered flag during a Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series event at the Las Vegas Speedway.

"I was very confident because I won the day before, and I knew I was the fastest out there going into the race," explained Mitch. He continued, "Being patient, using time, and driving smart to move up in the pack is one key to our success. It was during the last few laps when I moved into third, but I had to back off and not risk getting taken out, so I finished the race in fourth." Referring to holding back Guthrie continued, "It was hard, but I knew it was the right thing to do if I wanted to try to win the championship."

His next event, round fifteen of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series at Firebird Raceway, the only thing standing between Mitch Guthrie and the championship was a good run, but luck simply wasn't on his side. "I pretty much had the championship," stated the young driver. "The checkered flag was out, and on the second to last corner, I got taken out. That put me four points out of winning the championship."

Although Mitch Guthrie barely missed winning the title, he had obviously experienced a stellar season to be in the running. When asked the importance of his team throughout 2011, Mitch explained, "I couldn't be here or have a winning car without them." Acutely aware that maintenance plays a huge role in his success, he continued, "We use a lot of K&N products; air filters, oil filters, air cleaner spray and power-clean. My dad has been using them for a long time and we have been using K&N on my truck since I started racing. They are quality and help make my truck the best it can be."

Referring to what he would be doing during the off-season, Guthrie Said, "I will be racing the King of Hammers UTV race with my dad, so we'll be getting ready for that. Next season I won't be racing short course. I'm going to run some UTV races in different series."

Sharing what he enjoys most about the sport of racing, Guthrie said, "It's just so much fun battling it out with the other kids and winning!" In respect of his supporters, Mitch Guthrie concluded, "Thank you all for all of the support. I had such a good season because of the support from my family, friends, and sponsors."

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.

K&N Releases New Heavy Duty Air Filter for Commercial Grade Trucks and Busses

Dec 23, 2011

K&N is constantly working to improve the way vehicle engines get clean air and perform better. K&N heavy duty air filters for commercial grade diesel vehicles has been the latest result of this focus. These air filters fit semi-trucks, industrial equipment and other large diesel applications.

Heavy Duty Commercial Grade Diesel Air Filter

This line of K&N air filters takes the design and performance of a traditional K&N air filter and transforms it into a large durable filter capable of withstanding the abuse of commercial vehicles. These air filters use a special non-oiled synthetic filter media.

The K&N 38-2022S is one of these heavy duty filters, designed with layered synthetic media and a tough metal protective shell. The filter media is a lofted non-woven synthetic media, held together with K&N's famous epoxy coated aluminum mesh. The metal shell encasing the filter media is made with black powder coated steel.

This 12 pound filter is almost 2 feet long. It is a washable, reusable air filter that comes with a 3 year/300,000 mile limited warranty. Instead of buying expensive, throw away air filters, you can save money by buying this re-usable heavy duty K&N filter. The 38-2022S is a standard flow filter, so the air comes in from the outside of the filter to the center before entering the engine. The 38-2022S can be cleaned from the inside out with a pressure washer, power sprayer, or standard truck cleaning equipment along with K&N's Heavy Duty Air Filter Cleaner. Once the filter is cleaned and dried it can be reinstalled and used again.

The K&N 38-2022S is designed to increase air flow over the stock air filter and boost performance. They are engineered to provide superior engine protection. The K&N 38-2022S has a radial seal on the bottom of the filter. As the filter sits inside of its housing this rubber circle seals the filter to prevent bypassing of filtration by pressing against the inner lip of the filter's flange.

K&N 38-2022S will replace the heavy duty air filters listed below:

AC Delco A1605C
Baldwin RS3516
Carquest 88842
Donaldson EAF5106
Donaldson P185106
Donaldson P531026
Donaldson P534096
Fleetguard AF25219
Fleetguard AF26657
Fram CA7727
Hastings AF2216
Luber-Finer LAF2536
Luber-Finer LAF2536MXM
Napa 6842
Purolator A75081
WIX 46842

The 38-2022S air filter fits some Freightliner FLA and FLB trucks and busses. It also fits some IHC 9800 trucks and some Peterbilt 357, 377, 385, 385, 386, and 387 trucks but the best way to find the correct K&N heavy duty air filter is to use K&N's cross reference air filter search. 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.

K&N's Heavy Duty Industrial Engine Oil Filters Are Designed for Serious Filtration and Protection

Dec 23, 2011

K&N's series of heavy duty oil filters are designed with strength and high flow filtration engineered into the canisters. This series was specially created for high compression levels and for the tighter tolerances of turbo diesel engines. K&N synthetic micro-glass media provides lower restriction and incredible engine protection. This media also has very good cold flow characteristics while providing an excellent balance of capacity and efficiency.

K&N Heavy Duty Industrial Engine Oil Filters

These K&N heavy duty canister oil filters have a dichromate plated backing plate for corrosion protection and a Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) base gasket that makes a durable seal when installed. HNBR has characteristics of high strength and an ability to withstand high heat. Several of these oil filters also have a silicone anti-drain back valve.

The addition of a thick canister with high burst strength and protection against pulsation fatigue, leads to one serious heavy duty oil filter. K&N heavy duty oil filters are also equipped with a one inch nut welded onto the end of the canister, making removal easier than most standard heavy duty oil filters.

K&N HP-8000, HP-8001, HP-8002, HP-8003, HP-8006, HP-8017, HP-8021 and HP-8025 are all examples of K&N's expanding heavy duty canister oil filter line. Oil filter part numbers HP-8029, HP-8030, HP-8031, HP-8032, and HP-8033 are designed with an anti-drain back valve and a bypass valve.

K&N heavy duty oil filters fit a multitude of heavy duty diesel vehicles including several Freightliner, Peterbilt, Western Star, and Sterling diesel truck models. To help find the oil filter for your application, obtain the OEM oil filter part number then use the K&N cross reference search located on the K&N website, www.knfilters.com to find the corresponding K&N part. See K&N's premium oil filter webpage or Contact the K&N customer service department for more information on K&N's line of heavy duty oil filters.