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Slate Cummings Seals Up NHRA All-Stars Berth in Multiple Classes with Latest Stock Win

Jun 2, 2011

Slate Cummings' Moser Engineering/K&N B/SA Firebird

Belle Rose, Louisiana and the NHRA Lucas Oil Division 4 Series event at No Problem Raceway Park was the latest stop on the Cummings Motorsports 2011 season schedule and it proved to be another very successful one for team driver Slate Cummings.

NHRA Lucas Oil Division 4 Series Racer Slate Cummings

Slate started off eliminations in his Moser Engineering/K&N B/SA Firebird with a freebie in round one when his opponent Thomas Gordon was unable to make the call and although Cummings has been in numerous situations over his racing career, he says starting with round two it got very interesting for him.

Cummings had round after round of heads up races.

"I've never seen four heads up races like that before on the way to the finals," he said of the way his side of the ladder played out. "We just swapped over engine builders and to have the power that we have is just an ungodly feeling. Jeff Taylor has just made that dang thing fly."

Cummings admits while he was feeling pretty stout about each round of eliminations, third round had him thinking a little more of his opponent. "When I had Jeff Adkinson, I wasn't really sure what he had or not. He has Jeff Taylor power, too and he's one of the fastest [B/SA] in the country. So, I was a little worried about him."

First, Cummings did what he needed to do at the tree, taking a .017 starting line advantage and still had no problem out running Adkinson, as the car also took care of its end of the deal posting a 10.298 to Adkinson's 10.478.

"You know, I have never actually got to run a race and say all I got to do is not go red," Cummings said of his reaction times. "You know, if you're green, you win. So I was set up on a mid-thirty and I've never been able to set up like that in a race before. Usually, I'm set high double-oh."

Cummings continued to put them on the trailer throughout his four heads up rounds, but for the final it was back to bracket mode as he would face the A/SA entry of Jimmy Hidalgo Jr. While Hidalgo had quite the starting line advantage, Cummings used his years of experience to drive a .005 margin at the stripe and a perfect 10.320 on his 10.32 dial and drove away with the Stock victory.

With the win, Cummings has now sealed his spot for the Jeg's All-Stars shootout in both the Stock and Super Stock categories. The All-Stars is an elite race where the best of the best from around the country, with representatives from each NHRA division squaring off for huge prize money and bragging rights, that will take place in July during the NHRA National event in Joliet, Illinois.

"I feel real good about that," he said of the upcoming shootout. "I've got a real good track record of being double entered in the All-Stars. I have the baddest team around and all kinds of folks who come with me to help and I have a new crew chief that just started with us last year. I have no worries, all I have to do is drive."

On top of Cummings elation with his new engine program this season, he was quick to point out that there are some things that he will not change and that's the use of K&N Oil and Air filters on each and every one of the Cummings Motorsports entries.

In addition to a full schedule of upcoming races for Slate and the rest of his family, which include Tulsa and the back to back NHRA Nationals in Bristol and Norwalk, Slate just happens to be looking forward to the end of the season.

He and his wife are expecting their very first child near the first part of this fall and soon they will know if it will be a boy or a girl. And in true Cummings Family Style, the way they find out the sex of their child will be an interesting one. "We're going to do it in a different way," he explained. "We are going to have a party and we aren't going to know the answer. We are going to have the doctor put it in an envelope. So we are going to have a cake made and have a party and when we roll this cake out, we'll cut it and whatever the color is that will tell us what it will be."

No matter a girl or a boy for Slate and his wife, this writer is sure a Cummings Motorsports JR Dragster is already in the works.

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 Gary Stinnett Wins NHRA Super Comp Wally at Brainerd Divisional

Jun 2, 2011

NHRA Super Comp Champion Gary Stinnett

It wasn't exactly the kind of weather one would expect to be racing in for Memorial Day Weekend, but Emporia, Kansas engine builder and reigning NHRA Super Comp Champ, Gary Stinnett certainly didn't seem to mind the chilly temperatures, nor did his Undercover Dragster.

Gary Stinnetts' NHRA Super Comp Dragster at Brainerd International Raceway

The venue for the latest event on his 2011 schedule has become a very special place for Stinnett, after all, the last two NHRA National events he participated in at Brainerd International Raceway [2009 & 2010], he came home with a victory and thanks to his most recent accomplishment at the facility, he may wish all his events were there.

"Going into the race, I was leading the Jeg's All-Stars [division] points in both cars, even though it was just a round or two in each car," he said. "So when I lost first round in Super Stock and the other guy won, I lost the berth to the All-Stars in that car, but I kept going rounds in the dragster."

"To be honest, I didn't really care to win them both, due to the fact that I've been the in the All-Stars multiple times and with two cars," he explained. "It's such a small field that trying to be in two classes is such a nightmare and pretty much ruins the odds of winning in either class. So, I wasn't wishing for my demise in one of the other, but it doesn't hurt my feelings that I'm only going there in one car."

For Stinnett to seal the deal for the All-Stars in Super Comp, he knew he needed to go at least round for round with the others who were right on his tail and based on his killer driving combined with a deadly consistent car over the course of the event, that was not a problem at all. A short while ago, Stinnett has made some changes to the new dragster that proved to be a very good move during a test session at Topeka. "With the way my lights were over the course of time runs and in eliminations, I am very optimistic for the rest of the year with the way that car is."

As he made his way through the rounds, it gave him the added confidence he needed to go on for the win. "That's the first time ever in the late rounds that I'm up there going, 'you know as long as I don't mess up, I cannot lose.' I'm not the big ego guy like that, I don't assume that I have anything won, but I knew if I just let off the button, the car was going to be thirteen or something and run a ninety. It was a really good feeling."

Stinnett continued to better his opponent's on the tree with very consistent reaction times, but even the best racer can use a little luck on their way to the final. His came in the semi-final when his scheduled competitor, Don Westra did not make the call. Even on his competition single, Stinnett posted a stout .013 light and a dead-on 8.908 ET on his way to the Super Comp final.

While he had a super starting line average all throughout the event, Stinnett saved his best reaction time for the final when he put up a .007, although he never needed it as his opponent Mike Kritzky shaved a little too much yellow off the tree and went .009 red, wasting his 8.909 pass.

Stinnett has the upcoming weekend off, before heading out to add more points to his early season totals in both his Super Stock and Super Comp entries, both loaded up with numerous K&N Engineering products.

"All of my vehicles have both K&N air and K&N oil filters," he said. "As an engine builder, K&N products are the top quality on the market. They are ahead of the rest when it comes to R&D and testing. Their filters have the least amount of restriction, yet do the job. I don't have the least bit of concerns with the quality of any K&N product, it's why you can put them on and not have to worry about them doing their job."

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.

Paul Brown Feels Thrill of Victory and Agony of DNF at Pirelli World Challenge Mosport

Jun 2, 2011

The K&N sponsored driver also said he couldn't be more proud or amazed by how his team has pulled together this year in such short time.

Anyone that had, has, or will have a Mustang, at some point fantasizes about driving the schnitzel out of it. It's a dream that comes as standard equipment with every one that's ever been manufactured. K&N sponsored driver, Paul Brown, is living that dream and then some. At the Pirelli World Challenge event contested at Mosport International Raceway, the Covina, California racer decisively won in the GTS class on Sunday at the Pirelli Grand Prix of Mosport Victoria Day Speedfest.

Paul Brown says this is his most competitive race season ever, he's already won the Grand Prix of Long Beach and now two Pirelli World Challenge events.

Commented Brown, "It should have been two, but some freak mechanical issue happened while leading the first race (Saturday) and I blew all the oil. We lost the championship lead with the DNF, but then got it back with the win. This was a very disappointing, and then rewarding weekend in one. We are now half way through the season."

On Sunday Brown started on pole and never looked back, driving his No. 50 K&N Filters Lucas Oil/Ford Mustang Boss 302S to his second GTS win of the season and the second of his career.

Explaining the DNF in the first race, which Brown also started on pole, he said, "The guys did a great job with the car, we had a good launch for the start, and by lap five I had a four second lead, when all of a sudden the windshield went gray and oil completely covered my view. Not to mention this happened at 140 mph, at the fastest spot in the track, and at 7600 rpm. I managed to get the car slowed enough not to hit anything and spin in my own oil. It was a freak mechanical issue that caused us to blow oil out. It didn't hurt the car, but it made a hell of a mess."

Brown confessed that he was absolutely gutted after that race, as the team's plans for the weekend were simply to play it safe, stay out of trouble, and get some points.

"We managed to get the bonus points for the pole, leading and running the fastest race lap. So it wasn't a total failure, but still hurt. As a result in qualifying for Sunday's race I knew we needed those points again and went for it," Brown said.

"We managed to stay second with the start, and I had a killer drive off turn five, where Ben Crosland had a little wheel spin. I was able to get through the corner cleaner, used the draft, and made a pass on the outside for lead," continued Brown. "After that, I just put my head down and worked on laps trying not to think about it. I was able to run consistently faster laps then the guys behind me, and built up a eight second lead when the caution came and I was thinking â€“ no, not again. In St. Pete I was leading each race when the caution came out and I lost the lead, and then got hit and put out of the race on the restart. But, once I saw it was a major three car wreck, luckily without injuries, I knew there was a chance it would finish under yellow, which it did, and we had win number two in the bag!"

Brown feels that 2011 is by far his most competitive season in the Pro Series, now that the team finally has the better equipment to work with. Making Tiger Racing's accomplishment even more impressive is that they are doing it with limited resources.

"The biggest problem we have is lack of budget, and knowing what we are going to need, and the issues we will run into. Even though I've been running Mustangs for 25 years, this is a brand new car and combination, and we are a very young team working together. It's been Adam Cox, my crew chief and head tech, Chris Filias, a young intern, and me. We are not only learning the car, but also each other, and having to gel in a very short amount of time. I couldn't be more proud of what we've accomplished in such a short time and with very limited resources. It's pretty amazing."

"The first half of the season has been great, but it's been more of a defensive play. Since getting crashed out in St. Petersburg we have been playing catch-up. So the two month break comes at just the right time, now we can catch our breath and plan for the last half of the season, and hopefully work on getting some additional support. We'd like to come out swinging on offense for the second half of the season. As long as we keep working together and put in our best effort, I think we will come out on top, no matter where we end up in the championship. However, the championship is the goal!"

Next on the to-do list for Tiger Racing is getting their car ready for testing and a few media events, such as the Mid America Ford Meet in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Adds Brown, "We have some more upgrades planned for the car, and some additional testing before the Mid Ohio event in August, and by then we should be full steam ahead."

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.

Andrea Tomba Racing Snatches Two Podium Finishes at La Paz Desert Challenge

Jun 1, 2011

K&N sponsored team ATR earned two podium finishes in La Paz.

La Paz Circuito Bronco Race Park was the place to be for off-road racers this past April, as ProBaja presented the second race of the season, and the sixth edition of the La Paz Desert Challenge.

"It was great to see such a big turn-out at the race, in all the classes, and especially to see such a huge fan turn out. I believe I heard that there were 10,000 spectators over the two days," remarked Andrea Tomba.

Along with the fans, 161 race teams showed up, adding to the three day celebration and carnival atmosphere on Malecon, La Paz's boardwalk.

Andrea Tomba sails over the Demond Jump at the La Paz Desert Challenge.

"We raced in three races, Chad Faulkner did great in Class 14, finishing in third place, missing second by a few seconds" continued the K&N sponsored driver and team owner. "Randy Sanders drove a great and really strong race in Class 6. He had a very comfortable lead, but the race gods had a different plan, as he came into a corner a little too strong and snapped the axle in half."

Tomba ran the team's Explorer in Class 8, and for most of the race he dueled with the "Red Burro" for the lead. It wasn't until near the end that a tiny engine Chupacabra appeared and Tomba smartly backed off the gas, still finishing with a strong second place.

Said Tomba, "It was a fun and clean race, although we would have preferred to have clinched first place, kudos goes out to Ricky Betancourt driving for Red Burro, who had a clean and perfect race."

Tomba said he feels very strongly about his teams overall prospects for the 2011 season.

Tomba says he feels pretty strong about the 2011 season at this point, his truck is running well, with Pio Race Preparation doing a great job keeping it updated. Sanders and Faulkner are also making some important updates to their Class 8 truck, which will strengthen the truck overall. They are also upping their power by installing a new 408 engine.

"King and Hernandez ran into some bad luck at the start of the season," continues Tomba, "But all in all, the trucks are coming together, and the team as a whole feels very tight and fun. It is definitely just a huge extension of the family. However, there are still some tough races to come, and the competition is getting stronger and stronger, so we have to keep pushing ahead. One of the most important factors that make that possible is the support from our sponsors, such as K&N, BFGoodrich, Quaker State and Optima Batteries."

"Living in La Paz," says Tomba, "makes getting parts a little more difficult than normal." During the off season, Tomba and the team decided to bring all truck preparations in-house. The reasoning being that this will give them much more control of their trucks, which gives them more control over their prep schedule, adding to more lead time for ordering parts as they're needed. The new arrangements have also given Tomba more time for his day job, guiding tours for "Wide Open Baja," which increases his seat time as he spends nearly 20 days a month in the dirt now.

"Our goal is to win the Class 8 Open Championship for the third year running," declares Tomba. "However, racing is racing, and although we have to have the large picture in mind, I think that it is important to race just one race at a time, doing our best with each race, and keeping a cool head when things get hot!"

"We will be racing in the Dos Mares 500 in La Paz," Tomba adds, "It's mostly night racing, running up the sea of Cortez and down the Pacific, which offers some of the most spectacular views imaginable."

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.

2009 - 2013 Mazda 6 Gains Estimated 5 1/2 Horsepower with K&N Air Intake

May 31, 2011

Mazda 6 with K&N Air Intake System

Dyno Chart for 69-6028TTK air intake system.

The Mazda 6 was designed for the midsize sedan market and combines sporty style with practical design. Japanese automaker Mazda began production of the Mazda 6 in 2002.The Mazda 6 has proven to be a great family car due to its spacious interior, huge trunk and smooth ride.

K&N Air Intake System for 2009-2013 Mazda 6 with the 2.5L engine.

K&N has designed a performance air intake system (69-6028TTK) for the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 Mazda 6 with the 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine. The K&N 69-6028TTK air intake was dyno-tested on this vehicle and shown to increase power by an estimated 5.5 HP at 5100 rpm, while providing excellent filtration and engine protection.

K&N's design increases horsepower in the 2009-2013 Mazda 6 2.5 liter, by removing the restrictive factory airbox system and replacing it with a K&N high-flow air filter (RU-4960) and a low restriction black powder coated aluminum intake tube. These Mazda 6 models are equipped with a fresh air intake scoop that delivers cooler outside air to the engine. K&N's 69-6028TTK air intake utilizes this fresh air inlet scoop with a custom heat shield that isolates the K&N air filter from power robbing hot air surrounding the engine.

Installing the 69-6028TTK intake is simple with K&N's installation instruction sheet. The air intake's air filter can go for up to 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions, before cleaning is necessary. Air filter servicing is made easy with K&N's Recharger Kit.

Owners of the 2.5 liter 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 Mazda 6 can feel confident in the 69-6028TTK intake because it is backed by K&N's million mile limited warranty. To find K&N products for your Mazda 6 or any other 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.

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