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K&N Horsepower Challenge Back with Big Bonus Bucks

Aug 14, 2009

NHRA announced today it has reached an agreement with K&N Engineering, Inc., to renew its sponsorship of the popular K&N Horsepower Challenge, a lucrative bonus event for Pro Stock competitors. The bonus event will adopt a new qualifying procedure where a special fan vote will determine the final driver to make the starting lineup and a special fan promotion will center on a Harley-Davidson giveaway.

Jeg Coughlin Jr. beat the best drivers in Pro Stock and collected a $50,000 top prize, a trophy and a ring. In the 2009 K&N Horsepower Challenge final, he bested longtime rival Greg Anderson.

K&N Vice President of Research and Development Steve Williams presents $50,000 to Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson who won the 2008 K&N Horsepower Challenge

The K&N Horsepower Challenge is a special race-within-a-race bonus program for the top Pro Stock drivers in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. The K&N Horsepower Challenge will continue to be conducted at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The race features a special elimination pairing with eight Pro Stock drivers in the field, including seven who accumulate the most points in qualifying during the 24-race Challenge series and one driver who is selected to the starting lineup for the event via a special fan vote.

Top eight NHRA Pro Stock drivers on the podium in the 25th annual K&N Horsepower Challenge in Norwalk, Ohio

Other past winners of the K&N Horsepower Challenge include Warren Johnson pictured, Dave Connolly, Kurt Johnson, Darrell Alderman, Larry Morgan, Jim Yates, Bruce Allen and Bob Glidden.

As part of the K&N Horsepower Challenge, K&N will conduct a fan promotion during the running of the series and will present a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle to a lucky fan during the finals of the K&N Horsepower Challenge at Norwalk. Details of the fan promotion and ways to qualify will be announced in the near future.

The winner of the K&N Horsepower Challenge will earn $50,000, and the runner-up will earn $10,000. The two semifinalists will earn $3,000 each, while the four first-round finishers will receive $2,500 each.

"We are very proud to continue our relationship with all of the Pro Stock drivers and NHRA," said Steve Williams, vice president, K&N Engineering. "Our goal is to continue to make the K&N Horsepower Challenge a premier All-Star event held at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in 2010."

The K&N Horsepower Challenge features an overall purse of $145,000. In addition to the $76,000 K&N Horsepower Challenge, K&N also will award $72,000 in qualifying bonuses to quick Pro Stock qualifiers throughout the K&N Horsepower Challenge series. Low qualifiers earn $3,000 at each of the 24 events in the Challenge series. Those drivers who earned No. 1 qualifying positions at recent races from Norwalk to Sonoma will receive their points and bonus money retroactively.

The current K&N Horsepower Challenge standings following the recently completed race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. are listed below.

Earlier this year Jeg Coughlin claimed his third title in the prestigious race-within-a-race bonus event. Other past winners of the K&N Horsepower Challenge include Greg Anderson, Dave Connolly, Kurt Johnson, Warren Johnson, Darrell Alderman, Larry Morgan, Jim Yates, Bruce Allen and Bob Glidden.

K&N Engineering has been a major NHRA contingency sponsor for many years and has been the title sponsor for several NHRA national events in the past. K&N also is a primary sponsor on the K&N Filters Pontiac GXP Pro Stock car driven by Warren Johnson.

K&N is located in Riverside, Calif., and has nearly five hundred employees. Its 400,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facilities produce the world's best air filters that are reusable. Besides creating the first reusable performance air filter, K&N also produces the Wrench-Off oil filter and complete replacement air intake systems, adding horsepower for most cars and trucks.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 24 national events through its NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA. NHRA also offers the Jr. Drag Racing League for youth ages 8 to 17.

2010 K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE POINT STANDINGS

1. Allen Johnson, Greeneville, Tenn., J&J Racing/Team Mopar Dodge Stratus 660
2. Greg Anderson, Charlotte, N.C., Summit Racing Pontiac GXP 645
3. Mike Edwards, Coweta, Okla., ART/Young Life Pontiac GXP 625
4. Jason Line, Mooresville, N.C., Summit Racing Pontiac GXP 610
5. Ron Krisher, Warren, Ohio, Valvoline Chevy Cobalt 565
6. Jeg Coughlin, Delaware, Ohio, JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt 540
7. Rodger Brogdon, Tomball, Texas, Rooftec Pontiac GXP 470
8. Warren Johnson, Buford, Ga., K&N Filters Pontiac GXP 465
9. Johnny Gray, Carlsbad, N.M., Johnny Gray Racing Dodge Stratus 460
10. Greg Stanfield, Bossier City, La., Attitude Apparel Pontiac GXP 450

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.

First National Event Title for Family Patriarch at IHRA Northern Nationals in Michigan

Aug 14, 2009

The Cummings family also known as the Bayou Boyz is known in the sportsman world of NHRA and IHRA racing. The Louisiana team features drivers Britt, Slate and Larry Cummings who have victories in seven sportsman class categories.

Family Patriarch Larry Cummings earned his first national event title in Super Stock in his Cavalier at IHRA Northern Nationals in Martin, Michigan

Brothers Britt and Slate Cummings have three IHRA World Championship trophies and over a dozen division championships and countless national and divisional event victories over the past two decades.

Cummings Family or Bayou Boys Team have over a dozen sportsman division championships, and countless national and divisional events in IHRA and NHRA racing

At the IHRA Northern Nationals in Martin, Michigan, the family reached a milestone. Family patriarch Larry Cummings earned his first national event title with a Super Stock win in his Moser backed Cavalier with K&N products.

The senior Cummings has an impressive racing resume that spans four decades. He has countless divisional victories and a number of division championships. He was also an original member of the Budweiser sportsman Super Team from the 1980’s, the first multi-car, sponsored sportsman racing team.

At Michigan, Cummings hit the Northern Nationals with his Cavalier and easily dispensed of the competition. In a matter of time, Cummings’ long wait for an elusive national event trophy came to an end.

“This is an unbelievable feeling,” said Cummings. “I’ve always felt like I could win one of these, but the cards never fell my way. I was beginning to wonder if it would ever happen.”

Cummings Motorsports is a family business from Hammond, Louisiana. “We have ten cars,” said Cummings. “We use K&N air filters and oil filters on all our vehicles. With K&N we’re faster and very consistent and the filters never give us a problem.”

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.

Rain Soaks Track at 49th Annual Super Clean Knoxville Nationals

Aug 13, 2009

Rain delayed opening night of the 49th Annual Super Clean Knoxville Nationals. Drivers hit the track around 11 pm in Knoxville, Iowa. Chico, California’s Jonathan Allard put together a strong evening of competition when it was finally time to race. He finished the evening tied fourth in points after one night.

Two time King of California Jonathan Allard tied for fourth after first night at Knoxville Nationals

Allard started out by qualifying fifth out of 50 entrants aboard the Williams Motorsports K&N Filters No. 0 sprinter. The heavy rain left the track very fast and narrow for most of the night. Allard finished seventh in the heat race and was put in the B-Main. “I was fortunate,” said Allard. “The top 13 qualifiers failed to make the transfer out of the heat races.”

K&N supported racer Jonathan Allard hit the Iowa track for the first time at 11 pm after a night of rain

K&N sponsored racer Chris Carr will sign autographs at the Night Before the Indy Mile Race Party at Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson

The second group of qualifiers will hit the track at the 49th Knoxville Nationals to see where the overall points stack up

Allard lined up third in the B-Main and put the pressure on the other drivers. He transferred to the feature and started in 23rd place. The two-time King of California advanced to 14th place after 25 laps of racing.

After the first night three-time defending champion Donny Schatz is on top in points, followed by in order, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Tim Shaffer, Paul McMahan tied with Jonathan Allard, Shane Stewart, Lucas Wolfe, Craig Dollansky, Jason Johnson and Greg Wilson.

"K&N is everywhere out here," said Allard. "K&N makes the best filter on the market. With K&N, I get more horsepower and excellent filtration."

The second batch of qualifiers will race tonight in the four day event. SPEED-TV will televise the action starting at 7pm PST on Saturday.

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.

Hard Core Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion Monster Truck Action Wows Fans

Aug 13, 2009

Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion almost rolled over backwards. It dragged the tailgate across the cars and came down on four tires.

Black Stallion and Iron Warrior Monster trucks compete in match racing at Lebanon County Fair in Pennsylvania, photo by Marie Brennan

K&N Iron Warrior puts on a fast paced exhibition in Monster Truck action at the Reading Fair in Pennsylvania

Kamikaze piloted by Michael Vaters launches flames onto a junk car, photo by Marie Brennan

Black Stallion Monster Truck driven by Michael Vaters was ready for an evening of truck action and destruction

Michael Vaters points the nose of the Ford powered K&N Black Stallion toward the sky in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, photo by Marie Brennan

Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey hosted some of the biggest names in the monster truck industry.

Michael Vaters drove the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion and Trey Myers drove the K&N Iron Warrior. The two went up against Big Foot, Rick Long, Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, Monster Mutt, El Toro Loco, Superman, Captains Curse and Viper.

Monster freestyle competition is about driving one side of the drag strip and back and jumping over wrecked cars. This time the promoters mixed it up and added match racing without elimination rounds. The monster trucks powered down one side of the track, crossed over the track where a ramp was built and passed over the competing truck and raced back up the other side to the finish line.

Iron Warrior was matched up with Maximum Destruction. Myers had a good run down his lane and jumped cars without missing a beat. He lost momentum as he made the turn to come back up the other side and Maximum Destruction took the win.

Black Stallion was matched up with Monster Mutt for his race. Both trucks started off well but Vaters knew the ramp and turn at the other end of the track would be tricky and he let up on Black Stallion’s throttle. Monster Mutt did not and he messed up in the turn which allowed Vaters to power back up and easily win.

In the Freestyle event, Myers put on a fast paced exhibition with some of the biggest air seen out of the Iron Warrior at Raceway Park. “Trey maintained his momentum throughout and kept air under the 10,000 pound truck,” said Vaters. “He did not hit any obstacle on the track.”

After a full night of action the crew loaded up the Monster Trucks and went to Reading, Pennsylvania for the fair. The wheelie contest was on. The all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion launched up over the car stack and was vertical. “It appeared as if the Stallion was going to roll over backwards,” said Vaters. “After dragging the tailgate across the cars it came down on all four tires.” Myers was next and powered the Iron Warrior over the cars in a sky wheelie. Vaters took the win in the end.

“The crowd loves the monster truck car crush freestyle,” said Vaters. “Trey launched the Iron Warrior immediately over a car stack and had a text book landing. Then it was my turn. Even though the cars were crushed I was able to get the biggest air of the night.”

Vaters cleared the entire stack of cars in one leap driving in forward gear, and slammed the Black Stallion in reverse as soon as he landed on the other side. He gunned the throttle and cleared the cars again in reverse.

The grand finale of the night was the so-called jet wars. “Trey piloted the Psycho jet 4-wheeler and I piloted the Kamikaze,” said Vaters. “We streamed around the track shooting flames. We also backed the jets back up to a car and transformed it into a ball of flame.”

The week continued for Black Stallion Racing at the Lebanon County Fair in Pennsylvania. Iron Warrior and Black Stallion competed against each other on a tight race track. Myers took the win.

Vaters uses K&N air filters and oil filters on Black Stallion and Iron Warrior. “Over my many years in this business I’ve used a lot of products, but K&N is the one that can handle the dirty and dusty environment,” said Vaters. “We’re hard on our motors and K&N gives us the power and filtration we need for competition.”

The Black Stallion Racing Team is back home for some rest and repairs after a long tour of 7 shows in 5 states over 17 days.

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.

World's Best Sprint Car Drivers to Compete at 49th Annual Knoxville Nationals

Aug 12, 2009

Jason Meyers in only 55 points behind Donny Schatz in the World of Outlaws Series, he is competing at Knoxville along with the best of the best sprint car drivers

Sprint car driver Randy Hannagan hopes to take home $150,000 purse and bragging rights at the Knoxville Nationals

Sprint car racer Brian Brown uses K&N products for extra power and filtration on the track. He is ready for the Knoxville Nationals, photo by John Lee High Fly'N Photos

Jonathan Allard will compete in the Knoxville Nationals in the K&NNo. 0

Terry McCarl of Big Game Motorsports is ready for Knoxville Nationals

Ricky Logan of Little Rock, Arkansas will also compete in the 40th Annual SuperClean Knoxville Nationals presented by Lucas Oil, photo by DaveHillsRacingImages.com

The 49th annual Knoxville Nationals presented by Lucas Oil are underway. The so-called Granddaddy of all races is taking place at Knoxville Raceway from August 12-15 and it will be filled with K&N supported racers.

Sprint car racers from across the country will try to win Saturday night’s feature and a check for $150,000. That’s only part of the prize pool as the world’s best sprint car drivers battle it out for over $900,000 in prize money.

A large portion of the racing field uses K&N products. K&N supported racers at the event are Jonathan Allard of Chico California, Randy Hannagan from Pittsboro, Indiana, Skip Jackson from Knoxville, Iowa, Johnny Harrera of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Danny Lasoski of Dover, Maryland, Ricky Logan of Little Rock, Arkansas, Jason Meyers of Clovis, California, Bill Balog of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Brian Brown of Grain Valley, Missouri, Billy Alley of Lincoln, Nebraska, Brian Ellenberger of Butler, Pennsylvania, Terry McCarl of Altoona, Iowa, Jason Johnson of Eunice, Louisiana, Joey Moughan, of Springfield, Illinois and Jordan Goldesberry also of Springfield, Illinois.

Drivers will battle it out lap after lap, for 40 laps to try and take the title away from Donny Schatz. Schatz won in 2006, 2007 and 2008. The four-day format showcases drivers who come from all over the United States, Australia and British Columbia. Those who are included in the list of winners can say they have beaten the best of the best in the Sprint Car World.

Currently Jason Meyers is only 55 points behind Schatz in the World of Outlaws series. He’s had consistent top five and top ten finishes in the 2009 season leading up to the Knoxville Nationals. “K&N filters are absolutely the best and that is why you will find them in every application within our team,” said Meyers. “We work hard to make horsepower and K&N air filters give us excellent filtration and protect our motors from track debris under the worst conditions.”

The first hurdle drivers have to face at the Knoxville Nationals is the so called pill. It’s a ball stamped with digits that tells racers where they will line up for qualifying time trials. Drivers pull a number that can be high or low. K&N sponsored racer Jonathan Allard drew the No. 1 pill once. “I really thought that would be our year,” said Allard. “But the scoring system messed up. We were left on the track and our tires were cooked. We’re just hoping some good luck comes our way this year.”

The top possible score in the Knoxville Nationals is 500, 200 for quick time, 100 for a heat win and 200 for a preliminary feature win. Points are compiled after the field competes two nights of qualifying on Wednesday and Thursday. The top 20 drivers get a spot in Saturday’s $150,000 to win championship feature.

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.