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2009 Ultimate Adventure Daily Updates from the K&N Jeep!

Jul 8, 2009

Read the original news story on the 2009 Ultimate Adventure here.

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 7

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 7

So, we started with our drivers meeting at 8am and headed for the trail around 8:45am. We spent the day at Turtle Ridge offroad park, this park had a combination of everything from technical off camber tree mazes, to mud holes, rock obstacles and hill climbs.

The K&N Jeepster made it through the off camber tree mazes and luckily since the side mirrors had previously been lost to other trees, we are glad to report we made it through these mazes without any damage, except maybe a scrape or two. Getting the K&N Jeepster thru some of these tight spots is like threading a needle with rope instead of thread!

Next stop, turtle ridge mud hole, I think this one may top the previos reference of the deepest mud that I have ever seen a vehicle in. It started out relatively shallow, but if you didnt make it thru the other end you ended up with mud up to at least the bottom of your door. The K&N Jeepster made it, and oh yes, we are covered in mud, luckily the windows were up, though some still came thru the openings of the softop and up thru the floor board. Good times!

Now onto a few hill climbs, another off camber tree maze and then a couple of rock obstacle climbs.

We ended the day with the 2009 UA group cutting our own trail thru the trees and ended at a rock ledge, where once all the rigs tackled the ridge we lined up for a group photo.

The K&N jeepster's final day was a success.

Wow what an adventure, truly an experience of a lifetime! A great group of people and week of true offroad adventure! We would do it all again in a heart beat, just let us know when and where.

Thank you K&N for allowing us to represent your outstanding company and product. Thank you Peter's 4 Wheel & Offroad for putting on such an Ultimate Adventure. We welcome future opportunities.

Dont forget to get your subscription for full disclosure and details of the 2009 Peterson's 4 Wheel & Offroad Ultimate Adventure!

Thanks again, it was truly our pleasure,

Terra & Ryan Hagel

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 6

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 6

Today was an all day road day, 230 miles in 14 hours. We obviuosly dont always take the most direct route, for good reason (20 some rigs attract a lot of attention, so side roads are sometimes safer even if it takes longer, especially if someone has vehicle issues).

The K&N Jeepster survived the 14 hours without issues. Others were not so lucky, but repairs were made and we all made it to the ferry in time to cross over to drummund island.

Next up, our final day, day 7, we have a full day of adventure ahead of us.

Stay tuned for our final update.

Terra & Ryan Hagel

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 5

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 5

Well we got to sleep in a bit today, Driver meeting at 7:30 on the trail at 8am.

We started with a twisty obstacle of off camber trails then onto a mud bogg that was the deepest mud Ive ever seen any vehicle in. Many as well as our K&N Jeepster relied on our Warn winch and assistance of the other UA particpants to get our rigs out of the mud.

We then headed for our first of two rock climbs for the day, of which very few vehicles made it thru, we even had one tip over on its side, luckily no damage or injuries reported. The K&N Jeepster gave it a grand effort, but after 3 tries moved along to let someone else try.

Next up a river of mud, our K&n Jeepster and filter performed well and we were able to assist some that went a little too deep in the mud by using the K&N Filter Care Cleaning Kit to clean off their filters. Those that use the K&N dry charger performed just as they should and were able to rinse off the charger and move right along to the next trail.

Next up another maze of trees and off camberg obstacles and then to a steep hill climb that ended short at the top so you better be paying attention and turn left at the top.

Last up for the day was an obstacle called "winch hill" another rock climb obstacle. The K&N Jeepster, I'm proud to report, climbed that obstacle all the way to the top!

now back to camp where the locals have preparred another great feast for us, what a great surprise after another full day of sun, fun and wheeling.

The K&N Jeepster has a few repairs so dinner was quick and no time to sit around the fire. Power steering and hydrolic break pump has been leaking since day 2 and its getting worse so luckily thanks to Mel at Offroad evolution and assistance from steven at offroad design they got the pump replaced in record time!

Took out the driver side mirror today as well, so now we have no side mirrors, but all and all, minus the body damage, scrapes, mirrors, power steering pump, and bent steering ram skid plate, the K&N Jeepster is holding strong and ready for the next trail.

Next stop the U.P. of Michigan. Day 6 will be another driving day, approximately 150 miles, should be relatively simple, but as with any adventure, we are preparred for anything!

Stay tuned for the next K&N update!

Terra & Ryan Hagel

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 4

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 4

Today was an all day road day, 456.7 miles to rocks and valleys offroad park. Drivers meeting at 6:30am on the road at 7am.

With a few site seeing stops along the way and one flat tire for a member of the group we arrived at camp around 6pm with the locals welcoming us with a bbq feast.

After we ate we set up camp and got our rigs ready for day 5 a full day of wheeling.

The K&N Jeepster is all ready to go.

Stay tuned!

Terra & Ryan Hagel

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 3

Another fun adventurous day to be had. Drivers meeting 6:30am, on the road at 7am, with setting up camp and breaking down in the morning, we are averaging about 3-4 hours of sleep, good times!

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 3

We traveled 250 miles to reach our destination of painted rock off road park. We arrived around 2:30, had 15 minutes to set up camp and then head for the obstacles.

The K&N Jeepster performed well, at the second obstacle we opted to take the more difficult line and we are proud to say we made it up the obstacle, of which only about a 1/4 of the rigs did, however, at the top of the obstacle there was a tree which, in our accomplishment of making the obstacle we smacked the tree square on with our front bumper! With a ledge to the left and ledge behind we succesfully completed the obstacle with the use of our Warn winch as we winched out sideways from the tree.

Luckily enough no major damage done, on to the next obstacle, the waterfall.

The waterfall claimed many, with only about 5 rigs making it up. Some of us re-named it tire hill, as 4 of us sliced a tire, not because of the tire but because of the sharprocks on the obstacle. Though we gave it a full force effort, the K&N Jeepster didnt tackle that waterfall as we sliced a sidewall and had to pull off the trail to change out.

After the waterfall it was back to camp, 11pm and all is good, finished setting up camp, had a bite to eat and enjoyed sometime by the camp fire with a cold beverage, then it was tents zipped and bug spray on for a few hours of shut eye before we head out for day 4!

We hit the road tomorrow early for a long road day, drivers meeting 6:30am, on the road at 7am, only 456.7 miles to go!

Terra & Ryan Hage

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 2

And we are off to another adventurous day. Drivers meeting at 6:30 on the road at 7am. Today was planned to be a combination of wheeling and driving with the driving portion taking us 350 miles west of PA into Ohio.

After an eventful morning in the mud and some beautiful back country we found ourselves at an offroad park that we were not quite sure what we were in for.

However, it turned out that this was the beginning of an offroad park called jeepskool (jeepskool.com), the idea was to do some wheeling at jeepskool and continue from there to our first night of camping.

After a couple tough obstacles we headed for one last challange before we hit the road, and thats where plans changed! The official UA truck got wedged between two rock walls and then broke the rear axle and thats when it was decided we would camp there for the night. Only 250 miles behind schedule.

Another great day for the K&N Jeepster.

We will head out early tomorrow to make up for the 250 miles we didnt get to today. Everyday another great adventure!

Terra & Ryan Hagel

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 1

Ultimate Adventure 2009 Day 1

Well, we are proud to report the K&N Jeepster passed inspection on the 4th and we were officially signed in for the 2009 Ultimate Adventure.

Trail day # 1 officially started with a drivers meeting at 7:30 am which means you are fueled and ready to be out on the trail all day.

The group of approximately 15 rigs rolled out at 8am. A group of locals led us out to an off road park for the day. The park was amazing, full of many, many trees, some much more forgiving than others! We also encountered lots of rocks, big and small, but mostly BIG and of course, Mud - slippery, slimy , and did I mention slippery mud!

Along with others the K&N Jeepster encountered a few trees that left some damage, but we are still trekking along.

For the K&N Jeepster the damage was all taken on the passenger side some easily replaceable/repairable and unfortunately some that will take some magic!

To end my message for day 1 I would be remise if I did not mention the significance of the location we started our 2009 Ultimate Adventure which was Butler, PA, the birth place of the Bantam, known to you and I as the Jeep!

It is definitely a privilege and honor to be here, I will admit I'm a bit disappointed with my performance thus far, however, I will continue to charge on and prove myself as deserving to be here. Don't worry, the K&N Jeepster is very capable.

Terra & Ryan Hagel

See Peterson's 4 Wheel & Offroad Magazine for full coverage of The Ultimate Adventure.

Building Custom Trucks Is A Family Affair For The Torosians Of Clovis, California

Jul 6, 2009

Chris' Blue Custom 2003 GMC Sierra SLE Truck

In the 1960's, Jim Torosian purchased his first car, a 1957 Chevy Bel Air 2 door hardtop. "It was fully stock, automatic transmission, 283 cubic inch V8, power everything. Of course, I pulled out the automatic transmission and put in a 4 speed manual, and then I put in a 327 cubic inch Corvette engine, along with many other modifications. I took it to a drag strip outside Fresno, California where anyone could race for a few dollars", Torosian said. Torosian's twin sons, Michael and Chris must have inherited their father's interest in cars and trucks. "When they were small, they would hang out at the Freightliner Truck dealership with their grandfather, sitting behind the wheels of the diesel trucks," says Torosian. "I would also take them to local car shows and shops."

Michael's 2002 Custom GMC Sierra SLE Truck

When the twins turned 16, Jim purchased Michael's truck, a new, white 2002 GMC Sierra SLE. The next year, the family bought Chris' new blue 2003 GMC Sierra SLE. "We chose GMC over Chevy just to be different. It seemed like everyone was customizing Chevy's and GMC had a different front end and grill. On Michael's truck, we installed a Denali grill, headlights, maker lights and front bumper, which gave the truck a unique look." In fact, both trucks are so unique that they were featured individually in the September 2008 issue of Sport Truck Magazine. The articles praise both trucks for their innovative paint jobs, smooth body modifications and overall cool, clean looks.

The Torosian Family chooses K&N products because of the quality and reputation of the product.

The Torosian Family chooses K&N products over other air intake systems because of the quality and reputation of the product. Both trucks are outfitted with K&N products and the family appreciates their aesthetics, as well as their performance. "We purchased the chrome tube version and there is not a cleaner looking product on the market," says Jim. They have seen marked improvement in the performance and gas mileage of the trucks, as well. "We are definitely not racy with these trucks, but if the need arises to get on them a little, you can definitely hear and feel the air being sucked in the intake."

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about these trucks is that the family did not spend a fortune on the modifications, yet the trucks look like a million bucks. The custom truck world will definitely be watching this family to see what they come up with next!

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.

1969 K&N Sponsored Jeep Tackles Tough Off Road Terrain in the Ultimate Adventure

Jul 6, 2009

The Ultimate Adventure has begun for Terra and Ryan Hagel. The Southern California couple is driving their K&N sponsored Jeep on one of the most challenging four-wheel adventures in the United States.

Off road rigs line up to began the Ultimate Adventure Four Wheeling Road Trip

Terra Hagel tackles the first trail named 6 Points near Butler, Pennsylvania on the Ultimate Adventure

The Ultimate Adventure is an annual event that mixes some of the hardest trails with long highway runs over several states. 4 Wheel & Off-Road Magazine invited some of its staff and loyal readers to take a seven day journey where driving skills are put to the test.

One of the requirements for the Ultimate Adventure is rigs must be able to go 150 miles without having to stop for fuel

The first driver's meeting on the Ultimate Adventure

The Hagel’s drove first to Michigan to drop off their tow vehicle. The couple then took their 1969 K&N sponsored Jeepster and drove 600 miles to the Ultimate Adventure starting point in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“One of the requirements for our road days is to go at least 150 miles without having to stop for fuel,” said Terra Hagel. “No problem, at last calculation we can go 156 miles before we need fuel in our 13 gallon tank.”

The Hagel’s made it to the first trail area called 6 Points for a driver’s meeting and began to tackle their first trail.

“We promise to make K&N proud,” said Hagel. “We’ll keep everyone posted as we head to a new location each day. Wish us luck.”

During the 2008 Ultimate Adventure 19 vehicles began the trip in South Dakota and 19 vehicles finished in Northern Colorado. Only three made it through without some sort of breakage.

The Hagel’s will drive the plains, over steep hills and rocks for some of the most intense trail action as they head to their next destination.

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.

IHRA Pro-Am Series Event Dominated by Cummings Motorsports Team

Jul 6, 2009

Cummings Motorsports continues to rack up its racing victories adding to what has become a phenomenal season.

All four drivers from Cummings Motorsports in the Winner's Circle at one IHRA Pro-Am Series at Pine Valley Raceway in Lufkin, Texas

The team had multiple wins at the IHRA Pro-AM Series event at Pine Valley Raceway in Lufkin, Texas.

The weekend began with the conclusion of a rained out race that originally began at State Capital Raceway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The remaining rounds of the event ended at Pine Valley Raceway with Britt Cummings and his father Larry Cummings both in the Winner’s Circle. Larry Cummings drove his Moser Engineering backed machine to a title in Super Stock and Britt Cummings took a victory in Top Dragster.

One day later, Britt Cummings extended his streak at Pine Valley Raceway to four consecutive victories. “If it were up to me, we would race at Pine Valley every weekend,” said Cummings. “This facility has been very, very good to me.”

Britt’s younger brother Slate Cummings, who is also a two-time IHRA World Champion, was also a winner in the Super Stock class. The fourth member of the Cummings Moser Engineering Team joined the victory band wagon. Jody Simoneaux drove the Cummings Motorsports Chevy 11 to a Stock Eliminator victory.

“We had a great weekend,” said Britt Cummings. “This is the first time all four of us have won on the same weekend and that’s really special.”

Cummings Motorsports is a family business from Hammond, Louisiana. “We have ten cars,” said Cummings. “We use K&N air and oil filters on all our vehicles. With K&N we’re faster and very consistent at every race 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.

Canadian Baie des Chaleurs Rally Race Wild Ride for Team Andrew-Comire Picard

Jul 6, 2009

The Canadian Baie des Chaleurs Rally was a challenge for Andrew Comire-Picard. He overcame failing brakes and finished fifth overall, climbing back from 11th overall the first night.

NOS Energy Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 10 gets better with every event on the Canadian Rally circuit

“From almost the first corner of the rally it was apparent the braking system wasn’t up to handling the weight of the Mitusbishi on these high-speed Baie roads,” said Comrie-Picard. “We have the best pads and fluid in the business, but the rotors and calipers couldn’t take the heat.”

Rally Driver Andrew Comrie-Picard will next compete at the 2009 X-Games in Los Angeles, California

The brake calipers seeped fluid and the rotors overheated during the race. Team ACP had to drive carefully and use the brakes as little as possible. They also had to brake very early. “It was a wild ride,” said guest co-driver Jen Horsey. “Andrew is usually very calm behind the wheel. I’ve never even heard him take a deep breath going into a corner. This time there were a few deep breaths when the pedal hit the floor.”

The team upped the pace on Day 2, pushing hard to move ahead of their rivals. Eventually, Team ACP ran out of time and distance to move any higher than 5th overall.

The finish solidifies the team’s third overall position in the Canadian Rally Championship Series and keeps them within reach of the title.

“We have our work cut out of for us for the rest of the year,” said Comrie-Picard. “The new Mitsubishi Evolution 10 is getting better with every event as we develop it system by system. We fully expect to compete for the win at the next round.”

Team ACP Rally uses K&N products. “I’ve used K&N since I began Rally racing more than a decade ago,” said Comrie-Picard. “We do the most extreme things we can do in a car and K&N is the perfect formula for our turbo charged motors. There is no compromise with K&N which protects our engines from road debris. K&N is the one thing we never have to worry about when we compete.”

The Canadian Rally Championship Series has six events from coast to coast. The Rally America National Championship Series includes nine events in a cross-continent season from January to late October. ACP Rally will contest a busy season, with events on both sides of the Canadian- U.S. border.

The team’s next event will be the X Games in Los Angeles, California. From there they will return to the Canadian Championship Rally Series in September for Round 4, Rallye Defi, outside Montreal.

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.

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