Racer & E-Commerce Merchandiser | Ashley Lopez Employee Spotlight

There's a reason that K&N is known for world-class excellence in the aftermarket, and it all starts with our employees - the heart and soul of the business. Check out our interview with an employee who is a veteran racer and e-commerce specialist who lives and breathes motorsports, and applies that knowledge to creating the best possible shopping experience for our customers.

I’ve worked at K&N for almost 13 and a half years now. I remember when I got hired as a warehouse employee, and I was so excited. I knew what the K&N brand was – it was my lifestyle.

I grew up riding and messing around on dirt bikes and attending racing events of all kinds, and I would help my step-dad with his car-building projects after school. I learned how to drive at a very young age, and my mom still tells me to this day that there was no doubt of my love for anything that had a throttle or gas pedal. As I got older, I became more serious about my dirt bike riding and bettering my skill set, but was introduced to an opportunity to pursue one of my dreams – off-road racing. I was invited to be a co-driver for a friend during a race about 11 years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I remember getting out from the truck that first race and telling him “You did it now. You’re never getting rid of me!” The truck we race is a Sportsman class 1400/1450. The countless hours of prep leading up to a race, the camaraderie amongst the racers once we get there (including K&N talk), and the adrenaline rush while racing is unlike anything else.

"There was no doubt of my love for anything that had a throttle or gas pedal."

I participated in an all-women's off-road rally covering 1450 miles and 200+ checkpoints over 8 days, navigating with only a compass and a map. No electronics. No cell phones. Talk about a challenge! K&N gave my teammate (also a K&N employee) and me that amazing opportunity through Airaid’s sponsorship of the Rebelle Rally, and I have never been so thankful and proud to represent our brand. 

When I say I live and breathe what the K&N brand is, I mean it. Besides what I described before, I also own and work on my 1971 Chevy truck, and recently bought a Harley. I’m all-in and hands-on in everything I do. My love for motorsports runs strong and so does my passion for working at K&N. I started in the warehouse shipping and making filters with my own hands, and have had several roles over the years. Most recently I’ve transitioned to E-Commerce Merchandising and I love applying my knowledge as both a K&N employee and consumer to better the online shopping experience.

"When I say I live and breathe what the K&N brand is, I mean it."

When you are able to pursue part of your passion through your career, in my eyes you’ve hit the jackpot!