The K&N NASA American Iron Ford Mustang RTR race car was built in-house by the K&N crew and is wrapped in bold K&N graphics
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The National Auto Sport Association, or NASA for short, is the sanctioning body behind the American Iron Racing Series. American Iron Racing was created for U.S. made muscle cars such as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and the Pontiac Firebird. It is composed of three classes, the Camaro Mustang Challenge (CMC), American Iron (AI), and American Iron Extreme (AIX). The classes vary from the CMC, which is composed of nearly showroom stock cars, all the way to AIX, which is almost an open class.
K&N partnered with quality manufacturers like Ford Racing, Optima Batteries, Eibach Springs and Bassani Exhaust to make this dream car a reality
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The American Iron (AI), class is situated between the other two, with rules in place for minimum weights and maximum horsepower to weight ratios. K&N Performance Filters specifically built the 2014 Ford Racing Mustang RTR to compete in the AI class. American Iron Racing rules specify that eligible cars must use an OEM frame and chassis or “Body in White” type vehicle shell.
K&N designed a custom ram air induction system for the Mustang using a K&N performance air filter and had it produced it with a form of 3D printing
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A 2010 Ford Mustang Body In White (BIW) shell forms the basis of the K&N Motorsports Ford Racing Mustang RTR. At the heart of this American Made pony car sits a stock Ford 5.0L TI-VCT Coyote engine. Power output is tuned to comply with the American Iron Racing horsepower-to-weight ratio rules. According to Dave Martis, R&D Manager at K&N, “The car makes 387 horsepower and 391ft-lb of torque to the rear wheels.”
This Ford Racing Mustang RTR uses two K&N Billet Aluminum Fuel Filters as well as an Optima Redtop Battery
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It takes more than an engine and shell to build a racecar. The K&N Mustang RTR uses suspension components from venerable manufacturers such as Cortex Racing, JRi Shocks, and Eibach springs. Stopping power is provided by Baer Brake Systems six piston calipers, 14-inch floating race rotors, and Hawk Brakes racing brake pads. Tires come from Toyo Tire and are the only tires permitted in the American Iron class. The build sheet for the K&N Motorsports Mustang is quite extensive and a full list can be downloaded here.
A CV Products remote oil filter adaptor is used to relocate K&N Wrench-Off Oil Filter number HP-1018 on the Ford Racing Mustang RTR
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Of course no K&N built race car would be complete without the world-class filtration products that K&N is famous for. A one-off custom made ram air induction forces cold air through high-flow air filter, number 33-2058, and into the intake system. 33-2058 is an OE replacement style air filter originally intended for Dodge Ram pickups equipped with the 8.0-liter V10 engine traditionally used in the Dodge Viper. Making sure the Coyote motor has clean oil is K&N Wrench-Off Oil Filter, number HP-1018. The higher flow rates, thicker canister walls, and outstanding filtration offered by a K&N Wrench-Off Oil Filter are crucial for race vehicles. In addition to the customary K&N filtration products, this Mustang also uses two K&N Billet Aluminum inline fuel filters. K&N part number 81-1003 is used in the trunk to filter gasoline as it leaves the Fuel Safe fuel cell. Under the hood is billet fuel filter 81-1001 to make sure the fuel is clean before it enters the fuel injection system.
Ryan Walton practiced at Willow Springs and will be heading to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the next AI race
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The K&N Motorsports Mustang has performed well since the build was completed earlier this year. Most recently, the car was piloted by Ryan Walton to a second and third place finish at Spring Mountain Motorsports Park in Pahrump, Nevada. Further testing and practice was held this past Friday at Willow Springs International Raceway. Walton and the K&N crew will use a NASA event, not part of the American Iron Racing Series, to further hone skills and perfect the car before heading up to the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca near Monterey, California. Just two rounds remain in the American Iron Racing Series 2014 season and the K&N Motorsports crew has high expectations.
Upcoming American Iron Races include:
July 26-27: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Oct 4-5: Buttonwillow
View the 2014 K&N Mustang RTR Spec Sheet |
