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LS-Based 16 Cylinder Engine Takes Marine World By Storm; Will Show Cars Be Next?

XVI didn't want to add length to the engine so modified the K&N filter to house the throttle

K&N filters are mounted inside custom covers on both ends of the motor

If a cast aluminum 854 cubic inch V16 engine based on the Chevrolet LS architecture seems like an extreme way to generate big horsepower, you need to take a look at the work of the engineers at XVI Power in Detroit, Michigan.

Initially designed for powerboat applications, the crew at XVI Power said that they’d love to see the engine mounted in a few street rods or custom cars. Despite the fact that the engine has four more cylinders, it’s only a foot longer than a Viper V10

The concept behind the motor is that as high-end boat V8 engines are beginning to reach 1,600 horsepower, they’ve become near-race motors with all the maintenance and durability issues related to developing over 200 horsepower per cylinder. And while race teams understand and plan for the kind of abuse a race engine sees, boat owners, perhaps a tad unrealistically, expect these heavily-tweaked motors to provide reliable, long-term service.

The alternative, as XVI Power saw it, was to reduce the load on any single cylinder by increasing the total number of cylinders. Therefore, a cylinder that was expected to produce the stressful 200 horsepower now delivers a more rational 100 horsepower per cylinder, according to XVI team member, Tom Robinson.

XVI wanted to use as many LS components as posible, to make repairs and upgrades easy

The V16 engine in all its glory, the LS design basis is clear even from this view

The XVI Power team chose the Chevrolet LS architecture as the basis, and Caleb Thomas designed and developed a single cylinder block for all 16 cylinders. The A356-T6 aluminum block is cast and machined by a firm in the Detroit area that does a great deal of prototype work for the auto industry so the quality is high. One variation for the LS engines is that the dry sump oil and two-stage water distribution begins and ends at the center of the block for more even distribution. This was a lesson learned by Thomas when he was program manager on the Cadillac V16 show car of 2003.

That gap in the cylinder bore allows for the use of Chevrolet LS cylinder heads, from mild to wild, at the owner’s discretion. In fact, many parts come directly from the LS design, with the only major parts coming from XVI Power being the engine block, crankshaft (supported by ten main caps machined into the oil pan and using big block bearings), the oil pan itself, and the gun-drilled single piece camshaft. Duramax bearings are an option for supercharged or turbo applications. Valves, lifters, rockers, manifolds, many fittings, gaskets, and seals, are all standard Chevrolet items so when any maintenance is required, the parts are close by the marine repair shop.

Here you can get a good view of the piping on the water-cooled headers

Here you can get a good view of the piping on the water-cooled headers

Despite the perception of the V16 being a large engine, a great deal of attention has been focused on making it as compact as possible. All drive ancillaries are kept tucked tight, as are the exhaust manifolds. Even the heat exchangers are low and tight to the block and the throttle bodies have been tucked inside modified K&N E-3514 filters to make sure the induction package didn’t extend past the ancillaries. The mounting hardware is the same as used for a big block. In essence, the installation of the XVI engine is about the same width and length as a Chevy big block-based motor.

Performance is staggering. The basic engine runs with the ignition firing every 45 degree, making for a very smooth running engine regardless of output. And that range of output starts at the basic 900 horsepower and moves up through to a 1,400 horsepower model, all normally-aspirated. Forced induction will be offered latter with a 1,600 horsepower supercharged version and 2,000 horsepower with a quad turbocharger setup. We can’t wait to see the first show car with an XVI engine.

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Ryan Newman Wins the Camping World 500 at Phoenix International Speedway

Ryan Newman, Pit Crew, K&N, NASCAR

Ryan Newman's crew celebrates the win at Phoenix International Speedway

Ryan Newman won the fourth Monster Energy Cup Series race of the season at Phoenix International Raceway for the Camping World 500. This was Newman’s first win in 127 races, the longest drought of his career.

“It's sweet for so many reasons. I said that when I won the Brickyard. I said that when I won at Daytona” Newman said. “This has been the longest drought I've ever been in. Even in Phoenix, the runners up suck. It's just a hard-fought race, a hard-fought battle, a hard-fought four years. I got to thank Richard and Judy, everybody at RCR, ECR, for not only giving me the opportunity to drive the racecar, but giving me a racecar that's in contention to win a race”.

This was also the first win for Newman’s crew chief Luke Lambert in 157 attempts.

“Yeah, it's really, really hard to assess the magnitude right now. I can't say enough about what it means” Lambert said. “I couldn't be prouder of everybody within the company, everybody on my race team. Ryan, you know, everybody has really worked very, very hard to get us here where we are today. I said earlier, I think Ryan really left it all on the racetrack today. He was exhausted”.

Kyle Larson, K&N, NASCAR, Camping World 500

Kyle Larson racing during the Camping World 500

Newman made a risky move at the end of the race, not going into the pits for a tire change, on a two lap overtime run, setup this overdue win. Newman led once for six laps. He won 42 points and five playoff points. He ranks 11th overall in the Monster Energy Cup Standings.

Kyle Larson once again came in second place, staying in that spot for the third race in a row and fourth time in five races this season. He led three times for a total of three laps.

“But, yeah, you know, it was a fun race for us. We ran no worse than fourth I think all race. Was really happy about that” Larson said. “Challenged for the segment win there the first stage with Joey. That was a lot of fun. Finished second, I think, the second stage, too. Second overall”.

Kyle Busch came in third place, leading twice for a total of 114 laps and the majority of the race.

Ryan Newman, Pit Crew, K&N, NASCAR, Camping World 500

Ryan Newman and his crew celebrate his Camping World 500 win

Busch would have had an easy path to the finish line, if it had not been for Joey Logano’s blown tire, that caused a caution with five laps to go.

Joey Logano won the first stage of the race and also won 1 playoff point. Chase Elliott won the second stage of the race and 1 playoff point as well.

Larson leads the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series standings with 184 points, and no playoff points. Brad Keselowski is in second place with 178 points and 5 playoff points. Chase Elliott is in third place with 171 points and 1 playoff point.

The next race in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be at the Auto Club Speedway for the Auto Club 400.

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Chris Eggleston Wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Opener in Tucson, Arizona

NASCAR K&N Pro Series West's Chris Eggleston trophy at Tucson Speedway

Chris Eggleston celebrates after winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West opener at Tucson Speedway

As far as comebacks go, Chris Eggleston is off to a great start.

The 2015 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion said he was negotiating with Bill McAnally Racing until February to bring him back for another season. Eggleston rewarded McAnally by winning the K&N Pro Series West season opener at Tucson Speedway.

“This win’s big. It means a lot to me,” Eggleston said. “I really didn’t have a ride going into January almost end of February. Bill and [my sponsors], they brought me back for another year. Couldn’t be more happy or proud. This win is definitely for them for bringing me back.”

Eggleston led for 80 laps in the NAPA Auto Parts Tucson 150. He passed Todd Gilliland, the reigning K&N Pro Series West champion, on lap 92 and was out front for the last 58 laps of the race.

“I had to use up my stuff a little sooner than I wanted to, to get around Todd and it worked out all right,” Eggleston said. “Those last few cautions also had me nervous too. But man this was digging at the top. Finally got a Tucson win. This is awesome. Best way to start the season.”

There were six cautions for 28 laps and two cautions over the last 30 laps of the race. Eggleston was able to maintain his lead through both restarts.

NASCAR K&N Pro Series West's Chris Eggleston Wins at Tucson Speedway

Chris Eggleston takes a victory lap after winning the K&N Pro Series West race at Tucson Speedway

“It’s a little shot in the arm obviously,” Eggleston said. “Going into the offseason you want to get a win or two going into the season. To get the first one out of the way for the first race of the season is huge for us, Hopefully we can just start clicking them off. Make sure we get good solid points days and keep going.”

Eggleston and Gilliland battled for the lead in the first half of the race. They swapped the lead four times.

“I don’t think we had a car to win that first segment,” Eggleston said. “We made just the right adjustments at that halfway break on that pit stop. We had a really good car that second half.”

Gilliland won the pole and led the first four laps of the race. Eggleston passed Gilliland for the lead. Gilliland took it back on lap 25. They swapped the lead again and Gilliland was out front from laps 32 to 91. Gilliland led for 70 laps.

“It was definitely a good race weekend for us,” Gilliland said. “I can’t complain with a second place finish after leading more than half the laps. This stuff happens. It’s the defeat, but it’s not really the defeat when you finish second. Strong run by the Bill McAnally Racing with the one-two finish. I think our packages are very good. It’s crazy how different they are.”

NASCAR, K&N Pro Series West, Chris Eggleston, Tucson Speedway

Chris Eggleston led 80 laps in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Tucson Speedway

Rookie Garrett Archer was third after qualifying and starting the race in the 16th spot. In only his second K&N Pro Series West start, Archer jumped from sixth place to second on the final restart. But Gilliland passed Archer to finish second before the checkered flag dropped.

“We got to second at one point, but I think we used up just a little too much to get to the next guy,” Archer said. “Hell of a race from where we started, really good momentum heading forward.”

Zane Smith was fourth, followed by Will Rodgers in fifth.

The next K&N Pro Series West race is at Kern County Raceway Park.

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Quick and Easy Upgrades for the Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is the best selling truck in America and K&N performance products make it even be

The Ford F-150 is the best selling truck in America and K&N performance products make it even better

The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in America for over 30 years. It is the perfect combination of performance, style, class, and comfort packaged in a multi-use vehicle. What is there not to love? To make one of the most popular vehicles even better, K&N has designed and engineered performance products for the Ford F-150. From replacement air filters to full intake systems and even washable and reusable cabin air filters, K&N performance products are designed to enhance the already highly regarded F-150. This guide will cover the most recent years of the F-150, including the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. However, we make filters for F-150s going back to 1975. Just use the K&N application search to find the right filter for your car or truck.

K&N REPLACEMENT AIR FILTERS

The K&N 33-2385 replacement air filter fits every F-150 with all engine sizes from 2009-2017

The K&N 33-2385 replacement air filter fits every F-150 with all engine sizes from 2009-2017

K&N manufactures washable and reusable replacement air filters for the Ford F-150 going all the way back to 1975. The K&N replacement air filters are made of several layers of premium woven cotton media, and come pre-oiled so they are ready to install right out of the box.

The 2009-2017 F-150 has used the same base air box and in turn, they all use the same K&N replacement air filter. The high performance 33-2385 fits all Ford F-150 trucks from 2009-2017 no matter the engine it has. All the engines, including the 3.5L Ecoboost, 3.5L, 3.7L, 4.6L, 5.0L, 5.4L, and 6.2L. The K&N replacement air filter is a very easy modification you can do in your driveway in a matter of minutes. It is designed to boost horsepower, torque, and rate of acceleration.

K&N PERFORMANCE AIR INTAKES

The K&N 57-2575 cold air intake adds an estimated 12 HP to 2009 and 2010 F-150 5.4L engines

The K&N 57-2575 cold air intake adds an estimated 12 HP to 2009 and 2010 F-150 5.4L engines

The next level of performance from K&N is their line of cold air intakes. These are designed to flow more air than the factory air intake system. The extra air that the K&N cold air intake flows, increases the power made by the engine. Every K&N intake comes with a dyno sheet to show what we saw when we installed the kit on a test vehicle. The K&N cold air intakes also provide excellent filtration and come with the famous 10-Year/Million Mile Warranty. K&N air intakes are very easy to install, and install can be accomplished in around 90 minutes with simple hand tools.

For 2009-2010 4.6L F-150 owners, the K&N 57-2580 adds an estimated 16 HP and 18 lb-ft of torque

For 2009-2010 4.6L F-150 owners, the K&N 57-2580 adds an estimated 16 HP and 18 lb-ft of torque

K&N's 57-2575 is designed to fit 2009 and 2010 Ford F150 trucks equipped with the 5.4L engine. When dyno tested, this intake added an estimated 12 horsepower at 4600 RPM and 14 lb-ft of torque at 4600 RPM on a 2010 F150 5.4L. The air intake system consists of a black plastic air intake tube and high flow conical air filter. The 57-2575 is guaranteed to increase horsepower and is easy to install in 90 minutes.

If your 2009 or 2010 F-150 came with the 4.6L, K&N makes the 57-2580 cold air intake for your truck. The kit added an estimated 16 horsepower at 4650 RPM and 18 lb-ft of torque.

If you own a 2009-2010 4.6L F-150 and prefer the polished look, the K&N 77-2580KP intake is for

If you own a 2009-2010 4.6L F-150 and prefer the polished look, the K&N 77-2580KP intake is for you

If you like the polished look, K&N offers the 77-2580KP for the 2009 and 2010 Ford F-150 with the 4.6L engine. The kit includes a polished aluminum air tube, polished capped conical air filter, and black aluminum heat shield. At an estimated gain of 15 horsepower and 17 lb-ft of torque, this K&N intake system is no slouch and will help breathe some new life into your 4.6L-powered F-150.

For 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Ford F-150s that came equipped with the 5.0L Coyote motor, the K&N 57-2581 was designed for your truck. It is 50 state legal and added an estimated 12 horsepower at 5304 RPM and 12 lb-ft of torque at 4305 RPM. If you are looking for a stealthier looking, blacked out kit, the K&N 71-2581 Blackhawk Induction cold air intake system was developed for the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote. The kit comes with a black, dry synthetic filter so no more oiling, and a black powdercoated aluminum intake tube. It made an estimated 7 horsepower and 2 lb-ft of torque on K&N’s dyno.

If black isn’t your thing and you would rather have a polished intake on your 2011-2014 5.0L F-150, the K&N 77-2581KP is for you. It has a polished air tube and polished filter end cap. It won’t void any factory warranties and is guaranteed to add power. K&N saw an estimated 10 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque on our dyno with the 77-2581KP installed on a 2011 Ford F-150.

Whether you have the 3.5L, 3.7L, 4.6L, 5.0L, 5.4L, or 6.2L K&N makes a product for your truck

Whether you have the 3.5L, 3.7L, 4.6L, 5.0L, 5.4L, or 6.2L K&N makes a product for your truck

For 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 3.5L Ecoboost F-150s, a quick and easy upgrade that is guaranteed to add horsepower is the 57-2583 K&N cold air intake. It adds an estimated 11 horsepower at 4318 RPM and 17 lb-ft of torque at 3450 RPM. The kit is designed to feed air to both turbos and helps them breathe better than the stock intake.

If your 2011 or 2012 F-150 came with the big 6.2L V8 engine, K&N makes the 57-2584 for it. The kit is an easy upgrade and adds an estimated 27 horsepower at 5347 RPM and almost 17 lb-ft of torque at 3578 RPM. It is legal in all 50 states and comes with K&N’s 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty. A K&N Blackhawk Induction kit is also available for these trucks. It is part number 71-2584 and covers the 2011 and 2012 6.2L Ford F-150s. It made an estimated 20 horsepower and 17 lb-ft of torque on the chassis dyno.

The K&N 57-2581 cold air intake is designed for 2011-2014 Ford F-150 pickups with the 5.0L Coyot

The K&N 57-2581 cold air intake is designed for 2011-2014 Ford F-150 pickups with the 5.0L Coyote

K&N also offers the 77-2584KP kit for 2011 and 2012 F-150s with the 6.2L engine. The kit includes polished components and adds 18 horsepower and 12 lb-ft of torque. It can be installed in around 90 minutes and comes with a 10-Year/Million Mile Warranty.

K&N designed the 77-2585KS cold air intake kit to fit 2012, 2013, and 2014 Ford F-150 trucks with the 3.7L V6. The kit includes an oiled cotton conical air filter, silver powdercoated tube, and black aluminum heat shield. It adds an estimated 11 horsepower at 5536 RPM and 10 lb-ft of torque at 3333 RPM.

For 2015, 2016, and 2017 Ford F-150 trucks with the 5.0L engine, the K&N 63-2591 Aircharger cold air intake was designed to bolt right into the truck. It can be installed in less than 2 hours and we guarantee it will increase your horsepower. When we put this kit on a truck and dyno tested it, we saw an estimated increase of 12 horsepower and almost 10 lb-ft of torque. For good performance and great looks, the K&N 71-2591 Blackhawk Induction intake kit comes with a black cone filter and black air tube. It is good for an estimated 11 horsepower at 4553 RPM and almost 12 lb-ft of torque at 3731 RPM. It was designed to fit the 2015-2017 Ford F-150 equipped with the 5.0L engine.

K&N designed the 71-2581 Blackhawk Induction intake for the 2011-2014 F-150 with the 5.0L engine

K&N designed the 71-2581 Blackhawk Induction intake for the 2011-2014 F-150 with the 5.0L engine

If black tubes aren’t your style, K&N also offers the 77-2591KP cold air intake for 2015-2017 F-150s with the 5.0L Coyote motor. This kit has a polished aluminum air tube and conical air filter with polished end cap. On a 2015 Ford F-150 with 5.0L engine, the kit made an estimated 13 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque.

2015 and 2016 Ford F-150s with the 3.5L Ecoboost motor can benefit from the K&N 63-2592 cold air intake kit. It adds an estimated 23 horsepower and 34 lb-ft of torque at 3505 RPM. This is a simple and fast way to add some more of that stump pulling torque that the Ecoboost is known for.

The polished K&N 77-2581KP intake will spruce up the engine bays of 2011-2014 F-150s with the 5.

The polished K&N 77-2581KP intake will spruce up the engine bays of 2011-2014 F-150s with the 5.0L

2015, 2016, and 2017 2.7L Ecoboost F-150s were not forgotten about, we designed the 63-2593 cold air intake for them. With an estimated increase of 19 horsepower at 4500 RPM and 34 lb-ft of torque at 3006 RPM, this kit will add horsepower and torque and won’t void any factory warranties.

If you picked up a 2015 or 2016 F-150 and it has the non-turbo 3.5L, K&N makes the 63-2596 cold air kit that is guaranteed to add horsepower and torque. This is a quick way to help make up some of that power difference between the naturally aspirated 3.5L and the 3.5L Ecoboost. The kit made an estimated 12 horsepower at 5686 RPM and almost 10 lb-ft of torque at 3511 RPM.

K&N Cabin Air Filters

For owners of the first and second generation of Ecoboost, K&N developed the 57-2583 cold air in

For owners of the first and second generation of Ecoboost, K&N developed the 57-2583 cold air intake

K&N also makes a line of washable and reusable cabin air filters for the 2015 and 2016 Ford F-150. These cabin air filters are made of an advanced synthetic material. They also have an electrostatic charge that grabs and holds onto most mold, mildew, pollen, spores, fungus, and germs. They have a factory fit, come pre-treated, and ready to install right out of the box. For the 2015-2016 F-150, K&N has the VF2049 cabin air filter. It fits all trim levels and engine sizes and comes with a 10-year/100,000 Mile Limited Warranty.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

The Ford F-150 Raptor is an off-road beast, but it could always use a little more power

The Ford F-150 Raptor is an off-road beast, but it could always use a little more power

Ever since the Ford Raptor was introduced in 2010, it has been an extremely popular vehicle. It offers off-road capability, great looks, and lots of power. If you own one of these trucks, K&N has not forgot about you. If you own a 2010-2015 Ford Raptor with either the 5.4L or the 6.2L, the K&N 33-2385 is designed to boost horsepower and acceleration. If you are looking for guaranteed power and own a 2010 5.4L Raptor, the K&N 57-2575 cold air intake kit is what you need. If you own the 2010-2014 Raptor with the 6.2L, the K&N 77-2579KTK offers an estimated 20 horsepower and 21 lb-ft of torque.

If you didn’t find you vehicle here, us the K&N vehicle search tool to find exactly what you need. Once you found your part number, use the dealer search tool to find a dealer near you.

K&N designed and engineered the 57-2584 cold air intake to fit 2011-2012 Ford F-150 6.2L trucks

K&N designed and engineered the 57-2584 cold air intake to fit 2011-2012 Ford F-150 6.2L trucks

The K&N 71-2584 intake adds an estimated 20 HP and 17 lb-ft of torque to 2011-2012 6.2L F-150 tr

The K&N 71-2584 intake adds an estimated 20 HP and 17 lb-ft of torque to 2011-2012 6.2L F-150 trucks

Looking for some bling under the hood of your 2011-2012 F-150 6.2L? The 77-2584KP is for you!

Looking for some bling under the hood of your 2011-2012 F-150 6.2L? The 77-2584KP is for you!

2012-2014 3.7L F-150 owners can benefit from the K&N 77-2585KS cold air intake system

2012-2014 3.7L F-150 owners can benefit from the K&N 77-2585KS cold air intake system

If you own a new, aluminum F-150, K&N makes the 63-2591 to help your 5.0L engine breathe easier

If you own a new, aluminum F-150, K&N makes the 63-2591 to help your 5.0L engine breathe easier

The K&N 71-2591 Blackhawk Induction intake kit fits the 2015-2017 5.0L F-150

The K&N 71-2591 Blackhawk Induction intake kit fits the 2015-2017 5.0L F-150

For 2015-2017 Ford F-150 5.0L owners, the K&N 77-2591KP adds an estimated 13 HP

For 2015-2017 Ford F-150 5.0L owners, the K&N 77-2591KP adds an estimated 13 HP

If you own the newest generation of Ecoboost F-150, 2015-2016, the K&N 63-2592 is for you

If you own the newest generation of Ecoboost F-150, 2015-2016, the K&N 63-2592 is for you

For the smaller 2.7L Ecoboost in the 2015-2017 F-150, the K&N 63-2593 makes an estimated 19 HP

For the smaller 2.7L Ecoboost in the 2015-2017 F-150, the K&N 63-2593 makes an estimated 19 HP

If you own the non-turbo 3.5L F-150, K&N makes the 63-2596 intake specifically for your truck

If you own the non-turbo 3.5L F-150, K&N makes the 63-2596 intake specifically for your truck

To keep the cabin air of your 2015-2016 F-150 fresh, you can use the K&N VF2049 cabin air filter

To keep the cabin air of your 2015-2016 F-150 fresh, you can use the K&N VF2049 cabin air filter

The K&N 77-2579KTK cold air intake comes with a new radiator overflow tank to replace the stock unit

The K&N 77-2579KTK cold air intake comes with a new radiator overflow tank to replace the stock unit

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Team UXC Off to a Fast Start in the Early Rounds of 2017 Grand National Cross Country Series Racing

Team UXC ATV racer at GNCC round 1

Team UXC is a major force in GNCC racing

“The winter layover and long nights in the workshop installing parts from our sponsors, and preparing the machines to be race ready came to an end at last,” said Team UXC racer and owner Michael Swift. Clearly, Swift was ready to get the 2017 Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) rolling.

K&N-sponsored Team UXC competes in both the ATV and UTV classes of the GNCC. This year’s series offered a bit of a twist at the beginning of the schedule. The change created a staggered start for the ATV and UTV classes.

“To change things up a bit, Big Buck in South Carolina was our first destination, making the Hog Waller mud bog in Florida round 2,” Swift said. “It also meant our UTVs would not be making an appearance until Round 2.”

Here is a look at the first two round of the GNCC for Team UXC.

Michael Swift of Team UXC in the GNCC

Team UXC owner and racer Michael Swift has assembled an impressive team for 2017

Round 1- Big Buck, South Carolina

Michael Swift’s son, Tayton, started the day and the season off right with an impressive 3rd place in the 90 Limited 8-12 class.

After watching his son’s performance, Michael Swift was ready to board his Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 for the first full race since his wreck at Ironman. The Pro 4x4 racer did not feel up to full race fitness, but was ready to get back to competition.

Lining up alongside Swift, was teammate and fellow Pro 4x4 rider, Kevin Trantham. Trantham was fresh off of winter training and was excited to see what the 2017 machine would do on the varied terrain at Big Buck.

Jesi Stracham with her UTV at GNCC

Jesi Stracham's is a story of inspiration and hard work

Swift looked strong back on the ATV and it was only a small technical issue that held him back rather than anything related to his fitness. He brought the bike across the line in 7th. He said he was very happy to be back on the bike and ready to join Trantham and put his machine back on the podium.

Trantham ran a fast and competitive race and brought his Polaris home in 3rd. He said the varied course of Big Buck lent itself well to the high maneuverability of the Scrambler. The motor was strong and the Teixeira-Tech chassis components were key contributors to this podium finish.

Team UXC 4x4 Senior Class racer, Graham Widdicombe, raced to a solid 5th place finish in the season opener. This is Widdicombe's second season with the team.

Round 2 ATV / Round 1 UTV – Wild Boar, Florida

Swift says the Wild Boar round presents some unique challenges in the GNCC series.

“It’s always hard to know what will happen in Florida as it’s a unique terrain compared to the rest of the tour,” Swift said. “However, the sand, pine trees, and bog combination always means a rough, often tight track. It presents a challenge to both the machine and the racer with sand sapping both power and energy.”

Kevin Trantham on the GNCC podium in Wild Boar GNCC round 2

Kevin Trantham (left) on the GNCC podium in Wild Boar (Photo: Ken Hill)

Some new faces and uplifting stories highlight the 2017 season for Team UXC. Joining the team for the first time is Factory Polaris Ace 900 XC racer, Jesi Stracham.

“Many will know Jesi’s story, but for those who don’t, an unfortunate accident left this young lady paralyzed,” Swift said. “However, never one to let anything stand in her way, she has found that racing single seat UTVs has given her a great release. After finishing her first race in the Ace two years ago, she said it made her feel like she had legs again. We look forward to having her on the team and her continued success!”

In her UTV race, Stracham got a fantastic start but unfortunately caught a tree, which affected the steering on her machine and she had to pull out.

Another new racer joining the UXC UTV team is Matt Ashton. Running in the Amateur Limited class, Wild Boar would be Ashton's first GNCC race. Ashton brought his RZR across the finish line in 2nd place in the UTV Amateur Limited race.

Kevin Trantham of Team UXC in the GNCC

Trantham is poised for a GNCC championship run

In the UTV XC1 Pro Class, Michael Swift raced consistently for a 7th place finish. Unfortunately, Trantham’s drive was cut short due to a technical issue. Swift said he left the UTV race with a clear picture on what needs to be done for success throughout the season.

The big news in the Wild Boar stop of the GNCC for Team UXC was the performance of Swift and Trantham in the Pro ATV race. After lap one, Swift was in a solid position in 4th, but Trantham was down in 10th. By the end of lap 2, Swift was up to 3rd and Trantham had caught and passed the other six riders in their class to pull himself up to 4th. In the end, Trantham took a very well-earned 2nd place in class and the overall. Swift finished just off the podium with a strong 4th.

Other ATV results were very positive for Team UXC as well. Tayton Swift continued his charge on the 90 Limited 8-12 class with a 2nd place finish after leaving the starting line last. Graham Widdicombe pulled out a 2nd place in the Senior 4x4 race.

K&N is proud to support Team UXC in the 2017 GNCC racing season.

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