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Ray Cook Ends 2016 on a High Note with Victory in 'Hangover' 40-Lap Feature

K&N driver Ray Cook capped 2016 with a win in the 40-lap "Hangover" race New Year'

Ray Cook took the lead of the 'Hangover' on Lap 15 then cruised to the win at 411 Motor Speedway

K&N-sponsored driver Ray Cook capped his 2016 season with a win in the December 31st “Hangover” Super Late Model race on 411 Motor Speedway’s 3/8-mile oval in Seymour, Tennessee. The win, the “Tarheel Tiger’s” third of 2016, required a gutsy performance to beat Donald McIntosh, who had lately been on a hot streak.

Cook’s second spot in his group’s qualifying put him second in the outside row, fourth overall for the 40-lap main event. After jumping to third on the start, Cook went backward again to fourth while trying to take second. After a bit of work, he found a clear path to the leader, McIntosh, who had sprinted away with the others behind fighting for second.

“By about lap 7 or 8, the leader had about a straightaway lead,” Cook said. “The car had been flawless all day and I knew I just had to be patient.”

Veteran racer Ray Cook knows how to ring in the New Year, picking up a $4,000 win in the Hangover.

Ray Cook's win gave him a $4,000 payday, a pretty nice way to ring in the New Year

Foot by foot, Cook reeled in McIntosh until he overtook the race leader on lap 15 with an outside move. The veteran oval driver, Cook, held onto first place for the remaining 25 laps, including a late-race restart after McIntosh’s car retired to bring out a caution. The win was good for $4,000 payday, not a bad way to ring in the New Year.

“It’s huge,” Cook said. “You’re only as good as your last race. Since we won’t race until January 28, it gives us a nice period to enjoy the win.”

The win came with his Capital Race Cars Super Late Model chassis and using and older, though obviously still strong, 427-based V8 from South Carolina’s Kenny Lamb Racing Engines. That engine breathes through a K&N air cleaner on the carburetor and also uses K&N oil filers on the dry sump system.

Ray has been a K&N driver for more than 20 years. “We’ve been using K&N my whole career,” he said. “We’ve had great success with them and never had a single issue with any of their parts.”

"The car had been flawless all day," said Ray Cook of his Hangover-winning Super Late Mode

Ray Cook has run K&N products in his cars for his whole career

The Hangover win is especially sweet for Cook after he ran a relatively abbreviated schedule in 2016. He cut back from his usual 65 to 70 annual races to only run 30 in 2016 while also promoting three series (Schaeffer’s Southern National Series, Schaeffer’s Spring Nationals, and Schaeffer’s Southern Nationsl Bonus Series) and races at Tri-County Racetrack in his hometown of Brasstown, North Carolina.

He expects a similar schedule in 2017, though he’s looking forward to his first race of the year, the Cabin Fever 40 at Boyd’s Speedway in Ringgold, Georgia. Cook won that race in 2009 and finished a strong third last year, so he looks to carry his Hangover victory into a great start to 2017.

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Retired Police Detective Bill Scharing's Modified 2010 Dodge Challenger

2010 Dodge Challenger 3/4 front with K&N Air Filter

“When I first saw the Challenger driving down the road, I said WOW that thing is beautiful!”

Bill Scharing is no stranger to speed. As a detective, a car chase was a regular thing. In fact, one of his more memorable pursuits ended up with a street racer jumping a hill and getting airborne after being chased for 3 miles!

What helped him keep up with suspects for years and years? Mopar Muscle. This definitely influenced Bill’s preference on the ‘ol Ford, Chevy, or Dodge question. He’s a Mopar Man, all the way. He was most likely swayed by the team of powerful Mopar-powered cruisers he was exposed to early in his career. “Sometimes we would have multiple suspects lined up out on the street and we’d call for backup. You could hear the sound of their 340ci Belvedere’s four-barrel carb sucking in massive amounts of air a mile away, and that was a comforting feeling.

2010 Orange Dodge Challenger with 4.7L twin-screw Kenne Bell supercharger

The 4.7L twin-screw Kenne Bell supercharger has a rear-facing intake, opposite of most setups.

Bill has since retired from the police force and resides in sunny Orange County, CA. After his initial retirement, he decided to get back into the car scene and had his mind set on one car, and one car alone; the Dodge Challenger. Bill says “I didn’t want to clunk around the freeway in a 1932 Ford. When I first saw the Challenger driving down the road, I said WOW that thing is beautiful!” Love at first sight, perhaps?

He acted on that “love” and ordered a 2011 Dodge Challenger with a 392ci Hemi and 6-Speed manual transmission right away. “Right after break in,” he says, “l started racing it at the drag strip.” After some time, his tolerance for speed had increased, and the car just didn’t seem fast enough. He investigated the option of installing a tuner on his Challenger, however Chrysler had locked the computer and nobody had cracked it 2011 yet. So what does he do? Buy a 2010 Challenger, obviously!

2011 Dodge Challenger with a 392 Hemi

Bill’s Challenger makes well over 1,200HP to the crank.

He decided to keep the 2011 and use it for a parts-chaser. “I wanted to run 200mph in the standing mile” He says. “I planned on taking it to track events, and use it as a daily driver as well.” He took the 2010 Challenger to Spankin’ Time Performance, in San Bernardino, California to get that project started.

First on the mod list was an NHRA-legal roll bar (safety first!), followed by a BES Racing Engine 436ci Gen III Hemi to power this beast. It gets better...he then outfitted his Hemi with a 4.7L Kenne Bell twin-screw supercharger capable of producing 1,600 horsepower.

Bill definitely spares no expense when it comes to engine building, and he doesn’t cheap out on the smaller but equally important parts either. When deciding on a filter Bill went with K&N’s RU-3100, a massive 6” flange universal cone-filter to fit the large oval shaped throttle body on his Kenne Bell supercharger. He had a cutout made in his cowl hood to direct fresh cool air into his intake, and that was that! Bill was able to get this part by using our universal cone-filter search lookup.

2010 Orange Dodge Challenger with 2011 Blue Dodge Challenger

In Bill's garage is not only one, but two Challengers parked right next to each

So what about drivetrain? Bill’s Challenger is equipped with a Paramount Performance built NAG1 five-speed automatic transmission, utilizing his stock 3.05:1 ratio differential. This setup translates power from his supercharged Hemi to the wheels with ease. He also has Crower Cams camshaft, a water-meth injection system for his fuel, Kooks headers followed by a “Zoomers” exhaust and MSD coil packs. Quite the performance package, right?

Once bill had all he needed to quench his speed-fix, he headed to the dyno room. Turns out, his 2010 Dodge Challenger puts out a stunning 1,018 horsepower to the wheels and 856 lb-ft torque on the chassis dyno. Interestingly enough, Bill runs E85 fuel in his car even at 20 psi. He has precisely metered squirts of methanol injection at the ready in case ambient conditions call for additional octane.

2010 Orange Dodge Challenger with Cowl Hood

The cowl hood on Bill’s 2010 Challenger provides maximum airflow to his Kenne Bell supercharger

Some days Bill likes to head to the local track meets or car shows. He’s been to the Auto-Enthusiast show in Anaheim, California, where he received a trophy for the best modern muscle car. He’s also gotten trophies for best interior as well. We met up with Bill at the O’reilly Auto Parts’ Street Machine and Muscle Car Nationals last year in Pomona, California. When we spotted that Orange, race-striped, blown Challenger we had to stop in our tracks to take a look. Bill ended up inviting us to come visit at his home to do a photoshoot of this beastly Mopar Machine. When we got there, we saw that he had not only one, but two Challengers parked right next to each other looking almost like a married couple.

At the dragstrip Bill’s Challenger ran a 9.76 at 144mph making it the first Challenger to run 9s in the quarter-mile that’s also driven to and from events without a trailer. This car has been called the “Hellcat Killer” by some and amazingly enough, this car was around a few years before Chrysler revealed their factory 707HP “fastest production car”. Could it be possible that an engineer from Mopar saw him do a few runs at the track one time and became full of inspiration? We’d like to think so!

Either way, Bill Scharing could be called a visionary, trendsetter, rebel with a cause or even just your everyday car-lover. It’s safe to say, Bill has definitely showed how his Detective work and Law Enforcement career influenced his passion for speed and support for the Chrysler/Dodge/Mopar brands. If a type of car helped you put away several criminals throughout your career, you just might be partial to that specific brand as well.

Kenne Bell supercharger on 2010 Dodge Challenger with K&N air filter

Bill Scharing's Hemi-powered Challenger features a 4.7L twin-screw Kenne Bell supercharger

Roll bar in a 2011 Dodge Challenger

Bill’s Challenger has an NHRA-legal roll bar to keep him safe while testing the power of his 1000HP

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Best in the Desert Racer Mitch Guthrie Jr. Dominates the Parker 250

Mitch Guthrie Jr. after winning the Parker 250

As night fell on the Parker 250, Mitch Guthrie Jr. stood alone as number 1

Mitch Guthrie Jr. sure knows how to start a UTV racing season. Mitch is a rising star in the UTV world, and the 20-year-old prodigy is proof that talent doesn’t fall far from the tree. He is the son of multiple-time champion desert racer and rock crawler, Mitch Guthrie Sr. In the Best in the Desert (BITD) series opener in Parker, Arizona, Junior did the family name proud. The Parker 250 was staged in January on a challenging 80-mile course in the western Arizona desert alongside the Colorado River. Okay, enough of our rambling, let’s ride along as Mitch tells us how the race went down in his own words.

“With the dust just settling from the 2016 season, and with just one month (off), it was game on for the first race of the 2017 season, the Parker 250. A lot of hard work went into stripping down the car to the chassis and fully rebuilding it within less than a month, and going testing to make sure everything was perfect. We were excited for a fresh season, new sponsors, and what would be our 2nd season racing BITD.

Mitch Guthrie Jr. on a berm

Mitch Guthrie Jr. roosted his way to a convincing win in Parker

“We rolled into tech and contingency Friday morning in beautiful Parker, Arizona, with two cars; one bone stock 2017 RZR for the new GMZ UTV Winter Nationals short-course race as well as our BITD desert car. Walking through tech and contingency there were many new teams, drivers, and cars. I knew we needed a solid showing on Saturday to show everyone we weren't messing around this season. We rolled back to camp, put the final touches on the cars, and got some rest for what would be a busy day of racing in the morning.

“We woke up to cloudy skies and perfect racing conditions to start off the new season. The first race of the day was the short-course race where I was looking to have some fun and possibly see some of the track. We had a land rush start with at least 20-plus cars all barreling into the first corner. I was able to come out of the first corner in second, and the race was on. Unfortunately, this didn't last too long, as a few miles in on a very fast section of the course, I lost control and went for a wild ride. Thankfully I was okay. We pulled the car back to the pits, and it was time to focus on the big desert race coming up.

Mitch Guthrie Jr. in the Arizona dust

Mitch Guthrie Jr.trusts K&N to protect his Polaris from the dust and dirt

“Starting the race side by side, I was tenth off the line, which I was fine with knowing there wouldn't be too much dust to deal with. I got a good start, and shortly after settled into a good pace. Not long after starting, we came across a couple of cars which had succumbed to mechanical issues early on. We kept pushing on, gaining on the leaders in front of us. Coming into midway pit, we got past a couple more cars and I knew we were settling into a great position. Past the first pits we were getting into a good groove and could see that we were gaining on the leaders just ahead of us. We got by one more car towards the end of lap one which put us second on course coming into the pits to finish out our first lap. We came into the main pits just behind the leader and thanks to my awesome crew, we were able to make the pass in the pits which made us the race leaders.

“Going into lap two it was game on. Knowing we had a stacked field chasing us down, it was time to hammer down. We pulled out of main pits and now that my co-driver Kurtis and I had the track down, we knew we could form a cushion between us and the rest of the pack. Without having to deal with dust, or many lappers, I focused on hitting our marks and getting a good gap. After a nearly flawless 80 mile lap we came into the pits once more to fuel up for our third and final lap. After fuel and a quick look-over we were out of the pits and on to the home stretch.

Mitch Guthrie Jr. in the BITD first round

Mitch Guthrie Jr. thanked his sponsors for their continued support

“Our crew notified us that we had a few minute lead once we left the pits, and I breathed a sigh of relief. After 60-plus cars had been on the course lap after lap, the track was getting brutal. Knowing we had a large gap, it was now time to keep the car together and bring it home. As we were nearing the end of the race, nighttime was setting in and it was nice to finally get to use our Baja Designs lights. Those last 20 miles were almost surreal and I was just focused on making sure I got that car to the finish line. After a long but nearly flawless race we crossed the line to start off the 2017 season with an overall win by more than 5 minutes!”

K&N congratulates Mitch Guthrie Jr. on his Parker 250 win. We are excited to continue to support the Guthrie Racing Team. Demanding conditions require the ultimate in engine protection. To find the right K&N filter for your UTV, ATV, or almost anything else with an engine, consult our online application search tool.

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Ross Latimer's Hot Wheels Custom Harley Wins Big at the DC IMS

Hot Wheels custom Harley side view

Ross Latimer's fast and furious Hot Wheels custom Harley in a quite moment

Understandably, a number of the big, corporate bike builders have won various categories of the J&P Ultimate Builder Competition in the first three stops of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show (IMS). After all, the major players in the custom bike world have the talent, experience, and resources to design and execute some amazing builds.

However, it is refreshing and encouraging that some small, independent builders have had notable success at the competitions as well. Ross Latimer, of Rats Customs, in Nokesville, Virginia, is one of the ‘small pebbles’ who has made big waves at the K&N-sponsored competition. Latimer walked away with two first-place awards at the Washington DC stop of the IMS.

We are going to show you both of Latimer’s winning builds in separate article installments. The focus of this first profile is his show-stopping Hot Wheels custom that won the Modified Harley category. Hot Wheels is a stunning build that will tug at the heart strings of everyone who played with the iconic pocket cars in their youth. However, it is interesting that Latimer’s inspiration for the build was much bigger and louder than the iconic toy cars.

Hot Wheels custom Harley at the Washington DC IMS J&P Competition

The DC International Motorcycle Show was a nice payday for Ross Latimer

“My motivation for building the Hot Wheels bike was growing up and watching Don Prudhomme race the Hot Wheels funny car,” Latimer said. “My family has always been huge into drag racing and still is.”

Latimer’s passion for creating motorized magic stems from that same period in his youth. “That's kind of where my background comes from,” he said. “Growing up watching my dad fabricate and weld and make sparks was awesome, and all I ever wanted to do.”

Latimer’s 2002 Harley-Davidson® Sportster pays tribute to some of the most colorful years in drag racing history in a powerful way – both visually and literally. Let’s start with the literal. Hot Wheels is built around a 1250cc Hammer Performance engine that Latimer calls a “mountain of a motor.” That twin cylinder iron mountain pumps out over 110 horsepower and produces boatloads of torque. Clearly this is not a docile show bike.

Fittingly, that potent V-twin breathes through a K&N performance intake that contributes, in no small way, to the impressive power numbers of the Hot Wheels custom. On the other end, spent combustibles exit through beautiful exhaust bends that are reminiscent of a massive trombone. Certainly, the exhaust note is every bit as melodic to motorheads as any wind instrument.

Hot Wheels custom Harley wheelie

The powerful 1250cc V-twin makes it hard to keep the front wheel down

Like so many passionate builders, Latimer finds joy in elements of the project that may not be instantly recognized by the casual observer. “Some cool features on the bike are the brake line that runs through the swing arm, and the two left fork legs to get rid of the pinch bolt,” said Latimer.

What even the casual observer will appreciate is the scintillating paint job. Latimer’s Harley wears a custom candy teal Hot Wheels paint scheme that extends from the front of the tank though the very cool stubby, ‘snarled-lip’ of a rear fender. Of course, that classic swooping Hot Wheels logo is featured prominently on the tank, and K&N is more than proud that our decal graces the side panel!

From the tall, clean spoked front wheel to the fat, funny car-inspired Dunlop tire out back, the Hot Wheels custom oozes retro-cool.

In the end, the success of the smaller builders and the recognition they are receiving is not lost on Latimer. “I’d like to say I appreciate that K&N sponsors and gives back to the small-time builders,” Latimer said.

Check back for our upcoming feature on Ross Latimer’s other Washington DC IMS J&P show winner.

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Drenched in Carbon Fiber and Oozing Horsepower, this 2015 Ford Mustang Has it All

2015 Ford Mustang with carbon fiber body panels and wide body kit

This 2015 Ford Mustang is anything but your run-of-the-mill pony car. It is one-of-a-kind.

The battle between Ford and Chevy has been an epic fight almost since the two companies began making cars. It has intensified through the years and only got worse after the introduction of the pony car class of vehicle. A pony car is classified as a sporty, high performance American automobile. Currently, three cars fall into that category, the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro, and the Dodge Challenger.

It is a known fact that Ford and Chevy owners are bitter foes, at times even rivaling the likes of the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers, or the Hatfields and McCoys for you non-sports readers. No matter what side you are on, it can be agreed that through the years the styling, power, and technology associated with the Mustang and Camaro has grown to a point where they are as popular as ever.

2015 Ford Mustang interior with carbon fiber accents throughout

The interior of John Pudlas Mustang is as spectacular as the exterior

Recently, we were able to get a Mustang owner and a Camaro owner together long enough to get some photos of their respective rides. This is a story about the Mustang. John Pudlas is the Director of Sales for HCM Carbon. He is the owner of the 2015 Ford Mustang GT you see before you. Of course, working for a carbon parts manufacturer, you would expect the car to have some carbon pieces. But what John and HCM Carbon owner, Ernie Sigala have done to this S550 Mustang is incredible.

2015 Ford Mustang with carbon fiber fender flares and Ferrada wheels

The HCM Carbon fender flares cover the Ferrada wheel nicely

Starting with a blank canvas can be a daunting task, but as we have seen with some of Sigala’s past builds, he is up to it. The first thing they did to Pudlas’ Mustang was cut the top off. You read that right, they cut the roof over the front seats completely off. This turned the coupe into the world’s first S550 Mustang targa top. From there it was time to get to work designing wide body fenders, a new hood, front splitter, rear diffuser, a wing, and much more out of carbon for the car.

2015 Ford Mustang with Vortech supercharger and carbon fiber body panels and matte purple wrap

For SEMA and CES, John had his Mustang wrapped in matte purple by EAWraps in Scottsdale, AZ

With those parts being designed, a lowering kit from Steeda was installed, giving the ‘Stang a meaner, more aerodynamic look. To fill the new widened fenders, a set of 20-inch Ferrada wheels was wrapped in 305/30 and 315/35 Nitto rubber and bolted to the four corners. A car with looks like this one had to have something mean under the hood and that was next on the agenda. The 5.0L received some new internals, along with a power adder in the form of a Vortech supercharger. The blower is capped off by a K&N cone air filter to protect the built motor behind it.

John and Ernie built the car to show off their capabilities and subsequently took the car to the 2016 SEMA show and the CES show in Las Vegas. At both shows, the car was a real head turner and gave them a sense of pride knowing they had built an incredible machine that so many people found appealing.

The HCM Carbon Mustang was also featured in the 2017 K&N calendar 89-11493-17 in the month of April.

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