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Ex-motorcycle racer Kelly Smith battles the waves on his K&N-equipped watercraft at Atlantic City

While many racing operations have their hands full running in a single series, Team Faith has operated in several different powersports series, all at the same time. And they’re not there to make up the numbers, as demonstrated by the multiple championships and countless wins they’ve earned.

According to team boss Brian O’Rourke, K&N has been a consistent part of the Team Faith’s success since 2000. O’Rourke commented that not only do K&N filters make more power in all the various applications Team Faith has run, but never once in 16 years has there ever been a problem or an issue with a K&N filter.

Team Faith rider Gavin Gracyk competing in an Arenacross event in Worcester, Massachusetts in 2014

Team Faith is unusual in that it’s neither a professional racing team nor a hobby of the driver/rider. Instead Team Faith is a non-profit outreach ministry that seeks to connect with people enthusiastic about action sports. Team Faith was founded in 1994, first competing in professional personal watercraft racing, to which they recently returned, and have also competed in side-by-side off road racing, motocross racing, and freestyle motocross.

In addition to competing on the National Arenacross Series, Team Faith has also raced in the Supercross Series with Kevin Johnson, the 2008 X Games Gold Medalist in the Speed and Style Competition. 2011 saw the addition of Kelly Smith as the team’s Arenacross/Supercross rider. Smith won Arenacross main events in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

One of Team Faith’s FMX team riders showing off during an exhibition in Egypt in 2013

In 2012, Jeff Gibson was added to the Arenacross program and finished second in the Championship with several wins to his credit. In 2014, veteran rider Gavin Gracyk replaced the retiring Jeff Gibson in Arenacross competition. Team Faith has also competed in the GNCC Off-Road Racing Series, where its UTV team captured the 2009 GNCC Lites Limited UTV Championship and the 2011 GNCC Lites UTV Championship with driver Chuck Lemaster and navigator Brian O'Rourke.

If that’s not enough, Team Faith also competes in the Hydro Turf Watercross National Tour. In 2010, Team Faith’s first season back into racing personal watercraft, team founder Brian O'Rourke won the Pro Hydro-X Racing Tour Sport Spec Championship. In 2013, Motocross ace Kelly Smith tried his hand at racing watercraft and finished third in overall points for the Hydro Turf Watercross Nationals in two classes: Sport Spec and the Sport Open Spec.

Driver Chuck Lemaster and navigator Brian O'Rourke in UTV competition at the St. Clairesville, Ohio GNCC weekend in 2011

Furthermore, Smith won the US National Championship in the Sport Open Spec class at Charleston, WV, and also finished fourth overall in the same class at the IJSBA World Finals. He’s currently the defending Pro Watercross Tour champion, but is trailing the points leader this season in Sport GP.

Brian O' Rourke finished second in Overall Points for the Hydro Turf Watercross Nationals in both Sport Spec and Sport Open Spec classes and finished 7th Overall in the same class at the IJSBA World Finals.

In addition to all of that, the Team Faith Freestyle Motocross team has performed over 250 jump shows at festivals, fairs, corporate events, and for churches and youth groups all over the country.

Kyle Wyman dragging a knee at the Circuit of the Americas

The most obvious hat that Kyle Wyman wears is the racing helmet emblazoned with the big, bold K&N logo. However, the multi-talented MotoAmerica superbike racer is actually a man of many hats. Wyman’s racing career has been a model of hard work - honing riding skills, fighting through injury, and building a competitive race team. “Racing superbikes is a full-time job all on its own,” Wyman states, “and I'm tasked with operating the race team on top of that.” Wyman has proven more than adept at hat – and helmet – juggling throughout his blossoming racing career.

The 2016 season has certainly been Wyman’s busiest and most rewarding yet. Never one to rest in a comfort zone, Wyman’s shift to superbikes was another major step in his racing career. “This year has been a whirlwind of mixed results and a massive learning experience for me,” Wyman reflects. He is fully aware that in racing, there is no chance at reward without substantial risk. “Jumping into the superbike class for 2016 was certainly going to be a challenge, but I really think it was the right move.”

The Kyle Wyman Racing team posing with the KWR Superbike

While Wyman calls his 2016 results “mixed,” the upside of that mix is substantial. “We have gathered a handful of top-5 finishes,” Wyman states. Anyone who watches Superbike racing knows how tough it is to finish in the top 5 in the immensely competitive field of America’s top national racing class. When asked about his personal highlight of the racing season so far, Wyman reflects, “I think the biggest highlight of this season was in Utah, when I crashed out of race one, won the Black Rhino Superbike Challenge race, then ran in the top 5 overall of race two all in the same day.”

You’d think that racing, managing, and ownership hats would be enough for Kyle Wyman to juggle, but he’s added one more for good measure. Wyman is also a philanthropist. His primary charitable cause is raising money and awareness for a cure for those suffering from Progeria. Progeria is a rare, fatal genetic condition which causes accelerated aging in children. Our hats are off to you on this one, Kyle.

Wyman atop the podium at the Utah Motorsports Campus

So what about that most visible hat? The K&N artwork on Wyman’s helmet reflects his confidence in the company. “K&N has been a supporter of mine since the 2012 season, and I'm very thankful for their backing of my program. They believe in the growth and success of me and my team” says Wyman, “and it doesn't hurt that their products are the best in the industry. I know that with K&N products in my superbike that I will have a reliable and powerful machine.” K&N has a full line of filtration and intake options for most modern sportbikes. To see what K&N offers for your vehicle, use the K&N search by vehicle tool.

Wyman has one last race in his 2016 Superbike campaign (September 9-11 in New Jersey) and then he will immediately begin working toward the 2017 season. “My goal is to continue growing my team, and to put myself in the best position possible as a rider.” With his solid success this year, Wyman has reason for optimism. The future looks bright for Kyle Wyman Racing.

The K&N 63-1573 Jeep Wrangler snorkel air intake is designed to fit below most popular LED bars

K&N has been involved in off-road racing since its inception in 1969. Those first dirt resistant air filters have evolved into the high horsepower K&N performance filters and air intake systems that are currently being used from the Baja 1000 to NASCAR. After decades of racing experience, K&N has finally applied the same intake technology to its brand new K&N 63-1573 AirCharger snorkel intake. This ruggedized all-terrain air intake system was engineered exclusively for the 3.6L Pentastar equipped Jeep Wrangler JK, and it can do a whole lot more than just increase your horsepower.

The K&N Jeep Wrangler snorkel intake system is made from rugged roto-molded polyethylene to resist damage out on the trail.

The Jeep Wrangler is designed for interesting people. They don't sip fancy lattés and go to poetry readings. They pull the top off and go to the beach. They drive across deserts, up mountains, and through streams. Life is too short for 'boring', and this rugged SUV helps its owners to enjoy every second. For the 2012 model year, the Wrangler JK got a much needed power increase thanks to the new 3.6L Pentastar V6. This state-of-the-art powerplant bumped the horsepower to 285-hp, and the wheel-turning torque now sat at 260 lb-ft. Both on and off road performance improved dramatically, but adding a K&N 63-1573 AirCharger intake system can get you an estimated increase of 6.58-hp, and 9.38 lb-ft of torque. You also get the ability to go farther than you've ever been, because your air inlet is relocated to the top of the windshield. The K&N AirCharger snorkel is a revolutionary idea in off-roading, and it provides all of the performance benefits that you've come to expect from K&N.

The K&N Jeep Wrangler snorkel air intake tube sits behind the fender for maximum protection. At the lowest point of the snorkel, there is an automatic drain valve that allows any dirt and water that may get in the system to escape.

The foundation of the K&N 63-1573 is the intake tube and sealed air box. Both are significantly larger and less restrictive than the factory units, which allows a high volume of cold air to reach the engine. The air box is sealed to prevent warm engine air from entering the system. It feeds air to the engine through the factory air inlet and the roto-molded snorkel. Under normal driving conditions, both air channels can be used for maximum performance. However, if the going starts to get rough, a plug is provided to seal off the lower inlet and further protect the engine from dirt, water, and debris. Now let's talk about the snorkel.

Thanks to the modular design of the system, you can remove the snorkel if desired and since there is no external cutting required, you would never tell it was installed in the first place.

Made of roto-molded high density polyethylene, the K&N 63-1573 AirCharger snorkel is designed to take the serious abuse that your rig endures out on the trail or while you're rock crawling. Unlike many Jeep Wrangler snorkel intakes, the main portion of the K&N snorkel tube is hidden behind the right front fender. This protects it from damage, and ensures that the engine can get a steady supply of air in difficult conditions. The snorkel itself was designed to be a little shorter, which allows it to fit beneath most LED light bars. It also has integrated accommodations for common A-pillar light bar/accessory bolt heads. As you drive down the road, air rushes into the snorkel, causing it to function like the 'ram air intake. The highly pressurized cold air then rushes down to the oversized K&N air filter, where it's cleaned and sent on to the engine. A unique feature integrated into the snorkel is an automatic drain valve at the bottom of the snorkel that will release any dirt and water that may make its way into system.

K&N 63-1573 Jeep Wrangler snorkel air intake matches the OEM look both with the underhood components and snorkel.

The heart of every K&N performance air intake system is that famous red air filter that lives inside of the air box. It's made from multiple layers of a specially woven cotton gauze material, then treated with a proprietary blend of red colored oil. As dirt enters the filter, it becomes trapped inside a web of sticky cotton fibers. That oil then soaks into the dirt to both hold it in place and turn it into a sticky filtration element. Thanks to its high-flow depth loading design, the oversized conical K&N air filter can go up to 100,000 miles before it needs to be cleaned. However, if your off-road playtime gets a bit dirty, we recommend checking the filter more often.

One note about installation: because of its inboard design, the right front fender will need to be removed in order to install the snorkel. Also, thanks to its modular design, the K&N 63-1573 AirCharger snorkel intake can be used without the snorkel. And since no exterior cutting is required, should you decide to remove the snorkel, you will never tell that it was ever installed. If you would like extra protection for your filter, K&N offers a DryCharger filter wrap.

Built by the industry leader in automotive filtration, the K&N 63-1573 AirCharger snorkel intake is engineered to take your Jeep and its performance, farther than it’s ever been.

Features & benefits of the K&N 63-1573 AirCharger snorkel intake system:

• Developed exclusively for the 2012-2016 Jeep Wrangler JK
• Guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque
• Provides quicker throttle response
• Additional cold air volume allows the 3.6L Pentastar V6 to make more horsepower and torque at lower RPMs
• Dual air channels for maximum on-road performance
• Integrated drain to automatically remove dirt and water from the system
• Snorkel height won't interfere with most LED light bars or overhead accessories
• Snorkel and intake are made from rugged high density polyethylene
• Reusable K&N performance air filter won't need to be cleaned for up to 100,000 miles (depending on road/trail conditions)
• Can be used with or without the snorkel
• Replaces the stock intake system and can be installed without making any exterior modifications
• Backed by the K&N 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty

K&N 63-1573 AirCharger Snorkel Intake will fit the following Jeep Wrangler models:
2016 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6
2015 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6
2014 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6
2013 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6
2012 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6

Rows of vendors lined the aisles displaying their latest product and handing out free goodie bags

K&N attended Auto Enthusiast Day at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California in junction with AEM, Spyder, and Rockstar Garage. Nic Ashby, coordinator of Rockstar Garage, has attended several events throughout this year sporting the K&N banner. You might have seen the co-branded trailer at events like the Lucas Off Road Series with long lines of people waiting to receive their free Rockstar beverage, take home some free goodies, and ask about the latest products on display.

Auto Enthusiast Day is a free event to both car show participants and spectators. Located in the parking lot of Angeles Stadium, the show brings people from all over the Southern California region. A couple hundred vendors along with a couple thousand cars are also on exhibit during the one-day event.

The show is divided into two segments: the car show and the vendor midway. Rows of vendors lined one half of the lot showcasing their latest products and display vehicles. Vendors from suspension and brakes to shift knobs and clothing lines were in attendance with several handing out free goody bags and raffle prizes. Some vendors including Nitto Tire, who was the presenting sponsor, and RTR displayed vehicles like Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s Mustang and Matt Powers’ Nissan S14 in addition to autograph signing sessions from each driver.

The K&N co-branded booth was filled with people asking about vehicle applications and new products until the sun set and gates closed

The show featured a little of everything from the import scene to the off road crowd. On the opposite side of the lot sat several trucks and Jeeps with the latest upgrades in suspension and off road accessories.

In the back lot, behind the Nitto Tires booth, drift exhibitions took places throughout the day. In addition to drifting, a truck demonstration featuring Ultra4 Buggies, Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s F150 and Cody Curries’ Pro Lite Race Truck took place, taking passengers for ride alongs during each demonstration. Spectators five rows deep stood at the fence hoping to catch a glimpse of the action from spectacular jumps to side-by-side drifting.

Back in the vendor midway, spectators stood in line at several of the booths to receive free goody bags, win prizes and get autographs from their favorite drivers. Though located in the back half of the midway, the K&N booth was filled with onlookers asking about vehicle applications and new products.

As the day came to an end and the last of the K&N stickers and flyers were distributed, people took to social media taking about the event. The event, which only takes place twice a year, once in Texas and once in California, has grown significantly over the last two years, including new exhibits, several more vendors and a huge array of show cars. We look forward to watching the evolution of this show and hope to be back on display at the 2017 event.

The K&N booth was joined by AEM, Spyder, and Rockstar Garage at the Auto Enthusiast Day in Anaheim, California

Thousands of people attended the one-day event, which was free to the public and car show participants

Drivers like Vaughn Gittin Jr. were available for autographs and pictures when they were not on the track putting on a show

The show featured a little of everything from the off road crowd to the import scene and a handful of muscle cars

Behind the Nitto Tire booth was a fenced off section where spectators could catch a glimpse of the action from Ultra4 Buggies to drift demonstrations

K&N-sponsored driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. took to the course alongside Cody Curry, both taking passengers out for the ride of their life

Harrison Burton discovered the highs and lows of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee in April.

Harrison Burton is ninth in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East standings after 11 races. He has three top 10 finishes.

The 15-year-old rookie driver, one of the NASCAR Next class of drivers, won his first pole of his K&N Pro Series career at one of the toughest stock car racing tracks in the country. He led the first 13 laps of the race. In many ways, it was a breakthrough race for Burton and his team.

“Our best race, it doesn’t show up on paper, was Bristol,” said Burton, who drives for the HScott Motorsports team with Justin Marks. “We were leading the race and qualified on the pole and ended up blowing a motor. We’ve had a lot of things like that happen to us. It made our stats look on paper not where we want them to be. I think that would be our high point.”

Burton said the race at Bristol was the high point of his rookie season in the K&N Pro Series East. It was also his low point. All the hard work his team put into the car and the race didn’t pay off the way he wanted it to.

“It’s tough. Racing is a sport like a roller coaster,” Burton said. “It’s a lot of ups and a lot of downs. It was pretty heartbreaking for me. We struggled in the week before. We broke through and we were leading the race. To have something like that happen was really heartbreaking. It was really tough to deal with. At the same time, we were happy that we had run well. We were also sad that we blew a motor. We were running well and what we did didn’t affect what happened. It was really tough.”

He ended up 23rd in the race at Bristol. The race before, at Greenville Pickens Speedway in South Carolina, he was 15th. He had a rough start to begin the K&N Pro Series East season, with a 13th place finish in the opener at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. He posted a seventh-place finish at Mobile International Speedway in Alabama in his second K&N Pro Series East start, the one bright spot in his first four races. Learning his way around new tracks in the K&N Pro Series East was only part of the development for Burton. As part of the NASCAR Next class, he was also learning how to deal with the media and delivering for his sponsors and supporters.

“It’s really cool being a part of the program,” Burton said. “I have a lot of friends that were a part of it. I am making friends with a lot of the people that are a part of it that I didn’t know so well. To me that’s what really helped me.”

Harrison Burton, one of the NASCAR Next drivers, won the pole for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway in April.

He added that he learned the business of racing as well as the sport by being a part of the NASCAR Next class.

“It’s kind of tough,” Burton said. “I have done a lot of things that a lot of 15 year olds can’t say they’ve done. I have gone to businesses to ask them for money to help me go race.”

Burton posted his first top-five finish of the season at Columbus Motor Speedway in Ohio. He added a seventh-place finish at New Hampshire International Speedway in the next race. But he had some poor results at Virginia International Raceway, a road course, and Dominion Raceway. He was 11th at Virginia and 21st at Dominion. He said not only was it a challenge learning new race tracks, but the style of some of the other drivers caught him by surprise.

“Something that really surprised me a lot was the aggressiveness of a lot of drivers,” Burton said. “The body styles we have now, it allows you to bump someone without wrecking them. The late models, where I came from, if you hit someone from behind, they’re probably going to spin out. They get the rear tires off the ground. But now I can hit someone and they won’t wreck and you can move on from that. It’s been kind of an adjustment period for me to get used to that.”

Harrison Burton finished fourth in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Columbus Motor Speedway in Ohio in July. It is his best finish in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series this season.

He was 26th in the K&N Pro Series race at Iowa Speedway, a race that combined the drivers and teams from the East and West Series. Among the East Series drivers, Burton was 15th. He posted a 12th place finish in the race at Watkins Glen International in New York, another road course. He is ninth in the K&N Pro Series East standings with three races to go.

“I am never really fully happy unless I have won the race,” Burton said. “I’m not really satisfied with top 10. It’s a real competitive series though. It’s pretty cool to be part of the top 10 in points, but to me, I am never satisfied unless I am winning whatever category we’re talking about. I will not say I am satisfied with that, but I will say it’s really hard, it’s really hard to win in this series. That’s for sure.”

The K&N Pro Series East visits Greenville Pickens Speedway again, New Jersey Motor Sports Park, and Dover International Speedway in Delaware before the season ends.

“We just want to be more competitive,” Burton said. “We want to be in position to win races. Even if you’re in position to win the race, you’re not always going to win the race. To me, just getting in position to win, being fast everywhere we go, is the big goal for me.”

Burton said he appreciates having the K&N backing in the series. He said he understands how much K&N’s support means to giving young drivers a chance to gain experience and move up in the world of NASCAR.

“K&N is a huge supporter of the series. It’s really awesome,” Burton said. “We get a lot of support from K&N as far as marketing and getting the name of the series out there. It’s really cool to have a company that’s interested in helping the up-and-coming drivers.

“Without a company like K&N, the series couldn’t happen. If I didn’t have my sponsors, I couldn’t race. K&N has helped every single driver in the K&N East or West field just by being the sponsor. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love to do.”