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Classic to Late-Model Corvettes Reinvented and on Display at SEMA 2017

With over 60 years of continuous production, you would imagine a fair number of Corvettes from various eras would end up on display at the 2017 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Here are some of our favorite Vettes, ranging from one that would be eligible for Social Security soon to another that wouldn't be old enough to drive.

The car features a switch that allows exhaust to be routed to open side pipes

Another Roadster Shop creation powered by a 640 HP Chevrolet Performance LT4 Small Block

The Roadster Shop never disappoints with the cars they bring to SEMA. Based on the Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, this Corvette features independent suspension on all four corners controlled by coilovers and NASCAR style anti-roll bars. Steering is by power rack and pinion. Power comes from a supercharger 640 horsepower Chevrolet Performance LT4 crate engine. A clever, custom-fabricated exhaust system utilizes a full-length crossover system with muffler with the alternative of opening up the side pipes through a solenoid for a real full-throated sound. Wheels are honest-to-goodness and we’re still trying to figure out how they achieved the smooth-sided tires with only Firestone white letters applied.

The Split Ray required a completely unique DOT approved windshield

Not always noticable at first, but the Split Ray is over 6" wider than what came from the factory

One Corvette that was a continuous show stopper was the Split Ray, a 1966 Corvette that was cut in half and widened by over 6 inches. Built by Scott Roth of The Auto Shoppe in Vermont, his team cut and widened the car, custom-built a frame, hand-formed aluminum bumpers, installed custom, DOT-approved wide windshield, dropped in an LS9 with a custom blower cover from EVOD Industries. Along with a set of billet valve covers, they combine to give it the look of an updated Fuelie. EVOD also supplied the wheels, which appear to be knockoffs, but actually, hide a five bolt mounting. The interior certainly is inspired by a newer era, with many C7 components. The Split Ray was selected as one of 12 Top Builder finalists at the 2017 SEMA Show.

Constructed on a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis with four wheel independent suspension

This gorgeous blue over black Roadster Shop mid year was on many attendees' best of show lists

Another build from the talented team at Roadster Shop, this time it is a 1963 Pro Touring Corvette in a stunning blue over black color scheme. The tired body was removed and set aside, and the chassis replaced by a four-wheel independent suspension Fast Track chassis from the Roadster Shop. Then, the RS boys turned to Wegner Motorsports for power, ordering an LS3 with an Edelbrock supercharger drawing through a K&N Filter that easily develops 750 horsepower. Backing it up is a 4L80E automatic. Forgeline wheels size 19" and 20" bolt up to Baer Brakes. The body received a new front fiberglass clip as well as rear roof section and valance. The interior was handled by long-time RS collaborator Avante Guard Interior who did a masterful job in covering just about every square inch of the interior in black leather.



Here are a few more Corvettes that caught our eyes in our meanderings around the grounds of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

A popular trend among owners of older Corvettes is a thorough mechanical upgrade

How about a tasty '62 Roadster with an upgraded LS powerplant

No matter how much power an engine can create there's always more available with a K&N Filte

Big power under the hood and no paint chips on the nose. What more could you ask for?

Derek Kraus Wins K&N Pro Series West Sunoco Rookie of the Year

Derek Kraus of Bill McAnally Racing won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West rookie of the year

Bill McAnally Racing driver Derek Kraus won the K&N Pro Series West 2017 Rookie of the Year.

NASCAR K&N Pro Series West rookie driver Derek Kraus saved his best race for last.

He won the K&N Pro Series West season finale at Kern County Raceway Park in California. It was the first win of his K&N Pro Series West career and it helped him lock up the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award.

Kraus took the lead from Dillon Bassett on lap 106 of the West Coast Hall of Fame Championship 150 presented by NAPA Auto Parts and led to the checkered flag.

With Eric Holmes, a former NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion, as his spotter, Kraus was able to maneuver his way to the front of the field. Holmes told Kraus repeatedly to save his tires throughout the race. I paid off during the last 50 laps of the race.

“I think my car had better long-run speed and that’s what really helped us to win the race at the end of the night,” Kraus said.

Kraus posted three runner-up finishes in his rookie season before breaking through in the season finale. The car in the Kern County race was the one his team used in the first four races of the season. It posted some good finishes but didn’t notch its first win until the final race.

"It had a bunch of great finishes in the first four races,” Kraus said. “It didn’t finish out of the top four. It was fun.”

Kraus had nine top-five finishes in his rookie campaign, a number matched by fellow K&N Pro Series West rookie Will Rodgers. Kraus won the rookie of the year award by seven points over Rodgers.

“It means a lot. It was a really tight battle between me and Will the whole season,” Kraus said. “They kept us on our toes the whole time. There was no time for breaks or relaxing. He was within five points the whole year, I’m pretty sure. That’s what made it fun the whole year.”

Kraus said he gained a ton of experience in his rookie season in the K&N Pro Series West. One of the biggest benefits was traveling to different race tracks, especially Sonoma Raceway in California, the only road course on the schedule.

“The hardest was getting adjusted to the new tracks,” Kraus said. “Every track we went to was brand new for me. That’s what I like about it too. The hardest part was getting adjusted to every new track that we went to. It was really fun learning all these different tracks, Kern County, they got a really nice place out there in Bakersfield. Tucson, Arizona, I really liked their track how you can spread out a bunch. Iowa I really enjoyed and Sonoma as well.

Kraus finished second at Sonoma, behind NASCAR Monster Cup Energy Series driver and champion Kevin Harvick.

“We were really good at Sonoma,” Kraus said. “That was my first time ever on a road course. That was probably the most fun I’ve had. It was a fun year for sure.”

Kraus said when he tested with Bill McAnally Racing before the season started, he knew he would have good cars. The testing gave Kraus a ton of confidence heading into his rookie season.

“We knew that it was going to be a really good piece that we were in,” Kraus said. “I knew we had to take advantage of it. Every race we went to we were really good. That helps a lot. They are a really good team. Everyone works together really well and a lot of teamwork.”

Derek Kraus' win at Kern County secured his spot as the 2017 Sunoco Rookie of the Year

Derek Kraus' win at Kern County secured his spot as the 2017 Sunoco Rookie of the Year

In addition to having solid cars, his teammates, Todd Gilliland and Chris Eggleston, at Bill McAnally Racing proved to be valuable assets. Gilliland won his second K&N Pro Series West championship in a row. Eggleston won the K&N Pro Series West championship in 2015.

“With Todd and Chris being my teammates, that’s really good,” Kraus said. “They can help me with anything on the track and off the track. It was a really great year having them beside me the whole year.”

Having K&N as a sponsor and supporter of the series gave Kraus opportunities he wouldn’t have otherwise.

“They put on two great series, the East and the West,” Kraus said. “It helps younger drivers like me perform and show what we can do at the shorter tracks. It’s where we grew up racing. It gives us younger drivers an opportunity and that’s what I really like about it. We can showcase our talent.”

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Yoshimura Suzuki Wraps Up a Season of Dominance in MotoAmerica Superbike

Toni Elias racing in the MotoAmerica Superbike series

Toni Elias won 10 races on his way to the 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike title

The three stars of the 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike series all emerged from the Yoshimura Suzuki race tent. Racers Toni Elias and Roger Hayden were clearly the cream of the crop in the American Superbike paddock. However, the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 has to be given a spot in the limelight as well. Here is a look the three K&N-sponsored Superbike standouts.

Toni Elias

In just his second season in MotoAmerica Superbike, Toni Elias dominated the series like few others have. Elias racked up a staggering 10 wins on his way to the 2017 Superbike title. He now has 16 Superbike wins overall, which places him in a tie with racing legend Wayne Rainey for eighth overall in career wins in MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike history.

“This year was a dream season for me,” said Elias. “I again want to thank...everyone on the Yoshimura team who helped make it possible.”

Roger Hayden racing in the MotoAmerica Superbike series

Roger Hayden secured the most Superpoles of all riders over the 2017 MotoAmerica season

Elias’ series win gave Suzuki a record 14th MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike championship. It also solidifies Yoshimura Suzuki’s return to an elite level as the team to beat in the premier racing class in America.

Roger Hayden

Showing amazing resilience and the heart of a champion, Roger Hayden fought through family tragedy to earn three wins over the course of the 2017 season. Those wins, combined with double-digit podium finishes secured second place in the series for Hayden.

Hayden, who now has seven career MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike victories, also claimed a series-leading seven Superpoles in 2017. In the last leg of the MotoAmerica season at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, Hayden added both a win and another Superpole.

“I really like racing at Barber and my crew gave me a great motorcycle,” Hayden said. “It felt good to come out and win a race like that, leading every lap. It was a great way to close out the year and makes me really look forward to next season.”

Elias holding a K&N filter for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000

The new GSX-R1000 gets more horsepower from K&N filtration

2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000

To call the debut season of the all-new Suzuki GSX-R1000 a success would be a profound understatement. The 2017 Gixxer was clearly the class of the field from start to finish in the MotoAmerica Superbike season.

The fact that they were given such a fast bike on which to shine is not lost on either Elias or Hayden. “I want to thank Suzuki for giving us such a great weapon in the GSX-R1000,” said Elias.

If, like Elias and Hayden, you ride the newest version of the GSX-R1000, K&N has some great products for your Suzuki. K&N has developed the SU-1017 direct replacement air filter for street use and the race-specific K&N SU-1017R for the closed-course.

Elias and Hayden on the MotoAmerica Superbike series podium

Elias (right) and Hayden made a habit of sharing the podium in 2017

Championship by the Numbers

Elias 2017 Season Rank: 1

Hayden 2017 Season Rank: 2

Elias Season Wins: 10

Hayden Season Wins: 3

Elias Total Laps Led: 115

Hayden Total Laps Led: 125

Hayden Season Superpoles: 7

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Mustangs of all Generations Continue to Turn Heads at the 2017 SEMA Show

With over five decades of Mustang production, you’d imagine that the booths inside the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2017 SEMA show, as well as the display areas around it, would be chock full of Ford’s groundbreaking pony car. And you’d be right. Every generation of Mustang was on display in one form or another. Some more than others, as you might expect.

Here are a few of our favorites:

2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302

The entire intake system is from Ford Racing, except the K&N Air Filter

Hard to believe this hard-charging 2013 Mustang track day car is also a daily driver

Cool Boss 302 Track Day Car, right? Here’s the really cool part. It’s also Michael Heintz’s daily driver. As Michael works at Scat Crankshafts, he’s literally surrounded by motorsports every day, so why not on his drive into and home from work. Upgrades that Micheal has made include the full Ford Racing Cobra Jet intake system, McLeod Extreme Street clutch, Bassani exhaust, the splitter from the Laguna Seca Mustang, a Kognition Racing rear wing, KW Suspension coilovers, and Maximum Motorsports braces and suspension links.

1970 Boss 351 Convertible

This Mustang is now on just its third owner since new

Your eyes are not decieving you. A clever construction of what could have been.

No your eyes are not deceiving you. And before you jump onto an online search, not only did Ford not build any Boss convertibles, Ford didn’t build a Boss 351 in 1970 either. But that hasn’t stopped several builders around the country from creating one. This example was originally from California but now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the care of only its third owners since new. Powered by a 351ci pushed out to 471 CID and topped with Holley carburation atop an Edelbrock manifold backed by a four-speed automatic with Smart Shift. Spent gases are moved to the rear by a Magnaflow exhaust system. Stopping is managed by a front axle Master Power disc brake system. This Mustang rolls on Legendary Wheels wrapped by BFGoodrich rubber.

1967 Ford Mustang Fastback Reproduction

R3 also offers its own front and rear suspension designs

R3 has invested five years of research and development into reproduction Mustang bodies

R3 Performance Products displayed its officially-licensed replacement body shells for 1965-1970 Ford Mustangs. R3 offers buyers the choice of coupe, convertible, and fastback body styles. Any of the styles can be ordered in classic, street mod, or pro versions. Along with the reproduction bodies, R3 has developed its own Mustang suspension system. At the front, they offer a set-up that bolts to factory locations and can accommodate power steering, coilovers, and even a Coyote engine swap. At the rear, they’ve developed a cantilever suspension design that provides 10 inches of travel and only two new holes to be drilled to accommodate. R3 stated they’ve invested five years of research and development of the reproduction bodies, which are fully assembled in the US.

1979 Ford Mustang Pace Car

Powered by a 500 HP Aluminator engine drawing through a K&N Filter

For Fox Body fans, an excellent build for use by the Goodguys Shows event staff

Created for the Goodguys Shows, this Fox body Mustang has had flares fitted all around to accommodate massive the 18×10 and 19×12 Forgeline center-lock wheels with Michelin rubber. Custom floors and mini tubs were fabricated, then welded with the rockers onto a full four-wheel independent suspension Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis. Power comes from a Ford Performance Parts 5.2L Aluminator XS based on the GT350 aluminum block. Delivering over 500 horsepower, the engine draws through a K&N filter into combustion chambers sporting a 12.0:1 compression ratio. Mahle forged pistons, Manley H-beam connecting rods, and a forged flat plane crank keep the engine rotating. Exhaust is handled by a pair of custom-fabricated headers flowing into a three-inch exhaust and then through a pair of Flowmaster mufflers. A Bowler-modified Tremec T-56 six-speed transmission (originally developed for the Dodge Viper) moves power rearward. Baer Brakes assure there's enough stopping power to hold back the beast. This Fox is certainly going to garner its share of attention at upcoming Good Guys events.

Here are some shots of a few more Mustangs that caught our attention as we walked the SEMA Show.

Shelby posted that up to 75% of the purchase price of the 1000 can be financed

Shelby American announced its 1000 HP model, available new or as a retrofit, starting Q1 2018

New from MMI for the S550 include suspnsion links, coilover kits, and brake upgrades

Know for its early model suspension upgrades, MMI has added S550 suspension products to its line

Check out the chrome blue Triumph wheels, the color matches Sam's previous Mustang

Stage 3 Performance introduced its new V2 wide body kit for S550 Mustangs

Greg Anderson, Bo Butner Battle for NHRA Pro Stock Championship in Pomona

Greg Anderson racing in the Auto Club Finals in Pomona against teammate Bo Butner

Greg Anderson racing in the Auto Club Finals in Pomona against teammate Bo Butner

Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson is trying to treat the 53rd annual Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona like any other event. Except it’s not like any other event.

Anderson comes into the finals as the leader in the NHRA Pro Stock standings. He has a 40-point lead over teammate Bo Butner.

Jason Line, the third-place driver in the NHRA Pro Stock standings, is 76 points out of first place. To make it more challenging, NHRA is awarding 1.5x points to the drivers this weekend. The top-four drivers in the standings are within striking distance of the Pro Stock championship. Still, Anderson said he wants to treat this weekend’s finals like it’s any other race.

“I try not to do anything out of the norm,” Anderson said. “Try not to make it more than it is. Obviously, it’s what we race for all year long. You’re supposed to put it all on the line and do something special and try to get it done. If you do that, you’ll probably make a mistake. Put too much pressure on yourself and go backwards. Just trying to stay calm and relaxed and trying to tell myself that it’s just another race. It’s not. But that’s my goal.”

Greg Anderson took first place and another Wally earlier this year in Las Vegas

Greg Anderson took first place and another Wally earlier this year in Las Vegas

Anderson has been here before. He has won four NHRA Pro Stock championships, the last coming in 2010. He admits that it’s been a while, but it is nothing new to be in contention and having the championship come down to the final event of the season.

He won the championship in 2010 in the Countdown to the Championship format. The final six races of the season are the playoffs for the drivers and riders in the NHRA Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle divisions. “It’s crazy. I guess that’s the design,” Anderson said. “They want it to come down to the end of the day on Sunday. And that is certainly the coolest way, it makes it tougher on the drivers. I’ve been here before and I’ve witnessed that deal.”

Anderson won two events in the Countdown to the Championship, most recently the event in Las Vegas. He is a 12-time winner at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona and has 90 victories in his career. But this year has been one of the more competitive ones in Pro Stock. Anderson said as many as 10 drivers and teams have the potential to win the season finale at Pomona.

“Every year it seems like it does get tougher,” Anderson said. “The only way I can explain it is they learn the right way to race. They learn how to race at that top level. Every year we have more and more depth in the field.” Unlike Anderson, Butner is experiencing the Pro Stock Countdown to the Championship for the first time. Before this season, Butner never won a Pro Stock race. He has won four times this year. He still considers himself a sportsman racer, but he has become one of the top Pro Stock drivers quickly. “It’s a great year,” Butner said. “It’s a dream season, probably even beyond that because it’s in the pro category. I can’t ask for anything better. I’d like to be ahead, don’t get me wrong. We have a shot and that’s great.”

At the end of the weekend, it was Butner who took the win in Pro Stock over teammate Greg Anderson

At the end of the weekend, it was Butner who took the win in Pro Stock over teammate Greg Anderson

Butner has won one of the Countdown events. He has never been worse than second in the Pro Stock standings since the NHRA Spring Nationals in Houston in April. “We led from like Topeka on,” Butner said. “Of course if it was the other way, I’d love it. We started out 1-2 going into it. Now he’s one and I’m two.”

Butner has never won a Pro Stock race at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona. The odds might be stacked against him heading into the final race of the year, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “This is a different deal. It’s a dream,” Butner said. “That’s all I’ll ever be is a sportsman racer. It’s been great, but it would be unimaginable to get up there on stage. I don’t know what else you could possibly do. I’m not going to quit by no means. “I have zero nerves. I’m having a great time. It’s fun. I do this for enjoyment, not for a living.

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