Dernières Nouvelles

K&N is the official air and oil filter sponsor of the 2014 Cycletrader.com Rock River Powersports Yamaha racing team seen here with team rider Ben Lamay

Yamaha began the four-stroke motocross revolution in 1998 and was ahead of its time. Many diehard fans of the tried and true two-stroke MX bikes laughed at the idea of a four-stroke motocross machine until Doug Henry successfully raced one in the 1998 Supercross series and they could laugh no more. The 1998 Yamaha YZ400F changed the face of motocross but was far from perfect. For years Yamaha, and its competitors, would work to iron out the wrinkles of four-stroke motocross technology until the two-stroke was nearly made extinct. In 2010 Yamaha introduced another revolutionary YZ-F, taking motocross motorcycle design to another level of forward thinking. The 2010 YZ450F wasn’t well received but for 2014 Yamaha worked hard to address the flaws inherent in the 2010-2013 models. Also, fresh for 2014 was the all-new YZ250F that is just as radical as the 2010 YZ450F motorcycle. This time though, Yamaha took hard learned lessons from the previous four model years of the YZ450F to make the 2014 YZ250F and excellent race bike right out of the box.

Replacement K&N air filter, number YA-4514XD, is designed to fit inside the stock air filter box of 2014-2016 Yamaha YZ-F models and includes a support frame for even sealing

Despite the forward thinking mass centralization technology built into the engine, suspension, and chassis of 2014, 2015 and 2016 YZ450F and YZ250F models, Yamaha equips these machines with a uninspiring air filter made from foam. 2014-2016 YZ450F and YZ250F owners can now equip their motocross bikes with the high-flow air filter technology incorporated into K&N replacement air filter, part number YA-4514XD. The new replacement K&N air filter YA-4514XD, is designed to fit into the stock air filter box without any need for modifications. K&N replacement air filters are made with specially woven cotton gauze. Because cotton, by nature, is more breathable than foam, K&N replacement air filters can flow more air than a typical foam air filter. More air can result in increased acceleration, improved throttle response, and more power.

The 2014-2016 Yamaha YZ450F and YZ250F models have a unique air filter box located at the front of the seat as seen here on David Pulley’s 2014 Supercross bike

It would be false to assume that an increase in airflow with a K&N air filter comes at the expense of filtration efficiency and engine protection. K&N engineers placed filtration efficiency and dirt retention at the top of the priority list when developing air filter number YA-4514XD for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 YZ450F and YZ250F models. K&N knows that a YZ450F or YZ250F will be raced in some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. This is why K&N paid extra special attention to the design of replacement K&N air filter YA-4514XD.

Perhaps the most important feature used in YA-4514XD is the four layers of our special tight weave cotton gauze sandwiched between wire mesh to form extra deep 1-1/4” pleats. Four layers of 1-1/4” deep pleated cotton filter media allows YA-4514XD to outflow the stock air filter, hold more dirt for long service intervals, and offer 97.44% overall filtration efficiency. K&N Yamaha YZ450F & YZ250F air filter YA-4514XD for 2014-2016 models utilizes an application specific support frame to ensure even pressure around the entire sealing surface.

K&N performs filtration efficiency testing following the ISO 5011 protocol with ISO coarse test dust to guarantee that our air filters will provide high airflow without sacrificing engine protection. Calling this test dust coarse is almost preposterous, as 22% of the dust is rated at 10 microns or less. To provide perspective, a human blood cell is typically between 6 and 8 microns across. K&N has made these detailed airflow and dust retention test results available for viewing.

Part number YA-4514XD can be washed and made like new using one of the K&N Recharger air filter service kits. Recharger, 99-5000, includes 12 fluid ounces of air filter cleaner and a 6.5 ounce aerosol bottle of air filter oil for quick and easy application. Recharger, 99-5050, differs in that it includes an 8 ounce squeeze bottle of K&N filter oil for a more precise application. K&N air filter oil is key to trapping dirt and providing high levels of engine protection, yet it doesn’t have that gross sticky texture like foam air filter oil.

It isn’t just K&N that thinks highly of the new YA-4514XD replacement air filter for 2014-2016 Yamaha YZ450F and YZ250F motorcycles. David Pulley, a privateer who raced the 2014 Supercross season in the 450 class, had this to say of his YA-4514XD air filter “Filter is awesome! Better throttle response and more hit on the bottom. It's working great! Sounds really good too.” Additionally, the Cycletrader.com Rock River Powersports Yamaha professional and amateur race teams used YA-4514XD with excellent results.

Air filter YA-4514XD for 2014 and 2015 YZ450F and YZ250F models is backed by a one year limited warranty. Replacement air filter YA-4514XD is designed to provide increased performance, reusability, and long air filter service intervals without any need for modifications or tuning for the following Yamaha YZ-F and WR-F motocross racing motorcycles:

2016 YAMAHA YZ450F 450
2016 YAMAHA YZ250F 250
2016 YAMAHA WR250F 250
2015 YAMAHA YZ450F 450
2015 YAMAHA YZ250FX 250
2015 YAMAHA YZ250F 250
2015 YAMAHA WR250F 250
2014 YAMAHA YZ450F 450
2014 YAMAHA YZ250F 250

A full list of K&N's Yamaha YZ450F air filters and Yamaha YZ250F air filters are available on KNFilters.com.

Heckert's victory in the Bully Hill Vinyards 125 at Watkins Glen was emotional as it was his first career win and at the upstate New York track where he grew up watching races

Andrew Ranger led a total of thirty laps in his Waste Management Bagster Ford during the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Bully Hill Vineyards 125 race at Watkins Glen International. Despite leading the majority of the race, Scott Heckert was able to come past Ranger on the inside during lap number fifty-one. Ranger and Cole Custer, in the 00 Napa Auto Parts Chevrolet, had been battling for the lead when a caution flag on lap forty-nine slowed down the race and forced a restart. With just two laps to go Ranger and Custer battled side by side with Custer trying to make a move on the outside. Unfortunately for both young men, this opened up a window of opportunity for Scott Heckert to sneak by on the inside just before the white flag.

Scott Heckert was able to gain the lead just before the white flag came out during the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Watkins Glen International in New York

“I was able to hold the lead for a long time, but unfortunately, with green-white-checkered attempts, things can get a little crazy,” remarked Andrew Ranger. He continued “The No. 00 car was really fast on the restarts and I was focused on him on the outside and never really worried about the inside and unfortunately I got passed.”

Andrew Ranger led a race high 30 laps in his Waste Management Bagster Ford but a mistake in the final moments of the Bully Hill Vineyards 125 at Watkins Glen International cost him the win

Ben Rhodes, who leads the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship points, had to work his way up to third place. At one point Rhodes was out of the top ten, but patiently made his way toward the front. “I got pushed back on one of the restarts but worked my way up, started passing people and watching what they were doing. I just went back out there and started to pick people off and save our stuff” said Rhodes.

Representatives from K&N and Bully Hill Vineyards were on site to congratulate Scott Heckert on his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East victory at Watkins Glen International

For a number of reasons the win for Scott Heckert was an emotional victory. Not only was this his first career win after two years of driving in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East series, but as a Ridgefield, Connecticut resident Heckert grew up watching races at Watkins Glen International. “Watkins Glen means a lot to me and my family. My dad's been coming here for forty years and it means a lot to us” said Heckert.

Ben Rhodes continues to lead the championship points race, with Cameron Hayley trailing by 75 points and a mere seven points separating Hayley and Brandon Jones who sits in third.

The next NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race will be the Biscuitville 125 at Virginia International Raceway.

Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Rick Robertson was presented with a gift certificate and a stack of parts from companies like K&N for his 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4x4

Rick Robertson, one of hundreds of service members who have posted their stories in the AutoPartsWarehouse.com Heroes Gallery, was surprised at his Tennessee home with a truck load of auto parts to fix up his 2005 Dodge Ram. The AutoPartsWarehouse.com Heroes Automobile Gallery was launched in 2014 and provides U.S. military members with a discount on auto parts as well as an opportunity to share their vehicles and a few words about their military history. AutoPartsWarehouse.com has held a special interest in helping the brave men and women serving the U.S. military for years.

Auto Parts Warehouse surprised Sergeant Rick Robertson at his Hohenwald, Tennessee home over the weekend with a gift certificate for $1,000 and parts from automotive partners like K&N

Sergeant Rick Robertson, who served with Bravo Company 2/327 of the 101st Airborne for ten years, enlisted two days after September 11th, 2001. Robertson said “I had been in the Army Reserves and National Guard all of my adult life at that point. I was in the Army Reserves as a Combat Engineer and the National Guard as a Power Generations Equipment Mechanic.” Robertson was filled with anger and confusion as he watched the graphic footage of the twin towers falling. Two days later he was in the Army recruiter’s office enlisting for active duty in the Infantry. “I joined the active duty because I wanted to protect our flag, our people, my friends, your friends, my family, and your family” said Robertson.

Rick Robertson lovingly refers to his 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 as Rambo and looks forward to replacing and upgrading parts like a performance air intake system from K&N

Sergeant Robertson served three tours in Iraq unaware that six months into his first tour he had broken his back. According to Robertson, during his first tour in November of 2003 his base came under enemy mortar fire around 10:00 p.m. “Myself and two friends were at the phone center when the mortars started hitting, so we started heading back to check in. While we were running in the confusion of mortars dropping in the dark, myself and one of my buddies fell into one of the very large craters in the runway,” recalled Sergeant Robertson.

Sergeant Robertson doesn’t let his back injuries keep him from working on his truck and installing a K&N air intake system on his 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 shouldn’t pose any problems

At first everything seemed okay, but after two days Robertson was barely able to move. His squad leader sent him to the medical station and they claimed he had pulled some muscles. Robertson said “I finally started feeling better around seven weeks after basically living on a cot. I was determined to get back out to the fight. I wasn’t going to let a couple pulled muscles take me out.”

It wasn’t until Robertson’s third and final tour in Iraq that another injury would reveal he had previously broken two vertebrae in his spine in November of 2003. Because of this Robertson now suffers from arthritis in his spine, multiple herniated and bulging discs, and one extruded disc. Robertson says he is actually an inch shorter than he was upon leaving the Army three years ago. Rick isn’t bitter though, despite this unfortunate series of events he remains positive saying “I believe things happen for a reason in life. I have always been one to roll with the punches. There are no mistakes, only lessons.”

Sergeant Robertson said “Leaving the Army was very difficult for me as well as my family. My wife still has the support channels she needs. These women go through hell day in and day out. They have to put up with us soldiers and all of our problems. They have to take care of the family when we’re gone. If it weren’t for my wife, life in general would have been much harder. The wives are the real heroes of wars!”

AutoPartsWarehouse.com was so impressed by Rick’s courageous story that they decided to award him with a gift certificate for $1,000 and products from industry partners such as K&N. Sergeant Robertson’s injuries don’t stop him from working on his 2005 Dodge Ram. He is an avid DIY kind of guy and plans to replace all the worn parts as well as perform some upgrades. “My truck means so much to me and I am grateful to AutoPartsWarehouse.com and their partners for this wonderful surprise,” said Robertson.

K&N is honored to have participated with AutoPartsWarehouse.com and to have helped Sergeant Rick Robertson. K&N Engineering, Inc. is a proud supporter of the U.S. Military and salutes the brave men and women who sacrifice day in and day out to protect citizens of the United States of America. For more details on the AutoPartsWarehouse.com heroes gallery please visit their website at autopartswarehouse.com/heroes.

Vaughn Gittin Jr brought the full Monster Energy rig out to Angel Stadium complete with his Mustang RTR drift car and the iconic 1969 Ford Mustang RTR-X

Whoever said it never rains in Southern California has been wrong two years in a row on the day of the Auto Enthusiast Day presented by Nitto Tire. Just as it did in 2013, Southern California storms dropped varying amounts of rain providing some relief from the heat. It would seem everywhere in Southern California was reporting rainfall except for Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.

Vaughn Gittin Jr was busy setting up and testing the drift course in his Ford Mustang RTR street car before the Auto Enthusiast Day presented by Nitto Tire was officially underway

Despite high heat and unusual humidity caused by storms surrounding the Orange County California area, thousands of fans and hundreds of cars showed up for the event. Their dedication was rewarded with a free event featuring drift sessions every hour, an autograph signing, raffles, and a car show. The second annual Auto Enthusiast Day, held in the parking lot of Angel Stadium of Anaheim, was free to spectators, car show entrants, and vendors alike. Dozens of vendors were in attendance handing out free swag to the diverse crowd of auto enthusiasts. The car show featured everything from classic and modern muscle cars, lowriders, and modified imports, to pre-runner pickup trucks.

The Auto Enthusiast Day presented by Nitto Tire hosted drift demos every hour and at one point had five drivers, including Vaughn Gittin Jr, on the course at the same time

Vaughn Gittin Jr, one of the most iconic figures in Formula Drift, attended the Auto Enthusiast Day presented by Nitto Tire. Vaughn brought the full Monster Energy sponsored race trailer including his Mustang RTR competition drift car, the iconic 1969 Mustang RTR-X, and a street going Ford Mustang equipped with the RTR dealer installed performance package. Before the Auto Enthusiast Day presented by Nitto Tire gates opened, Vaughn Gittin Jr could be seen setting up and testing the drift demo course. This hard work and dedication to the sport are part of what has brought Vaughn Gittin Jr to the level of fame he now enjoys.

Vaughn Gittin Jr dropped by the K&N booth in the Angel Stadium parking lot to say hi after he made the rounds autographing the cars of a few lucky car show entrants

Despite his star status, Vaughn knows that his fans are what give him the opportunity to live his dream. Perhaps the most coveted raffle prize awarded at the Auto Enthusiast Day was a ride along with Vaughn Gittin Jr during the drift demos. Between drift sessions Vaughn could be seen autographing the cars of a few lucky owners. Gittin stopped by the K&N booth as the event was winding down. K&N was able to catch up with him and get his take on the Auto enthusiast Day presented by Nitto Tire. "What an amazing event the Auto Enthusiast Day that Nitto Tire put on ended up being. I had an absolute blast driving with everyone and putting smiles on my passengers’ faces! Looking forward to next year's event already!" said Gittin.

K&N looks forward to attending the Auto Enthusiast Day presented by Nitto Tire next year. Southern California has such a strong and diverse car culture that this event can only get bigger in 2015. Hopefully the lyrics “It Never Rains In Southern California” won’t prove false for the third annual Auto Enthusiast Day presented by Nitto Tire.

Iowa Speedway once again proved to be anyone’s game as there have been 11 winners in 11 NASCAR K&N Pro Series races in Newton, Iowa

The drivers from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East dominated the race again. The Autolite Iridium XP 150 at Iowa Speedway pit the drivers from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West against each other. The K&N Pro Series East drivers took the top eight spots in the race.

Brandon Jones drove his number 33 Wolfpack Energy Services Chevrolet Impala to the lead on lap 142 winning by a mere .338 seconds over Kenzie Ruston

Jones took the lead from Sergio Pena late in the race. He passed Pena on lap 142 of the Autolite Iridium XP 150. Jones led only nine laps in the race.

“That was pretty crazy, the last few laps there,” Jones said. “These cars are so hard to win in and it was extremely hard to pass all night, I felt. So to get a win on one of the bigger tracks is pretty cool.”

There have been 11 winners in 11 NASCAR K&N Pro Series races at Iowa Speedway. Joey Logano, Chase Elliott and Corey LaJoie are among the first-time winners at Iowa Speedway in the K&N Pro Series. Jones won his first race in his 20th career start.

Kenzie Ruston, in the number 96 Ben Kennedy Racing Chevrolet, was the runner up at the Autolite Iridium XP 150 posting her best career finish and the highest series finish for a female driver

He was the runner-up at Five Flags Speedway in Florida and came in third place at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida this year.

Ruston posted the best finish of her career in the K&N Pro Series. She was the runner-up. She has two third-place finishes in her career in the K&N Pro Series. Her latest third-place effort came at Langley Speedway in Virginia.

Cole Custer won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series race at Iowa Speedway in 2013 and despite leading the most Autolite Iridium XP 150 laps, Custer would come in for a third place finish

No other woman driver has finished higher than third in the K&N Pro Series.

“I thought we were a little bit better than Brandon was, catching up to him a bit there at the end,” said Ruston about her late-race push for the lead. “We were there and I feel like all we’ve done is improve. I feel like a win is coming soon.”

Cole Custer, who won the K&N Pro Series race at Iowa Speedway in August of 2013, was third. He led a race-high 65 laps. He took the lead from Pena on lap 76 and was out front until lap 140.

“I drove a bit too deep in those final laps and got too loose,” said Custer. “We lost four spots and ended up finishing third, but I think we could have won.”

Brandon Jones and his Turner Scott Motorsports pit crew celebrate Jones’ first NASCAR K&N Pro Series win in the Autolite Iridium XP 150 at Iowa Speedway

Jesse Little won the pole and led the first 24 laps of the race. Brodie Kostecki took the lead from Little on lap 25 and was out front until lap 49. Ben Rhodes passed Kostecki for the lead on lap 50 and held it for 24 laps.

All three drivers made pit lane mistakes at the halfway mark and it cost them later in the race. Rhodes, the leader in the K&N Pro Series East standings, was seventh, Little was 12th and Kostecki was 15th.

Legendary NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace, seen here with Iowa Speedway president Jimmy Small, designed the Iowa Speedway track located at 3333 Rusty Wallace Dr Newton, Iowa

Rhodes managed to extend his lead in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East standings. He is 71 points ahead of Cameron Hayley.

Pursley, the leader in the K&N Pro Series West standings, was credited with a win as the highest-finishing driver from the West Series. He was ninth.

Pursley has a 34-point lead over Dylan Lupton in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West standings.

David Mayhew finished in 10th place. Mayhew and Pursley were the only two drivers from the K&N Pro Series West in the top 10.

The next race for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East is the Bully Hill Vineyards 125 at Watkins Glen International in New York on Aug. 8.

The next race for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West is the NAPA Auto Parts/Toyota 150 at Evergreen Speedway in Washington on Aug. 16.