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Begining stages of this custom 1996 Off-Road Ford Ranger Pickup
You've seen the comedy setup before, three friends sitting around, left to their own devices, and next thing you know they're jamming across country in search of a romanticized perfect burger joint, while in route mischief and frivolity ensues. Okay, this is nothing like that, except for the three friends part and maybe some merriment.
Custom Built 1996 Off-Road Ford Ranger Truck
"We were sitting in the desert watching all these trucks that were half done, and talking with people that had bought vehicles because they didn't know how to begin to build one. So we decided to venture on building a 1996 Ranger on a $15,000 budget," explains Brian Johnson laughing.
Two years and multiple tests later, and with a revised budget of $35,000, Jeff Itschner, Craig Otto and Johnson had themselves a snarling, totally race-worthy, off-road truck. The three of them built the entire truck from the ground up in a two-car garage.
Jeff Itschner, Craig Otto and Brian Johnson built the entire truck from the ground up in a two-car garage
Was the project tougher or easier than they expected? "Easier, but a lot more time consuming and a lot of geometry," says Johnson. "There were also some hurdles, like getting the driveline setup correctly so it's able to handle the 480 horsepower motor. After three transmissions, three driveshafts and a rebuilt rear-end, all the tests are good now."
Getting the correct filter setup was a whole lot easier and far less time consuming. "BFE Performance in Lake Elsinore, California uses nothing but K&N products on all their motors, and we already knew that they are the most dependable filters on the market. We have been using K&N air intakes on all our personal vehicles for years," says Johnson.
After the first two, expensive, shakedown runs, they've got the truck completely dialed in now. "We had the truck going along a section of four-foot woops all weekend long at 105 mph with no problem," says Johnson. "We love the end results so much that we sold the vehicle and are starting a new, bigger, faster one that we do intend on racing, and we would love to have K&N on-board for the next build."
Stay tuned for the sequel "The Three Amigos Go Huge."
1996 Off-Road Ford Ranger Specifications:
STEREO: JL Audio T21000.1, J2 360.2, (1) PR. OF C2-650 Components, (2) 10W3V3-4, Eclipse Head Unit With Navigation
MOTOR: 383 Stroker pushing 480 Horsepower Built by BFE Performance
SHOCKS FRONT: FOX 2.5 16" Coil Overs and FOX 2.5 16" Double Bypass
SHOCKS REAR: FOX 2.5 16" Double Bypass
SUSPENSION FRONT: Equal Length I Beams with 22" of Travel
SUSPENSION REAR: Deavers with 19" of Travel
OTHER MOTOR COMPONENTS: K&N Air Filter, K&N Filter Wrap, K&N Wrench Off Oil Filter, K&N Fuel Filters, K&N Crankcase Vent Filters
STEERING: Equal Length Steering with Heims
FUEL SYSTEM: Jazz 32-Gallon Fuel Cell with Holley Carburetors
SEATS: PRP Racing Seats and 5-Point Harnesses
WHEELS/TIRES: KMC 15" Beadlocks with ProComp 35x12.5x15 Tires
GAUGES: Autometer Pro Series
TRANSMISSION: TCI Competition Turbo 400 with Transmission Cooler
GRAPHICS: Awthentik Graphics
ADDITIONAL INFO: AV Comm Race Radio, Parker Pumper, Supertrapp Exhaust, MSD Ignition, (8) HID Lights
Kawasaki's VN2000 Vulcan motorcycle features a 2053cc (125 c.i.) V-twin engine. This makes the VN2000 the largest motorcycle Kawasaki has ever produced.
High-Flow Replacement Air Filter KA-2008 for 2004-2010 Kawasaki VN2000 models.
Massive engine displacement, liquid cooling, and electronic fuel injection are
the ingredients used in this recipe for power. Kawasaki’s VN2000 Vulcan
motorcycle is capable of producing 141 lb-ft of torque at a mere 2,800 rpm.
K&N has released a new washable/reusable High-Flow Air Filter™, part KA-2008, to meet the performance demands of these machines and their owners.
This high-flow replacement air filter is washable/reusable, pre-oiled and ready to ride. K&N’s KA-2008 is specifically designed to fit into the stock air filter assembly of 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Kawasaki VN2000 Vulcan models.
K&N high-flow replacement motorcycle air filters are designed to provide increased airflow, resulting in increased performance while providing excellent filtration and long service intervals. Fuel management modifications to your VN2000 are not usually required to obtain increased performance.
Covered by the famous K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty®, and made in the USA, K&N’s KA-2008 will be the last air filter your VN2000 Vulcan motorcycle will ever need.
Below is a list of models that part number KA-2008 fits:
Winning the 52nd March Meet was almost as good as winning the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series for Davenport
Celebrating 52 years of racing, the March Meet run at the historic Auto Club Famoso Raceway (just north of Bakersfield, California) is a three-day speedfest, it's the Mecca of old-school drag racing, or as fans refer to it 'the Jewel of Nostalgia Racing.' It's a big deal regardless of how you tag it and Doug Davenport, the Las Vegas, Nevada resident piloted his blue-jewel, front-motored econo dragster to victory in the Nostalgia Eliminator II division.
Davenport making lap after wheels-up lap to get dialed in for the big race
"It's was almost as good as winning the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series in 2009," says Davenport. "We had some problems when we arrived at Bakersfield because I switched tire manufactures (M/T to Hoosier) and the new tires hooked so well we were having problems getting off the starting line. After some fine-tuning we got it figured out and we were off to the races. I really believe it's every drag racers dream to win the March Meet and this dream came true for me in 2010. I have been going to the March Meet since 1968."
Davenport says if all goes to plan he would like to repeat as NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series Champion this year. Which is a very realistic goal for the veteran racer.
"K&N has sponsored me in all my racing efforts for over 20 years and they have simply been great," comments Davenport. "Whether it was off road-racing (MTEG), or the NASCAR Sportmans Series, or my drag racing career, they have been behind me all the way supplying the best oil and air filters in the business."
Davenport says there are a few other things he's energized about for the season. "I am really excited about our Nostalgia Funny Car (The War Horse AA/FC) for 2010, and working with Kenny Koretsky, and the "NITRO FISH" brand on the NHRA circuit."
Davenport will be attending over 30 drag races this year, so it's going to be a busy 2010 for "Dynamic" Doug Davenport.
Joon Maeng testing his new RX-8 drifter for the first time
Joon Maeng won the Formula Drift "Spirit of Drifting" award in 2007, and if you've ever had the pleasure of meeting this talented driver, you would immediately know why. He lives and breathes drifting, and has worked endlessly to make his passion into a reality, while continuing to always maintain a positive and grateful attitude.
Joon Maeng and the team have been working to make sure the vehicle is fully-prepared for the Formula D series
For the 2010 season, Joon has teamed up with Bergenholtz Racing and will be driving the Full Tilt Poker Mazda / Nitto RX-8 in the Formula D series. He finished 17th overall in points in the 2009 season as a privateer.
The Formula Drift season is coming up quick, and Joon and the team have been working around the clock to make sure that driver, vehicle, and team are all fully-prepared to make a grand entrance come first round. The RX-8 has seen track time once so far this year for a test day, and Joon made sure to push the vehicle to its limits in order to give as much feedback to his team as possible. More practice sessions are on the agenda "so that if there are hidden problems laying dormant from within" says Joon, "these practice sessions can shake the glitches to the surface and have them rectified by team."
First race for Joon Maeng is the season opener of Formula Drift on April 9-10 in downtown Long Beach, California
Repetitive test sessions can take a toll on any race-prepped vehicle, so Joon and the team rely on K&N products for the Full Tilt Poker Mazda / Nitto RX-8. "The K&N oil filter and breathers keep the Mazdatrix 3-rotor and TiAL turbo running strong and clean. Not only do they help keep junk out of the engine, but they also perform reliably. In drifting we are constantly driving at high RPMs, and to have a phenomenal filtration system helps the longevity of the rotary engine and turbo. It's practical to run on a proven system that works."
Joon Maeng with his new RX-8 and new team
With a new car and a new team, Joon is glad to be able to relieve himself (at least a tiny bit) from the challenges and pressures of being a privateer. "In the short time we've been together, every member of Bergenholtz Racing strives above and beyond to get me out there on the track so that I am a step closer to victory," says Joon. "Their diligence and faith in me prove that it's not just about the driver; it's also about those behind the driver who, in my case, really are the powerhouse of all that's in store this year. In return, I want to bring to the forefront our amazing collaborative energy in hopes of it being seen as a direct reflection of what comprises this team's core."
Joon Maeng's Full Tilt Poker Mazda / Nitto RX-8
Joon admits that one of his biggest challenges this upcoming season may be liberating himself from the total control that he once had as a privateer. "I have been relying on myself to be the alpha and omega of my ambitions for almost all my life, so it's hard to detach myself from the direct process of control," says Joon. "With my inception to Bergenholtz Racing, the present is a good a time as any to end one chapter of my life and start a new one. So far it's been amazing since everyone is uber responsible and just as passionate, if not more, about this sport as I am. I'm just riding the waves right now and enjoying it."
First up for Joon is the season opener of Formula Drift which takes place April 9-10 in downtown Long Beach, California, where the city streets are shut down to be used and abused by fast speeds and smoking tires. What is Joon's key ingredient for success at the first round of America's pro drift series? "It's fairly simple actually: expect the worst and hope for the best."
Meyers in victory lane after history making come from behind win (far as we know that's not lady luck next to them)
Lady Luck, sometimes she disdains, other times it's all smiles and giggles. When Jason Meyers and Elite Racing pulled into the dirt track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the World of Outlaw's Las Vegas Super Sprint Classic, things weren't looking pretty. The night before Meyers qualified in eighteenth position - no giggles there. Yet, with only two laps go, Meyers rolled the bones, and pulled off one of the most spectacular moves for a victory - ever. An instant classic immediately referred to by many as one of the greatest races in Sprint Car history.
Elite Racing team celebrates second victory of the season at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, California, Meyers' home track
"I don't think I have ever won a race from that far back and I don't know when the last time an Outlaws race was won from that far back," remarked Meyers after the race.
"To be part of one of the greatest races in the history of sprint car racing is certainly an honor. That night in Vegas was certainly a career moment for me, as well as our entire team." People will indeed be talking about, and comparing other races to this one from here on.
"During those last few laps is when I actually realized that we had a shot to win the race. I had started the race with the goal of getting our car in the top-ten, attempting to minimize the damage to our points standing on an evening where we were hindered by unforeseen mechanical issues. As the race wound down, and we made our way to the front of the pack, I realized that I had a chance to get the car in the top-five, but then once I got into the top-five I was able to continue moving forward. When I passed Steve Kinser for the second position and saw that the leader was just in front of me, I realized that I could actually win the race."
Meyers says that when he's racing it's tough to know exactly what lap he's on, he just keeps charging.
"But when I got to the front, I knew we had to be close to the end," he adds.
"When you come from the back like that, and have as good of a car as I had, you just go for it. You get in that zone where there are no numbers on the cars, they are just cars, and you go wherever you can to get by them. I would definitely have to say that the stars lined up that evening and my good friend Jim Boyd, who we lost unexpectedly only four days before, was looking over us, and showing me the way to the front."
If the stars continue to align, where would Meyers like to see them lead?
"Right now my short term goals are to win the World of Outlaws championship, as well as the Knoxville Nationals. We have come very close many times and we want this more than anything. In the long term, my goals are to build Elite Racing into a multi-car team that is capable of winning championships, and has strong corporate financial backing. I want to build the team to a point that when I decide to step out of the drivers seat, that I will be able to hire a talented driver and continue to oversee operations and provide that driver with the proper team around them to win championships."
"Our relationship with K&N is going on seven years now. At Elite Racing we work very hard to build strong working partnerships with our vendors that make both parties better. We use K&N air filtration products exclusively on our cars to protect our number one asset, our Charlie Garrett horsepower," reflects Meyers.
"We have worked, and continue to work, very closely with the staff at K&N to help make sure that they are providing the finest and most advanced products to market, that way we win races, and they can sell even better products. K&N has been an incredible partner to Elite Racing, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come, and to enjoy many more trips to victory lane together."
Meyers and Elite Racing rode the Vegas momentum surge into Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, California, and recorded Meyers' second victory of the season in the World of Outlaws competition at his home track last weekend.
