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Joe Sylvester Partners with 2Xtreme Racing and the Bad Habit Monster Truck

Feb 22, 2014

Joe Sylvester will be racing in TORC off road racing series this season, he will still manage to find time to wow his fans from the seat of the Bad Habit monster truck in the Monster Jam Series as well.

Joe Sylvester is certainly not a new name in the world of monster trucks. However, with 2014 will come change. Sylvester recently embarked upon a partnership with 2Xtreme racing for the Bad Habit Monster Truck. The driver and his team are also looking forward to another new venture.

Joe Sylvester recently earned a victory at a Monster Jam Series event help at the Sleep Train Arena at Sacramento, California.

Those who follow TORC are apt to see the driver competing in off road racing. Sylvester will be driving the #8 in the pro light class and plans to run the entire TORC schedule. This particular venture will consist of 14 rounds; two rounds per event for seven weekends.

Of course, many hours have already been and will continue to be dedicated to preparing for his new endeavor. "We have built our own private test track to practice," explained the driver. "And I am also racing UTVs and go carts when time allows. I think in order to keep your skills sharp as a racer, you need to be in some sort of race vehicle at least once a week.

"My physical conditioning and training has also shifted from a bodybuilding type to more of a cross-training workout, to better my endurance and athletic ability. I want to be as energized on the 16th lap of the race as I am on the first.

With any new venture, there are uncertainties, but Joe Sylvester has no worries. "I have a really positive outlook on things," stated the driver. "and can't wait to get out there and race. The adrenaline rush of short course racing is second to none. Most of all, I am looking forward to a new challenge and new goals.

"I like to set goals for myself," he continued. "My goal for 2014 is to place at least in the top five by my second race, and by the end of the season, be finishing on the podium."

Although Sylvester is steadfast in a successful 2014 TORC season, that's no indication he's putting his monster truck driving on a back burner. In fact, he finds his new partnership with "Bad Habit" exhilarating.

"Bringing Bad Habit to 2xtreme Racing happened after the sale of my monster truck enterprise, and when my sponsors still wanted me involved in the industry," he shared. Racing under the 2extreme tent allows me more time to concentrate on my off road efforts during 2014; all while driving top-notch monster trucks."

When asked if the endeavor will benefit his partners as well, Joe Sylvester explained that new sponsors who came onboard with him will assist in their annual operating budget. He also suggested the recognition of having the WOD champ and world record jump holder on the team will prove advantageous as well.

As does any rig, each and every monster truck drives totally differently and take a little getting accustomed to. However, during a recent Monster Jam event at the Sleep Train Arena, in Sacramento, California, Joe Sylvester didn't allow the transition to slow him down.

Those following the Monster Jam series, are acutely aware of the quality of drivers, each event keeping followers and participants on the edge of their seats. Well, the race at Sleep Train was no different. In fact, it lead to an interesting string of events, not only providing spectators with stiff competition, but epitomizing the camaraderie and respect shared by the drivers.

After being deemed the victor by the officials, "Grave Digger" called Sylvester out to the floor during his interview, claiming his run was, hands down, better and handing him the trophy.

With aspirations of what will transpire in the months to come, the driver said, ""I would love to go back to the Monster Jam World Finals again in Las Vegas." And judging from Sylvester's previous track record, the potential is certainly there.

The driver and his team are acutely aware that proper maintenance ultimately plays a huge role in one's success. That in mind, they strive to keep their rigs in tip-top running condition and depend upon K&N products to ensure their engines remain contaminant free.

"I have used K&N products for as long as I've been racing; in everything from my big rig, karts, cars, quads, UTV, off road truck to monster trucks.I use their air filters, oil filters and degreaser. Hands down, the best filtration products money can buy."

When asked what fans can expect from Joe Sylvester and his team during the 2014 season, he concluded, "Look for us to make a big splash in the TORC Series with the #8 pro-lite, and my girlfriend, Cynthia, in her #341 1600 buggy. We will also have two other racers of whom we'll be preparing their pro-lites for the 2014 season and will be racing under the JSM tent."

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The Stronghold Motorsports Family Joins MAVTV Family for 2014 Off-Road Season

Feb 22, 2014

Stronghold's Scott Bailey is very excited about the new car and its performance and he expects a very successful 2014 season.

"We are very excited about the opportunity that was given to us by Lucas Oil and MAVTV to represent them as the MAVTV team for both short course and desert," reported Stronghold Motorsports Managing Partner, Scott Bailey. "We have been a Lucas Oil partner for about four years now, and we very much enjoy the relationship and the core values that Forrest Lucas and his team have, and how they match ours in daily business. Both in business and racing, we are a very family orientated team, so we're proud that we've been asked to join the MAVTV family, and we're going to do everything possible to make it a long and happy relationship."

For the 2014 season the Stronghold Motorsports team will be campaigning in the red, white and blue colors of the MAVTV American Real network.

The K&N supported Riverside, California based off-road racing team will be sporting new colors for the 2014 season, as they will compete in the red, white and blue colors of the MAVTV American Real network in both the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series and selected desert endurance events.

MAVTV, which has quickly become the leading network for motorsports coverage, stresses family values in both its management and programming. That philosophy also is the Stronghold cornerstone and Scott said after several successful years fielding multiple entries, the team will focus on that again.

"TV and the exposure that it brings are not the driving factors of why we participate in off-road racing," Scott added. "Our interest dates back to the late 1970's and the Mickey Thompson SCORE Off road World Championships that were held at the Riverside International Raceway. We currently have three generations of our family racing and that's very important to us.

The team drivers competing in the Lucas Oil series of short course races will be Scott's son, Brandon Bailey in Pro 4, grandson Madix Bailey in Jr.1 Kart, and Larry Job in Pro Buggy. Scott, Brandon and Larry will share the driving in the team's new MAVTV Alumi Craft Chevrolet Class 1 desert car. "We are very excited about the new car and its performance and expect a very successful year," Scott said.

The team began testing the Class 1 car early in January and opened its four-race desert season at the Best in the Desert (BITD) BlueWater Parker 425 in Parker, Arizona, on February 1-2, 2014. The team of Brandon Bailey, Scott Bailey and Larry Job drove Stronghold's new MAVTV/Toyo AlumiCraft Chevrolet to a 16th place finish overall and 2nd in the Unlimited Open Wheel class. Team manager Matt Salgado called it a "pretty awesome debut," and it could have been even better if not for a mechanical failure.

A new MAVTV Ford Pro 4 is being built for Brandon, who was the 2013 Rookie of the Year in the class, and that will debut when the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series opens March 22-23 at Wild Horse Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona.

MAVTV plans to slowly increase its live motorsports programming, beginning with coverage of the famed Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals January 18 and a return to the Challenge Cup on October 25. In addition they have signed broadcasting icon, Dave DeSpain, to host its live events and his own 30-minute interview and highlights show. MAVTV American Real is the fastest-growing network in the country and the leader in grass-roots motorsports coverage.

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TK Motorsports' Kody and Tanner Swanson Look Ahead to 2014 USCA Midget Race Season

Feb 20, 2014

Tanner driving the Bob Rosen Midget No.4 won a number of races last season, this victory came at All-American Speedway in Roseville, California.

Four years ago, in a June 2010 story about the Swanson brothers, Kody and Tanner, we wrote "Given the proper conditions, appropriate parental tutelage, more sunshine than darkness - few bonds on earth are any more powerful than brothers."

Tanner in the No.11 gets the inside line on Kody for a 1-2 Swanson brother finish.

At the time Tanner was 19, and he had just claimed the coveted "Night Before the 500," USAC National Midget title in his first attempt. Kody, his senior by three years, joined him on the third tier of the podium that night at O'Reilly Raceway Park. And the inspiration for that particular quote came from Kody's reaction to Tanner's mammoth victory. Kody was genuinely more moved for his younger sibling, than had he won the race himself.

The bond between the two TK Motorsports drivers has continued to strengthen with the passing of the years, tested by challenges, and the uniquely accelerated pace of life that all racers most contend with. We spoke with Kody and Tanner about their 2013 season wrap-up and what we can look for from the two K&N stars in 2014.

Looking back on 2013 what are some of the significant highlights, and perhaps moments you may not have seen coming, that stand out for each of you?

Kody: "This past year I got the chance to work with some new teams, and was fortunate to meet some really great people. I felt like everyone that I worked with last year was really into the sport for the right reasons, and it was great to see their excitement when we ran well. Those people really made racing fun again, and made 2013 a special season for me. I think Tanner and I share one special moment from 2013, and that was sweeping the USAC Silver Crown race at Lucas Oil Raceway."

Tanner drove the RFMS Racing Midget No.3 in 2011 and Kody will take the seat in 2014.

Tanner: "This year's Silver Crown race at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis was definitely a special moment. I had never driven for the Bowman/Canine Racing team before, so to pick up the win in my first start with them was special in itself. The fact that Kody finished 2nd, (making us the only brothers in history to have swept a USAC Silver Crown race, now twice), each driving for different teams, and teams that were new to both of us in 2013, just made it an incredible night, definitely something so awesome you never see it coming."

What are the most important changes you made to your team, cars and racing schedule for 2014?

Kody: "Probably the two biggest changes will be joining the DePalma Motorsports/ Radio Hospital No. 63 full-time on the USAC Silver Crown tour, and joining the RFMS Racing team in the USAC National Pavement Midget series. Last year, I pieced together my Silver Crown season driving for three different teams, including three races for the DePalma family on the pavement. We really worked well together, had some success, and I'm looking forward to competing for the series Championship with them this year. I'm just as excited to join Don Fike and the RFMS team for the National Pavement Midget series. I've raced against those guys for years, and I'm looking forward to the chance to work with them this season."

Kody's first win with the SpeedChasers, Inc. team came at M-40 Speedway in Michigan. Photo by Chris Seelman.

Tanner: "Not much is changing regarding my plans for 2014, but I think that it is a good thing. My schedule will be based primarily on the west coast, where I ran a lot of races for Bob Rosen last year, and we had some success together in USAC/BCRA Midgets. I also picked up a USAC Silver Crown event for the Bowman/Canine team, and hope to continue that in 2014 as well."

What keeps you guys busy these days when you're not at the track racing?

Kody: "Normally I'm working at Alt & Witzig Engineering out of Indianapolis, but when I'm not there, I'm usually at one of the team's shops. It seems like the off-seasons get shorter each year, so I'm happy to help get the ball rolling for 2014."

Tanner: "I work full-time for Golden State Farm Credit as a Credit Analyst, but I also spend time working with my own graphics operation, the Top Shelf Design Company. Also, I will be getting married this coming April."

Congratulations Tanner! Lastly, what are some of your race goals for 2014 and where does the season start for you guys?

Kody: "With the opportunity to compete for two USAC Championships (Silver Crown & National Pavement Midget) this year, winning both of those will be the ultimate goal. On individual race level, the goal is always to win, that's the reason we race. My season will start with the USAC National Sprint Cars 'Winter Dirt Games' in Ocala, Florida, February 20-22."

Tanner: "Since I won't be competing in any particular series for a points Championship, the only goals I'll have is to get the most out of each night, and ultimately striving to win each race. Where my season will start is still to be determined at this point, since the majority of the western states' schedules haven't been finalized."

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Josh Nepa Talks to K&N About His Amazing Supra Human 1003 Horsepower Toyota Supra

Feb 14, 2014

Josh Nepa's Supra Human Toyota Supra

We recently ran into Josh Nepa the proud owner of a 1998 Toyota Supra he nicknamed "Supra Human." With 36 pounds of boost, this Supra reaches 1003 rear wheel horsepower and is enough to make you stick to your seats when ripping through the gears. Josh took us for a ride in this beast and we witnessed shear amazement while Josh tried to get through the gears quick enough to allow the motor to propel us like a rocket down the pavement.

Spec Sheet for Josh Nepa's Supra Human

Everything about this car is custom, from the motor, which is clean enough to eat off of, to the custom House of Kolors Paint job. With all this work done, it's easy to see why this car wins at so many shows.

Josh told us one of his life goals was to have a car at SEMA. This goal was met during the 2013 SEMA Show. His Toyota Supra was placed out front, near one of the SEMA Merchandise purchase locations, and was considered by many to have the best spot at SEMA.

This is what 1003 horsepower looks like - The Supra Human

If you ever get the chance to feel what 1003 hp feels like - take it! This car was not only fast, it was also good looking and definitely turned heads. We asked Josh why he chose K&N and he told us that with this much custom work done to his motor, there is no way that he would pinch pennies when it comes to filtration… Josh said he chose the best company when it comes to all of his parts for his motor and K&N was the only company that came to mind when he chose his Air filter Part # K&N E-1997. Josh also explained that when it comes to a Turbo motor air flow is the most important part when producing horsepower and this made K&N his first choice in the filtration department.

If you ever see this car at a show, do yourself a favor and check it out! It is defiantly one of the fastest cars we have ridden in recently!

List of Mods:
K&N Performance Air Filter
2 Crave Custom Wheels
HKS Titanium Exhaust
Mishimoto Radiator
JL Audio Subwoofers
AEM Infinity Engine Management

1003 Horsepower Toyota Supra "Supra Human" Built by Josh Nepa

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2010-2016 Chevy Camaro Sees More Power with Simple to Install Performance Air Intake

Feb 5, 2014

K&N Air Intake under the hood of Chevy Camaro

The 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Camaro is a stylish muscle car with power to go when you are ready. K&N designed a new air intake style with black components that looks great under the hood while it adds power and torque to the powerful 6.2 liter Camaro engine. This powder coated black system is part of K&N's Blackhawk Induction™ air intake series. The air intake comes complete with a heat shield, a cone shaped filter and all necessary hardware for installation - all in a flat black color. All that is necessary to install the intake system is a few basic tools and about 90 minutes of your time.

K&N Air Intake System for Chevy Camaro

The 71-4519 was designed by our team of engineers to help increase horsepower and torque in the Camaro by creating a more direct path for air to get to the engine than is available with a factory air box. This particular system has an estimated 17.6 horsepower gain at 5191RPM and is also estimated to add an extra 17.6 foot-pounds of torque at 3164 RPM.

Dyno Chart for K&N Chevy Camaro Air Intake 71-4519

The black Dryflow air filter on this system provides excellent filtration to help protect your engine from outside dust and debris while maintaining a blacked-out look. The filter is washable and reusable, and when used in normal driving conditions can go up to 100,000 miles before needing to be cleaned. The durable Dryflow synthetic media used in this filter is tough enough to withstand pressurized air and water. And to top it all off, this intake system is covered by the K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty.

This air intake system is designed to fit the following vehicles:
2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2L V8
2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2L V8
2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2L V8
2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2L V8
2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2L V8
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2L V8

See all Chevy Camaro air intakes on the Air Intakes for Chevy Camaro page on KNFilters.com.

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