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Jacob Cruz Builds Combat-Vet Edition Jeep Grand Cherokee to Promote Vets Cruizin' for a Cause

Aug 31, 2013

Jacob Cruz uses his 2006 Combat-Vet Edition Jeep Grand Cherokee to promote his non-profit corporation Vets Cruizin' for a Cause.

For Jacob Cruz, the custom car scene means a whole different meaning than it does for most people. Jacob is a US Army Combat veteran and he uses his 2006 Combat-Vet Edition Jeep Grand Cherokee to promote his non-profit corporation Vets Cruizin' for a Cause.

While in the Army Jacob saw a lot of horrible action and even served on an elite team that was directly involved with the capture of Saddam Hussein. While serving Jacob saw things that the average human wouldn't. Because of this, he decided that he must do something to give back to those that were injured, or worse yet killed, in the line of duty.

When Jacob got home he began work on his 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee, he wanted to honor his fellow military brothers and sisters in a way that only a soldier could. He decided to build a rolling tribute vehicle and raise money to help those that served our country. As one of the founders of "Vets Cruizin' for a Cause", Jacob and many of his family and friends attend car shows on the weekends to promote their charity and raise money to assist those in need.

For Jacob Cruz, everything on the Grand Cherokee has a meaning. The red symbolizes two things; the blood which was shed in combat and his unit's color.

For Jacob, everything on the Jeep has a meaning. The red symbolizes two things; the blood which was shed in combat and his unit's color. The Black carbon fiber symbolizes the special-ops, or black-ops, he conducted in combat operations.

When it comes to the stance of his ride, he wanted his Jeep to look mean and aggressive so he equipped the Grand Cherokee with 2 Crave Wheels model #25, in black of course, to symbolize Special Operations.

Jacob wanted the ultimate safety for himself and his passengers so he removed the factory interior and installed racing seats with full racing harnesses to protect them under any circumstances. Safety is Jacob's main concern when it comes to those around him.

Jacob Cruz tells us the black carbon fiber symbolizes the special-ops or black-ops he conducted in combat operations.

Jacob Cruz added horsepower to his Jeep Grand Cherokee with K&N air intake system 57-1548. "I like the performance gains and how they sell their products," Jacob explains. "The prices were very reasonable and the product was very reliable." K&N dyno testing showed a boost of 9.4 horsepower at 4397 with this air intake system installed. "Performance gains were exactly as advertised," Cruz continues. "I have had nothing but good experiences. The [K&N Jeep Grand Cherokee air] intake was easy to install and the products are straight forward. I have never had a problem with them."

We would like to thank Jacob Cruz for all he has done while serving our country and thank him for all that he continues to do with his non-profit charity "Vets Cruizin' for a Cause".

Take a look at the performance gains available for your vehicle by using the K&N Search by Vehicle on KNFilters.com. K&N air intakes for Jeep Grand Cherokee models and other cars, trucks, SUV, motorcycle and more are guaranteed to increase horsepower and performance.

Jacob Cruz uses his military tribute Jeep Grand Cherokee to raise money for those that have served our country.	Performance modified 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with K&N air intake 57-1548 for more horsepower	Jacob Cruz wanted to honor his fellow military brothers and sisters by turning his custom Grand Cherokee into a rolling tribute, in a way that only a soldier could.

Jacob Cruz wanted his custom Jeep Grand Cherokee to look mean and have an aggressive stance. He used 2 Crave Wheels model #25 in the color Black to symbolize Special Operations.	Jacob Cruz wanted the ultimate security for himself and his passengers so he removed the Grand Cherokee's factory interior and installed racing seats with full racing harnesses to protect them under any circumstances.	As one of the founders of Vets Cruizin, you can find Jacob Cruz and his K&N performance modified Grand Cherokee at car shows on the weekends promoting their charity and raising money to assist those in need.

K&N's Jeep Grand Cherokee air intake uses a K&N high flow conical air filter for excellent filtration and engine protection.	K&N dyno testing showed a boost of 9.4 horsepower at 4397 with this air intake system installed on a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L.	Directly above the Grand Cherokee's K&N air intake system are the words "All Gave Some, Some Gave All"

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Baja-Style Off-Road Racer Kyle LeDuc Rises to the Top in Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series

Aug 31, 2013

Kyle Leduc has achieved first-time winner in the Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR) series back in 2003, a Pro 4x4 win in 2008, and he's currently competing in both Pro 4 and Pro2 classes in the LOORRS Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

In a perfect confluence of "nature vs. nurture," Baja-style off-road racer Kyle LeDuc was destined to be a top competitor. Raised in the Baja California desert watching his father, the legendary off-road racer Curt LeDuc, compete and helping out in the pits, Kyle was born and bred in this world.

Earning his stripes while riding dirt bikes, Kyle, 31, first entered into the arena at age 19, racing in his first pro off-road race.

Piloting his Ford truck to a blazing "Fastest Lap" trophy in late June at Miller Motorsports Park, Kyle's Monster Energy-backed truck relies on K&N Filters to keep it in top shape.

Since then, Kyle has escalated through the ranks - as a first-time winner in the then Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR) series back in 2003, his first Pro 4x4 win in 2008, and currently competing in both Pro 4 and Pro2 classes in the LOORRS Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

Piloting his Ford truck to a blazing "Fastest Lap" trophy in late June of this year at Utah's Miller Motorsports Park, Kyle's Monster Energy-backed truck relies on K&N Filters to keep it in top shape.

"Getting the fastest lap trophy solidifies that we have a truck that can run with the top guys in the class," said crew chief, Sean Hodgdon in an interview with Jenn Hellstrom. Making 900-horspower requires every component on Kyle's truck work at optimum levels, and K&N Filters make that possible.

Kart Series Racer Hunter Smith in Top Five for Championship at Borger's Speedway

Aug 31, 2013

Hunter Smith has a win, a pole, three top 5's and six top 10's in just eight starts running a limited schedule in the Slingshot by Tobias National Series and full time at Borger's Speedway in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania.

Most kids just want to race, but Hunter Smith has found a way to take his passion to the next level. This season Smith changed his number in support of two very serious illnesses that have impacted his family.

The senior at High Point Regional High School in Sussex, New Jersey, decided to start racing with the number 30. "The thirty represents the thirty million people in the world battling cancer and multiple sclerosis," Smith told K&N News. "Both conditions have affected my family greatly and I wanted to do my part in helping out and raising awareness."

Cancer changed Smith's life before he was even born; one of his grandmothers died of lung cancer. Smith also lost a grandfather to bladder cancer in 2005, and an aunt is a survivor of breast cancer. As for multiple sclerosis, Smith's great aunt, who helped raise the teenager and supported his racing career, is battling the disease.

Smith decided to start racing with the number 30. "The thirty represents the thirty million people in the world battling cancer and multiple sclerosis."

Smith has used the inspiration of his aunt and great aunt, as well as the memory of his grandmother and grandfather, to guide him to a successful first half of the season.

Smith has a win, a pole, three top 5's and six top 10's in just eight starts running a limited schedule in the Slingshot by Tobias National Series and full time at Borger's Speedway in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania.

"It's definitely the most consistent season I have ever had," Smith said. "My favorite moment was my very first Slingshot win in April," Smith said. "It was our first race with the number thirty on the car and we were on fire that day. Everything went our way. We qualified on the pole and led every lap. Needless to say, there were a lot of tears between my mom, dad and I. It was so special to win with the thirty too. It felt like I brought all those suffering to victory lane with me, and that was an amazing feeling."

On August 18th, Hunter Smith had his car on display at Sussex County Community College in Hampton, New Jersey, signing autographs and teaching new fans about the sport he loves.

Smith's season has been mostly free of negatives. "Knock on wood," he adds. Smith pointed to a race in late July at Borger's Speedway where he qualified poorly but had worked his way through the field when he tangled with another car while battling for third. Smith managed to "salvage" a respectable eighth after the late race mishap.

Smith also enjoys showing others what he does. On August 18th, he had his car on display at Sussex County Community College in Hampton, New Jersey, signing autographs and teaching new fans about the sport he loves.

Speaking of college, Smith has a tough decision to make in a few months. In September, he will visit his top three college choices: High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, UNC Charlotte and NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Smith intends to major in sport marketing and minor in physical training, two fields he views as instrumental in the development of a racecar driver. Smith also has some lofty racing goals in mind.

"This season, we just want to win," Smith said. "We are sitting in the top five in the championship at Borger's Speedway. The goals are strictly to win and hopefully finish in the top three in points. Beyond this season, I hope to move up and really give my career a jumpstart. I am working real hard to bring sponsors to the table to run some open wheel stuff. My goal for next season would be to run the Mazda Road to Indy USF2000 series."

But if that doesn't work out, Smith says he isn't too picky about where he races. "If I was ever offered the opportunity to run some stock car races, I would accept it with a smile. I really just want to fulfill my dream and race," Smith said.

Smith also talked fondly of K&N Filters and the company's support of his racing career. "K&N helps me in two big ways," Smith said. "The first way is the product. I only use K&N air filters on my racecars and in my personal car. They supply us with the best airflow and keep my engines running smoothly. Second, they do things like this. K&N gives drivers like myself, who are trying to live their dream, a chance to communicate with the fans and show them what we've got."

Related K&N News Articles about Hunter Smith and Kart Series Racing: Driver Interview: Up-And-Coming Racer Hunter Smith - This Kid is Going Places; Brooke Kawell Racing Readies for 2013 LOORRS Modified Kart Racing Championship Bid; Fourteen-Year-Old Modified Kart Racing's Brooke Kawell Anticipates Success in 2013; Teddy Hodgdon Experiences A Stellar 2011 Kart Series Racing Season

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Lucas Oil Regional Series Racer Cody Rahders Takes Third After Loosing Wheel on Final Lap

Aug 31, 2013

During round four of the Lucas Oil Regional Series, Cody Rahders took third place in spite of loosing a wheel in the final lap.

One could safely say that 18-year-old Cody Rahders has a passion for the sport of off road racing. In fact, he competes in both the WORCS and Lucas Oil Regional Series. In most cases, competing in both series poses little problems. However the driver recently found himself in somewhat of a pickle as races from both series were scheduled for the same day.

Although not an easy choice, a decision had to be made. However, Rahders was closer to the number one spot in the Lucas Oil Points race. That in mind, he chose to compete in that series event.

Having placed second in the first three rounds, the driver was anticipating success in round four. "I felt that having a well-prepared race car and getting a good qualifying position would be the key to success," he explained. "All I had to do in the main was get on it and go, and hope the car would keep up."

Cody Rahders anticipates success in the Lucas Oil Regional series throughout the remainder of the 2013 season.

Qualifying third in the XP class, Rahders started the feature in row three. When the waving of the green flag deemed the main underway, the driver wasted no time, taking the second spot over on the second lap.

"I really had to keep my head down and race clean," he recalled. "There is usually a lot of carnage for the first couple of laps. After that, the track would clear up, and I would go to battle."

And battle he did. In fact, Cody Rahders held on to the the second place position for the next 13 laps, patiently awaiting his opportunity to take the lead. At the most opportune moment, the driver took the front position on the final lap.

Things appeared to be going in the Rahder's direction, as he gained distance from the field. But everything went south in the blink of an eye when the second place driver bumped Rahders in turn five, sending him to the wall.

Cody Rahders races in the WORCs, as well as the Lucas Oil Regional Series.

The other driver took the lead, as his rig sustained significant damage. However, it quickly became evident that the word "quit" is not in Cody Rahder's vocabulary, as he limped across the finish line on three wheels to take third place.

"It was a huge bummer," he recalled. "I ran a clean race for 13 laps and never touched him. Then to get the lead only to get cleaned out in the last turn - a huge disappointment. I really wish I could have gotten the first," he continued. "But I am happy I salvaged the race for third."

Putting disappointment behind them Cody Rhaders and team R3 Motorsports geared up and prepared for the Pro Open class. Qualifying fourth in a field of 17, he started sixth in the main.

Upon the waving of the green flag, it appeared that the driver was on his way to a successful run as he worked his way into the third position. But bad luck once again reared its ugly head when a right tire blew in lap seven. The fight was still in him, but the malfunction forced him out of the race.

Looking back, Rahders said, "In the XP class, I guess I should have put two wheels up on the bank to keep the second place driver behind me. In the Pro Lite, we normally would have had a spare tire in the hot pits. But we only had four good tires left, and I was saving them for the National. We took a chance on an old tire, but it didn't work out."

Sitting in second place and only six points down in the Palaris XP class of the Lucas Oil Regional Series, Cody Rahders and his team are anticipating the final two races of the season.

The driver is aware that earning podium spots during the remaining events is a definite possibility. "The key is to keep it clean and win," he explained.

Although his driving skills will play an intricate role in success, Rahders also has an acute understanding that victories are often determined by decisions not necessarily made on race day.

That in mind, he referred to the importance of his team. "They're a huge part of my racing," ensured Rahders. "Without them, I wouldn't even have a car to race or anyone to represent. They are the ones you don't see that keep things going. I need my team to keep racing."

The driver is also a strong advocate of keeping his rigs well maintained, and depends upon K&N products for his filtering needs. "Without maintenance, none of our race cars would be able to even finish a race," stated Rahders. "Having a clean and maintained car leads to less fatigue, more reliability and more victories."

"We use K&N air and oil filters in the Polaris XP 900, Ford V8 Pro Lite, the Polaris RZR 570 and our truck that pulls our trailer to the races. K&N products are one of the most effective and reliable parts that will never let me or my race car down."

Although round 4 of the Lucas Oil Regional Series was a far cry from what Cody Rahders and Team R3 Motorsports would consider as a perfect night, they are anticipating what lies in store during the remainder of the season.

"I'm going to be going for the series championship in the XP class at the Lucas Oil Regional Series, and a podium finish in the Pro Lite truck at the Lucas National Series," ensured the driver. "If I can get on the box, I know I can win."

Related K&N News Articles about Cody Rahders and R3 Motorsports: Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Team R3 Motorsports' Cody Rahders Wins 2012 Production 700 Class WORCS Championship; Cody Rahders takes Second Place for R3 Motorsports at Race Town 395 In Spite of Slow Start; Cody Rahders and R3 Motorsports Nears Podium at LOORRS Season Opener; Catching Up with K&N-Sponsored, LOORRS Racer and Young Gun Cody Rahders and R3 Motorsports

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International Superboat Vee Class Offshore Boat Team Scott Free Racing Prepares for Next Event

Aug 31, 2013

The father/son team of Scott Free Racing recently took a victory at the hometown of Sarasota, Florida.

With a plethora of reservoirs and rivers throughout the United States, many fathers and sons build and strengthen bonds on the water. In many cases, the platform is fishing. Others enjoy strengthening their relationships while paddling small crafts, and others find pleasure in being powered by the wind.

Steve Kildahl and his son Stephen find camaraderie on the water as well. However, their interest lies in a much faster and aggressive sport than does the average family's. They share a passion for roaring engines, speed and the challenge of an ever changing ocean's surface. They make up the Scott Free Racing team.

Scott Free Racing Is anticipating success throughout the remainder of the 2013 season and lis looking forward to racing in the Superboat International World Championships at Key West.

Comparable to other styles of racing, those competing in offshore racing are expected to follow a course. Running in the Vee Class, the Kildahl team generally embarks upon an eleven lap race consisting of 50 to 55 miles. In optimal conditions, the Vee class boats will run in the 80 to 90-MPH range. Referred to as some as "NASCAR on the water, the races take anywhere from one to one-and-one-half hours to complete.

"This is our seventh season racing together, and our second season racing in the Superboat Vee class," explained, Stephen. "My father, Steve is the throttle man and I am the driver.

"What makes the sport of offshore boat racing different (from many other types of racing) is the fact that it takes two people to operate the boat. As the driver, my sole responsibility is to steer the boat.

"As the throttle man, my dad's responsibility is to control the speed," Stephen continued. "He also controls the attitude of the boat with the trim of the outdrive and the trim tabs. He controls how much water ballast is in front of the boat for different sea conditions. So it literally takes a team that can work together to be competitive in the sport. Being the fact I race with my dad, we get along great and think alike in the boat. I think this is a strong advantage for us on the course."

Running a 30-foot Phantom race boat powered by a 525-horsepower Innovation racing engine, the father/son team of Scott Free Racing, recently had the opportunity to race in their home town of Sarasota, Florida. Having already worked out a mechanical issue after their previous race at Cocoa Beach, they were geared up and anticipating a successful run.

"Our team always holds high expectations in every race we go to," ensured Stephen. "Especially in Sarasota. My dad and I have a good track record there, winning six out of seven previous races at this venue."

With confidence on their side, they prepared for a fierce battle in a field of four. When the final run deemed the event behind them, Steve and Stephen Kildahl were declared the victors.

"It was something our team needed, and no better way than in our hometown," recalled Stephen. "Our team spent the whole off season making changes to the boat to improve its speed and handling. Our win was a good boost and motivation to keep working to better the boat and to prepare for our next race. It was also a great feeling to win in front of our hometown crowd and fans," he continued. "My dad is only one of two racers to have competed in all 29 Sarasota Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix boat races."

Currently sitting first in the points race, team Scott Free Racing is in competition for the 2013 Florida Championship of the Superboat International. However, they still have two more races ahead of them.

In the month of September, Scott Free Racing will have the opportunity to hold or even increase their lead at Clearwater Beach. Their final competition of the season, the World Championships, will follow in Key West, Florida.

Steve and Stephen Kildahl anticipate success during the remaining races of the season, and have proven their ability to win. However, they are also acutely aware that victories don't come easy. That in mind, they understand that each member of their team is an essential element of success.

"Our team is very important," explained Stephen. "We are a small team consisting mainly of family members. My dad works and maintains the boat, while I handle the marketing aspect and work with sponsors. It takes more than one person to make the team work."

The father/son team also understands the significance of keeping their boat running at its optimal performance. "Maintenance is very important to our team," he continued. "We have certain tasks that are completed before and after every race. In order to win a race you have to finish. Lack of preparation results in not competing in the race, and can also lead to failures in the boat that could result in injuries. My dad crawls through and inspects the strength of the boat after every race to ensure it is safe."

Sticklers for maintenance, team Scott Free Racing is a strong advocate of keeping the internal components of their engine contaminant free. That being said, they depend on K&N products for their filtering needs.

"Our team will not run any other air filter," Stephen ensured. "We've had tremendous success with K&N, winning three world championships, two national championships, three Florida Championships, and three speed records. K&N products can take the beating we put them through racing in rough seas. We have never had an issue with a K&N product, which shows why they are the number one air filter in the industry."

With September growing nearer by the day. the Scott Free Racing team is eagerly preparing for the next Superboat International event. When asked what the crowds can expect from their team throughout the remainder of this season Stephen Kildahl said, "Fans can expect our team to continue to prepare for our race in clearwater to compete for the Florida Championship. After that, we'll prepare for the biggest race of the year in Key West for the World Championships. Scott Free Racing plans to continue to race in the Super Vee class in the 2014 season as well."

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