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Brad Springer Gets Top Speed Modified Tour Win at Springport Motor Speedway

Jul 12, 2012

Brad Springer enjoys the spoils of victory after his recent Modified win at Springport Motor Speedway.

Springport Motor Speedway is billed as Mid-Michigan's best and fastest 3/8th mile Saturday night short track. It was built to replicate the dimensions of another well know track, Michigan International Speedway, only on a 3/8th mile scale. Brad Springer found the track ideally suited to his driving style as he landed in the Winner's Circle with his number 61 K&N sponsored Modified last Saturday.

"I am very pleased with the way our modified handled Saturday night. It was on a rail and made it fun to drive. I have to thank K&N Filters for their support," commented Springer after the race.

The following day Springer competed in the Outlaw Late Model class and the team struggled a bit on Sunday, managing only to bring home a 9th place finish. We talked with the Ashley, Indiana driver to get his take on the weekend and about a new addition to the Springer family.

Congratulations on a big win at Springport! Give us some insights from your perspective- what all went right on Saturday?

"We have been working all year on a brand new shock package that J&J Shocks in Huntersville, North Carolina set up for us, and so week after week we have been getting the car better and better. This particular night we actually had a delay that prevented us from being able to practice the car at all. We showed up and qualified the car in the 8th position, which set us up for a good starting spot in the feature. Without all the hard work my crew and I put in prior to this night, there is no way we could have came home with the win. The car was perfect from lap-1 through the end of the race."

You mention that you feel you've got the Late Model back on track too- what was the problem?

"The late model I am driving this year belongs to another team and I have been working on it all year to find out if it is capable of running the big money outlaw shows next year. So far the car has been good but just not great. We have made a lot of changes and feel we are headed in the right direction. It is an older car so getting the proper updates on it has been the key to making it faster."

Update us on how the race season is treating overall you at this point.

"Overall this has been a good season with all top-5 finishes. Our schedule is pretty limited so far this year. The Top Speed Modified Tour only has about eight races on their schedule, and our local track, Angola Motor Speedway, hasn't been open yet. So this year the team has been just looking for tracks that are putting on bigger races and we travel there."

When and where is your next race and long does your 2012 season run?

"Right now we are planning for our next race to be at Auto City Speedway in Clio, Michigan on July 7th, for the Annual Sam Faur Memorial Race. My wife and I just had our first child on June 21st, so I am spending a little time at home to help with them right now. Our season will continue through October, with races at Sandusky Speedway, Winchester Speedway, Angola Motor Speedway, and more still to come."

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

K&N Drag Racer Eric Bowling Doubles Up at 2012 No Box Nationals in His Chevrolet Blazer

Jul 12, 2012

My father-in-law did a fantastic job on this thing. I couldn't ask for better.

Not even John Force can boast a three-year run as impressive as K&N drag racer Eric Bowling. The bracket racer form Bloomington, Indiana, who combined to win more then 40 races over the last two seasons, switched cars this year and, believe it or not, has only gotten better. And guess what? Like Force, Bowling has a few protégés in the pipelines now.

Bowling decided to park his beloved 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 after last season and go with a far more unconventional ride, a bright green Chevrolet Blazer SUV. But while the Blazer might now intimidate like the Camaro did in the burnout box, it sure handles itself on the strip.

"All I can say is wow," Bowling told K&N. "My father-in-law did a fantastic job on this thing. I couldn't ask for better. The 60-foot times only move maybe two- to four-thousandths (of a second) on a race day and that's what you have to have to be competitive. The whole weekend at the No Box Nationals that thing only moved 9-thousandths (of a second). The only bad part about it is the Blazer is so consistent that now, when I lose, I have nothing to blame but myself."

The Ohio Crankshaft No Box Nationals happened two weeks ago, and Bowling bowled over the competition. He won the $1,600 shootout on Saturday and followed that up with a win in the $5,000 tournament on Fathers Day. It was an emotional moment for Bowling, whose father introduced him to the sport at a young age and passed away in 1995.

It was an emotional moment for Bowling, whose father introduced him to the sport at a young age and passed away in 1995.

"To win on Fathers Day make's the win probably the most memorable of my career. I lost my dad in 1995 and I know he was looking over me; I called my wife when I got back to the pits and all I could say was 'It's Fathers Day.' It was a great day."

Bowling's wife Amy would normally be at the track celebrating, but she was just days herself from making Bowling a father for the second time. Last Tuesday, Bowling and his wife welcomed their first son, Isaac, into the family. Both the baby and mother are doing great, and Bowling's four-year-old daughter, Isabella, is already looking forward to teaching her little brother all about the Christmas Tree, and not the one that Santa Claus puts presents under every December.

"One thing is for sure," Bowling said. "Baby Isaac will be in a junior dragster one day. But his sister gets to go first. She absolutely loves racing and has whipped me on the tree a few times already."

With all the commotion in the house, Bowling isn't sure what his schedule will include this summer, but he has his eye on a few events, including the World Footbrake Challenge in Bristol, Tennessee. Bowling has never been to the event, but he thinks the new ride could be victorious at it.

Bowling is still working out some kinks in the Blazer. He said he struggles with finding his spot on the tree still, and that he finds himself "anticipating the bulb instead of reacting to it" still. The other issue is 'driving the stripe,' a term that refers to bracket racers trying to squeeze every second out of their dial-ins at the finish line.

To win on Fathers Day make's the win probably the most memorable of my career.

"In the Camaro, the nose was so long and I have driven it since 1998, that sometimes I find myself driving the stripe like I'm still driving the Camaro. In the Blazer I sit right on top of the front tires, so I've definitely given up a bunch at the stripe this season. Again, I'll get the hang of it, it's just a matter of not so caught up in the round."

Bowling has found success at other major bracket events this year to pair with his No Box Nationals win. Bowling was victorious at the Bernie Mann Memorial Race in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the next day he took two entries to the finals, claiming both first and second at the Brown County Dragway No Box/Box Combo, sweeping the month of May at the track and winning his sixth straight No Box event at the track.

In his first year with K&N Filters, Bowling said he already notices a difference. "In the years past, I didn't even run any air filters. I must say, Ryan Fellman at K&N has gone above and beyond to make sure I get the right product to help my racecar. I began running the air filter at the beginning of the season and I must say, it makes the Blazer so much more consistent.

"I wanted to see just how much of a difference it made so I ran without (the filter) for a couple of passes in time trials and it didn't perform as well as it did with it. The remarkable thing is, the Blazer didn't lose any ET with it on. It also keeps the carburetor good and clean. I can't thank K&N and Ryan enough for their support and I hope this is the beginning of a great friendship and business relationship."

Bowling also wanted to thank his family, including his wife, children, and his father-in-law, Don Cain, who built the Blazer, and his mother Lou. He also thanked his sponsors and supporters, including Mickey Thompson Tires, Ohio Crankshaft, Cometic Gasket, Spy Optic, Skaggs Transmission, and R&S Lawncare.

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Deserving Fan's Story Drives Vincent Nobile to Victory at 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge

Jul 12, 2012

2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge

Riverside, California, July 11, 2012 - This past weekend's K&N Horsepower Challenge proved to be a perfect showcase for the NHRA's most competitive class. Run as part of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, the 28th running of the specialty event pitted eight of Pro Stock's best drivers in a three-round shootout with the winner taking home $50,000. Despite blistering heat and drenching humidity, the capacity crowd was treated to a day of tremendous racing including numerous hole shots and several surprises.

Vincent Nobile Wins 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio taking home $50,000

In the end, however, it was the category's youngest driver, Vincent Nobile, who ended the day in the winner's circle, defeating No. 1 qualifier Jason Line in the final. Afterwards, the sophomore sensation gave full credit to someone he had met less than 24 hours before - Peggy Coleman, the K&N Horsepower Sweepstakes finalist from Joplin, Mo., a survivor of last year's tornados who was paired with Nobile and thanks to his win took home a one-of-a-kind special edition 2012 Toyota Tundra Double Cab created by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and K&N Engineering.

"After I heard Peggy's story, the money didn't matter, the trophy didn't matter - all I wanted to do was win for her, and I'm so glad I did," said Nobile, driver of the MountainView Tire Dodge Avenger who also won the race on Sunday, collecting a $25,000 "double-up" bonus from the NHRA in the process. "She lost almost everything last year in the tornados, so to be able to win that Toyota Tundra for her was absolutely awesome.

"I knew she was someone special from the moment I met her on Friday, and when I heard her story, it really touched me. Even though I knew I had to win for her, I didn't feel any extra pressure - it actually made things easier for me. I'm so happy we were able to deliver for her, and want to thank the Mitsos family, my father and my entire Mountainview Dodge team for giving me such a great car to drive.

"I also want to thank everyone at K&N for putting on this tremendous event and for involving the fans through the sweepstakes, as well as Toyota for providing that gorgeous truck Peggy will soon be driving. Finally, I want to thank Peggy Coleman for being such an inspiration - she was the real reason I was able to win."

Vincent and Sweepstakes Winner Peggy Coleman, with Don Brown and Don Cecconi from Toyota

For Coleman, the trip to the Buckeye State was a welcome pause from over a year of recovery efforts following the devastating storms which wiped out most of their possessions. Despite the tremendous loss, much like the majority of the Joplin community, she maintained a positive outlook, focusing instead on doing whatever was necessary to put their lives back together. For example, with husband Gary's pickup truck having been demolished, she entered the K&N sweepstakes, never thinking she would actually be the one to win the new Toyota. In fact, when called about being selected as one the finalists, she was somewhat incredulous. However, from the moment she was paired with the young driver from Dix Hills, N.Y., things just started to fall into place.

"As I told the other contestants, even if we hadn't won the Toyota, it was great just to be able to get away from everything we'd been dealing with at home for a little while," said Coleman. "For the most part, everyone in our town shares our positive attitude and over the last year help has poured in from all over the country, which has been amazing. So to be selected as one of the eight finalists and flown to Norwalk for the weekend put a big smile on our faces, and winning that beautiful pickup was just an added benefit that I could not believe. We had an awesome time all weekend with everyone being so nice.

"When I met Vincent and saw his team color was purple I was thrilled because that's my favorite color. He was so humble and polite, and his entire family and team were so very nice. After the first round I heard someone call my name and it was Vincent's mother, who gave me a big hug and told me he was going to win the race for me.

"Every time I saw him, I kept telling Vincent he was going to do it, and even after he won on Saturday, I told him he was going to win again on Sunday and he did. From here on out, I'll be sure to watch the NHRA races on TV and root for Vincent to keep on winning. On top of everything else that happened during the weekend, when Caitlin from K&N called me on Monday after the race and told me about everyone offering to pay the taxes, it just brought tears to my eyes all over again. It was just like a wonderful dream, and I want to thank everyone at K&N for making it so special."

As the story of the Coleman family spread throughout the Pro Stock pits at Summit Motorsports Park, the racing community responded, with several teams volunteering to pay any taxes pertaining to their winning the truck. After acknowledging the teams' generosity, the Toyota Motor Company added to their already substantial contribution by including the cost of the tariffs, assuring the Colemans would not have to pay anything for their new custom pickup.

"K&N's involvement with the Horsepower Challenge has been a tremendous experience, but the circumstances surrounding this year's event stand above the rest," said Caitlin Clement, Series and Track Support Manager for K&N Engineering. "We want to commend all eight drivers for putting on a great show under very difficult weather conditions and congratulate Vincent Nobile on his exciting win.

"We are also thrilled to be able to present Peggy Coleman with her new K&N Horsepower Challenge Edition Toyota Tundra. Her story of survival is just amazing, and we hope this new truck helps in some small way with her recovery efforts. We appreciate all the teams who inquired about paying the Colemans' taxes, and are grateful to Toyota for volunteering to cover the costs involved. All in all, the 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge was a tremendous event, and we are already working to make next year's edition even better."

K&N Engineering, Inc. is the world's leader in reusable air filters. K&N High flow reusable air filters, High performance air intake systems and premium oil filters are available at most retailers and directly from K&N. With headquarters in Riverside, California, K&N is heavily involved in nearly every form of motorsports from off-road and powersports to drag racing, stock cars and road racing.

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

2011-2015 Ford F250 & F350 6.2 Liter Trucks Gain Estimated 13 Horsepower with K&N Air Intake

Jul 12, 2012

K&N Air Intake Installed on a 2011 Ford F250 6.2L Super Duty

K&N Air Intake Installed on 2011 Ford F250 6.2L Super Duty

Dyno Chart for the 77-2582KTK air intake system

Ford, as we all know, is one of America's great iconic companies. They've revolutionized the manufacturing industry and throughout the years have brought us F-series trucks. 2011 and 2012, Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty with 6.2 liter engines are built extremely tough and can definitely handle extra power. Fortunately, K&N engineers couldn't resist the urge to develop an air intake system 77-2582KTK that unleashes the true potential of Ford's incredible machine. No doubt the extra horsepower and torque will come in handy when drivers are pulling a trailer or hauling some other type of heavy load.

K&N Air Intake System for 2011-2015 Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty with the 6.2 liter V8 engines

K&N accomplished the extra horsepower by streamlining the airflow through a large high flow air filter and custom intake tube.

K&N air filter RC-5173 is a large, tapered, cone style air filter that features a chrome top and K&N's washable, reusable, oiled cotton gauze media, that is sandwiched between an aluminum wire screen mesh. The wire screen mesh aids in maintaining the air filter's shape and helps to smooth and straighten the airflow as it flows out of the air filter into the intake tube. This large made to last air filter also provides outstanding engine protection.

The 77-2582KTK air intake can go up to 100,000 miles before air filter cleaning is needed, of course that depends on driving conditions. When the aluminum wire screen mesh is no longer visible, it is time to clean the filter using K&N Recharge Kit number 99-5000 or 99-5050. If the wire screen mesh is still visible, the air filter does not need to be cleaned.

Air intake system 77-2582KTK features an aluminum intake tube with a resilient black powder coat finish. K&N 77-2582KTK was designed with two ports that utilize the truck's stock vent hoses and a mounting pad to which drivers will bolt the MAF sensor. Like all K&N intakes, this Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty truck air intake system uses a custom tube that precisely fits in the engine bay of the F250 and F350 truck models listed below. 77-2582KTK was designed and manufactured in the USA at the K&N world headquarters in Riverside, California.

Testing on the K&N chassis dyno, the 77-2582KTK air intake system showed an estimated gain of 13.5 horsepower at 4497rpm and 15.4 lb-ft. of torque at 3961rpm.

The 77-2582KTK performance air intake is backed by K&N's Million Mile Limited Warranty and Consumer Protection Pledge so drivers can rest assured that if there is ever any issue that arises from using a K&N air intake, K&N is there for them.

The 77-2582KTK air intake will fit the following Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty pickup trucks:

2015 Ford F350 Super Duty 6.2L V8
2015 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.2L V8
2014 Ford F350 Super Duty 6.2L V8
2014 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.2L V8
2013 Ford F350 Super Duty 6.2L V8
2013 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.2L V8
2012 Ford F350 Super Duty 6.2L V8
2012 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.2L V8
2011 Ford F350 Super Duty 6.2L V8
2011 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.2L V8

For all K&N F250 air intake systems visit K&N's Ford F150 air intakes page. For all K&N F350 air intakes visit K&N's Ford F350 air intakes page. To find K&N products for any vehicle, use the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

2011 to 2014 Chevy/GMC Duramax Diesel Pickup Trucks Gain Huge Power with K&N Air Intake

Jul 12, 2012

K&N Air Intake Installed on a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L

Dyno Chart for the 57-3077 air intake system

The GMC Sierra and the Chevy Silverado have been using the Duramax Diesel 6.6 liter engine for some time now and in terms of towing power there is good reason to do so. The 735 lb-ft. of torque (measured at the flywheel) makes for easy towing and a GVWR of 13,000 lbs. This is a lot of weight to be pulling around. For a hard working truck like this you will need all the power you can muster available at the wheels.

K&N Air Intake System for new 2011 to 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD 6.6Ls

The K&N 57-3077 AirCharger^® air intake system is designed precisely to make that additional power. This air intake was dyno tested and achieved an estimated gain of 19.3 horsepower and 44.6 lb-ft. of torque at 2420 RPM, all to the wheels. That's a huge increase of power to the wheels, perfect for hauling that big trailer along with you and right in that range of acceleration.

This added power is achieved by allowing additional airflow to the engine. The K&N cotton gauze air filter is designed with this in mind, and when attached to a custom intake tube that has also been optimized for airflow, it results in an increase of horsepower and torque. Between the two, we are able to create the estimated dyno tested power gains shown above. The air filter on this intake, like all K&N intake systems, is oversized for optimized airflow. Additionally, this air filter uses 6 layers of oiled cotton gauze, and a tighter weave of cotton for additional protection for the tighter tolerances and higher stresses of a turbo diesel motor.

Air intake 57-3077 comes with detailed installation instructions that make adding this diesel performance modification very simple. You will only need basic hand tools for the installation. The K&N 57-3077 is designed specifically for the GMC Sierra and the Chevrolet Silverado, and it will not void any factory warranties. This air intake system will not need any further tuning or modification to produce the additional power. This air intake is also backed with K&N's Million Mile Limited Warranty.

The 57-3077 AirCharger intake system fits the following GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado models:

2014 GMC SIERRA 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2014 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2013 GMC SIERRA 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2013 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2012 GMC SIERRA 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2012 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2011 GMC SIERRA 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2011 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel
2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.