Ultime Notizie

Toni Elias gives the thumbs up to his rookie Superbike season

A major headline of the 2016 MotoAmerica Superbike season is the competitive resurgence of the Yoshimura Suzuki race team. Based on the results of last weekend’s performance by teammates Roger Haden and Toni Elias, the momentum is only growing. All signs point to the fact that Yoshimura’s ascent back to the top of America’s premier motorcycle road racing series will continue in 2017.

In race one of the final stop of the Superbike series in New Jersey, Hayden claimed the top podium spot in an exciting and ultra-close race. After the win, Hayden said, “I’m just happy for the team, happy for myself. We all work hard.” That hard work was evident in his teammate’s performance as well. In the second race, Elias earned the top perch of the podium for the 6th time in this, his rookie season in the Superbike class. Elias has given every indication that he’ll be back with Yoshimura in 2017. His bond with his new team was evident when he said in his Spanish accent, “Thank you, everybody, to my team to give me this opportunity…everybody treat me very well.” He continued, “I feel like home.”

Roger Hayden will pilot an all new GSX R1000 in 2017

Even with the powerful finish, Team Yoshimura came up short of the top podium spot in the overall season standings. Yamaha’s Cameron Beaubier had amassed just enough of a point cushion that even with an engine failure in the final race, he edged out his teammate Josh Hayes and Elias on the season rostrum, but the point spread was miniscule. Elias’ third place season finish was only 7 points out of the top spot. Hayden finished in the 4th position for the season.

Don Sakakura, the Senior Vice President for Yoshimura Research and Development of America has reason for optimism. When asked to reflect on the 2016 season, Sakakura said, “Well, a major highlight for Yoshimura Racing this season has been that our Suzuki GSX R1000 is winning races again! Our new team racer Toni Elias has adapted very quickly to our Superbike and our team of technicians. Roger Hayden has been instrumental with continued development of our superbike over the past three seasons. It’s clear this season we have advanced technically.”

Elias lifts a wheel at New Jersey Motorsports Park

A major part of the rejuvenation of the venerable Yoshimura Suzuki Racing tradition can be attributed to the team’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial corporate partnerships. “Yoshimura’s foundation is based around technical innovations. We have been very fortunate with our 40-plus-year relationship with Suzuki Motor of America. Together, we use professional level road racing to gather valuable data. Racing successfully at the highest level is the best proving ground, and is extremely beneficial with our commercial product development,” said Sakakura.

Yoshimura’s partnership with K&N Engineering is also vital to the team’s racing success. Sakakura said, “I’m convinced K&N’s high quality products also are developed under extreme conditions. Together we have common goals to win and market the very best products to our consumers.” Clearly, championship results come from championship-level partnerships and that’s the powerful link between Yoshimura and K&N.

Elias and Hayden look forward to sharing the podium again in 2017

So what will 2017 hold for Team Yoshimura? Sakakura’s enthusiasm is palpable. “We are very excited about 2017!” Sakakura revealed that race fans will see some new and exciting hardware rolling out the Yoshimura development facility. “Suzuki will introduce a completely redesigned GSX R1000. Yoshimura will race this motorcycle in the MotoAmerica Superbike class in 2017. We anticipate we will be very competitive. Naturally our goal is to win the 2017 Superbike Championship.”

2016 MotoAmerica Superbike Final Standings:

Cameron Beaubier – Yamaha 311
Josh Hayes – Yamaha 305
Toni Elias – Suzuki 304
Roger Hayden – Suzuki 284
Josh Herrin – Yamaha 163

Race winner Cody Webb gives the Utah fans some love after the main event (Photo courtesy of Ian Reid)

Cody Webb proved that the third time really is a charm as he stepped up to the top podium position in the third round of the 2016 EnduroCross season. Webb, who had to settle for second place in the first two rounds, took an early lead in the main event in Salt Lake City and maintained a solid cushion for the remainder of the race. Webb looked right at home atop the rostrum – a spot he frequented on his way to the 2015 title.

Colton Haaker, the winner of the first two rounds of the season, took the early lead in the final race as he garnered another holeshot. However, on lap two, he gave ground to Webb and the rest is history. The Vivint Smart Home Arena course was a challenge for Haaker. “The race was tough and with no water hole they decided to water the track quite a bit and it was super slick,” Haaker said after the race. Those slick conditions proved too much for the Husqvarna rider late in the race. “I had a crash around lap ten which was super costly but on to the next one in Phoenix in two weeks.”

Mike Brown garnered his second podium finish of the season with a late pass of an aggressive Geoff Aaron. Brown, who has now finished third in the last two EnduroCross rounds, is looking forward to the week off before the Arizona race. “I was sick during the off season so I did not get to ride until the week before Atlanta so I am gaining endurance and looking forward to a week off to keep improving.”

A high-flying Mike Brown claims his second podium of the season (Photo courtesy of Ian Reid)

Former EnduroCross Champion, Taddy Blazusiak, must be feeling that the first lap of the main event holds some kind of curse for him in 2016. Last week in South Dakota, Blazusiak injured his thumb on a first obstacle crash and had to retire from the race. This week in Utah, the first obstacle again spelled the end of his race. Blazusiak had to pull out after his handlebar became lodged in his riding pants. That’s got to be a first for EnduroCross. He was not seriously injured.

Going into the off week for the series, it’s certainly time to give some props to the talented ladies of EnduroCross. Shelby Turner captured her second win of the 2016 season with a fast main event in Utah. Morgan Tanke finished with a quick and competitive second place and Tarah Geiger rounded out the podium in third. In addition to the top men’s and women’s classes, EnduroCross also features amateur, vets, and TrialsCross support classes.

The K&N-sponsored EnduroCross season will resume in two weeks with a stop at WestWorld in Scottsdale, AZ. The race will be an exciting part of the International Off-Road & UTV Expo held the same weekend at the Scottsdale facility. No matter what your passion – ATV, UTV, or motorcycle – look to K&N for your high-performance filtration needs. Use the K&N search by vehicle tool to find the parts that fit your car, truck, or motorcycle today.

Shelby Turner (center) is all smiles after her second win in Women's EnduroCross (Photo courtesy of Ian Reid)

Utah EnduroCross Results:

1. Cody Webb, KTM
2. Colton Haaker, Husqvarna
3. Mike Brown, Husqvarna
4. Geoff Aaron, GasGas
5. Ty Tremaine, KTM
6. Kyle Redmond, Beta
7. Trystan Hart, Husqvarna
8. Max Gerston, Beta
9. Eric Rhoten, Yamaha
10. Kevin Rookstool, Suzuki
11. Noah Kepple, KTM
12. Cooper Abbott, Husqvarna
13. Taddy Blazusiak, KTM

Even in the dirt, K&N calendar model Jess Harbour is a traffic stopper

Jessica Harbour is not your typical model. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and plans to return to college to earn her Masters, this self-described bookworm seems more likely to be found at a Barnes & Noble than inside the pages of Maxim magazine. But Jess, as her friends call her, was gifted with both brains and beauty.

Now a full-time model for four years, her jobs have taken her to some exotic locations, including South Africa, which she called “the most amazing adventure I've ever had with Lions, scaling mountains, and motorcycle rides through the cliffs.” And for someone who spends so many of her working hours in swimwear, you’d expect she’d be headed to the beach for rest and relaxation. No, Jess took time off to tour Eastern Europe, primarily the Czech Republic and Slovakia, looking forward to sampling the local cuisine. Other than adventure travel, Jess enjoys “yoga, hiking, and trying new things”, like feeding sharks while deep sea diving.

After four consecutive years as a K&N calendar model, we thought we’d let Jess take our Ford Mustang project car out on the track

While Jess is a native of San Diego, she now calls Orange County home (though her heart, she says, remains in San Diego). While still living in San Diego, Jess was hired for her first modeling gig. It was by Toyota for the Supercross event at Qualcomm Stadium. “I was so excited and nervous, I couldn't breath and I had butterflies in my tummy,” she recalls. That was until she found out her job was to work the Toyota booth asking spectators to enter their information on an iPad.

When asked what sort of other automotive industry companies she’s worked for, Jess rattled off quite a list: Formula Drift, Off Road, NASCAR, IndyCar, Superbikes, and Rally. She’s worked as a spokesmodel for Hankook tire and is current a spokesmodel for Nexen tire. And yes, she’s usually at the SEMA Show. “This will be my sixth SEMA - and my third year working with Spyder at SEMA”.

While not as colorful as a drag strip “christmas tree” I don’t think too many racers would mind Jess starting their race

Outside of working events, she has appeared in television commercials for FIAT, Fantastic Sam’s, UFC Gym, Hankook Tires, Viejas Casino, and Stila Cosmetics, along with print work for companies like FIAT, Rockstar, No Fear, Yamaha, and many others.

So, Ms. Harbour, how did you get started with K&N? “I first started working with them through Rockstar. We had a fun shoot in the dirt with a 4:00 AM call time!” she commented. But that brutal start time didn’t deter her, she’s back again with K&N. “I think it's super rad that I get to shoot with and be a part of K&N calendars four years in a row - I am very grateful,” she added.

Be sure to grab a copy of the 2017 K&N calendar when it comes out later this year to see Jess in action.

2017 will be the fourth year in a row that Jess Harbour has modeled for the K&N calendar. Be sure to grab a copy or four later this year

Todd Rumpke, multi-time Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) competitor, lost one of the toughest battles he had ever fought

It is with deep sadness that we learned multi-time Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) competitor Todd Rumpke lost his battle to cancer. Todd, who continued to race between his treatment sessions this year, won his way back into the invitational as the Spirit of the Event winner at the NCM Motorsports Park event.

During the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car Series NCM event, Todd was the center of attention while the group from Ultimate Performance unveiled a shirt honoring Todd and his 2006 Z06 Corvette better known as Snoopy.

Todd’s racing background extends from the Optima Series to include 10/10th Motorsports, RAFT, SCCA, and several other series and race events across the country. Memories of Todd surfaced quickly on social media as people learned the news about his death, recalling him to be a very kindhearted, passionate, and loveable guy.

Todd’s entry into OUSCI immediately following SEMA was one highlight he was looking forward to as he went in for a stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, the transplant that was set for late July was delayed due to kidney problems.

Rumpke had continued to race throughout his cancer treatment, running his 2006 Z06 Corvette in the Optima Ultimate Street Car Series

Friends, family, and fellow racers turned to social media wishing Todd the best of luck through his treatment and for a quick recovery. It was not until Todd’s best friend, K&N driver Danny Popp, released an update via social media indicating that Todd was not doing well.

Photos of supporters wearing Todd Rumpke’s shirt and Snoopy sightings started to appear across the country. For those who had the lucky opportunity to know Todd Rumpke, then most knew that the Snoopy character was a reminder of Todd’s Corvette. Those who raced alongside Todd often saw the glimpse of Snoopy on the back of the white Corvette as Todd flew past them on track.

Todd’s battle with cancer did not slow him down over the last couple years. Todd’s entry into the 2015 OUSCI resulted from win in the GTL class at the Auto Club Speedway event last October.

The announcement of Todd’s death came early Wednesday morning, August 29, 2016 as Danny Popp informed fellow friends and racers of the unfortunate passing.

K&N driver Danny Popp released a statement early Wednesday morning on social media informing friends and family of the tragic loss

9.7.2016 - The day the world lost the most INCREDIBLE friend. The most INCREDIBLE father. The most INCREDIBLE husband. The most INCREDIBLE son, and brother. The most INCREDIBLE competitor. The most INCREDIBLE person.

The world will forever now be a different place without him. Todd has touched so many in his 53 years. The family and I would like to thank each and every one of you who wished well, thought of, prayed and rallied for support of this GREAT man. All of you made a significant difference for Todd, his family, friends and I. #63forever

Sonya told me that he said that he would miss her and the boys. I had thought about that for a bit, and in my last conversation with Todd I told him of what I had heard. I told him that he had no idea how bad the world would miss him, and how big the hole in people's hearts would be of those that he touched. Albeit incredibly hard, I was very glad to be able to say my last good-byes and tell him exactly what he had meant to me, my son and the community/ world. I left nothing unsaid as I held his hand, cried and shared. News will be forthcoming shortly of his arrangements. In the meantime, please continue to pray for the family in this time of loss. They too have been through a lot in the last few days, weeks, months and year. –Danny Popp

Danny Popp did inform everyone that Todd’s 2006 Corvette will be present at this year’s SEMA show and the 2016 OUSCI in honor of Todd Rumpke. For those attending the show or the race immediately following SEMA, you too can check out the car behind the man, Todd Rumpke.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Rumpke Family and all of his family and friends that are going through this tough time.

Rumpke had won his way into the 2015 OUSCI by winning his class at the Auto Club Speedway event

Those who knew Todd Rumpke remember him to be a very genuine, honorable and kind man who always had a smile on his face

Rumpke had won the Spirit of the Event Award at the 2016 Optima NCM Motorsports Park event, which would have sent him back to compete at OUSCI again this November

One of the most popular engines among rodders and racers is the Hemi V8. But there are actually three generations of the legendary engine. Generation I, of which there were different versions and displacements for Chrysler, DeSoto, and Dodge cars throughout the 1950s. The reemergence of the Hemi as the Generation II “Elephant” motor, used in both racing and to power some of the fastest and most desirable street cars of the day, and then the modern Generation III Hemis, used in Ram trucks and Dodge and Chrysler performance cars.

High Performance, Pro Series, or Billet, K&N builds three versions of the 3001 filter that fits many Gen II Hemi engines

How well do you know your Hemi history? Below are some questions and fun facts about the Hemi. It’s not intended to be a test of your memorization of bore:stroke ratios, but rather to arm you with some trivia for the next time the conversation turns to Hemi engines.

In what year did Chrysler introduce its first Hemi engine?

Called the FirePower, it was used in Chrysler passenger cars from 1951 to 1955. Most were equipped with a two-barrel carburetor and produced 180 horsepower until the 1955 model year.

Did you know the Hemi was actually outlawed from racing in the Indy 500?

In late 1952, a specially-prepared 331 CID fuel-injected Chrysler Hemi engine, producing 410 horsepower, was fitted to a Kurtis Kraft 500A roadster (a state-of-the-art Indy car of the time) and tested at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It ran a simulated 500 mile race which it completed four mph faster than the race record. Alarmed, officials lowered the maximum displacement for stock block engines from 340 CID to 270 CID. Chrysler chose to withdraw.

Add an estimated 15.66 rear-wheel horsepower to your 2013 RAM 1500 with the 50-State legal K&N intake system

Was Hemi the first US production engine to produce one horsepower per cubic inch

The 354 CID engine was released for the 1956 model year. The 354 was installed in the Chrysler 300B and available with an optional 355 horsepower version, making it the first American passenger car engine to be rated at one horsepower per cubic inch.

Was the original 426 Hemi intended to be a race-only engine?

The Generation II Hemi engine displaced 426 CID, with dimensions so large it was nicknamed the “Elephant” by Chrysler engineers. Intended only as a race engine, Richard Petty debuted the Generation II Hemi at Daytona, where he laps the entire field on his way to winning the Daytona 500. It’s was a clean 1-2-3 sweep for the 426 Hemi at the 1964 Daytona 500. Chrysler was instructed to offer the Hemi to the public before the engine could return to NASCAR.

Which driver was the first to use a Hemi to crack 200 mph on the strip?

Don Garlits shattered the 200-mph quarter-mile barrier in a 426 Hemi-powered Top Fuel dragster in August at Island Dragway with an ET of 7.78 seconds and trap speed of 201.34 mph. If you’re into nostalgia drags, K&N manufacturers the PS-3001 oil filter that’s a perfect match to the needs of an “Elephant” motor running the strip.

Should you own one of the 11 Hemi-powered 1971 ‘Cuda convertibles, rest assured that K&N makes a drop-in replacement air filter worthy of your multi-million-dollar car

When was the 426 Hemi first available to retail customers?

Chrysler began to offer a slightly detuned version of the Generation II 426 Hemi in production cars for the 1966 model year. NASCAR approved the 426 Hemi for competition. Richard Petty again won the Daytona 500 in his Hemi-powered Plymouth Belvedere. K&N offers both an air filter and a high-flow fuel filter for Hemi-powered 1966 Plymouth Belvederes, part numbers E-1540 and PF-1300, respectively.

In what year did Chrysler bring back the “Elephant” 426 Generation II Hemi as a crate motor?

The year was 1992 - a year when rodders and restorers were extremely happy.

What’s the highest price ever paid for a Hemi-engined car?

In 2014, a numbers-matching Hemi-powered 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda four-speed convertible sold at auction for $3.5 million. It was just one of 11 Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles manufactured in 1971, and experts believe it may be the only matching-numbers ’71 Hemi ‘Cuda convertible left. If you should find yourself the owner of any 1971 Hemi-powered ‘Cuda, rest assured that the K&N produces an air filter for your car, part number E-1980.

The K&N Typhoon air intake adds an estimated 38.95 rear-wheel horsepower to an otherwise stock Dodge Charger Hellcat 6.2-liter Hemi V8

When did the Generation III Hemi make its appearance?

The Hemi returned in 2003 as an all-new 5.7-liter V8 for the Ram 1500 pickup truck. The Generation III Hemi developed up to 345 horsepower. By 2011, with better engine management computers, the 5.7 L Hemi was producing 395 horsepower in the Ram 1500. In fact, you can raise the output an estimated 15.66 horsepower on a 2013 1500 with the 50-State legal K&N intake system, part number 57-1561.

Which major landmark Hemi event occurred in 2015?

In 2015 Chrysler released the Hellcat version of the Hemi, a 6.2 L V8 with an integrated supercharged and intercooler, which raised power output to 707 horsepower. The Hellcat-equipped Challenger and Charger became the most powerful muscle cars built by Chrysler, in either the current or classic eras. But K&N allows you to take it even further. The K&N cold air intake, part number 69-2550TTK, when installed on an otherwise stock Dodge Charger Hellcat 6.2-liter and dyno tested, the results showed an estimated increase of 38.95 horsepower and 21.01 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels.

Hellcat or RAM, 1971 Hemi Cuda or Nostalgia Top Fuel dragster, K&N makes products for your vehicles. In fact, if it has wheels and an engine, whether it’s a diesel truck or a motor scooter, K&N most likely has filters that fit your application. Use the K&N vehicle search tool to find the right part for your vehicle.

Some intake systems are not legal for sale or use on any pollution controlled motor vehicle in California or states adopting California emission procedures. See knfilters.com for CARB status on each part for a specific vehicle.