Latest News

K&N®-Sponsored Drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. Set for a Strong 2018 Season

Vaughn Gittin Jr. is a drifting powerhouse with a lead foot—and he isn’t ashamed to admit it. Each new season brings new faces and fresh cars to Formula Drift, but Gittin Jr.—a Formula Drift veteran—continues to draw enthusiastic and loyal fans. Watching him compete, it isn’t difficult to see why.

Gittin Jr.'s Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Racing Mustang

Gittin Jr.'s Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Racing Mustang

Gittin Jr. started his Formula Drift career during the series’ inaugural year in 2004, and has been a serious FD contender ever since. He started out racing his personal Nissan S13, but caught the attention of Ford Racing in 2009, which has spawned a long-lasting partnership. In 2010, Ford launched the Mustang RTR—a dealer-installed package that quickly gained popularity—in collaboration with Gittin Jr., who went on to win the Formula Drift Championship that year.

He currently races the Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Racing Mustang, which features a 1000-horsepower, 9000-rpm engine built collaboratively by Ford Performance and Roush Yates Engines. The vehicle itself is dramatic and imposing—the vibrant green styling is unmistakable on the track—much like Gittin Jr. himself.

Gittin Jr. at Long Beach in 2018

Gittin Jr. at Long Beach in 2018

The Mustang features a custom K&N® performance filter—which utilizes the same technology as K&N® High-Flow Air Filters™, available online for thousands of makes and models at www.knfilters.com. “I’ve been working with K&N on an official level for fifteen years now,” he commented. “But prior to that, I ran K&N [products] on my first car that I used to race in industrial parks and parking lots. That started my love for K&N. It’s an honor, fifteen years later, to still be working with them.”

Vaughn Gittin Jr. posing with a fan

Gittin Jr. is known for his enthusiasm for Formula Drift fans

Part of the magic of Formula Drift is the intensity—the nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat speed—and Gittin Jr. doesn’t hesitate to push the envelope. Hurtling down the track, his speedometer often creeps above the triple digits—while drifting sideways. And yet, while he still references himself as a professional “fun haver”, he has the tightly-honed skill and precision to place his tires exactly where he wants them—careening around turns with exactness at stomach-dropping speeds. It takes nerves of steel, and after fifteen years as a competitor, he has certainly proven his.

Gittin Jr.'s Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Racing Mustang

The custom Mustang is easily recognizable on the track

Gittin Jr. has an impressive list of wins—he has three World Drift Series Championships under his belt (2011, 2012, and 2013), and is the only American to win two D1 Grand Prix events. In 2013, he was dubbed the Formula Drift Ace Driver of the Decade, honoring his participation in all ten seasons of the series and the most tandem victories of any other driver. He also owns RTR Motorsports (for which he races), based in Baltimore, Maryland. Still, after fifteen years as a top competitor, he shows no signs of slowing down. When questioned regarding the future of RTR Motorsports and his racing career, Gittin Jr. was optimistic, and eager to shower praise on his team’s newest member—Chelsea DeNofa, who joined RTR last year.

The Mustang RTR engine bay

The Mustang RTR features a custom K&N performance filter

Gittin Jr. competed in Round 3 of Formula Drift at Road Atlanta this past weekend. “Road Atlanta is one of my favorite tracks—in fact, this is where Formula Drift started in 2004. The crowd’s amazing, and the track is super fast—we’re hitting about 105 mile-an-hour entry speeds here.” In anticipating the rest of the 2018 season, one thing’s certain—he’ll continue to deliver the high-speed, aggressive driving style that has made him a Formula Drift celebrity.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. will be appearing in Round 4 of the Formula Drift Pro Series at Wall Stadium Speedway in Wall Township, New Jersey on June 1-2.

K&N® Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Filters Offer Exceptional Engine Protection

There’s no getting around it—carbon deposits and contaminants in fuel can lead to a reduction in fuel economy, an increase in negative emissions, and a decrease in your vehicle’s performance. Fuel quality can be variable, but there’s one thing that you can definitely control—the quality of your fuel filter.

Poorly filtered fuel can cause rapid wear and/or build up on the intake valves and the fuel injectors—and can even clog carburetor jets. When an engine receives a high volume of deposits, the following issues may present themselves:

K&N PF-3000 canister-style diesel fuel filter

The K&N PF-3000 is an in-line diesel fuel filter

• Hesitation

• Knocking/pinging

• Rough idle

• Reduced fuel economy

• Higher emissions

When it comes to preventing expensive damage to your vehicle’s fuel delivery system, you need a high-quality line of defense. K&N® performance fuel filters are engineered to the same rigorous standards as the world-famous High-Flow Air Filters™, and feature durable construction, high flow rates, and outstanding filtration. A blend of cellulose and synthetic filtration media removes most rust, dirt, scale, and other contaminants—helping to keep your engine functioning reliably, even in the presence of polluted fuel.

K&N PF-4000 cartridge-style diesel filter

The K&N Diesel Fuel Filter PF-4000 is a cartridge-style diesel fuel filter

K&N® filters are available for a variety of gasoline and diesel cars and trucks and are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications. To make installation easy, K&N® fuel filters are designed as direct replacements for factory filters, and require no modifications to the factory mounting system.

Whether you’re searching for gasoline or diesel applications or for an in-line or cartridge style, you can visit www.knfilters.com to locate the filter that fits your vehicle. High-quality materials and meticulous engineering allow for durability even under tough driving conditions, and with hard-wearing construction and a 1-Year Limited Warranty, you can feel confident in K&N’s reputation for superb quality and fantastic customer service.

K&N® has enjoyed a long partnership with O’Reilly Auto Parts, and is proud to announce that K&N® performance fuel filters will now be available at O’Reilly locations nationwide—making it convenient for you to pick up your replacement performance parts in-store at your nearest location or at www.knfilters.com! Whether you like to do your shopping in-store or from the comfort of your home, K&N® and O’Reilly have the fuel filter for you.

K&N® gasoline and diesel fuel filters are available now in-store at O’Reilly Auto Parts, or online at www.oreillyauto.com or www.knfilters.com!

Hot Wheels® Celebrates Five Decades with Custom Car Contest and “Legends Tour"

Hot Wheels® is hitting the pavement—combing the United States for custom cars worthy of being die-cast in 1/64 scale.

Cars lined up for the judges in the Walmart parking lot at the Kansas City event

Cars lined up for the judges in the Walmart parking lot at the Kansas City event

Few toy brands have maintained the passionate fan base that Hot Wheels has commanded over the decades, attracting both children and enthusiastic adult collectors alike with their imaginative and visionary designs. Many Hot Wheels enthusiasts have been collecting the toy cars since their launch in 1968—and now custom car owners have the chance to have their vehicle immortalized as a legendary Hot Wheels vehicle.

The first sixteen cars launched by Hot Wheels—known as “The Original Sweet 16”—included a custom Corvette, Mustang, and Firebird, and reflected the rich car culture of the late 1960s. Five decades later, Hot Wheels continues to value impeccable standards of design and performance—and is searching for cars that reflect their passion for ingenuity and creativity.

K&N’s custom-built Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang race car posing with the 1/64 Hot Wheels die-

K&N’s custom-built Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang race car posing with the 1/64 Hot Wheels die-cast

K&N® has enjoyed a long partnership with Hot Wheels, and in 2014, K&N’s custom-built Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang race car—which would later win the regional NASA American Iron Western States Championship in 2017—was die-cast in 1/64 scale and coveted by Hot Wheels collectors and K&N fans everywhere. A 1/50 scale Chase Custom 70 Plymouth Barracuda, complete with K&N graphics, also continues to be a popular Hot Wheels collectors’ item.

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour launched from Hot Wheels Headquarters in Los Angeles, and will be making stops at fourteen Walmart stores across the U.S.—including New York, Washington D.C., Kansas City, Nashville, Chicago, Seattle, and Phoenix. Each location will have its own suggested theme reflective of its automotive history—Detroit, for example, will have an “American Muscle” theme—though custom vehicles from all genres will be welcome to enter the contests held at each location.

K&N’s 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang race car Hot Wheels die-cast

K&N’s 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang race car immortalized as a Hot Wheels die-cast

At each event, judges—consisting of members of the Hot Wheels design team, automotive influencers, and Walmart Store Managers—will vote for the car that will be crowned part of the new “Sweet 16”, and the winners from each stop will win an all-expenses-paid trip to the finals at the 2018 SEMA auto show. The judging criteria includes authenticity (“Hot Wheels-ness”, as they call it), originality (they’ve manufactured tens of thousands of cars over the years!), and garage spirit (built—not bought).

At the kick-off event on April 28 at Hot Wheels Headquarters, a custom 1948 Ford F5 owned by Mitch Allread took the honor of being the first car inducted into the new “Sweet 16”. On May 5 in Kansas City, a powder-blue 1938 Dodge school bus, owned by Randy Roeber, was selected as the city’s finalist. Both will be competing for the ultimate prize at SEMA.

1938 Dodge school bus owned by Randy Roeber

This 1938 Dodge school bus owned by Randy Roeber won in Kansas City

For the first time in Hot Wheels long history, fans will be part of the vehicle selection process, and the grand prize winner will have their custom car made into a 1:64 scale die-cast car available for Hot Wheels fans to purchase globally.

The next Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop will be in New York/New Jersey on May 19, 2018, at the Walmart Supercenter in Teterboro.

K&N® 57-1570 Air Intake System for 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel

Designed to be compatible with 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L V6 turbocharged EcoDiesel models, the K&N® 57-1570 Air Intake System provides a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque for power-conscious Jeep owners.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L V6 turbo EcoDiesel engine offers 240 horsepower with a significant 420 lb-ft of torque, and a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,400 lbs. The new model also features an eight-speed automatic transmission, hill ascent control, and 21/28/24 mpg fuel economy. Owners benefit from the EcoDiesel engine’s superior torque and fuel economy when compared to traditional gasoline engines, and a near 730-mile range between fill-ups.

The 3.0L V6 turbo engine provides a modest amount of power, but is paired with a stock air intake system that may cause unnecessary air turbulence and slow the volume of airflow reaching the engine.

Image of air intake components

The 57-1570 features a powder-coated heat shield

The K&N 57-1570 air intake system is a free-flowing, high-density polyethylene tube air induction system engineered to replace the factory air filter and air intake housing. K&N roto-molded HDPE intake tubes are meticulously designed to be aerodynamic, and when paired with the included High-Flow Air Filter™ can increase airflow to your engine by up to 50%. The oversized conical air filter allows for up to 100,000 miles between cleanings under normal highway driving conditions, and is washable, durable, and reusable. When your filter is due for a cleaning, the K&N Recharger® Kit (99-5000) contains everything you’ll need to quickly and easily wash away contaminants and restore your filter’s performance.

The 57-1570 system also offers a black powder-coated aluminum heat shield, protecting the air filter and intake air from the high temperatures radiating from the engine. The air intake tube funnels airflow directly into the engine’s throttle body for a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque.

Engine bay after installation of the 57-1570

Engine bay after installation of the 57-1570

Installation of your new air intake system can typically be completed in 90 minutes or less, as the kit utilizes existing factory mounting points, incorporates the factory mass air sensor, and requires only basic hand tools. Since the intake system allows for the removal of unnecessary stock air intake components, your engine bay will be left with a cleaner appearance after installation.

The 57-1570 after installation

The 57-1570 after installation, featuring the K&N High-Flow Air Filter

The results are notable—on a chassis dynamometer, a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L V6 turbo EcoDiesel with the stock air intake was recorded at 204.65-hp at 2,900rpm, and after installation of the 57-1570 the same vehicle was recorded at 217.32-hp at 2,900rpm—an estimated increase of 12.67-hp. The torque was also improved from 348.34 lb-ft on the stock air intake to 379.28 lb-ft with the 57-1570—a total estimated increase in torque of 30.94 lb-ft at 2,600rpm. You can buy with confidence under the 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty—and the knowledge that you’re guaranteed an increase in horsepower and torque.

The 57-1570 is designed for use in the following vehicles:

2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L V6 Diesel Engine: All Models

FAQs

Will using a K&N® replacement air intake system void my factory warranty?

No. In the United States, in order for the manufacturer of a warranted product to void or deny warranty coverage of a repair due to the use of an aftermarket part, the manufacturer must provide proof that the aftermarket part is the cause of the necessary repair. These rights are protected under the Consumer Products Warranty Act of 1975 (also referred to as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act).

Are K&N® performance air intake systems or RK-series custom air cleaner assemblies emissions legal in the U.S.?

Performance intake systems are legal for street use in most areas of the United States.

In California, and in specific regions which have adopted California air quality regulations, only CARB-exempt performance intakes are legal for street use.

Check the K&N catalog or website for vehicle applications and specific CARB status for each vehicle and air intake.

Can a K&N® product cause my Check Engine Light or Service Light to come on?

It is possible that the Check Engine Light may come on after installing a K&N air filter or performance intake system. This does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your air filter or intake; sometimes, the higher air flow and lower restriction provided by the K&N product will uncover an existing mechanical or electronic issue with your vehicle. In rare cases, you may have a K&N product which was manufactured outside of its design tolerances, causing sensors in your vehicle to read data outside of their normal expected values. In either case, the K&N Warranty Department can work with you to narrow down the cause of the Check Engine Light and correct the issue.

How much horsepower does a K&N® cold air intake add?

Dynamometer tests indicating horsepower and torque increases over the OEM intake system will appear on the "Product Details" page for each of our performance intake systems.

What does a cold air intake do for a car?

Cold air intakes allow for increased airflow to your engine, which results in an increase in torque and acceleration for your vehicle.

Can cold air intakes improve gas mileage?

In theory, a cold air intake could increase the gas mileage of your vehicle due to improved airflow which allows the engine to run more efficiently and require less fuel. However, K&N does not make any guarantees in terms of increased gas mileage with the use of our filters or intakes.

*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.

K&N® 69-7084TS Air Intake System for 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60

Engineered for the 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L V6 and the 2017-2018 Infiniti QX60 3.5L V6 models, the K&N® 69-7084TS Air Intake System provides a marked increase in horsepower and torque for the performance-minded automotive enthusiast.

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder’s 3.5L Direct Injection Gasoline™ (DIG) DOHC 24-Valve V6 engine produces 284 horsepower (increased from 260-hp in previous models) with 259 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. The new model also features an electronic variable timing control (e-VTC), automatic emergency breaking, and mirror bore cylinder coating.

Image of air intake components

The 69-7084TS features a High-Flow Air Filter with heat shield

The 2018 Infiniti QX60 features a 294-hp 3.5L V6 engine featuring a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with manual shift mode, 270 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.

Both engines feature an abundance of power, but are manufactured with generic stock air intake systems that often direct airflow inefficiently, limiting the volume of air that reaches the engine.

2018 Nissan Pathfinder

2018 Nissan Pathfinder

The K&N 69-7084TS Typhoon Air Intake system is a free-flowing, mandrel-bent aluminum tube air induction system designed to replace the restrictive air filter and air intake housing. It is specifically engineered to be aerodynamic and allow a greater volume of airflow to reach the engine for increased performance.

The 69-7084TS system also features a custom powder-coated aluminum heat shield, protecting the air filter and intake air from the high temperatures radiating from the engine. The cold air intake tube funnels airflow directly into the engine’s throttle body for a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque.

Image of the 69-7084TS installed in a vehicle

The 69-7084TS after installation

Included in the kit is an oversized conical air filter (model RU-4600)—which only requires service once every 100,000 miles under normal highway driving conditions—and features K&N’s innovative design of layered, oiled cotton media to help shield your engine from dust, dirt, and other contaminants. Unlike disposable filters, which must be purchased on a regular basis, the K&N High-Flow Air Filter™ is washable, durable, and engineered to last for the life of your vehicle. When your filter is due for a cleaning, the K&N Recharger Kit (99-5000) contains everything you’ll need to quickly and easily remove build-up and restore your filter’s performance.

Installing your new cold air intake system is relatively simple and typically takes 90 minutes or less to complete, as the design utilizes existing factory mounting points, incorporates the factory mass air sensor and crank case vent hose, and requires only basic hand tools. Since the intake system allows for the removal of unnecessary stock air intake components, your engine bay will be left with a cleaner, more attractive appearance after installation.

The 69-7084TS with its accompanying box

The 69-7084TS with its accompanying box

The results are verifiable and impressive—on a chassis dynamometer, a 2017 Infiniti QX60 with the stock air intake was recorded at 212.1-hp at 6,000rpm, and after installation of the 69-7084TS the same vehicle was recorded at 220.9-hp at 6,000rpm—an estimated increase of almost 8-hp. The torque was also improved from 193.2 lb-ft on the stock air intake to 202.4 lb-ft with the 69-7084TS—a total estimated increase in torque of 9.2 lb-ft at 3,500rpm. You can buy with confidence under the 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty—and the knowledge that you’re guaranteed an increase in horsepower and torque.

The 69-7084TS is designed for use in the following vehicles:

2018 Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection: All Models

2018 Infiniti QX60 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection: All Models

2017 Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection: All Models

2017 Infiniti QX60 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection: All Model

FAQs

Will using a K&N® replacement air intake system void my factory warranty?

No. In the United States, in order for the manufacturer of a warranted product to void or deny warranty coverage of a repair due to the use of an aftermarket part, the manufacturer must provide proof that the aftermarket part is the cause of the necessary repair. These rights are protected under the Consumer Products Warranty Act of 1975 (also referred to as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act).

Are K&N® performance air intake systems or RK-series custom air cleaner assemblies emissions legal in the U.S.?

Performance intake systems are legal for street use in most areas of the United States.

In California, and in specific regions which have adopted California air quality regulations, only CARB-exempt performance intakes are legal for street use.

Check the K&N catalog or website for vehicle applications and specific CARB status for each vehicle and air intake.

Can a K&N® product cause my Check Engine Light or Service Light to come on?

It is possible that the Check Engine Light may come on after installing a K&N air filter or performance intake system. This does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your air filter or intake; sometimes, the higher air flow and lower restriction provided by the K&N product will uncover an existing mechanical or electronic issue with your vehicle. In rare cases, you may have a K&N product which was manufactured outside of its design tolerances, causing sensors in your vehicle to read data outside of their normal expected values. In either case, the K&N Warranty Department can work with you to narrow down the cause of the Check Engine Light and correct the issue.

How much horsepower does a K&N® cold air intake add?

Dynamometer tests indicating horsepower and torque increases over the OEM intake system will appear on the "Product Details" page for each of our performance intake systems.

What does a cold air intake do for a car?

Cold air intakes allow for increased airflow to your engine, which results in an increase in torque and acceleration for your vehicle.

Can cold air intakes improve gas mileage?

In theory, a cold air intake could increase the gas mileage of your vehicle due to improved airflow which allows the engine to run more efficiently and require less fuel. However, K&N does not make any guarantees in terms of increased gas mileage with the use of our filters or intakes.

*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.

K&N-Sponsored Off-Road Veteran Greg Adler Kicks Off Racing Season in Chandler, AZ

With more than a decade of racing under his belt, Greg Adler is a short-course veteran.

Greg Adler posing with his son in his Pro4 short course truck

Greg Adler posing with his son in his Pro4 short course truck

Early last month, Adler kicked off his 2018 off-road racing season at the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona.

“I started racing off-road when I was just out of college,” Adler commented. “It was something I always wanted to do—so in 1989, I started racing the Baja 1000, and did the desert thing for a while. Short course came to the west coast, and once I saw this up close and got a taste of it, I was hooked.”

Adler's Pro4 vehicle is a force to be reckoned with in the Lucas Oil Pro Series

Adler's Pro4 vehicle is a force to be reckoned with in the Lucas Oil Pro Series

Adler’s first short-course race was in 2004 at the Crandon International Raceway. His career has been characterized by multiple podium finishes, including 1st place in Pro-2 for Round 2 of the Lucas Oil Series in 2012, and podium finishes in Chandler, Arizona and Ensenada, Mexico as part of the 2017 Lucas Oil Series.

K&N products have been a big part of Adler’s racing career, and he continues to use a K&N E-3760 14” round air filter in his 800-horsepower Pro4 short course truck. “When we’ve been racing out here, whether it be in the desert or short course, we always look to partner with the best companies that we can—and K&N has been just a terrific partner in my racing since my early days,” he remarked. “There’s no other product you can buy where you get that bang for your buck with performance. We’re running fifty thousand-dollar motors, so I need to have the best protection for this thing to keep it alive—hopefully all year long. The K&N filters do that for me.”

While contact with another vehicle necessitated an early end to Adler’s race in Chandler, Arizona on April 14, the team is already preparing for the upcoming races on Estero Beach in Ensenada, Mexico.

We can look forward to watching Greg in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Series. His next race will be on May 19 in Ensenada, Mexico, at the 4th Annual Rockstar Energy Battle South of the Border presented by Lucas Oil.

Straight Up Racing Debuts The “Major Payne”: A Modified Tank Featuring K&N Filters

Bill Payne isn’t afraid to venture into the unconventional—and his newest demonstration of automotive ingenuity comes in the form of a 9,600-pound modified tank.

Bill Payne posing with the "Major Payne"

Bill Payne posing with the "Major Payne"

Payne is the founder of Straight Up Racing—an independent monster truck racing team based in Port Orchard, Washington—and has recently debuted a new vehicle, dubbed the “Major Payne”. Adapted from a WWII tank, it’s far from your average monster truck.

The Major Payne is modified from an M5 Half-Track Personnel Carrier—produced from 1942 to 1943—though the only original elements remaining are the tracks, suspension, and rear drive axle. Twelve thousand pounds of weight was dropped in the build, which took over a year to complete. A custom-built reverser box provides the tank with remarkable agility, allowing it to safely pivot on its back idler—offering the illusion of wheelies without risking spinal damage for the driver.

Right side view of the Major Payne

The Major Payne is a modified WWII personnel carrier

“The adrenaline rush from the Major Payne tank is unlike anything with the monster trucks,” Payne commented at the tank’s first live performance in Roseburg, Oregon. “With the monster trucks, they’re very predictable on how the run’s going to be—we still have no idea what this tank’s all about. We don’t know what its capabilities are going to be—what the limitations are going to be.”

Watching the Major Payne perform, the limitations appear to be few. A big-block Chevrolet engine with JE pistons, AFR cylinder heads, and a Weiand 8-71 blower furnish the Major Payne with a whopping 1,100 horsepower. The tank is also decked out with a high-flow K&N air filter and performance oil filter.

Close-up of the front of the Major Payne

The Major Payne features a K&N air filter and oil filter

“I had no idea this thing was going to get as muddy as it does,” Payne mused. “There’s mud in the cab, in the back—the radiator’s full. Starting with a K&N air filter we know we have protection that’s second to none. By starting this project that way, we know we have an engine that’s going to last a long time.”

You can catch the Straight Up Racing team—and the Major Payne—on May 11 at the Magic Valley Speedway in Twin Falls, Idaho, as part of the Malicious Monster Truck Tour.

Campaign Seeks Awareness for K&N-Supported Foundation “Fallen Patriots"

Over the course of the next month, a very special American flag will be travelling eight thousand miles as part of PepsiCo’s fourth annual “Rolling Remembrance” campaign—pursuing awareness for the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots).

Fallen Patriots seeks to provide college funding to the children of military servicemembers killed in the line of duty—relieving a financial burden that often amounts to over thirty thousand dollars per student after federal assistance. Since 2002, the foundation has provided over 21 million dollars in scholarship assistance to military families, allowing the children of our most exceptional and heroic servicemembers to attend university.

The truck that will be completing the first leg of the “Rolling Remembrance” relay

The truck that will be completing the first leg of the “Rolling Remembrance” relay

The “Rolling Remembrance” flag, originally flown on a UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter during Operation Enduring Freedom, will traverse fifty different relay points between Seattle and New York before arriving in White Plains, N.Y., on May 24. United States military veteran drivers from both PepsiCo North America Beverages and Frito Lay North America will be carrying the flag.

March Air Force Base Color Guard carrying the American flag and State flag of California

March Air Force Base Color Guard carrying the American flag and State flag of California

Fallen Patriots was formed in memory of Sergeant William Delaney Gibbs, killed in action during Operation Just Cause and survived by his wife and unborn daughter. The foundation’s CEO, David Kim, has long held the belief that providing higher education to children is one of the most meaningful ways to honor the sacrifice of fallen servicemembers. As an American-based company, K&N has long been a supporter of the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, and has donated over $100,000 toward helping the children of our heroes achieve their collegiate dreams.

K&N CEO, President, and Chief Engineering Officer posing with Asher Patton

K&N CEO, President, and Chief Engineering Officer posing with Asher Patton (far right)

One Fallen Patriots recipient, Asher Patton, attended the Florida Institute of Technology to study Mechanical Engineering. Before his graduation commencement in 2017, he accepted a job at K&N as a project engineer, where he continues to be a valued employee. “The feeling of gratitude is indescribable,” he stated. “Fallen Patriots honored my father’s life by helping me.”

K&N President Jesse Spungin added, “It is important to everyone at K&N to give back to the families who sacrificed so much for us. For almost fifty years, K&N has been an American company, and we owe it to these men and women. Helping an organization like Fallen Patriots is one way we can help the legacy of these American Heroes live on in the lives of their children.”

For more information or to donate, please visit https://support.fallenpatriots.org

K&N Returns to Nevada to Sponsor 2018 UTV World Championship and Many Top Racers

The K&N banner at the Riverside Casino for the UTVWC in Laughlin, Nevada

K&N once again sponsored the UTV World Championship in Laughlin, Nevada

Fresh off sponsoring the iconic Mint 400 race in Las Vegas, K&N’s support of UTV racing continued with the company’s major sponsorship of the UTV World Championship (UTVWC) in Laughlin, Nevada. That makes two consecutive Best in the Desert (BITD) races in which K&N was a power player.

UTVWC Contingency

The K&N tent and display was a centerpiece of the lively UTVWC Contingency. The event was again staged on the property of Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino on the banks of the Colorado River.

Vendors displayed the latest UTV performance and safety products in the contingency area as racers went through tech inspections nearby. K&N representatives were on hand to hand out swag and answer question on our newest performance intake, filter, and protection products for UTVs like Polaris, Yamaha, Arctic Cat, and Kawasaki.

Mark Queen jumps his K&N-equipped RZR at the UTVWC jump competition

Mark Queen gets serious air in his K&N-equipped RZR at the UTVWC jump competition

The most exciting new product on display was the all new K&N 63-1141 AirCharger air intake system for the Can-Am X3. The 63-1141 intake replaces the restrictive factory air filter and air intake housing in select CAN-AM models.

K&N UTV Racers

K&N sponsors some of the top talent in virtually every form of racing. The UTV racing world is no exception. K&N stars like 2018 King of the Hammers Champion Mitch Guthrie Jr. and 2017 UTVWC Champion RJ Anderson were back in Laughlin putting the pedal to the metal.

Other K&N stars like Mitch Guthrie, Katie Vernola, Bradley Morris, and Murray Racing also displayed their talent in the Nevada desert. K&N’s roots run deep in the UTV racing world and there is little doubt as to why so many top racers trust K&N to deliver world class performance and protection.

Bradley Morris' UTV on display at the K&N tent at the UTVWC in Laughlin, Nevada

Bradley Morris' UTV on display at the K&N tent

Remaining BITD Schedule

Motion Pro Nevada 200 Trail Ride, April 13-15, Caliente, NV

VT Construction Silver State 300 presented by Polaris, May 3-6, Alamo, NV

General Tire Vegas-to-Reno presented by Fox, August 15-18

Method Race Wheels Laughlin Desert Classic presented by Canidae Tap It, October 11-14, Laughlin, NV

Pahrump Nugget 250 presented by Polaris, November 29-December 2, Pahrump, NV

K&N-sponsored Katie Vernola's pinksupport truck in the UTVWC pits

K&N-sponsored Katie Vernola's very cool support truck in the UTVWC pits

Tech inspections at the UTVWC Contingency in Laughlin, Nevada

Tech inspections were conducted for two days at the UTVWC Contingency

K&N at the UTVWC vendor village in Laughlin, Nevada

The K&N camp was the center of action in the UTVWC vendor village

UTV race machines parked at a pre-race BBQ in the UTVWC pits

UTV race machines parked at a pre-race BBQ in the UTVWC pits

Murray Racing semi in the pits of the UTVWC

Murray Racing proudly displays their K&N support on their impressive race hauler

Andrew Madrid's K&N-equipped RZR at tech inspection at UTVWC

Andrew Madrid's K&N-equipped RZR ready for tech inspection

K&N Gears Up for the 34th K&N Horsepower Challenge at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

K&N Horsepower Challenge Logo

The 34th running of the K&N Horsepower Challenge will be contested this Saturday, April 7th at the newly renovated Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals.

The K&N Horsepower Challenge, a race-within-a-race, brings the top 7 Pro Stock drivers together for a three-round shootout offering nothing but glory and a $50,000 paycheck. The drivers have accumulated points since the previous K&N Horsepower Challenge and the top 7 in points lock in a spot to compete, then the 8th driver is voted in by the fans.

The Fans have spoken and they want to see Vincent Nobile, the driver of the Mountain View Tire Chevy Camaro, in the 8th spot.

top 8 K&N Horsepower Challenge drivers on stage in 2017 before the race

The top 8 Pro Stock drivers get ready to face off in the K&N HPC in 2017

Here are the first-round Match-ups and some fast facts about each driver’s history in the K&N Horsepower Challenge:

Vincent Nobile vs. Bo Butner

  • Vincent was the youngest K&N Horsepower Challenge Champion back in 2012, then he went on to win the main event, as well
  • Bo Butner is just coming off his best season as the 2017 Pro Stock Champion, which helped him get to the No. 1 Qualifier position in the K&N Horsepower Challenge

Greg Anderson vs. Erica Enders

Vincent Nobile wins the K&N Horsepower Challenge in 2012

Vincent Nobile takes the 8th spot in the HPC being voted in as the fan-favorite

  • Greg has won the K&N Horsepower Challenge the past two years and has 6 titles overall
  • Erica won back-to-back K&N Horsepower Challenge titles starting in 2014, where both years she doubled-up by winning the event title, as well

Jason Line vs. Jeg Coughlin

  • Jason has been close to winning the K&N Horsepower Challenge, but has never hoisted the trophy
  • Jeg Coughlin clearly knows how to rally his fans, as he has won the K&N Horsepower Challenge Fan Vote 3 times and won the event in 2009

Drew Skillman vs. Tanner Gray

Greg Anderson wins his 6th K&N Horsepower Challenge in 2017

Greg Anderson celebrates his record 6th K&N HPC win in 2017

  • Drew and Tanner were 4th and 5th in the K&N Horsepower Challenge standings
  • Tanner Gray won the DENSO NHRA Nationals last season

Tune in to see which driver comes out on top! K&N Horsepower Challenge rounds are scheduled for noon, 2:40 and 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, April 7.