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Guthrie Racing's Father and Son Team Win the 2013 King of the Hammers UTV Title

9 Mar 2013

Guthrie Sr. and his son Mitch took the win at the 2013 King of Hammers in his Polaris RZR XP 900 SxS UTV.

Out on the Means Dry Lake located at Johnson Valley, California, Mitch Guthrie and his chip off the old-block son, Mitch Jr., co-piloted the Guthrie Racing Polaris to victory in the 2013 King of the Hammers. Guthrie Sr. backed up his 2012 King of the Hammers UTV triumph and scored his fourth KOH win at what many claim was the gnarliest, vehicle munching course yet. Guthrie Jr., a highly talented young UTV driver in his own right, ran the winch line out to help navigate the seemingly impassable boulder sections when it was required, helping dad to capture yet another WORCS SXS Production 1000 victory.

"This year was a lot more challenging," confirmed Guthrie Sr. "Last year a lot of competitors complained the course was too easy and that there was too much desert and not enough rocks. So this year they made a 115 mile race with 10 rock canyons that are some of the hardest rock canyons in Southern California."

Guthrie's experience rock crawling in the area paid off big time during the race.

The King of the Hammers off-road race was founded by Jeff Knoll and Dave Cole in 2007, with the intention of combining the most challenging aspects of desert racing and rock crawling. The vehicles used in the event are known as Ultra 4 vehicles, and some are capable of reaching speeds over 100 mph for the desert sections, but still contain gear ratios of 100-to-1 or lower for rock crawling. The torturous nature of King of the Hammers becomes more obvious after identifying some of the more infamous trails along the course, with names like Wrecking ball, Jackhammer, Chocolate thunder and Aftershock, you get the picture that this is no leisurely Sunday cruise.

"This year there was also a time limit of eight hours and only three UTVs out of 35 finished the course," continues Guthrie. "This year was one of the most rewarding races due to the difficulty; I also could have never won this race without my son Mitch Jr. There was a lot winching up the rocks which takes a lot of running back and forth and being 16-years-old he is in great shape and recovers quickly. We won this race with eight minutes left on the clock, and by only 16 seconds over the course of an eight hour race. It was a good day!"

Many of the 2013 King of the Hammers competitors felt this year's race was the most technically demanding event yet.

Guthrie Racing had an hour lead on their competition at one point, until a ball joint broke, which they had to fix on the trail, but not before Matt Enochs and his UTV passed them. "With about 10 miles left we retook the lead when they had a flat," Guthrie adds. "This put us first and the UTV behind us driven by Jon Crowley into second. Big thanks go out to K&N for keeping my engine running perfect through eight hours of the worst desert and rocks in Southern California!"

Guthrie credits his familiarity with the Johnson Valley area for much of his ongoing success at the King of the Hammers race. "I know this area very well and have been rock crawling here since 1999 when I used to compete in the unlimited classes. I also won a championship in 2004. I feel this gives me an advantage in the rocks. I am also very comfortable in the fast desert sections. I also know how to setup a UTV for this type of event, to make it strong and last."

After the King of the Hammers event Guthrie Racing continued on to the second round of the WORCS series without touching home base first. "Mitch Jr. won the Production 1000 class so the second round went great, we drove straight from the King of the Hammers the next day, to Primm, Nevada. We practiced Friday and raced Saturday. It was a very rough course and Mitch Jr. had a pretty uneventful day, though he only won by 3.5 seconds."

Is there one overriding goal for Guthrie Racing in 2013? "To have Mitch Jr. win the production 1000 class in WORCS," says dad.

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 and 2012 Ford F150 Trucks with 6.2L Engines Get Simple to Install Performance Air Intake

8 Mar 2013

K&N Air Intake Installed on 2011 Ford F150 6.2L

Being regarded highly as a top light duty truck manufacturer, Ford has brought new life to the market by offering one of the widest selections of high performing models on the 1/2 ton market. This includes the 6.2 liter option of 2011 and 2012 Ford F150 trucks. Packing a punch with its impressive tow capabilities and throttle response, the 6.2 liter models offer power to drivers looking for a strong 1/2 ton. A near 7 second 0-60 time just wasn't good enough for the team at K&N, so they designed the 57-2584 Aircharger performance air intake system.

K&N Air Intake System for 2011 and 2012 Ford F150 6.2L

The 57-2584 air intake is an easy to install, bolt-on system, designed to replace the restrictive factory air box and filter. Engineered with a custom rotomolded polyethylene intake tube, large conical cotton air filter (part number RC-5173), and a powder coated heat shield, designed to insulate the filter from ambient engine heat, the 57-2584 offers a number of special features that can improve engine performance and provide excellent filtration. When dyno tested, the 57-2584 air intake boosted performance by an estimated 27 horsepower at 5347rpm and 16.9 lbft torque at 3578rpm. More horsepower and torque are never something to go amiss, especially when under heavy load.

Dyno Chart for K&N Ford F150 Air Intake 57-2584

The included RC-5173 washable and reusable air filter offers excellent filtration and engine protection. It can be used for up to 100,000 miles before cleaning is needed, depending on your driving conditions.

The 57-2584 air intake system is also backed with K&N's world famous million mile limited warranty giving you peace of mind. Serving as a perfect upgrade and way to improve engine performance and throttle response, the 57-2584 air intake from K&N is guaranteed to increase horsepower.

The simple to install 57-2584 Aircharger air intake system fits the following Ford F150 trucks:

2012 Ford F150 6.2L V8
2011 Ford F150 6.2L V8

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.

2012 SEMA Featured Bright Orange Ford Mustang GT with Matching Wheelchair Trailer

8 Mar 2013

Jarrod Holly featured his 2007 Mustang GT at SEMA show 2012

2012 SEMA show featured this 2007 Mustang GT with wheelchair trailer

The bright orange 2007 GT Mustang parked on the floor of the 2012 SEMA show symbolizes many things to many people. To 19-year-old Jarrod Holly, the car's owner, it represents a lifetime passion for drag racing, hot rods and in fact anything with an engine. To Ethan Holly, Jarrod's dad, it embodies a deeply emotional bond between himself and his son. And, for everyone that saw the car at SEMA, or watched it drive by on the 2012 Hot Rod Power Tour from Detroit to Arlington, Texas - it will forever stand for the symbol of a hero.

Ford Mustang GT with trailer at SEMA

The bold black double-strips dividing the Ford in half extend over the matching orange trailer where Jarrod stores his wheelchair. Jarrod was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was 7, and he's been battling it with grace and dignity ever since. Doctors aren't optimistic he'll live past 25.

True heroism is staggeringly sober and remarkably undramatic. Ethan would be the first to say that his son doesn't see himself as a hero, and that he doesn't let the disease get him down, he goes about his business and doesn't complain. It's been said however, that heroes are people who involuntarily answer a calling with unfathomable courage. They transform compassion through their personal virtue, into heroic action, which then becomes a public virtue. By definition then Jarrod is nothing short of a hero.

SEMA featured GT Mustang owner considers another Optima Batteries Ultimate street car challenge

The 2012 show was the Holly's second SEMA visit, but the first time they displayed a vehicle. Ethan sites the SEMA show and being able to take his son on the Power Tour as two of his prouder moments.

"We have been planning and working on the vehicle since the beginning of the year (2012).This vehicle started out as a project for the Hot Rod Power Tour," explained Ethan. This involved a trip to K&N so that they could design and test out a cold air intake system for our particular set up. This was a tremendous effort involving many phone calls and communications to line up sponsors, products, and completing most of the modifications on the vehicle itself.

2012 SEMA show featured this 2007 Mustang GT with wheelchair trailer

Since my son and I did most of the installations and modifications on our own, this involved a lot of blood, sweat, and meeting deadlines. I did the grunt work and my son read the instructions to me to keep me on track. When K&N let us know that we would be displaying the car at SEMA, it was another deadline to meet, with much organization work involved to make sure Jarrod's Mustang and wheelchair trailer was ready to go after a long road trip on the Hot Rod Power Tour."

Ethan has been a loyal K&N fan for over 15 years, that's when he bought the first air filter for his truck. That's why it was such a fortuitous encounter when Ethan met with Devin Rickey, Sr. Manager of Special Projects for K&N Engineering.

Ford GT mustang at SEMA started out as a project for the Hot Rod Power Tour

Ford Mustang GT at SEMA started out as a project for the Hot Rod Power Tour

"I met Jarrod and his father, Ethan, at the 2011 SEMA show through a mutual friend," commented Rickey in an earlier story (K&N Joins 19 year-old Jarrod Holly's Quest for Bucket List Power Tour). "After hearing about Jarrod's plans to participate in the Hot Rod Power Tour and what he wanted to do with the car, I thought that there is an opportunity for the aftermarket community to help this young man's dreams come true."

Jarrod Holly and his Bright Orange SEMA featured Ford Mustang GT

This is the Vail, Arizona father and son team's first build together, although they share their extensive background in drag racing. "My specialty is building drag race cars," said Ethan, "Although I have enjoyed putting together this project for my son. I consider the Mustang to be a street machine project."

Their goal for this year is to participate in the Hot Rod Power Tour 2013. Jarrod is determined to do the Hot Rod Power Tour as long as he possibly can. "Other plans include car shows, cruises, and drag racing," Ethan adds. "He is also considering doing another Optima Batteries Ultimate street car challenge."

"We want to give a special thanks to K&N for everything they have done for Jarrod and his car. And special thanks to Devin Rickey in having a vision for making all of this happen. Our plan is to create a hot rod wheelchair van to use as a support vehicle for Jarrod's medical equipment, and will be keeping you updated on its progress."

2007 4.6L GT Mustang modifications include:
K&N -filters, cold air intake system (custom)
Saleen Speed Lab- Super charger system
Royal Purple- Oil and maintenance products
Ford Motor Co.- Ford Racing Exhaust, Valve Covers
MSD- Ignition coils and technical support
American Muscle after market body parts
CDC- Classic Design Concepts after market body parts.

Jarrod Holly's Mustang inspires people in a range of ways everywhere it travels.

Drivetrain: Custom computer tuned transmission, aftermarket axles and gears (3.73) to create a stronger setup.

Suspension modifications: Steeda lowering springs (1.5") - aftermarket rear sway bars, and Steeda Rear Control Arms

Exhaust: Ford Racing Exhaust Headers, Ford Racing X pipes, and Ford Racing Mufflers

Brakes: Stop Tech 14" front brake rotors, and Stop Tech Rear Brakes

Tires: Nitto NT05, Front is 275/35R20, Rear 315/35R20

Wheels: Steeda Spyder wheels, 9" wide front, 12" wide rear

Exterior modifications:

CDC front chin spoiler and splitter, GT 500 rear wind valence and bumper cover Exterior sticker provided by Wolf Design

Interior modifications:

Carbou Racing Seats with racing harnesses, Carbou Harness Bar

Awards, magazines, news articles, and features:

K&N featured News article, K&N Website, Drag Racing Online Newsletter, IHRA DRM (Drag Review magazine), Ford Racing Newsletter (Internet), Newspaper Article in Tucson Paper, Featured on the Southern AZ Mustang Club website
Personal blog for 2012 Hot Rod Power Tour

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.

KTM 990 Motorcycles Gain Reusable Air Filter Designed to Add Power and Torque

8 Mar 2013

Side View of K&N's KTM 990 Motorcycle Air Finter

The 2013, 990 Adventure motorcycle is "a tribute to Baja, the land of the famous SCORE/Baja 1000, but also of multiple travel adventure rides and rallies," says KTM. The Austrian motorcycle, moped and bicycle manufacturer has been expanding their Travel Adventure line to meet the growing demands from the past decade.

K&N Air Finter for KTM 990 Motorcycles

K&N Air Finter for KTM 990 Motorcycles in Box

Motorcycles symbolize independence and the KTM 990 Adventure Baja will redefine the limits of freedom and where a 1000cc twin-powered motorcycle can deliver riders. Inspired by the often brutal long distance rally and adventure touring environment, K&N's KT-9907 high-flow, reusable air filter was developed for 2007 through 2013 KTM 990 models below.

Flow Chart for K&N KT-9907 KTM 990 Air Filter

K&N KT-9907 performance air filter is made with a pleated cotton media that can increase service intervals in extremely dusty, mucky and unruly off road riding conditions. K&N's KTM 990 replacement motorcycle air filter is designed to simply replace the existing filter within the OE airbox. K&N's KT-9907 air filter uses a deep pleated filter media that allows more airflow than the OE filter. It can improve performance and throttle response while protecting your engine.

Performance air filter KT-9907 is a washable and reusable filter that is easy to clean. K&N air filter cleaning instructions are easy to follow and available in a K&N Recharger Service Kit. For daily commuters and recreational riders, K&N's renowned Million Mile Limited Warranty^® insures that this will be the last air filter you'll ever purchase for your KTM 990. For KTM 990 riders who take their Adventure off the road, K&N KT-9907 is warranted against defective materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase without mileage limitations.

K&N KT-9907 fits the following KTM 990 Adventure motorcycles:

2013 KTM 990 SM T
2013 KTM 990 Adventure
2012 KTM 990 SM T
2012 KTM 990 Adventure
2011 KTM 990 Supermoto
2011 KTM 990 SM T
2011 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 KTM 990 Supermoto
2010 KTM 990 SM T
2010 KTM 990 Adventure
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2008 KTM 990 Super Duke
2008 KTM 990 Adventure
2007 KTM 990 Super Duke
2007 KTM 990 Adventure

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.

Team Babbitt's Tyler Bowers Leads in Points After AMA Arenacross Series Win at DCU Center

8 Mar 2013

After the inversion, Tyler Bowers found himself in the back row. In spite of his starting position, the rider prevailed and took the checkered flag.

Babbitt's Monster Energy/Amsoil Kawasaki recently rolled into the DCU Center in Worchester, Massachusetts, eager to get the 2013 AMA Arenacross series underway. With this season came change, as a new inversion rule would be in effect and there would be two main events. But change didn't detour Team Babbitt's focus. They were prepared to battle and had no other intentions than walking away victorious.

When asked his thoughts on the new rules, team manager, Denny Bartz explained that he wasn't necessarily a fan of the inversion but suggested it would prove entertaining for the fans. When asked about two main events, he said, "I don't mind it, but it needs to be more laps; fifteen minimum."

Referring to the team's expectations going into the season, Bartz continued, "We always try to win a championship. I think we have a solid program. Good support and products from all of our sponsors helps get the riders where they need to be."

With confidence on his team's side, Tyler Bowers was the "man to beat" coming into the opening round. Taking an early lead in the main event, the rider quickly separated himself from his competitors. Bowers remained in front of the pack during the entire race and when the dust had settled was the clear winner.

After racing in the opening event of the 2013 AMA Arenacross series, Tyler Bowers walked away with the overall points lead.

As a two-time defending champion, Bowers was no stranger to taking the podium. When asked what separates the rider from his competitors, the team manager's answer was short and to the point. "He always wants to win and believes he can."

Entering the second main event, fans and participants had the opportunity to get their first taste of the new inversion rule - the front row flipped giving bowers the last pick on the row.

Although experiencing a reputable start, Bowers was plagued with a mistake, as he stalled his bike on the "whoops" in the initial lap. In turn, he fell deep in the field of riders. Bowers managed to muscle his way back to the fifth spot before the waving of the checkered flag, earning him the third spot overall for the night.

The following and final night of the event brought with it another opportunity for Bowers to quench a burning desire to man a position on the podium. After a heated battle with his teammate in the first main event, Tyler Bowers made a pass with only four laps remaining. The rider never looked back and refused to let up, earning yet another victory.

Tyler Bowers and Team Babbitt's Monster/Energy Amsoil/Kawasaki is anticipating a season.

Prior to the second main event of the night, the new inversion rule reared its ugly head, leaving Bowers in the back row. Adversity was no reason to give up though, and the rider began to pick off his competitors immediately at the dropping of the gate.

Bowers methodically worked his way through the field and toward the front of the pack. He eventually took the lead, a position he managed to hold until crossing the finish line. It turned out to be a good weekend for Bowers and Team Babbitt's, as he took three of four main events and would head into round two of the series the overall points leader.

Although Tyler Bowers practically took all of the marbles on the opening event of the AMA Arenacross series, fans will notice two new faces that will be representing Team Babbitt's in 2013 as well. When asked if the addition of Zach Ames would prove beneficial this season, Bartz said, "Yes. He's always had the speed, but maybe lacked on his confidence and ability to pass. But he's improving in that area."

Referring to new team member, Tyler Villopoto, Bartz continued, "Tyler came into the season injured. I think it had affected his performance still, but he's improving as well."

Touching on the key to success throughout the remainder of the 2013, Bartz was quick to point out that with the points starting over during mid season, nothing more than one bad motto could lend to a position less than the championship.

That in mind, the team understands the importance of keeping their bikes in pristine mechanical condition. With full intentions of keeping the internal components of their engines contaminant free, they depend upon K&N products.

"Maintenance is very important," explained Bartz. "At the level these bikes are ridden, it's important to stay on top of everything. This is our eighth season to use K&N air filters and oil filters," he continued. "And we have shown a one-half to three-quarter horsepower gain on the dyno."

With proper maintenance, proven riding skills and an eagerness for victories, Team Babbitt's is anticipating a stellar 2013 season. When asked what fans can expect throughout the remainder of the season, Denny Bartz concluded, "Good results week after week and hopefully another championship!"

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.