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The 2012 K&N NASCAR Pro Series Season Ends with Kyle Larson as Champion

12 Dec 2012

Brett Moffitt and Tyler Reddick made contact which ended up putting them out of the race

Kyle Larson chalked up winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship to luck and consistency. He needed a little of both to win the season finale race at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina.

Larson finished in sixth place in the Classic 3 Championship presented by RCR Racing Museum after the leaders collided and knocked one of the K&N Pro Series East Series championship contenders out of the race.

Larson won his first K&N Pro Series East championship by 15 points over Corey LaJoie.

Corey Lajoie celebrates his victory

Rookie Tyler Reddick, a 16-year-old from Corning, California, won the race in his K&N Pro Series East debut. It was only his third career start on asphalt. His previous two starts came in the ARCA Series.

Reddick was battling Brett Moffitt for the lead on the last lap of the race. Moffitt and Reddick's cars made contact coming out of turn two and knocked Moffitt out of the race. He entered the season finale in second place in the K&N Pro Series East standings and would have won the championship if he was able to hold on to the lead.

Corey Lajoie comes home with the trophy after K&N Pro Series East Championship Race

"All in all it was a really good race," Reddick said. "It's a shame me and the 11 (Moffitt) got together. I had a really good run coming off of (turn) 4. I got along side of him going into 1 and 2. I don't know what happened, but he should have known I was going to be right on the outside of him. He just kinda of run me up the race track and I wasn't going to give it to him."

LaJoie was also in contention for the K&N Pro Series East championship and finished in second place.

"I thought I had Tyler and Brett was pretty much gone," LaJoie said. "I didn't think he was going to get there, down the front stretch, I was like, uh-oh, this this might be interesting. I might get lucky."

Kyle Larson lights the tires up in celebration after winning the 2012 Pro Series East Chamionship

LaJoie made it through the crash, but so did Larson who finished high enough to secure the K&N Pro Series East championship.

"I've been lucky a lot this year," said Larson, who joins Joey Logano and Ryan Truex as the only drivers to win the rookie of the year and the K&N Pro Series East championship in the same season . "Just made up for Corey and Brett's messes that they gotten into a lot this year. Gained some points and stayed consistent and got the championship. It feels great."

Vicotry lane attop the #6 car driven by Kyle Larson

Larson won two races and had a season-high, 12 top-10 finishes in his championship season.

"This track is great," said the 20-year-old Larson from Elk Grove, California "You can run it from top to bottom and run side by side. You can run anywhere on this track and be just as good. It's a lot of fun. I wish there were more race tracks like this."

Reddick joined an elite group of drivers in the K&N Pro Series East. He is the first driver to win in his debut since Nelson Piquet Jr. won the 2012 season opener at Bristol Motor Speedway. Darrell Wallace won in his NASCAR debut at Greenville Pickens Speedway in South Caroline in 2010.

Tyler Reddick had a great season in the Pro Series East

But Reddick's win was not without controversy.

"If you're racing for points, you just don't take that type of chance," Reddick said. "If someone's alongside of you, you know they're going to be right there with you coming off the corner. I just wish he would have left me a car length. I wish it had been a clean race. It had been all day for us, but it just didn't turn out that way."

Moffitt led 15 laps in the race, taking over the lead on lap 85 of the 100-lap race. He ended up in 21st place after colliding with Reddick.

The last race of the 2012 K&N Pro Series East was filled with plenty of tire smoke

LaJoie won a series-high five races and was in the top-five in 10 of the 14 races on the K&N Pro Series East schedule.

"All in all, it's been a great season," LaJoie said. "I can't say enough about all the people who help us. It's been a long year. It's been a fun year. I was just glad to be a part of this deal."

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.

The Shocker Monster Truck Makes a Shocking Appearance at the 2012 SEMA Show

12 Dec 2012

Shocker Motorsports uses a K&N air filter on their Monster truck because "air filtration is critical"

Big engine, big chassis and bigger tires, it has to be a monster truck. Making its debut appearance at the 2012 SEMA show, the Shocker was truly electrifying. Owner and driver, Pat Gerber has made the Shocker monster truck a legend among monster trucks fans all over the world. Shocker Motorsports is a premier off-road retail, fabrication, and online shop headquartered in Bakersfield, CA. Shocker Motorsports has built a reputation in the industry of distributing only quality products many of which are represented on the Shocker monster truck. When not in the shop turning stockers into shockers, Shocker Motorsports races its Shocker monster truck at events across the western United States.

The Shocker Monster Truck was displayed at SEMA 2012

When asked what it took to get Shocker ready for its first SEMA event, the response was one of pride and excitement."2012 marks the first year the Shocker monster truck was featured at SEMA," said Lee Watkins of Shocker Motorsports."However, Shocker Motorsports has built many feature off-road vehicles, including several Ford Special Projects vehicles over the past 10 years. Preparing the monster truck for display at the SEMA show is quite a project because all components of the truck are easily visible. Lots of cleaning and painting. We pride ourselves in making our truck look brand new at each display! Many of our projects have been featured in Truckin and Street Trucks magazines," said Watkins.

Much cleaning was needed to get the Shocker Monster Truck ready for SEMA 2012

When asked about specific products used on the truck, K&N was a notable addition."The Shocker monster truck uses a custom air filter and pre-cleaner designed specifically by K&N for use on monster trucks. Monster truck events are known for lots of dust, dirt, mud making air filtration critical. Shocker also uses K&N’s wrench off oil filters making oil changes a snap," said Watkins. "All K&N air and oil filters offer reliable filtration without sacrificing horsepower or performance."

Shocker competes in Monster Truck competitions on the west coast and made its way out to the 2012 SEMA Show

For the upcoming year, Pat Gerber, Lee Watkins and Shocker Motorsports are excited to begin fabrication of a new second monster truck. The Shocker team also stated that they are proud to represent the best companies in the business at all of its events.

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.

VWerks Sports a 392 Hemi Jeep Wrangler JK-8 at SEMA 2012

12 Dec 2012

VWerks managed to squeeze a 392 Hemi under the hood of this 2012 Jeep Wrangler and debut it at SEMA 2012

When VWerks embarked upon a build for SEMA 2012, hours of thought and planning had already been dedicated to the project. Their goals had already been determined. As a company who manufactures off road products and builds specialty vehicles, they were focused on showcasing a means of increasing power and ramping up one's rig.

"We're more than a manufacturer,” explained Vice President of Product Development Engineering, Pat Muldoon. "Our goal is to help customers celebrate their passion, whatever it is, through vehicles customized to meet their lifestyle needs."

"We've noticed a trend across the country of Jeeps and trucks becoming the new hot rod. Our inspiration really was a 1932 Ford. We wanted to create the feeling of an old-school hot rod, but in a modern, dependable Wrangler pickup."

This 2012 Jeep Wrangler is one impressive ride as seen during SEAM 2012

SEMA was the perfect venue to announce their new 392 Hemi conversion package for 2012 Jeep Wranglers and JK-8s. This JK-8 build was the debut of their first production Hemi Jeep, and was nicknamed "Steel-Bender".

As increasing power was one of their main objectives, they would obviously target the engine early on in the build. Having the 392 Hemi calibrated by B&G Chrysler Specialists, they dropped an engine boasting an impressive 465 horsepower at 6,000 RPMs with 465 foot-pounds of torque at 4,200 RPMs between the fender wells.

The VWerks/Jeep Speed 392 conversion kit was an essential element of the modification, as was the VWerks/Hotwire Custom 392 wire harness. Also provided by their company, they installed a Jeep Speed dual battery box and a two-row aluminum performance radiator.

VWerks opted to use a high flow K&N air filter for their custom intake set up on this 2012 Wrangler SEMA Show vehicle

Keeping the internal components of one's engine clean is crucial, yet optimal air flow must still be maintained. That in mind, they went with a K&N air filter with a VWerks custom intake tube.

Having a long relationship, in excess of ten years, with K&N, Pat Muldoon was confident in the preferred air filtering system. "We're big fans of their product engineering,” he explained. "K&N makes solid products. We also love that they answer the phone; you can call someone up who knows what they are talking about, and get feedback and help."

SEMA 2012 held some relly cool vehicles including the 2012 Jeep Wrangler built by VWerks

Still focused on the drive train, VWerks opted to install a J.E. Reel CV Style front drive shaft, a modification that is available for both automatic and manual transmissions. While under the rig, they took advantage of the opportunity to attach VWerks differential cover protectors.

With the drive train ready and able to perform, the VWerks crew cast their attention to building a suspension capable of holding up to the rigors that a custom off road vehicle might bring.

Putting a VWerks 4” lift kit under the rig, they went with Fox External Shocks. The suspension would not meet their expectation if not equipped with a dual steering stabilizer kit, provided by their company, as well as their front stabilizer bar link kit.

VWerks offer a 392 HEMI conversion kit for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler

With the mechanical aspect of the build executed to VWerks high standards, they then directed their attention to aesthetics and launched modifications to the exterior to the Jeep.

Bolting on Pro Comp 17-inch matte black wheels, accentuated with VWerks custom center caps, they would certainly look for quality and performance while choosing a tire. That in mind, they installed four Pro Comp 35X12.5 XMT (mud terrain) tires.

Following their conviction to provide SEMA attendees with an eye-catching ride, they went with a VWerks JK-8 conversion. After attaching a premium hood the VWerks team supplied custom paint, pin striping and graphics.

There is a long list of upgrades for this cool 2012 Wrangler in order to meet SEMA attendees expectations

A Warn M8000 winch secured to a VWerks premium front bumper with shackles would serve two fold. It added to the overall look and would lend to greater mobility and ease of mind.

Moving to the back of the vehicle, a few more modifications were in order. Opting to coat the bed with a spray-on liner, they topped the project off with VWerks tubular bed rail extensions.

Although demanding and time consuming, the VWerks team had executed their build to the tee. Having previously showed a project vehicle at SEMA, they were aware of what attendees would be expecting.

"The biggest thing about SEMA is every detail will be scrutinized,” explained Muldoon "We like to build running vehicles that are fully functional and operational, yet look really cool, and are aesthetically perfect. We try to look at it from the perspective of a journalist; they might point their camera somewhere our eyes haven't looked closely."

"Everything has to be perfect,” he continued. "So we start by analyzing our booth space, and what we hope to accomplish through our vehicle builds. Then we plan the vehicle out, and of course, have to build it. It takes a lot of long nights to get it done, but it's always well worth it.”

Other Jeeps at SEMA include AEV Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK, Rebeca Olavarrieta's 2011 Jeep Wrangler, the Project Rescue Rubicon 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, BDS Suspension Modified Jeep TJ, Jeep Grand Cherokee Storm Chase Vehicle, Falken Tire's Rubicon Unlimited and the award winning Jeep Wrangler JK Hemi with 4WD.

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.

Tim King and TMI Products Inc. Build 1966 Chevelle for SEMA 2012

12 Dec 2012

Tim Kin decided to go with a K&N XStream air filter assmebly on his 1966 Chevelle SEMA Show vehicle

At fifteen years of age Tim King purchased a 1966 Chevelle, with intentions of eventually building the car to what he considered perfection. While employed by True Connections, he slowly and methodically purchased parts for the future project, storing them until the time was right to embark upon the build. Well, the owner recently tackled the challenge, and at the endeavor's end, showed up at SEMA 2012 with the epitome of a classic muscle car.

After executing the needed sheet metal work, the General Motors Sales Rep for TMI Products, depended on the company to provide his ride with a flawless paint job and stitch up the interior. With these two chores behind him, King tackled the remainder of the project by himself, using the parts he had been accumulating throughout the years.

Many 2012 SEMA attendees stopped to admire the Grey 1966 Chevelle owned by Tim King

Back in the muscle car era, one could rest assured that those admiring a fella's hot rod would eventually ask to look under the hood. With that in mind, King spent his fair share of time building a high-performance engine.

Tearing his 454 big block engine down, King bored the cylinders sixty-thousandths over stock specifications, and went with 9:1 compression pistons. Eager to enhance his performance even more, and likely anticipating a lope, he chose to install a Voodoo cam.

Attaching an Edelbrock intake atop the engine, he bolted on a Holley 750 double-pumper carburetor to ensure an ample flow of air and fuel reached the cylinders.

An air bag supesnion give this 1966 Chevelle a great stance worthy of 2012 SEMA recognition

Prior to attaching the valve cover pans he opted to replace the stock rocker arms with something that would lend to better performance and less wear, and cinched down the Roller rockers with confidence.

Acutely aware that performance would suffer if restriction was not addressed, he bolted Doug Thorley Headers to the heads. Eager to guarantee an optimal exhaust flow, he installed a Flowmaster 3-inch exhaust kit.

Tim King most certainly did a great job on this 1966 Chevelle displayed at the 2012 SEMA Show

Planning to head off any cooling problems at the pass, the car owner chose Maradyne dual cooling fans. To provide even a cooler environment for the engine to perform at its peak, he also inserted a radiator cover by Undercover innovations.

After stretching Taylor Spiral wound wires from the distributor cap to the plugs, he focused on providing his engine with the best filtering system on the market, that in mind, he turned to K&N products to ensure optimal air flow, while keeping the internal components of his engine contaminant free.

"I used the K&N filter and air filter lid,"recalled King. "I wanted to ensure the engine could breathe! The first time I used K&N was on my quad, when I was just a few years old”.

This 1966 Chevelle packs plenty of power with a well built 454 cubic inch motor

With the engine build behind him, Tim King centered his attention to the remaining components of the drive train. Pulling a T-56 six-speed transmission from a 1999 Camaro, he secured it to the back of his newly built 454. After installing a Hurst Nitro-Stick II shifter, he knew it was important to make one more modification to handle the rigors when the rubber met the road. It only made sense to add a 12-bolt posi (positive traction) rear end to the recipe for speed and performance.

While under the rig, King began his quest to provide a suspension that could complement the the drivetrain's modifications. He went with a SC&C Stage II kit, with adjustable upper control arms and one-half inch taller ball joints for the front end, and a poly kit from UMI performance in the back. As a finishing touch underneath the car, he opted to install custom air bags by Bio Kustumz.

Updating his brake system with four wheel slotted and drilled disc brakes from SSBC, he chose 19/20"NewGen Descendant Rims, Nitto 555 tires.

With the mechanical aspect of the car completed, Tim King began to contemplate esthetics. Adding to the quality workmanship of the Full Sport-R Series interior provided by TMI products, the car owner secured an Eddie Motorsports steering wheel to the column, and added a Dakota Digital VHX gauge package to the dash.
 

With the help of many sponsors and friends Tim King was able to finish this sweet 1966 Cehvelle in time for SEMA 2012

Although TMI Products has been building innovative interiors for SEMA cars for more than twenty years, this was Tim King's first personal build. Referring to the inspiration of the project, King said, "We wanted the interior to pop. That's why we went with white."When asked which modification earned the most attention, he continued, "The air bags. Getting that stance low is what draws people in.”

Although such a project was demanding and consumed an astronomical amount of time, at the build's end, Tim King walked away not only with an impressive vehicle, but a sense of satisfaction unsurpassed. When asked what it took complete such a venture, his answer was short and to the point. "This was my first year,"explained King. "It took a lot of energy drinks and long nights.”

Other similar SEMA show vehciles can be found in these related articles:
Hellcat Camaro
SEMA Show Cars K&N Display

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.

How to be a Christmas Gift Giving Hero - Think Inside the Box

11 Dec 2012

Who says Christmas gifts have to fit into a shirt-box, or a stocking hung on the mantle? For the perfect gift that keeps on giving for the next million miles - think inside the box. By simply removing a vehicle's existing paper air filter, and slipping in a K&N lifetime replacement air filter, you can give a gift of enhanced performance. Every time the gift recipient gets their car's oil changed and is asked about buying another restrictive paper air filter they can think of you as they decline the offer because they have a K&N air filter that can go for up to 50,000 miles before servicing is needed and then they just service the filter and replace it.

K&N air filters are the gifts that keep giving for a million miles.

Think it through, how much post present opening discussion gets fired up by another gym membership or a sweater with a neon art-deco motif? Yet, let that someone special in your life unwrap a bright shinny K&N box filled with their vehicle's air filter and they will be talking about it long after your Christmas tree is taken down; you will be their hero for years to come.

K&N makes filter gift giving and finding the right filter straightforward as well. Visit the How to Find the Correct Air Filter video on KNFilters.com or contact K&N and they will be happy to assist you. You'll discover just how easy it is to find the right K&N air filter using your computer or mobile device.

High quality products and the right balance of airflow, filtration efficiency, dirt capacity, and reliability are what K&N has represented worldwide since 1969. When you give the gift of a K&N replacement air filter, you bestow on family or friends excellent filtration while reducing restriction, which increases engine performance. Anyone can give new socks, but what's that really say, take care of your feet, have a nice walk? When you give K&N you illustrate a deeper understanding, not only for that individual, but for the special bond that exists between vehicles and their owners.

K&N air filters are designed to increase horsepower and acceleration. They can help a car or truck to run better so it can make driving fun again. Take a look at some of the feedback we get from K&N users. Now, you can either give another average striped tie, terry-cloth robe, or something else that will probably stay in the box, or you can give the "The World's Best Air Filter" with the industry-leading Million Mile Limited Warranty, and be a hero every time your gift keeps another paper air filter from being bought.

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.