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The Furr Racing team is a full family affair for K&N sponsored NHRA drag racer Michelle Furr, with her husband Rick as the crew chief, and their children Madilyn and Adiayn in Junior Dragsters

The Furr Racing team is a full family affair for K&N filters sponsored NHRA drag racer Michelle Furr, husband Rick, and their two children Madilyn and Adiayn. What makes the Furr Racing team unique is that everyone in the family pilots a race car, except the family patriarch Rick Furr. This is because Rick suffered an injury in early 2011 that left him with chronic pain.

While Rick's role on the Furr Racing team is probably the least visible, Michelle Furr is quick to point out that Rick is crucial to the team's success. "He does it for me," Michelle said of Rick's support. "I appreciate his sacrifice more than he'll ever know. It's amazing how he pushes through his pain each and every day. Not only could I not do this without him, I wouldn't even want to. My success on the track is a reflection of all his hard work behind the scenes. Those trophies belong to him as much as to me."

Rick has hammered through to continue pushing Michelle, Madilyn and Adiayn to pursue their dreams. Although the team has had to narrow down their typical 40-50 race schedule to ease the load on Rick. But despite a limited race schedule the past few seasons, the Furr family has managed to continue adding to their success at high profile events. "Seeing how much Rick has supported me when it's especially hard for him to do gives me even more motivation to make his sacrifice pay off on the track," said Michelle Furr.

Running up to four cars in as many classes makes proper maintenance all the more critical, which is why Furr Racing depends upon K&N products to fulfill its filtration needs

A new treatment for Rick, including surgery, promises some relief from his pain, and means Furr Racing could be back at full throttle for the 2016 NHRA season. "We're very excited for the 2016 season," said Michelle. "Drag racing is more than just a part of our lives. It's a part of us. The time we get to spend together as family means so much. We love everything about racing from the competition to the people to our sponsors. This is why we keep at it year after year."

Michelle pilots two cars in two classes and both kids are honing their skills in Junior Dragsters before moving into full bodied cars. Running up to four cars in as many classes makes proper maintenance all the more critical. Furr Racing depends upon K&N air filters & K&N oil filters to fulfill their filtration needs. "My husband, Rick, has caught so many small issues with normal maintenance, and in turn, has saved so much in cost and downtime," Michelle ensured. "It's a must for our team."

"We're proud to represent so many companies that have strong family values, just like us. We've truly been really blessed with companies and the families behind those companies investing in our family and our program," said Michelle. Furr Racing will begin its 2016 racing season with the NHRA LODRS Division 2 event at Auto-Plus Raceway in Gainesville, Florida, March 9-13, 2016.

Find K&N filters for your daily driver using the Search By Vehicle tool or K&N Racing Air Filters, Custom Air Filter Assemblies, Off-Road Air Filters and more for your racing efforts. Then use the K&N Dealer Search tool to find a local authorized K&N dealer.

After Nick O’Kane completed his 2002 Suzuki TL1000R Café racer he entered the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show at the 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show

Not everyone can be lucky enough to make it as professional artists, sports figures, or racers. Instead we work a real job to pay the bills and fulfill our other aspirations on the weekends or evenings after clocking out. In the case of K&N National Account Manager Nick O’Kane, working for K&N Filters allows him the opportunity to live in the realm of fast cars and hot bikes while still having his feet planted in the real world.

Nick O’Kane transformed a wrecked Triumph Speed Triple into a one of a kind street fighter as his personal ride, so his second Suzuki TL1000R build was intended for his wife Anja

Nick O’Kane joined K&N in 1997 as the UK Sales Manager based in the K&N office near Manchester, England and later relocated to the Netherlands as the International Sales Manager. In 2006, Nick relocated to K&N headquarters in Riverside, California and spent 8 years representing K&N in the powersports industry before transitioning into his current role as a National Accounts Manager for the automotive side of K&N’s business.

In 2014 Nick acquired the platform for a café racer build in the form of a salvaged motorcycle from the nearby shop of Motopia Cycles. Nick described that 2002 Suzuki TL1000R as a “smashed up dog” when he acquired the crashed bike for a mere $800. Removing the Superbike’s damaged fairings and bent sub-frame revealed a bike with just the right lines to serve as the starting point for a café racer build.

Following a complete teardown, custom paint, and many one-off fabricated components Nick’s 2002 Suzuki TL1000R was reincarnated as a beautiful café racer blending modern technology with styling cues from the past. Though a Suzuki V-Twin superbike is an unusual choice over a classic British parallel-twin for a café racer build, the TL’s excellent presentation was able to please custom bike lovers and even café racer purists.

After Nick completed his 2002 Suzuki TL1000R café racer he decided to enter it into the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show at the 2014 Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California. Nick’s bike garnered quite a bit of attention at the Bike Show, and even an offer to buy the bike. Taken by surprise, he was quick to accept the offer. However, almost as soon as the bike left his possession, Nick looked back and missed the TL.

The key difference for Nick’s second Suzuki TL1000 build is the inclusion of a half fairing inspired by the Ducati 900SS Super Sport Desmo 90-degree V-Twin vintage racer of the 1970’s

With as much as Nick enjoyed his first TL1000 Café Racer, and having the formula nearly down to a science, he immediately began searching for another blank canvas for his TL1000R build, version 2.0. Prior to building the TL Café Racer, Nick transformed a wrecked Triumph Speed Triple into a one of a kind street fighter as his personal ride. Nick’s goal for the second iteration of the Suzuki TL would be aimed at building his wife Anja a custom ride.

Nick mounted small LED driving lights to the TL’s lower radiator to avoid upsetting the sleek lines of the vintage racer half-fairing and maintain a minimalist look

The key difference for Nick’s second Suzuki TL1000 build is the inclusion of a half fairing inspired by the Ducati 900SS Super Sport Desmo of the 1970’s. The Suzuki TL1000R super bike has more in common with the 90-degree V-Twin powered Ducati than it does with a British parallel twin and makes for an excellent tribute to the Italian-made Ducati. Nick also retained a front fender for his second TL build as it kept with the vintage racer theme.

Nick mounted small LED driving lights to the TL’s lower radiator to avoid upsetting the sleek lines of the vintage racer half-fairing and maintain a minimalist look. Another change made for the second TL build was the use of Continental ContiRaceAttack Rain tires. Granted Nick is a native of Liverpool, England and is no stranger to rain, but Nick chose the rain tires simply for their interesting tread pattern.

Additionally, Nick’s first TL build used a stock replacement K&N air filter, number SU-0015 and K&N Wrench-Off oil filter KN-138. TL1000R build V2.0 takes K&N performance filters to the next level by completely eliminating the stock Suzuki airbox and replacing it with clamp on K&N air filters. Nick also took the time to replace the large factory battery cover, normally hidden by the factory lower fairings, with a custom machined and K&N engraved version.

Nick’s second TL1000 earned a 1st place plaque in the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show at the 2015 Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California

Outside of those changes, Nick’s second TL1000R build is identical to the first TL he built in 2014. Despite the fact that little was changed, the second bike earned higher praise when entered into the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show at the 2015 Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California. This time Nick not only returned with the fruits of his labor, but a plaque for winning the Modified Custom Class.

Nick is quick to admit that this project wouldn’t have been possible without the help of friends and key industry partners such as: K&N air filters, Roland Sands Design, Dynojet, MotoGP Werks, EBC Brakes, PSR USA, VooDoo Moto, Hyper-Pro, Goodridge and Continental tires. Currently Nick’s Suzuki TL vintage racer is sitting on display in the K&N international headquarters’ lobby. But Nick and his wife Anja are sure to be spotted riding their custom motorcycles through the local canyons when the riding season comes this spring.

Find K&N filters for your motorcycle, or daily driver, using the Search By Vehicle tool or browse the wide selection of K&N Universal Air Filters to fit that custom project. Then use the K&N Dealer Search tool to find a local authorized K&N dealer.

Back in 2008, at just 5 years old, Tyler Allen Clem was racing the Quarter Midgets of America (QMA) series at Tampa and New Smyrna, Florida race tracks

While the year 2008 may not seem like long ago to many of us, it is an eternity in the eyes of a child. Back in 2008, at just 5 years old, Tyler Allen Clem was racing the Quarter Midgets of America (QMA) series at Tampa and New Smyrna, Florida race tracks. Tyler began his racing career by watching his dad race 360 sprint cars. But that’s not really what Tyler’s dad is known for.

Tyler’s father is better known as Bubba the Love Sponge Clem, a radio personality who also functions as the owner of the Clem Racing Inc. team. Bubba the Love Sponge, a native of Warsaw, Indiana, was born Todd Clem. In 1999 he legally changed his name to the trademarked Bubba the Love Sponge. Some would describe Bubba the Love Sponge as the second "baddest" boy in radio behind Howard Stern.

Eight years since he began racing, Tyler Clem has moved from Quarter Midgets to NeSmith Crate Late Model cars and is still sponsored by K&N air filters

Radio fame aside, Tyler Clem has been diligently racing and working his way up the ladder. From Tyler’s early days of running a Stanley Quarter Midget chassis with an Xcellerator 120cc engine to now driving a NeSmith Crate Late Model for 2016, the team has relied on K&N air filters. “I’ve always been a huge believer in K&N, not only as a racer, but for my personal vehicles as well,” said Bubba the Love Sponge. He continued, “K&N was one of the first corporate sponsors to believe in us.”

Tyler Clem got his 2016 season started off on the right foot with a strong showing in the 25th Annual Ice Bowl at the Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, Alabama

Tyler Clem got his 2016 season started off on the right foot with a strong showing in the 25th Annual Ice Bowl at the Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, Alabama. The Talladega Short Track boasts a 1/3 mile long high-banked (18°) red clay oval with 400 foot straightaways and hosts Chevrolet Of Boaz Super Late Models, Sportsman, Crate Late Models, Oxford Love Stuff Thundercars, Riteway Auto Sales Hot Shots, Street Stocks and Pony Stocks.

The 25th Annual 2016 Ice Bowl attracted 65 entries in the Crate Late Model class for the NeSmith Winter sanctioned event. Tyler Clem logged the fifth fastest qualifying time in his group, but was one position shy of earning a transfer when he finished 4th place in his heat race. Clem moved onto the B-main event hoping to make it the A-main and get his shot at the $3,000-to-win prize. Clem made it the main and started from 20th before finishing 12th. Making up 8 positions on a tight 1/3 mile track is quite impressive.

“It was special to make the Ice Bowl finale, and it was an accomplishment to be able to advance eight spots in the feature,” said Tyler Clem. Tyler is now preparing for the annual Bubba Army Winternationals series at Bubba Raceway Park. Clem will try his hand at four of the 2016 Bubba Army Winternationals NeSmith Dirt Late Model class races taking place on the 3/8 mile, D shaped, Semi-banked, clay track near Ocala, Florida. Tyler’s first race of the Bubba Army Winternationals will take place January 27-30, 2016.

Find K&N filters for your daily driver using the Search By Vehicle tool or K&N Racing Air Filters, Custom Air Filter Assemblies, Off-Road Air Filters and more for your racing efforts. Then use the K&N Dealer Search tool to find a local authorized K&N dealer.

Horizon Hobby, a giant in the radio control industry, and K&N Air Filters, a leader in air filtration technology, have partnered to create a trio of K&N branded r/c cars

At nearly 31-inches long, and over 19-inches wide the 1/5 K&N DBXL 4WD Buggy RTR is powered by a 23cc 2-cycle engine protected by a genuine K&N high-flow air filter

Since 1969 the K&N logo has been associated with performance and over time K&N has become recognized as a worldwide leader in air filtration technology. With thousands of filters in a seemingly limitless configuration of shapes and sizes, it really is safe to say that K&N makes an air filter for just about anything with an engine. From the biggest of diesel engines to the smallest outdoor power equipment, an internal combustion engine needs protection from ingesting harmful debris.

For a while now K&N has received testimonials of K&N users equipping their gasoline powered radio control vehicles with tiny K&N air filters. It may seem odd to some, but the superior airflow and superior performance of K&N air filters can help improve the efficiency of even the smallest engines. So when the folks from Horizon Hobby’s Losi brand of R/C vehicles needed a performance air filter for one of its large 1/5 scale cars, K&N was a natural selection.

With special tires and a paint scheme to match the K&N built Ford Racing Mustang RTR race car, the Vaterra 1/10 2015 K&N Ford Mustang GT is built to experience drifting on a smaller scale

The Losi 1/5-scale K&N edition Desert Buggy XL (DBXL) 4WD Buggy is a massive complete ready to run (RTR) R/C Car being offered through Horizon Hobby and its authorized dealers. At nearly 31-inches long, and over 19-inches wide the 1/5 K&N DBXL 4WD Buggy RTR is powered by a 23cc 2-cycle engine. Besides being protected by a genuine K&N air filter, this Losi R/C buggy includes an officially licensed K&N decorated body. Owners of the standard Losi 1/5 Desert Buggy XL 4WD Buggy RTR need not worry as the K&N air filter and K&N body can be purchased as accessory items.

The ECX brand 1/10-scale K&N Torment 2WD short course truck RTR features a replica body of the K&N Pro Lite Truck driven by K&N sponsored LOORRS driver Bradley Morris

If a 1/5-scale two-stroke powered R/C buggy isn’t your thing, Horizon Hobby and K&N have also partnered to create the ECX brand 1/10-scale K&N Torment 2WD short course truck in a ready to run package. Horizon Hobby’s ECX brand Torment SCT R/C truck is built to withstand even the most brutal of drivers and comes fully Ready-To-Run. ECX vehicles are designed to deliver hard-hitting action, without destroying your wallet. The 1/10 K&N Torment 2WD SCT RTR features a replica body of the K&N Pro Lite Truck driven by Bradley Morris in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

If you’re more of a road racing or drift fan, K&N and Horizon Hobby have just the ticket with the Vaterra brand 1/10-scale 2015 K&N Ford Mustang GT V100 Drift RTR. The Vaterra 1/10 2015 K&N Ford Mustang GT is built around the versatile, AWD, neutral handling V100-S chassis. With specially molded drift tires mounted on licensed 54mm replica Volk CE28N wheels and a paint scheme designed to match the K&N built Ford Racing Mustang RTR race car, this car is made to experience the rush of drift racing at a smaller scale. An optional set of tires uses a different rubber compound to promote grip over drift if you prefer to hug the turns rather than slide through them.

All three of these K&N Filters branded R/C vehicles can be purchased through the Horizon Hobby website. K&N apologizes to fans who want to enjoy licensed K&N R/C action in the air or on the water. But hey, who knows what the future will bring? If you want to check out a cool K&N video of both the K&N ECX Torment truck and K&N Vaterra 2015 Ford Mustang in action, head over to knfilters.com/dream. Use the K&N Search By Vehicle tool to find K&N performance filters for almost anything with an engine. Then take advantage of the K&N Dealer Search tool to find a local authorized K&N dealer.

K&N October 2015 calendar model Katie Vernola used her modeling career to save money for a Polaris RZR 900 and begin racing

After a few turns and a huge step up Jump, Katie Vernola drove her way into second place in the 2016 WORCS Series Round 1 Women’s SxS class with her K&N equipped RZR 1000

2015 K&N Calendar model Katie Vernola works modeling jobs as an easy and fun way to earn money. However, a more serious passion of hers emerged after attending a Lucas Oil Regional Off-Road Series race as a spectator. Katie said, “It was love at first site, and I immediately wanted to be able to race the next race in the Polaris RZR 900 Production class.” This was 2014 and at Round 1 of the 2014 Lucas Oil Regional Off-Road Series, in only her first race, Katie managed a top 10 finish.

Since that time Katie has begun competing on a national scale in the Lucas Oil Regional Off-Road Series, Terracross, and the World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS). January 14, 2016 saw the 2016 WORCS season kick-off with Round 1 in Taft, California at the Honolulu Hills Raceway. K&N Filters sponsored racer Katie Vernola took the WORCS Round 1 race as an opportunity to debut her new # 72 Polaris RZR 1000 side by side in the Women’s SxS and Pro SxS classes.

Katie Vernola got her 2016 racing season started with a bang, both literally and metaphorically speaking, with a rear-end collision ruining Katie’s Polaris RZR exhaust system

Katie Vernola got her 2016 racing season started with a bang, both literally and figuratively speaking. In the Women’s SxS class Katie started the race from the far outside of eight other women. Coming out of turn one Katie had moved into fifth place. After a few more turns and a huge step up Jump, Katie drove her way into second place. Power steering issues in her previously un-raced Polaris RZR 1000 gave Katie trouble and forced her to shut off the RZR multiple times. This resulted in Katie swapping positions back and forth between 2nd to 4th places. Unfortunately, the literal bang, a result of being rear-ended, ruined Katie’s exhaust system and her hope of finishing well in the women’s class.

Katie Vernola got the WORCS Pro SxS race started with an impressive launch off the line heading into the first turn in second place behind of the wheel of her Polaris RZR 1000

Not to be discouraged, Katie limped her K&N Filters equipped Polaris RZR 1000 back to the race pits to make repairs in preparation for the Pro SxS WORCS class. “I’m bummed I didn’t have any luck in the race so I went back to the starting line to race the Pros SxS class next. I barely had time to gas up but I was eager to get back out on the track and give it another try,” Katie recalled. Katie got the Pro SxS race started with an even more impressive launch off the line than in the Women’s SxS class. Heading into the first turn following the start of the Pro race Katie found herself in second place. But once again Katie’s race ended early with a bang, probably more of a snap in this case, when her Polaris RZR 1000 suffered a broken suspension A-arm.

Afterward Katie Vernola remained positive saying, “It was my first time driving the new build so I’m happy with the overall outcome of how the RZR handled. This is not the way I wanted to start the season, but I know exactly what I need to do to win round 2.” Katie’s day ended early, twice, on account of mechanical troubles. Her troubles were nothing rare in the world of off-road racing, and fortunately K&N air filters and K&N oil filters kept Katie’s Polaris RZR 1000 engine running smoothly. Use the K&N Search By Vehicle tool to find K&N performance upgrades for Polaris RZR side-by-sides, or another vehicle. Then take advantage of the K&N Dealer Search tool to find a local authorized K&N dealer.