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Dustin Ash managed to get by Ryan Partridge and crossed the line third; Ryan Partridge, who led a race-high 87 laps, came in fourth with Nicole Behar rounding out the top-five

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Hall of Fame routinely honors drivers who have shown exceptional skill at NASCAR driving, all-time great crew chiefs, owners, as well as other major contributors. In a similar fashion the sanctioning body highlights the future of the sport with the NASCAR Next program. “The NASCAR Next initiative spotlights the future of NASCAR, a collection of promising young talent who have shown the potential to one day reach the highest level of our sport,” said NASCAR Senior Vice President for Industry Services Jill Gregory.

At the NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, 12 drivers were introduced as members of the 2015-16 NASCAR Next class. This new NASCAR Next class is already making its mark on the track. Included in 2015-2016 class is Cole Custer, 17, who is the youngest driver to win a race in NASCAR’s national series. Rico Abreu recently switched over from sprint car racing after winning the 2015 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals and the 2014 USAC national champion. Also included in the 2015-2016 NASCAR Next class is K&N Pro Series West driver Nicole Behar. Nicole, at just 17, holds the honor of being the highest-finishing female in the 61-year history of the series.

During the program’s five year history there have been 28 drivers in the NASCAR Next program. Of the 28 drivers previously selected for the program, 21 have raced in one of NASCAR’s three national series (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), and 11 are competing full-time in 2015. Notable NASCAR Next alumni include Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott, who will replace NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon in the No. 24 car for 2016.

During a ceremony at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, the following 12 drivers were formally announced as the 2015-2016 NASCAR Next class:

Rico Abreu (23, Rutherford, California) – A 2014 USAC national champion and winner of the 2015 Chili Bowl, he has two top-10 finishes in three K&N Pro Series East starts, his first season racing in stock cars.

Nicole Behar (17, Otis Orchards, Washington) – Tied the series record for highest finish by a female driver in just her fifth K&N West start with her second place mark at Irwindale Event Center, and has top-10 finishes in four of six West starts.

Kyle Benjamin (17, Easley, South Carolina) – This Roush Fenway Racing developmental driver earned his first K&N Pro Series win at Bristol Motor Speedway, and is the youngest race winner in ARCA history.

James Bickford (17, Napa, California) – The 2014 K&N West Sunoco Rookie of the Year earned his first win at State Line Speedway in 2014 and finished fifth in the season championship.

William Byron (17, Charlotte, North Carolina) – With a win at Greenville Pickens Speedway and three top 10 finishes, he sits atop the K&N Pro East season championship standings.

Cole Custer (17, Ladera Ranch, California) – He holds the records for youngest pole award and race winner in both the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR’s touring series, and led late in the Truck race at Martinsville Speedway earlier in the 2015 season.

Ruben Garcia Jr. (19, Mexico City, Mexico) – The runner up in last season’s NASCAR Mexico Series season championship, he had one win and 10 top-10 finishes there while also competing in three NASCAR XFINITY Series races.

Austin Hill (21, Winston, Georgia) – Had three consecutive K&N East wins, in the final two races in 2014 and the 2015 season opener at New Smyrna Speedway where he captured his first pole award and led every lap.

Jesse Little (18, Sherrill’s Ford, North Carolina) – Had a win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, four top-five and 10 top-10 finishes in 2014 to finish fourth in the season standings. Little won the pole position at Bristol Motor Speedway in his 2015 K&N East debut.

Dylan Lupton (21, Wilton, California) – Was the 2014 K&N West championship runner up with a win at Kern County Speedway and registered 14 top-10 finishes; made his NASCAR XFINITY Series debut at Phoenix International Raceway in March 2015.

John Hunter Nemechek (17, Mooresville, North Carolina) – Earned six top-10 finishes in 10 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts in 2014, and won the prestigious Snowball Derby Late Model race at Five Flags Speedway in December 2014.

Dalton Sargeant (17, Boca Raton, Florida) – Has a win at Kern County Raceway Park in the West this season, and four top-five finishes in five combined East and West races.

Watch many of these drivers, and more, in the next NASCAR K&N Pro Series race on May 16th at Iowa Speedway for the Casey’s General Store 150. This will be the first of two K&N East vs. West combination races of the 2015 season.

After a fierce door-to-door battle it would be Noah Gragson who crossed the line first under a green-white checkered flag with the margin of victory over his teammate a mere .468 seconds

Dustin Ash managed to get by Ryan Partridge and crossed the line third; Ryan Partridge, who led a race-high 87 laps, came in fourth with Nicole Behar rounding out the top-five

After a 14-year absence, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West returned to Tucson Speedway in Tucson, Arizona giving fans a great night of door-to-door racing with an all-rookie top five finish on a green-white checkered flag. Noah Gragson, in just his third NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race, started the Napa Auto Parts Wildcat 150 in 18th place, but quickly worked his way toward the front in the number 7 Alert I.D. Ford.

By the halfway point of the NAPA Auto Parts Wildcat 150 at Tucson Speedway, Gragson was sitting in second place after briefly leading laps 62 through 69. Ryan Partridge regained the lead on lap 70 and kept the number 9 Eibach Springs/Sunrise Ford/Lucas Oil Ford in front of the pack through lap 140. As the Napa Auto Parts Wildcat 150 at Tucson Speedway wound down, the competition grew fierce.

One autographed K&N Pro Series mini Bell replica helmet will be given away through K&N’s official Twitter feed twitter.com/knfilters after all 28 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East & West races

The top three drivers of the Napa Auto Parts Wildcat 150 at Tucson Speedway in Tucson, Arizona: Gracin Raz who finished second, Noah Gragson with the win, and Dustin Ash in third

Ryan Partidge and Noah Gragson swapped for the lead three times in the closing laps. An extremely late caution in the race added another twist to the plot as Gragson’s teammate Gracin Raz was able to edge past Ryan Partridge. Raz and Gragson were lined up next to one another in the final restart of the race. After the fierce door-to-door battle it would be Gragson who crossed the line first under a green-white checkered flag. Dustin Ash, another rookie, managed to get by Partridge and crossed the line third. Ryan Partridge, who led a race-high 87 laps, came in fourth with another rookie, Nicole Behar rounding out the top-five.

“It got a little hairy there at the end,” said Noah Gragson. “I gave it the restart of my life and we came out with the win.” In only his third NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race Gragson has finished in the top-five twice and in the top-ten once. Gragson’s margin of victory over his teammate in the number 27 Trinity Energy Ford was a mere .468 seconds. Gragson leads the points standing after three races, with Chris Eggleston just two points behind. Gracin Raz sits in third only five points behind his teammate Noah Gragson.

The next NASCAR K&N Pro Series race will be on May 16th at Iowa Speedway for the Casey’s General Store 150. This will be the first of two K&N East vs. West combination races of the 2015 season. “Iowa will be something I haven’t seen before. So it’s going to be nice to have this second carry into that,” said Gracin Raz after the NAPA Auto Parts Wildcat 150 in Tucson.

K&N replacement cabin air filter for 2010-2012 Ford Fusion 2.5L, 3.0L, and 3.5L models as well as the Mercury Milan, or Lincoln MKZ

A dirty or clogged cabin air filter can be the source of musty odors inside a vehicle while also impeding airflow into the passenger compartment causing heating or air conditioning problems. Replacing a cabin air filter is a simple, and important, piece of preventative maintenance that helps protect passengers and the vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system. An automotive cabin air filter is designed to capture dust, pollen, leaves and other particles front entering a vehicle’s passenger compartment.

K&N cabin air filters trap dust, pollen, debris and pollutants as well as help control mold, mildew, spores, fungus, bacteria and germs to provide clean air for the driver and passengers

A K&N washable and reusable automotive cabin air filter is the first of its kind. The ability to clean and reuse a cabin air filter is currently an exclusive feature offered by K&N in the U.S. automotive market segment. K&N washable and reusable cabin air filter VF2041 is designed as an exact replacement cabin air filter for 2010, 2011, & 2012 Ford Fusion 2.5L, 3.0L, and 3.5L models as well as the Fusion’s mechanical siblings the Mercury Milan, or Lincoln MKZ. Many Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, & Lincoln MKZ owners do not realize their car is equipped with a cabin air filter, let alone the importance of changing it.

Many 2010, 2011, & 2012 Ford Fusion , Lincoln MKZ, or Mercury Milan 2.5L, 3.0L, and 3.5L owners do not realize their car is equipped with a cabin air filter

K&N Cabin Air Filters are designed to meet factory filtration requirements and typically flow more air than the average disposable paper cabin air filter. K&N washable and reusable cabin air filters use a single layer of thermally bonded nonwoven synthetic material as a physical barrier to trap dust, pollen, leaves and other debris. With the aid of K&N’s Refresher spray, an electrostatic charge is able to help capture many types of mold, mildew, spores, fungus, bacteria and germs while helping to control odors. K&N Cabin Air Filters are built with a molded urethane frame and wire screen ensuring long life, and the ability to be cleaned repeatedly.

K&N Washable Cabin Air Filters allow owners to clean their filter as often as necessary without incurring the cost of buying disposable filters over and over again. This is excellent news for allergy sufferers, those with breathing difficulties, or vehicles operated in dirtier than normal environments. K&N recommends servicing its washable cabin air filters every 12 months or 12,000 miles. K&N Cabin Air Filters can be cleaned in a few simple steps with the K&N Refresher Kit 99-6000. Over time a K&N washable / reusable Cabin Air Filter will save 2010, 2011, & 2012 Ford Fusion , Lincoln MKZ, or Mercury Milan 2.5L, 3.0L, and 3.5L owners money when compared to purchasing disposable filters time and again. K&N is so confident in its cabin air filters that they are covered by a 10-year/100,000 mile limited warranty.

K&N washable/reusable cabin air filter VF2041 can be installed in the cabin air filter housing behind the glove compartment of most 2010, 2011, and 2012 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, & Lincoln MKZ models by hand in just a matter of minutes. Some models might require removing two screws to complete the K&N washable cabin air filter installation. K&N washable and reusable cabin air filter VF2041 is designed to replace the disposable cabin air filter in the following Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models:

K&N Cabin Air Filters can be cleaned in a few simple steps with the K&N Refresher Kit 99-6000; not to be confused with K&N’s traditional Recharger kit

2012 Lincoln MKZ 3.5L V6
2012 Lincoln MKZ 2.5L L4
2012 Ford Fusion 3.5L V6
2012 Ford Fusion 3.0L V6
2012 Ford Fusion 2.5L L4
2011 Mercury Milan 3.0L V6
2011 Mercury Milan 2.5L L4
2011 Lincoln MKZ 3.5L V6
2011 Lincoln MKZ 2.5L L4
2011 Ford Fusion 3.5L V6
2011 Ford Fusion 3.0L V6
2011 Ford Fusion 2.5L L4
2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid 2.5L L4
2010 Mercury Milan 3.0L V6
2010 Mercury Milan 2.5L L4
2010 Lincoln MKZ 3.5L V6
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid 2.5L L4
2010 Ford Fusion 3.5L V6
2010 Ford Fusion 3.0L V6
2010 Ford Fusion 2.5L L4

K&N washable and reusable cabin air filter VF2041 is designed as a direct cabin air filter cross reference for the following manufacturers’ part numbers:

WIX 24489
Champ Labs. CAF1868P
Ford AE5Z19N619A
Fram CF11174 WIX 24367

To find a cabin air filter for your car, truck, or SUV please use the K&N search by vehicle tool. New cabin air filters are being developed all the time, and if K&N does not currently offer a filter for your vehicle, please request that K&N makes one using the online product request.

Download the wide screen version of the K&N May 2015 calendar page featuring Chelsea Peterson of Team Peterson Racing

Download the standard screen version of the K&N May 2015 calendar page featuring Chelsea Peterson of Team Peterson Racing

K&N’s May 2015 calendar page features KTM Racing Malcolm Smith Motorsports Team Peterson Racing. KTM Racing Malcolm Smith Motorsports Team Peterson Racing is the most successful professional motorcycle Hillclimb team on the planet. This elite organization has set the bar in the sport capturing 6 World Hillclimb championships, as well as numerous North American Hillclimber’s Association state, & regional titles.

Chelsea Peterson was chosen to model for the May 2015 K&N calendar page. In addition to modeling for the 2015 K&N calendar, Chelsea is a member of Team Peterson Racing. Chelsea was the 2014 NAHA Women’s Pro Class runner up. Most recently her husband, and teammate, Bret Peterson started off the North American Hillclimber’s Association (NAHA) season with a 2nd Place finish in the 450 Class and a 3rd Place in the Open Class.

Additional K&N calendar desktop wallpaper images are available to download on the Free K&N Racing Wallpaper for Computer Desktops page. Printed versions of the K&N calendar are available for purchase on KNFilters.com.

Bobby Likis, host of the Bobby Likis Car Clinic automotive radio talk show, with the Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers StarFest telethon mascot Sparky

Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers in northwest Florida is the premier provider of quality care for children and students with developmental disabilities since 1953

Bobby Likis, a well-known radio and TV talk-show host, has worn just about every hat in the automotive industry. Likis has worked as a technician, race car driver, pit crew member, automotive service center owner, and industry consultant. Bobby hosts the nationally syndicated automotive radio programs Bobby Likis Car Clinic and Car Clinic Minute. Likis records his shows from his all-digital custom designed studio located within his automotive service center. K&N air filters has been a proud affiliate of the Bobby Likis Car Clinic program aimed at answering questions or dealing with issues related to aftermarket products & services, vehicle purchases, automotive trends & legislation, service advice, and preventive maintenance.

From left to right Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers’ Chairman of the Board Norman Smith, Bobby Likis, and StarFest telethon co-host Pat Windham

From left to right Dr. Sherry White, CEO of Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, daughter Libby, and Bobby Likis on the StarFest telethon recording set

What many of Bobby’s listeners may not realize is that he is also very involved in community and charitable programs for which has been honored as exemplifying the spirit of giving back by his outstanding service. One such organization that Bobby holds close to his heart is the Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, Inc. based in Pensacola, Florida. Capstone, as it is called for short, was formerly known as United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Florida. However, more than 65 percent of Capstone’s clients have developmental disabilities other than, or in addition to, cerebral palsy. Capstone’s therapy programs help children with all types of special needs that include autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, down syndrome, speech delays, spina bifida as well as vision and hearing impairments.

Bobby Likis with Capstone client Amber Tomaso who lives in one of Capstone’s group homes designed to help its residents enjoy the benefits of living as independently as possible

Bobby has served on Capstone’s board of directors for quite some time and has co-hosted the organization’s annual telethon fundraiser known as StarFest for twenty years. StarFest provides the community with an opportunity to support Capstone’s programs, learning center, therapy clinic, transition center and residential group homes, each of which is designed to help clients with a spectrum of abilities and disabilities to reach their full potential. Capstone’s mission is to advance the independence of children and adults with a spectrum of abilities and disabilities; all of which is made possible through community support. Likis stated that “Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers in northwest Florida is the premier provider of quality care for children and students with developmental disabilities since 1953. To watch clients with a range of special needs develop to their full potential is inspirational, and I’m privileged to be in their company.”

During Capstone’s most recent StarFest telethon Bobby Likis presented his co-host Pat Windham with a donation on K&N’s behalf. The fact that K&N chose to step up and support Capstone inspired Bobby to make a matching contribution out of his own pocket. “A shout-out to all the team at K&N AIR FILTERS for their support of Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, an organization close to my heart. For over 20 years, I’ve co-hosted the StarFest telethon to raise awareness...and money...for Capstone. This year, K&N rose to the occasion and donated a $250 check to Capstone! K&N is such a stand-up company ...from the products they make... to their commitment,” said Likis.

K&N is proud to be an affiliate of the Bobby Likis Car Clinic and supports Bobby’s efforts to help listeners save thousands of dollars as well as giving back to the community. More information about Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, Inc., including ways to donate, can be found on the organization’s website capstoneadaptivelearning.org.

Trudy O’Brien, assistant to Doctor Sherry White, is seen here in one of the Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, Inc. therapy rooms

Bobby Likis is seen here with Mahogany Roland and her daughter Jaylynn, who with the help of Capstone’s programs, will transition into a mainstream kindergarten classroom