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Tim Crawley recently earned his fourth consecutive USCS victory at the Hammerdown at Hammer Hill event held at the I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Arkansas

It was an unseasonably cool July evening in Little Rock, Arkansas - a perfect night for racing. The USCS “Outlaw Thunder” tour, presented by K&N Filters, had rolled into town and the air permeated with anticipation. Drivers representing five states were geared up and ready for a fierce battle in the “Hammerdown at Hammer Hill.”

Terry Gray and Morgan Turpen, the top two drivers in the series points race, had aspirations of cushioning their lead. Both drivers were familiar with this venue and were prepared for the waving of the green flag to start the event.

Terry Gray and Zach Pringle battled for the lead at the Hammerdown at Hammer Hill early on, only to eventually fall behind Tim Crawley, who walked away victorious

But there was another driver in town, a fella whose name was recognized by those who frequent the legendary I-30 Speedway. Tim Crawley is a local and has been on a streak during the past three events. With three consecutive wins under his belt, he had no intentions of doing anything other than putting another victory in the books in front of family, friends and fans.

Terry Gray took the second heat, clinching a spot in the feature race. Tim Crawley finished his heat in second, also earning his well-deserved spot in the A-main. Morgan Turpen’s performance in the fourth heat was enough to secure her a position as well. It was panning out to be a heated battle. It looked like the fans would certainly get their money’s worth.

Lining up at the pole, Terry Gray was situated in a favorable position. But when the race was finally underway, another fan favorite and local, Zach Pringle, didn’t waste any time challenging the pole winner. In fact, Pringle took the lead at the initial start, a position he held for five laps.

Starting seventh in the feature, Tim Crawley eventually worked his way to the front of the field for a USCS victory at I-30 Speedway

But Gray remained steadfast, and after a heated battle with Pringle, the points leader retook the number one spot in lap six. Terry Gray, ten-time series champion, continued to head the pack until Jordan Mallett’s miscalculation caused a yellow flag to fly in the 10th lap. When the drivers were given the green light, Gray continued to increase the distance between him and the remainder of the field.

However, Tim Crawley, who had started in the seventh position, was methodically working his way through the field of drivers. Maneuvering around Pringle in the eighteenth lap, there was only one person separating him from the coveted spot that would earn a position atop the podium.

Terry Gray had no intentions of giving up his position, a mindset shared by both that would eventually result in an exciting and fierce battle. With the race nearing its end, Crawley had a chore ahead of him. However, a red flag during the 29th lap was the extra muster he was looking for.

Given the go-ahead, the two drivers embarked upon a relentless engagement, to the point of bumping wheels, sending Gray into a spin. Maintaining control and taking the lead, Crawley never looked back. When the dust had settled Crawley had earned his fourth consecutive USCS win.

“A lot of stuff happened in tonight’s heats,” recalled Crawley. “There were a lot of cars, a lot of wrecks and a lot of people got points. When you have four heats, you have to pass more than two cars. We started fourth and ran second. In turn, we missed the redraw by one spot.” said Crawley.

In reference to the main event, Crawley continued, “The track was a little bit hard to pass on. But I eventually found ways of getting a little bit of momentum.”

“Terry’s car was good,” ensured Crawley. “If we would have kept running, I wasn’t going to be able to do anything with him. But on the restart, after the red flag, he parked it on the bottom and I managed to sweep around him.”

“We started off on the fourth row, but it worked out. It makes a little more work for you when you have to start back a little ways, but it also validates things and makes you feel a little better when you take the win.” continued Crawley.

Tim Crawley is quick to credit his team as a crucial element of success. The driver is also aware of the importance of keeping his rig maintained. That in mind, he depends upon K&N products to ensure the internal components of his engine remain contaminant free.

“Anything I’ve ever used with K&N products has worked out well.” Crawley explained. “I’ve raced just about everything you can imagine and have used (K&N) products on everything from motocross, to cars, to street rods. I’ve always been pleased with their performance. I’ve used (K&N) for years and they’re second to none.”

When asked the key to his recent string of wins, Tim Crawley concluded, “We were fast during the first part of the year, but we weren’t closing the deals. Here lately, we’ve had a little luck, hit some draws right and started on the front of a feature or two. You just have to keep working hard and it will happen.”

Mean looks, more horsepower, and killer engine sound with Blackhawk Air Induction System 71-3082, for 2014-2016 Chevrolet or GMC truck and SUV V8 engine models

The fully-redesigned 2014, 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL and of course the plush Cadillac Escalade come hooked up with refined interiors, modern technology, and a comfortable ride straight from the factory. But there are those owners out there who associate the Silverado, Yukon, or Escalade with a lifestyle that can’t simply be added as optional equipment. Look around and a lifted or lowered Sierra, Tahoe, or Escalade is sure to be in sight, hitting the streets and demanding respect. Helping to bridge that gap between bone stock and a ride that gets noticed is the new blacked out Blackhawk Air Induction System, 71-3082, from K&N Filters.

71-3082 Blackhawk Air Induction System from K&N Filters, for 2014-2016 Chevy or GMC V8 models, features a blacked out synthetic Dryflow air filter

The color black has strong emotional associations and it often implies power, elegance, and mystery. K&N gets that, which is why K&N has released a line of all black air intake systems. K&N felt that trucks like the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade were deserving of such an aggressive intake system. K&N Blackhawk Air Induction System, part number 71-3082, is designed to not only imply aggressive power, but is expert-engineered and guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque. It replaces the restrictive factory system with a free-flowing, mandrel bent aluminum air intake tube to help minimize restriction, straighten, and increase airflow to the engine. The mandrel bent aluminum intake tube is finished in a durable flat black powdercoat for an aggressive but low-key look under the hood. In stark contrast to the black intake tube is a welded and engraved aluminum K&N nameplate. The K&N logo has been representing performance for 45 years. Blackhawk Air Induction System, 71-3082, incorporates a black powdercoated heat shield which helps guard air entering the engine from heat under the hood.

Dyno Chart - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 6.2 liter EcoTec V8 gains an estimated 9.05 more horsepower and 11.47 lb-ft of torque

For that true blacked out look K&N designed a new line of black colored synthetic Dryflow air filters. Blackhawk Air Induction System, part number 71-3082, includes K&N’s RU-3101HBK conical Dyflow air filter fitted to the inlet of the air induction system. K&N Dryflow filters provide excellent airflow rates as well as outstanding filtration efficiency. RU-3101HBK is washable and reusable and can go up to 100,000 miles between cleanings, depending on driving conditions. Use of Synthetic Air Filter cleaner, number 99-0624, is recommended when it comes time to clean RU-3101HBK. This Dryflow air filter does not need to be oiled. No oil equals quicker cleaning and that means you can hit the streets sooner.

K&N Blackhawk Air Induction Systems look and perform great on trucks like this custom 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 from Rockstar Garage

Blackhawk Air Induction Systems look mean and are designed to throw down respectable performance gains in both horsepower and torque. On the dyno, when installed on a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 6.2 liter V8, the 71-3082 Blackhawk Air Induction System produced an estimated additional 9.05 horsepower at 4996 rpm and 11.47 pound-feet of torque at 3875 rpm. When installed on a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3 liter V8, the 71-3082 performance air intake system produced an estimated additional 8.3 horsepower at 5338 rpm and 7.13 pound-feet of torque at 4188 rpm. Both the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 are pumping out over 300 horsepower at the rear wheels, yet what Silverado, Suburban, or Escalade owner doesn’t want a little more power? Whether it’s for towing a boat to the river, or rolling with 6 of your associates to Las Vegas, Nevada; that increase in power is going to get noticed.

The 71-3082 Blackhawk Air Induction System is an easy to install performance upgrade that can be installed in about 90 minutes or less using basic hand tools, and by following K&N’s simple step-by-step instructions. It maintains all necessary factory connections and does not require any additional modifications be made to the vehicle.

K&N backs the 71-3082 air induction system with the famous K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty so owners can rest easy knowing their intake system can stand up to tough situations. Whether the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL or Cadillac Escalade truck or SUV is used for the daily grind or the local custom truck scene, the K&N 71-3082 air induction system will provide increased power, acceleration, and good looks for years to come.

Blackhawk Air Induction System, 71-3082, is guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque on the Chevrolet and GMC models listed below:

2016 GMC YUKON XL 5.3L V8 F/I
2016 GMC YUKON DENALI XL 6.2L V8 F/I
2016 GMC YUKON DENALI 6.2L V8 F/I
2016 GMC YUKON 5.3L V8 F/I
2016 GMC SIERRA 1500 6.2L V8 F/I
2016 GMC SIERRA 1500 5.3L V8 F/I
2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE 5.3L V8 F/I
2016 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 5.3L V8 F/I
2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 6.2L V8 F/I
2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 5.3L V8 F/I
2016 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 6.2L V8 F/I
2016 CADILLAC ESCALADE 6.2L V8 F/I
2015 GMC YUKON XL 5.3L V8 F/I
2015 GMC YUKON DENALI XL 6.2L V8 F/I
2015 GMC YUKON DENALI 6.2L V8 F/I
2015 GMC YUKON 5.3L V8 F/I
2015 GMC SIERRA 1500 6.2L V8 F/I
2015 GMC SIERRA 1500 5.3L V8 F/I
2015 CHEVROLET TAHOE 5.3L V8 F/I
2015 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 5.3L V8 F/I
2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 6.2L V8 F/I
2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 5.3L V8 F/I
2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 6.2L V8 F/I
2015 CADILLAC ESCALADE 6.2L V8 F/I
2014 GMC SIERRA 1500 6.2L V8 F/I
2014 GMC SIERRA 1500 5.3L V8 F/I
2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 6.2L V8 F/I
2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 5.3L V8 F/I

For all K&N GMC Yukon, GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 air intakes visit the GMC Yukon Air Intakes, GMC Sierra 1500 Air Intakes and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Air Intakes pages on KNFilters.com.

A Hooked On Driving school coach navigates through the infamous Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca corkscrew in their 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 coupe. Photo by Dito Milian/gotbluemilk.com

Hooked On Driving (HOD) offers a high performance driving experience to individuals who have a passion for driving their own cars, whether it be a Corvette, Shelby, Porsche or just about any car out there that is in safe and serviceable condition. HOD is focused on providing driver training in a controlled race course environment without competition or training for competition. HOD places a focus on safety, coaching, learning and fun, with participants being able to experience their cars at a higher level than would be safe or prudent on public roads.

The recent Hooked On Driving event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was presented by K&N, and participants were exposed to K&N Performance Air Filters and Oil Filters. Photo by Dito Milian/gotbluemilk.com

The Hooked On Driving program operates coast to coast – in the Pacific Northwest and California, the Great Lakes Region, the Northeastern and Southern States, and in Florida as well. With this network, HOD will hold over 100 events throughout 2014. K&N filters shares a passion for performance and has chosen to partner with HOD and provide $50 gift certificates to the first 1,000 people to enroll as “TeamHOD” members. According to David Ray, founder of Hooked On Driving, “At a cost of $49 and other benefits included, this ($50 gift certificate) makes ‘TeamHOD’ a NO BRAINER!” In addition to providing gift certificates to HOD, there are events in each of the six regions presented by K&N. At these particular events HOD participants will be exposed to K&N filtration product features and benefits. David Ray is a big K&N fan and has been using K&N products on and off the track for years. “We’ve used K&N products since the 1970’s and have nothing but a ‘thumbs up’ for their proven product line” said Ray.

Hooked On Driving operates in six key regions in the United States. HOD will have an event near K&N Filters’ corporate headquarters in July at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. Photo by Dito Milian/gotbluemilk.com

Caitlin Clement, K&N Track and Series Support Manager, was a key individual in creating this new partnership between K&N Filters and the HOD program. In addition to providing product gift certificates, K&N has been named the Official Performance Filter of Hooked On Driving. “K&N Is pleased to be named the Official Performance Filter of such a unique and high-quality driving program” said Clement. Caitlin went on to say “We hope that each HOD student decides to enhance their driving experience by upgrading to a K&N high-flow air filter designed to increase horsepower and acceleration.”

2014 Hooked On Driving events presented by K&N are listed below:

May 16th, Atlanta Motorsports Park – Dawsonville, Georgia
June 19th, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – Salinas, California
June 21st, Palm Beach International Raceway – Jupiter, Florida
July 18th, The Ridge Motorsports Park – Shelton, Washington
August 11th, Road America – Plymouth, Wisconsin
August 24th, Pocono Raceway –Long Pond, Pennsylvania

If you’re ready to take your car or truck to the next level of performance, find K&N parts for your vehicle here. After improving your performance, improve your driving skills at a Hooked On Driving event near you. For more information, and to find an event near you, go to http://www.hookedondriving.com/.

The Creations N’ Chrome 1969 Chevy C10 called Fine Dime is painted with Cyber Grey Metallic from a 2009 Corvette ZR-1 and Arctic White from a 2001 Camaro SS

The word Dime originally denoted a one-tenth part, such as one-tenth of a U.S. dollar and most Americans picture a coin bearing the likeness of President Roosevelt. Others, particularly those in an urban setting, have their own definition for the word dime. “One Fine Dime” can be used to describe a person of extreme beauty who, on a scale of 1-10, would be referred to as “a perfect ten.” The 1969 Chevrolet C10 pickup restored and modified by Creations N’ Chrome is neither a U.S. coin, or a stunning woman, however, the nickname “Fine Dime” certainly fits as this truck is the personification of classic American automotive beauty.

The aluminum trim on this 1969 Chevrolet C10 Pickup was brushed and clear coated to match the HRE wheels

Creations N’ Chrome was founded in 2005 by Gary & Kristin Watson and they pride themselves in being able to make their customers’ vision a reality. The Fine Dime 1969 Chevy C10 is owned by Creations N’ Chrome customer Hugo Castillo. Hugo had seen the 1968 Chevy C10 that Creations N’ Chrome built for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in 2012. Hugo approached Creations N’ Chrome about building a similar C10 truck that would be a dependable daily driver as well as turn some heads. For the Fine Dime, Creations N’ Chrome focused on improving drivability, ride quality, and the driver’s experience while maintaining the styling that makes the second generation C10 such a desirable classic pickup.

A Chevrolet 5.7-liter LS1 engine breathing through a K&N air filter and custom intake tube powers the 1969 Chevy C10 truck by Creations N’ Chrome

With a laundry list of engine, suspension, and braking modifications, Creations N’ Chrome bumped the performance level of this classic truck up to modern muscle car standards. Powering the Fine Dime is an LS1 engine from a 2002 Chevy Camaro Z28. By simply increasing the compression, adding an aftermarket camshaft, exhaust headers, and a K&N air filter this tried and true power plant put down an impressive 370 horsepower at the rear wheels.

With the powertrain sorted out, Creations N’ Chrome moved on to addressing the ride quality of the Fine Dime. They swapped out the stock suspension for a Hotchkis TVS suspension system, Wilwood disc brakes, Falken tires, and HRE wheels. Suspension and brakes aren’t the only necessities for improving ride quality. Leather wrapped seats, door panels, and steering wheel, combined with power windows and a custom stereo system ensure the driver rolls along in comfort and style.

Creations N’ Chrome built this 1969 Chevrolet C10 called Fine Dime to drive around the corner or to Las Vegas, Nevada

Swapping a modern V8 engine into a classic Chevrolet truck required building a custom air intake system equipped with one of K&N’s clamp-on universal high-flow air filters. “The Fine Dime is running a cone air filter, oil filter, and crankcase breathers by K&N” said Chris Matye, director of business at Creations N’ Chrome. “The vast availability of sizes and shapes, K&N’s reputation and superior filtering were the main reasons for choosing K&N. After a few minutes on the K&N website, we found an air filter in the exact size and shape that we were looking for” continued Matye.

Gary Watson, owner and founder of Creations N’ Chrome, has been using K&N products since he was 17 years old on his 1984 Ford Mustang SVO. When asked why he chooses K&N, Gary replied “Besides the obvious performance benefits, I like that K&N offers (filter) applications for just about everything. Whether it’s one of my Mustangs, tow truck, motorcycles or dirtbikes, I can find air and oil filters at just about any parts store. Installing a K&N air filter is always the first modification I make to any new vehicle.”

In its present state the Fine Dime is a far cry from the rusty old farm truck that first journeyed into the Creations N’ Chrome shop. Attention to details such has hidden wiring under the hood and a powdercoated frame makes this 1969 Chevy C10 a perfect ten and deserving of the name Fine Dime.

Noteworthy modifications to the 1969 Chevrolet C10 pickup owned by Hugo Castillo include:

LS1 engine, 370 RWHP/4L60E automatic transmission
K&N Air, Oil, and Breather filters
Hotchkis Complete TVS suspension system
Wilwood Disc Brakes
HRE Performance Wheels 945RL, 20x11-rear & 20x9-front
Falken Tires, Azenis FK453

The Alpha Energy Solutions Impala, driven by Ben Rhodes, passed the number 34 car of Scott Heckert on lap 14 to lead the remaining 162 laps and win by a margin of 1.191 seconds

Ben Rhodes won his fourth NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race in a row and is knocking on the door of a couple records.

Cameron Hayley in the number 98 Cabinets by Hayley Chevrolet battled number 96 Kenzie Ruston for position with Hayley crossing the finish line second and Ruston in third

Rhodes took the lead on lap 14 in the Visit Hampton VA 175 at Langley Speedway in Virginia and stayed out front for the remainder of the race.

“I can’t thank our guys enough at Turner Scott Motorsports,” said Rhodes, driver of the No. 41 Alpha Energy Solutions Chevrolet, after the event.

“I like to call them the ‘Dream Team,’ and I’m just the fortunate one that gets to drive the Alpha Energy Solutions Chevy.

Kenzie Ruston, seen here signing autographs, drove her Ben Kennedy Racing Chevy to a third place finish making her the highest finishing female driver in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East history

It was really tough early on, I thought we were gonna have a bad day, but they didn’t give up, I didn’t give up and that’s why we were standing over there in Victory Lane.”

He won his fifth race of the season. Ricky Craven set the record for most consecutive wins with five when the K&N Pro Series East was the Busch Series North in 1991. Dylan Kwasniewski holds the K&N Pro Series East record for most wins in a season with six set in 2007.

Gray Gaulding sits third in the points standings and gives a thumbs up from inside his Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Chevrolet Impala before heading out onto the Langley Speedway track

Rhodes, a 17-year-old from Louisville, Ky., has won races at Greenville Pickens Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Bowman Gray Stadium and most recently at Five Flags Speedway in Florida.

Scott Heckert won the pole for the race at Langley Speedway and was out front for the first 13 laps.

Rhodes passed Heckert on lap 14. Cameron Hayley and Kenzie Ruston challenged Rhodes for the lead, but neither could make a move to overtake him.

Kaz Grala drove the number 31 OzLink Chevrolet to a fifth place finish in the Hampton 175 at Langley Speedway in Virginia

“Those guys kind of pressured me a little bit on those restarts,” said Rhodes. “I had to get away from them and I knew that last restart was going to be tricky. You never know when a caution is going to come out. Luckily we timed it right and were able to get away from them and pull off the win.”

Hayley finished in second place. Ruston matched her best K&N Pro Series East finish in third place. She is the highest finishing woman driver in K&N Pro Series East history.

“Our car was pretty good since practice,” said Ruston.

Mother Nature tried to rain on Ben Rhodes’ parade but couldn’t dampen his spirits on victory lane after the Hampton 175 at Langley Speedway in Virginia

“Mike Fritts gave me a good car, but we just got a little too tight there at the end. Hopefully when we go to New Hampshire in a couple of weeks we can keep this momentum going, get us another top five and be fighting for the win.”

Heckert crossed the finish line in fourth place, followed by Kaz Garla in fifth.

Rhodes has a dominating 71-point lead in the K&N Pro Series East standings after nine races.

Hayley is in second place in the K&N Pro Series East standings. Gray Gaulding, who finished in 18th place at Langley Speedway, is third in the standings.

The next K&N Pro Series East race is at New Hampshire International Speedway is July 11.