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NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Racer Derek Thorn Won the Carneros 200 at Sonoma Raceway

5 Jul 2013

Derek Thorn won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Sonoma Raceway

Derek Thorn played it safe, saved his tires, and won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Sonoma Raceway.

He counted on a feisty fight between Cameron Hayley and Michael Self as well.

Thorn, a driver from Lakeport, California, about 100 miles from Sonoma, said he used to watch NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races with his dad at the track. He remembers watching Jeff Gordon rattle off win after win at Sonoma Raceway. Thorn said he never thought he would win a race at the same track.

"It's been a journey to get to the K&N Series," said Thorn, who was the runner-up in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at Sonoma Raceway last year. "I would have always though being a circle track driver, this is only my sixth road course start, I don't think I ever thought in my mind that I would win here. Top fives is great and it's a good points deal, but to win and come home to this track, with the amount of history it has and the amount of drivers who are behind me that have been coming here for five or six years that have failed to get victories, I feel very blessed to be able to bring home a win."

Derek Thorn takes the checkered flag at Sonoma Raceway.

Thorn won his second race of the season and took over the lead in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West standings. He passed Self for the lead on lap 53 of the Carneros 200 on the 1.99-mile, 10-turn road course and stayed out front for the remaining 13 laps.

The race ended under a green-white-checkered flag. The race was red-flagged on lap 63 when Taylor Cuzick crashed in turn 10. It set up the final restart with Thorn in the lead, followed by Self and Hayley.

"I think there's a little bit of a rivalry between Hayley and Self," Thorn said. "I think the two running with each other, they might not have known it while they were doing it, but them two not necessarily intimidate each other, but neither one of them want to get beat by one another."

Derek Thorn toasts his K&N Pro Series West victory at Sonoma Raceway.

Hayley won the pole and led the first nine laps of the race. Greg Pursley passed Hayley for the lead on lap 10 and was out front for nine laps. After running up front, Pursley faded in the closing laps and finished in 21st place.

David Mayhew, Kelly Admiraal, Self and Hayley swapped leading the race until lap 52. That's when Thorn made his move and passed Self.

"It is disappointing for that run to the end," Self said. "We led a lot of laps out there. We had an awesome car. I don't know if I just got greedy or what it was. We just didn't have any rear tires left. We burnt them off there on those last restarts."

Hayley crossed the finish line in second place, passing Self of the final lap. Self was third, followed by Mayhew in fourth and Paulie Harraka in fifth.

"I got as much as I could out of those tires there at the end," Hayley said. "At the end there, lost a little bit of tires there. It happens. Great job to Derek Thorn, great race by Michael." Thorn took a three-point over Self in the K&N Pro Series West standings. Thorn also snapped Self's three-race winning streak. It was Thorn's fourth career NASCAR K&N Pro Series West victory and his first on a road course.

"It was one of those days you never want to count your chickens before they hatch," Thorn said. "It was definitely nice to be able to take a deep breath after realizing we had it."

Hayley is third in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West standings, 11 points behind Thorn. Pursley, the 2011 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion, is in fourth place, a distant 33 points behind Thorn.

The next NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race is at Colorado National Speedway on July 27.

Related K&N News Articles about Derek Thorn and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West: NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Driver Derek Thorn Wins G-Oil 150 at Stockton 99 Speedway; Derek Thorn Wins Second NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race at NAPA Speedway; Derek Thorn Takes the Pole and the Win at the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race in Lake Havasu; Michael Self Wins Third NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race in a Row at Lebanon I-44 Speedway

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AMA Racer Chad Wienen Takes Overall Win at ATVMX Series Opener

5 Jul 2013

Chad Weinen finished his first AMA sanctioned event of 2013 with an overall win.n

Chad Wienen, ATVMX Series rider, embarked upon a journey during the off season; not as a means of getting away from the hustles and bustles of everyday life, but to train for the upcoming year of racing.

"I headed south to Florida for the winter and had a good routine between off-bike training and testing on the machine," recalled the rider. "I feel I have a good drive to keep me motivated to get stronger each off season.

Chad Weinen began the 2013 season healthy and eager to match riding skills with his competitors.

"It is very important to be in good physical condition," he ensured. "At the level we race, you have to be able to not only finish races, but keep your endurance throughout the entire moto. To be able to push yourself all the way through."

As the season opener rolled around, Wienen showed up at the Aonia Pass MX in Washington, Georgia physically prepared and with confidence on his side. In spite of a back injury, he still managed to experience success the previous year. He would return in 2013 with the comfort of running the same program that had already proven itself, but at a much healthier state. Everything was lining up for another great season.

Although the air was filled with excitement and anticipation, Mother Nature showed up at the opening round of the AMA sanctioned, Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship in a foul mood. But it would take a little more than muddy conditions to sidetrack the riders. The time they had been anticipating had finally arrived, and they were eager to race. In fact, 23 pro riders created a full gate.

Chad Weinen anticipates a podium-filled season in 2013.

When asked his thoughts on racing in muddy conditions, Wienen said, "Well. . . that's racing. You never know what the weather is going to do, and you just need to prepare for it. We have our machines dialed in well for wet and muddy conditions, so that always helps as well."

After qualifying third, Wienen came out of the gate in fifth when the first moto was deemed underway. Utilizing previous experience, he avoided taking too much mud from the riders in front of him. Methodically working his way forward, the rider managed to make clean passes, and at the race's end, crossed the finish line behind two other riders.

With the first moto of the season in the rear view mirror, Wienen had no intentions of doing anything less than continuing an impressive performance. Focused on success, the rider was situated in second place at the waving of the checkered flag. At the event's end, Chad Wienen had earned the overall win.

Having been racing on this particular series since 2004, Wienen obviously went into the 2013 season with a game plan and a knowledge of the stiff competition awaiting him. When asked what separated him from his fellow competitors, the rider suggested, "Probably my drive, and my will to win. Not riding over my head, to get where I want to be. The key to success this season will be staying healthy and keeping the machine up on the podium."

Experience has taught Wienen that success will also depend a great deal upon keeping his bike in optimal working order. Maintenance is extremely important," explained the rider. "You have to finish every moto, and if you keep up with maintaining your machine, you know it's going to run the best it can."

Wienen and his team strive to keep the internal components of their engines contaminant free. That in mind, they depend upon K&N products for their filtering needs.

"We use K&N air filters, pre-charger, cleaner, air filter oil and oil filters," he ensured. K&N products are hands down, the best out there."

With the 2013 season barely underway, Chad Wienen and his team are looking forward to each and every race that lies ahead. When asked if there was one race in particular that he most anticipated, the rider said, "Red Bud; I really enjoy riding on that track. They have a great facility.

Of course though, every race of the season is equally important in the grand scheme of things. When asked what fans can expect from Chad Wienen throughout the remainder of the season, the rider explained, Exciting races and a plan to carry the red plate for the rest of the year."

Related K&N News Articles about Chad Wienen and AMA ATV Racing: Team PCS Performance/Can-am's Josh Creamer to Race AMA ATV Motocross Racing Series; AMA ATV Motocross Racer Chad Wienen Takes Top of Podium During Second Round of AMA ATV Racing at Muddy Creek; Motoworks' John Natalie and Chad Wienen Go One and Two at Ballance MX ATV Motocross Racing; ATV Motocross Racer Cam Reimers' Comeback in 2012 Should Translate to a Successful 2013 Season

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K&N Filters Supports Dragbike Racer and World Record-Holder Ashon Capo Dickerson

5 Jul 2013

World Record-Holder Ashon "Capo" Dickerson

Born to motorcycle drag racing mother and father, Blair and Patricia Dickerson in Morristown, New Jersey, Ashon "Capo" Dickerson was destined to race. Following in his parent's footsteps, Capo's first pass down a track was aboard his mom's CBR1000. By 2000, Capo was racing a Kawasaki ZX9 in Street ET and Pro ET. It was this first bike to propel him into the 9's and then into the 8's after the addition of a Superbike Mike block, an FBG head and a shot of nitrous.

But it was also on this bike that Ashon "Capo" Dickerson nearly lost it all. In what he calls "a bad error in judgment," a street racing accident left him on life support. Waking from the coma after nine days, Capo needed to recuperate from extensive surgeries, which included the installation of titanium plates in his face and right arm. Returning to riding the following year, Capo married his longtime girlfriend Stephanie the year following and came back racing fulltime in 2006.

That year, Capo was unstoppable, with a 20-straight-winning streak from the Orient Express' Top Streetbike Series, MIROCK, NOPI and local events including the NHRA National Wally Championship. Years following, Ashon "Capo" Dickerson would win the 2008 Pinks, Arm Drop Live event, which earned him a $20,000 custom "Pinks Arm Drop Chopper" built by A-1 Cycles.

In 2009, Capo got his first Pro Ride for the AMA Dragbike and MIROCK Superbike Series and has been racing as a Pro ever since. Currently, Capo is Top 10 in the nation in the Pro Class Real Street for four years running as a rider/tuner. Additionally, Ashon "Capo" Dickerson has held the MPH record in 2010 with a Hayabusa, was the first rider to go 8 seconds in the 1/4-mile on a 1st generation Hayabusa, and has also been a Top 10 Sportsman Racer for two years running.

By 2011, Capo had built the quickest GSXR1000 in the class. The following year, Capo was the first man in history to run 7 seconds with a bike running Pirelli Road Racing Tires. Meanwhile, Ashon "Capo" Dickerson still holds the world record for running the fastest 1/8-mile in the class, and manages to serve as the Drag Bike Editor for SportbikesInc Magazine.

Capo uses K&N Filters exclusively on all of his drag bikes. Since his bikes operate at the maximum level of efficiency, he needs every component of these machines to work at the very best level of performance possible, and K&N Filters are the only air and oil filter that can promise that. World records are made with K&N Filters.

Related K&N News Articles about Pro Class Motorcycle Riding: Pro Class Motorcycle Riding - Jeremy Teasley Wins Both Top Fuel and Supersport Class at AMA's MTC Elmer Trett Nationals; Professional Motorcycle Riding - Rickey Gadson Wins in Kawasaki ZX14 at Pingel Thunder Nationals; Pro Class Motorcycle Riding - Pflum and Wagner Racing Set 2012 SCTA Special Construction Fuel Class Record; Pro Motorcycle Riding - K&N Sponsored Team Peterson Conquers Glen Helen Pro NAHA Hillclimb

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2012 to 2015 Honda Civic Gains Horsepower with K&N Air Intake System

2 Jul 2013

K&N Air Intake under the hood of Honda Civic

K&N 69-1020TS Air Intake under the hood of Honda Civic

The Honda Civic has become an icon of a car because of its affordability, reliability and for how many aftermarket options are available. The popularity of the Honda Civic has continued with the redesigned 2012 and 2013 Civic 1.8 liter models. These Honda Civic models are a perfect candidate for a K&N low restriction power gaining air intake system.

K&N 69-1020TS Air Intake System for Honda Civic

To help increase performance, horsepower and to add a little style to these Civic models, K&N has come out with the 69-1020TS air intake system. This performance air intake system installs in place of the stock air intake and air filter box without having to lift or modify the vehicle. Included are all of the necessary components to bolt on the estimated gain of 3.1 horsepower at 5424 RPM and 2.1 feet-lbs of torque at 4836 RPM. Installation is easy when you follow the detailed installation instructions. On average it should take less than 90 minutes to install using a few simple tools.

The 69-1020TS air intake system comes with an aluminum mandrel bent air intake tube, heat shield, K&N performance air filter and all of the nuts, hardware and hose clamps needed for installation. The air intake tube's silver powder-coated finish is designed to be very durable, look great and be easy to clean if it gets dirty. The air intake tube has a welded on mass air sensor adapter as well. Between the mass air sensor adapter and the included mass air sensor venturi, the air intake will work in sync with the stock sensor and computer. The heat shield comes in a black powder-coated finish for looks and durability. It is designed to help block the hot under hood air from getting to the air filter.

Dyno Chart for K&N Honda Civic Air Intake 69-1020TS

The included K&N RU-4600 performance air filter is designed to help improve air flow while providing excellent air filtration. The performance air filter has been engineered to be washable and reusable, so it will never need to be replaced. This air filter also has a large surface area, meaning that you can go up to 100,000 miles between cleaning, depending on driving conditions. In the case of more dusty driving conditions, K&N offers the 22-8036PK PreCharger air filter wrap. The PreCharger can help stop the larger particles from reaching the air filter, helping to extend the service interval.

The air filter clamps securely to the venturi air filter adapter, which attaches to the air intake tube and mounting bracket. The venturi adapter allows for an air filter with a larger six inch opening and helps to direct and improve air flow into the air intake tube. To help secure the entire air intake setup, the heat shield is mounted in place on the fender well, and the tube, air filter adapter and air filter are connected to the heat shield with a large mounting bracket. This setup is designed to help make sure the air intake stays in place.

Between the high quality components, the vehicle specific design and engineering, and that K&N backs the 69-1020TS air intake with their Million Mile Limited Warranty, this setup is going to last for the life of your vehicle, if not longer.

The K&N 69-1020TS air intake system fill fit the following vehicles:
2015 Honda Civic 1.8L L4
2014 Honda Civic 1.8L L4
2013 Honda Civic 1.8L L4
2012 Honda Civic 1.8L L4

For all K&N Honda Civic air intakes visit the Air Intakes for Honda Civic page on KNFilters.com.

Related news stories:
2012 Honda Civic Si 2.4L Gains Horsepower and Torque with K&N Typhoon Air Intake System. 2007 and 2008 Honda Civic Type R Owners Add Performance with K&N Air Intake System. 2005-2011 European Honda Civic 1.8L Owners Add Performance with K&N Air Induction. 2006 through 2011 Honda Civic Si 2.0L Gain Estimated 7 HP with K&N Air Intake System

Octane Race Team's Brit Mansell Develops and Races his Exclusive Center-seat Polaris RZR XP 900

1 Jul 2013

Following round 1 of ECORS Mansell declared his RZR was now literally the best performing SXS he'd ever raced.

Maylene, Alabama's Brit Mansell only likes a couple of things as much as winning, and one of those is designing and redesigning stuff. Mansell, a designer by trade, calls himself "chief thinker-upper" and it's a term that aptly fits. His latest winning do-over is a Polaris RZR XP 900, which he converted into a new center-seat race vehicle.

"For the past few years, I have been racing in a RZR, usually without a passenger," Mansell said. "After hundreds of race hours in RZR's, piloting from the driver's side, I decided that I was finally ready to make the commitment to transform the two-seater into a single, center-seater. The primary objective was to improve weight distribution and reduce the overall weight of the vehicle."

After hundreds of race hours racing an SXS RZR, Brit Mansell committed to building his own design center-seat racer.

Mansell was successful in getting the RZR balanced within a couple of pounds left to right. Seated behind the steering wheel, the weight distribution is 55% in the rear and 45% up front, which amounts to 10% more on the front than the stock car. He attributes the improved turning precision to the added weight up front.

"Another huge benefit is the overall reduced weight. The entire car performs better on a diet. I couldn't be happier with how well the King Shocks soaked up the rough terrain at very high speeds. There were sections of the course where I was hitting almost 70 mph."

The course he refers to was round 1 of East Coast Off-road Racing Series (ECORS) in Dayton, Tennessee. The track is a four hour drive from Maylene, qualifying was scheduled to begin after 5 pm, and at noon that day Mansell and his dad where still finishing the final touches.

K&N and Mansell's relationship dates back many years and championships.

"Since we were late getting there, and it was now dark, I decided to only take the car out for one qualifying session, two laps. Everything was great during qualifying, but seeing that this was my first time with the car in the dirt, it was a very weird feeling driving in the middle of the chassis. After a few minutes of getting used to it, all of the hard work, time spent and money spent were vindicated. This was literally the best performing SXS I had ever driven. This car has literally rejuvenated my desire to go fast. The RZR was crazy fast, but suffered from a couple of mechanical, first-race demons, that put me out of the race. We had the fastest lap times of the race and passed well into the field in front of me (adjusted time) before the problems occurred."

Mansell says his substantially re-engineered RZR XP 900 is a great source of pride.

No stranger to going fast and winning, last season Mansell raced a Polaris RZR XP 900 in the ECORS and the UTV Rally Raid series, finishing 1st and 2nd respectively for the season. For 2013 Mansell is also competing in the Georgia Off-road Racing Series (GORS), he recently completed round 3 of that series. "I qualified on the pole with the fastest lap time of the field. Unfortunately, we had another small mechanical issue that prevented me from carrying that momentum to the win in the GP race. However, the luck was quickly turned, as I won the 3 hour night race later that evening. Overall, I'm very happy with the results from this round of the GORS series."

Knowing what he does now would he build this car again? "I'm not going to lie; it was an amazingly large amount of work. However, I'm very satisfied with how it performs on the track. But even more important, it gives me a great sense of pride to be racing a machine which I have substantially re-engineered. I would definitely build this car again and at this point and I wouldn't change a single thing about it."

"Benchmark Performance built a killer engine for this vehicle and Chris has been there with me to sort out any issues immediately. The power delivery is strong and smooth, thanks to help from Dale at DirtyDawgPerformance and their RZR XP 900 clutch kit. Another pair of companies I can't overlook for this vehicle are GBC Motorsports and HiPer Racing Wheels. Those two companies kept our 2012 vehicle's power to the ground for over 60 hard race hours last year and with only one failure. I'm very proud to have them on board again this year. I would also like to thank K&N for their Aircharger Intake System (63-1129) and for their continued support of my racing career. My relationship with the motorsports team at K&N goes back many, many years and they have always provided quality products that have helped me with several championships over the years."

Related K&N News Articles about Off-Road Racing: Off-Road Racing's Jon Crowley and Team UTVGuide Finish Second in the 2013 HRC King of the Hammers UTV Race; Guthrie Racing's Father and Son Off-Road Racing Team Wins 2013 King of the Hammers UTV Title; Off-Road Racer Cody "Code" Rahders Wins 2012 Production 700 Class WORCS Championship; Catching Up with Off-Road Racing's, LOORRS Racer and Young Gun Cody Rahders

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