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From a Victim to a Victory - K&N Horsepower Challenge Sweepstakes Storybook Weekend

2 Aug 2012

NHRA Pro Stock drag driver Vincent Noble brought home a Horsepower Challenge victory and won brand new Toyota Tundra for Peggy Coleman

Each year, as part of the K&N Horsepower Challenge for the NHRA Pro Stock competitors, K&N Engineering also gives fans a chance to participate in all the action, both by having a say and voting for the eighth and final driver who will get to participate in the race-within-a-race, as well as a shot to win big for themselves.

For 2012, eight sweepstakes finalists were selected from the thousands of entries that poured in from all over the country. Each finalist was provided travel expense and event credentials to the NHRA national event at Summit Motorsports Park and once there they were paired with one of the NHRA Pro Stock K&N Horsepower Challenge contestants. Should their driver win the Challenge, they would become the proud new owner of a K&N Horsepower Challenge Edition Toyota Tundra.

When the drivers and sweepstakes finalists were paired prior to the commencement of the 2012 K&N Horsepower Challenge, Joplin, Missouri resident Peggy Coleman may have been the last to be partnered with a driver but that selection was about to pave the way into a dream weekend for the survivor of last year's devastating tornado.

"We had a lot of major damage to our home and to both of our vehicles," she explained of the severe weather's aftermath. "I had full coverage on mine, but we only had liability on Gary's truck. FEMA didn't do anything to help with his truck, so he's been driving it with all kinds of damage to it and everything we have fixed on it has been out of our own pockets."

"Years ago, I used to enter a lot of different sweepstakes and I never won diddly," she laughed. "After the storm, I didn't have internet for over a year. So when I did, I thought I would get back online and start entering some of these sweepstakes again. The K&N Sweepstakes was one of the very first that I entered."

Persistence started to pay off in a big way for Coleman when she was selected as a finalist, although she was quite doubtful for the too-good-to-be-true news and was quite reluctant to believe what she was hearing.

"The day the lady called me to tell me I had been chosen as one of the eight K&N finalists, I was in complete disbelief," she reflected on first learning of her soon to be very good fortune. "This lady was doing everything she could to convince me that it was legit. I just still did not believe it and thought it may be a scam, so much so, that when we got off the phone I did a reverse lookup of the number she called me from and then I finally realized that it was apparently real."

When the time came for Peggy and her fiancé to head to Norwalk, Ohio, she was extra excited to attend the NHRA national event, not only because it would be the very first professional drag racing event she had ever witnessed, but they were also looking forward to a vacation away from all they had been dealing with since the storms blasted through their home and lives.

"Just watching it and witnessing it, I was in total awe of all the power those machines have, period," she admitted of her experience. "When we were down close to the track and were able to take in all what the drivers and teams do, I just couldn't believe how these folks do this. I am most definitely a new drag racing fan, that's for sure."

"For him being that young and so humble and so sweet, I was just amazed," she pointed out of her first thoughts meeting Vincent Nobile. "He wasn't all macho or anything, such a nice young man and a great driver."

Peggy Coleman could not have been happier to be selected as a contestant in the K&N Horsepower Challenge

As Nobile went through the rounds, knocking down Allen Johnson and Mike Edwards on his way to meet up with Jason Line in the final, Coleman couldn't believe all the excitement that was building for the young driver from Dix Hills, New York that she was cheering on. So much so, that she lost sight of what was really at stake for her and her fiancé.

"It was all so much fun and everyone from K&N and Vincent's team were all so hospitable throughout the entire weekend," she continued. "Every round Vincent would win, I'd keep telling him ‘You're going to do it.' I was just so excited to be a part of everything that was going on, to be able to witness all of it from the starting line and to cheer him on and look for that big red "W" to come on in his lane. I actually got to the point that I forgot all about a chance to win the truck."

When it came time for the final matchup, Coleman and her fellow finalist were whisked to the top end of the track, where they stood in the back of a Toyota pickup to wait for the outcome of the championship round between Line and Nobile.

It was all down to the $50,000 on the line for the winning driver and a Special edition 2012 Toyota Tundra Double Cab, created by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and K&N Engineering, for the winning finalist.

"We didn't get to actually see the final and the next thing you know, the race is on and we hear the cars coming down the track," she said. "The way we knew who won was by the handheld radio they had down there with us. They had told us before the round that whoever won was to stay in the back of the truck and the other was to hop down."

"Well, I was listening to all that was going on and who won and the other guy jumped off the truck. It was all happening so fast and I thought to myself, why is he jumping off the truck and what's going on," she laughed. "And they had to tell me a couple of times that Vincent won and I won and I just could not believe it."

When the word hit the professional pits of all that Coleman and her fiancé had been through over the last year, several teams spoke up and offered to pay any taxes that would need to be taken care of on Coleman's winnings. Once the Toyota Motor Company heard of the generous offers being made, they took it upon themselves to step up their involvement and made sure that Coleman would have no out-of-pocket expenses for her new custom truck.

"That just brought tears to my eyes," she said of hearing the news. "Just when I thought it couldn't possibly get any better. That just blew me away."

Coleman pointed out how grateful she was to K&N and to Nobile and his family for the entire experience. "When it came down to it, my mind was just not on the chance of winning that truck. To me it was going to be a great vacation, a chance to get away with all that is going on down here and it was even more than I could have expected. What K&N does by giving people this opportunity is amazing. We got to see and be a part of some great racing, we met some wonderful people from both K&N and Vincent and his team, which we won't soon forget. I can't begin to thank everyone involved in making this all happen for us."

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.

2012 Triumph Big Kahuna Triple Crown Named K&N Official Air and Oil Filter Supplier

2 Aug 2012

The Triumph Big Kahuna is eager to work with K&N filters, who was named as the official air and oil filter supplier for the series during 2012.

During April of 2012, racing fans showed up by the droves for the Triumph Big Kahuna Triple Crown at Road Atlanta, to experience what has been referred to by some as "one of AMA Road Racing's most exciting event weekends in recent memory".

"It was a great weekend," explained M1 Powersports CEO, Cameron Gray. "We had over thirty-thousand(people) show up over the weekend, and were very pleased. We had great racing, a huge vendor area, stunt shows, and a bunch of previous champions. It was a great kick-off for us."

With the first of three events behind them, M1 Powersports and the AMA Pro Racing are anticipating an event unsurpassed at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in the weeks to come. In fact, the Triumph Big Kahuna Triple Crown will roll into town on September 21 and continue to entertain racing fans and their families with a plethora of activities over a three day period, before concluding the event on September 23.

Those putting the production together are anxious for mid-September to roll around, to say the least, as this will be the first time that the AMA Pro Racing circuit has been to the speedway in almost two decades. The event promises to be a great one, and K&N filters will be amongst the enjoyment and activities as they have been named as the official air and oil filter supplier for a race that promises to entertain those with a passion for the sport.

M1 Motorsports, AMA Pro Road Racing, and K&N Filters will then begin gearing up and preparing for the final event of 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. In fact, folks can start marking their calendars for October 5-7 and plan to experience an action packed weekend at the NOLA Motorsports Park, a brand new facility that should prove perfect for such an impressive production.

Referring to the array of entertainment scheduled for the Triumph Big Kahuna Triple Crown, Gray said, "We always try to think outside the box, so it will be more than just a race. Our motto is "Come for the party, stay for the race". We've got tons of young, great racers and we've got old statesmen. The racing and the paddock is really strong. We strive to offer the full family experience."

With one of three races behind them, M1 Powersports and K&N filters are looking forward to the final to races of the Triumph Big Kahuna Triple Crown Series.

Referring to entertaining the youngsters, he continued, "We have a huge kid's area with slides, dump tanks, jump houses, and kids demo rides. We've got a petting zoo, a bunch of interactive displays, and monster truck rides for the kids and adults.

While M1 Powersports has obviously gone to the extreme to keep the youngsters occupied, they have also taken steps to ensure the adults have a weekend full of fun and entertainment as well. "We do concerts on the weekends and Friday night fan parties. We have Saturday night movie nights and host fireworks shows. You name it, we do it," ensured Gray. "We try to give the fans much more than racing. We want them to say, hey, I took a weekend out with my kids and it was fantastic."

Just as M1 Powersports is excited about the entire production at all three of the venues chosen for the Triumph Big Kahuna Triple crown, they are also elated with K&N Filters' involvement.

"K&N jumped on board this year," recalled Cameron Gray. "They've been very supportive, and have been open to doing pretty much everything. They're coming out and supporting the events, and giving away some certificates, so we can give some gifts and K&N products away. They've been very good to us," he continued. "K&N products speak for themselves. They're proven winners, so to partner with a company like K&N is huge for us. It puts another stamp on our events that we're dealing with the best. We're dealing with the best promoters and we're dealing with the best companies."

I think that every motorsports fan loves every kind of the sport; if it has a motor in it, they love it. As we go forward, K&N becoming a bigger presence in the motorcycle racing industry is really going to help propel people to come over and see what a great product this is and see sixteen-year-olds going close to two-hundred miles per hour and racing elbow to elbow. As we progress things are just going to get bigger and better. That's just the way K&N is."

Referring to the quality of K&N's products, Gray continued, "When you put a K&N filter on your vehicle, you always notice an increase in performance. M1 Powersports has worked very hard to earn the reputation as one of the best promoters on the industry, and when you talk about air and oil filters, K&N produces the best out there. They're proven winners, and when you come to our events, I think you'll see that also. I think our partnership with K&N is a win-win situation, where both people are going to benefit and show their true performance."

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.

Brooke Kawell Currently Sits 8th in Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Modified Kart Points

1 Aug 2012

The hot pink Modified Kart driven by Brooke Kawell continues to break ground at every Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series event

Brooke Kawell is having a fine second season in her Modified Kart in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. The California kid has run in the top most of the year and is knocking on the door of her first podium at a national race. Last year Kawell became the first female to ever podium in a Modified Kart at a regional race in Chandler, Arizona.

Brooke Kawell hopes to one day become one of the few female drivers to thrive in off road racing

"The field is super competitive this year," Kawell said. "But I do feel that a podium is coming. I feel like I am getting stronger every race and we are getting closer. I hope I end up on the podium this year, that's the goal for every racer."

The ultimate goal for Kawell is to become a star in LOORRS top two divisions, Pro 2 and Pro 4 trophy trucks. It's an ambitious goal for the young girl. Currently the only full-time female in a trophy truck is K&N racer Corry Weller. But Kawell has her sights set on reaching her goal one day. In her second full season in the Modified Kart, Kawell is making strides towards her goal.

"I've become a stronger driver this year. I have matured and I'm using my experiences from last season to try and improve at every race. I won't back down."

Kawell is a respectable eighth in the extremely competitive Modified Kart point's standings. She said her favorite moment of the year was when she ran in the top five most of the day during round three at Lake Elsinore, California. Her friends say it is "super cool" that she is able to race so competitively, and the confidence boost for her and the team is immeasurable.

Brooke Kawell hopes to one day become one of the few female drivers to thrive in off road racing

Kawell has a lot of racing talent in her family to model herself after. Her father, Jason, is an accomplished Baja racer, and her cousin, Blake Baggett, is a budding motocross star.

Kawell made sure to thank K&N for their support.

"Thanks to K&N products, my Modified Kart performs great. The filters give me extra hours of power that I need to get me around the track faster."

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.

Adam Kekich Victorious at Mercer Raceway Park in 410 Winged Sprint Car Class

1 Aug 2012

Adam Kekich enjoys the winners circle after domination at Mercer Raceway Park in the 410 cubic inch Sprint Car class

A budding star is rising in the world of winged sprint cars. Adam Kekich, a second-generation driver from Hermitage, Pennsylvania, had a statement win two weekends ago at his home track, Mercer Raceway Park, when he drove through the field for a dominant 410 cubic inch Sprints win, the first of his career.

"Driving through the field was pretty cool," the kid they call 'Adam Bomb' said. "It felt like any other race, because no matter what, I show up to the track to win. But to be able to race for the win with guys that I grew up watching win races, was really cool."

Adam Kekich hopes to keep crossing the finish line in 1st for the remainder of 2012 in his number 5 Sprint Car

Adam Kekich hopes to keep waving checkered flags for the remainder of 2012 in his number 5k Sprint Car

"If I had a helmet camera, my face would've been priceless to see when I took the lead. It was an unforgettable feeling."

Kekich is in the middle of one of those 'turning point' seasons, where a driver finally puts it all together and the talent shines through with results. He is sitting sixth in points at Mercer and he has started to run races at other tracks as well, perhaps setting him up for a move into some travelling series down the road.

"We have had our ups and downs (this year) but we keep working to be consistent week in and week out. We have moved around a little this year to help me get seat time at different tracks and to race with the top guys in the All Star series. We went to Fremont Speedway for the two-day All Star show, and by going to that race I learned a lot that helped me out when we came back home to race at local tracks.

"I would have liked to get my first win sooner, but we just started to get the balance of the car to where I can put it anywhere I want to and still be fast."

Many Sprint Car racers, like Adam Kekich, trust K&N products to protect their race cars

With the monkey off his back, Kekich is looking to impress potential owners and move into a United States Auto Club (USAC) ride in the future, a goal for all aspiring open-wheel racers.

"I feel like we are in contention to win more races this year, so I would like for my career to take off from here. I would really like to find the opportunity to find a USAC Midget ride. All I want to do is race as many days as I can, and I feel, if I got the opportunity, Midgets would help develop me as a driver in the open wheel cars."

You would think that getting his first career win would be the highlight of the season for a young racer, but perhaps in a sign of maturity, Kekich also pointed out that his performance at Fremont was a game-changer for his confidence.

"The All Star at Fremont was the first time we were at that track and we went out and qualified twelfth in a very strong forty-car field. That was pretty cool to go out there and run that fast."

Kekich said the race he looks forward to the most from here on out, is "whatever race is next." but ideally the team would like to travel some more, visiting Fremont, the incredibly competitive, Lernerville Speedway, and Attica Raceway Park, but "that is all depending on our budget. We are still looking for some extra help with sponsorship to finish off the year, but I am looking forward to the rest of the season."

"Our goal is to win more races and finish strong every week. Also, we'd like to be a solid car in the rest of the All Star races that we go to. K&N's support has made a world of difference for our program. First, in performance, these 410 engines need lots of air to make horsepower, and with the K&N air box attached it can really breathe.

"Second is in engine life. We race on the dirt, and the dirt is the mortal enemy of any engine, but especially when you are turning 8,000 plus RPM. Not only does our engine last all season, but at tear down each year, the bearing and cylinder walls have no scoring from dirt. It's less expensive to rebuild and there is no loss of power, amazing!"

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.

Eric Holmes Wins NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race at Evergreen Speedway in Washington

31 Jul 2012

K&N Pro Series racing certainly demands focus and endurance, something Eric Holmes has plenty of

Holmes won the 50th K&N Pro Series West race with Bill McAnally Racing, second only to Jack McCoy with 54, the most in K&N Pro Series West history.

"I didn't know about the 50-win thing until about a month ago and I wanted to be the one to get it. But with the bad luck we had been having I wasn't sure we need the extra pressure," he said. "I'm really happy for the whole team now that we got it. Now it's time to move on and get some more wins down the stretch."

Eric Holmes could not be more excited to pull off a NASCAR Pro Series win at Evergreen Speedway

It was also the 17th career West Series win of Holmes' career. He is tied with two-time West Series champion Bill Sedgwick for eighth most in West Series history.

Holmes, a three-time West Series champion in his own right, won his first race of 2012. He won two K&N Pro Series West races last year, the most recent coming at All American Speedway in Roseville, California, on Oct. 15.

"We've had a lot of bad luck this year but I think we got that changed tonight by getting the No. 20 NAPA Toyota back into Victory Lane,” Holmes said after the race on Saturday night. "The NAPA Toyota was really consistent all night long. The No. 21 car (Michael Self) gave me a great run for the fans and it was a lot of fun. Thank you Evergreen Speedway for having us."

Holmes took the lead in the Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 on lap 131 and led the last 19 laps of the race to take the checkered flag. Michael Self was second, followed by Derek Thorn in third.

Greg Pursley won the pole and led the first 37 laps of the race. Holmes passed Pursley for the lead on lap 38 and held it for the next 44 laps.

Self used lapped traffic to take the lead on lap 83 and was out front for 48 laps before Holmes took back the lead.

Eric Holmes takes the number 20 Napa powered K&N Pro Series race car across the finish line

"His car was fast,” Self said. "At the end of that first segment right there, I didn't think we had a whole lot for him. He beat us by a straightaway. We came in and made some changes. That second segment, we were really, really strong. I'd say we were pretty dead even."

Holmes passed Self on lap 131 and stayed out front through a red-flag caution period on lap 140. John Wood crashed in turn 3 and stopped the race as the track crew cleaned up the mess.

When the race resumed, Holmes stayed out front and won by 0.475 seconds over Self.

Dylan Kwasniewski, the leader in the K&N Pro Series West standings, was seventh. He has a six-point lead over Pursley after nine races.

Pursley, the reigning K&N Pro Series West champion, ended up in sixth place.

Jonathan Gomez was fourth, followed by David Mayhew in fifth. It was Gomez's third top-five finish of the season and Mayhew's sixth top-five.

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.