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Josh Bad Fast McGuire Summits Mountain Motor Speedway for USDCS $3,000 Victory

10 Jul 2012

Josh McGuire's win at the Roger Breeding Memorial was his third of the 2012 United Super Dirt Car Series racing season.

One of Grayson, Kentucky's most popular sons, Josh "Bad Fast" McGuire has been living up to his nickname big-time. McGuire inked his third feature win of the 2012 United Super Dirt Car Series (USDCS) racing season on June 8 at the Mountain Motor Speedway in Isom, Kentucky. The K&N sponsored driver came out on top after a wild and furious Roger Breeding Memorial race to claim the $3,000 purse.

The following evening the Josh McGuire Racing team made their presence known at Lucky 7 Speedway in Colson, Kentucky for another $3,000 to win event. In the caution-plagued Walter Combs Memorial main event, McGuire got it hooked up a tad late, yet he ultimately raced hard and held on to claim a solid third place finish.

"Those were a couple of crazy races at Mountain Motor and Lucky 7, but it was a good money weekend for us," remarked McGuire after his weekend outing. "We were good all night at Mountain Motor and then my car kept getting faster and faster during the feature at Lucky 7. Unfortunately, we just ran out of laps and I had to settle for third."

We talked with "Bad Fast" to get a more comprehensive take on his race season so far.

The win at Motor Speedway was your third already. Give us a couple of insights into what all went right.

"My team really has all the pieces of the puzzles to have a great season and it all came together at Mountain Motor Speedway. We went out and had a great qualifying lap (which was critical), won our heat and started on the poll of the feature... couldn't really ask for things to add up any better. Great car, great sponsors such as K&N Filters, great crew and great fans that is what helps drive wins!"

You followed that up with an impressive third place finish. Tell us a little about that race.

"At Lucky 7 Speedway, we did all the right things - again. We had a great qualifying lap and a 2nd place finish in the heat race. I knew tire wear was going to be an issue and I knew caution laps might be a problem, so I tried to be conservative and save my equipment. We ran 4th most of the night and on one of the last cautions, with about five laps to go, I made my move to 3rd and got really, really close to the 2nd place car. We really needed a few more laps to put a move on the leader, but came up just a little shy of the win that night. But I never complain about a top-5 finish!"

Update us on how things went the weekend of June 15th and 16th.

"The Southern 100 was one of the nights of racing that most racers like to forget about. Our trip to the racetrack was eventful enough, having our truck break down as we were leaving for the track. Luckily, fellow racer and friend, Mike Meyers allowed us to borrow his truck and trailer to get the track and we just barely made it. Our luck then changed for a brief second, we qualified second quickest overall and finished second in our heat race. However, in the 25-lap qualifying feature before the main 50-lap feature, we had some major components break, putting us on the wrecker for the night, including the driveshaft, transmission, liftbar, etc. All is well again though, and we've got all of it repaired and have had several successful nights since, including another win at Southern Ohio Speedway, a 3rd place finish at Portsmouth Raceway Park, and a top-ten finish with the Lucas Oil Series at Muskingham County Speedway."

When and where is your next race and how long does your season run?

"Our season really starts to pick up in August, that's when our big money season will be here. So our team is really working hard to be prepared and on our game for the coming weeks. We have a couple weekends where we will be racing at Richmond Raceway Park, including the Butterball Woolridge Memorial race, which we won last year, and can hopefully earn those honors again this year for both our sponsors and our fans. As for how long our season will run, it does vary from year-to-year, but most likely we will be racing up until late October, and possibly even into early November."

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.

Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki Sweeps 4 Motos in First Rounds of CMRC

10 Jul 2012

Matt Goerke dominated the Kamloops National with a 1-1 day.

"Second place is first place loser" is a quote credited to celebrated driver Dale Earnhardt. It also appears to be a definitive team philosophy shared by the Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki team from Kamloops, British Columbia. For the second straight weekend of the 2012 Monster Energy Canadian Motocross Championships (CMRC), the K&N sponsored team dominated the top-tier of the podium in both MX1 and MX2, winning all four motos in both classes.

Following up on their dazzling opening round supremacy in Nanaimo, both MX2 rider Teddy Maier and MX1 points leader, Matt Goerke, made it clear once more in round 2 that they were the team to beat. After a wet and mucky first round race, Maier and Goerke confirmed that they are indeed the riders to fear regardless of track or weather conditions, finishing with a thoroughly convincing 1-1 moto sweeps for both riders.

Teddy Maier had his own 1-1 day in the MX2 class at round 2 of the 2012 Monster Energy Canadian Motocross Championships.

The track at Whispering Pines Raceway in Kamloops is the Leading Edge Kawasaki team's house, and for the second straight weekend, Kyle Beaton established order by grabbing the hole-shot and the early lead. Maier eventually worked his way around Beaton to get the win. Beaton held on to join his teammate on the podium with a solid third place finish. Combined with his 5th in moto two, Beaton finished fourth overall, and he now sits third in the title chase.

"It feels so good to be back racing in Canada. I feel great, and am ready to chase for this title in every moto," commented Beaton, who was all smiles after the race. "It's no secret that I've struggled with injuries at Kamloops the past few seasons so even though I want to be winning, I'm happy to get through this race healthy and I'm excited to get on to Calgary and check out the new layout!"

With Beaton finishing strong in both motos, it was Maier who ultimately put his stamp on the championship chase with two persuasive moto wins. Working his way through the pack in both motos, when Maier relentlessly grabbed the lead, he never looked back, finishing with a decisive lead in both motos and stretching his lead in the championship standings to 11 points.

At Kamloops Goerke topped the podium for a second straight weekend.

Like Maier in the MX2 class, Matt Goerke representing MX1 came into the weekend wearing the red number plate, signifying the points lead. And, with two more impressive moto wins at Kamloops, Goerke left little doubt about his intentions regarding the 2012 Monster Energy Canadian Motocross Championships. After grabbing the hole-shot in moto one, Goerke briefly found himself on the ground in the second corner, and he had to work his way through the pack from last place. To the roaring delight of the fans, the Florida native put on a riding clinic, as he sliced and diced through the entire field to regain his rightful position in front.

The second moto was identical to the first, except for the part where he had to work from the back, to the front of the pack. This time after grabbing the lead Goerke never checked his rearview mirror, as he continued to stretch the lead to the checkered flag. With a perfect four-for-four in moto wins so far this season, Goerke isn't only resetting bar, he is the bar.

In only his second pro race ever, Goerke's MX1 teammate, Tyler Villopoto, put together a thoroughly impressive ride as well. After getting caught up in the same crash that took down Goerke in the first moto, Villopoto also put together a striking charge of his own, working through the pack to grab 6th. Combined with his 5th place in moto 2, Villopoto earned a well deserved 4th overall, clearly signaling he wants a spot on the podium too.

Next up, Leading Edge Kawasaki moves on to Calgary, Alberta, for round 3 of the CMRC series at Wild Rose MX.

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.

Little John Kuklisin Displays Custom Harley at 2012 V-Twin Expo

10 Jul 2012

In spite of a serious motorcycle accident 'Little' John Kuklisin's passion for bikes is as strong as ever. He recently contacted Klock Custom Cycles and had them build a CVO Roadglide.

In early September of 2011, after servicing his 1998 Softail, motorcycle enthusiast, "Little" John Kuklisin, informed his wife that he would return soon, as he was going to take his bike for a short ride. More than likely, this was no surprise to his wife, as it is only natural to go for a spin after doing maintenance. That said, little did he and his spouse know what would transpire in the minutes to come.

Less than a mile from home, a car suddenly pulled in front of John, leaving no option, but to lay the bike down. While still lying in the street, the rider began making arrangements for his bike to be picked up and transported to a friend's residence. Also ensuring that his wife was contacted and informed of the accident, Kuklisin then focused on his ailments.

Although the well-being of his bike and his wife were of utmost concern, it turned out that the rider had sustained some serious injuries. In fact, the Emergency Medical Technicians who worked the accident suggested that he should be transported via Life-flight, but he wouldn't have it. In spite of the seriousness of his injuries, he insisted that they simply drop him off at the medical center.

Upon arrival at the hospital, John Kuklisin underwent an examination and his injuries were serious. Road rash could be expected, but the rider also was faced with broken ribs, lacerations requiring stitches and internal and external bruising. He also had a lacerated spleen and would spend the next fourteen days in the hospital. Even upon returning home, Kuklisin was still a far cry from being completely back on his feet. In fact, John was laid up for an excess of two months.

Although in no condition to ride, that was no indication that Kuklisin couldn't still think about his passion. In fact, during his first day in ICU John suggested that his wife get him a laptop so he could start shopping for a new bike.

John Kuklisin recently savored the opportunity to show his bike at the K&N booth at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Although dreaming of owning a Harley-Davidson CVO Roadglide, John was perfectly aware that at five-feet-two-inches in height, getting one low enough to the ground would likely prove problematic. After what felt like a long and drawn out recovery, John Kuklisin was finally given the green light to start walking. Once back on his feet, a couple of friends and he began shopping for his new bike. He knew exactly what he was looking for. Kuklisin was in the market for a Harley-Davidson CVO Softail, which rides just low enough to fit his stature. John Kuklisin eventually happened upon the bike he had in mind at Klock Works Custom Cycles, a 2010 CVO. Contacting the staff, he explained the task at hand. He wanted them to build a custom roadglide, but it needed to be as factory as possible.

Upon learning that Kuklisin was planning to show the bike, the company explained that they would try to get it completed in time for the Cleveland Bike Show. In spite of their efforts, due to a paint issue the project was not completed in time. Although somewhat disappointed to miss Cleveland, John was informed that the bike would be completed in time for the 2012 V-Twin Dealers Show, in Cincinnati, Ohio and gladly accepted the offer to display the impressive piece of work at the K&N booth.

John Kuklisin's 2010 CVO Softail turned heads at the 2012 V-Twin Dealers Show, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

"People looking at the bike would have to take two and three looks, before I told them it was a Softail! The power and handling is better than expected," he continued. "I really appreciate K&N helping me out with the AirCharger air intake system, and the oil filters. I am a die-hard K&N customer. I use their products on my 2007 GMC one-ton, 1968 pro-street big block Chevelle, my 2008 Tahoe and my 1998 Harley."

Referring to his opportunity to show his 2010 CVO Softail at the K&N booth, John said, "I really enjoyed talking to people and being able to do what I liked to do. The guys from K&N treated me like part of the team."

"Little" John Kuklisin would have liked to have avoided his accident in September of 2011. On the other hand though, as strange as it might sound, he might also agree that his misfortune was a blessing in disguise. "I have been looking for a few years," explained John. "The accident just made me get it done."

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.

World of Outlaws Racer Chad Kemenah Captures Second Season Win at Lawrenceburg Speedway

10 Jul 2012

K&N has provided us with winning products for our racecar and it's very important to have good products on your car.

The career year continues for World of Outlaws driver Chad Kemenah. The Findlay, Ohio resident has already bested his previous season marks and the series is just reaching the midway point. With a win at his favorite track, Eldora Speedway, and another at Lawrenceburg Speedway in Indiana, Kemenah finds himself 7th in points.

"It really has been a career year for me," Kemenah told K&N. "With the two wins and seven top-five finishes, and we also had quick time twice, so we're going pretty strong this year. If it weren't for some bad luck, we actually would've had more quality finished and possibly even another win in the book. But some things are out of our control."

With the two wins and seven top-five finishes, we also had quick time twice.

Kemenah said his team made some adjustments to the car in the offseason, allowing him to be more consistent behind the wheel, and the results are showing. Kemenah has been one of the fastest cars on the circuit at almost every track the WoO have run. While the bad luck has hurt him in the points chase, Kemenah thinks he can still makeup some ground.

"The key to gaining points on anybody is to be consistent and we've done more of that this year," Kemenah said. "It's just unfortunate when bad luck is what has you back in points. We think we can get some more wins this year too."

Winning any race is great but some pay more than others, and the Nationals happens to be the biggest sprint car payout in history.

Kemenah said the best moment of the year so far had to be his win at Eldora, adding, "I've always wanted to get a World of Outlaws win at Eldora and it finally happened." But Kemenah, like many other sprint car drivers, is already starting to peek ahead to a race that could define his career- the world famous Knoxville Nationals, a race in which he finished second back in 2004.

"Sometimes it is hard to not look ahead because you can't get the cart before you have the horse, but you do have to plan ahead somewhat so you can be fully prepared for that race. It's a very tough week on all the competitors and we want to be on top of our game when it gets here."

I've always wanted to get a World of Outlaws win at Eldora and it finally happened.

When asked if a win at the Nationals would be more important then his win at Eldora this year, Kemenah responded, "Easy one, the Nationals! A huge amount of drivers can say they've won at Eldora, but not half that amount can say they've won the Knoxville Nationals."

Kemenah also pointed out that a win at the event would help his privateer team in their battle with cars owned by NASCAR stars Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne. "It would mean the world to me and our race team to win the Nationals, it's what we work toward all year. Winning any race is great but some pay more than others, and the Nationals happens to be the biggest sprint car payout in history so pulling off a win would be the best thing that could happen to our team."

Kemenah did add that he thought this year was his best shot at winning the biggest sprint car race in the world, saying that his team's strong start this year is encouraging. "I think our whole team has high hopes for a good finish. We are feeling confident that we can race competitively against the larger dollar teams and keep the car up front."

But with the Nationals still a month away, Kemenah and his team are focusing on getting through July with a few more trips to victory lane, and when they get there, it will be with K&N Filters on the car. "K&N has provided us with winning products for our racecar and it's very important to have good products on your car that are also reliable so you can keep your car running up front all the time," Kemenah said. "This is a very competitive sport and you need a lot of help to be successful. We are happy to have K&N onboard with us this year."

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.

The Miles Keep Rolling On for K&N's Famous Million Mile Truck

10 Jul 2012

Carl Judice, K&N's "Million Mile Man"

Do you remember Carl Judice? Carl drove his 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck more than one million miles using the same K&N air filter. One million miles is nothing short of miraculous for a vehicle. But for K&N, Carl's accomplishment meant something more. Every K&N air filter is designed to last for the lifetime of a vehicle, and carries our famous Million Mile Limited Warranty^®.

Carl Judice's famous Million Mile Truck still lives on at K&N's Corporate Headquarters in Riverside, California

Carl showed us that a vehicle's lifetime does not have to be limited to six digits on the odometer. In reward for his amazing accomplishment, and for putting our air filter to the ultimate test, K&N bought Carl a new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado to replace his million mile pickup truck. That was over 5 years ago; however the story doesn't end there.

K&N purchased Carl Judice's million mile truck and brought it and its million mile air filter back to our corporate headquarters in Riverside, CA. The truck still runs and drives, with its original engine still intact. In fact, it even passes a California smog check with flying colors. "Through an outstanding relationship K&N has established with Universal Technical Institute (UTI), we have decided to use K&N's Million Mile Truck as an education and training tool," said Steve Gibson, Program Coordinator at K&N. "We sent the truck over to the UTI campus in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where it has already spent 8 months moving from course to course. Each course at UTI, like brakes, undercar, driveability, emissions, had an opportunity to learn about vehicle durability in their respective areas. When a class would identify a part that was worn out and needed to be replaced, they would notify me, and K&N would authorize the repair," Gibson said. "These students are the future employees of the automotive industry. They may never see another vehicle like this one. I'm glad they have such an amazing opportunity. Hopefully they will remember this later in their career."

Students at Universal Technical Institute perform maintenance and repair work on the Million Mile Truck.

So what is next for this amazing machine? The K&N Million Mile Truck will be featured at the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) Conference, July 16-20, 2012 in Tyler, Texas, so other automotive technology teachers will have an opportunity to see firsthand how regular vehicle maintenance is a key part of making your vehicle live a long life. How is the truck getting to Texas? "Of course, we are driving it!" said Gibson. "With the tune up work which was completed by UTI, I think she's more than capable of making the journey. Our friends at Cooper Tires even donated a set of Cooper Discoverer AT/3 tires because the legacy of this truck fits their company slogan "Life Is a Road Trip."

Watch for the K&N Million Mile Truck on the road this summer, and learn how you can find a lifetime air filter for your own personal vehicle.

To learn more about Carl Judice and his million mile pickup truck, read the following K&N news stories, watch the videos and listen to the audio file interview:

News: Chevy Truck Hits Million Mile Mark with K&N Air Filter Saving Owner up to $1800
Video: Million Mile Chevy Truck with K&N Air Filter
Video: New K&N Truck for Carl's Next Million Miles
Audio: Sam Memmolo's Interview with Million Mile Truck Owner Carl Judice

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.