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The K&N RU-2805XD universal air filter is tough enough to take on the cruelest conditions and can be cleaned to take them on again and again.

If you own an off-road vehicle, then you are aware of the Baja 1000. For those of you who are not, it is an off-road race through the desert on the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. First ran in Tijuana, Mexico on October 31, 1967, it calls for drivers of off-road motorcycles, all-terrain, and four-wheel drive vehicles, buggies, and more to race in a 600 to 850-mile loop starting and finishing in Ensenada or running “Point to Point” for 900 miles from Ensenada to La Paz, Mexico.

The K&N 99-5000 air filter cleaning kit restores the high-performance filtering capability of the RU-2805XD from the harsh effects of dust and sand.

The National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) organized the event from 1967 to 1972 and it became extremely popular after ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” assigned Jim McKay to cover the 1968 event live.

The event became a phenomenon that attracted famous racers like Parnelli Jones and Mickey Thompson and movie actors including James Garner, Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, and more to compete. Moreover, the race has been featured in a number of movies including the 1982 film Timerider and the 2005 documentary Dust to Glory, which followed competitors running the race.

Due to the oil crisis in 1973 and concerned with the cost of gasoline, racers stopped competing and NORRA dropped the race despite promises from the federal government of Mexico that it would keep fuel prices stable.

In response to the shutdown, Baja California governor Milton Castellanos assigned a non-profit Mexican organization called the “Baja Sports Committee” (BSC) to organize the event and it was renamed the “Baja Mil” (Baja 1000). The BSC organized a race from Ensenada to La Paz, but it proved too much to handle and it gave up the race. The Mexican government then requested that the Southern California Off-Road Enterprises (SCORE) take on the responsibility of organizing the race and the group still has control of it today.

In an effort to create great video moments and to provide more entertainment for spectators who lived near the course, other spectators have been reported to have created booby traps, blocking river flow, or burying and hiding obstacles and racers are cautioned to beware of large crowds that collect in remote sections of the course. Racers have been injured and vehicles damaged as a result of some of these so-called booby traps. However, competitors have adapted. Many of them pre-run the course before the race to determine where the “booby traps” are so that they have an advantage over the competition. Still, racers communicate with each other using on-board radios to warn others of the existence and location of the obstacles.

The conditions during the race are considered very harsh due to vehicles kicking up excessive amounts of sand into the air. The sand can cause problems to engines and high-performance air filters are required to protect engines and assure that competitors stay in the race.

If you have ever raced or would like to race the Baja or other off-road contests or if you just like to drive your motorcycle, ATV, buggy, or four-wheel drive vehicle through desert or other similar harsh conditions, then you better be using a high-performance air filter to make certain that you won’t be spending thousands of dollars fixing a damaged vehicle.

K&N Engineering offers the RU-2805XD air filter, which is specifically designed to handle these conditions. It’s able to protect the engine because of its deep pile design that includes extra fine weave grade cotton on alternate geometries to capture sand, dust, and other impurities that could cause problems for your engine.

The filter was specifically designed to handle conditions one would experience in a Baja 1000 racing event. Teams that have raced the Baja 1000 have had the RU-2805XD filter on their vehicles during its development. Moreover, K&N engineers tested the filter in K&N’s own dust retention laboratory under the ISO 5011 test protocol.

The filter can be cleaned and reused in your vehicle so that you can enjoy tough off-road experiences over and over again without the need for buying a new filter. All you need is the K&N 99-5000 filter cleaning kit to restore full capability back to the filter.

The outstanding protection and the fact that it can be washed and reused multiple times makes the K&N RU-2805XD the air filter you want on your car when you have to drive to hell and back.

To find a K&N universal air filter in just about any shape and size use the K&N Universal Air Filter Search by Dimension tool. You can also view all the K&N performance products for any vehicle by using the Search by Vehicle tool and you can find a local K&N retailer by plugging your location into the K&N Dealer Search as well.

2009-2015 Cadillac CTS-Vs will benefit from the addition of the K&N intake system.

If you own a Cadillac vehicle, then you know performance, luxury, and style. Thanks to K&N and their 69-4530TS intake system for the 2009-2015 Cadillac CTS-V models, the owners of these vehicles can take care of their investment for years to come.

You may not be aware of it, but the Cadillac Motor Division of General Motors, manufacturer of the Cadillac CTS-V, was actually an independent automobile manufacturer before General Motors acquired it in 1909. It actually was formed out of the remains of the Henry Ford Company after a dispute Ford had with investors in 1902. It is among the oldest automobile brands in the world and second oldest in America. Only Buick, later to be a fellow division of General Motors, is older.

Named after Antoine Laurnet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, founder of Detroit, Michigan, the company’s emblem is based on his coat of arms.

The K&N 69-4530TS Typhoon air intake system straightens the natural airflow to enhance horsepower and improve throttle response.

By 1909, Cadillac was recognized as one of America’s primary luxury car manufacturers. It was the first to develop the concept of interchangeable parts, which helped to establish the modern mass production of automobiles. The achievement resulted in Cadillac winning the Royal Club of England’s Dewar Trophy. It won the Dewar Trophy again in 1912 for being the first to incorporate electric starting and lighting into a production automobile. It also was the first to develop the clatter less manual transmission, the steel roof, and the V-8 engine, which set the standard for the American automobile industry. It also was the first to develop a V-12 and V-16 engine, which was 7.41-liters (452 cubic inches), and featured a 45-degree overhead valve and generated 165 horsepower.

The company’s first automobiles, the Runabout and Tonneau, debuted in October 1902. They were two-seat carriages similar to the Ford Model A and powered by a 10-horsepower, single cylinder engine. The vehicle was exhibited at the New York Auto Show in January 1903, which led to more than 2,000 orders.

At the dawn of the 21st Century, Cadillac introduced a new design philosophy it calls “Art and Science.” The design introduced sharper form and crisper edges to the cars, which led to the CTS, the XLR roadster, the BLS, and the DTS. The models include rear- and all-wheel drive sedans, roadsters, and SUVs. The BLS and DTS were front-wheel drive models that are no longer in production. Cadillac introduced the CTS-V to compete directly with BMW’s M5. An automatic version of the CTS-V set a record speed for production sedans when it lapped a German test track in 7:59.32.

K&N Filters believes that drivers of the Cadillac CTS-V deserve to experience the best performance possible, so they offer the K&N 69-4530TS air intake kit. Designed to replace the factory air filter and air intake housing, it is a freer-flowing, mandrel-bent aluminum tube air induction system that is designed to dramatically reduce airflow restrictions by smoothing and straightening the natural airflow. This allows the engine to take in air easier than the factory air intake system permits, which improves power and acceleration throughout the RPM range of the engine. The K&N intake kit also enhances engine sound.

The 69-4530TS system features a chrome topped K&N air filter and a heat shield and the assembly is designed to fit into the factory air box. The design of the system permits air to be directed through the silver-powder coated intake tube and into the throttle body of the engine ensuring a dynamic power gain. The K&N air intake system works flawlessly with the factory mass air sensor and crank case vent line.

The oversized cone-shaped air filter can be used for up to 100,000 miles before servicing is necessary, depending on driving conditions.

K&N Filters also offers the K&N 99-5000 air filter cleaning kit is formulated to clean the air filter when servicing is necessary making it reusable over and over again. It actually may be the only air filter that you will ever have to buy for this vehicle.

A screwdriver, pliers, ratchet set, and wrenches are all you will need to install the K&N 69-4530TS air intake system. It takes about 90 minutes to install the air intake kit into the existing factory mounting points of the Cadillac CTS-V air box.

The K&N 69-4530TS Typhoon air intake system fits the following Cadillac CTS-V models.

2015 Cadillac CTS-V 6.2L V8
2014 Cadillac CTS-V 6.2L V8
2013 Cadillac CTS-V 6.2L V8
2012 Cadillac CTS-V 6.2L V8
2011 Cadillac CTS-V 6.2L V8
2010 Cadillac CTS-V 6.2L V8
2009 Cadillac CTS-V 6.2L V8

You can view all the air intakes that K&N makes for the Cadillac CTS-V at the Air Intake Systems for the Cadillac CTS-V page and all the air filters that K&N makes for the Cadillac CTS-V at the Air Filters for the Cadillac CTS-V page. You can view all the K&N performance products for any vehicle by using the Search by Vehicle tool and you can find a local K&N retailer by plugging your location into the K&N Dealer Search as well.

Brian “Bink” Binkert’s custom Ford F-150 and the beautiful Natalie Paladin provide for a gorgeous shot for April’s page in the calendar.

As many people know, SoCal is a hotspot for the custom vehicle scene. The Inland Empire, particularly southwestern Riverside and San Diego County, is known as a Mecca for off road trucks. One can only guess as to where the origins of this lie, but it is most likely due to its geographical proximity to Baja California, home of the Baja 1000. Or it could be the copious amounts of wide open desert surrounding the region. Whatever the reason, it would be a rare day to drive around San Diego or the Inland Empire and not see some sort of lifted or off-road prepped truck. Because of this popularity, there are lots of builders, shops, and designers looking to build the next greatest truck.

Brian built the truck to be used. He has used it at shows and events as well as for scouting photoshoot locations, prerunning the Baja 500, and going on trips to the river.

One of those designers is Brian Binkert, owner of Bink Designs. Brian grew up in the automotive industry and got hooked by off-road racing. He has since built his business around the local automotive scene. His logo has been on several builds over the last few years, and for good reason.

For the month of April, we followed Brian in his 2015 “BinkBoost” F-150 up into the hills of Murrieta, California for some off-roading fun. The truck features a 3.5L EcoBoost engine that has been “BinkBoosted” with a K&N 63-2592 intake system and Magnaflow exhaust, helping the twin-turbo V-6 breathe easier. A Superchips programmer lets Brian change the shift points, adjust timing, and much more for whatever situation in which Brian may find himself.

Under the truck is a full Baja Kits suspension, consisting of a control arm and spindle kit up front and a cantilever system in the rear. This provides a full 15 inches of travel front and rear. The shock absorption is provided by Fox 10-inch 3.0 triple bypass coilovers in the front and Fox 12-inch versions in the rear. The rolling stock consists of 17-inch Method Race wheels wrapped in 37x17x12.50 Red Letter General Grabbers.

Addictive Desert Designs, or ADD, built the bumpers and bed cage for the “BinkBoost” F-150. Brian doesn’t need to worry about anyone bumping him in traffic, these things can really take a hit.

Obviously the body is far from stock and that is where Brian’s true design eye came into play with this build. Starting with a set of FiberwerX 7-inch extended bed sides, Brian then spent some time with the guys at Addictive Desert Designs (ADD). While there, they built him custom front and rear bumpers and a full bed cage that acts as a spare tire holder. The final piece of the exterior puzzle was lighting. Brian knew he would be using the truck off road and never wanted to have to worry about not having enough light. This was resolved by way of a 54-inch Rigid Industries RDS light bar, a total of 10 Rigid Industries D2 square lights, and a set of Rigid rock lights on either rocker panel. To say that the “BinkBoost” can light the way is an understatement, this thing looks like a UFO driving down the trail.

According to Brian, the truck took 5 months to complete and has been used for everything from showcasing his abilities at shows and events to prerunning the Baja 500 for friends. It is apparent that Brian loves the truck and we were lucky enough to feature it in our calendar. However, the truck is only one part of the calendar.

Driving off road at night can be a perilous endeavor. But thanks to the numerous Rigid Industries LED lights strategically placed on the truck, Brian can see just about anything he would need to.

The beautiful blonde standing in front of Brian’s truck is business owner, actress, entrepreneur, and outdoor fanatic Natalie Paladin. Aside from modeling and running her apparel company, Tomboy Outfitters, and modeling agency, Tomboy Talent, Natalie can be found doing just about anything outside. From skydiving to snowboarding, and sometimes both, Natalie is the perfect example of work hard, play hard. One of Natalie’s current personal projects is getting her pilot’s license. If you recognize Natalie, it is probably because you have seen her in one of the numerous commercials or print ads that she has appeared in recently. It would seem that she can do just about anything

As you can see, there was good reason that we chose these two to pair for April’s calendar shoot. Be sure to check Brian out at BinkDesigns.com, to see what he is up to lately. Between jumping out of planes and flying them, Natalie occasionally updates her Instagram profile, @NatalieKPaladin. Check it out to see what billboard or TV commercial she will be on next.

2012-2014 Jeep Wranglers will benefit from increased horsepower and throttle response thanks to the 57-1566 air intake system.

Having roots to the Jeep used by the United State Army in World War II, the Jeep Wrangler is an iconic American vehicle. For such an icon, K&N offers the 57-1566 intake system for 2012-2014 Jeep Wranglers.

The K&N 57-1566 air intake kit replaces the entire factory air intake system and can be installed quickly with simple hand tools.

First was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in 1986 as a replacement for the Jeep model (CJ). The Wrangler continued to use the separate body and frame concept as the original jeep, but was actually constructed in a new design. It featured rigid live axles in the front and rear, a fold-flat windshield, and removable doors. The suspension, drivetrain, and interior were copied from the Jeep Cherokee XJ model.

It was refreshed in 1996 and totally redesigned in 2006. Each model was given a new label for each new generation. For example, it was called the Jeep Wrangler YJ during its first incarnation from 1986-1996, TJ in its second generation in 1996-2006, and KJ in its third generation from 2006 to the present.

The first generation Wrangler used three different engines –- the 2.5-liter AMC straight-4 (1987-1995), the 4.2-liter AMC straight-6 (1986-1990) and the 4.0-liter straight-6 (1991-1995).

Moreover, it featured seven different transmissions during that time –- 3-speed 30RH(A904) automatic (1994-1995), 5-speed AX-5 manual (1987-1995), 3-speed A999 automatic (1986-1991), 5-speed BA-10 manual (1987-1989), 5-speed AX-15 manual (1988-1990), 3-speed 32RH (A999) automatic (1991-1995) and the 5-speed AX-15 manual (1990-1995).

During the first generation there were two option packages available including the YJ Wrangler Islander (1988-1993) and the YJ Wrangler Renegade (1990-1994).

Three different engines powered the second generation Wrangler – the 2.5-liter AMC straight-4, the 2.4-liter Power-Tech (2003-2006), and the 4.0-liter AMC straight-6 (1996-2006).

During that period the Wrangler featured 10 different transmissions including the 3-speed 30RH automatic (1996-2002), the 5-speed AX-5 manual (1996-2002), the 4-speed 42RLE automatic (2003-2006), the 5-speed NV1500 manual (2003-2004), the 6-speed NSG370 manual (2005-2006), the 3-speed 32RH automatic (1996-2002), the 4-speed 42RLE automatic (2003-2006), the 5-speed AX-15 manual (1996-1999), the 5-speed NV3550 manual (2000-2004), and the 6-speed NSG370 manual (2005-2006).

The present generation JK Wrangler has been offered in two models –- a short-wheelbase with two doors in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels and a long-wheelbase Unlimited four door in X, Sahara and Rubicon trim levels.

In the 2012 model year the Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a version of Chrysler’s newest engine, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and was dubbed the Jeep Wrangler Arctic.

Since 2013 the Wrangler has been refreshed a number of times.

The present generation Wrangler has featured three different engines including the 3.8-liter EGH (2007-2011), the 3.6-liter Pentastar (2012-present), and the 2.8-liter RA 428 (2007-present).

During this time, the Wrangler has been equipped with four transmissions including the 4-speed 42RLE automatic (2007-2011), 6-speed NSG370 manual (2007- present), 5-speed W5A580 automatic (2011-present), and 5-speed 545RFE automatic (2007-2010).

In September 2008 an electric version of the four-door Wrangler was introduced. It had a range of 40 miles before the gasoline engine starts to provide additional electricity. The model was dropped in 2009.

Through the years the Jeep Wrangler has received a number of awards and honors. In 2009 Kelley Blue Book gave it the 2009 Best Resale Value Award; in 2007 Guinness Book of World Records recognized it for achieving the highest altitude by a four-wheel vehicle after it climbed Chile’s Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano on Earth; in 2007 and 2013 Four Wheeler Magazine awarded it with the Four-Wheeler of the Year Award and in 2010 Four Wheeler Magazine gave the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon the 4x4 of the Decade Award; in 1997, 2007, and 2012 Peterson’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine awarded it the magazine’s 4x4 of the Year Award; in 2008 Forbes Autos ranked the four-wheel-drive convertible Jeep Wrangler number four in its list of the top 10 vehicles with the highest resale value; and in May 2009, Business Week Magazine recognized the Wrangler as One of the Most Iconic Cars of the Last 20 Years.

Between 1999 and 2015 1,789,443 Jeep Wranglers have been sold in the United States.

It is essential that such an iconic vehicle should receive the best maintenance possible. K&N Filters offers the K&N 57-1566 air intake kit for many Jeep Wrangler models to assure the highest performance. The kit is designed to improve horsepower and throttle response and is washable and reusable. It lasts up to 100,000 miles before it requires servicing depending on driving conditions. So it can be used over and over again.

Designed to replace the entire factory air intake system of the Wrangler, the kit can be installed in 90 minutes or less.

The kit includes a chrome topped K&N high flow air filter and embossed heat shield to protect it from engine heat. The shield cover permits cooler, denser air to flow directly through a custom molded intake tube into the engine’s throttle body for guaranteed power gain.

K&N is so sure that the 57-1566 air intake kit will perform as advertised that it backs it with a K&N 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty.

K&N is so sure that the 57-1566 air intake kit will perform as advertised that it backs it with a K&N 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty.

2014 JEEP WRANGLER 3.6L V6 F/I - All
2013 JEEP WRANGLER 3.6L V6 F/I - All
2012 JEEP WRANGLER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

To find the proper K&N air intake kit for your car, truck, or SUV simply use the K&N search by vehicle tool. K&N is always crafting new filters. If you can’t find a filter for your particular vehicle, please ask us to make one for you using the online product request form.

Cory’s two bikes and his racing leathers that K&N helped him acquire.

Racing motorcycles is in the DNA of Cory Texter and his sister Shayna of Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Their father was one of the best flat track and road racers in the country. So it should be to no one’s surprise that the two kids are following in their dad’s footsteps.

Cory Texter of Cory Texter Racing (CTR) takes on the competition and the track in AMA flat track competitions.

“He got us into it when we were very young,” said Cory. “I started riding a motorcycle when I was 3-1/2 years old.” Cory is now 27.

“My father got me a little PW 50 with training wheels on it. He told me, ‘The throttle is on the right. Have fun.’ So I got on and started riding. I came around the house and drove into the side of a barn. I cried and I didn’t want to ride anymore. My dad said, ‘If you don’t get back on the bike and ride you’re never going to ride again.’ So I hopped right back on that bike.”

Although he was riding and actually started racing when he was 5 years old, he didn’t consider it as a possible career. “I was into other sports like wrestling and running track. The riding and racing was just for fun. We didn’t have much time racing on weekends because my dad was racing and traveling the country. We didn’t have a lot of free weekends to race ourselves."

He won one or two amateur races when he was 7 years old. “I won my first race in Middletown, New York. It was an indoor track. When I was young I wasn’t that fast. I kind of struggled a little bit. I didn’t think I had the talent to make a career out of it.”

When he turned 15 he concluded that he could race motorcycles as a career. “That sure was better than a 9-to-5 desk job,” he quipped.

Cory noted that he didn’t start racing consistently until 2004 when he was 16 and he raced every weekend as an amateur.  He turned entry level pro in 2007 and won his first race at an event in Tucson, Arizona. “It was the expert twin race and I remember taking my dad on a victory lap after the race. The day was very special for me,” he said. In 2008 he competed in his first full season of GMC 1 racing, the top level in the sport.

He races the American Motorcycle Association’s Nationals Circuit, specifically the AMA Pro Track Series. He raced the full season in 2008 and 2009, but in 2010 he broke his arm in March and needed surgery. He wasn’t fully recovered until August and he was starting a comeback, then his dad died.

“So 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 I didn’t race full seasons,” he said. “I was kind of bouncing around. But in 2014 I chased hard after some opportunities and got back into it more consistently.”

He created his own racing team, Cory Texter Racing (CTR), in August 2015 and raced some events. He built a 700 cc Kawasaki and was immediately competitive having won a semi at a national event in Charlotte, North Carolina, just one day after the bike was built.

“Most teams in flat track run a bike powered by a 750cc or larger motor. Despite the fact that I was on a smaller bike I won a heat race at the GNC 1 national of the year and finished seventh in the main event in Delmar, Delaware, on a 700. That’s about 10-horsepower less than what most teams were running,” he said.

This year he intends to tackle the whole schedule. “We’re going to race every round of the AMA Pro Track Series and also participate in X Games,” he said.

“To be more competitive I built a 750cc Kawasaki with a Vulcan S engine. I’m the only rider using the Vulcan S.” He consulted with many people who participate in the sport before deciding to go with such a unique engine.

“Besides the racing, I am a journalist for Cycle World Magazine. I talked to the staff and other people I trusted in the sport to see what they thought of the Vulcan S and they all said it was a good engine. I got the engine with help from Cycle World.”

Cory runs CTR as well as races. He does all the logistics, marketing, and promotion and Justin Bender, Cory’s crew chief, handles all the mechanics work on the bikes on race day and in the shop during the week.

“We’re up against a lot of factory teams with 10 to 15 members and we’re hanging right with them,” said Cory. “It’s not the size of the team that matters; it’s how hard the guys on that team work. Between the two of us, we work our butts off.”

Another one of Cory’s jobs is finding sponsors for the team. “I spend a lot of time getting sponsors. I know how important they are. My dad owned a Harley-Davidson dealership in Pennsylvania, so I grew up in a business environment. I know what it takes to work hard. I am a blue-collar type of guy.”

He has a business studies degree from Harrisburg College. “Most racers who compete at this level don’t have a college degree. I think that really benefits me when factoring in the business side of the sport,” he added.

He spends a lot of time on the phone, sending out emails, and simply grinding to recruit sponsors. “As a privateer, I have to pay for my own tires, my own fuel, my own hauler. Everything I do is paid for out of my pocket. So I try to think of ideas that benefit sponsors as much as they help me. I battle to get them good exposure and I am concerned about getting them a good return on their investment.”

He has assisted sponsors with their research and development. He tries out prototypes on his bike and gives feedback.

His sponsors include K&N Engineering, Cycle World Magazine, McElroy Packaging in Ohio, Evans Cooling, Shockstrap, Liteshoe, Durelle Racing, Big A Customs, Hammer Nutrition, Spectro, Wiseco, Arai Helmets, Motion Pro, DesignStar3, Supertrapp, Alpinestars, Garmin, Barnett, Cometic Motoshippers, Saddlemen, EBC Brakes, Rock Sports, Grip Clean, All Balls Racing, Amped Optics, ISC Racer’s Tape, Hammerhead Designs, Impact Armor, Webcam, GoPro, Rijuice, full Spectrum, Justin Bender Racing, and Lancaster Honda.

K&N has been a supporter for more than seven years, said Cory. “When I first turned pro, they helped me out with product. If they didn’t step up for me this year I wouldn’t have my own team. They’ve been huge with product and they recently helped me obtain my racing leathers.”

He also gets a lot of support from his family including his wife and his sister. However, Shayna also competes. She doesn’t race for CTR, but she does race for another team.

“She’s been racing since she was about 3 years old,” added Cory. “She’s a top ranked female in the world racing flat track and she is the only female to have won a professional race. In 2014 the two of us were the first brother and sister to make a GNC 1 main event and in 2015 we were the first brother and sister to compete in the X Games.”

They both are involved in this year’s X Games, which will be broadcasted on ESPN live on June 2. Cory will be representing his team while Shayna will be an alternate.

Cory has won some local championships, but he has not yet won a pro championship. “I’ve been consistent. I’ve won some AMA All-Star events, which is like a support series.  I know that I can contend for a championship soon. I just need to keep working hard and the pieces will fall into place. It’s just a matter of time,” he concluded.