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Ryan using strong restarts to keep himself in second place

Ryan is battling for the lead with several different trucks

Some things in life can change as fast as a falling rock, or a person falling. After a great start to the 2016 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORS), Ryan Beat found this out the hard way. In the first two rounds of racing, Ryan drove his Rockstar Energy, K&N Filters Pro Lite smart and fast, finishing in fourth and in second on the podium .

When he got back to the shop after the race weekend he started his post-race routine by unloading the race hauler. Ryan started to unload his Pro Lite that is stored on the top level of the hauler, so Ryan backed the truck onto the lift gate to lower it down. When he got out of the truck to work the controls for the lift gate, his foot got caught. Ryan started losing his balance and knew he was going to fall, so with a split second decision Ryan jumped off to land on his feet while still in control. When he landed on the ground his left foot landed on a 6 x 6 block of wood.  With the rest of his body weight still going downward, his foot ended up folding upwards. Ryan said,” I think I was in shock right away, even with the pain I figured I could walk it off. But when I took that first step, it folded up toward my shin and I knew it was bad.” He also was thinking his racing season was over even though it just started.

Ryan called one of the top doctors in sports medicine named Dr. Murphy, who has worked on several of the top Supercross riders and other athletes around the world. The next day Ryan was getting his X-rays done and when Dr. Murphy saw them, he wanted to do surgery right away. All the bones across the middle of Ryan’s foot were broken and the tendons had been torn off the bone. During surgery the doctor implanted 16 screws and 3 plates to re attach everything the best he could. A cast was put on after surgery for a week, along with extra strength Tylenol for the pain and then straight to physical therapy. Even though Ryan was working hard and making good progress, Ryan could tell he still wouldn’t be able to push the brakes in his Pro Lite. So he went to work getting a custom carbon fiber sole built that he would be able to put in his race shoes. The brace would be taped to his foot with the tape continuing up his ankle allowing the force to be distributed into his lower leg rather than his foot.

Ryan Beat with a second place finish and fast lap while being injured

Ryan standing on his right foot keep all the pressure off of his injured foot

One thing that went in Ryan’s favor was his decision in the beginning of the year. Rather than prepping his own truck like he has been in the past, he decided to have Racer Services prep his Pro Lite for the 2016 season due to his increasingly busy schedule. Ryan said, “With where my career has taken me, I have been doing all the logistics, working with my sponsors and doing appearances for them. Also working with other companies to gain new sponsors to allow my team to grow. I didn’t have the time to give it my full focus, and I know Racer Services would take care of my truck like it was their own, and have it the best it can be for me. It also allows me to have time to do a lot of work with the Jessie Rees Foundation, going to the different children hospitals and spending time with the kids.”  One of the hardest parts of getting ready for the next race was loading the hauler with everything needed for the race from spare parts to the food. Not being able to walk around very much and being in pain while doing so, made this task nearly impossible.

When it came to the race weekend, Ryan wanted to have a clear mind so he had not been taking any medicine for his foot. When he first got on the track and started practicing, the truck handled very well and he was able to manage how he drove. After each session of qualifying and the races Ryan would change out of his driving suit and sit with his foot in a bucket of ice to help with the swelling and the pain. When it came time to race, you could not tell Ryan was hurt at all. His driving was excellent all the way around the track, and he did not slam doors with the other drivers. Ryan said “I drove the truck at about seventy-five percent of what the truck could do. I was more focused on driving the truck smarter rather than harder, most of the race. Some spots when the other drivers were getting behind me I had to push it harder.”

Ryan’s truck handled very well through the turns in Lake Elsinore

Ryan smiling in his truck after the podium knowing what he had accomplished

With Ryan’s smooth driving, he was able to stay in the front with the leaders on both days of racing. It was a surprise to everyone that Ryan finished second both days, giving him three-second place finishes out of four races. You could see Ryan in pain while getting out of his truck and doing interviews, and also while at the podium. He was standing mainly on his right leg whenever he could, but was able to pull through walking up to the podium. Ryan was thrilled with how the weekend turned out. He said “We went into the weekend with a mindset of, let’s just try to get some points and salvage what we can of the season. I had no thought in my mind that the weekend was going to turn out the way it did with myself on the podium both days and being in third place in the championship points race.”

So when things can change for the worse in an instant, you can always work hard and find a way to try to make it work out just fine. This is what Ryan did, thinking the entire way from the time of the injury to prepping himself for the race, and also how he drove in the race. Showing that just because something bad happens, do not just sit there and feel sorry for yourself. Get out there and find a way to make it work for you.

Toni Elias hopes to get back to winning and regaining the points lead in AMA Superbike.

One of the most dominating teams in recent superbike history is Yoshimura Suzuki. They are off to a strong start for 2016, which marks the second season the team has been working with K&N. The team consists of Roger Hayden and Jake Lewis, and brought in Toni Elias to fill in for Lewis who suffered injuries during training in February. Elias was then added as a full-time team member for the entire season. It’s been a great fit for both. The former Moto2 World Champion, Elias created a sensation when he won his first three MotoAmerica AMA Superbike races on a K&N-equipped Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Veteran Yoshimura Suzuki team member Roger Hayden knows the key to championships is consistency. K&N filters play a huge role in doing so.

The Yoshimura Suzuki team opened the season strong, sweeping both legs of the season-opening doubleheader at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.  Elias and Hayden went one-two in both races, giving Yoshimura Suzuki one of the most memorable season openers in team history. Hayden, a two-time Superbike champion, was leading in both races, only to watch those leads evaporate due to red caution flags.

Being fast is just part of what makes a successful Superbike effort. Starting with a quality machine is vital and then it comes to preparation. That is where Yoshimura Suzuki really shines. Each part is scrutinized, tested, and abused to determine if it has what it takes to compete for the ultimate prize - the championship.

“The K&N filter products have been instrumental to our success with our road race program,” said Don Sakakura, Yoshimura Suzuki Vice President. “Clearly, properly filtered air and oil are extremely important to maintain consistency of engine performance. Oil filtration is extremely important with high operating temperatures; air filtration and flow are keys elements in maintaining engine life and maximizing performance.”

Cold and rainy conditions made the third round in New Jersey difficult for the team, who suffered crashes and, for Elias especially, who struggled to find his rhythm on the new bike in the harsh conditions.

Roger Hayden and Toni Elias make for a powerful one-two punch for K&N-backed Team Yoshimura Suzuki.

“I struggled a lot in wet conditions so in the first race I wasn’t able to get into the points,” Elias said. “We improved a lot for the second race and took home some points, but it’s not what we want, of course. I need more kilometers on the Suzuki in wet conditions to find the right set-ups. We have to accept and continue fighting and the next one we’ll be better for sure.”

The next round, coming up May 13-15. 2016 looks to be just what the team needs, with a 50-percent chance of rain on Friday, followed by sunny skies and warmer temperatures the rest of the weekend.

“Yoshimura superbikes won the first three out of four thus far in 2016,” Sakakura said. “Our goal is to continue racing for wins!”

You don’t have to race on the MotoAmerica superbike circuit to experience the improved performance of K&N and Yoshimura products for your motorcycle. You can buy the same parts the team uses on the track to make your daily commute a little more exhilarating.

Allergy suffering Acura and Honda drivers will love the K&N VF2022 Cabin Air Filter

Back in 1973, Honda unveiled a car that would literally create the blueprint for affordable front-drive cars. This first generation Honda Civic was about the size of a shoe, rode on 12-inch wheels, and was powered by an all-aluminum 4-pot engine that utilized a special pre combustion chamber in the cylinder head, which allowed it to meet emission standards without using a catalytic converter. The groundbreaking little car would go on to become one of the best-selling compact cars on the planet, and its platform has been stretched over the years, to fit under numerous models, including the 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2002-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Honda Element, 1997-2005 Acura EL & 2001-2006 Acura RSX. One of the things that set these Honda's apart from their competitors was a cabin filtration system. A paper cabin air filter was placed in a compartment behind the glovebox, and it's designed to remove dust and other allergens from the air that gets piped in through the heating and air conditioning systems. However, if you don't change out this OE cabin air filter every year, you could be breathing in years of accumulated dirt and debris.

The K&N VF2022 Cabin Air Filter can improve the interior air quality in a 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2002-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Honda Element, 1997-2005 Acura EL & 2001-2006 Acura RSX

A normal OEM cabin air filter is made from a thick paper that collects dirt as air flows through the folds/pleats. The dirt then settles on the surface of the filter, where it remains until you change the filter. This is called a 'surface loading' filter, and all of that dirt will eventually restrict the airflow, causing the engine to work much harder (burning more fuel in the process) as the HVAC system forces air through the clogged filter. In addition, some of that dirt can make it around the filter and into the cabin, making the air feel stale and musty. A K&N VF2022 cabin air filter on the other hand, uses a 'depth loading' design that traps dirt particles deep inside a web of synthetic fibers. This allows air to continue to flow through the filter, even when it's dirty.

Besides providing unrestricted airflow, the K&N VF2022 cabin air filter is designed to remove allergy irritants like dirt, dust, pollen, mold spores, fungus, mildew, bacteria, germs, and other allergens. The filter's electrostatic charge then holds the contaminants in place until the filter is cleaned. K&N recommends cleaning the reusable cabin air filter every 12-months/12,000 miles, using the K&N Cabin Air Filter Refresh Kit. You can also use the Cleaning Spray and Refresh Spray during allergy season, to easily get rid of excess pollen and restore the filter's electrostatic charge.

Each reusable K&N VF2022 Cabin Air Filter is warrantied for 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty

Thanks to its unique design, and incredible build quality, the K&N VF2022 cabin air filter is covered by the K&N 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty. So you'll probably never have to buy another cabin air filter. Plus, K&N makes an entire line of Honda performance parts and Acura performance parts, that are designed to improve both the output and efficiency of your little Honda. You can view all the K&N performance products for your ride 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.

Features & Benefits of the K&N VF2022 Cabin Air Filter

• Developed exclusively for the 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2002-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Honda Element, 1997-2005 Acura EL & 2001-2006 Acura RSX
• Restores lost interior air quality
• Helps to eliminate funky smells
• Designed to trap dirt, dust, pollen, mold, mildew, fungus, germs, spores, bacteria, and many other allergens
• Simple to install
• Reusable K&N cabin air filter can last for up to 12-months/12,000 miles before cleaning is required (depending on driving conditions)
• Doesn't void the Honda/Acura manufacture warranty
  Covered by the K&N 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty

Models that use the VF2022 Cabin Air Filter:

2011 HONDA ELEMENT 2.4L L4
2010 HONDA ELEMENT 2.4L L4
2009 HONDA ELEMENT 2.4L L4
2008 HONDA ELEMENT 2.4L L4
2007 HONDA ELEMENT 2.4L L4
2006 HONDA ELEMENT 2.4L L4
2006 HONDA CR-V 2.4L L4
2006 ACURA RSX TYPE-S 2.0L L4
2006 ACURA RSX 2.0L L4
2005 HONDA ELEMENT 2.4L L4
2005 HONDA CR-V 2.4L L4
2005 HONDA CIVIC VALUE PACKAGE 1.7L L4
2005 HONDA CIVIC SI 2.0L L4
2005 HONDA CIVIC SI 1.7L L4
2005 HONDA CIVIC REVERB 1.7L L4
2005 HONDA CIVIC LX 1.7L L4
2005 HONDA CIVIC HX 1.7L L4
2005 HONDA CIVIC GX 1.7L L4
2005 HONDA CIVIC EX 1.7L L4
2005 HONDA CIVIC DX 1.7L L4
2005 HONDA CIVIC 1.3L L4
2005 ACURA RSX TYPE-S 2.0L L4
2005 ACURA RSX 2.0L L4
2005 ACURA EL 1.7L L4
2004 HONDA ELEMENT 2.4L L4
2004 HONDA CR-V 2.4L L4
2004 HONDA CIVIC VALUE PACKAGE 1.7L L4
2004 HONDA CIVIC SI 2.0L L4
2004 HONDA CIVIC SI 1.7L L4
2004 HONDA CIVIC LX 1.7L L4
2004 HONDA CIVIC HX 1.7L L4
2004 HONDA CIVIC GX 1.7L L4
2004 HONDA CIVIC EX 1.7L L4
2004 HONDA CIVIC DX 1.7L L4
2004 HONDA CIVIC 1.3L L4
2004 ACURA RSX TYPE-S 2.0L L4
2004 ACURA RSX 2.0L L4
2004 ACURA EL 1.7L L4
2003 HONDA ELEMENT 2.4L L4
2003 HONDA CR-V 2.4L L4
2003 HONDA CIVIC SI 2.0L L4
2003 HONDA CIVIC SI 1.7L L4
2003 HONDA CIVIC LX 1.7L L4
2003 HONDA CIVIC HX 1.7L L4
2003 HONDA CIVIC GX 1.7L L4
2003 HONDA CIVIC EX 1.7L L4
2003 HONDA CIVIC DX 1.7L L4
2003 HONDA CIVIC 1.3L L4
2003 ACURA RSX TYPE-S 2.0L L4
2003 ACURA RSX 2.0L L4
2003 ACURA EL 1.7L L4
2002 HONDA CR-V 2.4L L4
2002 HONDA CIVIC SI 2.0L L4
2002 HONDA CIVIC SI 1.7L L4
2002 HONDA CIVIC LX 1.7L L4
2002 HONDA CIVIC HX 1.7L L4
2002 HONDA CIVIC GX 1.7L L4
2002 HONDA CIVIC EX 1.7L L4
2002 HONDA CIVIC DX 1.7L L4
2002 ACURA RSX TYPE-S 2.0L L4
2002 ACURA RSX 2.0L L4
2002 ACURA EL 1.7L L4
2001 HONDA CIVIC LX 1.7L L4
2001 HONDA CIVIC HX 1.7L L4
2001 HONDA CIVIC GX 1.7L L4
2001 HONDA CIVIC EX 1.7L L4
2001 HONDA CIVIC DX 1.7L L4
2000 ACURA EL 1.6L L4
1999 ACURA EL 1.6L L4
1998 ACURA EL 1.6L L4
1997 ACURA EL 1.6L L4

The K&N 57-1563 performance induction air intake features a non-metallic, rotationally molded tube and a heat shield to protect the filter.

In the first decade of the 21st century, driver preference for the traditional midsize SUV shifted away from off-roading and sport applications to the crossover style of mostly on-pavement chores. Yet Chrysler believed, and Jeep's reputation certainly supported, the need for a high-performance all-wheel-drive, mountain-climbing, towing-capable outdoorsman's type of SUV, or the owner's need to know the vehicle could do all that when called upon.

K&N's 99-5000 filter care service kit provides cleaning and oil recharger sprays to restore your filter to top efficiency.

From 2011, Chrysler offered a best-of-all-worlds SUV with multiple trim packages and drivetrains for its Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. Buyers could build the car they wanted across a wide variety of styles and uses. When it came to power, these vehicles had two engines. The capable Pentastar V6 was the stock offering and for the hard-core SUV operator, it was the available 5.7L Hemi V8. The V8 has been praised as a strong all-rounder and includes the energy-saving Multiple Displacement System that shuts down four cylinders in low-power driving situations, and an automatic transmission with electronic range selection to manually limit the high gear operating range. Towing capacity is up to 7,400lb.

The V8 is the engine of choice for those in that latter performance-oriented group of owners, who may also need to ensure they can do that heavy tow or long-distance haul by adding some muscle. This can be accomplished on specific 2011-2014 Grand Cherokee and Durango models with the K&N 57-1563 performance induction air intake. An estimated 17hp and 15.45lb-ft of torque can be added, according to a dynamometer test with a stock 2011 Grand Cherokee in a third-gear run.

The Drycharger RF-1041DR air filter wrap is available in four colors to complete the service of your filter, then protect it in challenging driving conditions.

By installing the K&N 57-1563 intake system, the factory air intake and filter are replaced in the original air box space by an intake designed and engineered to smooth and straighten airflow to the throttle body. The 57-1563's intake tube is non-metallic and rotationally molded, reducing air temperature and improving engine sound. It accommodates the air temperature sensor and crank case vent hose from the OEM system. Topped off with K&N's oversized cone-shaped high-flow air filter with a heat shield, air path restriction is virtually eliminated. The Hemi V8 can inhale a larger amount of air with less effort, producing more usable power and acceleration throughout its RPM range.

K&N's distinctive black packaging stands out in retail environments, so finding the 57-1563 kit for your vehicle is quick and easy.

The 57-1563 system is straightforward: owners or their mechanics can do the installation in usually less than 90 minutes with readily available tools and the installation instructions that come with each kit. Once installed, the next time you will have to worry about the system is when it is time to clean the filter. The washable, reusable red cotton gauze air filter should be cleaned and re-oiled at about 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. The convenient and effective 90-5000 filter care service kit is available to complete the clean-up. K&N also offers four different colored filter wraps: black RF-1041DK, blue RF-1041DL, red RF-1041DR, and yellow RF-1041DY. The part number for the replacement air filter is RF-1041 and is backed by K&N's 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty.

Use of the 57-1563 induction air intake could be the best of all worlds for keeping the Grand Cherokee and Durango Hemi V8 performing like a real SUV and showing up those current-day crossovers on and off-road.

The following Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models can be fitted with the 57-1563 K&N performance induction air intake kit:
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L V8
2014 Dodge Durango 5.7L V8
2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L V8
2013 Dodge Durango 5.7L V8
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L V8
2012 Dodge Durango 5.7L V8
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L V8
2011 Dodge Durango 5.7L V8

You can view all the air intakes that K&N makes for these vehicles at the Air Intake Systems for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Air Intake Systems for the Dodge Durango pages. 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.

Jumping down the front stretch in Lake Elsinore

The K&N air filter was put to good use while battling his way to the front

With a very diverse race schedule for Brian Deegan in 2016, this year is going to be a fun but busy year. He is racing in several different race vehicles and race tracks that will include the legends on an asphalt oval track and sprint cars on the dirt oval track. But his two main series are the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORS) in his two-wheel-drive Pro 2, and the Global Rallycross driving for the Chip Ganassi Racing Rallycross team.

With this crazy schedule, Brian also had a very big change to his team sponsorships. After 10 years as one of the top Rockstar Energy athletes, Brian and Rockstar went their different ways and Brian rejoined one of his original sponsors NOS Energy as his title sponsor. He has also rejoined the K&N Filters team this year saying, “K&N are known for the best race products.  They help protect my motor and help me win races & championships.”

Brian and Rob MacCachren battling through the air for the lead.

On the podium for all four races in 2016

After a tough 2015 Lucas Oil Off Road season that plagued him with several mechanical malfunctions and just some bad luck, the 2016 season is looking to be a memorable year in his Pro2. Brian has been battling with the leaders at every turn, and he has qualified in the top 4 in every round to help give him great starting positions. The battles have been tough racing for the top spot, and with lots of mud and dust flying, the K&N 100-8591 air filter keeps it out of the motor and helps keep it running strong. That filter is a custom application for a few of the drivers in the LOORS and it is a good thing, there is a lot of dirt, dust, and mud flying around on those tracks. Out of half of the races so far, Brian has been in the lead with several trucks trying to do anything possible to get around him. But, the best battle was in round 3 where Brian was in the lead and suffered a flat tire due to the heavy rubbing with only three laps remaining. Luckily for him there was metal debris on the race track that caused a caution to come out. His pit crew was able to change the flat tire and keep him from going down a lap. With the green flag waiving, Brian started his charge to the front. He used every part of the track to make passes around the other trucks to make the pass for the podium spot in the second to last turn of the race. This kind of driving has enabled Brian to get on the podium four times in the first four rounds of the 2016 season.

Brian Deegan with his Chip Ganassi Racing rally car

Running away down the back stretch

Being consistent this year Brian finds himself in the second place spot for the Pro 2 championship race. Even with his great off road racing, he has committed to racing the Global Rallycross series, driving for Chip Ganassi. The two series conflict with each other for the next four rounds of LOORS. His commitment to Chip Ganassi Racing Team comes first, so as hard as it is Brian will be missing several rounds in his Pro 2. Brian said, “It is one of the hardest things I've had to do in racing because I know I can win the title again for the 7th time.”

Racing for Chip Ganassi is something Brian has strived for since he was a kid, and he said, “I’m just a kid from a small town in the Midwest with a goal to make it to one of the largest race organizations in the country.  Now my goal is to win!” So watch out for Brian in his new Chip Ganassi Racing NOS Energy, K&N Filters Ford Fiesta rally car. Brian will make his return to his Pro 2 in Glen Helen for Rounds 9 and 10 in LOORS to try and keep his podium streak alive.