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K&N Filters Announces 2013 Horsepower Challenge Sweepstakes

Dec 7, 2012

2013 K&N Horsepower Challenge

Fan participation, including eight trips to the program finals in Las Vegas and a grand prize of a new Toyota Tacoma, highlight the 29th annual K&N Horsepower Challenge Sweepstakes.

In addition to potentially winning a tremendous prize package including the custom Toyota Tacoma, fans will again be able to vote for their favorite National Hot Rod Association Pro Stock driver as the eighth and final participant in the 2013 event, which will be held April 6 on the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"We've made a number of great changes for our sixth season as title sponsor the K&N Horsepower Challenge, including moving the finals to Las Vegas and bringing the eight fan-finalists, along with a companion, to the event,"said Steve Williams, Vice President for K&N. "With today's announcement of the new sweepstakes, we re-emphasize one of the greatest elements of the program - fan involvement! Again, they will dictate the eighth and final driver participating in the 2013 Challenge as well as one lucky fan will take home the one-of-a-kind 2013 K&N Horsepower Challenge Special Edition Toyota Tacoma designed and assembled by Toyota Racing Development with an assist from K&N."

"We are grateful for the help and participation of Toyota in this great program."

"Toyota Motorsports and TRD USA are pleased to once again provide tangible support in the form of a Toyota Tacoma to the winning NHRA fan who participates in the 2013 K&N Horsepower Challenge Sweepstakes”, commented Keith Dahl, National Manager of Motorsports and Engagement Marketing.

The longest-running specialty event in the NHRA, the K&N Horsepower Challenge is a unique race-within-a-race pitting the seven Pro Stock racers who have accumulated the most qualifying points since last July and one driver selected by the fans in a three-round, high-dollar shootout, with the winner pocketing $50,000.

The fans can also take part in this annual celebration of the "factory hot rods" by entering the K&N Horsepower Challenge Sweepstakes at knfilters.com/register/KN_HP_CS.aspx. From the entries received, eight finalists will be chosen who will receive a trip for themselves and a companion to the 14th annual SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals.

On the day of the event, each finalist will be randomly paired with one of the eight qualified drivers, with the finalist whose driver wins the race taking home the 2013 K&N Horsepower Challenge Special Edition Toyota Tacoma, a unique mid-size pickup specifically created by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and K&N Filters for this event with modifications to include a supercharger, a custom wheel & tire package, intake system, shocks, springs, as well as other touches inside and out.

Four-time champion of this specialty race and four-time NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson appreciates the scope of K&N's involvement with the Pro Stock category, as well as the excitement the Sweepstakes brings to the fans.

"K&N has probably become the biggest supporter of the Pro Stock category, for which we are very grateful,"said Anderson. "They put so much into it and do so much for the racers and the class itself. On top of that, they put out fantastic products, including several that we use on our race cars.

"Then, there's the K&N Horsepower Challenge, which is the coolest race of our year. You don't have to worry about points, so you can just go out there and race for both the money and pride in knowing you've defeated the best.

"I can honestly say from past experience that it's a fantastic feeling when you win the race, but it's no comparison to looking across the winner's circle and seeing the look on the face of the person who just won the sweepstakes. You end up feeling better for them than you do for yourself."

According to Caitlin Clement, K&N Track & Series Support Manager, a bit of sadness accompanies the announcement of the next K&N Horsepower Challenge.

"The excitement of this new chapter has been tempered by the loss of our great friend Jon Knapp,"she said. "Both facets of the K&N Horsepower Challenge, competition and fan promotion, have been greatly enhanced by the dedication and expertise of Jon and Joanne Knapp of J2Racing and Kermish-Geylin Public Relations. Over the past four years, they have played an integral role in the continuing success of the K&N Horsepower Challenge and K&N is extremely grateful for their hard work and dedication.

"We will greatly miss Jon, as he was a great friend and colleague to us and to the world of drag racing. Our hearts go out to Joanne and his entire family.”

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.

Mitchell DeJong Breaks Record In World Of Off-Road Racing

Dec 7, 2012

Mitchell DeJong earned the title of the youngest person to ever win a Traxxas TORC Series Championship

Mitchell DeJong started his racing career at an exceptionally early age. In fact, he got his first taste of competition at five-years old. DeJong instantly grew obsessed with the sport and has been matching his driving skills ever since.

Of course, at the ripe young age of five, the youngster battled against others sharing his stage of life. But as DeJong continued to follow his passion, he would eventually find himself lining up against drivers who were much older and wiser to the sport.

At age fourteen, Mitchell DeJong recently ended the 2012 season, a season that was chocked full of excitement, accomplishments and records. The driver was the youngest to ever win a Pro Buggy class race in the Traxxas TORC series.

Mitchell DeJong and his crew experienced a stellar 2012 season in the Pro Buggy class of the Traxxas TORC Series

Most drivers would have been more than satisfied with that specific accomplishment, but DeJong had no intentions of stopping there. At the season's end, he had also managed to set another record that dwarfed his earlier accomplishment. He walked away as the series points champion. In turn he was also deemed as the youngest driver to win the championship.

To make the pot even sweeter, this was DeJong's first season to drive in the Pro Buggy class of the series. In turn, his accomplishments were also more than enough to earn the votes for Rookie of the Year.

"Ever since I can remember, my mind has always been on racing," explained DeJong. "My mom has a picture of me, when I was really young, trying to drive our sand car while it was parked in the garage. I was about two-years old," he recalled.

Of course the final race of the season relinquished any doubts of success, but the entire year has proved an exciting ride for the driver. Referring to the one race in particular that is etched in his mind, DeJong said, "My first TORC race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway dirt track was an amazing experience all around. At the last minute, with no real plan, my family and I packed up the RV and trailer and took a road trip across the country, from California to North Carolina. That was the farthest we had ever traveled to race."

"We showed up without our pit or crew, and parked somewhere between Traxxas and the Lovell Team, where my dad, mom and I pitted out of the back of our race trailer," he recollected. "Everyone was so generous, especially the entire Traxxas team. The race was aired live on SPEED TV, so my family and friends back at home were able to watch. I won this first race of the season, and the announcers and fans were so incredible."

Although Mitchell DeJong's performance during the 2012 season was no indication of uncertainties, one would suspect that his young age and lack of experience in the series did lurk in the back of his mind.

When asked if these two factors lent to extra pressure the driver said, "Yes and no. I've been racing for a long time, so I don't feel any added pressure physically racing. But I do know some of the adults may think I don't belong in their class. I felt a little added pressure to earn their respect, so they would be comfortable racing with me."

Although early in his teenage years, Mitchell DeJong obviously has a good grip on the trick to success. According to the driver, several factors played a role in his triumph during 2012. He was quick to credit a portion of his consistency to commitment, both from him and his team.

At fourteen yeas of age, Mitchell DeJong has earned the respect of older and more experienced drivers in the Traxxas TORC Series

The young driver is also conscious of his team's importance. "Every single team member is important for success," he explained. "The crew's job is to make sure the team brings the best equipment to the race, and then it's the driver's job to bring it through the checkered and win."

It takes a lot of hard work, and I feel extremely lucky to be racing, especially when all of the hard work and crazy, chaotic schedules pay off with a championship."

As maintenance is a crucial component to a stellar season, Mitchell DeJong and his crew are strong advocates of K&N products to keep the engines running contaminant free. "We use K&N on all of my race vehicles; my modified 45 truck, my legend car and my pro buggy," explained the driver. "And we plan to use them on the trucks I drive in 2013 as well."

Reminiscing, Mitchell DeJong said, "It's always a great feeling to win; not just for myself, but to see the excitement in the faces of my team is a great thing too. All the hard work you put in all year pays off at that moment."

Looking to the future, Dejong's response to what fans can expect, his answer was short and to the point, "To never give up."

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.

Renee Hill Racing Puts Together a Spectacular 2012 Watercraft Race Season

Dec 7, 2012

Renee Hill races on a K&N sponsored Sea-Doo RXP-X watercraft

Another successful season is in the books for Team Hill Racing. The southwest-based watercraft racing team, anchored by veteran rider Renee Hill and her son, Tyler, competed in the World Finals of Watercraft Racing and Renee won the Hot Products Cup Non-Aspirated points championship.

Renee Hill has 16 years of experience on the water

"I am very satisfied with my season,” said Hill, who has over 16 years of experience on a watercraft. "Especially within the regional races. I bought a Seadoo RXP-X in September and at the World Finals even rode a boat that I borrow from a friend from Bolivia."

Renee Hill's win in the Hot Products Cup earned her an automatic birth in the World Finals, where she finished fourth in the Women's Runabout class during the pro weekend, despite some mechanical issues. Tyler finished second on his Seadoo HX in both the Sport Spec and Sport Modified classes. Still, Renee Hill's season wasn't without some obstacles to overcome.

"In the final race (of the Hot Products Cup), I was the only woman racing against the men and even a sixteen-year-old kid. It was awesome to get up on the podium for the third time this season, knowing I had to race hard to achieve this goal. I enjoyed being able to thank my sponsors, like K&N, for their support over the years."

Renee Hill enjoys watercraft racing more than casual rides on the river

Renee Hill started racing watercraft because she enjoys the challenge of racing on a course and being able to compare talents with other riders.

"I love the thrill of going into the first turn, water spraying, just hoping that as you turn that first buoy, your race boat is the first one out. Then it is up to you to stay out front and win the race. I get excited every time I cross that finish line as long as I feel that I have done the best I can. When I go to Lake Havasu, I enjoy riding watercraft on a buoy course more than taking a joy ride along the river."

"Also, I know it hurts a lot less if you fall off a watercraft. Water is more forgiving."

Renee Hill's son Tyler, also races personal watercraft

Renee Hill plans to run for two World Championships next season; one in the Runabout Naturally Aspirated class, and the other in the Women's Runabout class. She hopes her time on her new Seadoo for the Women's class will help prepare her for next season. Renee Hill also wanted to thank K&N for providing her and her son with equipment capable of winning championships.

"We use K&N Filters on all of our race watercraft as well as all of our support vehicles, like our Quads and Razor. We also use K&N products in our trucks, automobiles, Harley's and dirt bikes. K&N has been a sponsor of mine since 1996 and has helped me immensely over the years. I couldn't have won any of my World Championships in the past without K&N products and truly appreciate the support that K&N gives me."

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. K&N carries Flame Arrestors for Personal Watercraft and Personal Watercraft Performance Parts and Accessories on KNFilters.com

2012 to 2016 Seat Mini, Skoda Citigo, and Volkswagen Up Models Get Added Performance with K&N Filter

Dec 4, 2012

Replacement Air Filter for Seat, Skoda, and Volkswagen models

Replacement Air Filter 33-2994 fits Seat, Skoda, and Volkswagen models

Looking for ways to increase engine performance, but do not want to ding your wallet? Your vehicle's motor is essentially an air pump and one easy way to improve performance is by installing a high flow K&N air filter. Less restriction in the intake path can lead to additional horsepower. Part number 33-2994 is specifically designed to increase horsepower on 2012 Seat Mini, Skoda Citigo, and Volkswagen Up models with a 1.0 liter engine. K&N automotive OE (original equipment) replacement air filters are designed to add horsepower while providing outstanding engine protection.

Replacement Air Filter dust loading test graph for part number 33-2994

33-2994 is also washable and reusable, which can save you the hassle of purchasing throw away filters over and over again. Servicing a K&N air filter is as easy as following the instructions included with a K&N Recharger Kit. Part 33-2994 can be run up to 50,000 miles or 80,467 kilometers before cleaning is necessary, depending on driving conditions. Another way to confirm if service is necessary is through visual inspection of the filter. When the dirt begins to cover the wire screen on the filter it is probably time for a filter service.

K&N Engineering, Inc. has been in business since 1969 and invented a high flowing air filter to offer excellent protection with the utmost quality and 33-2994 comes backed with a Million Mile Limited Warranty to prove it.

Part number 33-2994 will fit on the following vehicles:

2016 Volkswagen Up 1.0L L3
2016 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L L3 - Exc. Turbo
2016 Skoda Fabia 1.0L L3
2016 Skoda Citigo 1.0L L3
2016 Seat Mii 1.0L L3
2016 Seat Ibiza V 1.0L L3 - Exc. Turbo
2015 Volkswagen Up 1.0L L3
2015 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L L3 - Exc. Turbo
2015 Skoda Fabia 1.0L L3
2015 Skoda Citigo 1.0L L3
2015 Seat Mii 1.0L L3
2015 Seat Ibiza V 1.0L L3 - Exc. Turbo
2014 Volkswagen Up 1.0L L3
2014 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L L3
2014 Skoda Citigo 1.0L L3
2014 Seat Mii 1.0L L3
2013 Volkswagen Up 1.0L L3
2013 Skoda Citigo 1.0L L3
2013 Seat Mii 1.0L L3
2012 Volkswagen Up 1.0L L3
2012 Skoda Citigo 1.0L L3
2012 Seat Mii 1.0L L3

After you experience 33-2994, let us know what you think by writing a testimonial.

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.

Larry Ashley's Custom 1968 Ford Mustang GT Features K&N Air Filters at SEMA 2012

Nov 29, 2012

This K&N XStream air filter assembly fits perfectly under the hood of this 1968 Ford Mustang displayed at SEMA 2012

The annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas is the hot rodding equivalent to blending the NFL Super Bowl, the Motion Picture Academy Awards, and The World's Fair. Hosted by the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association, the SEMA Show is the industry's largest trade show; and besides showcasing all the greatest and newest go-fast goodies, it is also a Valhalla for car customizers. Only the very best, the most unique or the wildest of one-offs are on display.

The interior was the focus on this 1968 Ford Mustang GT SEMA show vehicle

Walking the halls of the SEMA Show is a custom car lover's dream; acres of blindingly polished, electrifyingly hued machines lined up for all to see and drool over; showing off the very best in performance equipment. That was precisely why K&N air filters were featured on Larry Ashley's stunning 1968 Ford Mustang GT-CS "resto-mod." Larry is the Marketing Director for TMI Products, an aftermarket supplier for vintage Ford, Chevrolet and Volkswagen interior components, so he's got first-hand knowledge of what it takes to build - or rebuild - a classic into something special.

This 1968 Ford Mustang mixes new and old styling for a nicely blended SEMA show car

A twenty-year veteran of the SEMA show, Larry admitted to a battery of late nights and last minute builds required to get a car ready - and worthy - of the prestige of showing at SEMA. And his efforts have not gone unnoticed. "I have won the Ford Design Award 2002, GM Design Award 2003 and Hyundai Award 2003. My specialty is always coming up with something unique, something new."

The SEMA Show 2012 displays some amazing vehicles like this 1968 Ford Mustang GT-CS

This time around, Larry stuck with the classics; a vintage GT-CS ("California Special") '68 Mustang notchback. The whole of the custom 'Stang's appearance came from the inside out. "I was playing off of the idea of introducing a Resto Mod interior line that we are debuting at SEMA," Larry explained. The interior has been redone in a 'resto mod' feel. The best part is that anyone can buy these parts for their own ride."

2012 SEMA attendees had nothing but great things to say about Larry Ashley's 1968 Ford Mustang

When it came to getting the custom-built small block Ford mill to breathe easier, the answer was simple. "I chose K&N Filters' XStream Air flow top. I first used K&N Filters in 1987 when I installed a replacement filter on my '87 Acura Integra that I purchased from Jackson racing. I chose them because they were the leaders in filtration then and still are today."

Air filtration is critical even for a 2012 SEMA show vehicle like this 1968 Ford Mustang GT-CS

Other similar SEMA show vehciles can be found in these related articles:
1967 GT Motorsports Mustang
1969 RTR-X Mustang

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.