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NHRA Pro Stock Champ Mike Edwards Sports K&N Colors at Last Two Western Swing Races

Jul 25, 2012

2009 NHRA Pro Stock Champion Mike Edwards shines a positive light on his national Young Life Program

"Only a life lived for others is worth living" believed Albert Einstein. The Nobel Prize winner for physics, and NHRA Pro Stock driver Mike Edwards, it appears, have both been inspired by the exact same insight. After Edwards won the 2009 NHRA Pro Stock Championship he's quoted saying "When you win a championship like we did in 2009 that brings more TV attention and more public awareness. That just opened up the door for our other program, which is far more important than anything else we do, and that's the Young Life program."

The Young Life program provides a message of hope to middle school and high school students throughout the United States, and Edwards credits his association with the program for reinvigorating his career. Edwards defines his life by how successful he is with helping others, and being a 30-time race winner allows him to answer that calling.

For the final two stops on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Western Swing through Sonoma and Seattle, Edwards will bring together his skills for racing, with his innate talents for spreading positive messages.

1320 Wraps by Fineline provided the stunning graphics, K&N delivers the support, and Mike Edwards will bring the heat to the final two races on NHRA Western Swing.

"It's been great to represent K&N for the past three seasons as a partner with our race team," Edwards said. "Our marketing partnership has grown during that time and for the second year we have put together a program for Sonoma and Seattle to allow K&N to have a major representation on our Pontiac in its home state. As a team, we are proud to be associated with such a reputable company and be a major component in K&N's strategic plan of marketing its products in the drag racing arena."

Edwards will once again dawn a new look for the final two stops on the NHRA race calendar. His Pontiac GXP will be fully clad in an impossible to ignore K&N graphic design, provided by 1320 Wraps by Fineline. Since 1990, Fineline has be creating world-class designs and state-of-the-art graphics, and their work on Edwards's car is nothing short of spectacular. The K&N logo dominates both doors with the company's distinct color stripes running the length of the car.

"K&N continues to support the Pro Stock class in many ways. We feel this is the premier professional category that use our products in competition," commented Steve Williams, vice president at K&N Filters. "We just completed the K&N Horsepower Challenge and are looking forward to the last couple of races of the Western Swing with Mike and his team flying the K&N colors."

"The competition is so close between all the Pro Stock drivers and teams, and that has produced fantastic racing within the factory hot rods the last few years," Williams continued. "Once again, through our Engineering and Marketing programs, we have worked closely with Mike and his entire team on a special design for Sonoma and Seattle, and we are looking forward to being in the winner's circle."

Edwards and his team share the same constructive enthusiasm, and look forward to making good on Williams' encouraging confidence. "We will hit Sonoma and Seattle with the new design and plan to carry K&N to a couple of winner's circles," declared Edwards. "As a team we are excited to do this for K&N and we want to do them proud on the West Coast."

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.

Victory for Terry McCarl in 410 Sprint Class at Knoxville Raceway & Huset's Speedway

Jul 25, 2012

Teri McCArl and his team are looking forward to continuing a successful run in 2012.

Although confidence was on the driver's side, his luck went south quickly. Starting toward the back in the feature, McCarl still had ample opportunity to end the race in the top ten, that is, prior to a double-file restart with twenty five laps to go. Previously destroying a car in a double-file restart, McCarl was not excited about being in such a situation. As luck would have it, the driver found himself in the same predicament again when; everyone got caught up in a tangle in front of him. On a positive note, McCarl felt a sense of relief upon learning that the car that ran into him from behind wasn't his son, Austin. Referring to the status of his car following the crash, Teri McCarl said, "Literally everything was junk."

Teri McCArl recently earned his fifty-second win at Knoxvlle Raceway

McCarl's car was trashed and he didn't have a spare. He was in a pickle until his good friend, Lynton Jeffrey, offered to lend him one of his, allowing an opportunity to run the Twin-Features night at Knoxville and Huset's. Graciously accepting the offer, Teri McCarl was back in business again.

During the Twin-Features night at Knoxville, the driver was second quick in his new ride. Although unsure of exactly what to do with the set-up, and driving a car that handled differently from what he was accustomed to, McCarl still managed to earn two solid finishes and in turn stay on pace for the points lead with fellow driver, Davey Heskin.

Rolling into Huset's confident with the success he had recently experienced at Knoxville, the driver was anxious for the waving of the green flag to get the show underway. After qualifying seventh, McCarl swept the remainder of the night. Winning his heat race, McCarl earned a spot on the pole. Upon the waving of the green flag in the feature, he immediately took the lead and had no intentions of doing anything short of taking the win. In fact the driver led the race from flag to flag, putting him at the top of the podium.

Teri McCarl's ability to face diversity head on and then experience immediate success is a testimony to his experience and skills. On the other hand, experience has also taught him that maintenance plays a huge role in his overall record throughout each and every season. That in mind, McCarl and his team depend upon K&N products to keep the internal components of their engines contaminant free. Referring to K&N filters' performance, and how they differ from other filter brands, the driver said, "K&N products are the best, because of the quality of material and technology used in making their products."

Teri McCarl and his crew are looking forward to the remainder of the season. Referring to his game plan, he said, "The key to success during the remainder of 2012 will be hard work, keeping the engines strong, and luck."

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.

NHRA Super Street & Super Comp's Michelle Furr Earns Lucas Oil Division 2 Wally at Atlanta Dragway

Jul 25, 2012

Family is a critical part in Michelle Furr's success

K&N sponsored drag racer Michelle Furr is living a dream. Just past the halfway mark in the season, Furr has already won multiple Wally's, the world-famous trophy awarded to event winners at NHRA competitions. The most surprising part of it all, though, might be Furr's experience, or relative lack thereof.

"What most people don't realize is the National Event in Charlotte was just my eighth National, and the Divisional in Atlanta was only my fourth Divisional race," Furr said. "To have finally reached this level of racing in the NHRA and to have done so well, so quickly, feels good."

Michelle Furr is racking up the NHRA victories in both Super Street Camaro and Super Comp dragster classes

Furr has been on a hot streak of late. In her last 5 events Furr has three wins and a runner-up while racing both Super Street in a Chevrolet Camaro, and Super Comp in a dragster. Her daughter, Madi, also found victory lane at a Junior Dragster event in Charlotte.

"The last five events have been a drag racers dream," Furr added. "If I had to pick my favorite moment this season, it would have to be when they handed me the brass National Event Wally to go along with the pewter one. I've dreamed about that Wally since I was a little girl, and now thanks to a lot of hard work and support from an awesome husband, Rick, my children, Madi and Adiayn, and the very best companies like K&N Filters and Ohio Crankshaft, we've done it three times now."

Furr isn't done yet, either. Following her Lucas Oil Division 2 win in Atlanta, the family has already set their sights on a return trip to Charlotte, where she has won the last two events.

"I kind of like that place," Furr said, with a hint of sarcasm. "Seriously, it's going to be neat to go back there and see if we can do three in a row. Do I think we can do it? Absolutely. I wouldn't show up at any track if I didn't think we could win. You have to believe in yourself. Sometimes life doesn't work out the way we want it to, but I'll be there and I'll be ready to give it all I've got."

Furr was conflicted when asked which car she prefers to drive.

"That's a hard question. I love the pro mod-style burnouts I get to do in the Camaro, and it's so much fun to get to drive one of the coolest cars Chevrolet ever made. But there is nothing like feeling yourself being pushed back into the seat and the upward pressure at one hundred and eighty miles per hour in the dragster is wicked."

Furr said K&N Filters' support has been instrumental in her success.

"K&N is just the best. We were so excited to partner with K&N; we have honestly used K&N products since the early '90s with confidence. When you know something works, you stick with it. We had so much confidence in K&N that when they asked us to try the new K&N carbon fiber dragster scoop, we bolted it on between the two Charlotte wins and didn't even go test. We made the first qualifying pass and were thrilled with the results of added miles per hour, great performance and the added bonus of having an air filter protecting our engine while giving optimum performance. K&N is on everything we own, from the racecars to our personal cars, the tow vehicle, and even the generators."

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.

Carl Renezeder's Pro-4 Lucas Oil Off Road Series Race at Miller Motorsports Park Marks 98th Win

Jul 25, 2012

After a succession of bad luck during the early part of the 2012 season, Carl Renezeder recently earned two podium spots during the rounds seven and eight of the LOORS at Miller Motorsports Park.

Throughout the years, Carl Renezeder has earned a reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the world of off-road racing, and rightfully so. Throughout his career, the driver has practically become a fixture on the podium. In fact, as of the season's end in 2011, the driver had logged a staggering ninety seven wins. That said, the he was stricken with a string of bad luck during the first part of this season. Managing to weather the storms, Renezeder appears to be back on track now, as he recently earned career victory number ninety eight in Tooele, Utah during rounds seven and eight of the Lucas Oil Off Road series at the Miller Motorsports Park.

Qualifying second in the Pro-4 class on the opening day, after a four truck inversion the driver started the race in the third spot. After passing Greg Alder in lap three, Renezeder embarked upon a fierce battle with Todd LeDuc, which continued until the mandatory caution in the tenth lap. The drivers remained toe-to-toe for the following four laps, but upon taking the lead with only six laps to go, Renezeder never looked back and took the checkered flag, earning the top spot on the podium.

"After qualifying second, I knew I had the speed to win the upcoming race," recalled Carl Renezeder. "The key to winning was persistence and planning. Once I take the lead, I just concentrate on my driving and winning. It felt great," he continued. "Everyone loves to win."

Carl Renezeder is nearing the one hundred win mark of his career

With the victory behind him, the driver then focused on the upcoming pro-2 race. Although his confidence was high, the rigors of off-road racing took their toll during the early laps when the right-rear tire went flat. Although his crew did a great job at getting the tire changed during the mandatory caution, enough time had transpired to put Renezeder one-half a lap behind the leaders at the restart. The driver did manage to catch the field and pass two trucks though during the second half of the race, cinching him a ninth place finish.

Rolling into Miller Motorsports Park on the following day, Carl Renezeder earned a third place start during the qualifying round of the Pro-4 class. After experiencing a few issues, the driver crossed the finish line in the fourth spot.

Earning the pole starting position on the Pro-2 class, Renezeder, was prepared for a heaping helping of competition, as the wind, dust, and chaos would play a role in the overall outcome of the final race of the event. Battling for position with several trucks throughout the race, Carl Renezeder experienced a flat on the right rear during the closing laps. Although the malfunction kept the driver from catching and passing the front two trucks, Renezeder managed to cross the finish line in third place, earning a spot on the podium for the second time during the weekend.

Referring to the second day of the event, Renezeder said, "Considering I qualified first in both pro and pro-4, my confidence was great! I have great tires, but sometimes stuff just happens. I think the remainder of the season will only get better," he continued. "My team keeps ironing out all of the kinks. Without my team, I'd never get to the podium. They build, tune, and prep my trucks to win."

Carl Renezeder and his team are strong advocates of maintaining their vehicles. That in mind, they depend upon K&N products to keep their engines free of debris. #34;I've been using K&N products for at least nine years," explained the driver. "We use K&N air, oil filters, and filter cleaners because they work. Their products have helped us succeed because they are the best products for our trucks and the best products on the market."

As there are several races to come in 2012, Carl Renezeder is anticipating his one-hundredth career win before the season's end. "We have a promotion on our 'Team Renezeder' Facebook page promoting a ride-along with Carl contest for my 100th win," he explained. "I think my one-hundredth win will be pretty spectacular for me." When asked his expectations for the remainder of the season, Carl Renezeder didn't waste any words; with a single breath he answered, "Wins."

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.

USAC West Coast 360 & Rebel Cup Series' BK Motorsports & Sprint Car Racer Bud Kaeding

Jul 25, 2012

Bud Kaeding wins main event during USAC West Coast Sprint Car Race

When seated behind the wheel, it's easy to think that racing is a solo sport. According to BK Motorsports and K&N Filters racer Bud Kaeding, nothing could be further from the truth. "My teams are very important," he explained. "You need chemistry to make it all work." Confidences were high coming into the World of Outlaws series at the Thunderbowl, in Tulare, California. The Brian Matherly owned, Kaeding Performance/SCI/BZE backed #19 car had performed well at the previous venue, so the BK Motorsports team was ready to race.

A well prepared Kaeding Performance/SCI/BZE backed #19 World of Outlaws race car

Kaeding finished with the sixteenth quickest lap in the qualifying round and finished in the same position where he started at the end of the first heat. Methodically maneuvering his way toward the front of the pack, Kaeding had worked his way into the top ten by the thirteenth lap before the first red flag of the night flew. By the yellow flag, he was in ninth place but faced a steering issue at the restart bringing the car to a stop as heavy rains began pounding the track. In the face of all the trouble, Kaeding held tight and retained his grip on ninth place until the end.

Despite the final result, Kaeding, a six-year-K&N Filters-racing veteran, remained positive, "The team had worked hard to get the car perfect. The race was a lot of fun. It was slick, and there was a lot of racing going on during the feature. Those kinds of nights are fun!"

Never one to let up, Kaeding competed in the following Rebel Cup Series winged division behind the wheel of Werbach Motorsports' machine. Kaeding dominated, taking his first heat, and swiped the lead in the sixth lap and grabbed his ninth win of the 2012 season. The fun continued as Kaeding ran the Werbach machine on Friday night in Watsonville, where he scored a second place finish.

The K&N sponsored USAC West Coast 360 class race car

In the USAC West Coast 360 class, Kaeding was the third fastest of the 19 cars. Maneuvering around the crowd and a flat with seven laps left to go, the Campbell, CA driver was still able to score USAC gold.

"Our non-wing car is always awesome, and tonight was no different," he explained. "You're supposed to win when you start on the front row, and luckily we were able to do our job."

"What can you say?" continued the San Jose, California driver. "It is just one of those years where we are good anywhere we go, and in anything we get to race. I can't thank everyone who made this weekend possible."

Overall, BK Motorsports is enjoying one of the best statistical season's to date, snatching up its eighth and ninth wins of 2012 thanks to great showings at both the USAC West Coast 360 and Rebel Cup Series races Saturday night at Kings Speedway in Hanford, California, and a second place finish Friday night.

Of course, Kaeding is no stranger to winning; the third-generation racer is a three-time winner of the Perris Oval Nationals, Arizona's Western World, and a three-times Silver Crown Series Champion, and winner of the Knoxville Non-wing and Midget Nationals; and has participated in several series including the USAC National sprint cars, USAC Silver Crown, USAC National Midget series, USAC Western Sprint and Midget series, as well as the World of Outlaws, Northern Auto Racing Club, Ocean Speedway Sprint Cars, USAC West Coast 360 and USAC CRA Series and DAYTON Indy Light series.

Kaeding and team BK Motorsports are also aware of the importance of maintaining their vehicles. "Maintenance is key," he suggested. "Races are won in the shop. If you're not prepared to win, it is most likely not going to happen." That is why the BK Motorsports team depends exclusively upon K&N filters. "We use the HP oil filters and the four-inch K&N sprint car air box, Kaeding explained. "They are the most efficient products on the market. Our engine builders love them. If you want to be the best, you have to use the best."

It was during the USAC 2006-2007 series that Kaeding had begun conversations with K&N Filters, explaining, "K&N is definitely the best product out there in more ways than one; from the horsepower increase shown on the dyno to keeping the inside of our engine clean, K&N is not only our favorite but also that of our engine builders as well." And keeping Kaedings' Alviso Rock/K&N Filters/FK Shocks BZE No.29 machine running its very best is all that matters.

Kaeding would like to thank Kaeding Performance, Sprint Car Innovations, Alviso Rock, BZE, Factory Kahne Shocks, Racing Optics, K&N Filters, Yak Graphics, ButlerBuilt, and Brown and Miller for their continued support.

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.

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