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Hank Robinson of Hanro Studios engraves his latest show truck for the 2017 SEMA Show

Over a 10 year span, Hank Robinson was deployed in the war zones of Afghanistan and Iraq. When he retired in 2011, he found that transitioning back into civilian life wasn't as simple as most people would think. One day you're fighting insurgents on a rooftop. And the next, you're fighting for a parking spot outside a Wendy's. Turning off Survival Mode isn't easy for many veterans unless they can figure out a way to channel their focus into the present and future. This is why Hank decided to use the G.I. Bill to attend welding school, where he wound up trying his hand at metal engraving. He enjoyed it so much that he began engraving one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends, and eventually started Hanro Studios out of his garage.

The Hanro Freedom Blues Ford F-150 on display at the 2016 SEMA Show

“Lots of vets came to see it at shows. The overall vibe that I got was nothing less than positive. Even on all the social media channels, I got like one hater. Which is pretty unique in this day and age.” Hank went on to explain, “A lot of veterans have said, 'Hey man I need to find a different outlet, maybe not engraving, but something to help transition back.' It's pretty cool that the art would give them the motivation to do something other than what they're doing.”

Freedom Blues featured a K&N 77-2591KP intake engraved with an American flag

Robinson was doing an engraving demonstration at a show in Atlanta when Inside West Coast Customs did the reveal at Kid Rock’s home in Tennessee. “Ah that sucks,” Robinson said when he found out that he couldn't make the reveal. But he went on to say, “It was awesome. Everybody at West Coast showed nothing but respect. I had an amazing time.”

The Hanro Aluminati show truck is based on a 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The Aluminati show truck will need approx 1,100 hours of engraving (Leap of Faith Photography)

Among its many modifications, the Hanro Aluminati will have an engraved lift kit from McGaughys Suspension, engraved rims from American Force Wheels, and they’ll be wrapped in equally imposing rubber from Interco Tires. Of course, the bumpers and grille will be completely engraved, and the LED exterior lighting will probably be visible from the International Space Station. Under the hood, the new 6.7L Powerstroke Diesel engine will get a K&N 63-2597 intake, which will naturally receive his artistic touch. Hank said, “There’s no doubt K&N is going on this truck, and I’m excited to see what they can do for the new Super Duty.”

The Hanro Aluminati show truck will be on display at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas

When he’s not traveling to give live engraving demonstrations or working on other projects, Hank has been working sunup to sundown to complete this build on time. “My wife, Christine, is my best support structure. She works full-time, she’s a part-time real estate agent, she takes care of our three kids full-time, and she still finds time to bring me breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the shop. Without her, I couldn't do any of this.”

We at K&N would like to thank Mrs. Robinson for helping her husband’s vision become reality. If you would like to check out the result of all their hard work, stop by the Truck Hero booth (# 61040) at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Hank Robinson will show off his metal engraving skills on his latest 2017 SEMA Show truck

Annelise is a mix of model and vlogger, she has modeled for the K&N calendar and other clients

Annelise has always been a little ball of energy. When she was younger, her parents kept her really busy; she played a bunch of sports. In her youth, she spiked volleyballs and dribbled basketballs, but her specialty was swinging a racquet. Born in Loveland, Colorado she attended Loveland High.

Annelise began modeling after she was discovered by an agent. From there she took the scene by storm

Taking stunning still frames is one of Annelise's many talents, but she did not approach any agencies. She was scouted. Annelise tells us, “An agent came up to me and my then boyfriend at the time. She was interested in both of us, but I pursued it. Now, I’m living the dream in L.A.” An accidental California girl, Annelise brings a sense of fun to photo shoots. When working with K&N, she says, “They were great on set. It was in the high 90s when we shot, so I did a lot of hiding in the shade. Luckily we got the shots we needed quickly!”

Follow Annelise on YouTube and Instagram to keep up with her latest adventures.

Follow her page and catch her on Instagram. Annelise Jr. is definitely a bubbly beauty to keep your eye out for!

IG Handle: @annelisejr

Caitlin O'Connor appeared in the 2015 star-studded movie Southpaw before working with K&N

This experience was exciting, but nothing new for Caitlin. She has worked as a TV host for Maxim, Arsenic TV, and the Chive. She has also modeled for Target and Macy’s. Life in front of the camera is familiar and comfortable for this Pennsylvania native. She also works on social media brand partnerships. Perhaps the most exciting tidbit, Caitlin tells us, “I am producing four feature films.” This girl is on her way to superstardom.

Caitlin O'Connor has modeled for Maxim, Macy's, Target, and K&N among others

She attended Uniontown Area High School where she cheered. She also took dance classes. Caitlin comments, “I hated going to class and graduated high school six months early to start attending UCLA.” Here, at university, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. An English major, she spent her days reading and writing, but another path was waiting just ahead.

Caitlin broke into the world of modeling through an opportunity at UCLA. She was a Bruins Bear Wear model. For this first gig, she was only 18 years old. Bruins Bear Wear gave way to bigger things, and Caitlin soon found herself with a bevy of clients. Again, her resume is packed with big-name brands—Maxim, The Chive, Target, Macy’s, K&N, and many others.

Now in Los Angeles, California, Caitlin is constantly working. Always on the job, she lists her hobbies as, “sleeping, working, sleeping.” She is committed to her career, but not afraid to treat herself. She admits, “The day I got my first big paycheck, I bought a classic car—a 1971 Lincoln Continental.” A spitfire with a solid work ethic and bright future, Caitlin O'Connor will continue to be successful in sunny L.A. and the world over.

IG Handle: @caitlin_oconnor

To see what Caitlin O'Connor is up to, follow her on Instagram at @caitlin_oconnor

Denny Hamlin and the trophy for winning the Overton's 301 with his backup car

"Yeah, it’s just a great feeling," Hamlin said. "I know we’ve been getting better and better as the year goes on, but definitely needed a win for the organization and for myself and just kind of get some momentum going with the playoffs coming up—so we’ve got to get going. Really this is awesome.”

Hamlin broke a 20 race drought with this win, stemming all the way back to last season’s playoff event at Texas Motor Speedway. This was his third win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the 30th win of his career. Hamlin passed teammate Matt Kenseth and had a 2.5-second advantage on Lap-268. Hamlin led twice for 54 laps and received 5 playoff points and 51 points for the win.

“I feel like I have been a good teammate to all my teammates, I like the dynamic that we have now and that we will have later,” Hamlin said when asked about his Joe Gibbs Racing team and what it takes to lead in this sport. “We have some young talent coming in and they will be the future. You just have to lead by example and show the work ethic that it takes to be a winner on a weekly basis and that infectious atmosphere blends in.”

Kyle Larson finished in second place, a remarkable finish considering he started the race from the rear of the field due to an illegal rear decklid fin and his qualifying time wiped out. Larson, who was faster than any car during the race, could not close the gap close enough to really attack Hamlin and finished in second for the seventh time this season.

“Finished second, but another hard-fought race,” Larson said. “You know, this is the third time we've had to start last and drove up to second. I wish we could have been a spot better again, but really proud of my team and proud of the cars that they're bringing for me to drive each and every week.”

“It seems like we have a target on our back,” Larson said. “But that's a good thing, too. It means everybody is paying attention to us. This is my fourth year, and I've never been in the position to where NASCAR and other teams are paying so much attention to our race car. That's a compliment to everybody at our race shop.”

Denny Hamlin celebrating his win at the Overton's 301 with the backup car after a crash in practice

Martin Truex Jr currently sits in first place of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Standings with 758 points and 29 playoff points. Kyle Larson is in second place, 38 points behind Truex with 720 points and 13 playoff points. Kyle Busch is in third place, with 650 points and 5 playoff points.

The next race in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Sammy Halbert ran away from the field at the 2017 X Games flat track race

It Runs in the Family

Some fortunate people are said to have been born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Well, Sammy Halbert may have been born with a silver steel boot on his left foot. Okay, maybe not. However, flat track racing is certainly a family affair in the Halbert home.

“My mom, dad, and grandpa all used to race flat track,” Halbert told K&N. “We always had bikes around. Then when I was ten and my older brother Jethro was twelve, we decided we wanted to get into racing, and from there that’s what we did as a family pretty much every weekend.”

Clearly, foot dragging, dirt roosting, and checker flag chasing runs deep in Halbert’s DNA.

X Games Gold

Halbert finished with an impressive 2nd in the inaugural Harley-Davidson X Games Flat Track competition in 2015 in Austin, Texas. In 2016, the X Games competition returned to Austin but Halbert finished with what was surely a disappointing 12th.

Halbert found gold in the Minneapolis, Minnesota X Games

"Winning X Games gold is like a dream come true for me and will be a weekend I never forget,” said Halbert.

American Flat Track Action

Halbert’s main racing gig is in the Professional American Flat Track circuit. In 2016, Halbert scored a win at Daytona I and racked up two additional podiums at Daytona II and the Circuit of the Americas. He finished the 2016 season with an encouraging fifth in the GNC1 points.

The 2017 AFT campaign has Halbert in a spirited battle for a season podium finish. After 11 rounds, Halbert is a single point behind Brad Baker for 3rd place overall in the series. He is the only rider that currently has a legitimate shot at breaking up the stranglehold that the Indian Wrecking Crew team currently has on AFT.

“I had a pretty consistent year going in AFT holding down third place in the championship until we had a mechanical at the Lima round,” Halbert said. “Since then I've closed back up on third place and hopefully can take that back over even while developing the Yamaha FZ-07 for flat track.”

The final rounds of the AFT season will tell the tale. Halbert is racing strong and is poised to ride the Estenson Racing Yamaha FZ-07 onto the season podium.

Into the Future

Halbert checking the set-up his race bike. Notice the attractive decal on the tail section

“At this point in my career, I'm only focused on flat track racing,” Halbert says. “I do enjoy doing road race and motocross track days though.”

K&N congratulates Sammy Halbert on his X Games win and his dogged pursuit of a top-three season in American Flat Track.

To help your Yamaha FZ-07 perform its best, take a look at the K&N YA-6814 direct replacement performance air filter. Sammy trusts K&N performance and protection, and so should you.