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Carlson Motorsports Earns Triple Podium Weekend at ERX Motor Park

Andrew Carlson of Carlson Motorsports earned three podium spots at the ERX Off-Road National in Elk River, Minn., on July 13-14—stacking up a second-place finish in PRO 2, a third-place finish in PRO 4, and a second-place finish in Saturday’s PRO 4 final. After suffering two flat tires in the PRO 2 final, Carlson gave a master class in race driving—charging from the back of the pack to cross the finish line second, albeit a lap behind. With no possibility of a podium, he could have easily coasted through the rest of the race, but instead chose to demonstrate true determination and competitive spirit by forging ahead in spite of his one-lap disadvantage.

Carlson's off-road racing truck

Andrew Carlson proved his tenacity and determination in the PRO 2 final

“We came in as the top qualifier,” Carlson commented, “but I got two flat tires almost immediately. I had to hot pit twice and that put me a lap down and at the back of the 12-truck field.” Despite the devastating setback, Carlson chose to take the opportunity to hone his skills—and received great enthusiasm from fans, who were delighted to see their local racer give a truly impressive lesson in passing technique.

K&N is proud to sponsor Andrew Carlson’s racing endeavors. “Between races, in the shop and behind the scenes—it’s a fine line between win and lose,” Carlson stated. “Our alignment with some of the products that we use, and the amount of trust we have in them is key.”

Andrew greets local fans after his PRO 2 podium finish

Andrew greets local fans after his PRO 2 podium finish

Carlson Motorsports is a family-operated racing team based out of Elk River, Minn., owned by Chris and Deb Carlson—parents of Andrew Carlson and Taylor Carlson. “We've all been using K&N for many years,” noted Taylor Carlson. “We've grown to trust the quality and reliability of the products, and as gearheads we just love the performance gains. We're honored to represent the company.”

An avid outdoorsman, Andrew Carlson has also been assisting K&N in launching the new K&N Outdoor program, designed to help dedicated outdoorsmen get the most from the vehicles that carry them on their adventures. Whether you’re a fisherman, hiker, camper, or explorer, K&N offers performance products to help keep your recreational and utility vehicles performing at their peak.

Andrew Carlson battles with Kevin Hanegraaf in the PRO 2 class

Andrew Carlson battled with Kevin Hanegraaf in the PRO 2 class

You can look for Andrew Carlson at the Bark River International Raceway in Bark River, Michigan, August 10-12. Follow the Carlson Moto Team throughout the season on their website www.carlsonmoto.com.

Carlson on the podium

Carlson took second on Friday in the PRO 2 class

Matt Field is Gaining Ground With New C6 Corvette Chassis

Coming into the 2018 Formula Drift season with a brand-new chassis—a C6 Corvette, rebuilt from scratch—Matt Field and his team are determined to catapult Field to the top of the Formula Drift Pro Series leaderboard.

Matt Field's C6 Corvette

Matt Field's C6 Corvette

Field, a San Jose native, earned his Formula Drift license in 2009. In 2013, he opened a motorsports and fabrication shop—Drift Cave—in Morgan Hill, California, which offers mechanical services, trackside support, and coaching. In 2016, he came in 5th in the Formula Drift Pro Championship, topping the podium in Round 7 and Round 8.

Field has been a consistent, solid competitor, frequently appearing in the top ten across his career. While the 2017 season ended with Field in 17th position, the 2018 season looks particularly bright. The past few events have been promising for Field—at Round 4 in New Jersey, he defeated Jeff Jones in the Top 32, Ryan Tuerck in the Top 16, Forrest Wang in the Great 8, and Justin Pawlak in the Top 4, before coming in 2nd to James Deane in the Black Magic Final.

Matt Field at an event

In 2013, Field opened a motorsports and fabrication shop called Drift Cave

After qualifying third, Field would face Deane again at Round 5 in Monroe—defeating Dean Kearney and Fredric Aasbo before falling to Deane in the Top 4. He continues to be one of the top competitors to watch as he fine-tunes the performance of his C6 Corvette.

Since the first organized drifting event in 1988, competitive drifting has continued to advance through the decades—and the current field of racers is perhaps the most competitive in the sport’s history. Field made the decision before the 2018 season to upgrade from his 1000-horsepower Nissan 240SX S14—and thus far, it appears to have been a wise choice. The new 1050-horsepower C6 Corvette chassis is a well of still-to-be-discovered potential—totally rebuilt at Drift Cave from a flood-damaged 2013 model. The masterfully executed build demonstrates the extensive knowledge of Field and his team, who rely on exceptional engineering and high-quality performance parts to keep them running strong on race day.

Matt Field's C6 Corvette

The C6 Corvette features a custom K&N® performance filter

The C6 Corvette features a custom K&N® performance filter—which utilizes the same technology as K&N® High-Flow Air Filters™, available online for thousands of makes and models at www.knfilters.com.

Field is currently in 7th place in the Pro Series standings. James Deane, Frederic Aasbo, and Piotr Wiecek currently top the leaderboard.

You can see Matt Field compete in Round 6 of Formula Drift in St. Louis, MO., on August 10-11.

Matt Field putting on his helmet

Field is currently in 7th place in the Pro Series standings

More Horsepower for Your Camaro: K&N® Introduces Air Intake System #63-3105 for 2016-2017 Camaros

Engineered for 2016-2017 Chevrolet Camaro 2.0L models, the K&N® 63-3105 air intake system offers a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque for your Chevy Camaro—giving you a boost in power and protection, with typical installation in 90 minutes or less.

The standard 2017 Camaro with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The new generation of Camaros—from 2016 onward—is praised by reviewers for responsive steering, exceptional handling, and competitive fuel economy.

HOW THE 63-3105 AIR INTAKE SYSTEM WORKS

The 63-3105 air intake system

The 63-3105 features a High-Flow Air Filter and steel heat shield

Naturally, you want as much horsepower as possible for your Camaro—which is where K&N’s dedication to exceptional engineering and outstanding performance comes in to play. The 63-3105 air intake system helps decrease air turbulence through the removal of the stock intake components that may slow the volume of air reaching your engine. Many factory intake systems have baffles and other airflow-obstructing elements, and by replacing the full stock system with a more aerodynamic design, the engine receives a greater volume of airflow—giving you an increase in performance.

HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE INTAKE TUBE IMPROVES AIRFLOW

The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 2.0L L4

The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 2.0L L4

The K&N® 63-3105 is a free-flowing, high-density polyethylene cold air intake system designed to replace the factory air filter and air intake components. A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) rotationally molded tube accelerates airflow to your engine and reduces turbulence—offering a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque. Paired with a state-of-the-art washable, reusable High-Flow Air Filter™ designed to capture contaminants and provide exceptional engine protection, you can bid farewell to wasteful disposable filters—this intake system is designed to last for the life of your vehicle!

HIGH-FLOW AIR FILTER™ PROVIDES OUTSTANDING PROTECTION

The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 2.0L L4

K&N air intake systems come with a 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty

The oversized, conical filter shape allows for up to 100,000 miles between cleanings (under normal highway driving conditions). When it does need to be cleaned, you can use the K&N Recharger® Kit (99-5000 or 99-5050) to quickly and easily restore your filter’s performance. A state-of-the-art design of oiled, layered cotton media provides outstanding contaminant capture. Each intake and filter is designed to last for the life of your vehicle.

POWDER-COATED STEEL HEAT SHIELD HELPS PROTECT INTAKE AIR FROM HIGH TEMPERATURES

The 63-3105 air intake system after installation

The 63-3105 air intake system after installation

The 63-3105 system also features a custom powder-coated steel heat shield which protects the air filter and intake air from high engine temperatures. The heat shield installs onto the lower factory air box and retains the fresh air inlet. The air intake tube funnels airflow directly into the engine’s throttle body, offering a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque.

INSTALLATION

Since the kit utilizes existing factory mounting points, requires only basic hand tools, and incorporates the factory mass air sensor, installation can typically be completed in 90 minutes or less.

WARRANTY

This intake system comes with a 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty. Furthermore, using a K&N replacement air intake system will not void your factory warranty; in the U.S., manufacturers must provide evidence that an aftermarket part is the cause of a necessary repair in order to void or deny warranty coverage. The Consumer Products Warranty Act of 1975 (also known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) protects consumers’ rights to their warranty coverage.

DYNAMOMETER RESULTS

You are guaranteed to experience an increase in horsepower and torque with your new K&N air intake system. On a chassis dynamometer, a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro 2.0L with the stock air intake was recorded at 229.04-hp at 4,903rpm, and after installation of the 63-3105 the same vehicle was recorded at 235.61-hp at 4,903rpm—an estimated increase of 6.57-hp. The torque was also improved from 250.53 lb-ft on the stock air intake to 255.63 lb-ft with the 63-3105 —a total estimated increase in torque of 5.1 lb-ft at 3,991rpm. You can buy with confidence under the 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty, and the assurance that you’re receiving a top-quality, extensively tested product.

The 63-3105 is designed for use in the following vehicles:

• 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection—All Models

• 2016 Chevrolet Camaro 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection—All Models

FAQs

Will using a K&N® replacement air intake system void my factory warranty?

No. In the United States, in order for the manufacturer of a warranted product to void or deny warranty coverage of a repair due to the use of an aftermarket part, the manufacturer must provide proof that the aftermarket part is the cause of the necessary repair. These rights are protected under the Consumer Products Warranty Act of 1975 (also referred to as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act).

Are K&N® performance air intake systems or RK-series custom air cleaner assemblies emissions legal in the U.S.?

Performance intake systems are legal for street use in most areas of the United States.

In California, and in specific regions which have adopted California air quality regulations, only CARB-exempt performance intakes are legal for street use.

Check the K&N catalog or website for vehicle applications and specific CARB status for each vehicle and air intake.

Can a K&N® product cause my Check Engine Light or Service Light to come on?

It is possible that the Check Engine Light may come on after installing a K&N air filter or performance intake system. This does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your air filter or intake; sometimes, the higher air flow and lower restriction provided by the K&N product will uncover an existing mechanical or electronic issue with your vehicle. In rare cases, you may have a K&N product which was manufactured outside of its design tolerances, causing sensors in your vehicle to read data outside of their normal expected values. In either case, the K&N Warranty Department can work with you to narrow down the cause of the Check Engine Light and correct the issue.

How much horsepower does a K&N® cold air intake add?

Dynamometer tests indicating horsepower and torque increases over the OEM intake system will appear on the "Product Details" page for each of our performance intake systems.

What does a cold air intake do for a car?

Cold air intakes allow for increased airflow to your engine, which results in an increase in torque and acceleration for your vehicle.

Can cold air intakes improve gas mileage?

In theory, a cold air intake could increase the gas mileage of your vehicle due to improved airflow which allows the engine to run more efficiently and require less fuel. However, K&N does not make any guarantees in terms of increased gas mileage with the use of our filters or intakes.

*Some intake systems are not legal for sale or use on any pollution controlled motor vehicle in California or states adopting California emission procedures. See knfilters.com for CARB status on each part for a specific vehicle.

Matt Coffman Continues to Battle in the 2018 Formula Drift Season

Matt Coffman has one of the most distinctive vehicles currently in the Formula Drift Pro Series circuit—a Nissan S13 featuring one of the oldest, most developed chassis currently on the FD track.

Matt Coffman's Nissan S13

Matt Coffman's Nissan S13 in action

Coffman grew up in Oregon, and developed his love for drifting on the lush forest roads of his home state. “I lived in a very small town,” he commented. “For about a hundred miles outside of town are the most gorgeous, lush, spectacular rally forest roads and mountains that you can imagine. Having my frustrations in my youth, I ended up driving into the forest and started drifting around on the dirt roads. That’s where I started to learn. There was a little drift series that started in my hometown, and I thought—that looks like a lot of fun.”

Nissan S13

The S13 was completely rebuilt in the off-season

Coffman purchased the Nissan S13 back in 2011, and began competing in a regional drifting series that same year. In 2012, he began competing in Northern California at the ThunderDrift ProAm, and started competing up and down the west coast in 2013. After placing in the Golden Gate Drift Series, he earned his Formula Drift Pro license. He had a rough rookie year—struggling to make it out of the Top 32—but tenacity and hard work resulted in a break into the Top 16 in 2015. Coffman and his team, ever persistent, continued practicing and competing regularly—knowing that success would follow experience and a strong work ethic.

Matt Coffman signing autographs

Coffman enjoys engaging with his fans at events

Coffman earned his first Top 8 appearance in 2016 in Montreal, followed by a Top 4 in Washington a few weeks later, eventually qualifying 15th for the 2017 season. The new year brought continued successes, with Coffman finishing the season strong in 10th place.

In the off-season, Coffman and his team fully rebuilt the S13, which debuted at the opening round of the 2018 season in Long Beach, California. Though Coffman has earned strong qualifying scores this season—qualifying 16th for Long Beach, and 20th for Orlando—the first four rounds have proven challenging, with multiple One More Time showdowns and a clutch issue in the most recent round in Wall, New Jersey.

The Nissan S13

The S13 features a distinctive purple design

“What brought me from four years ago to today is not giving up on myself,” he mused. “There were so many times when I could have, and I wanted to, and it would have made sense to just give up. But thinking of a life without drifting—it felt like I was going to lose a massive piece of myself if I didn’t continue. It’s passion that’s kept me going all these years.”

Coffman continues to show resolve and persistence, battling the top Formula Drift contenders. K&N continues to support Coffman in his quest for the podium. “I run individual throttle bodies on my motor,” Coffman explained, “And something that’s interesting about ITBs is that when you run individual filters—or if it has an internal screen or something like that—they will create different atmospheres and will lose power at the top end or gain power at the low end depending on which filter you use. The K&N sprint car air box filter was the only filter that didn’t create an atmosphere that would distract from the motor, and is the only one that performs absolutely top-notch from the low end to the top end.”

Coffman is currently in 18th place in the Pro Series standings. James Deane, Frederic Aasbo, and Chris Forsberg currently top the leaderboard.

You can see Matt Coffman on July 20-21 at Round 5 of the Formula Drift Pro Series in Monroe, Washington.

12 Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Vehicle

Many modern vehicles are designed to be capable of operating for 200,000 miles or more—but how can you give your car the best chance of getting there? Whether you’re looking to drive your car for the next few years—or for the rest of its natural life—following a few basic tips can help reduce maintenance issues, maintain re-sale value, and even add years of operating life.

CLEAN YOUR ENGINE

Clean engine bay

Clean the exterior of your engine annually to prevent overheating

Keeping the exterior of your engine clean can help you spot leaks before they become serious. Layers of dirt and engine bay grime can hide drips, and can even create an unintentional coating of insulation that can result in your engine running hot—leading to engine damage. Excess crud can also cause corrosion, dramatically shortening your engine’s working lifespan. If you feel like giving it a go yourself, there are plenty of options for engine cleaning/degreasing products on the market, or you can hire a professional. Try to schedule a thorough cleaning at least once yearly.

KEEP YOUR KEYS LIGHT

Key ring

To avoid damaging your ignition, limit the number of items on your keyring

A heavy keychain can wear out the tumblers in your ignition over time, and can sometimes cause enough damage to prevent your key from engaging the ignition—resulting in an expensive call to a locksmith. Decorative keychains, flashlights, and bottle openers can all add weight to your keyring—so either keep your ignition key separate, or downsize your keyring as much as possible.

TRACK YOUR SERVICE SCHEDULE

Familiarize yourself with your owner’s manual, and take note of the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Keep a small notebook in your glove box to take note of any services or repairs—including oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations, and gas mileage. Sticking to the recommended service schedule will help keep your vehicle running smoothly, and if you decide to sell, buyers will appreciate evidence that you’ve performed consistent maintenance.

CHECK YOUR TIRES FOR INFLATION AND WEAR

Tires should typically be rotated every five to ten thousand miles

Tires should typically be rotated every five to ten thousand miles

Your owner’s manual will likely include the recommended interval for tire rotations—typically every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Regular rotations help the tires wear evenly over their lifespan, particularly if you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, and can prevent front-end misalignment. You also want to ensure that your tires are inflated to the recommended levels; underinflated tires can cause tread wear and reduce gas mileage, while overinflated tires can result in a loss of traction while also causing premature wear.

REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTER

K&N High-Flow Air Filters are specially designed to provide your engine with increased performance

K&N High-Flow Air Filters are specially designed to provide your engine with increased performance

Your engine air filter protects your engine from contaminants that can cause damage—and is a sometimes-overlooked aspect of necessary regular maintenance. If you choose a disposable filter, it typically needs to be replaced every 15,000 miles or so. K&N High-Flow Air Filters are washable and reusable, and are designed to last for the entire life of your vehicle—so you can enjoy the convenience of only servicing your filter every 50,000 miles under normal highway driving conditions.

BUY GOOD GAS

Make sure you’re filling up with high-quality gasoline

Make sure you’re filling up with high-quality gasoline

Fuel companies add EPA-approved additives and detergents to their fuel in order to prevent the build-up of carbon deposits that can degrade your engine’s performance. To ensure you’re providing your engine with clean gas, look for Top Tier™ gasoline—a designation that ensures companies are exceeding the minimum additive standard. Preventing fuel build-up can extend the life of your engine dramatically!

CHANGE YOUR OIL AND OIL FILTER REGULARLY

Oil change

Your oil filter should typically be swapped out at least every other oil change, though changing it every time is ideal. Oil filters contain almost a quart of oil, which—if dirty—can contaminate your freshly changed, clean oil. Many late model car manufacturers recommend long service intervals of 5,000-10,000 miles, so be sure you are using a high-quality oil filter that can go the distance. K&N Performance Gold® oil filters are made with a heavy-duty canister and premium filter media to hold up to the demands of extended use. Always use the oil viscosity grade that your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends—which may vary according to the season.

DON’T NEGLECT FLUID LEVELS

Don’t neglect other fluids—your transmission fluid, radiator coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid all require periodic servicing and replacement according to your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. It’s a good idea to check all your fluids regularly to help catch any leaks or problems early.

Silver hatchback with sunset

Following your vehicle’s recommended service schedule will help keep you on the road longer

KEEP YOUR CAR CLEAN

Keeping your car clean is an important aspect of maintaining your car’s paint job and body. Salt, in particular, can cause serious rust damage and corrosion—which can eventually creep into the structural components of your vehicle, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage. Wash your car regularly, and if you live in an area where it's frequently exposed to salt—near the beach, or where roads are salted in winter—make sure to give your vehicle’s undercarriage a thorough cleaning with each wash.

PAY ATTENTION

Be aware of new sounds and vibrations. Every couple of weeks, take a minute to roll down your windows as you’re driving around town, and listen for anything out of the ordinary. Squeaks, rattles, and knocks should be investigated and diagnosed. Sound can be one of the first indicators of a problem, and if you catch issues early, you can avoid more serious repairs in the future.

BE PATIENT WITH COLD STARTS

If you let your car sit for more than five hours, you can consider the engine cold—with most of the oil drained into the oil pan. It takes a few seconds after start-up for oil to start circulating through the engine again—meaning you shouldn’t immediately start up and drive off, particularly in cold weather when the oil is more viscous (and moves slower!). Give the engine around 30 seconds to warm up before putting it in gear.

BUDGET FOR REPAIRS

BUDGET FOR REPAIRS

Unexpected car repairs can cause your budget to take a serious hit—which is why it’s important to plan ahead for unforeseen problems in addition to your regular service costs. Setting aside a vehicle-specific emergency fund can help you deal with costly repairs and prevent unnecessary financial stress. If possible, estimate your yearly vehicle costs—including services like oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, and tire rotations—and set aside a bit extra for any unwelcome surprises.

Check out performance parts to help extend the life of your specific vehicle at www.knfilters.com.