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2016 Race Wrap Up for the Can-Am/Murray Racing Team and What's on Tap for 2017

Mar 30, 2017

Driver side view of the Can-Am Turbo X3 of Murray Racing with Jason behind the wheel

The impressive Can-Am Turbo X3 of Murray Racing, piloted by Jason Murray

When passion and dreams become your reality there’s seemingly nothing you can’t do. Then add perseverance, commitment, and good planning and the sky’s the limit. Throw in some talent and it would seem you’ve become unstoppable. This seems to be the case with K&N race team drivers Derek and Jason Murray and their team at Murray Racing.

Murray Racing began in 2009 when the brothers began fabricating their first full build UTV to compete in the Best In The Desert Class 1900 Race Series, where they would go on to earn a 3rd place finish in their first desert race in the series.

Photo of Jason and Derek Murray at Rugged Radios

Hard to believe these two winning drivers have only been racing for a little over six years

Since then, Murray Racing has grown, competing with multiple vehicles and having more than 40 consecutive races under their belts to date, with no DNF’s. Remaining a private race team after opening their own fab shop in 2013, when Can-Am came on board providing full factory support. Competing in BITD, SCORE, WORCS, plus King of the Hammers, the brothers are in it to win it!

View of the Murray Racing Team's UTV on course at the Baja 1000

Murray Racing won the Milestone award for completing the Baja 1000 2 years in a row, over 2k miles

We caught up with the team at Murray Racing and had a chance to chat about their humble beginnings and where they see Murray Racing in the future. Turns out these two are relatively new to this sport. The brothers own a successful manufacturing company and unlike many racers we’ve spoken to, there’s doesn’t involve anything motorsports. In fact, their introduction to the “dirt” came when they headed to the desert back in 2009 with some friends for a fun off-road adventure weekend. Their buddies had their Rhinos and RZRs out in the sandy playground for all to enjoy and by the time Jason and Derek returned home they were hooked.

View of the Murray Brothers UTV on course at the Parker 250, covered in mud

After the heavy rains the course at the Parker 250 was muddy and rough

Jason mentioned that as soon as he could he got his hands on a Rhino. Totally stock, he started hearing about people adding long travel kits, cages, and doors, and figured since he had access to fabrication equipment he would see what he could do. He’d never welded a day in his life, but now was determined to learn. He tore his Rhino apart and made modifications and then put it back together. He’s says looking back he had no idea what he was doing and his vehicle wasn’t the best looking, but it was sure fun. Then he found out about a race that would take place on his birthday in December that same year. So, with no expectations, no experience and the addition of some safety nets, he and his brother headed out to race what would be their first of many Best in the Desert races under the Nevada skies. It was perhaps at that moment when they crossed the finish line that their racing career began and they haven’t stopped having fun!

View passenger side of the Can-Am/Murray Racing Maverick Turbo X3

Clearly this photo was taken pre-race - so clean!

Fast forward to the start of their 7th race season, 2017, and these brothers have come a seriously long way from that special day in December of 2009. With their intense race schedules they make an extra effort to balance work, family, and their passion for desert racing. Derek is in charge of the day to day of their manufacturing company, while Jason also manages another company along with their two pizza places! Both brothers are married with children, Derek with two and Jason with one and another on the way. For the long term, both young men look forward to the future hoping that their children will take an interest in off road and follow in their tire tracks. For the short term they look to 2017 and reaching for the BITD Championship. Last season they were close with a runner up position in points for the Best in the Desert series along with earning a 1st place in SCORE making them the 2016 points champions.

View of Jason and Derek Murray pre-race at the Pahrump Nugget 250

A little pre-race photo op of Jason and Derek at the Pahrump Nugget 250

The 2016 race season didn’t come without challenges. But in the end, Murray Racing once again raised the bar. Starting the year off with a 4th place class finish at the Parker 250, then following that up with a 6th in class, and a 9th Overall with a field of more than 150 competitors who actually crossed the finish line at the Polaris UTV World Championships. They started the year off right. They left the Vegas desert behind to hit the sand and silt of the SCORE International San Felipe 250 and came away with an outstanding 2nd place class finish. From there they turned their attention to the Mint 400 where they would finish a mere 20 minutes behind the leader to yield them another impressive 4th place class finish.

Shot of the Murray Brothers in the Nevada Desert showing off the travel capabilities of the X3

Out in the Nevada Desert the Murray Brothers show off the X3's incredible travel

May rolled around and Murray Racing headed out to the Desert Classic presented by Method Race Wheels where they would come away with a 5th place finish in their class. After the SCORE International Baja 500, the Murray Racing Team would add a 7th place class finish to their long list of achievements.

Shot of the Murray Racing Team's Can-Am X3 w/ fully compressed shocks at Best in the Desert V2R

Murray Racing Team in full tuck at the Vegas to Reno Best in the Desert series. Stance is everything

And then came August with the introduction of the all new Can-Am Maverick Turbo X3 piloted by Jason, where he would earn a jaw dropping victory at Vegas to Reno in the new X3’s first official race! Derek would continue to push his Maverick to victory in the Turbo Pro Production class and finish third overall among all UTV classes. The Can-Am/Murray Racing teams outlasted 60-some other entrants and 650 miles of brutal desert terrain to stand atop the podium in two separate classes at the Vegas To Reno race, which BITD calls “the longest off-road race in the United States.”

Shot of the Murray Brothers on course in Baja, California, deep in silt.

This silt is some tough terrain in Baja, California, and always part of the SCORE races

Back to Rosarito Beach in Baja California for the SCORE Desert Challenge and some pre-Baja tuning and Team Murray came away with another great finish, 7th place in class. More testing and tuning and before long it was already November and time for the Baja 1000. The Can-Am/Murray Racing desert racing team of Derek and Jason Murray earned their first SCORE International side-by-side vehicle class championship November 20 in Baja California, Mexico.

Shot of the Murray Racing Team at the finish of the Baja 1000 celebrating their Points Championship

The Can-Am/Murray Racing Team - Your 2016 SCORE International Points Champions

The Murray Racing Team is comprised of brothers Derek and Jason. It includes crew chief Bill Kugel, Lead Tech Shawn Srader, along with Tech’s Andy Kisinger, Eric Shikeora, and Bob Jones also known as B.J.B., and Monty Aldrich, Co-Driver. For this race season the team will compete in a whopping fourteen desert races with the first already under their belts. They started the year with a top ten finish at the GMZ UTV Winter Nationals Parker 250 in their Can-Am/Murray Racing K&N-equipped Turbo X3. There were some challenges during the event, but the brothers can now say they have 47 Best in the Desert finishes on record.

Shot of the course at the San Felipe 250

San Felipe 250 affords drivers some of the most impressive views

To round out the Murray Racing Team’s season they will compete in 4 SCORE International races including the Baja 500 and Baja 1000. Additionally, they will compete in the remaining 13 Best In The Desert races, including Vegas to Reno. The guys learned early on that the key to success in racing was to remember why they started, to never take themselves too seriously, and always remember to have fun. They went into racing with zero expectations and have enjoyed every minute of their wild ride.

Congratulations to the Murray Racing Team on your incredible achievements during the 2016 race season. We wish you continued success and are all looking forward to seeing what the 2017 season brings.

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Kawasaki Brute Force 300 ATV Benefits from the K&N KA-2712 Replacement Air Filter

Mar 30, 2017

The KA-2712 for the Kawasaki Brute Force 300 ATV top view

The KA-2712 replacement air filter has a large pleated filtration surface

The Kawasaki Brute Force KVF300 is an ultra-popular ATV for good reason. Compared to other ATVs in its class, the Brute Force has a relatively big and roomy chassis. The capable 271cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine in the KVF300 is tuned for torque and does an admirable job of moving the ATV in the right direction. However, anytime you can get a bit more power out of a small engine, riding becomes even more fun and exciting.

That’s where the new KA-2712 replacement air filter comes in. The KA-2712 is designed to provide increased horsepower and acceleration for the Brute Force, while still offering the high level of engine protection that an ATV needs.

The KA-2712’s pleated cotton media provides a large filtration area offering low restriction. That low restriction results in higher airflow to the Kawasaki’s Keihin CVK32 carburetor. A freer-breathing intake typically results in crisper throttle response.

The KA-2712 for the Kawasaki Brute Force 300 ATV bottom view

The application-specific sealing bead ensures a tight installation

Installation of the KA-2712 replacement air filter could not be easier. It is a direct replacement for the restrictive stock filter element. It fits directly into OEM air box with an application-specific sealing bead ensuring a precise fit. Fitment of the KA-2712 requires no modification to the fuel management system in the Brute Force.

Most importantly, the KA-2712 filter is one of K&N’s line of filters that are specifically developed for off-road ATV use. The multiple layers of oil-impregnated, woven cotton gauze media offer excellent filtration in the most extreme of conditions. If you check the filtration test data sheet that is linked on the KA-2712 product page, you’ll find that our rigorous testing resulted in an estimated filtration efficiency of well over 98%.

Finally, the KA-2712 is completely washable and reusable. When paper elements are clogged and dirty, they have to be replaced. The K&N KA-2712 simply needs to be washed and re-oiled using the 99-5000 filter care service kit, and you are back on the trail or track. No waste, and no costly replacement filters.

The KA-2712 for the Kawasaki Brute Force 300 ATV box

The KA-2712 comes pre-oiled and ready to use directly out of the box

The combination of increased airflow, outstanding protection, and reusability of the KA-2712 replacement air filter make it the logical choice for your Kawasaki Brute Force 300. Check the application list below for your specific application, and use K&N’s online search tool to find the filter for all the engines in your stable.

2017 KAWASAKI KVF300 BRUTE FORCE 271 - All Models
2016 KAWASAKI KVF300 BRUTE FORCE 271 - All Models
2015 KAWASAKI KVF300 BRUTE FORCE 271 - All Models
2014 KAWASAKI KVF300 BRUTE FORCE 271 - All Models
2013 KAWASAKI KVF300 BRUTE FORCE 271 - All Models
2012 KAWASAKI KVF300 BRUTE FORCE 271 - All Models

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Kyle Larson Wins the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway

Mar 28, 2017

Kyle Larson celebrating his win at the Auto Club 400 in Fontana, California

Kyle Larson won the fifth Monster Energy Cup Series race of the season at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana on Sunday. Larson, after three straight second-place finishes finally finished in first place and gained his second win in his career.

“That's when all the cautions started coming out. We had some decent restarts there at the end. But still had more cautions” Larson said. “Had to actually come back down pit road, put four new tires on, get some more good restarts.The pit calls were great. The pit crew did an amazing job. A fairly clean race for us. Lots of fun to be Kyle Larson right now. Our race cars are really fast, XFINITY and Cup. It's a blast to show up to the racetrack every week”.

Larson led for a race-high of 110 laps and led 7 times during the duration of the race. Larson also was in the lead at the end of stage one, thus gaining 6 playoff points. This was his second victory in 116 NASCAR Cup races. With the win, Larson received 59 points, and is in first place in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series standings with 243 points.

“Well, I'm really, you know, fortunate to be driving really fast race cars right now. Our cars are by far as good as they've ever been, really good at every racetrack right now” Larson said. “In both series I feel like I have a shot to win every time I go to the racetrack. That's always a lot of fun. That's always something I've hoped for, to get to a point of that in my NASCAR career”.

Brad Keselowski finished in second place and did not lead during the race. Keselowski spun out on lap three and damaged his car and Jimmie Johnson’s, was resilient during the duration of the race to ultimately battle back for second place.

Brad Keselowksi, K&N, NASCAR, Auto Club 400

Brad Keselowski racing during the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana

“We were tore all to hell. Gosh, that's unfortunate. Got tore up there really early in the race. Went all the way to back, just clawed all the way up to second” Keselowski said.”I don't know if we had anything for Kyle and those guys. Car was tore up pretty bad. To get that kind of finish is respectable. Certainly we want to win. Felt like we had a shot to do just that. Didn't come together, so…”.

This was Keselowski's fourth straight top 5 finish of the season and his third straight top 10 finish at Auto Club Speedway.

Clint Bowyer came in third place and did not lead during the race. This was Bowyer's best finish since the race at Sonoma in 2015, where he also finished in third place.

“Fun racetrack. You know, I mean, I think I've been coming here 12, 13 years now. It wasn't always this way. I remember single file around here. Couldn't really pass. Ring around the bottom” Bowyer said.

The restarts were the story of this race for Larson, as he had to fight off each caution and restart.

Larson, winner of the Auto Club 400, leads the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series standings with 243 points and 6 playoff points. Chase Elliott is in second place with 214 points with 1 playoff point. Martin Truex Jr, winner of the Kobalt 500, is in third place with 205 points and 8 playoff points.

The next race in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia.

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K&N-sponsored Davi Haagsma Wins Two Consecutive Rounds in WORCS Pro SxS

Mar 28, 2017

Davi Haagsma on the podium in Taft, California

Davi Haagsma (center) claims SxS win in Taft, California

Competitors had better hope David Haagsma pulls a hamstring climbing WORCS podiums in 2017. That may be the only way to slow his championship run. Haagsma has finished on the podium in each of the first four rounds of the racing series. In the last two rounds, the K&N-sponsored racer claimed the checkered flag and has amassed a commanding series lead.

In round three of the Rocky Mountain World Off-Road Championship Series, Haagsma picked up his first win of the season. It was also his first Pro class win in Taft, California. The victory was especially sweet since Honolulu Hills, in Taft, is Haagsma’s home track.

Haagsma kept his winning ways rolling in round four in Lake Havasu, Arizona, with another surgical drive. He made some great on-track decisions in the race and had a very fast final lap to hold off Matthew Hancock for the victory. The win in Lake Havasu’s brutal conditions expanded Haagsma’s series lead to 19 points over Cody Bradbury. Hancock moved into the third spot in the points standings.

Haagsma started the season with consistent racing in Primm, Nevada

The big dilemma for Haagsma and the H&M Motorsports team all season has been whether to stick with the reliable, tried-and-true naturally aspirated SxS or make the move to the more powerful turbo. The debate started in the Primm, Nevada, rounds of the WORCS schedule when Haagsma drove strong but felt somewhat under-powered compared to the teams running turbos.

However, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” seems to be the mantra on which Haagsma is rolling. While he has a forced induction SxS in the works, Haagsma again opted to for the non-turbo Polaris RZR in Lake Havasu. “We have a turbo car built, but the more I run the non-turbo, it’s pretty competitive because it doesn’t break.”

It’s hard to argue with the logic. With a nice streak of podium finishes and a solid series lead, Haagsma has found the early-season balance between speed and keeping the race machine intact.

Davi Haagsma jumping in Lake Havasu, Arizona

Haagsma is flying high with two straight WORCS wins

“Everyone with turbos is having issues,” said Haagsma. “The overall dependability of the non-turbo seems to be the way to go.”

H&M Motorsports mechanic Theo Lasardi credits Haagsma’s clean racing technique and the race team’s use of reliable performance products like K&N intakes for the early-season success.

“We’re fortunate to have good products on our car and Davi drives so smooth,” said Lasardi. “With the track like this, you have to have a little luck and not break stuff.”

The next round of the WORCS schedule is a special indoor/outdoor race at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Haagsma will look to add to his points lead in Sin City.

Track layout of the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas

Haagsma will look to extend his winning streak at a unique race in Las Vegas

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K&N Filters to Feature New UTV Intake Kit at the 2017 UTV World Championship

Mar 27, 2017

K&N is proud to partner with the UTV World Championship

K&N Filters has entered into an exciting partnership with the UTV World Championship (UTVWC) to be held April 13-15 in Laughlin, Nevada. The Colorado River area is home to some of the best desert racing in the world and K&N is the global leader in filtration technology, so the company’s presence at the epicenter of American desert racing makes perfect sense.

K&N will be displaying and vending its full line of air filters and air intake systems at the massive Best in the Desert UTVWC Tech & Contingency on Friday, April 14th at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino in Laughlin.

The stars of the show at the K&N booth at the UTVWC will be the 63-1133 for the 2014-2017 Polaris RZR 1000 and the 63-1136 for the 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo. The intakes replace the entire factory intake system, and both kits are purpose-built specifically for their applications.

The K&N intakes replace the factory parts with wrapped reinforced silicone hoses. K&N also engineered an air box mounting plate, mandrel bent intake tube, and an oversize rotational-molded air box which is sealed and connects to the factory inlet. That air box houses a K&N XD air filter for added efficiency and capacity for off-road conditions.

A huge benefit to K&N’s careful engineering is that both of these kits bolt into the factory location with no modifications to the vehicle. DryCharger wraps are also available for extra protection. Stop by the K&N rig to see the kits unveiled during tech at the UTV World Championship.

Spectators at the UTV World Chapionships in Laughlin, Nevada

Free events for spectators abound at the UTV World Chapionships

"We have been talking with K&N about the off-road and UTV market for quite some time," said UTV World Championship CEO, Matt Martelli. "The UTV World Championship is a perfect place to get both new and existing products in front of the right consumers."

K&N sponsors a number of the top UTV riders in the world. Come see the new K&N products, experience the massive contingency party, and cheer on the K&N desert racing talent.

Here are some the highlights of the exciting UTV World Championship:

Thursday 4/13/17

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Tech & Contingency Vendor Set Up - Riverside Resort & Casino

5:00 PM Pit Crew Challenge - Riverside Resort & Casino

7:00 PM UTVWC Official Kick-off Party - Riverside Resort & Casino Loser’s Lounge

Friday 4/14/17

8:00 AM - 10:45 AM Family Fun Poker Run - Race Course

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tech & Contingency - Riverside Resort & Casino

4:00 PM UTVWC Contingency Raffle - Riverside Resort & Casino