Thu, 1 Nov 2001, 12:25 PM K & N Filters to Sponsor NHRA Pro Bike Clash

Courtesy of NHRA Communications

LAS VEGAS -- The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) announced today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center that K & N Engineering has signed a multi-year agreement to become the title sponsor for a lucrative race-within-a-race bonus program for Pro Stock Motorcycle competitors.

The K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash will be contested during the prestigious Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park, Clermont, Ind., with television coverage provided by ESPN2.

Riders started earning points for the 2002 K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash at the 2001 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. The eight riders accumulating the most qualifying points during the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash series, which concludes at the 2002 Colonel's Truck Accessories NHRA Nationals at Brainerd (Minn.) International Raceway, will earn a berth in the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash.

"K & N Engineering's motorcycle heritage runs deep -- that's why we're proud to become the title sponsor of the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash, one of NHRA's most exciting race-within-a-race bonus programs," said Rodney Mall, president and CEO of K & N Engineering. "Some of the most competitive racing at NHRA events is conducted on two wheels. We're looking forward to many thrilling photo finishes in the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash."

Riders will compete for a total purse of $50,000 in the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash in 2002: $36,000 is available for the Clash, while $14,000 in bonuses are awarded to the quickest Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifiers throughout the Clash series. In 2004, K & N plans to expand the overall purse for the program, including a significant increase to the winner's share, making it the single richest race in Pro Stock Motorcycle history.

In 2002, the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash winner will receive $15,000. The runner-up will earn $5,000. The two semifinalists will earn $3,000 each. The four first round finishers will earn $2,500 apiece. Low qualifiers earn $1,000 at each of the 14 events in the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash.

The NHRA will award a $10,000 'double-up' bonus to any rider who can win the K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash and the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.

The commitment increases K & N Engineering's presence in NHRA Drag Racing. The company also sponsors the K & N Filters Winternationals, held Feb. 7-10 at historic Pomona (Calif.) Raceway, the season-opening event for the 2002 NHRA Drag Racing Series. In addition, K & N is also providing team sponsorship in 2002 for Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Steve Johnson and Funny Car driver Al Hofmann, whose car is owned by Jim Dunn.

"This is absolutely one of the key attractions for our Pro Stock Motorcycle community, an event each rider looks forward to with great anticipation," said Tom Compton, NHRA president. "With K & N Engineering's support of this competitive bonus program, we're guaranteed many more thrilling side-by-side races in the future. The K & N Filters Pro Bike Clash definitely adds a certain level of drama and intrigue to the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals and provides the best showcase in the world of professional motorcycle drag racing."

K & N Engineering, Inc., with headquarters in Riverside, Calif., has been the innovative leader in air filter technology since 1963, serving the needs of the automotive, motorcycle, marine, industrial and military markets. K & N equips about 80 percent of all off-road racing vehicles and dominates the world of Formula One, as nine of 12 teams currently use K & N air filters.

Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., the NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 24 national events through its NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. The NHRA has more than 80,000 members nationwide and more than 140 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series' provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Import Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and the NHRA Street Legal Program. The NHRA also offers the NHRA Castrol GTX Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.



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