K&N Dominates at Goodguys Del Mar Autocross

There were several K&N sponsored drivers that attended the Goodguys Del Mar Autocross, pitting across from the K&N truck and trailer

Goodguys Rod and Custom Association recently held their 16th Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals in Del Mar, California. K&N’s truck and trailer was present, displaying vehicles and product throughout the weekend. K&N’s prime spot across from the autocross pits played an important role as several K&N sponsored drivers took to the autocross early Friday morning shaking down their vehicles for the two-day race.

K&N driver Mike Maier works to navigate the recent changes to his 1966 Mustang

K&N driver Mike Maier brought out his 1966 Mustang, while Jane Thurmond brought out her 1964 K&N sponsored Corvette. Both K&N drivers would be competing against each other in the Street Machine Class for a chance to win first place and move into the Pro Class.  Once these drivers move into the Pro Class, they can start accumulating points in hopes of competing at the final autocross shootout at the end of the year.  The more points a driver accumulates, the better chance they have at claiming a spot into the Duel in the Desert Shootout in November.

The Wilwood 1966 Mustang racked up a lot of miles with three different drivers throughout the two-day race

Jake Rozelle left his 1969 K&N sponsored Camaro at home in place of his 1965 Corvette.  Jake, who’s already in Pro Class, has started to accumulate points towards earning him a spot at the end-of-the-year shootout.  Jake has not spent much time behind the wheel of the ’65 Vette.  He started the race season in the K&N equipped ’69 Camaro at the Optima’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car Series at Thunderhill Raceway.  Jake also owns a K&N equipped 2003 Z06 Corvette that he recently purchased as his daily driver.  Since Goodguys Del Mar included an all American Sunday, Jake brought out the 2003 Vette with the hope of scoring a win in the All American Class at the autocross.

Jane Thurmond and her 1964 K&N sponsored Corvette took first in the Street Machine Class, moving her into Pro Class

There were several other K&N equipped vehicles scattered throughout the autocross pits, including Scott Fraser and Bruce Camber with their 1966 authentic Cobra and the Wilwood 1966 Mustang, driven by Mike Hamrick, Mike Maier and Chris Smith.

Friday and Saturday brought some tough competition. The autocross course had no traction Friday morning, but improved throughout Friday and into Saturday and as the course got better, drivers got faster. The Street Machine class included forty-four drivers.  Maier’s recent changes to the Mustang left him struggling to keep in the top five in the Street Machine Class.  Maier was also playing double duty, not only racing his ’66 Mustang, but also taking the wheel of Wilwood 1966 Mustang.

Scott Fraser could be seen behind the wheel of Bruce Cambern’s authentic 1966 Cobra, which was recently upgraded with a K&N air filter

Jane Thurmond in her K&N sponsored Corvette took the lead in the Street Machine Class early Friday and remained in the top three throughout the weekend.  Within the last two runs, Jane managed to widen the gap between first and second, claiming the first place win in her class.

Scott Fraser, driver of Bruce Cambern’s 1966 Cobra, fought hard to win first in the Pro Class.  Scott bounced between first and second place as Mary Pozzi and her 1973 Camaro put up a good fight throughout the weekend.  Scott took the lead early Saturday afternoon and remained in first until official timing ended.  Scott and the 1966 Cobra have claimed several wins in the Pro Class throughout the past couple months including the win at Goodguys Scottsdale and Goodguys Pleasanton.  It will be interesting to watch the Cobra continue throughout the race season and see if Scott is able to accumulate enough points to be crowned the Goodguys Autocross Points Champion for the 2016 season.

Jake Rozelle was the final K&N driver to take home a first place win in the All American Class with this 2003 Z06 Corvette

K&N driver Jake Rozelle took home a first place in the All American Class on Sunday.  Jake’s 2003 Corvette is typically his daily driver, but recent modifications have made the Corvette very competitive.  We will be watching to see if Jake sets the 1969 Camaro aside for the remainder of the season and continues to race in the 2003 Corvette, or will the 1964 Corvette be the vehicle of choice throughout the remainder of the year.

Overall K&N was well represented as three K&N equipped vehicles took home wins in their respective classes.  We will continue to watch as these K&N drivers race throughout the 2016 season in several different series, including SCCA, Optima’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car Series, Goodguys Autocross, and a handful of smaller race events.