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Throttle Body Spacer Offers Dramatic Boost in Torque On 2016-17 Toyota Tacoma

Mar 27, 2017

The AIRAID 510-654 POWERRIAD Throttle Body Space boosts off-idle rpm on Toyota Tacoma.

The AIRAID 510-654 throttle body spacer boosts off-idle torque rpm from 800 to 3000 on Toyota Tacoma

Introduced in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck that is manufactured in the United States. It has gradually developed from a compact pickup from 1995-1/2 through 2004 and as a mid-size pickup during the vehicle’s second-generation from 2004 through 2015. The front engine, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive truck comes in three body styles –- 2-door regular cab, 2-door extended car, and 4-door crew cab.

The first-generation model has a choice of four engines:

• 2.4-liter 2RZ-FE I4 that produces 142-horsepower (106 kW) at 5000 rpm and 160-lb-ft (217 N-m) of torque at 4000 rpm

• 2.7-liter 3RZ-FE-I4 that offers 150-horsepower (112 kW) and 177-lb-ft (240 N-m) of torque at 4000 rpm

• 3.4-liter 5VZ-FE V6 that generates 190-horsepower (142 kW) at 4800 rpm and 220-lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque at 3600 rpm

• An aftermarket TRD supercharged 3.4-liter V6 that produces 254-bhp (189 kW) and 270-lb-ft (366 N-m) of torque

Two transmissions were offered –- a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual.

The single (or regular) cab was assigned only the 2.7-liter 3RZ-FE I4 or the 2.4-liter 2RZ-FE I4. The TRD package started being offered in 1997. If selected, a differential locker in the rear came with it.

Now in its third-generation, which started in 2015, the 2016 and 2017 Tacoma features a choice of two engines:

• 2.7-liter 2TR-FE I4 that produces 160-horsepower at 5200 rpm and 181-lb-ft (246 N-m) of torque at 3800 rpm

• 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 that generates 268-horsepower (200 kW) to 296-horsepower at 6200 rpm and 248-lb-ft to 260-lb-ft (336-353 N-m) of torque at 4700 rpm. This version includes the Toyota Dual VVT-I Variable Valve Timing on both the intake and exhaust cams. Introduced in 1998, this system adjusts timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts and allows the engine start and stop to occur unnoticed at minimum compression.

Three transmissions are available –- 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and 6-speed manual.

For owners of the 2016 or 2017 Tacoma who are looking for more off-idle torque, AIRAID is offering the 510-654 POWERAID throttle body spacer. The system boosts off-idle torque from 800 rpm to about 3,000 rpm. It achieves this by spinning the air as it passes through the throttle body causing an increase of velocity that results in an improved atomized mixture of fuel and air into the combustion chamber.

High quality aircraft grade billet 6061-T6 aluminum is used to manufacture the POWERAID throttle body spacer. Moreover, the kit includes the necessary gaskets, hardware, and precision brackets to maintain the proper geometry as it integrates with the components of the factory engine. It can be installed in about one hour using common hand tools. Drilling or cutting is not required.

The AIRAID 510-654 Throttle Body Spacer is designed and engineered to fit the following vehicles:

2017 TOYOTA TACOMA 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 TOYOTA TACOMA 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

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An AIRAID Replacement Air Filter Gives the 5th-Gen Camaro Drop-In Performance

Mar 16, 2017

Give your 5th-Gen Camaro a mod-free power gain with an AIRAID SynthaMax Air Filter

After launching the fifth generation Mustang in 2005, Ford's sales skyrocketed across the board. Since Chevrolet was desperately in need of a similar showroom attraction, GM's Chief Designer Ed Welburn decided to take on Ford's retro-styled pony car with a brand new Camaro that looked completely modern, yet somehow familiar. Using his personal 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS for inspiration, he penned a striking design that would eventually become the 2006 Camaro Concept. This sexy muscle car was unveiled to the public at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, however the production version wasn't going to be ready for several years. So GM struck a deal with Paramount Pictures to cast a version of the fifth generation Camaro as the hero-bot 'Bumblebee' in their upcoming Transformers film. The actual movie car was based on the Australian Holden Monaro/Pontiac GTO, and wore fiberglass bodywork that was made from the same molds that were used for the 2006 Chevrolet Camaro Concept (Bumblebee also used the same yellow/black color scheme as Welburn's 1969 Camaro). Luckily the movie was a big hit, and it wound up helping to keep interest alive as the new Camaro got delayed until the 2010 model year. When it finally hit showrooms in 2009, the production car had lost some of the concept's dramatic styling details. But it was certainly no slouch in the performance department. The entry level 2010-2015 Chevrolet Camaro V6 was powered by the new GM LLT 3.6L V6, which made 304-323-hp (that was nearly identical to the 4th generation Camaro Z/28). The 2010-2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS got a 6.2L LS3 V8, and made 400-hp with the automatic or 426-hp with the 6-speed manual. And the certifiably insane 2012-2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 got a 580-hp supercharged 6.2L LSA V8 that could catapult this beast to 60 mph in a claimed 3.8 seconds. All three Camaro flavors were more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the fifth generation Ford Mustang. However, if you want to get more horsepower and torque from your 2010-2015 Chevy Camaro without making any underhood modifications. You need to checkout the AIRAID 851-427 direct fit replacement air filter.

No matter which engine your Bow-Tie beast has, it still makes power the same way: air gets sucked in through the air box, forced through the OE Camaro air filter, and sent on to the cylinders where it's mixed with gasoline and ignited by a spark plug. During combustion, the oxygen acts as a catalyst, fueling an explosion that consumes the gas and creates horsepower and torque. To increase this power without making any mechanical or software changes, you simply have to introduce more air into the combustion cycle. This will result in a much hotter explosion that yields more rotational energy to turn the crankshaft and ultimately the rear wheels. The best way to increase the volume of air reaching the cylinders, is to reduce airflow restrictions caused by that OE air filter. And that's just what the AIRAID 851-427 replacement air filter is designed to do.

AIRAID 851-427 Drop-in Air Filter fits the 2010-2015 Camaro V6, Camaro SS 6.2L & Camaro ZL1 6.2L

That OE Camaro air filter reduces airflow because it takes a tremendous amount of vacuum to get air to pass through the thick paper it's made from. All of the dirt it removes is then stored between the pleats on the surface of the filter (known as 'surface loading'). Over time, that layer of dirt will get thicker and thicker, significantly reducing the already limited amount of air that can pass through the filter. By contrast, the AIRAID 851-427 air filter is made from a patented dual-layer material called SynthaMax, which is designed to nearly double the airflow.

The AIRAID 851-427 direct-fit replacement air filter has also been engineered to provide superior engine protection versus an OE air filter. The first layer of the SynthaMax material is made from a unique needlefelt polyester that is designed to trap and store larger dirt particles deep within a web of synthetic fibers, instead of on the surface. The second layer (engine side) of this AIRAID synthetic air filter is made from a chemical bonded rayon and polyester blend, which helps trap any microscopic contaminants that make it past the first layer. This means less dirt will get sucked inside of the motor, where it can wreak havoc on the cylinder walls and piston rings. By storing dirt inside of the filter itself, airflow through this synthetic air filter won't decrease over time. When the filter gets dirty, you can simply clean it with the 790-558 AIRAID filter cleaning kit and put it back in the air box. In addition, your investment is backed by the AIRAID No-Hassle Lifetime Warranty, so it's literally the last Camaro air filter you'll ever have to buy.

The AIRAID 851-427 air filter is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2015 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 CHEVROLET CAMARO 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 CHEVROLET CAMARO 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 CHEVROLET CAMARO 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 CHEVROLET CAMARO 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

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AIRAID Driver Jordan Priestley, Proves He Was the One to Watch All Season Long!

Mar 16, 2017

Shot of Jordan in Evilynn out on the Road Rally for OSUSC Qualifying Event at Auto Club Speedway

Jordan in the lead on the road rally for the OPTIMA Qualifier at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana

This past year certainly has had its moments to talk about around the water cooler, what with the craziest election in American History to date taking place. But more interesting than that would certainly be the story of AIRAID team driver Jordan Priestley and how he raced not one but 2 cars at OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car series season opener at Thunderhill Motorsports Park, “Evilynn” the AIRAID Equipped 2016 Camaro SS, and “Frankie”, his AIRAID equipped 2011 5th Gen Camaro. You see Thunderhill was the first race for “Evilynn” and Jordan wasn’t sure what to expect out on track with this bone stock street car, with the exception of upgraded tires. Needless to say, this straight from the showroom floor, 6th Gen Camaro SS put the competition to task. GM has seriously raised the bar for all those other muscle car manufacturers. But imagine if you will, having to keep two cars performing on the track and doing double duty as the driver. Now imagine 2 days, running from car to car, where in the end you place both 1st and 2nd on the podium in the competition rounds. Pretty impressive indeed.

Shot of Jordan Priestley accepting his trophy as Grand Champion NMCA West Hotchkis Cup Series

Introducing the NMCA West - Hotchkis Cup Series Grand Champion, Mr. Jordan Priestley

But Jordan didn’t stop impressing us at Thunderhill. He went on to have the most outstanding year in his motorsports career to date. Competing almost every other weekend all across the Nation, our AIRAID team driver hit the ground running and competed in more than 25 events. Talk about serious seat time. This proud papa has much to be proud of for his season in racing, family, and business.

With the first of the year launch of the 6th Gen Camaro, there were quite literally no parts available to enhance “Evilynn’s” performance. While Jordan states that GM did an outstanding job with the design and development of the car, he needed more to up his competitive edge. JDP Motorsports found themselves throughout the season designing and fabricating performance parts for “Evilynn” to keep her nipping at the competition's heels. The 2016 AIRAID-equipped Camaro SS was also fitted with a prototype Detroit Speed & Engineering/JRi Shocks coilover package that also included front adjustable camber plates. Priestley also installed the new Centerforce DYAD Clutch, which was not only lighter, but outperformed the stock clutch, making a significant difference in how the Camaro handled out on track.

Shot of Jordan coming in to the turn on the Speed Stop Challenge at PPIR

Coming off the oval banks at Pikes Peak International Raceway for the OSUSC Qualifier in Colorado

The 2016 race season has been nothing short of stellar for the folks at JDP Motorsports. Just take a peek at this past season’s race highlights and all of the team’s podium finishes:

Thunderhill Motorsports Park - Multiple 1st Place finishes in GT Class competition rounds, Multiple Runner Up finishes in GT Class competition rounds, 2016 Camaro SS & 2011 Camaro

Las Vegas Motor Speedway - 1st and 2nd Place finishes in GT Class competition rounds

National Corvette Museum - 1st Place finish in Design for GT Class, podium finishes for GT Class in competition rounds

Pikes Peak International Raceway - 1st Place finish Overall for GT Class earning the invite to OUSCI, OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational

Circuit of the Americas - 1st Place finishes in GT Class competition rounds of Autocross and Road Course, 2nd Place finish Overall in GT Class

Auto Club Speedway - 1st and 2nd Place finishes for GT Class in ALL individual categories of competition, 2nd Place overall for GT Class

OUSCI Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Finished 26th overall against 90 competitors

NMCA West Auto Club Speedway - Hotchkis Cup Modern Muscle Series Points Winner

NMCA West Auto Club Speedway - Hotchkis Cup Grand Champion, having earned a 2nd Place finish at each of the 4 events. The Grand Champion is recognized for consistency over the course of the series season

Sturgis Camaro Rally in South Dakota - 1st Place Autocross

Holley LS Fest Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green, Kentucky - Top 10 Finish in the 3S Challenge, Top 20 Finish out of almost 140 Competitors

2016 Tire Rack Solo Nationals SCCA Lincoln, Nebraska - With a Podium Finish in Classic American Muscle Classic

Shot of Jordan and Evilynn after securing the Win and Invite to OUSCI

Jordan takes home the win and OUSCI invite from Pikes Peak International Raceway

And these are just the highlights. Jordan competed in the CAMC Invitational, multiple SCCA and NASA Events locally at the Utah Motor Sports Campus, along with so many more track days.

As the President of JDP Motorsports, the #1 GM LSx Performance Parts Source located in Sandy, Utah, he is driven to excellence. Whether behind the wheel of his 6th Gen or in the shop building his customers' perfect dream car, he recognizes what it means to perform well. When talking about his long term goals, he’s working toward creating a brand reputation that is the Gold Standard in the automotive industry. He’s inspired by names like Lingenfelter, Guldstrand, and individuals like Mark Stielow who have helped to shape the industry as a whole.

Shot of Jordan Priestley on the COTA Road Course just under the banner

On the famed Circuit of the America's Road Course with OPTIMA's Search for the Ultimate Street Car

He’s quick to recognize the attention and benefits that the OPTIMA Series and MAV TV have afforded him and the JDP Motorsports Team. In turn, Jordan wants to give every bit he can back to those who have believed in him, his vision and passion from the very start. Jordan is humbled by the opportunities to represent national brands like AIRAID and Detroit Speed and Engineering, and so many others. He plans to continue with product testing through racing, consulting, and getting the parts from AIRAID and DSE out onto the proving grounds. He’s gunning to be a stronger force in the late model world with aftermarket performance choices. Currently JDP Motorsports is working with several local dealerships offering “Dealer Packages” allowing the consumer to have the performance of a supercharger included in the financing of their new vehicle. It certainly seems that our AIRAID driver has his eye on the prize!

Shot of Jordan out on the autocross course at the final NMCA West event at Auto Club Speedway

Jordan Priestley killing it out on the autocross course at the final NMCA West event

We asked Jordan just who some of his biggest influences have been in his life and in racing. He thought for a moment and shared that his grandfather who passed when Jordan was 20 was certainly a positive influence. He was a man of character and left Jordan always feeling good about himself and that he could accomplish anything he set his mind too. He had hoped his grandad could see what he’s been up to these days. Another person Jordan is inspired by is the legendary Dale Earnhardt. Talk about juxtaposition! But Jordan admired him for his prowess behind the wheel and his no-nonsense racing attitude. When the helmet went on it was time for racing and Jordan can relate to that. “Sure he was controversial, but that man could race” said Jordan. He likes to think of himself falling somewhere in the middle!

Shot of Jordan Priestley during the Speed Stop Challenge at the OSUSC Qualifier in Fontana

Out on the Speed Stop Challenge with Jordan at Auto Club Speedway for the OSUSC Qualifier

What few rarely see is all the man hours from the team and the families that go into prepping these cars for track days. Jordan relies on that support and recognizes that any success he has whether in business or out on the track has been a team effort. His gratitude, sincerity and humility makes him approachable and most assuredly one of our favorites out on track. We look forward to what the 2017 race season brings for Jordan and the JDP Motorsports Team. He did tell us that his plan was to top the race season of 2016 and gave us a little teaser to keep us watching. Turns out the folks at JDP Motorsports plan to debut a 2017 Corvette Grand Sport mid-season. We couldn’t be more excited to see where this takes our AIRAID team driver.

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"Showtime" Jeremy McGrath PRO2 Was a Crowd Pleaser in 2016

Mar 16, 2017

Jeremy McGrath putting on a great show for the crowd at the Wild West Motorsports Park in Reno

2016 was a strong year for "Showtime" Jeremy McGrath in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. Coming off of a fifth place finish in the points in 2015, Jeremy strived to take his Maxxis Tires, Icon, and Airaid Filters Pro 2 closer to a championship. The hard work that Jeremy and the team did in the offseason showed right away in Round 1 at Wild Horse Pass where he battled the entire race up front with all the previous champions, and having tremendous speed and finishing fifth was a great way to start off the season and get into the swing of things to come. The next few rounds showed Jeremy was fast, but so was everyone else, and he finished back and forth between top five and top ten finishes.

Jeremy McGrath, on the podium celebrating his win at Utah Motorsports Campus

Heading into the middle of the season, Jeremy was looking forward to Utah Motorsports Campus where he has had great finishes in the past. In practice, he was the second fastest, but due to the weather there was no qualifying for the first race of the weekend. The weather cleared up just enough for the track crew to get the track groomed and allow for a great race. During the race Jeremy was in a tight battle with Bryce Menzies and Rob McCachren, where the three of them put on a great show for all the fans who battled with the weather. Jeremy was able to stand on the podium for the first time of the season with a strong second place finish. That night, the team worked hard to make changes to the truck that would make it faster and work better in the difficult weather conditions. The team found that the little bit of extra speed helped Jeremy qualify first for the next round of racing, and keeping this kind of speed all the way through the race helped Jeremy lead the majority of the race all the way to the checkered flag to finish out a great weekend in Utah.

Jeremy McGrath showing why AIRAID filters are so important while racing in dirt

The series headed south of the border to Estero Beach, which is right next to Ensenada, Mexico. Jeremy continued his strong performances where he was able to start out with a third place in qualifying time. Ready to battle and wanting to keep his podium string going strong, he put on another great show for all of his fans where he stayed out in front and won his second race in a row. The next few races didn’t go as he would have preferred, but at Wild West Motorsports Park he was able to end that. At the most demanding track on the series, Jeremy was able to get back on the podium and finish second. With this finish and a third in the Challenge Cup, Jeremy ended the season with two wins, two seconds, a third, and nine top five finishes. With these strong finishes Jeremy finished one spot better than the previous year where he finished in fourth place. Jeremy said, “ We had a great year, with off-road, highs and lows are expected. Winning 2 races in a row was a big high. I have always done well in SLC but to back it up in Mexico was amazing. I had a few other really good runs going and had some mechanical issues. Leading at my home track Lake Elsinore and having a failure was a major low.”

Jeremy McGrath proving why his nickname is Showtime, he can race on two, three, and four wheels

In the offseason, Jeremy and the team are planning to do a few changes to the truck, but don’t want to do too much since it consistantly ran up front almost every weekend. The team is planning some trips to the desert to have fun as a team and spend time with their families. Jeremy also will be keeping himself sharp as well. He said, “When it comes to racing I feel I am always ready to go when I get behind the wheel. I'll get in some testing days before Rd1 and that should get me fired up. I also ride my Kawasaki 450 a couple times a week and that keeps me sharp.”

The 2017 season is going to be very busy in the JM2 pit and race shop. Besides Jeremy racing his Pro 2, teammate Brock Heger will be racing a Pro Lite and a UTV. Jeremy’s daughters will also be returning to the track and racing in the J1 and J2 Trophy Karts, which have been brought back to the national series. Racing five different classes will make for a very busy weekend and having all the support needed for this is a must. “The support the JM2 team has at the track could not be better. Our main sponsors like Maxxis, ICON vehicle dynamics, and AIRAID not only provide us with the best products to race with but they also go to every event and give us trackside support. We test and race in harsh conditions so its nice to know all our vehicles keep running strong with AIRAID intake systems and filters,” Jeremy stated.

Jeremy McGrath loves to be in the air almost as much as he loves being on the ground

So if you are able to make it out to any of the races, make sure you stop by the JM2 pit. You will see several of the top vehicles being worked on right before and after they put on a great show. Also, Jeremy and the rest of the team are always happy to talk to fans and sign autographs, and while doing that you can refresh yourself with lemonade from their pit most of the races. The team is looking forward to seeing everyone at the first race in Lake Elsinore in March.

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AIRAID Team Driver Ken Thwaits at the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational

Feb 23, 2017

Photo of Ken Thwaits standing in front of his car collection

The Man, The Myth, The Legend - AIRAID team driver, Ken Thwaits

For some of us, our biggest concern when it comes to our cars, is where to get gas and when to change the oil. AIRAID team driver Ken Thwaits thinks just a little differently than the average driver. In fact he’s the guy who’s trying to figure out where to get more horsepower and when he can get back out on the track to test his new suspension setup.!

2016 marks the third year that Ken Thwaits has competed in OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car series. Don’t let that fool you though. Thwaits has been involved in some sort of motorsports since he was a teen and you may recall in 1985 he became a Mazda Pro Series National Champion. You might even say that Ken has an advantage on his competition with all his experience. More important than that, he puts in the time and effort it takes to be on top. The man definitely walks the walk.

Over the past few years we’ve seen a diverse field of cars at OUSCI, OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational, ranging from Corvettes to Evos and late model Camaros being on the podium. We’ve even seen some of the competitors, like Thwaits, along with AIRAID team drivers Jordan Priestley and Chris Jacobs, running multiple cars in the series qualifiers, to see for themselves if in fact they were driving the Ultimate Street Car. Needless to say this year saw some of the toughest competition to date in the series and that made for an even more exciting Grand Finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for OUSCI!

Photo of JJ Furillo under the hood of the Z28 addressing mechanical issues

JJ Furillo working feverishly to get Thwaits back out on the road course at Thunderhill

Thwaits brought back his 2014 AIRAID-equipped Camaro Z28 this year for the series. This was definitely the car to beat in the GT class during the 2015 season. With such a trusty steed he was certain to achieve higher heights in the 2016 season, perhaps even an OUSCI podium finish and reclaim his title as OPTIMA Series Season Points Champion!

Going into the season Thwaits had a fully tested and dialed car. Unfortunately, the tides turned early on and he didn’t have it so easy this year. His AIRAID-sponsored Camaro challenged him from the start with minor mechanical issues and a slipping clutch at Thunderhill to discovering after the event they would need a complete motor rebuild before competition at the next event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Even with these challenges, Thwaits walked away with 1st place finishes at both events. In fact his luck held throughout the New Jersey Motorsports Park qualifying event, yielding him another 1st place finish. But it was here at NJMP that Thwaits made his commitment to work at getting back the title of series points champion.

Shot of Thwaits in the drivers seat waiting to autocross at National Corvette Museum

Preparing for autocross at OSUSC event in Bowling Green, Kentucky at the National Corvette Museum

This was familiar territory for Thwaits having been OPTIMA’s 2014 Series Point Champion. In 2015, Ken lost the title to fellow competitor, Kyle Tucker of Detroit Speed and Engineering and it was time to get it back! OPTIMA recognizes the driver that not only attends the most qualifier events across the nation, but considers the competitors points earned throughout the year based upon their scores at each event. After the final qualifying event, points are calculated for each driver and the OPTIMA Search for the Ultimate Street Car Points Champion is announced at the SEMA Show.

With renewed energy and an intense drive to win, Ken Thwaits and the Showtime Motorsports team headed to Bowling Green, Kentucky, home of the National Corvette Museum and the fourth installment of the OSUSC qualifier. Here, he and his fellow competitors encountered jaw dropping heat and humidity that would ultimately affect the outcome of our AIRAID driver's finish. Track temperature at mid-day would cause his AIRAID-equipped Z28 to slip during the autocross and speed stop challenge. He and his right hand man, JJ Furillo of Ultimate Performance, would chase that slip throughout the day adjusting shocks, changing tires, whatever it took to improve Thwaits time out on course. A determined Ken Thwaits would walk away from this event with a respectable 2nd place finish. Not what he had hoped for but most assuredly very pleased.

Photo pf Ken Thwaits with hands in air after learning about his win!

Ken Thwaits feeling the win at Thunderhill Motorsports Park after a challenging race weekend

Throughout the season Ken made some modifications to the car that have made a tremendous impact this year helping him earn 4 GT class wins, plus one GT class 2nd place finish in the 5 OSUSC qualifier events he entered with his 2014 AIRAID-equipped Camaro Z28. This car originally debuted at the Optima Michigan race mid way through the 2015 season. The most notable change would have to be the Centerforce DYAD triple disc clutch. The unit was custom built for the recently rebuilt 740hp Mast Motorsports LS7 complete with one-off AIRAID carbon fiber cold air intake. They added an MTI 6060 sequential 6-speed gearbox to get behind all that horsepower. The team has upgraded to a DSE suspension, front and rear, added JRI shocks, PAC Springs, AP Racing six piston calipers with 15.4” rotors in the front and four piston calipers with 15” rotors in the back. The Z28 interior got a full custom roll cage, plus custom upholstered and embroidered race seats. Taking aesthetics a step further, Thwaits even had the instrument panel hydrodipped to give it that carbon fiber look. Finally, where form meets function, they’ve added carbon fiber. The addition of a carbon fiber hood, front fenders, doors, deck lid, trunk pan, and mirrors have lightened this heavy hitter up. A carbon fiber splitter and skirts not only look great but trim some of the weight as well. Finally, a custom rear dual element spoiler helps create downforce and stick. Top this all off with a custom black pearl paint job and red pearl racing stripes and this beauty looks as great as it performs.

Shot of Ken Thwaits and his 2014 Camaro Z28 on the road course at New Jersey Motorsports Park

The AIRAID-equipped 2014 Camaro Z28 of Ken Thwaits out on course at New Jersey Motorsports Park

OPTIMA’s final qualifying event, held at Autoclub Speedway in Fontana, California, turned out to be yet another incredible win for Ken Thwaits and his team at Showtime Motorports. Perhaps his choice to switch to the Bridgestone RE-71R tires played a role or maybe it’s more about Ken’s commitment to this sport. Thwait’s committed early on to doing his best and maintaining a positive attitude. Of course, like so many others, he wants to win, but he is willing to toe the line and do the work to come out on top even if it means making driver modifications. He credits his success this year in part to his nutritional and lifestyle changes that have afforded him a clearer mind and slimmer physique.

Photo of Ken Thwaits, Brian Johnson and Jordan Priestley at OSUSC event at NCM, podium

Ken Thwaits with Brian Johnson and Jordan Priestley at National Corvette Museum

Thwaits ran two cars competitively this year in the series and qualified both to compete in the OUSCI, the series finale. As he watched the field stack up and calculated his strategy, he decided that this year his 2014 Z28, the Black Pearl, would sit this party out. Instead he opted to run his 2006 Mitsubishi EVO and found himself sitting pretty after day 1 securely in second position, separated from first position by mere tenths of a second. Day two however, would prove to be rather challenging when during his first lap out on the road course for the Hot Lap Challenge his EVO motor failed before he could complete one full lap. Feverishly, he and his team scrambled to get the parts he needed to get back on course. Time was limited and he would need to get at least one decent lap in before the day’s end. The winds of fortune blew his way and Lady Luck had him back on course during the final session of the Expert Run Group. One great lap was what he was looking for and while it wasn’t his fastest, it was enough to secure him a podium finish, 2nd place overall for OUSCI. Danny Popp once again took the OUSCI overall win in his C5, aka the Blue Rocket, and Brian Johnson edged out Thwaits in the GT Class for series points champion. Be that as it may, Ken Thwaits has every reason to be very happy with what he accomplished this year, two cars, ten races, and nine podium finishes!

We look forward to seeing Ken Thwaits out and back on top in 2017 with the OPTIMA Search for the Ultimate Street Car series.

If you would like to learn more about Thwaits or other AIRAID drivers, sign-up for the AIRAID newsletter.