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"The ultimate in race modifications - driver mods - eat clean and workout," says Ken Thwaits

Thwaits grew up in Wilmington, California, in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. As a young man Ken was attracted to racing with the dream of going pro in either Formula One or Indy. Admittedly though, he didn’t come from a family of means and that type of racing took money. A lot of money. Ken’s father, Rex Thwaits, raced in formula cars in SCCA during the 1960s and 1970s. Dad had gotten into racing after watching the movie Grand Prix and he encouraged Ken to get involved in motorsports. Following in dad’s footsteps, Ken began his racing career back in 1978 running a Formula Ford in SCCA amateur road racing events. In fact, dear old dad even supported his racing for the first two years, on a shoestring budget. By 1984, Ken had moved up to Pro Formula Mazda in 1984, and won the Pro Formula Mazda National Championship the following season. Ken told us back then the FM cars were a support class to the Indy cars at Long Beach. It was then that Ken went to Long Beach Grand Prix and was so blown away with what he was seeing he quickly signed up for instruction at the Jim Russell Racing School in Willow Springs in hopes of taking his driving skills to the next level. Thwaits then took a few years off before returning in the SCCA's Showroom Stock Class, running Camaros in that series until 1992.

Ken says the race at Charlotte Speedway was the only race where everything worked perfectly

So how does a man come back to win after that much time off? Ken said, “I do my best to stay fit and eat and drink right. I really start to prepare mentally for a race 4 weeks before the weekend starts. I continually run each driving segment in my head and visualize winning. I spend a month thinking about winning. I meditate and pray every morning and give thanks for the life that I have. It is very difficult to beat the power of positivity!” He did what he called a driver modification. As a young driver he learned to run flat out when he needed to and to conserve the car when he needed to. He learned that driving expertise was achieved in levels. He also learned rather quickly that in the OPTIMA series to be on top, you’ve absolutely got to go fast right from the start. He knows his early training has helped him greatly in this series.

The 2006 black EVO of Ken Thwaits, stealthfully avoiding handprints at the Wilwood Booth

The 2006 bone stock EVO of Ken Thwaits showing how important handling is

But 2016 was extremely challenging for the Showtime Team. As we already mentioned, they ran 9 regular series races in OPTIMA Search for the Ultimate Street Car series plus OUSCI. Out of those 10 races they suffered 6 engine failures and 2 clutch failures, with one engine failure happening on day two of OUSCI. Ken hadn't been able to complete one full lap before losing power. The Showtime team kicked in to high gear and with the assistance of a fellow competitor, Ken was able to pull it off in the last minute. Turns out they really only had one race (Charlotte) where everything performed the way it was supposed to. However, Ken is a very positive and determined person and he refused to give up. So, they pushed on and in light of the challenges the 2nd place overall finish is extremely satisfying.

On track at OUSCI with Ken Thwaits at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Road Course

Ken takes being a Spectre Performance brand ambassador and team driver very seriously and said, “quite frankly I am very flattered to be a part of this company I represent. I feel a duty to perform well and conduct myself appropriately when I am at the track or in front of a camera. I also take every opportunity to promote a company who we partner with either by verbally promoting them on camera or by wearing appropriate attire and making sure our sponsors are represented well on our cars. Winning and/or running up front helps you gain an audience who wants to purchase the products that you win with, its that simple.”

Thwaits car collection is home to some amazing muscle and some incredible charity events

The Spectre 9034 air intake system includes a Spectre HPR9892 universal air filter.

The truck comes in five trims and three cab configurations. Each cab style offers more cabin space and visibility than the previous year’s model due to a wider frame and changed door and window styling. In fact, more visibility is offered for driver and passengers throughout the truck because the belt lines of the doors have been dropped about an inch. Better side access to the bed has been achieved because it has also been dropped about 2-inches.

Four engines, two carryovers and two completely new, power the vehicle. A new, naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 EcoBoost, a 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost, and the venerable Coyote 5.0-liter V-8. A previous engine option, a 6.2-liter V8, has been discontinued.

Inside, the truck has been equipped with a MyFord Touch infotainment system that includes an 8-inch screen between the tachometer and speedometer. The system provides access to more engine and vehicle information, allows you to track maintenance and long- and short-term fuel economy, and more.

The 2016 version of the Ford F150 has more technology than any other previous model and includes things that help make it a work truck, play truck, tow truck and muscle truck.

For the work truck incarnation, there are loading ramps that lock into the bedsides so the owner can load an ATV, a BoxLink System including cleats and brackets to divide the bed and anchor cargo, LED headlamps and lighting for the cargo box, a deployable bed step, and steps with a post that serves as a handrail slides out of the tailgate to assist in loading the bed.

The Spectre 9034 air intake has a heat shield that prevents hot engine air from entering the intake

The same engines that work the 2015 Ford F150 are again available to run the 2016 model. The 3.5-liter V-6 produces 282 horsepower and a maximum tow rating of 7,600 pounds. The 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 generates 325-horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque as well as a tow rating of up to 8,500 pounds. A stop/start feature is included on this engine. The 5.0-liter V-8 offers 385-horsepower, and 387 lb-ft of torque and has a payload rating of 3,300 pounds and the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 delivers 365-horsepower and a payload rating of 12,300 pounds. A 6-speed automatic transmission integrates with the engines and there are 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations available. Electric power steering is standard on all models.

The same trim packages that were sold on the 2015 Ford F150 are available for the 2016 version.

Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system replaced the MyFord Touch system that was on the 2015 version.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the Super Crew F-150 a Top Safety Pick award. The Top Safety Pick award is limited because of the “Basic” forward-collision prevention system, added IIHS. The agency did not rate the Super Cab and Regular Cab models. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) rates the F-150 five stars overall and five star ratings in the subcategories except rollover resistance.

Spectre offers the Spectre 9034 air intake kit for the 2015 and 2016 Ford F-150. The intake kit is designed to offer more horsepower and torque. The kit includes a Spectre HPR9892 red washable and reusable air filter that features a non-woven synthetic media and a flat black top.

The intake system also features three stainless steel clamps, polished aluminum tube and a black powdercoated heat shield that stops hot engine air from entering the intake inlet, ensuring better performance.

Spectre also offers the Spectre Accucharge precision air filter cleaning and oiling system that have been specially formulated to cleanse and recharge the Spectre air filter so that it can be reused. The kit includes two bottles - a spray bottle that contains the cleaner and a squeeze bottle that holds the filter oil.

The Spectre 9034 cold air intake system fits the following vehicles:

2016 FORD F150 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 FORD F150 2.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 FORD F150 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 FORD F150 2.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

Autoclub Speedway in Fontana once again played host the OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car

Over the course of this past season with 9 qualifying events already in the books leading up to the final event, forty-five invites have been awarded to the top drivers, including those participants who received the Spectre Performance Spirit of the Event Award. Add in the final five from this event and that leaves 15 invitations for the drivers at the top of the points list, pulling points from their best three events during the 2016 season. Mind you these invites are not class specific like the qualifier events have been so we could wind up with more participants from the GTL Class than GTV. It was anyone’s guess!

People like John McKissack, recipient of the Spectre Spirit of the Event Award, embody our goals

At this final qualifier event, two of our Spectre Performance Team Driver’s competed for a chance at the invite for OUSCI. Seasoned veteran racer, Mary Pozzi and 2015 OUSCI Golden Ticket recipient, Greg Thurmond were in attendance. Both driver’s were entered in the GTV Class where they were up against almost forty other class participants. Pozzi and Thurmond are capable, competitive drivers who always excel in autocross and speed stop challenge so Saturday proved to be a real confidence builder for the two. Pozzi and Thurmond killed it in speed stop. However, Thurmond lost gears 2-5 during his speed stop segment leaving him only first gear to compete in autocross. Fortunately Thurmond didn't suffer too much with only first gear in the autocross. The course was technical with some high speed straights but overall Thurmond's gearing worked to afford him some pretty decent lap times.

Spectre Performance Team Driver Greg Thurmond has worked hard all season long and is going to Vegas

Mary Pozzi in her 1973 Inferno Orange Camaro RS is no stranger to OUSCI

There was destined to be a few upsets with so many participants hoping to have made the cut. It’s safe to say that this season has seen some of the best competition the series has ever had. In fact, a number of the drivers have competed in multiple vehicles in multiple classes to see where there could potentially stack up.

Privateer and brand loyalist, Efrain Diaz, proved to be the dark horse in this final qualifier event

Congratulations to all of the winners and invitees and we look forward to seeing you all at SEMA and OUSCI 2016.

The 2015-2016 Mustang GT engine is perfectly offset by a touch of chrome from Spectre

And when you go to the other end of the spectrum, the goal line moves even further away. Take the 2017 Shelby GT350. With its 529 net horsepower, it easily tops the legendary 425 Gross horsepower 427 V-8 as installed in the Shelby Cobra starting in 1965, despite having 122ci less displacement.

But with all of this performance and the hardware required to achieve it, something has been lost. Open the hood of a 1960s Muscle Car and you’ll likely see a chrome air cleaner cover, painted engine, zinc chromate carburetor, colored plug wires, maybe tubular headers, and countless other interesting bits that make your eyes dart around like watching a pinball machine. Today, crack the hood of a modern muscle car and you’ll be greeted by a sea of black and grey plastic. Thankfully Spectre has the cure for the 2015 – 2016 Ford Mustang under hood blues.

The answer is a series of caps and covers, available in a range of finishes, that add luster and sparkle when you lift the hood at the next cruise night or wherever you like to show off your car.

Spectre kit 42929 includes 4 chrome covers: brake fluid, overflow, oil filler and windshield washer

Parts available today from Spectre include the following (all part numbers are for the modern design chrome finish): cap cover kit, which includes covers for the brake fluid cap, overflow cap, oil filler cap, and windshield washer cap. All with a carbon fiber look inset. There’s also a dipstick cover that’s an easy-to-install two-piece design that snaps into place over the OE dipstick. In addition to the cap covers, Spectre also offers an air box cover, a fuse box cover, and a brake reservoir cover that dresses up your stock brake reservoir which is quick and easy to install with its secure adhesive backing.

These components are designed and tested on numerous different Mustangs to assure they fit all the models listed. In addition, each part is heat tested both in the lab and on the road to make sure they can withstand the brutal underhood environment, and rigorous finish testing is conducted to assure the shine lasts through everyday driving and normal cleaning with approved products.

The air box cover alone adds a great deal of visual interest under the hood of a 2015-2016 Mustang

But wait, we haven’t forgot Chevy and Mopar fans. Check out the Spectre site for dress-up covers for Chevrolet Camaros and for Dodge Challenger, Charger and Chrysler 300 models.

These cap covers are designed to fit the following models:

2016 FORD MUSTANG GT 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 FORD MUSTANG 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 FORD MUSTANG GT 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 FORD MUSTANG 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

The Spectre 9044 air intake includes a washable and reusable Spectre HPR 9606 air filter

It features four-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. Eleven engines are available to power the vehicle including two 1.4-liter I4s, two 1.6-liter I4s, three 1.8-liter I4 gasoline engines and a 1.7-liter I4 diesel and three 2.0-liter I4 diesel engines. Six transmissions are available - 5-speed manual, 6-speed M32 manual, 6-speed F40 manual, 6-speed GM6T30 automatic, 6-speed GM 6T40 automatic and 6-speed Aisin-Warner AF40-6 automatic.

The body construction is 65 percent high-strength steel and it includes MacPherson struts in the front suspension and a solid torsion beam axle in the rear. Hydraulically assisted rack and pinion (electric for North America) steering permits a turning radius of 36 feet (10.9-meters). There are ventilated brakes in front and solid rear disc brakes in the rear. A four-point engine mount is included to counteract noise, vibration and harshness. Sound damping material in areas including the dashboard panel, luggage compartment, decklid, internals, doors, carpet, and headlining as well as triple-layer sealing in the doors also contribute to muting noise.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) awarded the car five full stars in its independent crash test. China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) gave it a maximum five-star rating. Euro NCAP rated it the full five-star grade. It also received the highest possible safety rating of “good” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for front, side, rear and rollover crash protection tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded it its highest five-star rating for safety.

The Spectre 9044 air intake kit includes three stainless steel clamps, boots, and hardware.

The second-generation Cruze was introduced in 2016. Body styles include a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback. A new 1.4-liter I4 gasoline engine was introduced, which mates to a 6-speed M32 manual or a 6-speed GM 6T35 automatic.

Spectre is offering the Spectre 9044 air intake kit for the 2011 through 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The kit is designed to offer an increase of horsepower and torque and protects the engine from harmful contaminants. The air intake kit includes a red Spectre washable and reusable air filter that features a non-woven synthetic media that helps produce higher airflow with less restriction. Also featured is a polished aluminum tube and black powdercoated heat shield that is meant to prevent hot engine air from entering the intake inlet.

Spectre also offers the Accucharge precision air filter cleaning and oiling system that is specially formulated to recharge a Spectre air filter. So if you properly treat the air filter with the every time the filter needs cleaning it can be reused over and over again. Spectre recommends that you inspect the filter during regularly scheduled maintenance or every 7,000 miles.

The Spectre 9044 Air Intake System is designed to fit the following vehicle applications:

2015 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.4L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.4L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.4L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.4L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.4L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

For a list of all Spectre intakes for Cruze models visit the Chevy Cruze Air Intakes page.