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Team Retaks Racing's Ryan Tuerck Takes 2nd in Formula Drift Round 5 at Evergreen

Sep 14, 2012

Ryan Tuerck won back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006 and he's clearly on the path to inking more.

Few places on earth appreciate the perfume of race gas and smoldering rubber, mixed with little chunks of flying tires, anymore than the Formula Drift fans at Monroe, Washington's Evergreen Speedway. The Pacific Northwest fans are some of the most zealous drift fans found anywhere, and the exhilarating round 5 action gave their heart that shot of adrenaline needed to see them through the rest of the season.

Two K&N sponsored drivers, Ryan Tuerck and points leader Vaughn Gitten Jr. went toe-to-toe in the final dual at Evergreen Speedway.

Team Retaks' Ryan Tuerck battled his way through Jeremy Lowe in top-16, then Ryan Kado into the Great-8, and after a OMT win against Ken Gushi in the top -4, Tuerck headed into the top-2 - the Final Battle against current points leader Vaughn Gitten.

After an uncharacteristic 2012 podium draught, the K&N sponsored driver was no doubt thrilled to be in the final battle of the night, fighting for the crown at this event. Both drivers left everything out on the track, producing some of the sickest entry speeds into the banking corner seen all day. No one in the house envied the judges for having to determine a winner in this one. By the slightest of margins though, Gitten got the nod, which left Tuerck covering the second tier of the podium.

"Well I knew going into the battle that Vaughn was E-braking on the entry and I was clutch kicking, so I had a shot at staying really close to him on the bank, as clutch kicking is a faster entry than E-braking," explained Tuerck. "I knew I had to stay close to him on the bank or I would get lost in his smoke around the rest of the track."

Team Retaks Racing's Ryan Tuerck currently holds fifth overall in the Formula Drift points championship after his second place finish in round 5.

More than 15,000 frenzied fans attended the Monroe event to watch Tuerck move into 5th overall in championship points for the season out of a total of 60 competitors. After Round 5 Tuerck was only 62.5 points away from the number 1 spot.

"As a team we don't need to do anything different. We have all been working extremely hard and it has started to pay off," commented team owner David Meikle when asked what he'd need to do differently to close the gap. "If we can keep it up and remain consistent then I think we could really do some serious damage in the next two rounds."

With a future as bright as Tuerck's a little shade is a welcome thing.

"The team is feeling great (heading into round 6 in Vegas). We are carrying the momentum from the last round into this round with high hopes. This is the team's hometown track, so I am looking to put on a great show for friends, family, fans, and sponsors."

Team Retaks Racing started back in 2005 simply as Retaks, which is skater spelled backwards. "With me and my two sons Troy and Dylan making backpacks that we could actually use," said Meikle. "The boys were always skating and bmx racing etc. Troy first introduced me to drifting with a video. As soon as I saw it I knew we had to somehow be involved. So here we are. From a couple bag drawings on a airplane barf bag to the official bags for the X Games. And from Troy looking for a parking lot to drift in, to owning and operating a Formula Drift car with one of the best drivers out there, Ryan Tuerck. Life is good!"

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Round Five of the Maxxis British Drift Championship Rocks Silverstone Circuit to the Core

Sep 13, 2012

After happily engaging the fans, it was soon back to the serious business of getting ready for qualification for the drivers.

For more than 60 years, Silverstone Circuit nestled betwixt the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury, has imprinted its mark as one of the foremost motorsport venues in the world. Internationally renowned as the host of world class events and perhaps best known as the home of the British Grand Prix, on September 2nd Silverstone hosted Trax, the United Kingdom's largest multi-make automotive show. The opening act for Trax, which bills itself as "The Ultimate Performance Car Event," was Round 5 of the K&N sponsored Maxxis British Drift Championship, and together they flat-out rocked Silverstone to its core.

Round 5 of the K&N sponsored Maxxis British Drift Championship was hosted by the world renowned Silverstone Circuit.

Judgment Day is coming soon - that's when the final round of the British Drift Championship will crown their champions at the intense Knockhill Circuit in Scotland, so performing will at Silverstone was in the forefront of everyone's intentions. The celebrated F1 track gives unrivalled spectator view points as the drivers power around the circuit with the highest entry speeds on the event calendar. Much to the delight of all the fans, this event also saw the return of the Speedhunters Team that consists of Formula D stars Fredric Aasbo and Darren "D-Mac" McNamara.

Once the cars were lined up they were led around the circuit in a parade for the fans, right before they unleash their wrath on the track.

Ratcheting up the action even further was that Round 5 was condensed from its usual two days, to one single day of heady, volatile competition. Compared to the usual race weekends which span two days and have 32 drivers in each class, this time due to the incredibly tight time constraints of the Trax schedule, the British Drift Championship competitors had just one day where the Super Pro Class drivers had to qualify and compete. It clearly showcased the cream of the British Drifting crop to an audience who may not have had the chance to otherwise experience drifting in real-time.

Audible gasps were aplenty as drivers careened around the extremely high speed Silverstone track.

The morning practice sessions looked strong as drivers adjusted to the pace and found their preferential lines, then after the briefing it was onto the qualifying sessions in the afternoon. The fast paced and flowing lines around Silverstone seemed to ideally suit the Super Pros. Several of the drivers managed to score above 90 points in qualification. As in all previous rounds, the drama started early and continued to build all the way to the totally satisfying crescendo.

As in the earlier rounds the drivers once again found time in their busy day to line up by the Maxxis truck to take part in an autograph signing, and as always this was warmly appreciated, as the crowd turned out en-masse to greet the drivers and get memorabilia signed. Then towards the end of the day, the Championship round got underway. Right from the get-go, the action engaged the fans and held them there until the end. There were collective gasps as the drivers pulled close on each other, accelerating around the track at 90-degree angles, only inches apart, while tires were tortured and torn to the canvas.

Fredric Aasbo to retained his Silverstone crown, Paul Smith took second, and Darren McNamara rounded out the top three.

The top 16 finalists did themselves and the British Drift Championship proud, by displaying huge helpings of bona fide driving talent, while showcasing the high standards of cars and competition within the championship. The twin battles were the highlight of an already highly enjoyable day for frenzied fans. The influx of the two Speedhunters drivers only further served to stir up the competition and significance of the event.

After some exhilarating battles the judges announced the winners. Fredric Aasbo managed to retain his Silverstone crown despite the best efforts of Paul Smith, who came in second place, and Simon Perry held off the advances of Darren McNamara to grab the third tier on the podium.

Round 6 - Judgment Day - the last and final event of the 2012 British Drift Championship ignites on the 29th and 30th of September. The Knockhill Circuit in Scotland is an exceedingly popular driver's track and it rewards those willing to risk complete commitment - chest pounding, nail-biting action is therefore a given.

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Jeff Interlicchia and the 750 Horsepower 1966 Dodge Coronet Win at Auto Club Famoso Raceway

Sep 13, 2012

Jeff Interlicchia at Auto Club Famoso Raceway

In the hotbed of drag racing, Southern California lives a driver who is closing in on a career season. 43-year-old Jeff Interlicchia is running away with the inaugural NMCA Quick Street championship with just two races remaining, while also looking to make a late-season charge into the top 10 in NHRA Stock points.

Since winning his first Summit Series race in 2004, Interlicchia and his 1966 Dodge Coronet have been tearing up drag strips in Southern California, winning races at a steady pace. Interlicchia has five career Wally's in his name, and has a great chance of landing a few more before this season is over.

Jeff Interlicchia's 1966 Dodge Coronet puts out around 750 horsepower.

Jeff Interlicchia's 1966 Dodge Coronet has a 512c.i. naturally aspirated engine that puts out around 750 horsepower.

"I won the first NMCA event at Fontana in the Street Muscle class, and won the second race at Bakersfield in the Quick Street class. I've also set a National Record and won two Wally's in my Stock Eliminator car, so I feel I am a versatile driver who competes well in different classes and at many different tracks.

"I can't wait to get back to the NMCA West Coast final in Bakersfield in October. Hopefully I can become their first Quick Street champion, if all goes well."

Interlicchia's Coronet is nothing to be taken lightly. Purchased in 2003 at a Mopar car show, the Coronet originally ran in the 14-second range, but with the addition of a 512c.i. naturally aspirated engine, the car now runs in the mid 10-second range while putting on a nice wheelie show for the fans. The car puts out around 750 horsepower.

Interlicchia has driven the car to wins at the All Mopar race in Fontana, SCEDA track championships and now to a commanding lead in NMCA competition.

Jeff Interlicchia and his 1966 Dodge Coronet

The Coronet handles so well, Interlicchia was able to jump back in it after running his Stock Eliminator entry for a few races, and hardly miss a beat, although the driver needed a tune-up.

"At the NMCA race in Bakersfield, I won my second event in a row. But when I showed up, I had been running my Stock Eliminator car so much, I completely forgot how to stage and launch the Dodge, so my first timed run botched.

"That didn't sit well with me, and it made me focus harder on winning that Wally. Everything played out perfectly for me, then in Pomona, I lost in the fourth round by one-thousandth of a second, which stopped the three-peat, but gave me a favorable points lead."

As the season comes to an end, Interlicchia is looking to jump back into the national spotlight in both NHRA and NMCA competition, and if he does, it will be with K&N Filters in the car.

"K&N air filters help both of my cars by allowing me to keep dirt out of my motor and still get maximum horsepower. K&N wrench-of oil filters do an amazing job of keeping contaminants out of the engine as well. When I have to change oil between rounds, the wrench-off design makes the job that much easier and cleaner. K&N has helped me greatly, and I really thank them for that."

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series' Steve Bucaro and His 400cc Pilot Class Buggy at Lake Elsinore

Sep 13, 2012

Steve Bucaro became a fully sponsored driver this year, joining Kenny Osborne's Black Rhino team, a move that is paying huge dividends.

It can be argued that no nickname fits a person better than Steve 'Wheels' Bucaro. A double meaning, Wheels earned the nickname for both the right and the wrong reasons. A paraplegic as a result of a motorcycle accident, Bucaro now relies on a pair of wheels to perform everyday activities, but when it's time to prove to people that his disability is just a minor inconvenience, Bucaro turns a set of wheels with a little bit of horsepower.

This season Steve Bucaro is running in the Pilot class for the regional Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

"For me, driving is the ultimate freedom from being in a wheelchair," Bucaro said. "And then you get in a racecar and have people chasing you as well as yourself trying to chase down someone else is great."

Bucaro has looked into all forms of racing, but he found a passion in off-road racing. This season Bucaro is running in the Pilot class for the regional Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. Because the Pilot program is still growing, the division runs with the SR1 Rhino class, and Bucaro loves every minute of it.

"I am pretty darn quick for a twenty two year old, 400cc buggy. I have an absolute blast every time I strap in, and my results are proof of my passion for racing. With the exception of one (did not finish), all the other races have resulted in first place."

Bucaro became a fully sponsored driver this year, joining Kenny Osborne's Black Rhino team, a move that is paying huge dividends not only now, but also hopefully down the road as well.

Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series' Steve Bucaro and his 400cc buggy

"To be able to pit under a tent and with such a great company and group of people is flat-out awesome. Being the only paralyzed driver in our series and having someone recognize your passion and drive is the best feeling in the world, so to that I owe a 'thank you' to Kenny and everyone at Black Rhino.

"My goal is to be in a SR 1 Rhino next season and just keep moving up from there, hopefully into Super Lite and Pro Lite trucks."

While Bucaro has enjoyed jumping back onto a specially modified motorcycle, he says nothing fills his need for speed like off-road racing.

"I think the rush and easy accessibility, plus getting a little dirty makes off-road racing the most fun and best choice. I have drifted, still ride street bikes and drive every chance I get, but nothing takes the cake like one of my races. Pushing yourself for a faster time and smoother line is something that can't be matched. Plus, you get out and roll away in the wheelchair and people like at you saying 'what?' I think that's funny."

Wheels is looking forward to the season finale coming up in Las Vegas, where the California series will run a combined event with vehicles from Utah and Arizona as well. Bucaro thinks the event is "going to be explosive."

Bucaro also wanted to thank K&N for their support of his racing career.

"K&N is the only oil and air filter I have or ever will use. Proven performance, more horsepower and a family-like company, what else could you want? Everyone at K&N is great and my loyalty will always lie with them. I'm looking to get that second championship this season thanks to them."

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Ray Cook Finishes Top 5 at Smokey Mountain Speedway in Ultimate Super Late Model Series

Sep 11, 2012

After a rocky ride during mid-season, Ray Cook is back on track and looking forward to the remainder of the season

Ray Cook and team D&R Motorsports, recently rolled into Maryville, Tennessee, eager to race in the Late Model class at the Smokey Mountain Speedway. Four-thousand dollars awaited the winner of the Ultimate Super Late Model Series event. Cook and his team were confident they had a good chance to walk away with another victory under their belts. To this point, the season had been somewhat of a roller coaster ride for the team, but it appeared that everything was finally starting to pan out.

"We started the season out really well," recalled Cook. "In fact, we had the best start that I have probably ever had. And then about the middle of March, we had some engine troubles and pretty much struggled through April and May, because we didn't have a good engine package back. During those couple of months, we really weren't happy with our performance, because we were behind the eight-ball. We got our new engine back in July," he continued, "and it really turned our program back around to where it was at the beginning of the season. We had some setbacks, but now we have it back on track and hope to end the year like we started."

Entering the race with confidence on his side, Ray Cook qualified fourth quickest and in turn, earned an outside spot on the second row for the forty-lap main event. At the waving of the green flag, the Brasstown, North Carolina native embarked upon a hard-fought battle remaining in the top five of the field. At the waving of the checkered flag, Ray Cook crossed the finish line in the fourth position, just missing a spot on the podium behind Vic Hill, Tommy Kerr and Billy Ogle Jr.

"We race at Smokey Mountain Speedway about four or five times a year," recalled the driver. "It's a nice facility; a great family oriented race track. We had been there a couple of times this season. We had finished second and third and it seemed like the engine was our problem. We knew we had a good chance of winning, because we had all of the pieces that had been missing before." When asked the importance of setting an impressive qualifying time at this event, Cook continued, "Qualifying is very important. That determines where you start. The better you start, the less you have to pass."

Ray Cook, and team D&R Motorsports recently finished in the top five at the Smokey Mountain Speedway, in Maryville, Tennessee

Although success depends a great deal upon Ray Cooks driving skills, he is also aware that his team is of utmost importance. "They're very important. Believe it or not, when the night goes well, they don't have to do as much," he explained. "The nights when everything goes wrong are when they're really important. That's when we really need them. They do a lot or work at the shop before we get to the races. When you unload and are prepared, that's as good as it gets."

Referring to keeping his car on tip-top condition, the driver continued, "Maintenance is one of the most important things you do, because if you don't do it, you don't get to finish. I go back to the old saying, "In order to finish first, you must first finish", he replied.

With that in mind, Ray Cook and his crew are strong advocates of taking proper care of their engines. They have an acute understanding of the importance of keeping the internal components of their motor free of any foreign debris. To ensure their filtering needs are met, they depend upon K&N products. In fact, the driver uses K&N oil and air filters, along with pre-filters, valve cover breathers, and K&N cleaning oil and lubricants.

Referring to K&N products stability and quality Cook said, "They've been around a long time. When you take one of their products out of the box, you don't have to worry about it. You know for sure that you're getting first quality products, and that's very important. I've been using K&N products since 1996."

When asked what he enjoys most about racing, Ray Cook said, "It's the competitiveness of it. It started out as a hobby, and it eventually turned into my job. I feel fortunate that I don't dread getting up and going to work every day. I enjoy being around good people and loving what you do."

When asked, what fans can expect from him and his crew throughout the remainder of the season, Ray Cook said, "Hopefully to have more wins, and if we can't win, to stay on the top five. We've got a new engine, and our car is in good shape, so hopefully, we can end the season on a good note."

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.