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Drifting’s International Ambassador Vaughn Gittin Jr. Wins World Drift Series Event in China

21. lis 2013.

The WDS fans at Luoyang New District Stadium in China showed their sincere appreciation for Vaughn Gittin Jr - Photo by Larry Chen

"I am pumped to win our second event in a row at WDS in China," remarked Vaughn Gittin Jr. after his victory in the World Drift Series event in Luoyang. His assertive, pedal-to-the-metal, big smoke assault on tracks is legendary, and it's what has made him one of the sport's most iconic worldwide figures. The World Drift Series event was held in the Luoyang New District Stadium with over 20,000 fans in attendance and it was broadcasted live on CCTV, China's major TV network.

The iconic K&N sponsored Ford Mustang RTR shares the worldwide drifting limelight with Gittin - Photo by Larry Chen

After China, the RTR Drift Team and Gittin continued in his role as international ambassador for drifting, entertaining over 200,000 spectators lined along the streets of Rotterdam, Holland. Then it was off to Loheac, France to drift on the European Rallycross track in front of over 60,000 diehard rally fans. And, next on his European tour, Gittin made his way to Lausitzring, Germany for the Gymkhana Grid, where he gave rides to multiple European media outlets and performed demos on the track to entertain the fans in between the Gymkhana battles.

The week before his international tour, Gittin and his famed K&N sponsored, Monster Energy, Nitto Tire Ford Mustang and the RTR Drift Team were at Texas Motor Speedway for Formula Drift Series round 6, where he qualified 1st and finished 5th place. Before leaving Texas, Gittin and the team headed to Fort Hood to host one of their signature "Smoke Shows", putting smiles on faces and giving rides to the troops. "The events we are doing for the military are my favorite events of the year without question," stated Gittin. We caught up with the very busy Vaughn Gittin Jr. to get his take on why drifting continues to capture the world's imagination.

What do you feel is the common thread running through drifting's worldwide popularity, and how much bigger do you expect it's going to get?

Gittin is recognized around the world for his aggressive, big smoke, driving style - Photo by Larry Chen

"Drifting is a very fast paced, fun action motorsport you can't take your eyes off of as a spectator, and it is extremely challenging and fun for drivers. It essentially is a product that sells itself because of the excitement that surrounds it. You don't have to try to make it cool. Drifting is pretty much contagious and that is why we are seeing it continue to spread and grow globally so fast year after year. While the globe offers many different languages, cultures, styles and outlooks on life - everyone is starting to speak the language of drifting, and no matter where you are, the drivers and fans passion for the sport is incredible. There is still more work to do, but as we all know, passion is one of the strongest forces in the world. I truly feel that the sky is the limit for Drifting, and we are heading in the right direction."

We've been hearing more about "clipping points," can you enlighten us with what they are and what the issue was between you and Pat Mordaunt during the top 8 in Texas?

"Clipping points are what our judges use to define our course. These are exact points, or zone's, that we must get our car within inches of, in order to be running the proper line. When chasing Pat in our top 8 battle, he made a mistake between Clipping point 1 and Clipping point 2, taking him offline. I made an adjustment to avoid hitting him which caused me to straighten. Initially the judges awarded me the win, but following a protest the judges overturned the call and gave Pat the win. I fully disagree with the decision, but I have no choice except to roll with it."

The win in Luoyang was the RTR Drift Team's second event in a row at WDS in China - Photo by Larry Chen

Would it be safe to assume you're a big star when you go race the World Drift Series in China. Also, how drift savvy are the fans and how does the competition stack up overall?

"I hate thinking of myself as a 'big star' (ha-ha). But yes, my popularity is a bit crazy for sure. The fans are learning for sure too, they love the action, and now they are starting to learn the finer details of the sport. The drivers are progressing crazy fast, the competition is not as stiff as Formula Drift all the way through the bracket, but starting in the top 8, it starts to feel like FD. The final 4 and finals always are hard core battles. They really have only been competing for a few years. I am there to help the progression, put on a good show, and to enjoy the battles with the top drivers."

You seem to be having a ball with your drifting ambassador status, realistically though how tough is it to travel about and to be away from home?

"I am no doubt living my dream, and it is a lot of work, but this is my life and I would not change it for the world. I am achieving my short term goals and doing things for the sport, and the lifestyle that I love for the long term. All the effort is a win win and it's very rewarding in that respect. I don't even count how many days I am gone, I just go and do what I do, and when I get a chance to chill on my couch with my wife and our dog, I enjoy it to the fullest! I won't be getting a break until December, and at that point I will look forward to enjoying some time home and taking a couple snowboard trips."

Related K&N News Articles about Vaughn Gittin Jr.: RTR Drift Team & Vaughn Gittin Jr. Gain Formula Drift Championship Points at Joint Base Lewis-McChord; Vaughn Gittin Jr. Takes Second in North American Professional Drifting Season Opener in Long Beach; Formula Drift Driver Matt Field Challenges Vaughn Gittin Jr. at Evergreen Speedway; Video - Vaughn Gittin Jr. Chases RC Drift Car Through K&N Factory.

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Video - 2012 and 2013 Kia Soul 2.0L Air Intake Installation - 69-5308TS

21. lis 2013.

2012 and 2013 Kia Soul 2.0L Air Intake Installation - 69-5308TS
This air intake installation video features K&N 69-5308TS performance air intake modification for 2012 and 2013 Kia Soul 2.0L. K&N's 2012 and 2013 Kia Soul 2.0L air intake system showed an estimated gain of 5 horsepower at 5664 RPM when tested on the K&N dynamometer. Discover how easy it is to install power-gaining performance on your 2012 and 2013 Kia Soul 2.0L.

K&N 69-5308TS Air Intake Installation Video for 2012 and 2013 Kia Soul 2.0L
Visit K&N's 69-5308TS Air Intake page for more information.

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Video - 2009-2016 Nissan Maxima 3.5L Air Intake Installation - 69-7002TTK

21. lis 2013.

2009-2016 Nissan Maxima 3.5L Air Intake Installation - 69-7002TTK
This air intake installation video features K&N 69-7002TTK performance air intake modification for 2009-2016 Nissan Maxima 3.5L. K&N's 2009-2016 Nissan Maxima 3.5L air intake system showed an estimated gain of 13.2 horsepower at 5249 RPM when tested on the K&N dynamometer. Discover how easy it is to install power-gaining performance on your 2009-2016 Nissan Maxima 3.5L.

K&N 69-7002TTK Air Intake Installation Video for 2009-2013 Nissan Maxima 3.5L
Visit K&N's 69-7002TTK Air Intake page for more information.

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With a Stellar Performance Comes Carl Renezeder’s Ninth Career Championship

18. lis 2013.

Carl Renezeder recently cinched his ninth career Championship while racing in Rounds 14 and 15 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing series at The Las Vega Motor Speedway

To many drivers recently competing in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, at the Las Vega Speedway, rounds 13 and 14 signified the season's end was nearing. However, Carl Renezeder went into the event with a different mindset. In fact, there was plenty at stake in his mind. He was leading in the Pro-4 points race and was sitting in third in the Pro-2. If everything went without a hitch, the driver would walk away with his ninth career Championship.

Drivers would be qualifying for rounds 13 and 14 during the opening day of the event. Renezeder finished 11th and sixth in the pro 2 class and qualified third during both runs of the Pro-4.

As spectators filled the stands, the drivers geared up for a heated battle. And a heated battle it was. When the pro-4 class was deemed underway, Carl Renezeder went to work, picking off drivers, situated between him and a win. However, his competitor, Kyle Leduc also had the checkered flag in his sights and would not give up the first place position without a fight.

Carl Renezeder earned podium spots during every race at the Las Vega Speedway, while competing in rounds 13 and 14 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Series

Carl Renezeder earned podium spots during every race at the Las Vegas Speedway, while competing in rounds 13 and 14 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Series

One could only imagine the fans were going wild as the two drivers went toe-to-toe and the remaining laps began to dwindle. Finally, with less than two to go, Car Renezeder managed to maneuver his truck around the leader of the pack. And upon taking the first place position, he never looked, back, earning the top of the podium.

Lining up in a field of 17 in the Pro-2 class, Carl Renezeder once again found himself fighting for position. This race proved brutal to many drivers, as only eight trucks manage to cross the finish line. Although the run was unforgiving, Carl Renezeder was determined to finish near the front of the pack. And Renezeder's persistence paid off with a third place performance and another trip to the podium.

Renezeder and his competitors were greeted the final night with high winds. After a one-hour delay, the roar of screaming engines, hopes and anticipation permeated the air as the Pro-2 class race was finally underway.

Starting at the pole position, Renezeder managed to hold onto the lead for several laps. However, one slight miscalculation in turn four was just enough to cause the back end of his truck to slide. Recognizing his opportunity, Ronnie Woods, shot in front of Renezeder for the lead. But a no-quit attitude once again paid off for Renezeder. He managed to regain the front position on the backstretch of the final lap, earning his second win of the season in the Pro-2.

With confidence on his side, Renezeder eagerly embarked upon the final race of the event. He had a comfortable lead in the points race, and with the series nearing its end, a good run on this particular night would likely cinch the championship.

Carl Renezeder and his team's record speaks for itself, as he has earned nine championships in 15 seasons of racing

Thus far in the event, Renezeder had managed to podium during every race. And Carl Renezeder had no intentions of blemishing his impressive run. In fact, when the waving of the checkered flag deemed the race over, Carl Renezeder crossed the finish line in second place. Not only had he earned another spot on the podium, but he had acquired the needed points to ensure he would be titled the 2013 champion.

"We had a great weekend overall," recalled Renezeder. "We were leading the Pro-4 points and were third in the Pro-2 going into the event. Honestly, we weren't thinking about securing the championship," he continued. We were just focused on winning races. It was a bonus to find out on Sunday, while on the podium, that we cinched the title. We also moved to second place in the Pro-2.

"The competition gets tighter every year," explained Renezeder. "Everyone ups their game every year, and they get stronger as each season goes along. To win this series is a huge accomplishment. All of the drivers are great. If they show up, I have to be ready to compete against them if I want to finish up front."

Having recently won his ninth career championship, Carl Renezeder has obviously proven his capabilities and skills from behind the steering wheel of his Pro-2 and Pro-4 trucks. However, he is also acutely aware that proper maintenance is an essential aspect of success. That in mind, he and his crew are strong advocates of using K&N products to keep their engines running contaminant free.

"We have been using K&N oil and air filters in all of our race trucks, haulers and team vehicles for over ten years," explained Renezeder. "K&N is the industry leader, and we're proud to be able to run their products in our equipment."

Looking back at his recent victory, Carl Renezeder said, "We knew we had to take care of the truck, because a DNF would be catastrophic in the points standing. However, If I try to protect a position rather than get into a racing rhythm and charge forward, I usually find myself in trouble. The guys gave me a great truck, and I went out and tried to win with it. That's what made us a successful season."

Related K&N News Articles about the Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Burton Racing Ends Up with a Father-Son Duel in the Finals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; Bud Kaeding Wins a Thrilling "Sin City Showdown" at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; Kyle LeDuc Experiences Success At Las Vegas Motor Speedway; Short Course Off-Road Racer Mitch Guthrie at Las Vegas Motor Speedway LOORRS Event

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Joe Sylvester with His Bad Habit Monster Truck Break World Record Jump

18. lis 2013.

Joe Sylvester Flying Through the Air as he Attempts to Break the World Record Jump

It's not every day that someone wakes up and thinks, "today, I'm going to jump a monster truck over 230 feet."

And it's not every day that one wakes up as Joe Sylvester, longtime pilot of the Bad Habit Monster Truck.

Sylvester, the 2013 Monster Jam Young Guns Shootout winner, broke a world record when he jumped his truck 237-feet, six-inches. The previous record was just over 214-feet.

Landing was a Bit More Exciting as the Truck Almost Went End Over End Again

The 10,000-pound truck broke the record at the Cornfield 500 in Pennsylvania, taking off at 85mph in order to safely travel the distance needed for the record. He was motivated by one thing.

"The same thing that motivates me every day to push my limits," Sylvester said. "The rush of adrenaline."

Joe Sylvester made a similar jump in 2010, breaking the world record. That record was broken again last year, setting the state for Bad Habit to return to the Cornfield 500 and take another shot at history.

"To be honest, there was a lot more preparation involved with the first jump in 2010," Sylvester said. "After getting the ramp angles figured out a couple years ago, we knew it was simply going to take more speed to propel the truck past the 214-foot mark.

"Using the same ramp from 2010, we just cleaned it up a bit and made several speed test runs with various sets of gears to get the truck to optimum speed."

Having Saftely Landed, Joe Sylvester Broke the Record Again with his 237-ft 6-in Jump

In the video of the jump, put together by KMC Wheels, one of Joe Sylvester's many sponsors, the truck pretty clearly gets off line at the end of the jump. That definitely wasn't planned.

"My successful jumps from a couple years ago didn't hurt, but this one did a little when I landed so hard on the front wheels," Sylvester said. "Right about when the truck started nosing over, I just saw a replay of my practice jump in 2010 going through my head, and I immediately smashed the throttle to the floor."

That replay was of one of the worst monster truck crashes in recent memory. While practicing for his first record-breaking attempt, Bad Habit nosed too far forward on landing, catching the front end and cartwheeling the truck, ripping it to pieces.

Joe Sylvester Celebrating After His Record Breaking Jump

This time, things were different. But it took a while before Sylvester knew he was out of harm's way.

"Once the front wheels hit and I throttled out of an endo and the rear wheels touched back down," he said. "That was quite a relief. Then I had to get the thing slowed down and under control with absolutely no steering because the impact sheered the bolts off of my front tie rod."

In the end, the jump was a success, and it helped Sylvester gain some more exposure for his team. Now, he has his sights set on 2014, where he will jump out of a monster truck and into a Pro Light in the TORC series.

"We are ready and excited to begin competing in this rapidly growing sport," Joe Sylvester said. "But yes, I do have plans in the back of my head to jump a monster truck again. I vowed that 300 feet is possible, and I won't stop until I reach that point."

The Bad Habit monster truck was equipped with K&N Filters when it set sail. "I run K&N Filters on everything from the air filter in my rig to the fuel and oil filters on the monster truck," Sylvester said. "They keep us performing at our best and never let us down."

Related K&N News Article about Joe Sylvester: Joe Sylvester Wins the Young Guns Shootout and a Spot in Monster Jam World Finals

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