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Jessica Clark's race savvy grew exponentially during 2013
The first time we posted a story about Jessica Clark back in 2009 she had already inked five years of go-kart experience on her race resume. Back then the sixteen-year-old was just starting to stir things up on the southern California Jr. Midgets racing circuit. In her first full season of Jr. Midgets she was awarded the "Most Improved Driver" and finished second in the points standing. There were a number of things that were immediately evident about Clark, she's real smart (carried a 4.0 GPA in high school), she's a self-motivated hard worker, and she possesses innate racing instincts, that combined with her dynamic drive, will serve her well on the journey to the top-tier of the motorsports world.
Last season marked Clark's successful rookie year running in the Lucas Oil Modified Racing Series, where she took yet another big step on route to meeting her goals. We spoke with Clark and her dad, Rich, who she says "Devoted countless hours to educating himself on every aspect of the car."
Looking back on the year what are some of the significant highlights that stand out, moments that brought the most satisfaction, produced disappointments, or you simply didn't seeing coming?
"Some highlights from the 2013 racing season in the Lucas Oil Modified would include my 4th place qualifying at Irwindale Speedway, followed by my 3rd place qualifying at the I-10 Speedway in Blythe. It was great to prove to myself and everyone else that I can hang in the top-5 and have success. Finishing 6th at Blythe in the main event was good as well, but not satisfactory, because I race for the win."
Rich Clark, Jessica's dad, cites "tire management" as the most important lesson from last season
"As far as disappointments go, I was frustrated at the fact that I got taken out on lap four of our biggest race of the year at my favorite track (The Las Vegas Bullring), but I understand that that is a part of racing. My friend said to me ‘Sometimes you're the bug, and sometimes you're the windshield, that's racing.'"
Let's give your dad a plug for his monumental efforts this season. Rich, what are some important lessons you learned about the Modified Series that you'll apply in 2014?)
"One of the biggest lessons I learned is tire management. The series uses a Hoosier 700, which is an 8-inch grooved tire, and it is quite hard in its rubber compound. The tire cannot be purchased outside of the series, and can only be bought at the track on Friday night practice or on race day. Because of this, getting the right tires in terms of chalk line, and bringing them into the right stagger combination for race day, can be quite tricky."
Jessica's focus and determination will surly push her forward towards her goals in 2014
"Although the tire is very durable, and can run for hundreds of laps, it falls off quickly under the massive horsepower generated by the modified. We learned that the tire is good up to approximately 150 laps in terms of elapsed time, but it is best from 10 to 25 laps. So the year of recording a great amount of tire data in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet will provide a great information source going into 2014. The data has provided tendencies that will be used for tire management on all the tracks we visit in 2014."
I'll ask you the same thing Jessica, what are some critical lessons you learned about yourself and racing in this series?
"Racing in this series is forcing me to amp up my game. I know I can have success in this series, it is going to take a lot of mental training and a winner's attitude to pull it off, and I have already started preparing myself for the 2014 season. Luckily I have a crew, family, and great supporters who are helping me on the path to achieving my dream."
Of course I want to thank our sponsors, Pit Image, K&N Filters, Third Point Productions, and Race4Girls, for all of their support. I must also thank Greg Sheidecker and Bill Rozhon for their dedication to running the Lucas Oil Modified Series. I am so grateful to be able to race with such a competitive group of individuals."
What are some of your race goals for 2014 and when and where does the season start for you?
"Our season starts on March 1st at Havasu 95 Speedway. My goals for the upcoming season are to qualify at the top of the leader board and win races. The competition is stiff, but I am certain that I have the talent, drive, and equipment to win a feature show in the Lucas Oil Modified Series."
Carl Renezeder headed at Sun River Resort in Newry, Maine for the Red Bull Frozen Rush
The Red Bull Frozen Rush, with a "Polar Vortex" twist, is not a slushy cocktail concoction mixed with the well-known energy drink and sipped through a straw. Although it's reasonable to assume that it's being invented as you read this. It is in fact the racing brainchild of Red Bull, who somehow convinced the folks at Sunday River Resort in Newry, Maine, into letting them convert one of their ski runs into an off-road short course, complete with jumps.
With eight of the world's best Pro-4 drivers in the inaugural race, competing in 900-horsepower carbureted and naturally aspirated V-8s, the pieces were in place for some insanely entertaining, albeit unchartered racing. And just to dial the crazy-meter up another notch, one additional unforeseen ingredient got tossed into the mix, the devastatingly frigid Polar Vortex, which descended onto the eastern states only a week before the event and created a number of delays.
Carl Renezeder blow torching his feet to warm them up
"The polar vortex ended up not really being a big factor in the overall race," said Lucas Oil Off Road legend, Carl Renezeder, "Unless you include the fact that it really interrupted our travel, and we had a limited time for practice.
"I thought it would be fun to see the capabilities of my Pro-4 in a different environment, and to compete with other Pro-4 drivers to test my skills," continued Renezeder about why he started his 2014 racing season early. Thursday's qualifying saw Renezeder place third in this new, skill-testing environment, after his single day of practice on Wednesday.
On race day Friday, K&N's Renezeder and Ricky Johnson squared-off on the slippery slopes of the Sunday River Ski resort. Throughout lap one Renezeder and Johnson battled it out, but on lap two, as Renezeder was picking up speed over some hard, slick ice, he over-rotated and got stuck on the K-rail. Johnson went on to win that round and ultimately the race. Disappointed in his run, Renezeder magnanimously stated "I had a great time, lots of fun tackling a new terrain and learning how drive in icy conditions. I only wish I could have had more track time in the snow."
According to the drivers the conditions weren't all that different from racing in the desert. In fact, they said, the studded tires gave them more grip and that their overall traction in the snow was actually more consistent than on dirt. "Driving in the snow was surprisingly similar to driving in sand," confirmed Renezeder. "It did allow me to drive a little more aggressively, and I think this experience will certainly help me if I have to race in the snow or sand again. I'm already looking forward to next year's event. I wonder where they'll have the next Frozen Rush?"
If the Polar Vortex prevented you from making it out to rural Maine to witness the event in person, you can still catch the Frozen Rush in the comfort of your home. Red Bull will air the race as part of the Red Bull Signature Series on NBC on Super Bowl Sunday, February 2, at 3 pm Eastern.
2013 marked the fifth consecutive (BITD) Class 8000 Championship for Macrae Glass
We all have our process for observing the passing of one year and welcoming the next, for Kingman, Arizona chiropractor, Dr. Macrae Glass that celebration includes the Henderson 250 and collecting championships. Five, Best in the Desert's (BITD) Class 8000 titles in a row to be specific, and seven total to date.
"Henderson marked my 30th career win," Glass declared, "And all with K&N Filters."
The Henderson 250 was the last stop of the 2013 BITD series, and this year for the K&N supported KC Hilites/Glass Chiropractic Racing Team, the pressure was off. The race started in Jean, Nevada, some 25 miles south of Las Vegas and covered 240 miles of brutal topography. The last race of the year is generally considered the Finals, since the points leading racers usually show up with a chance to win the championship, but this year Glass already had it locked up.
"We sure had a great time at the last race of the year. In essence, we wrapped up the season championship at the second to last race of the year with the win at Parker," Glass explains. Our combination of 1st and 2nd place finishes at 4 of 5 events this season gave us a comfortable lead, and per the rules, we only had to take the green in order to seal the deal. So we were able to go out, have some fun, and just cruise around. Also, that gave my son a shot at navigating."
Winning the 2013 Henderson 250 provided Macrea Glass with his 30th career victory
With the pressure off dad, he invited his oldest son, Robby, to climb in to the navigator spot and log some valuable seat time for the 2014 season. "He had ridden 100 miles at V-R," said dad, "But never the whole race. We cruised off the start line and set a comfortable pace to save the parts and have some fun. We stopped each lap to fuel and even helped right a rolled trophy truck on the way to the finish. He did great, and only at the finish did he say, ‘man, I'm frozen!'"
"This round was one of the coldest I've raced in," said Glass. "The entire southwest was in a cold snap, with rain, sleet, and light snow falling when it wasn't blowing like mad. Each championship is a little tougher than the last, it seems, so as a team, we were stoked to bag another. Really cool to get the kids involved too!"
Robby is 16 and the plan is to have him in the truck at least half the races this year. "It takes a while to groom navigators and his training is well under way, Glass says. "He'll also be joined by my youngest son, Walker. Robby is a basketball player all the way, but he enjoys the truck stuff almost as much. Walker, on the other hand, is a total motor-head. They are an interesting brother combo, and together I think we have a great mix going forward. And, they are named after two rowdy racers that caught my eye when I was a 17-year-old off-road racing spectator - Robby Gordon and Walker Evans."
"This wraps up five years in our new truck, and five consecutive class 8000 championships. Thanks to my wife, children, and the crew for their commitment and tireless work - it's paid off once again!"
"Wow! It's been quite a ride, and we'll be back at it when the 2014 season kicks off at the Parker 425 in early February."
Related K&N News Articles about Best In The Desert racing:Dr. Macrae Glass Grabs Class 8 Win at Best in the Desert's Silver State 300;
Best In The Desert Quad Pro Champion Danny Prather;
Macrae Glass Best in the Desert Again - With 2010 Class 8000 Championship;
Kingman, Arizona Chiropractor & Desert Truck Racer, Macrea Glass Gets Win at Best In The Desert Parker 425
Trenton, NJ - K&N Filters has made the leap all the way to the "land down under" in their global expansion efforts, sponsoring Matt Forbes, Australian National Drag Racing Association racer, and shipping Tommy Phillips’ Corvette down to Australia.
Tommy Phillips, another K&N-sponsored racer and Super Gas standout, has been an encouragement and inspiration to Matt. Having been in contact for 18 months, Matt discussed with Tommy his need for an update from his current Davis roadster and was able to make arrangements to purchase Tommy’s more powerful Corvette roadster.
Matt Forbes was crowned Australian Super Gas Champion for 2013
"By having this car on race tracks, car shows, trade fairs and more in Australia means a huge deal to K&N as a company," said Matt. "Their expansion into Australia has been extremely successful, and the Management should be applauded for their global vision."
Wrapping up the 2013 season over in Ballarat, Australia, Matt was busy racing and winning at Australia’s oldest and most prestigious drag racing event. After having reached second place in the nationals twice before, he was crowned Australian Super Gas Champion for 2013.
Local news article about the amazing win for Matt Forbes
Two years ago Matt visited the United States and through racing connections made contact with K&N Vice President Steve Williams to discuss K&N products. Matt has been a K&N-sponsored racer ever since.
"K&N has a real edge in identifying racers with a passion for what they do, racers with integrity and racers who have a voice," said Matt. "I feel very privileged to be part of the
K&N team and hope to represent them well into the future, assisting the company with their global growth objectives."
Before teaming with K&N, Matt has used K&N filters on his racing cars, trucks and everyday cars for years. He reports always being very satisfied with the quality, product development and customer service.
"From oil and air filters on the race cars and trucks, we benefit from knowing that we have the very best filtration products available," said Matt. "From improved performance, quality construction and performance, K&N is second to none."
Pat Gerber and his Shocker monster truck team spent the holidays giving back to their smallest fans.
The Shocker team visited the city of Corona in Southern California and joined the Cops For Kids Christmas event for underprivileged children and families.
The Shocker Monster Truck
The team members helped pass out toys and presents to the families. They also signed autographs and took pictures for the children. More than 1,000 families participated in the event.
"It was a no-brainer. We wanted to be able to provide that excitement," said Gerber, the driver and owner of the Shocker monster truck team. "The kids all day were taking pictures by the truck. Everybody got a real, up close feel for the monster truck."
Pat Gerber signing autographs for the kids
The Shocker team traveled through Corona with a police escort. They arrived at Sheridan Park and distributed presents with the police officers.
"They never had a monster truck at this event," said Lee Watkins, the team manager. "Being at this event, it's designed around kids and making it a memorable experience for them. It was just a perfect fit."
Passing out toys to underprivileged was only one of the ways the Shocker team kept busy over the holidays. The team is putting together a new engine for the truck and added some new sponsors for the 2014 season.
"We have a brand new paint scheme we're running in 2014. We're building a new motor in 2014," Watkins said. "Our current engine is a 523. Our new one will be a 540. That will obviously give us more horsepower and makes us even more competitive."
The kids were able to up close and personal with the Shocker Monster truck
K&N has been a supporter of the Shocker team for years. Lucas Oil is returning as well. MAV TV and Protect the Harvest are new to the team in 2014.
"It means a lot to have the right people behind you," Gerber said. "Our truck always looks clean and special. We here to keep promoting not only Shocker, but the brands that are associated with it."
The Shocker Monster truck team helped pass out gifts and sign autographs
The team will be competing in events throughout California to start the 2014 season. The Shocker team will be in Anaheim and Oakland in February. The team will compete in Las Vegas in March and Fresno in April.
"We compete with the big names in the industry like the Gravediggers of the world, the Bounty Hunters," Watkins said. "We're right there. This last year, we won some of the events. We're definitely going to be a contender every event that we go."
The 2014 event schedule for the Shocker Monster truck
In addition to competing, the Shocker team travels to other auto racing venues, the Grand Prix of Long Beach and Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, for promotional purposes. Gerber said K&N has been a great supporter of his team's efforts.
"We're partnered with K&N for the last several years," Gerber said. "It's been really good. It's hard to dispute why you would want to change something when it's working well for you. I wouldn't want to change."
Related K&N News Articles about Monster Trucks and the Fontana Speedway:
The Shocker Monster Truck Makes a Shocking Appearance at the 2012 SEMA Show;
Matt Kenseth is 2 for 2 in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 500 at Daytona and the Speedway at Fontana;
Joe Sylvester with His Bad Habit Monster Truck Breaks the World Record Jump
