Mazda RX-7 and Teen Driver Make Podium at First SCCA Race in California
- 27 May 2009
Carlsbad, California teen Jacob Pearlman earned a spot on the podium in his sports car racing debut with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) at Buttonwillow Raceway. Pearlman had a strong 3rd place finish.
Jacob Pearlman far right on the podium at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in California
The K&N sponsored 16-year-old is a championship kart racer. He had to wait a year to make his first car racing start. “We acquired the car last year, but Jacob was not old enough to race it,” said Richard Pearlman, Jacob’s father. “He turned 16 late last year and went to the SCCA licensing school in February.”
Jacob (left), Richard Pearlman (center) and Crew Chief Kyle Eggleton (right) with Pearlman Motor Racing Mazda RX-7
Sports car racing debut for teen Jacob Pearlman with the Sports Car Club of America
Pearlman raced in the regional Pro-7 class in his No. 25 Pearlman Motor Racing Mazda RX-7 with K&N products. Pearlman qualified solidly in the middle of the field on both Saturday and Sunday.
“Jacob faced a steep learning curve and lost several spots on the starts,” said Pearlman. “He was able to work his way back up through the field during the races and finished 4th on Saturday.”
The next day he picked up his pace and moved up to a podium finish despite a very hot and slick race track. “The air temperature was pushing 110 degrees and the track conditions deteriorated from Saturday to Sunday,” said Pearlman. “Most of the racers slowed down from the Saturday race, but Jacob was 2 seconds a lap faster over the 3.1 mile course.”
Pearlman has used K&N products for years. “K&N has been a key to Jacob’s success at the track,” said Richard Pearlman. “We never worry about the reliability of our K&N filters even under the most extreme conditions.”
“I had a blast racing the Mazda,” said Jacob Pearlman. “It is much more difficult to drive and race than a go-kart. I still need more seat time, but I am happy with my first weekend and I’m looking forward to getting back on the track. I need to work on my starts.”
Pearlman will take the month of June off from racing to participate in the North Carolina State University Motorsports Engineering Summer Program. His ultimate goal is to be an engineer or designer for a top-tier race team. Pearlman will be back behind the wheel of his Pro-7 racer in July at the Auto Club Speedway of Southern California.
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.
Jacob Pearlman far right on the podium at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in California
Jacob (left), Richard Pearlman (center) and Crew Chief Kyle Eggleton (right) with Pearlman Motor Racing Mazda RX-7
Sports car racing debut for teen Jacob Pearlman with the Sports Car Club of America
Pearlman raced in the regional Pro-7 class in his No. 25 Pearlman Motor Racing Mazda RX-7 with K&N products. Pearlman qualified solidly in the middle of the field on both Saturday and Sunday.
“Jacob faced a steep learning curve and lost several spots on the starts,” said Pearlman. “He was able to work his way back up through the field during the races and finished 4th on Saturday.”
The next day he picked up his pace and moved up to a podium finish despite a very hot and slick race track. “The air temperature was pushing 110 degrees and the track conditions deteriorated from Saturday to Sunday,” said Pearlman. “Most of the racers slowed down from the Saturday race, but Jacob was 2 seconds a lap faster over the 3.1 mile course.”
Pearlman has used K&N products for years. “K&N has been a key to Jacob’s success at the track,” said Richard Pearlman. “We never worry about the reliability of our K&N filters even under the most extreme conditions.”
“I had a blast racing the Mazda,” said Jacob Pearlman. “It is much more difficult to drive and race than a go-kart. I still need more seat time, but I am happy with my first weekend and I’m looking forward to getting back on the track. I need to work on my starts.”
Pearlman will take the month of June off from racing to participate in the North Carolina State University Motorsports Engineering Summer Program. His ultimate goal is to be an engineer or designer for a top-tier race team. Pearlman will be back behind the wheel of his Pro-7 racer in July at the Auto Club Speedway of Southern California.
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.
