Winter Rotax North American K&N Teen Driver Takes on International Kart Competitors

K&N sponsored teen Jacob Pearlman (JP) moved up from local competition to national competition in the Ekartingnews.com Winter Rotax North American Driver rankings. The Carlsbad, California resident only ran a part-time schedule this season but made an impressive early showing.

Jacob Pearlman at X-Plex kart track in Las Vegas, Nevada, photo courtesy of Sean Burr, GoRacing Magazine
Jacob Pearlman at X-Plex kart track in Las Vegas, Nevada, photo courtesy of Sean Burr, GoRacing Magazine
“Jacob has a heavy academic schedule,” said Rich Pearlman. “We also had recurring problems with our 2008 race motor. Our Dave’s Performance Karting (DPK) teammates along with our K&N Engineering products helped us in the pits on race days. Jacob and his team continue to rely on K&N for great power and easy maintenance on the track or at the shop.”

In his first two events running in the ultra-competitive Senior Classes Pearlman ran against strong fields dominated by older and more experienced national champions and front-running international competitors. Drivers attended the Las Vegas, Nevada event from the United States, Canada, along with Central and South America.

The highlight of the winter karting season for Pearlman was a 9th place finish in the Gatorz Rotax Challenge of the Americas final event at the famous X-Plex kart track in Las Vegas. “Jacob set one of the fastest times in morning warm-ups and carried his speed throughout the day,” said Pearlman. “The national rankings are a new and very challenge level of racing competition. There is still a great deal for Jacob to learn, but running with the leaders is affording him the experience he will need to win at this level.”

JP’s summer kart racing schedule will be limited to select events. “He has to focus on his sophomore final exams,” said Pearlman. “This fall Jacob will have a heavy honors course load.”

After his 16th birthday in October, JP will make his sports car racing debut with the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) at Buttonwillow Raceway in California

Follow Jacob Pearlman's  progress throughout the racing season at the K&N news site.  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.

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