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K&N Filters Goes Racing With Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage General Manager Bernard Juchli

This vintage 1963 Jaguar XKE Coupe took Big Dog Garage general manger Bernard Juchli to four club championships.
This vintage 1963 Jaguar XKE Coupe took Big Dog Garage general manger Bernard Juchli to four club championships.
There's something to be said about the company one keeps. When it comes to the delicate operations of "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno's fabled Big Dog Garage, there were few more qualified than Bernard Juchli.

Launching his lifelong love for speed in Switzerland as a downhill racer, Juchli recounted, "When my parents moved me to Santa Cruz, California at 15 years old, I got introduced to car racing by my high school auto shop teacher, Richard Stump. We built a Formula V racecar. I eventually got to drive it and was hooked for life.
Vintage 1976 Chevron B34 Formula Atlantic car driven by Big Dog Garage general manger Bernard Juchli in open-wheel FA Class.
Vintage 1976 Chevron B34 Formula Atlantic car driven by Big Dog Garage general manger Bernard Juchli in open-wheel FA Class.


From there, Juchli started racing the Formula V with SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and then progressed to Formula Ford. Later on, he started racing for AFM in northern California where he raced a 250 GP bike as well as a vintage Honda 400-4.

"In 1984," Juchli explained, "I started racing a 1963 Jaguar XKE Coupe with the Vintage Auto Racing Association. I was very successful with that car and won four club championships. In 1998, I sold the Jag in favor of a Chevron Formula Atlantic car. I am currently racing that car with SVRA [Sportscar Vintage Racing Association] on the West Coast."

When asked whether he preferred the confines of a racecar to a motorcycle, he beamed, "I still race the motorcycles with AHRMA [American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association], but in addition to the two bikes, I got involved in sidecar racing. I now have a fairly modern F1 Sidecar that I race with SRA-West [Sidecar Racers Association]."
Big Dog Garage general manger Bernard Juchli raced his 1963 Jaguar XKE Coupe with the Vintage Auto Racing Association
Big Dog Garage general manger Bernard Juchli raced his 1963 Jaguar XKE Coupe with the Vintage Auto Racing Association
Modern F1 Sidecar driven by Big Dog Garage general manger Bernard Juchli with the Sidecar Racers Association West (SRA-West)
Modern F1 Sidecar driven by Big Dog Garage general manger Bernard Juchli with the Sidecar Racers Association West (SRA-West)


Juchli's experience both behind the wheel and under the hood made him the prime candidate to oversee the operations of Leno's garage. Assigned with keeping Leno's collection in top running condition, Juchli explained, " When I started working for Jay Leno, I again called on K&N to supply us with some filters for some of the most unusual applications.

"I first became aware of K&N when I needed a special air filter for my Jaguar race car and they were able to supply three filters that I could incorporate into the cold air box. It was a beautiful thing.

"I like the design of the filters. The low restriction to the airflow, the ability to clean and reuse the filter and the many universal filters they have available. I know there are many vehicle specific applications but in our case, with all our "unusual" cars the universal filters seem to be a very good fit."

Bell Family Racing's Amber Bell Finishes Runner-Up in Junior Dragster Racing at Maple Grove Raceway

Amber Bell qualified for the Eastern Conference Finals at Bristol Dragway
Amber Bell qualified for the Eastern Conference Finals at Bristol Dragway
Drag racing has also been the way to go for Rick Bell and his family. Instead of heading to a ballgame or taking in a movie, the family packs up and heads to the track to compete in sportsman competitions all over the Northeast.

What makes this so unique, so different from other racing families? Rick's three daughters, Amber, Heather and Allison do the majority of the driving. This year, the focus has been primarily on Amber, the youngest of the three, and her move up into a quicker junior dragster class.
Bell Family Racing looks forward to more Junior Dragster Challenge racing in the fall.
Bell Family Racing looks forward to more Junior Dragster Challenge racing in the fall.
"This year has been such a great learning experience for Amber," Rick said, referring to her move to the 8.90 index class. "She qualified for the Eastern Conference Finals [at Bristol Dragway] in July in Bristol, Tennessee. Even though she went out in the first round of the national race, she went five rounds during the fun race for her age group."

Amber took an even bigger leap forward recently, finishing runner-up in her age group at the Junior Dragster Challenge at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pensilvaania. Bell called it a "great day," and added that he thought it was the best moment of the season for him, both as a father and a team owner.

But Amber wasn't the only one having fun this summer. "Heather and Allison were both home this summer too, and were able to get some seat time in our new 1968 Pro Street Chevrolet Camaro," Bell said. Rick even jumped back behind the wheel in the new hot rod, and immediately found success. "I brought home a trophy the first time back in the driver's seat when I finished runner-up in my class," Bell said. But still, don't look for the patriarch of the family to consider making a full-time jump back behind the wheel. "The racing will always be for the girls," Bell said. The family is looking forward to several more Junior Dragster Challenge races during the fall, leading them up to Thanksgiving and a winter break.
Amber Bell finished runner-up in her age group at the Junior Dragster Challenge at Maple Grove Raceway
Amber Bell finished runner-up in her age group at the Junior Dragster Challenge at Maple Grove Raceway


Through all the years of watching his three daughters power down drag strips across the country, Bell said he's only been nervous once. "The only time I was ever worried was when Heather licensed in the front engine dragster," Bell said. "It wasn't that I didn't think she couldn't handle it, it was just that it was a big change watching her go from an 85 mile-per-hour junior dragster to a 165 mile-per-hour front engine dragster."

All went well, squashing any concerns Bell had. He's just happy his daughters fell in love with the same sport he did. "The girls have always enjoyed being competitive with the boys," Bell said. "In school, when people find out they drag race, most boys don't believe them. It's nice to know that my girls are just as competitive and able drivers as any man at the track."

For years, K&N Filters has been a big reason for the success of Bell Family Racing. "We have been using K&N products since 2003. We know we can trust their oil and air filters to protect our most important racing asset other than our drivers, our motors," Bell said.

Sprint Car Driver Tiffany Wyzard Anticipates Success Throughout the 2013 Racing Season

Tiffany Wyzard is anticipating success throughout the remainder of the 2013 season.
Tiffany Wyzard is anticipating success throughout the remainder of the 2013 season.
As a child, Tiffany Wizard's father had aspirations of racing but was never allotted the opportunity to fulfill his dream. However, when his young daughter showed an interest in the sport, things were a little different. In fact, curiosity got the best of Tiffany and her father when she was just eight.
Tiffany Wyzard is very appreciative of her team, understanding that she couldn't race without them.
Tiffany Wyzard is very appreciative of her team, understanding that she couldn't race without them.


Stopping in at a kart shop, they were instantly hooked. He purchased a kart for his daughter, and it's all been about the fast paced sport of racing ever since.

At the age of 12, Tiffany was eager and ready to try her hand at racing something with a little more umph. That in mind, her father gladly invested in a 600 c.c. quarter midget. With a burning passion for speed and stiff competition, the driver manned her first winged sprint car at 18. Now 26-years-old, Wyzard is still engulfed in the sport, and has no intentions of doing anything other than continuing her quest to become a household name in sprint car racing.

When asked about her passion for the sport, Wyzard, explained, "I've been racing for 18 years. It's a huge rush, plus I'm a very competitive person. So there's not a better feeling. I currently run in the MOWA series."
Tiffany Wyzard has aspirations of running in the World of Outlaws series in the future.
Tiffany Wyzard has aspirations of running in the World of Outlaws series in the future.


Racing in the 410 sprint class, the driver has learned from experience that there are simply seasons that are plagued with problems. That being said, Tiffany Wyzard is currently in the process of trying to overcome such a scenario.

I've only run two races this season," She explained. "We've had motor issues we're trying to work out. We plan on running at east ten more races before the season is over. Normally, we run about 26 to 30 races per season.
Although mechanical issues have plagued Tiffany Wyzard's progress as a driver during the beginning of the 2013 season, she has a bright outlook about her future as a sprint car driver.
Although mechanical issues have plagued Tiffany Wyzard's progress as a driver during the beginning of the 2013 season, she has a bright outlook about her future as a sprint car driver.


I'm assuming I'm not doing so well in the points right now," she continued. "I've only run one MOWA event. It has really been a year of ‘if something is going to go wrong, its going to happen to us'. All drivers have those years," she ensured. "We will bounce back next year; Staying Positive!"

Although plagued with Murphy's Law thus far in the 2013 season, Tiffany Wyzard and her team are still hopeful and looking forward to their upcoming races. "A race I'm looking forward to is Burlington, Iowa," said Wyzard. "It's the 6th and 7th of September. It's always been one of my favorite tracks, and I haven't raced in a few weeks because of engine problems. So it's always exciting to jump back in."

After taking off last year and not too much driving time this season, Wyzard is looking forward to regaining the comfort and confidence that comes with logging time behind the wheel. That being said, she feels the most effective means of reaching this goal, short-term, is frequenting local tracks where she is accustomed to racing.

However, her long-term plans differ a great deal. "Next year, I would like to have a bruiser schedule and try to run about 40 races, including a few Outlaws shows," stated the driver. "I would like to run the Outlaw Nationals in the next couple of years. Eventually I would like to race full time with the Outlaws."

With aspirations of pursuing her racing career, Tiffany Wyzard has put much thought into the elements of being a winner . "Staying focused and motivated," replied the driver when asked the keys to success. "Being consistent! Sponsors are a huge part of racing, so keeping your end of the deal - making sure they are getting exposure and you are promoting their product!"

The driver is also aware of the importance of her team. "Your team is what makes it happen," she ensured. "You can't do it alone. I can't thank them enough for what they do. My dad especially; he's taught me a lot throughout the years. He's always there, no matter what. We build cars and engines together. It's really awesome that I can do that with him."

Experience has also taught Tiffany Wyzard that no aspect of the sport is more important than keeping one's car in optimal running condition. "Maintenance is very important," Wyzard said. "Race cars work better when maintained. My car doesn't hit the track unless all maintenance is complete. It also makes it more safe when you locate issues before they become problems."

In reference to keeping the internal components of her engine contaminant free, she continued, "I run K&N crankcase breathers and sprint air boxes. I also use the K&N filter oil and cleaner. I've been using their product since I've been in sprint cars.

"I love their product. Great Quality," she continued. "Their air boxes do a great job of keeping the dirt out of our engines, which is very important."

With all of her ducks back in a row and a positive attitude, Tiffany Wyzard is anticipating good things to come. When asked what fans can expect from her in the future, Wyzard concluded, "They can expect to see me in the sprint car for the rest of the season, and also a couple of Silver Crown races which will be posted on my web site. I'm very excited to see what the remainder of the season has in store for us."

IJSBA Champ Rob Flores Earns National Pro Stock Ski & Pro Ski GP Titles in Watercross National Tour

Rob Flores earned national titles in both Pro Stock Ski and Pro Ski GP classes in the Hydro-Turf UWP-IJSBA Watercross National Tour.
Rob Flores earned national titles in both Pro Stock Ski and Pro Ski GP classes in the Hydro-Turf UWP-IJSBA Watercross National Tour.
Sometimes, nice guys finish first. Multiple International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Champion Rob Flores is enjoying quite the 2013 season. Only a few weeks ago, did Flores rise to the top and bring home the gold, earning the National titles in both Pro Stock Ski and Pro Ski GP classes in the Hydro-Turf UWP-IJSBA Watercross National Tour. While the win could be racked up to plenty of hard work and training, we'd like to think it's got quite a bit to do with karma.
Multiple International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Champion Rob Flores races a Raceskis.com-built Stock class Kawasaki SX-R.
Multiple International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Champion Rob Flores races a Raceskis.com-built Stock class Kawasaki SX-R.


Months earlier, Flores reached out to fellow racer in need, 17-year-old Women's Ski Limited class competitor Anna Glennon who risked losing her shot at the National title if she didn't participate in the mid-season Sparks, Nevada, US Open of Watercross. Flores, who along with the rest of the K&N Filters-supported Optima Racing team, was already scheduled to be present, offered Glennon the use of his Raceskis.com-built Stock class Kawasaki SX-R.
Rob Flores and his Stock class Kawasaki SX-R has had much success in the 2013 season.
Rob Flores and his Stock class Kawasaki SX-R has had much success in the 2013 season.


Coached by Flores and team manager Mike Bartolomeo, Glennon rode Flores' 800cc-powered ski to a third place podium finish, and eventually came home with the National title in her class for the year as well. At the event, Glennon said, "Thank you Rob, for being generous enough to let me take your ski out for the most exciting three motos of my career. This weekend was a weekend I won't forget, that's for sure."

This is not the first time for the veteran racer to extend a helping hand to a young racer, and certainly won't be the last. Glennon's younger sister, Jessie, is already taken up the sport competing in the Junior 12-13 Ski class. Flores, whose unmistakable laugh and laser-like focus on the closed course has earned him an equal portion of respect and friends on and off the water; and his willingness to give to the new generation ensures many more friends in the future.
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Related K&N News Articles about International Jet Sports Boating Association: Jeremy Parr Goes Astronomical During 2012 International Jet Sports Boating Association National Championships Final Performance; K&N's Jeremy Parr 2011 International Jet Sports Boating Association Freestyle National Champion; Pro Freestyle Rider Jeremy Parr Leads International Jet Sports Boating Association National Tour
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Northeast Dirt Modified and Street Stock Racer Russ Morseman Continues to Improve Skills

Russ Morseman received 2nd Rookie of The Year honor in 2012 in his Northeast Dirt Modified racecar at Woodhull Raceway.
Russ Morseman received 2nd Rookie of The Year honor in 2012 in his Northeast Dirt Modified racecar at Woodhull Raceway.
As a kid, Russ Morseman was first introduced to the world of racing like so many, through his father. Tasked with doing all the maintenance and the setup week in and week out, young Russ eventually got into go-kart racing at 16 years of age.

For four years, Russ continued racing go-karts until graduating college and building his first Street Stock racecar in 2006. "It was a lot of fun," Russ recounted. "I enjoyed building it as my dad helped me all the way."
Northeast Dirt Modified racer Russ Morseman has dominated 14 heat races to date and is currently 4th in points.
Northeast Dirt Modified racer Russ Morseman has dominated 14 heat races to date and is currently 4th in points.


Choosing to go pro proved difficult. In his first two seasons, Russ was plagued with engine troubles, blowing four engines in five weeks. Doubling his efforts on his engine program, Russ won eight heats that following year, finishing 5th in points.

Undaunted, Russ reached out to K&N Filters in 2007, earning a sponsorship and went on to win five features and five heats, collecting the track championship. The next year, Russ continued his momentum, winning 14 heats and four features as well as the track championship.

By 2011, Russ stepped up to a Northeast Dirt Modified car and switched tracks, running at the Blackrock Speedway his rookie year. It was there, behind the wheel of his new Modified that Russ earned Rookie of The Year and won his first feature in only his second race out in it.

Picking up two feature wins that year and ending up 7th in points, Russ went back to Woodhull Raceway (where he had won the Street Stock championship at Woodhull Raceway in 2009 and 2010) and fetched another Rookie of The Year honor in 2012. Currently, Russ is running a Bicknell chassis and has dominated 14 heat races to date, and is currently 4th in points.

When asked why he ran K&N Filters, Russ explained, "In addition to filters, I also run K&N's valve cover breathers, crankcase breathers, pre-chargers, foam pre-filters, oil filters, fuel filters, flow control assemblies, cleaners and there grease. K&N Filters are hands down the best filter on the market. It is very reassuring to know when you put one on you're putting on the best available filter. I have never had a part failure due to one of their filters and have never had any issues with any of their products. I will never run another brand of filter or air filter, and I have K&N filters and intakes on all the cars I own."
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Related K&N News Articles about Russ Morseman and Dirt Modified Racing: Second Straight Street Stock Track Championship Win for Russ Morseman; Woodhull Raceway Street Stock Track Champion Russ Morseman Gains Victory; K&N's Russ Morseman Claims First Ever Sportsman Win at Black Rock Speedway; Open-Wheeled Dirt Modified Racing's Blake Terry Shoots for Big National Races
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