Teen Makes Junior Rotax Debut at Moran Raceway

Moran Raceway in Beaumont, California is North America’s largest kart track. It is very fast with 17 turns, 23 feet in elevation changes and an 860 foot downhill front straightaway. In the Gatorz Karting Cup season opener ninety-eight entrants signed up, the most in series history.

Jacob Pearlman, 14, made his Junior Rotax debut in the Gatorz Karting Cup. Gatorz is the largest regional series of the Champ Car Rotax Kart Challenge Series.
Jacob Pearlman on the grid of the heat race at Moran Raceway Jacob Pearlman on the grid of the heat race at Moran Raceway
“The field was packed with high caliber racers,” said Jacob’s father Richard Pearlman. “The Canadian National Rotax Champ was there, along with at least one state champion, several local club champs, IKF race winners and several front runners from the IRL Stars of Karting National Series.”

Jacob Pearlman on front straight at Moran RacewayJacob Pearlman on front straight at Moran Raceway
For most of the day Jacob ran with the leaders. “Our goal was a top 5 finish and Jacob earned 5th in the 20 minute qualifying session,” said Pearlman. “After the 13 lap heat race was over, he was sixth for the start of the main and in a great position to contend for a top finish.”

Jacob had an excellent start and was running in the lead pack for the first 4 laps of the race. Another competitor attempted to pass and ran into Jacob’s No. 125 DPK Birel. “Both Jacob and his kart went into the hay bales,” said Pearlman. “My son was not hurt and the kart was okay, but the racing day was over.”

Jacob and his dad made the 160 mile round trip drive to the race from Carlsbad, California. “I was impressed with our K&N Cold Air Intake System on our GMC Yukon tow vehicle,” said Pearlman. “Towing was efficient and effortless though the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains with K&N.”

Jacob enjoyed racing with the Gatorz Rotax series. “The competition is first class and the Junior Motors are very fast and very smooth,” said Jacob. “I can’t wait for the next race at the Streets of Willow.”

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.