K&N Employee Leaps into Victory Lane at K&N Filters Winternationals
- Mar 2, 2004
RIVERSIDE, CA (Feb. 29, 2004) -- Bob Harris Jr. of Trabuco Canyon, CA had his work cut out for him. Not only was he campaigning his beautiful orange 2000 Corvette racecar in one of the most competitive classes in all of NHRA drag racing - he was doing it at the NHRA season opener event sponsored by his employer, K&N Filters.
By day, Harris works in K&N's Research, Development and Engineering Department. During his free time Bob has been pursuing a passion for racing that spans 14 years.
With 143 entrants registered for the K&N Filters WinterNationals Super Gas Class, there were a lot of experienced racers to get through before Harris could lay claim to his third NHRA National event Wally Trophy (he has also won National events at the Arizona Nationals in 1991 and the Autolite Nationals in 1992 - both in his equally impressive 1955 Chevy). With a perfect 9.90 run in the first round Harris was off to a great start and beat Ted Seipel, 2002 National Champion, Todd Steward, Richard Okerman and Larry Bradshaw before meeting Johnny Matassa in the final round. Bob ran a 9.873 to Matassa's 9.860, winning on a breakout (in Super Gas competition the winner is the driver who runs as close to 9.90 without breaking out/running under 9.90).
Harris' racecar is a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette (featuring a genuine Corvette body), built by Gary Hansen at Hansen Racecars and receives support from Goodyear and of course, K&N Engineering. The engine is 498-inch big block built by K&N co-worker, John Reedy.
Harris is headed to Phoenix for the second race of the season and looks forward to maintaining the momentum he built in Pomona.
By day, Harris works in K&N's Research, Development and Engineering Department. During his free time Bob has been pursuing a passion for racing that spans 14 years.
With 143 entrants registered for the K&N Filters WinterNationals Super Gas Class, there were a lot of experienced racers to get through before Harris could lay claim to his third NHRA National event Wally Trophy (he has also won National events at the Arizona Nationals in 1991 and the Autolite Nationals in 1992 - both in his equally impressive 1955 Chevy). With a perfect 9.90 run in the first round Harris was off to a great start and beat Ted Seipel, 2002 National Champion, Todd Steward, Richard Okerman and Larry Bradshaw before meeting Johnny Matassa in the final round. Bob ran a 9.873 to Matassa's 9.860, winning on a breakout (in Super Gas competition the winner is the driver who runs as close to 9.90 without breaking out/running under 9.90).
Harris' racecar is a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette (featuring a genuine Corvette body), built by Gary Hansen at Hansen Racecars and receives support from Goodyear and of course, K&N Engineering. The engine is 498-inch big block built by K&N co-worker, John Reedy.
Harris is headed to Phoenix for the second race of the season and looks forward to maintaining the momentum he built in Pomona.
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