K&N Teammates Jeff Interlicchia and Steve Cox Square-off for a Wally at Speedworld

K&N teammates Jeff Interlicchia and Steve Cox battle it out for the Wally at Speedworld Raceway Park
K&N teammates Jeff Interlicchia and Steve Cox battle it out for the Wally at Speedworld Raceway Park
In drag racing you learn more about a person in ten seconds then you might in a lifetime elsewhere. Two people staring down a quarter-mile of nervous asphalt, holding on tight to an explosive herd of horses exposes character, and leaves no place to hide. It cuts bonds that run deep. The National Muscle Car Association's held their elimination runs at Speedworld Raceway Park in Wittmann, Arizona, and at the end of the day, Jeff Interlicchia and Steve Cox faced off for a coveted Wally.

Interlicchia drove his faithful orange 1966 Dodge Coronet. Cox piloted his fearless white 1968 Camaro. Two teammates putting friendship on hold for the moment.

"We have both been chasing points in the NMCA West for four race series, and I ended up winning the championship in the Quick Street class, which used to be called Street Muscle," Interlicchia clarified. "Having Steve Cox as a K&N teammate makes things even more enjoyable. He is a great ambassador for the sport, and always represents a company well. He is a fierce competitor, and although he didn't win a championship with NMCA this year, he finished a strong second. Next year will probably be a different story, as Steve does not like to come in second. Whenever you line up next to him, you better bring your ‘A' game, or your weekend will be very short. It's an honor to race with him, and even better to have him as a teammate and personal friend. In 2013 we plan to make K&N proud, and show that their products are the products of winners.

This was Interlicchia's second series championship, and to date his biggest. In 2008 Interlicchia also clinched the SCEDA(Southern California Drag Racing Association) title driving the same car, giving him an all-star batting average since he started racing in 2004. "A friend talked me into going to the Fontana track for fun," Interlicchia said. "I was instantly hooked, and my competitive spirit found me looking for ways to be a better racer. Since then I have won approximately 15 races and the two championships. I race in several different series in order to get as much seat time and exposure as possible. I currently race the Dodge at local bracket races, and a 1998 Pontiac Firebird in Stock Eliminator with NHRA in the D/SA class. I plan to continue racing for many years, because the desire to win is so strong. On any given day, I feel I am a threat to do that, or I wouldn't show up."

Jeff Interlicchia drives a 1966 Dodge Coronet in the NMCA Quick Street class
Jeff Interlicchia drives a 1966 Dodge Coronet in the NMCA Quick Street class
Interlicchia and Cox became K&N teammates after striking up a relationship with Greg Ventura at the same fortuitous Fontana venue. "I was introduced to him (Ventura) by Charlie Allen and Kevin McClelland. We forged a friendship through our common interest of drag racing," commented Interlicchia. "Greg felt I would be a good person to represent K&N, because I have produced great results at the track and I am friendly with everyone out there. I enjoy the sport as much as the people and I have built some lifelong friendships with people I have met at the track."

Interlicchia will kick off 2013 with the Winternationals in Pomona in February, and race all of the west coast NHRA National and Division 7 NHRA Lucas Oil races. "I also plan to defend my title in the NMCA Quick Street category, and will probably run a Summit Series at Irwindale and/or Bakersfield," adds Interlicchia. "When Fontana opens next summer, I will also run any races they have there also."

In regards to the competitive duo K&N's Greg Ventura adds, "Jeff Interlicchia and Steve Cox are serious, fierce competitors no matter what class they compete in, whether it be a small jackpot bracket race or a Divisional or National Event. These guys always have a good chance of making the winner's circle, and K&N is proud to have them onboard."

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