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Formula Drift Pro Driver and Owner of KnapikRacing.com
ADAM KNAPIK
Adam Knapik is currently a Formula Drift Pro Driver and recently the 2016 TopDrift Season Champion. When Adam isn’t racing, he is a Porsche driving instructor,motorsports consultant and private coach. Adam and his team have worked tirelessly to not only perfect their technique but the quality and performance of their vehicles.Their “can always do better” attitude has gotten them to the point where they are today and OPTIMA is lucky to have him as an ambassador. -
Founder/Owner of Johnson’s Hot Rods
ALAN JOHNSON
Alan’s creations have won nearly every major award. His recent ventures into racing on the Bonneville salt have proven fruitful, and his muscle car builds have also beenwell-received. He may always be known for traditional Hot Rods, but Alan’s talents have no limits. -
Founder/CEO of Micro Strategies,
ANTHONY BONGIOVANNI
The founder of a successful technology company in New Jersey, Anthony put his business savvy to the test again by starting his own family racing team to compete in NHRA events. Since 2009, Bongiovanni Racing has run Ford Cobra Jet Mustangs and took home a first-place finish at the 2016 Dutch Classic beating out 124 other cars.
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Founder/Owner of Hoppo’s Suspension
ART TUASON
Art is recognized as a true artist with award‐winning hydraulic and pneumatic suspension systems completely manufactured in‐house at his facility in southern California. -
Founder/CEO of BBI Motorsport, Porsche enthusiast
BETIM BERISHA
Betim Berisha is the co-founder of BBI Autosport, which specializes in building high-performance Porsches for the street and track. has helped create a wide range of track-ready components for modern Porsche vehicles. The shop’s 911 competition cars have proven successful in many road racing events and their line of premium performance parts is constantly expanding. -
Founder/Owner of Tie Rod Media
BRIAN “WOODY” SWEARINGEN
Woody has one of the best off-road resumes in the industry – whether he’s right-side-up or nearly upside-down on a rock crawler. He was a professional driver on the Toyota Trail Teams, and continues his passion for off-roading today by sharing it with the world. Woody is known for his first‐person approach to off‐road reporting and is the man behind IH8MUD.com and RockCrawler.com in addition to other digital properties he’s pioneered. -
Co-founder of BangShift, Domestic Musclecar enthusiast
CHAD REYNOLDS
Through his BangShift website, Chad keeps his finger on the pulse of the hot rodding world. He has seen the street-legal performance segment grow to where it is today. BangShift.com prides itself on having some of the most up-to-date and
comprehensive motorsports coverage around. -
Three-Time World Record Holder in Men's Slalom
CHRIS PARRISH
Chris has been shredding water skiing slalom events on both coasts since he was seven years old. A nine-time national champion, Parrish has already broken several world and national records, won three Moomba Masters Championships, two U.S. Masters titles and the U.S. Open. -
Lucas Oil Offroad Driver, Professional Off Road Racer & Mountain Bike Racer
CHRISTOPHER POLVOORDE
Christopher Polvoorde was raised in the racing mecca of Southern, CA. From a young age, Christopher had an adventurous spirit and a passion for the outdoors and racing. That passion leads Christopher’s life to this day where you can find him chasing sunsets year-round on the hills of Mammoth Mt or the waters of the Colorado River. It helps being surrounded by a team of experts including Christopher’s father Chip Polvoorde, who handles anything and everything, Crew Chief Jimmy Davidson who provides the fastest truck on the course, week in and week out, as well as a driving coach and spotter Cory Kruseman, who works with Christopher on his racecraft. With Christopher’s natural speed and his team, expectations are high. The CP94 team put on a dominating performance in 2019, winning 8 out of 8 races in the Lucas Oil Midwest Shortcourse series. A feat that had never been done. This included crowning Christopher the 2019 series Champion along with the Crandon World Champion title. Christopheris also a full-time college student at The University of San Diego on an academic scholarship after finishing high school with a 4.5 GPA. -
Co-founder of Far From StockThis, Mopar enthusiast
DARRELL REESE
Darrell, Co-founder of Far From Stock. A custom vehicle garage, Suspension Builder, and Automotive lifestyle brand with strong social media presence. Him and business partner Brandon Folk have captured national attention with their unique builds. That are displayed proudly at events around the country. -
Founder/Owner of Tucci’s Hot Rods
DAVE TUCCI
Nestled in the heart of Upstate NY, Dave Tucci has been building trendsetting custom cars for 25 years. He is a master metal shaper that has built everything from eight-second drag cars to million-dollar show cars to 200mph standing mile cars. He has a timeless eye for design that is carried through to the smallest details of his builds, making Tucci Hot Rods one of the top shops in the country. -
Sullivan Pro Pulling Team of
DONNIE SULLIVAN
Donnie Sullivan is a pro tractor driver at Sullivan Pro Pulling. He’s the son of Wayne Sullivan and known as Big Ed Red. Sullivan Pulling is one of the nation's leading Truck & Tractor Pulling Teams - competing at the highest levels on the Lucas Oil Champions Tour and TNT truck and tractor pulling circuit...Go Hard or Go Home -
Professional MLFisherman
EDWIN EVERS
Edwin Evers is a professional bass fisherman from Talala, Oklahoma and widely known as one of the most successful anglers of all time. Evers is one of only five competitors in history to pass the $3 million mark in career winnings. He has recorded 11 wins and 118 Top 20s in his 22-year career and won the 2016 Bassmaster Classic. Evers is the winner of the 2019 REDCREST, MLF Bass Pro Tour Stage Two in Conroe, TX, and Bass Pro Tour Points Championship. Evers is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, Optima batteries, Lowrance Electronics, MotorGuide, Nitro Boats, Tracker Marine, Megabass, Wiley X, Mercury Marine, Cook's Go-To-Tackle, Wild River, ZOOM Bait Company, War Eagle Custom Lures, and the Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center. -
Miller Motorsports / Ultra 4 Racer
ERIK MILLER
Erik Miller, all the makings of a motorsports champion resides in a young man born out of grassroots beginnings in small-town Maryland. He shares his success with his team of dedicated friends that span from Virginia to New York who volunteer their time to the race effort, ranging in anything from fab work to pit support. They have traveled the country winning races from Pennsylvania to California, earning consistent time on the podium year-round. With humble beginnings in local rock crawling comps at the ripe age of 17, Erik has persistently climbed the rocksports ladder, enjoying continued success along the way, all the way up to his title of King after having won the King of the Hammers race in CA for 2012, the ultimate crowning achievement in rocksports/Ultra4. Erik has since added another KOH Champion Title in 2016 as well as being the 2018 National Champion. -
President/Test Driver at Shelby American, Ford enthusiast
GARY PATTERSON
Gary is one of the most knowledgeable experts on both vintage and modern Shelby automobiles. He is also a talented driver and event administrator, and an all-around expert on Mustang performance. As president of Shelby American, Gary Patterson oversees all manufacturing, sales, operations, distribution, and marketing. He has been a key Shelby team member since the birth of the continuation Cobra in 1966 through current Mustang and Ford F-150 based vehicles. -
Founder/Onwer of BimmerWorld
JAMES CLAY
James started BimmerWorld right out of college, and today, it is the foremost supplier of replacement and high‐performance parts and accessories for BMW vehicles in the U.S., as well as home to a successful series of racing cars. James began racing with his BimmerWorld Racing team in 1999 and now is sponsored by OPTIMA® Batteries in a variety of series and events including IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, SRO America, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and ADAC and VLN Langstreckenmeisterschaft Nürburgring. -
CEO of Krown Construction, Head of Blanton Racing
JASON BLANTON
Not only is Jason Blanton the CEO of Krown Construction, based out of Washington state, but he’s also the head of Blanton Racing and a successful member of the Nitto Racing Team. Jason started his career as an Ultra4 racer and has participated in every King of the Hammers competition since 2010. In 2014, Jason finished 3rd in Ultra4 national points in 2013, and 2nd at Glen Helen in 2015. He currently resides in Kirkland, WA and drives the #996 Nitto Tire Ultra4. -
Owner of The Lingenfelter Collection
KEN LINGENFELTER
Ken Lingenfelter is the owner of several auto related businesses; Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, Lingenfelter Motor Sports and the Lingenfelter Collection. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering builds premium engines and performance car parts and has been instrumental in establishing performance thresholds along with being actively involved in drag racing and road racing venues and events. The company is now 46 years old and continues to be the country’s leader in aftermarket engineering and performance products and parts. In addition to the ownership of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, Ken is the owner of The Lingenfelter Collection..The collection consists of over 250 of the world’s most popular muscle cars, exotic cars and Corvettes and is said to be in the top 8 best collections in the world. -
Founder of pirate4x4.com, Six-Time Baja 1000 Winner
LANCE CLIFFORD
As the founder of the largest 4x4 website and forum in the world (with tens of millions of page views per month), it is evident Lance is an influential in the off-roading industry. His six Baja 1000 wins and King of the Hammers qualifications prove he’s a master of the mountains. -
Former President/Co-founder of Poison Spyder Customs, Jeep/off-road enthusiast
LARRY MCRAE
Ken Larry reached elite status in the competitive off-road and rock crawling by winning multiple championships with "Tiny," the famous rock crawling buggy that revolutionized the sport. Larry strives for excellence and thrives on competition. Whether on the trail with a group of buddies, or in his many successful business ventures, Larry enjoys a challenge and has a real thirst for learning new things. -
Founder/Owner of Sportcar Motion, Honda enthusiast
LOI SONG
Loi has succeeded at winning class races at the drags and on the road course, and he’s known as one of the nation’s premiere Honda tuners for both engines and suspensions, regardless of the track. -
Most Wins in Ultra4 History, Two-Time King of the Hammers Champion
LOREN HEALY
After winning King of The Hammers for the second time and then going undefeated in the next four races, Loren’s 2014 season was one many racers only dream about. This success, combined with five Ultra 4 racing championships, demonstrates an undeniable dominance in the off-road racing and Ultra4 community. -
General Motors Program Engineering Manager
MARK STIELOW
Mark’s custom built Chevy Camaros are legendary in the industry. He has built more than 30 custom cars in his career, always following his unique vision to maximize performance. His book, “ Detroit Speed Pro Touring Engineered Performance: Building the Mule,” details how he builds his cars to prepare them for races. -
Formula Drift Champion and Owner of Essa Autosport
MICHAEL ESSA
Michael is the 2013 Formula Drift Champion as well as a specialist in racecar builds, track support, and coaching. He is an expert in Porsche, BMW, and AMG earning him multiple wins over the past 20 years including Porsche Owners Club and NASA. Michael also does precision driving for film and television. -
Owner of DuSold Designs
MIKE DUSOLD
Mike is the Founder and Owner of DuSold Designs. He Founded Dusold Designs 20 years ago in Mike’s garage doing artwork on Motorcycles. With the idea, that “the right way is the only way”, they have grown into a much larger shop and expanded the range of services that they offer. From the first “real” 2,000 square foot shop, quality and creativity were always the goal. They are most proud of how they have grown our amazing customer base organically through word of mouth and being out there with likeminded people. -
President of Tjin Edition and Automotive Marketing Director at Vortech Engineering
NEIL TJIN
Neil Tjin, one of the most recognized designers within the automotive industry, and he has been involved in the sport compact and modern muscle markets for over the past two decades. Over the years Tjin has designed and built more than a hundred and thirty high profile vehicles. Tjin’s overall talents brought him numerous accolades including the 2004 Industry Person of the Year and 2005 SEMA Person of the Year. Tjin wants to continue helping the automotive industry grow and his goal each and every year is to reach out to thousands upon thousands of consumers, spectator, and fellow enthusiasts through shows, the Internet, and magazine coverage. Tjin’s visions and passion portray what the automotive industry is all about. -
RJ ANDERSON
RJ Anderson is one of the driving forces behind the new breed of offroad racers. Beginning his 4wheel offroad racing career at the age of 14, RJ is well ahead of the curve. Fast forward and now at age 27 RJ is a professional short course racer. Amidst his 169 career podiums, RJ is a 2 time Baja 1000 champion, UTV World champion, Pro4 champion, and a Two-time ProLite Champion. Racing is what RJ loves to do; working to be the best is a passion for him, and winning is his goal. On top of his racing accolades, many know RJ for his viral videos amassing over 30 million views. Many also consider RJ the face of the growing Polaris Rzr brand. -
TANNER FOUST
Tanner Foust is a professional racing driver, stunt driver, and television host. He is known as one of the most versatile drivers in the world winning 6 professional motorsport championships in a wide variety of disciplines. He was a co-host of the American version of the motoring television series Top Gear on History Channel for 6 season after hosting a variety of Automotive shows on ESPN, SPEED and NBC Sports. Foust has more than 30 film credits including his role as a stunt driver for The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift, Hobbs, and Shaw, Need For Speed (film), and Ford vs Ferrari. He has set multiple world records with Hot Wheels and Top Gear including the longest jump (332ft) and the highest loop (66ft). He was a prominent competitor in the Formula Drift series, winning the 2007 and 2008 championship and still holds the record for most consecutive top qualifying rounds. Foust is the first driver in Formula Drift history to win back-to-back series championships, a feat he repeated in the Global Rallycross Championship in 2011 and 2012. In 2019 he won the American Rallycross Championship. He is the only American driver to win a round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship and is the most decorated driver in X Games history with 10 medals (4 Gold). -
Founder/Owner of Hollywood Hot Rods
TROY LADD
Troy, owner and founder of internationally known Hollywood Hot Rods, has a reputation for designing and building some of the finest traditionally styled hot rods that perform well both on the street and on the race track, in addition to winning major show awards. He’s been regarded as one of the top trendsetters in the game and has created a series of noted hot rods, most recently including the "Mulholland Speedster", a coachbuilt 1936 Packard custom, winner of Americas Most Beautiful Roadster, Worlds Most Beautiful Custom, The Legends Cup, and dozens of other awards. Also, recent show winners include "The Long Beach Legend" 1936 Ford, “Full Metal Jacket,” 2014 Ford Mustang GT Convertible, and the Street Rodder Road Tour 1955 Ford custom. -
VAUGHN GITTIN JR
Vaughn Gittin Jr. is a self-taught, professional drifter from Maryland who is best known as a top competitor in Formula Drift behind the wheel of his 1200 horsepower Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR. Vaughn is one of drifting’s most iconic figures and his iconic Mustang is one of the sport’s most identifiable cars. Vaughn is known best by his aggressive, foot to the floor, big smoke driving style. Over the last few years, Vaughn Has become a top competitor in Ultra 4 with a 3rd place overall in the 2019 4400 unlimited class championship and has earned 2 top 10 finishes in the grueling King of the Hammersu0021 Vaughn is also the founder and President of RTR Vehicles which focuses on turnkey performance and appearance enhancing dealer packages and aftermarket parts focused on Ford vehicles. You can also find RTR producing one-off wild builds including Ken Blocks Mustang Hoonicorn RTR and the all-new all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400.”