el gato

If we’ve learned anything about El Gato Racing’s team owner, Carl Walters, it’s that he’s a dedicated minimalist when it comes to small-talk and interviews. His team follows that lead, opting rather to conserve their energy for knocking the stuffing out their competition. This time around it was Ernie Serfas dominating a 200 mile race in the desert of Lucerne, California in his No. 1491 Ford Ranger.

“This race was virtually un-remarkable and maintenance-free with Ernie in command from the start,” Carl told K&N Race News. “He had 20 minutes on second place at the end. That’s when Shawn (Walters) pointed out that he only had one front tire (broken axle). Good thing Ernie cruised the last lap.”

Serfas was able to cruise at about 80% while the competition faltered with breakdowns. It was only after the race that the broken axle was discovered by the El Gato crew. “Ernie recalls a particularly difficult section of the wash that probably was the culprit,” says Carl.

The win puts No.1491 solidly in the lead for the M.O.R.E.1450 championship. “Show up for the final race and take home the trophy.” El Gato Racing calls Big Bear Lake, California home and they run two trucks in the 1450 Sportsman Class, the 1491 Ranger and No. 1469 (yellow full-size Chevy with the taxi topper).

Living in the high mountains of Big Bear Lake presents its host of challenges, “We were unable to race this last weekend. Friday things went downhill fast,” explained Carl. “Both race trucks were prepped and ready, but we lost both tow vehicles last minute. Living in Big Bear requires heavy duty equipment.”

K&N products sponsors Ernie and you can find their products for your truck here.

SoCal SAYS: Another big race for K&N and proof that their products can still compete. If you have a Ford Ranger, you might want to consider K&N products for your lifted truck.