Veteran drivers Koretsky and Nickens join forces for 2003.

RICHBORO, Pa. January 13, 2003; Veteran NHRA Pro Stock driver Kenny Koretsky, who resides in Richboro, Pa., and former driver and engine builder David Nickens, of Conroe, Texas, have joined forces on a NHRA Pro Stock team for the 2003 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Koretsky will handle the driving duties on the team's Dodge Neon R/T and Nickens will supply the engine power and work with crew chief Eddie Guarnaccia, Jr. on tuning and setup operations.

The pair had previously discussed a union in prior years, but it wasn't until the end of the 2002 that Koretsky and Nickens hammered out the details that will give the new team a legitimate shot at the NHRA POWERade Pro Stock championship.

"This is something that we have been trying to do for quite some time. Kenny and I have been friends for a long time and actually tried to put this program together last year," said Nickens. "I think Kenny is a good racer. He has done a very good job with his racing program in the past but has lacked the complete package, namely a sound engine program, to put him in the winner's circle. I think Kenny can win races if he has all the right ingredients.

"My experience with the Dodge and the engine program should enable us to start out running. We won't have to change our engine combination or adapt to a new car. This should enable us to be competitive from day one. We've worked long and hard on power over the winter and I think it will be a good combination -- Kenny and I together. He's committed to winning races and so am I. I'm excited about 2003. If you put a driver in a position to win enough times and they're going to start doing it."

Koretsky echoed Nickens thoughts. "This partnership has been a long time in the making," he said. "In the past, anytime I raced I always felt my driving ability would give me the advantage to win but for the most part our inconsistent engine power usually let us down. Now, for the first time, entering 2003, I feel that I will be in a car that is capable of winning each and every time out on the track. Look at some of David's accomplishments. His car holds the current NHRA national speed record at 204.35 mph and I believe he was in three of the last five finals in 2002. Now that's power."

The KPK Motorsports/Nickens Brothers Racing Dodge Neon will take to the track for testing in mid-January. Current plans call for the team to run the pre-season 10th annual Pontiac Excitement Pro Stock SuperBowl at Houston Raceway Park, January 30-February 1, then head straight to Pomona, Calif., for the season-opening NHRA K&N Filters Winternationals, February 6-9.

"In the past I always said that I was running for the Pro Stock championship. But that was just talk. Who was I kidding? But now entering 2003, I can legitimately say that with David Nickens' power and experience we have a shot at the POWERade Pro Stock crown," added Koretsky. "I can't wait for Pomona to get here."