VIDEO> Joshua Herron’s FD Year In Review
Formula Drift 2009 from Joshua Herron on Vimeo.
While 2009 may have come and gone, Joshua Herron dug through hours upon hours of footage to give us one last glimpse at what the ‘09 Formula Drift season held in store for us. This video is amazing on so many different levels. The cinematography is top-notch, it is jam-packed with unreleased footage, transitions through three songs – each with a unique vibe, and it does it all seamlessly. The last segment definitely feels like a throwback to the old skate videos I grew up with.
Amazing work on this video, Mr. Herron! I’m going to go watch it again (and again, and again)!!!
:: Andy Sapp
NEWSWORTHY> Ken Block to Switch Ovals
Peanut butter and jelly. Macaroni and cheese. Ham and burgers. What do these things have in common? It seems nearly impossible to have one without the other. Ken Block and Subaru also share this likeness. Regardless, it seems that Ken is leaving the Japanese Pleiades Oval for that of the classic American Blue Oval.
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 6, 2010 – Ford Motor Company announced today that it is teaming up with Ken Block, the California-based action sports icon-turned-rally driver, for future global motorsports opportunities.
Block, the 2005 Rally America Rookie of the Year and a three-time medalist at X Games, has cultivated a tremendous following with his Gymkhana videos on YouTube. In 2010, Block will campaign a Ford Focus in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and a Ford Fiesta in Rally America and X Games.
“I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford. They are an impressive force in the sport,” said Ken Block. “From the days of the 1970s Escorts to the Group B RS200 to the modern-day Focus and now the Fiesta, Ford just does an excellent job at rally and I couldn’t be happier to now be part of this amazing heritage. Not to mention my dad would be proud. He was a dedicated Ford guy.”
“Ken Block has established himself as an action sports competitor and a rising star in the world of American rally racing,” said Jamie Allison, director Ford North America Motorsports. “We are excited to have him on our team to help promote our new global products, the 2011 Ford Fiesta and 2012 Ford Focus.”
Rallying is a crucial part of Ford’s global motorsports strategy and provides the company with the opportunity to showcase the true performance capabilities of Ford’s products. Since its support of rallying began, Ford has won three WRC titles and 73 individual events. And, last year in North America, Ford’s participation in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and X Games 15 were key elements for the launch of the Ford Fiesta for the U.S.
“Thanks to our participation in WRC, rallying has always played a key role in Ford’s global motorsports programs,” said Allison. “Ford is the only manufacturer that could provide Ken with global rally opportunities.”
“We’re delighted that Ken Block has chosen to team up with Ford to develop his rallying activities beyond America and into the global arena,” said Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe’s senior motorsports manager. “Ford and its U.K.-based rally partner, M-Sport, is looking forward to welcoming Ken to the wider team of talented rally drivers using Ford vehicles to compete in this demanding sport at the highest level internationally.”
While it may seem implausible to imagine Ken piloting anything but a Subaru… something tells me that his wild antics and crazy style will follow suit behind the wheel of a Ford.
Best of luck to Ken and his crew in 2010!
:: Andy Sapp
WEBMINING> A Filthy Benz
There is something about this photo that appeals to me. Surely the creators of the Mercedes Benz SLC 500 never pondered it’s potential as a rally machine, but here she is – caked in grime, looking right at home sliding through the mud! I like the juxtaposition of a luxury symbol racing through the filthiest of conditions. Perhaps I feel a connection with this photo because of my passion for BMW drifting.
Regardless, you can’t deny that the brush guard, cracked windshield, and soiled decor prove that this car is strictly business… and according to this snapshot, business is good!
:: Andy Sapp
VIDEO> Night Drift in Warsaw
Warsaw Night Drift from InterCars on Vimeo.
This short, yet incredibly sweet video hails from Poland, where it looks like they had a competitive drift event on (closed) public streets! Not only does it look like they are blasting through downtown Warsaw, it even looks like they are pummeling their drift cars across cobblestone roadways! This video has some nice build up to it, with some simple, yet effective motion graphics. One place I think this video really shines is it’s emphasis on sound design. I think a lot of people tend to forget that the audio is half of the viewing experience. I hope to see a lot more videos like this from the InterCars camp.
:: Andy Sapp
VIDEO> BowlsLA Shoots NormReeves Honda Meet!
Norm Reeves Honda Car Show & Toy Drive 2009 from BOWLS on Vimeo.
To go along with our coverage from the event, I thought I’d post this great video from BOWLS LA. The Bowls crew really did a fantastic job of capturing the vibe of the Norm Reeves Honda Show/Toy Drive. This edit has great style to it, between the shots, cuts, and West Coast soundtrack. Take a look!
:: Andy Sapp
BOWLS LA
1223 S. San Gabriel Blvd.
San Marino, CA 91108
Hours of Operation
Monday – Sunday
1200 – 1900 Hours
Closed Thursdays
P +1 626 614 0068
F +1 626 614 0020
E intel [at] bowlsla.com
COVERAGE> Southeast Drift’s Land of the Great
It was a lot of fun because not only was a friend of mine driving, but I somehow talked them into giving me a media pass. With the media pass I was able to get down onto the track and up close to the cars as they made their runs. It was an incredible experience, and I think I got some pretty killer shots as well. I was at the exit of the bank on the first turn. It was a pretty sick spot because I was behind the wall, maybe 10-15 feet from the cars. Read more...
VIDEO> AW Films Does Pro Am
I don’t know about you, but I just can’t seem to get enough Pro Am action. AW Films just released their take on the day’s events. Abbitt says he struggled with this edit, but after watching it several times, I never would have guessed! There is a ton of great footage and an equal amount of great driving in this video. Take a look!
:: Andy Sapp
VIDEO> Strohmeyer Shoots Pro Am
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! While we’re all celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday weekend with our families, we recognize that we’re all very thankful for a lot of great things that have happened in the past year – we’re very thankful to see that our new website has been growing in popularity, and we’re stoked to be getting lots of comments and interaction with more and more of our awesome readers.
After you get your fill of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, take some time to check out this new video from the Formula D Pro Am event this past weekend. It was produced by a new member to the Motor Mavens Crew, videographer Rob Strohmeyer from Las Vegas.
Rob isn’t just a videographer though… he’s a dedicated car guy! He has owned three SR20DET powered S13 coupes and a CA18DET S13 coupe (which he hated BTW haha), a 1994 PEP (Personal Equipment Package) FD3S RX7 with RE Amemiya aero kit, a 350Z with Vertex aero kit and Work VS-XX wheels, a GS400 with a 2JZGTE.
Rob just dropped this edit from the Pro/Am Nationals at Irwindale. I personally think his video has a great mix of action, pit area shots, and some cool dolly work. I think this video definitely captures the vibe of a grassroots event like this Pro Am, and we’re glad to have him as a new member of the crew. Welcome, Rob!
:: Andy Sapp
More Irwindale Pro Am photos, stories, and videos on MOTOR MAVENS
NEWSWORTHY> Southeast Drift Under the Lights!
This weekend will mark the final Southeast Drift event of the season at the newly renovated Gresham Motorsports Park. The practice event “Land of the Great” will run during the day, and then once the sun begins to set – the competition will ramp up. With a $2000 purse awarding $1000 for first – this event is sure to bring out some heavy hitters.
There is something about driving under the lights that I find strangely irresistable. Perhaps it reminds me of my drifting roots sliding under the radar late into the night. If you’re in or around the Atlanta/Jefferson, Georgia area on Saturday – definitely stop by to check out some of the Southeast’s best!
:: Andy Sapp
WEBMINING> Five Axis xB
Every year there are a few SEMA builds that stand out. This Five Axis-built Scion xB is certainly worthy of falling into that category. The super-wide flares and 5 spoke Impul Hoshino-esque wheels seem altogether remnant of the N2-flared AE86 racers we all know and love. The fender mirrors are another subtle touch that only adds to the feel of that very nostalgic throwback. The rear doors/windows have been sealed up and shaved smooth to give this otherwise 5-door compact a much meaner coupe-like attitude.
For more pictures of this car, check out Garage Life over at Fatlace.
:: Andy Sapp
VIDEO> Lexus LFA in Motion
Following up the announcement of the Lexus LFA’s SEMA debut, I came across this video of the car in action. I think this car’s stunning looks only get accentuated with speed thrown in the equation. The sweet note this car exudes is merely icing on the cake.
:: Andy Sapp
WEBMINING> An Evil Glare
A friend of mine showed me this photo of what I think is a ‘59 Buick Electra. I can’t get over how sinister this car’s presence is. The missing front grill, rusted finish, and frame scraping height make it look intense! You could probably ditch a costume for Halloween and just roll around in this monster.
What do you think?
:: Andy Sapp
VIDEO> All the Lovely People
I have driven at a lot of drift events, and after several years there is an aspect of them that becomes standard procedure. Anyone who has driven events is familiar with it. You wrench on the car late the night before, you wake up early with no sleep, you drift, you change some tires, you drift some more… you get the idea.
But the one side of drift events that never seems routine to me is the time spent with my friends. I always seem to remember who was at what event, and what funny stories and crazy antics went on in the pits. As the years pass by, I sometimes barely remember how fast I entered a corner, how well I ran the course, or even how close a tandem battle was. It is the time with my friends that leaves the lasting impression.
This collaboration between myself and Will Roegge is an attempt on my part to try and explore that side of drifting. The human element behind a sport where cars may come and go – but the camaraderie remains.
:: Andy Sapp
VIDEO> Roegge Devil
Will Roegge just posted up a short edit he made from his visit to Chicago with our friends Risky Devil. I know street drifting is supposed to be bad (mmmkay)… but there is something about slammed out drift cars doing their thing against a raw urban cityscape that just warms my heart.
Take a look.
:: Andy Sapp
NEWSWORTHY> DriftMechaniks Demo at Motorsport Nationals
If you’re in or around Atlanta this weekend, be sure to come out to Atlanta Motor Speedway to catch some demo action from my local team! We will be doing 3 demos on Saturday, and another 3 to wrap things up on Sunday. Atlanta natives Erin Sanford, David Jones, Daniel Willie, and myself will be out there pushing our Yokohama Advans to their limit. It is guaranteed to be a crazy show!
Many of you may be unfamiliar with Motorsport Nationals, which is more-or-less the show that has replaced the now-defunct ‘Nopi Nationals’. Nopi Motorsports has nothing to do with Motorsport Nationals, and is now overseen by an outside company hired by Atlanta Motor Speedway. We are really excited to be working with Motorsport Nationals and Yokohama ADVAN Tires to bring drifting back to Atlanta Motor Speedway!
:: Andy Sapp
VIDEO> Four Years of CLASH
Stephane Benini from Clash Production just released an awesome video that chronicles the past 4 years of videos released under the Clash umbrella. This video is short, sweet, and jam-packed with awesome cinematography – from start to finish. Stephane is one of my favorites in the digital-production arena. I hope that this montage is not only a celebration of the past 4 years… but a precursor to the next 4!
:: Andy Sapp
WEBMINING> Kansai All Stars Tandem Drifting!
I was checking out Roaster Drift today, only to be blown away with some of the craziest multi-car madness I think I have ever seen! Rob said he counted 34 cars on the track at one time. Not 3 or 4… 34!!! Words cannot really describe how insane this video is. Take a look!
:: Andy Sapp
WEBMINING> Bomb A$$ Drifting in Finland
My friend Axel shot me a link to this crazy video of an old school bomber drifting Tykkimaki Circuit in Kouvola Finland! In case you missed our “Ink n Iron” coverage, we love us some ol’ hot rods. I certainly never thought I would see an old bomber like this drifting it’s way through a circuit like this! One thing is for sure… I would love to see more!
What do you guys think? Do you like seeing unconventional cars like this drifting?
:: Andy Sapp
VIDEO> Herron’s Breaking Point
Joshua Herron just dropped his edit from one of my favorite stops on the Formula Drift tour: Seattle’s Evergreen Speedway. Josh’s videos are getting better and better with each drop. Keep an eye out for some Mavens up in the mix!
Great work Josh!!!
:: Andy Sapp
WEBMINING> Driven to Type
While automotive culture may be an obsession of mine, typography and design lead the charge in my everyday infatuation. You can imagine my surprise when I came across this video; it was created by Toyota Belgium to showcase the new Toyota IQ. It blends driving, computers, and technology to output a cool typeface. When I first watched this, I thought there was no way they could make good type this way. Boy was I wrong! Take a look and see for yourself. This kind of experimentation in driving and typography is something I would LOVE to see more of!
Photos from the project can be found on Flickr by clicking here.
:: Andy Sapp
WEBMINING> Tuerck in Atlanta
I was checking one of my favorite blogs, Risky Devil, and saw this cool edit by my buddy Tim Tulov of T2 Films. This video has a great vibe to it. The soundtrack is very laid back and well-suited to the edits. I really like the selective desaturation. That is something you don’t see a lot of in drift videos. This video is a nice change of pace with some killer driving from Ryan Tuerck as takes home the win in Atlanta.
What do you guys think?
:: Andy Sapp
WEBMINING> Belgian Benz on Bags
I have what some would call a soft-spot for German engineered autos. While I may be partial to a ‘certain’ manufacturer, I really adore them all. I was checking out one of my favorite websites, Speedhunters, and came across this crazy Belgian 250S. It just struck a chord with me. You would be hard-pressed to fuse class and charisma any better than this.
Check out the full feature on this 1967 Mercedes Benz 250S on Speedhunters.
:: Andy Sapp
WEBMINING> The Gauntlet with Herron
More incredible Formula Drift action through the eyes of Joshua Herron! I can remember a time when the only footage you would see from FD events would be cellphone-quality clips from the crowd on YouTube. It is so awesome to see edits like these… and through the eyes of so much talent. Guys like Joshua and Will are constantly pushing the envelope with these videos. They set the benchmark for what I think event coverage should be, and I can’t WAIT to see more!
:: Andy Sapp
