Andy Sapp
Website:
http://www.andysapp.com/
Profile:
Andy Sapp is...
An artist, a driver, an enthusiast. At an early age I began pushing my creative abilities through skate culture by way of home-grown t-shirt companies and VHS-assembled skate videos. Always fast to say "I can do that better", I find a certain comfort in identifying typefaces and a never-ending pursuit to be the best at what I set my mind to.
My eternal passion for automotive racing and culture has taken me places I never thought possible. I pummel the rear tyres of my e46 BMW any chance I get, and value my days with my friends at grassroots drift events more than anything on the planet.
Completed the entire 2005 Formula Drift season as a privateer out of pocket. I drifted at a professional level until 2008, when I realized the grassroots side of the sport still held all the qualities of drifting that I loved... while the professional side did not.
In 2006 I shot and edited the first full-feature documentary on drifting in the U.S.A. - Slide America. Spanning 19 cities in 30 days, this documentary unearthed the very core of drifting in America. I oversaw and executed all aspects of production, from conception, art direction, identity, editing, post-production, authoring, and web development.
In 2007 I helped launch an online publication dedicated to drifting content called Wrecked Magazine, overseeing the art direction and design of each issue.
I have over 10 years of service in the creative industry doing graphic design, web development, video editing, broadcast motion graphics, and compositing.
VIDEO> Tuerk’s Off Season
off seasons from Drift Alliance on Vimeo.
This awesome video gives a glimpse at what life is like for Formula Drift driver, Ryan Tuerck’s life may be like in the off-season. I really dig the way this was shot, and the fact that it really looks like it was done in one take. Hats off to Andy Laputka, and the DA camp for a job well done!
:: Andy Sapp
NEWSWORTHY> Roegge and Herron 2010 DVD
Will Roegge and Joshua Herron are combining their killer creative talents to produce a DVD about American grassroots drifting, called Keep Drifting Fun! These two filmmakers have upped the ante on automotive video content ever since their visually stunning, yet technically precise work hit the web. To hear that they are joining forces to tackle this project is definitely exciting.
This news is of particular interest to me, because the last time this sort of project was attempted was in late 2006, for a project near and dear to my heart, called Slide America. Needless to say, I am pretty pumped to see something like this come together again, and I could not think of a better duo to pull it off.
It is my pleasure to give you a sneak-peek.
Enjoy!
Drift Mechanik’s Keep Drifting Fun from Joshua Herron on Vimeo.
NEWSWORTHY> Southeast Drift Pro Am Series
It looks like the new year has brought some exciting news for the east coast drift community! Southeast Drift is teaming up with Formula Drift to bring an east coast qualifier series to Atlanta for a shot at an FD license!
Atlanta, Ga. – February 2, 2010
Southeast Drift will be bringing an all new pro-am championship series to Atlanta in 2010. This five round series will enable up and coming drivers in the southeast region a place to compete for and win their Formula Drift professional license.
The Southeast Drift Championship Pro Am Series will test drivers as they compete at top notch professional level venues. Drivers who are successful here will transition well into Formula D. Details regarding the series will be available in the coming weeks on the southeastdrift.com web site.
“I am very happy with these recent developments. I can not wait to help showcase some of the immense talent in the southeast drifting scene.” said Marcos Ruiz, CEO of Southeast Drift. “Formula D is the leader in professional drifting in the U.S. and Southeast Drift is proud to be a part of it.”
For more information about the series, be sure to check out Southeast Drift’s Official Website.
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
NEWSWORTHY> WSTO’s BMW Project1 V1.2
COVERAGE> Garage Zero in Atlanta
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
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
VIDEO> Toshiki Yoshioka X AntonioE86 on RiceboyTV
Take a look back at this RiceboyTV video highlighting legendary AE86 driver Toshiki Yoshioka. This video dropped just after Yoshioka’s win at Formula Drift Las Vegas last year. You should recognize another equally legendary AE86′er… Antonio Alvendia interviewing Yoshioka as he gives some insight as to why his hachiroku is so fast and competitive. I had the pleasure of meeting Yoshioka at D1 in Chicago this past weekend and I have to say, the fact that he gives his trophies to his sponsors is truly amazing! It is that kind of selfless dedication and team effort that I think we can all take cue from.
:: Andy Sapp
