OH SNAP> I’m Gonna Get You, Sucka!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAhahahahahahhaha Right now it’s almost 3:00am Pacific Standard Time, and I’m getting ready to go to Formula D Las Vegas. At the same time, I’ve been working with our Art Director/Webmaster extraordinaire Andy Sapp on choosing layout options for a cool client project that we’ll be revealing on MotorMavens very soon.
We’re kind of stumped on what to do right now, so I thought I’d cruise through his personal blog and see if any good ideas popped into my head. Suddenly, I stumbled upon this photo, which seriously had me laughing out loud. Dude. I think this photo is HELLA funny! If you read through Andy’s blog, he was writing about how he was washing his E46 before Formula D Atlanta, and then got into a friendly water balloon fight with some of the neighborhood kids… but damn! It looks to me like the neighborhood kids won this particular round!
I especially LOVE the expression on the kid’s face. It looks like in his head, he’s thinking, “Boo-yaaaa! Take THAT, sucka!” LOL! (Sorry Andy. This was just too hilarious for me NOT to share.)
:: Antonio Alvendia
Photo by Drew Fishbein of OMGDrift!
PERSPECTIVE> Drifting Changed My Life
That's why this story by Jonathan McWhorter was so compelling to me. It's not about the money or the fame. It's not about your company budget or your connections. It's not even how long you've been in the industry. Those are not the things that make this industry so awesome. I could tell you but Jon did such a great job - I'll leave it in his capable hands. After all, he reminded me. So, without further ado... Read more...
VIDEO> Formula D Atlanta Part 2
Experience Atlanta | FD Round 2 | Part 2 from Justin Shreeve Films on Vimeo.
Formula D Round 2 Atlanta has been a subject of the past now, but our boy Justin Shreeve had extra footage and decided to make a sequel to his original FD Atlanta video. In my opinion Justin did a great job showing the great experience a Formula D event can have on someone. These events are more than just the cars and drifting to me. It’s about the people, friends, vendors, and of course the girls! I’m not going to lie though, that clip of Daijiro Yoshihara dirt dropping was sick! Great job Justin Michael Shreeve!
::Yoshi Shindo
COVERAGE> Insider’s Look: Formula D Atlanta Pt.1
Not only has the series progressed businesswise, but the media outlets, drivers, and cars have all been stepping their game up to become more powerful, making Formula Drift a serious force to be reckoned with, on a worldwide stage. I bet the people who run the D1GP series in Japan are thinking, "Damn yo! That could have been us!" (Although they probably wouldn't be saying it in those words.)
Enough of my theory and random thoughts on the state of drifting in America though... let's get down to business! After all, the reason why people come to MotorMavens is because they like our taste in cars! So let's get down to it - our first installment of my insider's look at Formula D Atlanta. Let's go! Read more...
RANDOM DOPE> Drift Mechaniks on Top Gear?!
Browsing Facebook this morning, I saw a status update from our own Lieze Truter, saying that our good buddies, the mighty Drift Mechaniks from Atlanta have been featured on Top Gear! I clicked the link to see what she was talking about, and apparently Top Gear featured a video that was produced by the dynamic bearded video duo of Roegge and Herron! Congratulations, guys!
When I clicked through to watch the video, it looked like a great mash up of footage from both video shooters, featuring one of the secret Drift Mechaniks drifting practice days at Nashville Super Speedway! Very cool! It even features some footy of our own art director Andy Sapp, who looks like his face is being overrun by a forest of facial hair, haha! It was pretty cool to see MotorMavens stickers on the Drift Mechaniks cars in the video! So make sure to watch all the Drift Mechaniks in this video and see how Andy gets down when he’s not designing stuff on his Mac! I just lovvvvve the way his E46 BMW looks with those ultra baller steez Racing Dynamics wheels!
Big ups to Drift Mechaniks, and big ups to Will and Josh! I’m sure you might already know this, but the dynamic bearded duo of Roegge and Herron are now traveling cross country in a van, filming videos (No, not THOSE types of videos. Although I’m sure our boy Josh is super down. He even has POV equipment.) for the newest video project they’re working on!
So enjoy the re-run of this video on our site, and in the immortal words of Andy Sapp, “Keep Drifting Fun! …Or Else.”
:: Antonio Alvendia
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.
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
