Friday track day

Barney for the most part has been more of a hibernating bear than an attack bear.  Once a year I take him out for a few laps to get the juices flowing before he goes back into hibernation mode.  A few weeks back a friend invited me out to streets of willow for some Friday event.  Since it was almost the end of the year I figure it was time to wake up barney.

'10 champions

Congratulations to the victors in Grip Day 3.  For some, their hard work paid off and rewarded with respect from their peers.  For the others, try cheating next time, it does help.  I'll have some pics up from this epic event soon, just lazy right now.

The winners from race tire class and street tire class in no particular order.

 

 

 

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Before ASB

Back before ASB was an idea. Many of us use to run SpeedTrial USA events. Being they were track enthusiasts they knew about drift and were really cool about it. Found some old fotos some of the old events.


Benson H. with his Sileighty. He's a family man now and has lots of resposibilities. So doesn't have much time for cars and stuff. Really cool to see him at the track so many years later.


Charlie O. with his old coupe. His license plate was DRFTHVN. When I first saw it, I was thinking Dr. Foot Heaven. Next to him is Taka A., in his Corolla,taking the inside line for the pass. I think Charlie had a KA24DE back then.


Moto M. and his very nice Corolla with a Levin front end. Now he's big pimpin the Lexus.

Before Cressida, Hiro S. used to rock the Corolla. Then he was kidnapped and brainwashed by aliens and realized drift cars needed to have 4 doors.

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Happy 4th of July

I hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend, but let's not forget why we have this holiday and what it means to be an american.


I've been a bit busy preparing for ASB, (All Star Bash for those not unfamiliar with mainstream drift crowd). It's been a while since I went drifting at streets of willow.

Cammy from Street Fighter

and before ASB I dropped by to check out Anime Expo, (anime otaku coming to life).

let's watch the night train from ASB

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Next Generation (its' not Star Trek)

Photo by UNLV @ Club4AG

Looking through the photos of AE86 nights track day was like a flashback


It reminded me of the old days. When Corollas ruled Group C.

It's good to see the next generation of Corolla drivers.

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Hoshino Appreciation

When I think of Hoshino, I usually think of the super sexy Aki Hoshino. But in the automotive world only the Hoshino Impul G5 racing wheel is what stands out in my mind. Let's take a look at this unique wheel. For me that wheel defined 80's Japanese automotive design, with it's angular lines and wedge shapes.


It just fits all the cars of that era, like this early 80's Toyota Supra. Even though it they were made with Nissan in mind, I can't help myself but rock them on the ol' Corolla. People will call you retarded or stupid, or just say its blasphemy. Then again building a show car to look like a race is just as bad.


The wheel has been long discontinued and is now a rare wheel sought out by many enthusiasts, especially in the crazy offsets. Like this pair on ad in Club4AG 14x8.5 -15 you probably want to poop in your pants right now don't you.


Here's the Corolla rocking Hoshino back in 2002 Speedtrial open track day at Streets of Willow. Back when they allowed drifting.


Corolla with Hoshino in 2006. PASS 4AG Challenge at Big Willow. Keeping true to the game i still race this wheel.

Gosh I love these wheels. Probably one of my all time favorite pics with the ridiculous offset Hoshino. Just don't really care about the car itself. An 80's Nissan Silvia/Gazelle (200SX for u.s. markets) Super Silhouette race car.

But before we go let's take one last look of Hoshino. Aki Hoshino.

Track Day

You think you're fast cause you gone to the "touge" and mash it around freeway on ramps, but are you really. Some people aren't really that fast cause in the back other minds their brain tells them to back off a tad cause they see a canyon wall, k rail, curb, etc. Never using the whole road, thus taking the wrong line, or braking early.
I always wonder why some people make excuses for not going to the track. It's basically an open playground for us to have fun. There's an open runoff area, so if you go off line you won't hit anything. Go full throttle without annoying the local law enforcement. And not endangering other drivers, which everyone should take notice of this. Sure it costs money, but if you get into an accident or maybe even hurt someone, will that money you save be worth it?
If you're still not convinced or just making excuses like "My car isn't ready" cause you're afraid of making a fool of yourself, I found a driving instructor Colin Lucas has made a couple of instructional videos of Southern California tracks. I actually watched his Willow Springs video to prepare for the 4AG Challenge, since I only was there once. And I wanted every advantage I can get.
Let's not make excuses and go have some safe fun. Most people at the track are really helpful and can answer any questions you may possibly have. You may even see me there, but don't ask me questions cause I probably will steer you the wrong direction.



Steets of Willow (My personal favorite)



California Speedway, the road course w/part of the oval. Never been to the oval part, only drove the road course section.



Willow Springs International Raceway "Big Track" Only been here twice. I consider it more of a horsepower/ speed freak track. But it's easy to learn and drive.



Buttonwillow Raceway. I hate the straights, but everything else is great.