Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Formula D Judgment Day 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/video-formula-d-judgment-day-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/video-formula-d-judgment-day-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/video-formula-d-judgment-day-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,

Formula D Judgment Day - click above image to watch the video

Two weeks ago was Formula D's big season finale and 2009 Championship, AKA Judgment Day. While we (sadly) couldn't be there, we did get a little preview of the event when Tanner Foust took us drifting in his ferret-on-linoleum-out-of-hell stock car-engined Scion. Anyhow, in this video all the usual trouble makers and tire killers are present, including Vaugn Gitten Jr., Samuel Hubinette, Tanner Foust and Joon Maeng -- plus the 2009 season winner, Chris Forsberg. Also -- you're going to like new host Kerryann De La Cruz. Still, wish we could have been there at the Irwindale Speedway watching it all unfold.

But sometimes we just have to settle for second best, which in this case our friends over at WebRidesTV have put together a most excellent Judgment Day video. If you've never given drifting and/or and Formula D a chance, this could be your ticket in. As has been noticed countless times in the past, in what other motorsport do Dodge Vipers and Ford Mustangs go head to head with Nissan Zs, 240SXs and Skylines? Not to mention Toyota AE86 Corollas and the occasional Japanese-tuned Corvette -- on the same track at the same time. It's just nothing but fun. Make the jump to watch the video.


[Source: WebRidesTV]

Continue reading VIDEO: Formula D Judgment Day 2009

VIDEO: Formula D Judgment Day 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chris ForsbergChrisForsbergDriftFormula DFormula DriftFormulaDFormulaDriftIrwindale SpeedwayIrwindaleSpeedwayJoon MaengJoonMaengJudgment DayJudgmentDaySamuel HubinetteSamuelHubinetteTanner FoustTannerFoustVaughn Gittin Jr.VaughnGittinJr.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Formula Drift 2009 season wraps up in Irwindale, California]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/formula-drift-2009-season-wraps-up-in-irwindale-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/formula-drift-2009-season-wraps-up-in-irwindale-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/formula-drift-2009-season-wraps-up-in-irwindale-california/#commentsFiled under:

2009 Formula Drift Championship Round - Click above for high-res image gallery

The sixth season of the Formula Drift series wound to a close in Irwindale, California this weekend, and the finale certainly lived up to the host venue's 'House of Drift' reputation. The high speeds and excessive angle required to navigate the speedway's bank required a "go big or go home" attitude in order for drivers to move through the rounds, and there was no playing it safe for seasoned veterans.

The 2009 Formula Drift season began with the debut of a slew of radical new platforms. It was anyone's guess as to what methodology would win out come October. Driver Chris Forsberg proved that the tried and true ride, with a few years of service under its belt, was the key to securing a championship. Forsberg powered his V8-equipped Nissan 350Z to the top 16, earning him enough points to take the 2009 Formula Drift Championship title. Nipping right at Forsberg's heals in the point race was fellow Drift Alliance member, Ryan Tuerck. Tuerck showed that Pontiac is still well and alive by sliding his Solstice GXP to the top of the event podium. Hit the jump to get all the results and a rundown on the season finale.


Gallery: 2009 Formula Drift Championship at Irwindale Speedway

Continue reading Formula Drift 2009 season wraps up in Irwindale, California

Formula Drift 2009 season wraps up in Irwindale, California originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftingFormula DFormula DriftFormulaDFormulaDriftIrwindale SpeedwayIrwindaleSpeedwayMon, 19 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog goes drifting with Tanner Foust in NASCAR-powered Scion tC!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/autoblog-goes-drifting-with-tanner-foust/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/autoblog-goes-drifting-with-tanner-foust/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/autoblog-goes-drifting-with-tanner-foust/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Autoblog goes drifting with Tanner Foust - Click above for high-res image gallery

"It feels like I'm down on power!" yells Tanner Foust in the general direction of the gathered throngs containing both his crew and assorted media. Tanner and myself are currently five-point bolted into his new stock car-engined Formula D Scion tC. We've just exited an aborted lap around the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale because something - so says Foust - is amiss with the car.

Rockstar Energy Drink Drift captain Stephan Papadakis comes charging towards the Scion and begins earnestly, if not frantically, checking the car's vitals through the steering wheel's digital readout. Steph floors the motor a few times, checks the numbers and exasperatedly tells Foust that everything looks fine. "Oh," says Tanner, patting me on my beer belly. "Must be him." Very funny, jerk.


Gallery: Autoblog Goes Drifting with Tanner Foust


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Autoblog goes drifting with Tanner Foust in NASCAR-powered Scion tC!

Autoblog goes drifting with Tanner Foust in NASCAR-powered Scion tC! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftdrift sciondriftingDriftScionfeaturedformula dformula driftFormulaDFormulaDriftfoustirwindalenascar scionNascarScionpapadakisrockstarrockstar energy drinkRockstarEnergyDrinkscion driftScionDrifttanner foustTannerFousttoyota speedwayToyotaSpeedwayMon, 12 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Racecar fabricator and NuFormz owner Shaun Carlson dead at 35]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/racecar-fabricator-and-nuformz-owner-shaun-carlson-dead-at-35/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/racecar-fabricator-and-nuformz-owner-shaun-carlson-dead-at-35/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/racecar-fabricator-and-nuformz-owner-shaun-carlson-dead-at-35/#commentsFiled under:


In the late hours of October 4th 2009, the world lost an innovator in sport compact racing, Shaun Carlson. The NuFormz owner and fabricator extraordinaire had a genetic heart condition - however, it is unknown if the defect contributed to his death.

In more recent years, Carlson, 35, had been known for his lead on the Team MOPAR drift team, but his roots go all the way back to Truckin' and Turbo Magazine. Although he could shoot cars with the best of them, his talent in building them won out in the end. Carlson knocked the socks off the sport compact industry with the Honda CRX he created in collaboration with Jason Whitfield, but he really blew everyone away when he unveiled the world's first tube frame front-wheel drive Honda Civic. Driven by Stephan Papadakis, the car made the industry stand up and take notice that sport compact drag racing was a force to be reckoned with. Following his Civic's success, Carlson created the spectacular web of steel tubing, carbon fiber and titanium that is known as the Meguiar's Ford Focus. His ability to turn the unfortunate into amazing even transferred over from drag racing and into drifting. This is shown by the Dodge Charger and Challenger he built for two time Formula D champion Samuel Hubinette.

It is an understatement to say that Shaun Carlson will be missed. His influence has been far reaching and he undoubtedly had many more groundbreaking builds ahead of him. On a personal note,I will never forget the guidance and knowledge that he gave me as I was starting to get my feet wet in the automotive industry. I first met Shaun when he brought Stephan's yellow Civic to run on the East Coast. As I stared at the car in wonderment, he went out of his way to tell me all about it. After that, whenever I ran into Shaun at a race, he let me hang around his pit. He never dismissed my probing questions about his mechanical troubles either. He could see I wasn't just a female trying to hang around, but a student with a thirst for knowledge and someone looking for direction. I eventually found that direction with a degree in mechanical engineering. Now, in my work, I think back to design tips I learned from master fabricator Shaun Carlson.

Everyone at Autoblog extends their thoughts to all of Shaun Carlson's loved ones.

[Source: NHRA]

Racecar fabricator and NuFormz owner Shaun Carlson dead at 35 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Drag RacingDragRacingDriftingFabricatorFormula DFormula DriftFormulaDFormulaDriftMOPARNHRANuFormzSamuel HubinetteSamuelHubinetteShaun CarlsonShaunCarlsonSport CompactSportCompactTue, 06 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS comes to Formula D]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/2010-chevrolet-camaro-ss-comes-to-formula-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/2010-chevrolet-camaro-ss-comes-to-formula-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/2010-chevrolet-camaro-ss-comes-to-formula-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Conrad Grunewald's Hankook Chevrolet Camaro SS Drift Car - Click above for image gallery

One thing we've always loved about drifting in general -- and Formula D in particular -- is the mix of cars. Where else can you see a Dodge Viper going head to head with a Toyota AE86 Corolla? What about a Ford Mustang taking on an R33 Skyline? A Pontiac Solstice against a RX-7? A NASCAR engined Scion (no, really)? But what high horsepower, high torque RWD potential dorifto all-star is missing from Formula D's line up?

Pat yourself you know where if you answered Chevy Camaro SS. In fact, BR Racing is building a 2010 Camaro drift machine (above) for Conrad Grunewald to race. As many of you know, the SS comes to the dance packing 426 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. But for Formula D, that's not nearly enough. BR Racing is therefor stuffing in a tuned LSA mill (same as a Cadillac CTS-V) but turning the pressure (meaning boost) up. How up? More than 600 horsepower at the wheels, which probably means right around 700 crank hp. Sounds like an adequate amount that should have no trouble turning the Hankook Ventus R-S3 tires into molten clouds of stinky smoke. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Formula Drift Chevrolet Camaro SS



[Source: Motor Mavens]

Continue reading 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS comes to Formula D

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS comes to Formula D originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS2010ChevroletCamaroSsBR RacingBrRacingCamaroChevrolet CamaroChevrolet Camaro SSChevroletCamaroChevroletCamaroSsChevy CamaroChevyCamaroConrad GrunewaldConradGrunewaldDrift CamaroDriftCamaroDriftingFormula DFormula D CamaroFormula DriftFormulaDFormulaDCamaroFormulaDriftMon, 21 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/mopar-pulls-sponsorship-of-sam-hubinettes-drift-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/mopar-pulls-sponsorship-of-sam-hubinettes-drift-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/mopar-pulls-sponsorship-of-sam-hubinettes-drift-team/#commentsFiled under: ,


Formula Drift Mopar Dodge Viper - Click above for a high-res gallery

In an unsurprising turn of events, Chrysler has pulled its sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drifting team as part of the company's restructuring plan. The bankrupt automaker's Formula Drift program was run by Shaun Carlson's NuFormz Racing, which began with Mopar in 2002, competing in the NHRA Sport Compact division. The team eventually made their way into drifting in 2004, where Hubinette captured the championship behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper during Formula D's inaugural season. Hubinette went onto several podium finishes, placing second overall in 2006 and claiming runner-up finishes in both 2005 and 2008.

Although the team's last sideways outing will be at the New Jersey Speedway on June 5 and 6, Chrysler's Director of Brand Marketing and Strategy, Mike Accavitti, said in a release, "At this time, [Chrysler] plan[s] to continue supporting our other racing sponsorships into the foreseeable future." Make the jump for the press release.

[Source: Chrysler via EverythingDrift]

Continue reading Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team

Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelcancelledchryslerfdformula dformula driftFormulaDFormulaDriftmoparpulling outPullingOutSam HubinetteSamHubinettesponsorshipWed, 20 May 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhys Millen's drift car finally ready to run with Hyundai Power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/rhys-millens-drift-car-finally-ready-to-run-with-hyundai-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/rhys-millens-drift-car-finally-ready-to-run-with-hyundai-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/rhys-millens-drift-car-finally-ready-to-run-with-hyundai-power/#commentsFiled under: ,


Hyundai engine in Rhys Millen's drift car - Click above for high-res gallery

A minor controversy broke out a few weeks back when it became known that Rhys Millen's new Hyundai Genesis Coupe Formula Drift car debuted at the Long Beach season opener with Nissan power under the hood. Normally this wouldn't be much of an issue in drifting where almost anything goes mechanically. The problem here is that Millen's team is not independent and supported directly by Hyundai. As we learned, late approval of the drift program meant that Millen's crew simply didn't have the time to finish preparing a new engine from Hyundai.

Rhys dropped us a line yesterday evening to let us know that some of the parts he was waiting on for the Lambda V6 engine have arrived including a new clutch and flywheel. To start with, the engine is running with mostly stock internals and its original 3.8-liter displacement. Over the weekend, the team ran the engine on the dyno and squeezed out 480 hp at 4,500 rpm and 570 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. They achieved those numbers with just 9 psi of boost from the turbo. The engine is now in the car and Millen will be competing with Hyundai power at Round 2 of the formula D championship at Road Atlanta this weekend.


Gallery: Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai formula drift engine


[Source: Rhys Millen]

Rhys Millen's drift car finally ready to run with Hyundai Power originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>formula dformula driftFormulaDFormulaDrifthyundai genesis coupeHyundaiGenesisCouperhys millenrhys millen racingrhysmillenRhysMillenRacingTue, 05 May 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Formula Drift Team Mopar delays launch of 2009 Challenger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/formula-drift-team-mopar-delays-launch-of-2009-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/formula-drift-team-mopar-delays-launch-of-2009-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/formula-drift-team-mopar-delays-launch-of-2009-challenger/#comments
2009 Formula Drift Mopar Dodge Challenger - Click above for a hi-res gallery from SEMA 2008

As our man Drew Phillips found out first hand, between Tanner Foust's NASCAR V8-powered Scion tC and Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe, there was plenty of exciting new machinery on power-sliding display at this past weekend's Formula Drift season opener in Long Beach. Unfortunately, the new Dodge Challenger wasn't one of them.

Dodge's aftermarket tuning division Mopar unveiled the 2009 Challenger way back at last year's SEMA show, but its driver, Sam Hubinette, had to start the season in last year's Viper (poor guy.) And according to reports, he'll have to slide that snake at the next round too, as the 800+ hp Challenger, slated to be the most powerful car in the championship, won't be ready until the third round of the season, allowing it to compete in the final five after missing the first two of the seven-race season. Hubinette doesn't seem to mind, though, crediting Chrysler with standing by the team during these tumultuous times altogether, even while Mopar goes playing in the sand. In the meantime, drift fans will have to look longingly at the gallery of live shots of the Mopar Challenger in our gallery below.


Gallery: SEMA 2008: Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger


[Source: Motor Authority]

Formula Drift Team Mopar delays launch of 2009 Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 formula d2009FormulaDdodgedodge challengerDodgeChallengerformula dformula driftformula drift dodge challengerformula drift moparFormulaDFormulaDriftFormulaDriftDodgeChallengerFormulaDriftMoparmoparmopar challengerMoparChallengerTue, 14 Apr 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Tanner Foust's V8 RWD Scion tC Formula Drift car unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/tanner-fousts-v8-rwd-scion-tc-formula-drift-car-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/tanner-fousts-v8-rwd-scion-tc-formula-drift-car-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/tanner-fousts-v8-rwd-scion-tc-formula-drift-car-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 Formula D AEM/Rockstar Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery
While all eyes were on Scion unveiling its take on the Toyota iQ city car at the New York Auto Show, the youth-oriented Toyota division quietly let slip a batch of photos of its latest challenger for the Formula Drift championship. But if these photos are any indication, it'll be the last time this insanely modified Scion tC will be doing anything quietly.

Although the drift car you see here looks like a tC, underneath it's anything but... heck, it doesn't even use the tC's floorplan, it's so heavily modified. As previewed last week on video, this latest Scion drifter, prepared by drag racing and drift veteran Stephan Papadakis of Advanced Engine Management (AEM), packs a V8 courtesy of Toyota's NASCAR racing program, pumping 650 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque through a four-speed shifter to the rear wheels. Of course, there's only one driftsmith who could handle this much machine, and that's Tanner Foust.

The two-time defending Formula D champion - who has some extra time on his lightning-quick hands since Top Gear USA got canceled - ditches the Nissan Z he's been fielding the last few years in favor of this modified Scion, and takes his sponsor Rockstar Energy Drink along with him. The car debuted this weekend at the Formula D season opener in Long Beach, California, where Foust finished third and our man Drew Phillips was on hand to catch it in his lens. Check out the images in the pair of hi-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2009 Formula D AEM/Rockstar Scion tC


Gallery: Tanner Foust's AEM/Rockstar Scion tC


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

[Source: Scion via Inside Line]

Tanner Foust's V8 RWD Scion tC Formula Drift car unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced engine managementAdvancedEngineManagementaemaem rockstar scion tcAemRockstarScionTcformula dformula driftFormulaDFormulaDriftfoustrockstarscionscion tcscion tc formula dScionTcScionTcFormulaDtannertanner foustTannerFousttoyotatoyota nascarToyotaNascarMon, 13 Apr 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Rockstar/AEM's NASCAR V8-powered Scion tC drift car gets unboxed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/video-rockstar-aems-nascar-v8-powered-scion-tc-drift-car-gets/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/video-rockstar-aems-nascar-v8-powered-scion-tc-drift-car-gets/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/video-rockstar-aems-nascar-v8-powered-scion-tc-drift-car-gets/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to view the videos after the jump

Here are two things that don't come to mind when you think of Scion: rear-wheel drive and V8 power. But that's exactly what the Rockstar/AEM crew have created with the Formula D-bound Scion tC. Joe Gibbs, TRD and Papadakis Racing put in the wrench time on the new racer and underhood is a V8 pulled from Toyota's NASCAR efforts and retuned with a drift-friendly powerband. Most of the details are still shrouded in mystery, but the noise emanating from the tC's exhaust is more than enough to get us interested. Check out a brief interview with the Steph and a "spy video" of it testing after the break.

[Sources: AutoFiends, MotorWorldHype]

Continue reading VIDEO: Rockstar/AEM's NASCAR V8-powered Scion tC drift car gets unboxed

VIDEO: Rockstar/AEM's NASCAR V8-powered Scion tC drift car gets unboxed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>formula dFormulaDnascarscion tc drifterScionTcDriftersteph papadakisStephPapadakistanner foustTannerFoustv8videoTue, 07 Apr 2009 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Hyundai Genesis Coupe gets pre-Super Bowl workout]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/video-hyundai-genesis-coupe-gets-pre-super-bowl-workout/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/video-hyundai-genesis-coupe-gets-pre-super-bowl-workout/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/video-hyundai-genesis-coupe-gets-pre-super-bowl-workout/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to watch behind-the-scenes footage of "Epic Lap"

We love the undulating flume of asphalt that is Road Atlanta, and any excuse to lay rubber on its storied curves is usually good enough for us. But Hyundai is going at least one better with its forthcoming Super Bowl ad featuring the new Genesis Coupe.

The Korean automaker enlisted the help of top drifting, truck almost-flipping, former rallyist Rhys Millen to showcase the rear-drive coupe. The Kiwi ran around Road Atlanta around 50 times with tires blazing to nail down footage for Hyundai's "Epic Lap" spot.

Even more interesting is that Hyundai will make footage clips available to consumers on their website so that they can edit together their own Genesis commercials.

While the final commercial won't be released until February 1 during the big game, the folks at Motor Trend were on hand for a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at the commercial. It's worth a look - and not just because of the comely yellow Hyundais. Watch closely and you'll spot a pair of killer blacked-out camera cars: A Porsche Cayenne and a Mitsubishi Evo. Check out the high-res Hyundai Genesis Coupe gallery below and video footage after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe


[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading VIDEO: Hyundai Genesis Coupe gets pre-Super Bowl workout

VIDEO: Hyundai Genesis Coupe gets pre-Super Bowl workout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DriftDriftingFormula DFormulaDGenesisGenesis CoupeGenesisCoupeHyundaiRhys MillenRhysMillenWed, 21 Jan 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[NASCAR Dads? How about Formula-D First Lady?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/10/nascar-dads-how-about-formula-d-first-lady/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/10/nascar-dads-how-about-formula-d-first-lady/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/10/nascar-dads-how-about-formula-d-first-lady/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It won't do anything to bolster her "green" credentials, but the fact that Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential candidate John McCain, can hold her 240SX in a glorious sideways slide as long as you please strikes us not only as surprising, but, well, a little off the hook. It seems the McCain clan likes high-horsepower pastimes, be it trains, planes or automobiles, though the trains part might only be for whistlestop campaigns. A few years back, Cindy and son Jack were intrigued by drifting after catching television coverage of the sport. Rather than just look it up on Wikipedia, Cindy McCain -- who is an avowed lifelong gearhead -- headed to Japan, birthplace of drifting, to learn the practice from a sensei.

Mom and son Jack dove wholeheartedly into drifting, building a 240SX drift car and competing as a team in amateur competition. Motorsports and high-performance driving also played a restorative role when McCain was temporarily felled by a stroke. In an odd choice of physical therapy facilities, McCain was at Bob Bondurant's Executive Protection course a mere six weeks after the health event, rebuilding her skill. While the plot sounds like a treatment for "The Drifting Kid" or some other kind of Hollywood dreck, it's exciting to think that a first lady might be able to out-drive her Secret Service detail. Thanks for all the tips!

[Source: ESPN]

NASCAR Dads? How about Formula-D First Lady? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cindy mccain driftCindyMccainDriftdriftingformula dFormulaDmccain driftmccain formula dMccainDriftMccainFormulaDWed, 10 Sep 2008 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Drifters upset with Formula D rule book]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/drifters-upset-with-formula-d-rule-book/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/drifters-upset-with-formula-d-rule-book/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/drifters-upset-with-formula-d-rule-book/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Professional drifting series, Formula D, is trying to quickly win over fans and competitors in order to become one of the top forms of motorsport in the United States. As folks have learned in the markets this past year, though, rapid growth does not come without some giant bumps in the road. It looks like Formula D has now slid into a wall with a few of its teams. Confusion surrounding the series rule book has come to a head in discussions at Drifting.com. The rules state that any change to a vehicle's OEM suspension design must be approved by Formula D. Of course, a visual inspection of every car lined up for a run at a Formula D event proves that no one is utilizing 100% OEM suspension components. Aftermarket coilovers, adjustable control arms and urethane bushings are all-too-,common modifications seen throughout the pits. Therefore, there must be a list available to competitors outlining the approved components for all competing vehicles. No such list is available, however. That means teams have no method of verifying that other competitors are following the rules, other than the fact an entry passed Formula D's own tech inspection. Current discussion is making a case for the use of vehicle technical sheets as found in series such as SCCA Speed World Challenge to list all allowable modifications for approved competition vehicles.

One particular team lies behind the call for rule revisions, while other concerned competitors back up their request for clarification. The vocal team is the group behind the Super Autobacs Nissan Skyline, which was recently deemed ineligible for competition by Formula D. The series organizers claim the Skyline features illegal front suspension modifications by using the OEM parts off a Nissan Laurel. However, the RWD Scion tC campaigning in the series is eligible despite also using suspension parts from another Toyota vehicle that shares the same chassis. The rules become particularly unclear when other vehicles are allowed to run with obviously altered suspension setups. 350Zs have altered the mounting points of their rear axles and Chevrolet Corvettes have converted from leaf springs to coilovers. Hopefully, Formula D can learn from this tussle and develop a fair and documented method of approving vehicle,s rather than leaving everyone in the dark. Thanks for the tip MrCoolGuy!

[Source: Drifting.com]

Drifters upset with Formula D rule book originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DriftingFormula DFormula DriftFormulaDFormulaDriftNissan SkylineNissanSkylineRule bookRuleBookRulesFri, 04 Jul 2008 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Sam Hubinette in Formula D action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/video-sam-hubinette-in-formula-d-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/video-sam-hubinette-in-formula-d-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/video-sam-hubinette-in-formula-d-action/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When you're winging a vehicle as expensive and powerful as a purpose-built Dodge Viper drift car, being fearful will only lead to a bad ending. Sam Hubinette doesn't have any such compunctions while sliding sideways at 90 miles per hour. Should he inadvertently hit the wall, whoops. Fretting over potential contact will likely only make it inevitable. The hairy-chested car guys over at 0-60 were hanging out at the third round of Formula Drift competition in Englishtown, NJ, and caught up with the Skidding Swede for a few minutes while shooting a larger video of the competition. The smoky event saw Hubinette's Viper place second to Tanner Foust's Nissan 350Z. Foust, you'll recall, is one of the hosts of NBC's domestic "Top Gear." Good to know he can drive. Now's your chance to take shots at drifting and complain about how it's not racing, and doesn't require any skill, though we assure you it is, and it does. You still don't have to like it. Video posted after the jump

Gallery: Formla D round 3


[Source: 0-60]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sam Hubinette in Formula D action

VIDEO: Sam Hubinette in Formula D action originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The new website encompassing all things sport compact, RiceBoyTV.com, has put together a web-based reality series following 17-year-old drifter Patrick Mordaunt. The video content follows Mordaunt through the trials and tribulations of his rookie season as a driver in the Formula Drift series. The show is currently on the second webisode, with the third waiting in the wings and many more to come as the season progresses. Patrick Mordaunt may not already be a name with which most casual drift fans are familiar, but he is certainly working hard to make sure things don't stay that way for long. His story is one of interest, as the talented young driver has a lot of heart.

Those in the sport compact industry first came to know Patrick Mordaunt when he was hardly a teenager. The avid Japanese Option video watcher was a regular attendee at any and all Southern California events remotely related to drifting. Patrick then began hitting the local test events with his '85 Toyota Corolla before he could even legally drive on the street. His thirst to learn quickly earned him immense respect in the pits, while his passion and tenacity stood out, causing industry insiders to take notice. Add in his uncanny ability to rack up the professional drifting licenses, with three in all, and It's no surprise that many folks, such as the crew at RiceBoyTV.com, want to help the guy achieve his dreams.

You can find Patrick's first webisode here and the second here. Keep checking back for updates throughout the 2008 Formula Drift season.

[Source: RiceBoyTV.com]

17-year-old drifter gets his own web-based reality show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photo: OriginLab.com

For those of you following the D1 Grand Prix here in the States, bad news came in the form of a press release from the drifting organization earlier this week. The D1 Grand Prix USA has been canceled for 2008 after challenges continued to rear their ugly heads from the series' organizers in Japan.

The 2007 schedule lacked any serious cohesion, but after hiring Mike Mucklin and the team that organized the GTLive tour back in 2004, we thought there might be a light at the end of the tunnel. Not so, and after Mucklin left the organization soon afterwards, it was clear that the D1 Grand Prix was in dire straights in '08.

Thankfully, Formula D, the series that's quickly becoming the definitive drifting organization in the U.S., has continually stepped up its game and is rivaling D1 in both excitement and organization. Fans can still get their sideways fix and check out Formula D's schedule here.

[Source: D1]

Continue reading U.S. D1 Grand Prix cancelled for 2008

U.S. D1 Grand Prix cancelled for 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d1 grand prixD1GrandPrixdriftdriftingformula dFormulaDWed, 13 Feb 2008 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Hyundai headed into Formula D?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/rumormill-hyundai-headed-into-formula-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/rumormill-hyundai-headed-into-formula-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/rumormill-hyundai-headed-into-formula-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



A factory-backed Hyundai drift team? It doesn't sound so fanciful after last week's introduction of the Genesis Coupe. Everyone who looks at the Concept Genesis has the same reaction, whether the powerplant referenced is a turbocharged four or a torquey V6 - "what a perfect drift car that would be." If this rumor pans out, it seems that Hyundai had the idea first, and they want to give their new RWD coupe some street cred. Maybe we'll find out more when the production version is unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. More grist for the rumor mill: there are serious discussions ongoing between Hyundai and a top drift team to field the Genesis Coupe in the 2008 or 2009 drift season. It would definitely go a long way toward bolstering the image of the new RWD Coupe from Hyundai to have it sliding around, tail out, kicking ass in Formula D, especially among the clientele this vehicle targets.

Thanks for the tip, MrCoolGuy!

[Source: C16]

Rumormill: Hyundai headed into Formula D? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We present you with another big gallery of photos from the weekend's activities in Long Beach. Besides the Champ Cars, ALMS, and Toyota Pro/Celebrity races we've already covered, the Long Beach GP hosted Formula D, Champ Car Atlantics, and Speed World Challenge GT racing. We were there on Friday during practice and captured some images to share with all of you. Next year we hope to get an earlier start to secure some credentials so we can get access to pit lane and head-on shots along the fence line. But for now we have these tower shots and some random pics from around the grounds.

Right on the water, with the Queen Mary and various cruise and cargo ships in the distance, there is a definite charm to this temporary street course that has hosted Formula 1, CART, Trans-Am, Can-Am, Rolex and ALMS over its 33-year history. Close to Hollywood, this is the racing event most likely to attract celebrities on the Champ Car schedule. Between practice sessions and races, fans had a lot of other things to keep them occupied. Minardi has a special two-seat formula car that allows passengers to experience 180-mph thrills, for just $10,000 a go. There are also rides and vendor booths everywhere, making the place feel like a community carnival as much as a racetrack.

Click one of the images below to go to our gallery. We also had one of our readers pass along a link to his own gallery of incredible shots from Saturday. Make sure you check them out. Thanks for sharing them, Mark!

Gallery: 2007 Long Beach GP weekend

Gallery: Long Beach GP weekend round-up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Champ CarChampCarFormula AtlanticFormula DFormulaAtlanticFormulaDLong Beach Grand PrixLongBeachGrandPrixMinardiSpeed World ChallengeSpeedWorldChallengeThe Queen MaryTheQueenMaryMon, 16 Apr 2007 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[The end is nigh: Hankook Tires debuts Porsche 993 drift car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/08/the-end-is-nigh-hankook-tires-debuts-porsche-993-drift-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/08/the-end-is-nigh-hankook-tires-debuts-porsche-993-drift-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/08/the-end-is-nigh-hankook-tires-debuts-porsche-993-drift-car/#commentsFiled under: ,



We imagine those brave souls who first turned oversteer into an art form on the dangerous twisties of Japan's mountain passes never imagined what would become of their beloved motorsport on American soil. Samuel Hubinette now drives a four-door Dodge Charger, Rhys Millen will pilot a Solstice GXP this season and Ken Gushi pilots a Ford Mustang GT. All do so with a great degree of success, as well. Now word comes that Hankook Tires will debut a drifting Porsche 993 car at the Formula D season opener in Long Beach on April 7th. The car features a 600-hp motor to help peel away its Hankook Ventus R-S2 rubber in a controlled manner. Unlike other drift cars, since the Porsche carries so much weight over its rear axle, the rear suspension had to be softened so the car could "squat" to get better traction. It will be driven by Tyler McQuarrie in the upcoming 2007 Formula D season, and for the purists out there will be accompanied by an S15 Sylvia Silvia driven by Kenji Yamanaka. We wonder what the official folks in Stuttgart think about all this.

Official press release from Hankook Tires can be found after the jump.

[Source: Hankook Tire]

Gallery: Hankook Tire Porsche 993 Drift Car

Continue reading The end is nigh: Hankook Tires debuts Porsche 993 drift car

The end is nigh: Hankook Tires debuts Porsche 993 drift car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftformula dFormulaDhankook tiresHankookTireslong beachLongBeachporsche 993Porsche993Thu, 08 Mar 2007 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge's drifting Charger debuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/24/dodge-s-drifting-charger-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/24/dodge-s-drifting-charger-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/24/dodge-s-drifting-charger-debuts/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Amidst the hoopla surrounding the release of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Universal Studios held a Drift Party in its parking lot where Dodge quietly parked its Mopar-powered Charger drift car that will eventually be driven in the Formula D professional drift series by Samuel Hubinette.

Dodge unveiled a version of its drifting Charger at last year's SEMA show in Las Vegas, but it wasn't race ready and featured many bits and pieces that were tacked on for show. The car that will actually compete gets a much smaller hood scoop, less pronounced fenders and ditches the carbon fiber rear wing out back. A more realistic set of 19-inch Racing Hart wheels and Brembo brakes also replaces the show setup on the SEMA vehicle.

Tire-shredding power will be provided by a Mopar 392 crate engine capable of producing 650 horsepower on 104 octane fuel. Considering this Charger weighs 900 lbs. less than a consumer Charger R/T, we're pretty sure Hubinette will be able to dominate the field like he's been doing in his Viper drift car.

More pics follow after the jump...

[Source: IGN]
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Continue reading Dodge's drifting Charger debuts

Dodge's drifting Charger debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jun 2006 07:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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