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[SEMA 2009: Grunewald Racing Camaro sets its sights on 2010 Formula Drift season]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-grunewald-racing-camaro-sets-its-sights-on-2010-formu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-grunewald-racing-camaro-sets-its-sights-on-2010-formu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-grunewald-racing-camaro-sets-its-sights-on-2010-formu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2010 Grunewald Racing Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Conrad Grusewald has been an occasional participant in the Formula Drift series for the past several years with a supercharged C5 Corvette as his vehicle of choice for piloting around clipping points and narrowly missing concrete barriers while in opposite lock. For the 2010 season, however, he plans to step up the efforts with an all new 2010 Camaro built specifically as a drift car with Hankook Tire as the lead sponsor.

In addition to providing the Camaro for Grusewald, Chevrolet also pitched in an LS-A crate motor from GM Performance Parts that should produce more than 600 horsepower at the wheels. The car also features an Eibach suspension, carbon fiber body panels from Seibon, Forgeline aluminum wheels and more. Expect to see more of this car when the Formula Drift season starts in April, but until then you'll have to settle for our gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Grunewald Racing Camaro


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

SEMA 2009: Grunewald Racing Camaro sets its sights on 2010 Formula Drift season originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Chevrolet Camaro2010ChevroletCamaroCamaroChevroletChevrolet CamaroChevroletCamaroConrad GrunewaldConradGrunewaldFormula DriftFormulaDriftGrunewald RacingGrunewald Racing CamaroGrunewaldRacingGrunewaldRacingCamaroSEMASEMA 2009Sema2009Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST<![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[Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/formula-drift-las-vegas-a-sideways-primer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/formula-drift-las-vegas-a-sideways-primer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/formula-drift-las-vegas-a-sideways-primer/#commentsFiled under: ,


Formula Drift, Las Vegas - Click above for high-res image gallery

There needs to be a good reason for us to stand in 117-degree heat ingesting particulate rubber and inhaling the tangy stench of tire smoke. An invite to the Las Vegas round of Formula Drift didn't appear to be reason enough, until we realized we didn't have the faintest clue what drifting is really all about. So, with education as our aim we headed into the heat of ten thousands suns to learn what the high-powered slip-n-slide entails. We came away with two findings: one, drifting takes enormous skill; two, drifting isn't a motorsport - it's figure skating. Follow the jump for the story.


Gallery: Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon R. Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer

Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftdriftingfeaturedformula driftFormulaDriftlas vegasLasVegassam hubinetteSamHubinetteundefinedWed, 22 Jul 2009 11:55:00 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[First round of 2009 Formula Drift season in the books]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/first-round-of-2009-formula-drift-season-in-the-books/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/first-round-of-2009-formula-drift-season-in-the-books/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/first-round-of-2009-formula-drift-season-in-the-books/#commentsFiled under:


Formula Drift at Long Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery

While many forms of motorsports are cutting back with less sponsorship money and fewer teams, Formula Drift actually grew this year with a bigger list of entrants and plenty of brand new cars. For the opening event in Long Beach, CA, Rhys Millen brought out his Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Tanner Foust traded in his 350Z for a NASCAR-powered Scion tC, and Vaughn Gittin Jr. upgraded his Mustang to a 2010 model. In the end, though, a pair of older cars landed a spot in the finals with Sam Hubinette in his NuFormz Racing / Mopar Dodge Viper SRT10 challenging Ryan Tuerck in his Gardella Racing / Mobil 1 Pontiac Solstice for the top spot. It was Tuerck who was victorious in the drifting duel, who captured his first ever Formula D win and took the initial points lead in the 2009 season. We've put together two high-res galleries, one for practice and qualifying and another for the main day of competition. Hit the jump for more details on the opening race of the 2009 Formula Drift season.


Gallery: 2009 Formula Drift Long Beach Practice and Qualifying


Gallery: 2009 Formula Drift Long Beach Round of 32


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

Continue reading First round of 2009 Formula Drift season in the books

First round of 2009 Formula Drift season in the books originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Formula Drift2009FormulaDriftdriftingFormula DriftFormula Drift Long BeachFormulaDriftFormulaDriftLongBeachRyan TuerckRyan Tuerck Pontiac SolsticeRyanTuerckRyanTuerckPontiacSolsticeMon, 13 Apr 2009 12:34:00 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[Red Bull Racer: A closer look at Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/red-bull-racer-a-closer-look-at-rhys-millens-hyundai-genesis-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/red-bull-racer-a-closer-look-at-rhys-millens-hyundai-genesis-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/red-bull-racer-a-closer-look-at-rhys-millens-hyundai-genesis-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe

The Red Bull-sponsored Hyundai Genesis Coupe driven by Rhys Millen made its competitive debut at the Formula Drift event in Long Beach, CA this weekend. While Millen was knocked out in the first round, his car was still one of the hottest attractions at the event, garnering plenty of attention from race fans. Its turbocharged V6 made one of the best sounds on the track, and it's possibly one of the best looking cars on the circuit as well. This is just one of many venues where Rhys will be competing with the Genesis Coupe, along with the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the Redline Time Attack series, and the rest of the Formula Drift calendar. We caught up with the Millen and the car in the pits to take a closer look and were sure to get plenty of photos both on and off track. Be sure to check out the high-res gallery below, and follow the jump to learn more about the RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe.


Gallery: Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis Coupe


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

Continue reading Red Bull Racer: A closer look at Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Red Bull Racer: A closer look at Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Formula DriftFormulaDriftHyundaiHyundai GenesisHyundai Genesis CoupeHyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisCoupeRhys MillenRhys Millen RacingRhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis CoupeRhysMillenRhysMillenRacingRhysMillenRacingHyundaiGenesisCoupeRMR Hyundai Genesis CoupeRmrHyundaiGenesisCoupeSun, 12 Apr 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Formula Drift returns for 2009 season with opener in Long Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/formula-drift-returns-for-2009-season-with-opener-in-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/formula-drift-returns-for-2009-season-with-opener-in-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/formula-drift-returns-for-2009-season-with-opener-in-long-beach/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Red Bull Drifting World Championship

The Formula Drift series is returning for its sixth season with the series opener in Long Beach, CA this next week. The event kicks off on April 9th with a parade from the track into downtown Long Beach followed by practice and qualifying on the 10th and the main event on Saturday, April 11th. Formula Drift has also announced the drivers lineup along with all the new cars. Reigning champion Tanner Foust will now be piloting a Scion tC, Rhys Millen will debut his Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Vaughn Gittin Jr. is sporting a brand new 2010 Mustang GT, and Sam Hubinette will hopefully be bringing his new Dodge Challenger. More details on the event and the full driver lineup after the jump.


Gallery: 2008 Red Bull Drifting World Championship


[Source: Formula Drift]

Continue reading Formula Drift returns for 2009 season with opener in Long Beach

Formula Drift returns for 2009 season with opener in Long Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Formula Drift2009FormulaDriftFormula DriftFormula Drift Long BeachFormulaDriftFormulaDriftLongBeachSat, 04 Apr 2009 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Barrett-Jackson 2009: Vaughn Gittin gettin' groove on in 2010 Falken Drift Mustang]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/barrett-jackson-2009-vaughn-gittin-gettin-groove-on-in-2010-fa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/barrett-jackson-2009-vaughn-gittin-gettin-groove-on-in-2010-fa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/barrett-jackson-2009-vaughn-gittin-gettin-groove-on-in-2010-fa/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Falken Drift Mustang

Most of our time at Barrett-Jackson is spent inside the auction tent, but there are plenty of interesting activities going on outside, as well. In recent years, Ford Racing and Falken have brought out their drift Mustang that competes in the Formula Drift series, with Vaughn Gittin Jr. wowing auction spectators with his precise car control and tire-shredding power slides. This year, Falken brought out the 2010 version of the car (now in full Falken livery) that made its debut in Santa Monica alongside the production car back in November. Anyone at the auction could register for a chance to get a ride in the car, and Gittin Jr. gave quite a few white-knuckle rides while we were watching. Most people thoroughly enjoyed it and stepped out of the car with a huge grin, although the expressions on many of the passengers as the car swung sideways within inches of a concrete barrier was nothing short of hilarious.

Gallery: Barrett-Jackson 2009: 2010 Falken Drift Mustang


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

Barrett-Jackson 2009: Vaughn Gittin gettin' groove on in 2010 Falken Drift Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Falken Drift Mustang2010 Ford Mustang2010 Ford Racing Drift Mustang2010FalkenDriftMustang2010FordMustang2010FordRacingDriftMustangBarrett JacksonBarrett-JacksonBarrett-Jackson 2009Barrett-jackson2009BarrettJacksonFalkenFordFormula DriftFormulaDriftMustangVaughn Gittin Jr.VaughnGittinJr.Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhys Millen victorious at inaugural Red Bull Drifting World Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/rhys-millen-victorious-at-inaugural-red-bull-drifting-world-cham/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/rhys-millen-victorious-at-inaugural-red-bull-drifting-world-cham/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/rhys-millen-victorious-at-inaugural-red-bull-drifting-world-cham/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Red Bull Drifting World Championship

Like Ferrari winning the Italian Grand Prix or a Mazda atop the podium at Laguna Seca, Rhys Millen scored a fitting victory in his Red Bull Pontiac Solstice GXP at the very first Red Bull Drifting World Championship over the weekend. The event featured the top thirty-two drifters from around the world at a purpose-built track at the ports of Long Beach, CA. Formula Drift drivers dominated the event, taking six of the eight spots in the quarter finals and all four places in the semi finals. Millen survived five knockout rounds, defeating the likes of Ken Gushi, Top Gear USA host Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gitten, and eventually beat out teammate Daijiro Yoshihara in the all-Pontiac finals. More details on the event are in the press release following the jump, and we weathered the tire smoke and flying bits of rubber to bring you plenty of fantastic high resolution photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2008 Red Bull Drifting World Championship


All photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Rhys Millen victorious at inaugural Red Bull Drifting World Championship

Rhys Millen victorious at inaugural Red Bull Drifting World Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DriftingFormula DriftFormulaDriftRed Bull Drifting World ChampionshipRedBullDriftingWorldChampionshiprhys millenRhysMillenMon, 17 Nov 2008 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Formula Drift ramping up for Red Bull Drifting World Championship this weekend]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/formula-drift-ramping-up-for-red-bull-drifting-world-championshi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/formula-drift-ramping-up-for-red-bull-drifting-world-championshi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/formula-drift-ramping-up-for-red-bull-drifting-world-championshi/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Formula Drift event at Irwindale Speedway

Formula Drift first announced the inaugural Red Bull Drifting World Championship back in July, and the final preparations are being made for the event this weekend. The top thirty-two drifters from around the world will slide their way around a specially-built six-turn course including a high-speed entry turn that should have many of the cars in excess of 100 mph. Things will get kicked off tomorrow, Thursday, November 13, with a parade of the competitors' cars and an autograph session in downtown Long Beach. The drivers will hit the track on Saturday for practice and qualifying, and on Sunday they will compete in a knockout-style bracket tournament with the winner taking home the largest purse in drifting history. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Formula Drift at Irwindale Speedway

[Source: Formula Drift]

Continue reading Formula Drift ramping up for Red Bull Drifting World Championship this weekend

Formula Drift ramping up for Red Bull Drifting World Championship this weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Drifting World ChampionshipDriftingWorldChampionshipFormula DriftFormula Drift World ChampionshipFormulaDriftFormulaDriftWorldChampionshipRed Bull Drifting World ChampionshipRedBullDriftingWorldChampionshipWed, 12 Nov 2008 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Tanner Foust captures second straight Formula Drift championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/tanner-foust-captures-second-straight-formula-drift-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/tanner-foust-captures-second-straight-formula-drift-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/tanner-foust-captures-second-straight-formula-drift-championship/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for high-res gallery of the Formula Drift Series at Irwindale

Our never-ending interest in the upcoming U.S. Top Gear has us usually thinking of Tanner Foust as a television host, so we often forget that he has another day job sliding a Nissan 350Z around racetracks in the Formula Drift series. Tanner came into the final round this weekend at Irwindale Speedway at the top of the points race, and he needed to stay ahead of Sam Hubinette in his Dodge Viper and Rhys Millen in his Pontiac Solstice to capture his second straight championship. He did just that, finishing in second place behind Vaughn Gitten Jr., who captured his first win in the series in his Falken Tire Ford Mustang. The top 16 drivers from the event also qualified for the upcoming Red Bull Drifting World Championship next month in Long Beach. We braved the flying chunks of rubber (no, really - there's a reason Formula Drift has more tire sponsors than any other motorsports series) to bring you a gallery of high resolution photographs from the event, which can be seen in the gallery below. Full details of the event can also be found in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Formula Drift at Irwindale Speedway


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tanner Foust captures second straight Formula Drift championship

Tanner Foust captures second straight Formula Drift championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 Formula Drift Irwindale Speedway2008FormulaDriftIrwindaleSpeedwaydriftingFormula DriftFormula Drift Final FightFormula Drift Irwindale SpeedwayFormulaDriftFormulaDriftFinalFightFormulaDriftIrwindaleSpeedwayTanner FoustTannerFousttop geartop gear usaTopGearTopGearUsaMon, 13 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Formula Drift announces World Championship of drifting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/14/formula-drift-announces-world-championship-of-drifting/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/14/formula-drift-announces-world-championship-of-drifting/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/14/formula-drift-announces-world-championship-of-drifting/#commentsFiled under:

It always seems a bit presumptuous when a "world champion" is declared for a sporting event played in America. After all, other countries have leagues for baseball, basketball, football, etc. Formula Drift, the most well known drifting association in the United States, isn't about to declare world superiority in the art of maneuvering a car sideways through a course, but it does want to find out who's the best. Partnering with Red Bull Energy Drink, Formula Drift will be bringing together the best drifters from around the world to compete head to head in one single event. The competition will be held in November on the docks in Long Beach, CA and will feature a purpose-built course that will test the limits of each driver's skills. With a few of us located in Los Angeles, you can be sure that Autoblog will be bringing you live coverage of the event. Full details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Formula Drift]

Continue reading Formula Drift announces World Championship of drifting

Formula Drift announces World Championship of drifting originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DriftingFormula DriftFormula Drift Red Bull World ChampionshipFormula Drift World ChampionshipFormulaDriftFormulaDriftRedBullWorldChampionshipFormulaDriftWorldChampionshipRed BullRedBullMon, 14 Jul 2008 19:34:00 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