Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: Reflecting on America's Monaco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-reflecting-on-americas-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-reflecting-on-americas-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-reflecting-on-americas-monaco/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Grid Girls - Click above for high-res image gallery

The great thing about a weekend of racing action in Long Beach is that there is so much to see and do besides the already thrilling track action and automotive displays. Vendor alleys, 'extreme sports' demonstrations, free concerts, '50s-style Mexican wrestling with a little extra vavoom thrown in...they all add to the payout on your already value-packed ticket purchase. That last one, though, is something new for the GPLB, via something old.

Dubbed Lucha VaVoom, it's a fairly new show that recalls the burlesque shows and masked wrestling matches of the '50s and '60s, but adds a few modern twists, along with a bunch of comedy and some daredevil antics to keep everyone happy and alert. Why do we bring this up when we're supposed to be covering an auto race? Because there's always more to the scene than just the racecars. Being at an event like the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is an experience. Anyone can watch a race on their LCD screen, but actually being at the track, hearing, smelling, tasting and feeling the cars is a whole 'nother ball of wax.

A race event can be like having the circus in town. In fact, a whole little city sprouts up for these types of events, with restaurants, hair salons, recruiting centers, auto dealers, chapels, hospitals and entertainment spots galore. Participating in a race weekend is something all auto enthusiasts should do at least once in their lives, if not once a year or more. Long Beach in particular is such a great event because of its proximity to Hollywood, the Pacific Ocean and downtown Long Beach. And if you should ever think that attending a race is just a guy thing, know that there are plenty of families there as well, and plenty of ladies too, giving us all hope that the future of the hobby is in good hands.

This past weekend we were so pleased to find so many young women, in particular, at the track, that we couldn't help but take some pictures of all their smiling faces to prove our point. Take a look at the gallery below and you'll understand why we love Long Beach, and why it's been referred to as America's Monaco.


Gallery: 2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Grid Girls


Photos by Frank Filipponio and Andre Ravinowich/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: Reflecting on America's Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booth babesBoothBabesD1driftdriftingFormula DFormula DriftFormulaDFormulaDriftGPLBGrid GirlsGridGirlsindy carIndyCarlbgplong beachLong Beach Grand PrixLongBeachLongBeachGrandPrixTGPLBtoyota grand prix of long beachToyotaGrandPrixOfLongBeachMon, 19 Apr 2010 19:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19443699/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/19/long-beach-grand-prix-2010-reflecting-on-americas-monaco/19443699/article-detail.xml 19443699 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gridgirls2010tgplb---00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gridgirls2010tgplb---00.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Vaughn Gittin takes first win of 2010 Formula Drift season]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/17/video-vaughn-gittin-takes-first-win-of-2010-formula-drift-seaso/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/17/video-vaughn-gittin-takes-first-win-of-2010-formula-drift-seaso/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/17/video-vaughn-gittin-takes-first-win-of-2010-formula-drift-seaso/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vaughn Gittin Jr. at the 2010 Long Beach Formula Drift event - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Formula Drift kicked off the 2010 season last weekend with its 5th annual Streets of Long Beach event on turns 9, 10, and 11 of the Grand Prix course that'll see ALMS and IndyCar action this weekend. Our man Michael Harley's GSR Autosport team faced plenty of adversity in its inaugural event, and it was the more seasoned (and well funded) teams that fared better.

At the end of the knockout stages, Vaughn Gittin Jr., in his new 2011 Mustang sponsored by Falken Tire and Monster Energy Drink, stood atop the podium. This is Gittin's best ever start to a season, with his last win coming at Irwindale in 2008. Rounding out the top three were Rhys Millen in his Hyundai Genesis Coupe in second and Tanner Foust in his NASCAR V8-powered Scion tC in third.

Vaughn was nice enough to send over video of his victorious drifting runs that includes some fantastic in-car footage. Hit the jump to watch, and be sure to turn up the volume!

Gallery: Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s 2011 Monster Energy Ford Mustang


[Source: Vimeo]

Continue reading Video: Vaughn Gittin takes first win of 2010 Formula Drift season

Video: Vaughn Gittin takes first win of 2010 Formula Drift season originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 formula drift2010FormulaDrift2011 ford mustang2011FordMustangdriftingfalken tireFalkenTirefordford mustangFordMustangformula driftformula drift long beachFormulaDriftFormulaDriftLongBeachmonster energy drinkMonsterEnergyDrinkmustangvaughn gittin jr.VaughnGittinJr.Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19440219/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/17/video-vaughn-gittin-takes-first-win-of-2010-formula-drift-seaso/19440219/article-detail.xml 19440219 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gittinjrlb2010video_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gittinjrlb2010video.jpg <![CDATA[Rhys Millen gets first Formula Drift podium for Hyundai Genesis Coupe [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/rhys-millen-gets-first-formula-drift-podium-for-hyundai-genesis/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/rhys-millen-gets-first-formula-drift-podium-for-hyundai-genesis/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/rhys-millen-gets-first-formula-drift-podium-for-hyundai-genesis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rhys Millen drifting primer - click above to watch the video

After struggling in his first season of Formula Drift competition with the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Rhys Millen finally came good at Long Beach this week. Millen still hasn't won with the Genesis, but he managed to get second place on the podium against over 50 other drivers.

After rushing to get the coupe ready for the season opener a year ago, Millen's team spent this past winner thoroughly going over the car. Hyundai's Lambda V6 now produces over 650 horsepower compared to the 480 hp it turned out last year. Vaughn Gittin Jr. grabbed the top spot on the podium with his new Ford Mustang. For those unfamiliar with drifting, you can check out Millen's video primer after the jump along with the official press release.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Rhys Millen gets first Formula Drift podium for Hyundai Genesis Coupe [w/video]

Rhys Millen gets first Formula Drift podium for Hyundai Genesis Coupe [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drifterdriftingFormula DFormula DriftFormula Drift Long BeachFormula Drift World ChampionshipFormulaDFormulaDriftFormulaDriftLongBeachFormulaDriftWorldChampionshipgenesisgenesis coupeGenesisCoupelong beachLongBeachred bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingRhys Millenrhys millen genesis couperhys millen racingRhysMillenRhysMillenGenesisCoupeRhysMillenRacingWed, 14 Apr 2010 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19438511/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/14/rhys-millen-gets-first-formula-drift-podium-for-hyundai-genesis/19438511/article-detail.xml 19438511 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lb-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lb-fd.jpg <![CDATA[GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part IV - Our inaugural event begins with a drift, a snap and a shatter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-iv-our-inaugural-event-begins-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-iv-our-inaugural-event-begins-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-iv-our-inaugural-event-begins-wit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


GSR Autosport 350R - Click above to watch the progress of the season

Formula DRIFT is recognized as the North American professional drifting championship series. Autoblog has been invited behind-the-scenes with GSR Autosport, and their driver Michael Essa, as the team builds, tests and campaigns an all-new V10-powered BMW 350R during the 2010 racing season. This is the fourth installment in our series (see Part I, Part II and Part III) as we follow the team throughout the development, testing and race season.

The wail of BMW's V10 bouncing off the limiter at redline is deafening - especially coming out of two straight pipes - so it's unlikely that anyone heard the steel lower control arm on the front right of the 350R shatter. Michael Essa, manning the M5-powered 3 Series, certainly didn't. The run had been going well, just like the ones before it, when all of a sudden the BMW unexpectedly snapped off its line and careened directly into the tire barrier at speed. The incident would wreak havoc on our debut weekend at Formula Drift.


Gallery: GSR Autosport BMW 350R

Continue reading GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part IV - Our inaugural event begins with a drift, a snap and a shatter

GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part IV - Our inaugural event begins with a drift, a snap and a shatter originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 Series350R3Series3SeriesCoupe3SeriesDieselBimmerBMW 3 SeriesBMW M5Bmw3SeriesBmwM5EssaFormula DriftFormula Drift Final FightFormula Drift Irwindale SpeedwayFormula Drift Long BeachFormula Drift Red Bull World ChampionshipFormula Drift World ChampionshipFormulaDriftFormulaDriftFinalFightFormulaDriftIrwindaleSpeedwayFormulaDriftLongBeachFormulaDriftRedBullWorldChampionshipFormulaDriftWorldChampionshipGSR AutosportGsrAutosportM3 Engine SwapM3EngineSwapM5 Engine SwapM5 V10M5EngineM5EngineSwapM5V10Michael EssaMichaelEssaRhys MillenRhysIfansRhysMillentanner foustTannerFoustV10 Engine SwapV10EngineSwapVaughn Gittin Jr.VaughnGittinJr.Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19435238/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/12/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-iv-our-inaugural-event-begins-wit/19435238/article-detail.xml 19435238 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/dsc3071_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/dsc3071.jpg <![CDATA[GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part III - Testing, tuning and qualifying]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-iii-testing-tuning-and-qualifyin/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-iii-testing-tuning-and-qualifyin/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-iii-testing-tuning-and-qualifyin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


GSR Autosport BMW 350R - Click above to watch the progress of the build

Formula DRIFT is recognized as the North American professional drifting championship series. Autoblog has been invited behind-the-scenes with GSR Autosport, and their driver Michael Essa, as the team builds, tests and campaigns a V10-powered BMW 350R during the 2010 racing season. This is the third installment in our series (see Part I and Part II) as we follow the team throughout the creation, testing and race season.

The BMW V10 ripped from an M5 and transplanted into a 3 Series does turn over on the first try - but then it starts to backfire. The GSR Autosport team shuts it down promptly and dials Apex Speed Technology. The engine and its related electronics are the most sophisticated part of the 350R. Its digital ECU is tasked with controlling fuel, spark, four-cam VANOS, dual drive-by-wire, electronic oil pumps and a variable-speed electric cooling fan. Without delay, the experts diagnose the problem (exhaust cams) and download a few fixes to the S85B50's ECU. Set straight, the BMW Motorsport engine growls without a hiccup.

Once the engine is warmed, Michael Essa does exactly what most of us would do - he takes the brand-new 350R for a celebratory spin around the block at the industrial complex and does screaming donuts in the middle of the empty street.


Gallery: GSR Autosport BMW 350R

Continue reading GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part III - Testing, tuning and qualifying

GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part III - Testing, tuning and qualifying originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 series3SeriesBimmerBMWBMW 3 Series CoupeBMW 335iBMW M5Bmw335iBmw3SeriesCoupeBmwM5driftdriftingEssafeaturedFormula DriftFormula Drift Final FightFormula Drift Irwindale SpeedwayFormula Drift Long BeachFormula Drift Red Bull World ChampionshipFormula Drift World ChampionshipFormulaDriftFormulaDriftFinalFightFormulaDriftIrwindaleSpeedwayFormulaDriftLongBeachFormulaDriftRedBullWorldChampionshipFormulaDriftWorldChampionshipForumula DriftForumulaDriftGSR AutosportGsrAutosportM3m3 engine swapM3EngineSwapM5m5 engineM5 engine swapM5EngineM5EngineSwapmichael essaMichaelEssaFri, 09 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19432835/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/09/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-iii-testing-tuning-and-qualifyin/19432835/article-detail.xml 19432835 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gsrtest630-1270795403_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gsrtest630-1270795403.jpg <![CDATA[Vaughn Gittin Jr. unveils new 2011 Mustang drifter, announces new sponsor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/vaughn-gittin-jr-unveils-new-drift-mustang-annnounces-new-spon/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/vaughn-gittin-jr-unveils-new-drift-mustang-annnounces-new-spon/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/vaughn-gittin-jr-unveils-new-drift-mustang-annnounces-new-spon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s 2011 Monster Energy Ford Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few days ago, Vaughn Gittin Jr. gave a sneak peak of his new 2011 Mustang and hinted that a new sponsor would be involved for the 2010 Formula Drift season. Judging by the green wheels and that the car's unveiling would be held at Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory in Los Angeles, it was an easy assumption that Monster Energy Drink would be involved. The company is most famous in the motorsports world for sponsoring Ken Block, and both Gittin Jr. and Formula Drift seem like an easy fit. Sure enough, when the wraps were pulled off the new livery featured Monster's green and black theme.

Like the production 2011 Mustang, Vaughn's new ride features several new upgrades. The chassis and suspension have been updated using the knowledge gained from the 2009 season, and the looks have been tweaked to match Gitton's ponycar for the street, the RTR-C Mustang. Falken Tire remains as a sponsor and has provided their brand new RT-615K tires to be sacrificed on track, and a version of Ford Racing's 4.6-liter supercharged V8 is still under the hood. So what will happen to the 2010 Falken Mustang? Justin Pawlak, who finished ninth last year with a Mazda RX-8 last year, is joining the Falken team and will take over Vaughn's old Mustang.

We were fortunate enough to receive an invite to the unveiling, and made sure to have cameras in hand. A dark, crowded warehouse isn't our favorite place to photograph a car, but we did the best we could and have put the resulting images in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s 2011 Monster Energy Ford Mustang


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. unveils new 2011 Mustang drifter, announces new sponsor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford mustang2011 mustang2011FordMustang2011Mustangdriftdrift cardrift mustangDriftCardriftingDriftMustangfordford mustangFord RacingFordMustangFordRacingFormula DFormula DriftFormulaDFormulaDriftMonster EnergyMonsterEnergymustangmustang drifterMustangDrifterVaughn Gittin Jr.Vaughn Gittin Jr. 2011 Ford MustangVaughnGittinJr.VaughnGittinJr.2011FordMustangFri, 09 Apr 2010 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19430829/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/09/vaughn-gittin-jr-unveils-new-drift-mustang-annnounces-new-spon/19430829/article-detail.xml 19430829 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/leadvgj2011mustangintro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/leadvgj2011mustangintro.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Sam Hubinette drifts his new 865-hp Dodge Challenger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/08/sam-hubinette-drifts-his-new-865-hp-dodge-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/08/sam-hubinette-drifts-his-new-865-hp-dodge-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/08/sam-hubinette-drifts-his-new-865-hp-dodge-challenger/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hubinette's Charger an Comrie-Picard's Viper during drift testing - Click above to watch video after the jump

Sam Hubinette has started his own racing team, Samuel Hubinette Racing, given his title-winning Dodge Viper to team driver Andrew Comrie-Picard and picked up a shiny Dodge Challenger for himself. The team went out to Adam's Motorsports Park in Riverside, California to shake everything down, and the result is a couple of orange blurs and a lot of smoke.

High-res pics are below, with video of the Viper and the 885-horsepower Challenger eating up a set of low-profile BFGoodrich tires after the jump, along with a presser on BFG's kickoff to the Formula D season.


Gallery: Samuel Hubinette Racing out testing


[Source: BFGoodrich, YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Sam Hubinette drifts his new 865-hp Dodge Challenger

Video: Sam Hubinette drifts his new 865-hp Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew comrie-picardAndrewComrie-picardchallengerdodge challengerdodge viperDodgeChallengerDodgeViperdriftingFormula DriftFormulaDriftSam HubinetteSamHubinetteSamuel HubinetteSamuelHubinetteviperThu, 08 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19432075/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/08/sam-hubinette-drifts-his-new-865-hp-dodge-challenger/19432075/article-detail.xml 19432075 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/hubinettecharger10_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/hubinettecharger10.jpg <![CDATA[GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part II - We decimate a 335i and a Formula Drift racecar materializes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/07/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-ii-we-decimate-a-335i-and-a-formu/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/07/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-ii-we-decimate-a-335i-and-a-formu/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/07/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-ii-we-decimate-a-335i-and-a-formu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


GSR Autosport BMW 350R - Click above to watch the progress of the build

Formula DRIFT is recognized as the North American professional drifting championship series. Autoblog has been invited behind-the-scenes with GSR Autosport, and their driver Michael Essa, as the team builds, tests and campaigns a V10-powered BMW 350R during the 2010 racing season. This is the second installment in our series (see Part 1) as we follow the team throughout the creation, testing and race season.

Armed with a 2008 BMW 335i coupe, a shattered BMW M5 and boxes of components stacked around the shop, the team gets busy tearing the near-perfect 3 Series apart. The bumpers, doors, hood and trunk go first, followed by the glass sunroof and remaining sheet metal on the roof (hundreds of spot welds must be painstakingly drilled out). The stock twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter N54 is carefully removed and put aside. The interior is completely gutted and the heavy glass front, side and back windows are cut out. The chassis sits bare on the cold concrete shop floor.


Gallery: GSR Autosport BMW 350R

Continue reading GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part II - We decimate a 335i and a Formula Drift racecar materializes

GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part II - We decimate a 335i and a Formula Drift racecar materializes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBMW 335iBMW 335i CoupeBMW M5Bmw335iBmw335iCoupeBmwM5EssafeaturedFormula DriftFormula Drift Irwindale SpeedwayFormula Drift Long BeachFormula Drift World ChampionshipFormulaDriftFormulaDriftIrwindaleSpeedwayFormulaDriftLongBeachFormulaDriftWorldChampionshipGSR AutosportGsrAutosportM5 EngineM5EngineMichael EssaMichaelEssaWed, 07 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19429472/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/07/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-ii-we-decimate-a-335i-and-a-formu/19429472/article-detail.xml 19429472 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bmw350r630-1270656733_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bmw350r630-1270656733.jpg <![CDATA[GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part I - We help build a Formula Drift racecar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/05/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-i-we-help-build-a-formula-drift-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/05/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-i-we-help-build-a-formula-drift-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/05/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-i-we-help-build-a-formula-drift-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

GSR Autosport BMW 350R - Click above to watch the progress of the build

Formula DRIFT is recognized as the North American professional drifting championship series. As the first official drift series in North America, Formula DRIFT has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme, attracting fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life. This high-skilled, high-powered motor sport has drivers intentionally maneuvering their cars into well executed, controlled sideways slides at high speeds through a marked course. Judging is based on execution and style-rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time. Autoblog has been invited behind-the-scenes with GSR Autosport, and their driver Michael Essa, as the team builds, tests and campaigns a V10-powered BMW 350R during the 2010 racing season. This is the first in a regular series as we follow the team throughout the build, testing and race season. With that out of the way...

The idea is mildly deranged, but everyone around the table is wildly grinning. Someone has just suggested mating a BMW 3 Series Coupe to a V10 engine ripped from a BMW M5 and then entering the beast into the 2010 Formula DRIFT series. A few nervous laughs. Then, a bunch of nodding heads. The plans are set.

Common folk - that would be most of us - think this sort of absurd talk is pure madness. To drifters, this type of deliriousness is simply considered being competitive.


Gallery: GSR Autosport BMW 350R

Continue reading GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part I - We help build a Formula Drift racecar

GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part I - We help build a Formula Drift racecar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBMW 350RBMW M5BMW V10Bmw350rBmwM5BmwV10Formula DriftFormula Drift Final FightFormula Drift Irwindale SpeedwayFormula Drift Long BeachFormula Drift Red Bull World ChampionshipFormula Drift World ChampionshipFormulaDriftFormulaDriftFinalFightFormulaDriftIrwindaleSpeedwayFormulaDriftLongBeachFormulaDriftRedBullWorldChampionshipFormulaDriftWorldChampionshipGSR AutosportGsrAutosportMichael EssaMichaelEssaMon, 05 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19425115/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/05/gsr-autosport-bmw-350r-part-i-we-help-build-a-formula-drift-r/19425115/article-detail.xml 19425115 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bmw350r630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bmw350r630.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Rhys Millen warms up his Hyundai Genesis coupe for the drift season]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/02/video-rhys-millen-warms-up-his-hyundai-genesis-coupe-for-the-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/02/video-rhys-millen-warms-up-his-hyundai-genesis-coupe-for-the-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/02/video-rhys-millen-warms-up-his-hyundai-genesis-coupe-for-the-dr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Rhys Millet gets drifty with his Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Click above to watch the video

2009 was a less-than-stellar year for Rhys Millen and the debut of his Hyundai Genesis coupe. The Genesis is an eminently driftable car as was demonstrated during the media launch a year ago. But despite Millen's considerable skills, the defending champion finished the Formula Drift season in 19th place.

With the 2010 season set to kick off next weekend in Long Beach, the Millen Racing crew has been working on improving the car and Millen spent some time practicing recently at El Toro. While the car is certainly generating plenty of tire smoke thanks to its 650 horsepower, we have no idea at this point if it will move Millen further up in the rankings this year. Millen did tell us that he will have more to announce soon on additional race programs. Perhaps a GT2 Genesis Coupe? or a Pikes Peak Equus? Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Rhys Millen Racing via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Rhys Millen warms up his Hyundai Genesis coupe for the drift season

Video: Rhys Millen warms up his Hyundai Genesis coupe for the drift season originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftingFormula DFormula DriftFormula Drift Irwindale SpeedwayFormula Drift Long BeachFormulaDFormulaDriftFormulaDriftIrwindaleSpeedwayFormulaDriftLongBeachgenesis coupeGenesisCoupeHyundaiHyundai Genesishyundai genesis coupeHyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisCoupemillenrhysRhys Millenrhys millen genesis couperhys millen racingRhysMillenRhysMillenGenesisCoupeRhysMillenRacingthreading the needleThreadingTheNeedleFri, 02 Apr 2010 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19422394/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/02/video-rhys-millen-warms-up-his-hyundai-genesis-coupe-for-the-dr/19422394/article-detail.xml 19422394 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/rhys-genny-coupe-slide-vid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/rhys-genny-coupe-slide-vid.jpg <![CDATA[Ruh-Roh: Nick Hogan announces return to drifting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/ruh-roh-nick-hogan-announces-return-to-drifting/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/ruh-roh-nick-hogan-announces-return-to-drifting/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/ruh-roh-nick-hogan-announces-return-to-drifting/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hulk Hogan's son, Nick Hogan, has announced that he'll be returning to competitive drifting. That's right, at one point in time Nick Hogan was a competitive professional drifter, licensed by Formula D and finishing as high as third place at a 2007 NOPI Drift event. Then he went and crashed his hyper-modded Toyota Supra (while drunk and racing) and in the process put his friend and Iraq veteran into a vegetative state. Hogan, who was a minor at the time of the crash and subsequent incarceration, served six months of an eight-month sentence and had his drivers license suspended for three years.

Hogan will be participating in the newly formed XDC (Xtreme Drifting Circuit) drift series that pits professionals against amateurs. Nick will be fielding a black, turbocharged Nissan 350Z. Also of note is that Hogan is now involved with a group called Keep It On The Track which is, "dedicated to educating Americans about the consequences of participating in illegal street races and driving without a seat belt." Hogan will use his return to drifting to promote Keep It On The Track. All we can say is "good."

[Source: Motorworldhype | Image: Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty]

Ruh-Roh: Nick Hogan announces return to drifting originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>350ZDriftDriftingdrunk drivingDrunkDrivingEtreme Drift CircuitEtremeDriftCircuitFormula DFormula DriftFormulaDFormulaDriftHogan DriftHoganDriftHulk HoganHulkHogankeep it on the trackKeepItOnTheTrackkiottNick HoganNick Hogan BolleaNick Hogan DriftNickHoganNickHoganBolleaNickHoganDriftNiss 350ZNiss350zNissanNOPIToyota SupraToyotaSupraXDCMon, 22 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19408481/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/22/ruh-roh-nick-hogan-announces-return-to-drifting/19408481/article-detail.xml 19408481 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/gyi0057368689-250op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/gyi0057368689-250op.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Iron Man</i> Tony Stark to sponsor Formula D car? [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/16/iron-man-tony-stark-to-sponsor-formula-d-car-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/16/iron-man-tony-stark-to-sponsor-formula-d-car-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/16/iron-man-tony-stark-to-sponsor-formula-d-car-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view the trailer after the jump

Of all the fictitious captains of industry and superheroes ever to grace the silver screen, Tony Stark's got to be one of our favorites. Why? Well aside from flying around the world in his super-suit and kickin' terrorist butt, he's also a hardcore car guy. Just look at the Audi R8, Saleen S7 and the poor old Shelby Cobra he nearly ruined in the first episode. Now the sequel is almost upon us, and Tony is taking to the track in a Stark Industries-sponsored single-seater. (See for yourself in the trailer after the jump.) But though the company and its eponymous chief may be fictitious, that won't stop them from actually sponsoring a real race car of their own.

As you can see from the photo above, Iron Man 2 will be sponsoring Stephan Verdier's Crawford Performance-prepped Subaru Impreza in this season's Formula Drift series. That's nothing new: Movies, superhero movies especially, often sponsor racing teams. (Just check out David Coulthard on the podium in a superman cape or Jarno Trulli riding the bat-pod to see what we mean.) But if you look closer, you'll see the Stark logo on the quarter-panel. So while we wait to see Stark's on-screen heroics in the upcoming movie, we can enjoy Verdier's on-track heroics in Formula D as well. Top Tip, Andy!

[Source: MotorWorldHype]

Continue reading Iron Man Tony Stark to sponsor Formula D car? [w/video]

Iron Man Tony Stark to sponsor Formula D car? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crawford performanceCrawfordPerformanceFormula DFormula DriftFormula Drift World ChampionshipFormulaDFormulaDriftFormulaDriftWorldChampionshipiron maniron man 2IronManIronMan2royal purpleRoyalPurplesponsorstark industriesstark racingStarkIndustriesStarkRacingstephan verdierStephanVerdiersubarusubaru imprezasubaru impreza stisubaru impreza wrx stisubaru wrx stiSubaruImprezaSubaruImprezaStiSubaruImprezaWrxStiSubaruWrxStitony starkTonyStarkverdier racingVerdierRacingwrx stiWrxStiTue, 16 Mar 2010 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19398580/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/16/iron-man-tony-stark-to-sponsor-formula-d-car-w-video/19398580/article-detail.xml 19398580 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/starkmotorsportsstephanverdier_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/starkmotorsportsstephanverdier.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19223825/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/06/sema-2009-grunewald-racing-camaro-sets-its-sights-on-2010-formu/19223825/article-detail.xml 19223825 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/grunewaldcamaro_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/grunewaldcamaro_lead.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19215619/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/29/video-formula-d-judgment-day-2009/19215619/article-detail.xml 19215619 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/driftrx8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/driftrx8.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19200063/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/19/formula-drift-2009-season-wraps-up-in-irwindale-california/19200063/article-detail.xml 19200063 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/659101809-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/659101809-opt.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19189920/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/12/autoblog-goes-drifting-with-tanner-foust/19189920/article-detail.xml 19189920 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/driftingwithtfoust_14_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/driftingwithtfoust_14_opt.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19185401/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/06/racecar-fabricator-and-nuformz-owner-shaun-carlson-dead-at-35/19185401/article-detail.xml 19185401 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/shauncarlson_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/shauncarlson.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19168479/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/21/2010-chevrolet-camaro-ss-comes-to-formula-d/19168479/article-detail.xml 19168479 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/conrad_grunewald_hankook_formula_drift_2010_camaro_f-620op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/conrad_grunewald_hankook_formula_drift_2010_camaro_f-620op.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19105448/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/22/formula-drift-las-vegas-a-sideways-primer/19105448/article-detail.xml 19105448 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/dsc_6963_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/dsc_6963_opt.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1552230/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/20/mopar-pulls-sponsorship-of-sam-hubinettes-drift-team/1552230/article-detail.xml 1552230 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/fd_irwindale_57-580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/fd_irwindale_57-580op.jpg -1 2