Run whatcha brung...


A true blender doesn't care that he's (or she's) at work. Doesn't mind driving a utilitarian van if that's what pays the bills. Unfortunately when that irresistible piece of road is set before you, you sometimes need to attack it with the tool you have, no matter how un-ideal it may be.

Race Enzo : Pure Sound

Targa Newfoundland. Enzo. Ridiculous exhaust. Really fast.
'Nuff said...

Absolutely Useless File - #13

Another reason why Fiats, plywood, and the British should never be left unsupervised...


Mis-Named Rallies & Mis-Used Beemers


Not just another awesome rally video, this one features some cars you normally wouldn't expect at a dirt event...

A legacy of LEGO...

Have you ever stopped to think about one of the world's greatest marvels?
The ubiquitous LEGO brick.



Nice catch, Nico!

I've always believed it's better to be lucky than good. Although having lightning fast reflexes and tremendous instinctual car control definitely weighs the scales in your favor.


When in doubt, the Almighty is always a go-to...

English speaking navigators truly are a gift from above. Rallying is so much more fun for me to watch when I can understand the pace notes being called out to the driver.



Pure Sound Ferrari's and Disc Glow Galore...

With 720hp on tap at an ear piercing 9,000 RPM, the 599XX is truly pure porn for gear heads and track monkeys alike.


Vintage Save

Classic, epic, inspiring, and impressive. All in a vintage 1986 video clip...



Audi Kundensport

Anyone who says money can't buy happiness, doesn't have enough to buy their own seat in the 24 hours of Nurburgring.


Extreme power-to-weight


Weight. The ultimate enemy of any speed junkie looking to extract every last bit of performance from their machine.


Jorian Ponomareff - 2 wheel Gymkhana


Take a sportbike, add a Gymkhana layout, provide a talented and brave rider, and throw in copious amounts of throttle. What do you get?


Green Hell = Traffic Hell


What a world we live in. Even at the mecca for gearheads, the traffic demon still manages to rear it's ugly head.


Stalking a '72 911...

OK so maybe stalking is a bad word to use. Admiring? Maybe. Envious bromance? More appropriate.



My BMW drives better than you...

Soon the days of instructors will be gone. The relationship forged with another human who has risked his life in an attempt to make you a better, faster, safer track driver will be lost.
Begs the question - Will there actually be a need for a driver in a race car since microchips and servos can do a better job?
Rise of the machines!



Gaudy, green, and GREAT!

Hate all you want, the RAUH-Welt Begriff movment is making headlines.


One really sick Estoril E36 M3...

Some guy named Luke, an Estoril Blue E36 M3, and gobs of horsepower and tire smoke courtesy of a turbo.


Rennsport Reunion Parade Lap 2011


Three minutes of Porsche goodness. Filmed from the corkscrew at Laguna Seca.
Enjoy!

Screamin' 635 CSi

If I could narrow down my list of favorite BMW's down to 3, this would be place holder #2. We'll leave the #1 spot for another day...


Driftin' Italians

When someone mentions Italy and motorsports, the first correlation most people imagine is a prancing horse on a yellow background.
.


2011 Nasa Championship Race PTD #38 Mazda

Watch Speed TV all you want. IndyCars on VS. or even Grand-Am on network TV. Formula 1 is way too sensational, and NASCAR is boring.
True racers? It's the weekend warriors that race N.A.S.A.
Grassroots to the bone. Ride along and see for yourself. Better yet - go HERE and try it out for yourself!

Gronholm, a long lost Duke boy?

In the event of the whole Rallycross thing not working out for Gronholm, it's good to know that a career in Hollywood is possible...

Enzo ocean stage at Targa Newfoundland 2011

Poke fun all you want, but this guy get major respect for bringing an Enzo to Targa Newfoundland!
 

Maserati Kubang - Official video

Maserati, your marketing team sucks. How could you even attempt to pass off such a corny theme and campy song.



Ferrari 458 Italia Akrapovic Exhaust Sound

As if the 458 Italia didn't sound great already. Add an Akropovic exhaust and your sure to lower property values in your neighborhood.
Quickly.

Cayenne Turbo - Rapid Response

The unsung heroes of racing. The safety team. They make it possible for us to enjoy the dangers associated with racing. With them watching your back you can brake a little deeper, turn in a little later, accelerate a little sooner. You can use a little more curb, you can track out a little farther, ultimately taking more chances than you should.
Give them a wave at the next opportunity.
Preferably on your cool down lap; please.

Happy Feet, part II

We've shown you what sort of footwork it takes to road race (here it is in case you missed it).
Now here's how the dance looks inside a drifter's car...

A lap of Knockhill from a unique viewpoint, that of Paul Cheshire's footwell.

Woodward Avenue Test

"Making sure we deliver maximum stress to the drivetrain..." - Greatest line EVER...

Absolutely Useless #11

Maybe not completely useless, but useless enough that I couldn't file it anywhere else.
This guy has blended the unthinkable - A Smartank? Econo-tread? Smart-mobile?
I guess without an open field it wouldn't be as fun...



Maximum Mini

BRracing's R56 Mini Cooper JCW is far from ordinary. With many dollars spent in suspension, engine, and exterior mods, this Mini is as unique as one could get.



Absolutely Useless #10

We haven't done an absolutely useless in a while. So what better way to resurrect a classic theme by defiling and otherwise stellar vehicle with some light wheels.
And when I mean light, I mean LED lights. There is no practical use for this other than to garner attention from 16 year old girls, rappers, and of course police.
10 points for the balls it takes to drive this. Minus 100 points for doing it to a BMW.
NOT the car to use if you have outstanding warrants...

Another Shade of M


Active Autowerke and Martino Auto Concepts teamed up to create two unique 2011.5 BMW E92 M3's. Each of these cars feature custom paint jobs done by Martino Auto Concepts in NY as well as a full line of performance upgrades from Active Autowerke including their E92 M3 Stage 2 Supercharger Kits.

Hey wrong way!!! Oh, no it's not...

Matt Carter's awesome backwards entry at Knockhill during practice for the British Drift Championship round 4. Including a slow motion replay.

Top 10 things I hate about Ken Block's Gymkhana IV...

Yeah, I know. You've seen it. I reluctantly decided to post it up. Why? Well because there are a few things that have to be said...



Oh! So you say you have a spare $200,000?

Let's say you have a 1/4 million US$ laying around. Let's also assume that a standard M3 just isn't enough for you. Of course we are also taking for granted that you know of a place to achieve 200 MPH in a street legal BMW that retains all the comfort features intended by the factory. Does an E90 3 series with an E60's V10 stir your loins? Best described as the ultimate sleeper, complete with OBD port and all check engine lights intact.
Well if that sounds like your particular brand of automotive narcotic, dial up Turner Motorsport and demand a Hartge H50.

Mazda Spa Drivers Guide- Single lap

We are all aware of my penchant for on-board video. Couple that with actual instruction on a course that I have not had the pleasure of experiencing yet, and you have a video worth watching!


The great Alfa is back!!!

I'm a sucker for great sounding vintage race cars. Ok, I'm lying. I love the sound of ANY race car. OK, OK... Still lying - I'm a motorhead, loving all things cars; a complete addict.
Imagine my heart sinking as I see a fine example of Alfa-ness tumble to a horrible demise.
But have no fear! The Alfa is back! Rebuilt and better than before!



2011 - Road America - A lap with Bill Auberlen

Here's a disclaimer:
The only reason I started this blog was to stash all my favorite videos in one place. It soon evolved into having a personality of it's own; almost dictating to me what should be posted.

Premature SRS Ejection...

Yeah, get your mind out of the gutter. I admit; the title was strictly to get your attention.

Now that I have it... If GM actually believes that drifting a Camaro is not it's intended use, it is painfully obvious why they went bankrupt.
Talk about not knowing their core market...

What the rich and famous do when they play with cars...

Ahh to be flush with cash and fame... these guys are doing it RIGHT.
Great video, Great edit. More info and credits after the jump...


Walter Röhrl - Vintage S1 goodness...

No one can part a spectator sea like Walter Rohrl. Or maybe it's the distinctive sound pouring out of that turbocharged Audi 5-cylinder that make humans scatter as if you were, well I guess like if you were hurtling a ton and a half of rally perfection at them...



Group B - Still too fast to race

Quite possibly the most comprehensive, intense, all encompassing video on the golden age of rally racing. Excellent sounds, great in-car videos, tremendous commentary by some guy with a British accent.
What more could you ask for?
OK, it's an hour and 16 minutes long, but OH-SO worth it!!!

It's all about momentum...

Racing is more about finesse than power. When your doing it right it feels like dancing. This is most apparent when in a Spec Miata. Watch Brody Goble move from last place to 4th using his wits, patience, and yes; momentum. Even when more powerful cars do something stupid in front of you, patience must remain in plentiful supply. Sure a little venting helps (like at 8:25), but never let it get in the way of your primary focus: maintain your rhythm, preserve your momentum.
Good show Brody! Check out his site - http://www.brodygoble.com/

You might be a redneck if...

There is no limit to that amount of fun you can have in an open field with an auction-bought clunker. Change out that clunker to a classic (admittedly rough) Porsche 928, and the fun multiplies. Add in a dash of "dirt hill jump" and catch it all on video? Well you would have to be a redneck to think of that.
God bless the USA!

Stop or my mom will puke...

Seriously, that's not cool. She carried you, she gave birth to you. She fed you, she cleaned you. She taught you, she held you. And sure, I'm sure she scolded you from time to time. This is how you show your love. Scare the crap out of her at Laguna Seca in your Z06. Prove to her that trackdays aren't that dangerous by making her cringe thru the corkscrew.
Sometimes, Blending can be a family affair...

Stephan Verdier goes wide...

Panamera Turbo sets lap record?

Really? How could that ugly behemoth of a vehicle be faster than a Formula 1 car? More propaganda from the car company that used to be a sportscar maker that has transformed to a mass market retailer of SUV's and sedans... Dr. Porsche would be proud of your ingenuity; but appalled at your audacity.

2011 Lime Rock Park - Auberlen sees red.

It seems all too often, your out minding your own business and some idiot in a Ferrari gets in the way...

Take a Porsche 961 for a drive...

Can you guess the only AWD car to ever compete in the Le Mans 24 hour?
Yup. The 961.
For everyone else who is NOT a Porschephile; the 959...


At 1:38...
Best
Line
Ever

Now that's something you don't see everyday -

Some people will race anything with wheels.
File this under "unconventional racing platforms", "101 uses for a big-rig", or "dude, where's my trailer?".
I file it under "heavy-duty Blending"... but that's just me...


And your eyes did not deceive you... that was a full-on power slide in a cab-over big rig. If that isn't BLENDING; I don't know what is!

Winter Driver Safety and Education

In the dog days of summer, sometimes it's hard to think that soon it will be winter again... Are you ready?

60 years, 9 minutes, 51 seconds

Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima likes posting records. In 2007 he ascended Pikes Peak in 10′01″408. This year he smashed the record throwing a  9′51″278 from behind the wheel of his Suzuki Monster Sport SX4 Hill Climb Special. This being the last year the course will contain any gravel, with officials promising to have the entire course paved for the 2012 race. I guess that means more record breaking in the future. I don't think it will be an issue for Tajima. It's just another year away. And when you have spent 60 very fast years on this earth, 365 days go by quick...
That's right boys and girls, 60 years young.
Proof that time dilation at extremely high speeds is true...

Flame Broiled For Your Pleasure, v2.0

Afterfire is STILL one of my favorite things about a tuned vehicle.
Amazing that a bit of unburned fuel exiting an unrestricted pipe could bring me so much joy...
When it doubt, add more fuel!

Moscow DRIFT

Yup. I'd say that our Russian brothers have embraced all the great things we've enjoyed here in the US for so long. I'd venture to say that they have even improved on a few things. Like reckless driving and felony evasion charges. You try these moves on a US freeway and you'll be enjoying 3 hots and a cot for the next few months.



29 minutes, 49 seconds of pure sound nirvana

Shut the door to your office. Turn off your cell phone. Advise your cubicle-mates to put on some ear protection. Tell your boss you need under a 1/2 hour to yourself. Let your children know not to disturb you for the next 30 minutes. Ask your wife to put out the trash.
You need to feed the animal. The animal inside you that thrives on pure motor sound and the ultimate in hillclimb porn.
Crank up the sound, and see how many cars you can name before your mind explodes...

2 turbos, 1 mountain...

Check out Paul Dallenbach and Banks Power harness this 1,300 HP twin-turbo beast purpose built to conquer the Pikes Peak Hillclimb.


No time for a knish on this run...

Let's fully understand this now. This is the fastest RECORDED and DOCUMENTED lap of NYC.
I drove up and down the Henry Hudson every day for years. In the day and at night. In rush hour traffic and on holiday mornings when the road was completely empty. In fast exotic cars, ultra-luxury sedans, and yes even in SUV's.
Take it from me; this video was no easy feat. Yet, I am intrigued to see if it's possible to beat.
What do you think? A BlendLines sponsored attempt at breaking the record? How about the fastest time from the tolls at the GWB (lower level, of course) to terminal 4 at JFK International Airport? Midtown Tunnel westbound thru the heart of NYC and finishing at the outbound Lincoln Tunnel helix?
Ideas? Suggestions? Talk us out of it? Pro-bono legal when we get thrown in the clink?
Anyone out there have an EZ-Pass we can borrow?

993 or 964, what's your pleasure?

A 911 in it's purest form needs to be air-cooled. Sure the latest incarnation of the 997 GT3 RS stirs my loins, but it's the sound of the 993 or the 964 that really gives me unit movement.
What's your favorite?

Balls of steel; if it were real...

Yes we've accepted that this is CGI.
Still, the fact that the idea actually sprouted in someone's mind to do donuts on a building's helipad is amazing.

Here are my questions:
1. When the idea was presented, did someone in the room actually intend to try and pull it off without CGI?
2. If the answer to 1 is yes; who would have been the first choice of drivers?
3. Would it be more plausible if they erected scaffolding or cables to attempt to convince us that it was real?
4. If convincing us that it was plausible was not the intent; why is he wearing a helmet?

Don't misunderstand me; I really enjoyed this clip for what it was. Entertainment. Isn't that why we log on everyday anyway?
You want truth? That's your daily commute. You want fantasy?
Well, here ya go... Enjoy!

"Betcha I could drift that!"

So lets take some guesses of what was said in the 3 minutes prior to this video being shot:


There are some BlendLines decals for the best 5 comments posted! Get your creative juices flowin'!!!

Hey! Your 1 wheel short...

Down a wheel, but still up on fun... Who says all Morgan drivers are stodgy old men?
Tire smoke is fun for everyone, even if you don't want to admit it to the rest of your blue-blooded friends...

Professional Blending!

How about a professional race car driver blending his primary Aussie V8 Supercar win with drifting? Shane van Gisbergen has blended two of our favorite motorsports, truly making it the "greatest show on wheels". With V8 Supercars coming to the US soon, maybe this was to show the NASCAR boys that directionless donuts after a win are nothing compared to controlled drifting the ENTIRE course as a victory lap...
Blend on Shane, blend on...

Oh boy, this is gonna hurt...

It's one thing when professional race teams with their uber-dollars wreck; it's fairly easy to wrench all night with unlimited funds and manpower to make it to the next morning's starting line.
What's sucks is being a privateer, using every last bit of savings to make it to this one event, and then tearing up the very same car that could be your ride to work on Monday.
Keep that in mind the next time your at an HPDE with your daily driver...
The difference is there will be no cheering crowds when you roll, and no screaming fans when you continue on, car in pieces, in a vain attempt to salvage your run, but most importantly; salvaging your DIGNITY....

Now that's an epic blend...

Ken Block is a blending fiend.
DC Shoe mogul, WRC driver, Gymkhana viral YouTube pilot...
Overall generally a crazy guy who loves cars.
Did I mention he's an American? Hence the video choice on this July 4th.
Enjoy Ken's take on the ultimate winter ride on what could be the warmest day of the year for you.
Envy his ability to mix work and pleasure. I would imagine it's really easy for him to get up for "work" every day...
Yup, not only does he blend motorsports and life better than most, his job makes your's seem firmly in the realm of SUCK.

This is how HE blends....

We are always on the lookout for people blending motorsports with other aspects of their lives.

Is there such thing as too much grip?

For these Astras, the answer is yes. With that narrow of a track, relatively skinny tires, stiff suspension and a sort-of high center of gravity, you had to see this coming.
Those Duke boys seem to influence the whole world I tell you!!!

Red Bull Camaro Road Atlanta

Call it Camaro Monday, drift Lunes, or Road Atlanta workweek start.
I really don't have a theme or a reason, but who needs a reason to witness the senseless sacrifice of rubber anyway?
Start the week off right!

Remember: a smoking tire is a happy tire....

Is this thing on?

Racing has it's inherent dangers. High speeds, drastic g-forces, highly competitive egos mixed with somewhat dubious judgment... etc...
When things go wrong, they go wrong quickly. Luckily these days of cages and fuel cells and nomex and safer barriers usually mean it will end in a few bumps and bruises, but nothing more.


Targa Newfoundland 2007 Boosted Integra

Yeah I know it's an old video. But it's a boosted Integra running Targa Newfoundland... Still one of my favorites.
And I still have no idea what "Leading Tickles" means...

Vintage Isle of Man, Vintage M3

"...A breathtaking display of forceful driving..." (.32)
I'd have to agree with that. After the Higgins clip, how's this to show you "how it's done" at the Isle of Man.

Nice Save!

Mark Higgins knows how to handle a loose Subie. Recovering from a maxed-out suspension-unload induced loss of adhesion at 150+ MPH on the Bray Hill section of the 2011 Isle of Man TT qucickly earns you hero status in our book. Gold star to his passenger, who barely blinked during the whole steering wheel shuffle.
To quote at .55 - "...and the biggest moment of my life there.."

NJMP + opposite lock = FUN

For anyone that is into high-performance driving, opposite lock is that magical moment before disaster. Either you save it and your a hero with god-like skills behind the wheel; or you're the punchline of the dinner time joke and the end of the day.
Whatever the outcome, it can only be enhanced if you had your in-car video records the whole incident, or if a passenger was present who can relay the experience first hand to all your friends.
Nirvana? Having both.

MINI WRC Rally Car 2011 Launch

Just stumbled across this clip; had to share it.
Makes me want to go do donuts in the parking lot.

10th Historic Acropolis Rally 2011

As I get older, I find myself becoming more appreciative of vintage vehicles and historic race cars. Sure I can enjoy a clip of the latest and greatest dual-clutch creation, but whenever I see a vintage race car tearing up a gravel road or tarmac, I can't help but think that today's drivers have it easy. Some of these classic machines barely had power steering; let alone a hydraulically assisted gear selector. There was no electronically monitored vehicle stability programs; just an experienced right foot to determine your direction in a slide. No fancy in-car telemetry to tell you when your about to DNF; just a well-trained ear noticing the camshaft shearing.
Go directly to 1:32 for the pure sound that can only be delivered by a car older than you...

Joey Hand: A Lap of Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen always gives me that pucker feeling. It's the armco barriers that really freak me out. Did you know that if you are unfortunate enough to impact and damage one of those barriers; not only do you need to deal with your mangled car, you also have to PAY for the barrier. Talk about insult to injury...
I'll tell you this: if I ever have to pay for one, I'm taking it home with me and mounting it over my fireplace.
Like a trophy.

GT3 R - Nurburgring and YOUR the passenger...

What would it be like to be onboard Falken's GT3 R?
Take this video, times it like a thousand, and you'll get close.
For now, I guess crank up the volume and pretend.

Notable Quotes: Villeneuve

"Finishing second means you are the first person to lose"
- Gilles Villeneuve

Notable Quotes: Anonymous

When the flag drops, the bullshit stops"
- Anonymous

2011 24-Hours of Le Mans


With two of their cars already added to the DNF line, Audi Sport’s one remaining machine finished in triumph, taking the checkers in the 79th running of the 24 Heures du Mans. After the two spectacular crashes of Audi’s No.1 and No.3 R18 TDI’s the three man team piloting the No.2, knew there was only one option left; ultimate victory.

And then there was one...

Le Mans. 24 hours of vehicular carnage. 24 hours of human endurance. 24 hours of emotions that range from confidence to hope to excitement to fear to disappointment to joy; sometimes within minutes of each other. Audi's 3 car effort once again triumphed, but not without drama and a few harrowing moments. Like McNish's horrific crash barely an hour into the event.


Allan McNish explains Circuit de la Sarthe

Allan McNish explains the Circuit de la Sarthe (24 Hours of Le Mans). Excerpt from "Truth in 24". Available on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/truth-in-24/id307316228

Adam Raga enjoys the silence

If you’re like me, then motorsport is as much about the melodic harmonies of unrestricted engine notes as it is the fight for ultimate victory against equally equipped competitors. Well, not in this case. 4 time Trial World Champion Adam Raga, enjoys the silence as we enjoy the scenery.

Driver profile: Edward Jones

If you're in any doubt that the Middle East could produce an F1 driver in the near future, then look no further than Edward Jones.
By: FullThrottleTV1

Yet another sick ride not available in the USA...

Why does the rest of the world get to have so much more fun than we do? We never get the cool toys; like the RS4 Avant, the KTM X-Bow, or the now-in-my-dreams RS 3...


Not your everyday poor-man's Porsche.

Where I grew up in Northern New Jersey (USA), VW Corrados were un-affectionately referred to as "poor man's Porsches". Relegated to the back of the parking lot, where the 'un-cool' kids hung out. Now finding an untouched example is near impossible, and many an enthusiast would love to add a nice one to their stable.
I would gladly add this one for sure. Watch and listen to what could be the meanest Corrado on the planet...
TURN IT UP!

Sit down, shut up, and hold on...

For those of you who need translation; press the "cc" button at the bottom of the video.

Moral of the story is: don't ever get too cocky regarding your own skills. There's always a crazier, more skilled, more daring and/or funnier guy out there.
And he may be the guy driving.

Another lesson? Always eat light at track events...

Some more pure sound thanks to Audi...

Tuned Audi's all have a distinctive sound. Not unlike more familiar racing platforms - such as the 911's raspy air-cooled note; or the deep rumble of a Mustang 5.0 liter; or the high-pitched whine of a vTec 4 cylinder at 9,000 RPM.
The Audi powerplant, so eager to be boosted, so willing to be flogged. Perhaps a force-fed 5 cylinder is just noise to some, it can be magical to others.
Me? Place me first on the list of those who get aroused...
Turn up the volume, open a cold one, and prepare to fall in love again...

I would like the Raptor modification as well....

You know, I was considering a Raptor as a tow vehicle as it is. After this clip, I'm basically sold on the idea.
You can keep the Smart, though.

Tanner FTW

Yeah, yeah, record jump. Ok, ok, side show to the Indy 500. Purpose built stadium truck promoting children's toys, whatever. 100 ft replica of a bedroom door, great gimmick. Said truck landing with barely any bounce whatsoever; SNORE....
What was most amazing to me was that as his truck was still in the air, it was all over the Twitterverse that Tanner Foust was the driver of the record setting stunt. So much for "check our Facebook page for the identity.." crap.

So this is what he quit D1 for? Really? Can't imagine what his fee is for something like this...

Eger Rallye Pure sound

Now would be the time to crank up those shiny new speakers you got for your birthday.

2012 Audi A6 Avant -UNCUT

It's no secret we're wagon lovers here at BlendLines. What a wonderful alternative to the hulking SUV. As far as wagons go, the Audi is by far the most appealing. Sorry. I meant to say 'Avant'. If I was talking BMW's it would be 'touring'. If the video was about Acura, 'Sport Wagon' would be more appropriate. And if it were a Volvo? Well, I would never drive one so it doesn't matter....
Enjoy the full clip.

The First Indy 500

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the most famous auto race in American culture. I am talking, of course, about the Indianapolis 500. To mark this historic event IndyCar has provided us with some fantastic footage of the very first Indy 500, circa 1911.
Completed in 1909 Indy first ran motorcycle races and eventually two auto races in 1910. The track was made of hard packed topsoil, two-inch thick limestone slabs with crushed stone and tar pavement. This construction was more then adequate for the “super speedway” of it’s time considering the top speed was just south of 75 miles per hour.
You’ll notice most cars carry two people, a driver and mechanic. This was necessary for on track repairs and multiple tire changes. However, the ultimate victor, Ray Harroun and his number 32 Marmon Wasp carry only Ray. Can anyone say weight advantage? Another interesting fact is that Ray bi-passed Indy rules by installing the first ever rearview mirror. Enjoy this throw back and today’s race.
GO ALEX!!!

Red Bull Peachtree Drift Battle

What was your commute like today? I bet it was not even 10% as fun as what Rhys and Ryan get to do in their "office". Even the Duke boys would be proud.

Bill Auberlen: In-car lap of VIR in BMW M3

Bill Auberlen. VIR. M3. In-car video.
'Nuff said.
Watch the master in action at one of my favorite venues...

Reminder: never go cheap when building your cage...

Professionally built cages are worth their weight in gold. It's one of those items that you should spend a fortune on, only in hopes of never having to use it.

The Lighter Side: Working Ferrari Model

Most of you will have seen this already, none the less it is worth the watch.

Narrated by: Jeremy Clarkson

WOOPS!!!

Got a little scratch on your new ride. I know how you feel. It could be worse....

Canooks Rejoice

Alex Tagliani of Canada, driver of the #77 Bowers & Wilkins/Sam Schmidt Motorsports Dallara Honda, smiles after kissing the nose of his car while posing for photos after qualifying on the pole for the Indianapolis 500.

It's been 11 years in Champ Car but my fello Canook has finally done it. Good luck eh.

http://www.driving.ca/Tagliani+first+Canadian+pole+Indy/4831239/story.html#ixzz1NHcCwBxv

Gold Star for Ingenuity...

This guy should patent and market this idea.That is, if it actually worked.
I wonder if http://www.vehicleflotationdevices.com/ is available...

BMW EfficientDynamics Electric Power Steering

Ever wonder exactly how electric power steering works? I did. Then I watched the video. Now I understand how it works, I understand the efficiency aspect; but I still HATE the way it feels. Completely numbing, and not what I am looking for when shopping for the ultimate driving machine. Just my 2 cents...

The Lighter Side: Bullitt 1968

Hollywood has brought us many fantastic and heart pounding car chase scenes. Far too many to name but we all know the top few; Cannonball Run, Gone in 60 Seconds, The Fast and the Furious franchise (except Tokyo Drift, booo!!!), most Bond flicks, Ronin, and even The Blues Brothers. There is however one that sets itself apart from the rest; enter Steve McQueen.

Without question the greatest car chase scene of all time, Bullitt had it all.
Suspension crushing San Francisco streets, raw wide open speed, gun fire, wrecks, explosions, a
Lalo Schifrin score and of course Mr. McQueen.

Point of Fact: McQueen did all his own driving; Every turn, every spin, every jump and every pump.

Observation: During the chase scene you can hear a manual stick shift changing gears on the Mustang during exterior shots of the car, but shots inside the vehicle during the chase show an automatic and not a manual stick


Fredric Aasbo - Formula D Atlanta 2011 In-Car

More in-car action from Formula D. Makes it look easy, doesn't he?

The Lighter Side: A Perfect Match.

When you know what you want, you know what you want... BMW Classic
Sorry about the video size, just expand it for best picture.

Final Lap ALMS Sebring GT2

May and June are long months this year for ALMS fans. So what do we do, we relive great race moments, like this breathtaking final lap battle for GT2 victory in Sebring 2007. Just as the #2 Audi R10 takes the checkers for Audi Sport the real battle begins. After 12 hours of connecting apexes it comes down to an Italian and a German, car that is. If you’re a little ADD, like myself, skip to 3:05 and hang on to your seat. Ed una bella vittoria



Extra Crispy; or Why Nomex is Your Friend

Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not a carnage freak, promoting vicious crash vids like a psychotic maniac. I just love anything that illustrates how dangerous racing can be, especially if it has a happy ending. Live life; taste death, I always say.
What IS amazing is that these otherwise horrific crashes and fires would be life ending if it wasn't for well-constructed cages, fuel cells, NOMEX, and of course skilled corner workers.
Next time your on the track, wave a "thank you" to your corner workers. They truly are the unsung heroes of our beloved sport.

LFA vs. 911 GT2 RS

News flash: Your job sucks...

Your job blows. Now these guys? Awesome job.
Funny how my high school guidance counselor never offered this option. BMW test driver and porn star were oddly missing from the career path flowchart. Bastards.

See Formula D thru their eyes...

Motorsports is all about perspective.
It's the lifestyle as much as the cars and speed that keeps us going. The look and stance as much as the sounds and scents. The presentation is as important as the performance.
Another great clip by Abbitt Wilkerson, hope you enjoy it as much as I did....

Fatlace Long beach coverage.
Filmed & Edited by: Abbitt Wilkerson
Song: Mac Miller - Donald Trump

Caterham R500 Vs 996 GT2

I love a good chase video. This guy gives a GT2 a run for it's money, and doing it with complete style to boot. What's a little oversteer among friends anyway? Love the front fender action, gives you perspective on how much suspension travel actually takes place. Rear view shows you how upset a car can get at the limit. Watch at 1:50; that's what being airborne sounds like.
Big hairy ones. Great car control, awesome car, even better sound. Nice job!

The Ultimate Thrashing Machine

I am a big fan of the BMW X5. Especially the E53 incarnation. I have one myself; it serves as utility vehicle, my wife's chariot, the baby bus, track toy tow rig, and overall primary household truckster.


As we prepare for that HPDE's this year...

So as we dust off our track cars getting ready for the 2011 track day season; here's a little refresher of what happens when we don't pay attention to some of the basics.

1 : AWD does not negate the effects of stupidity.


Lotus Cup USA Round 1 - 2011 - Willow Springs - California

Flame Broiled For Your Pleasure

Afterfire is the best way to display that you have accomplished your mission. If your mission was to scare anyone who may be tailgating you, that is.