Driving Sports

Getting Schooled

Last summer I had the opportunity to go through an abbreviated racing class at Skip Barber's Laguna Seca school. This was a special journalist edition of the school put together to promote the new MX-5 Cup racing program. This video takes you through all the basic elements of the school, including the one "off" experienced by the journalist from Grassroots Motorsports (how embarrassed was he?) through Turn 11.

I've been through a couple schools and I have to say that the methodology of the Skip Barber instructors was superb. Highly recommended. Plus, hey, it's Laguna Seca! That, and you get to experience the fun of driving real, race-prepped MX-5's -- just like the ones running in the Playboy MX-5 Cup series.

Oregon Trail Rally Action!

Click here to jump straight to the 2007 video!

Visit the DS Rallysport Channel for ongoing 2008 coverage!

Oregon Trail Rally, one of the best events on the Rally America national series, is kicking off for an action-packed three days of competition. The fun starts off with a Parc Exposé in downtown Portland, followed by the start at Portland International Raceway on Friday. Competition then heads out to the Hillsboro Fairgrounds and the town of Vernonia. For more information, check out the official site.

I always think it's more enjoyable to watch an event when there's some perspective to go along with it. So, for the first time ever, we're making our coverage of the 2007 Oregon Trail Rally available to watch online for free (this is the same feature that ran on Portland television last year.) Just click over to our Featured Videos and select which segments you want to watch. The full meal deal on the 2007 event is just under 30-minutes long.

For the 2008 event we'll be uploading video from the field. Check our Rallysport Channel often throughout the weekend!

SCHEDULED VIDEO COVERAGE
Now showing: Preparing the Rockstar Rally Cars
Friday (late): Competitor Smack Talk
Saturday: Footage from PIR clips and Vernonia footage
Sunday: Hillsboro and wrap-up

Our own Jeff Zurschmeide will be co-driving for Austen Angell in a 1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6.

Making room for Hot Laps

I made a few changes to our video players this morning, especially in the Video Center. Due to our video hosting partner discontinuing the pay-to-download feature, all the episodes of The Vintage Vehicle Show have been removed. As have a few of our DVD features. In time, we'll make parts of these available as individual clips. If there is a specific video you remember and want to watch, but is no longer available, let us know and we'll see if we can post it sooner rather than later.

Newly added to the Video Center is a section for our Hot Lap videos (available in the tabs above the player). We record a lot of these, mainly to include into features. Now there's a place to go if you'd like to see a specific racetrack from behind the wheel but don't want all the chatter. To kick off this new area, I've uploaded a fresh video from behind the wheel of a Spec Miata race car as it performs a lap around the newly-repaved Portland International Raceway.

As usual, let us know what you think by posting comments into this thread!

Tuesday Shorts: 2008 Nissan NISMO 350Z

Tuesday is a great day for shorts. We're kicking off something new here at Driving Sports: Every Tuesday we'll have a new video short. It may be an interview, a new car review, or just an onboard track lap reel. No matter what's rolling, you can bet it will be a better way to blow 5-minutes of your life than filling out TPS reports.

Kicking off the Tuesday Shorts is a review I did of the 2008 NISMO 350Z while attending the WAJ Media Days at Laguna Seca.

Normally, when shooting a test video we go through the following process: Drive the car for a few days, prepare some comments in advance, prepare a "shoot" which usually lasts a few hours and involves 2-5 crew members, then spend another day editing and scoring.

Sometimes, however, we just toss that all out the window, grab our $300 Canon solid state recorder and pop out the first thing that comes to mind... as part of a one man show. That's how it went down for this clip. Fast, quick and dirty.

So, enjoy this clip knowing it was recorded in a single shot, then edited while sitting at the gate in the San Jose airport and on the plane from Cali back to Seattle. Tell me what you think. Do you like this "rough" approach? Or is the cheese just a bit too strong? Hit the jump to watch the clip and sound-off in the comments. We have something much more refined already lined up for next Tuesday. Promise.

V6-Powered Miata is Awesome

Yesterday we did a photoshoot for our Miata Magazine, Forever MX-5, of this unique and very awesome V6-powered Miata.

Sure, there are V8 conversions out there, but they're simply ridiculous. Keeping "reasonable" with a Mazda-sourced V6 creates a car that is true to the essence of the Miata, but kicks performance to a new realm: 180whp in a featherweight car with fat tires. And yes, this car can handle. I may even go so far to call it brilliant.

Click the jump to see the video, and go subscribe to Forever MX-5 Magazine to read all the details in the Summer 2008 issue.

Gitting sideways at Prodrive UK

Just before Christmas I was running a series from my trip to Rally GB in 2007. I've dusted the files off and have one more from that series to share. This was the visit to the Prodrive test track in Warwickshire.

I had a chance to drive a Type UK 2007 STI and a Group-N WRC car on the high-speed course (my first time in a right-hand drive), plus I had a little fun on the ice simulator. Prodrive has one of only two such simulators in the UK.

Thanks to Subaru of America for hookup us up. Enjoy the video, just after the jump.

Messing with our Head

It's been a while since posting an update on the Time Attack Miata Project, simply because there's been nothing to report.

Several weeks ago the head was removed and shipped down to Delta Cam for some cleaning and spiffing.

Halfway into the job we stopped by to get some details about the process of cleaning up a Miata head. Click the jump to see Rob working his magic in a short video -- you might just learn something.

Turbo upgrade tips for Subarus

If you're a WRX, STI or Legacy GT owner, the need for speed inevitably leads to a bump in boost -- courtesy of a turbo upgrade. Now, this isn't an easy install, but for those inclined, Sean Sexton from Rallitek Performance (Portland, Ore.) shares a couple tricks of the trade with Subiesport Magazine that will cut your wrenching time by a significant measure.

Click here for all the action!

Spicy Kim Chi: Hyundai's 2010 Genesis Coupe

Looks like Hyundai is getting serious. First, it buys redonkulously expensive airtime during this year’s Superbowl to broadcast a less-than memorable ad (hint: it featured a car driving. On a road.) Then, at the 2008 New York Auto Show, Hyundai goes and drops a good looking, rear-wheel drive, 300hp coupe on us.

Let me repeat that: good looking. 300hp. Hyundai. Someone smack me, please.

Subiesport "Zero" vs. STI Video

I didn't get a chance to post the blog entry to this clip earlier so I'm just now catching up on this cold, wet and slushy Sunday afternoon.

This project is somewhat infamous in the Subaru world, but may be new to many of our readers here at Driving Sports. For Subiesport Magazine we built up a 2005 Impreza 2.5RS to go against a "Stock" Impreza STI. If course the former only comes with 165hp standard and the STI is a full-on turbo-charged monster with 300hp. To make the challenge even more interesting the 2.5RS would be built without resorting to a turbo. Yes, all natural, baby!

As part of the build, "Zero" received a new built motor (12:1, with Swain Tech ceramic coated internals) from COBB Tuning along with tuning software (beta Accessport RS, which has yet to ship as of this post); Endura-Tech coilover suspension; a RacingBrake.com big brake kit; Quaife rear helical limited-slip differential; Whiteline bushings from Global Performance Parts; Rallitek's cat-back exhaust system; Prodrive wheels, interior and aero parts; Kartboy short-shift; ACT clutch and flywheel; Weapon-R intake (for the noise); and custom headwork from Pineapple Racing in Portland, Oregon. Of course, there was more, but those are the essentials.

How did the culmination of the two year project play out? The "Zero" was pitted against a slightly modified STI, courtesy of Subaru, at the 2007 Subiefest event in Portland Oregon. Watch the video at the jump to see how it went down.

Subiesport Time Attack 2007

Exclusive footage from the 2007 Subiesport Time Attack shootout, held at Portland International Raceway. Watch the fastest Subarus in the country battle it out for bragging rights. Sure, it rained most of the day, but there were a few dry spots.

Russ Swift: Stuntman Ignition!

You may remember legendary stuntman Russ Swift from his segments on the popular British motoring programs, Top Gear and Fifth Gear. If not, this will be a great introduction to one of the greatest stunt drivers ever. As you can see, he's also a hit with the ladies. 

Filmed on top of a parking garage in Los Angeles during the Taurus Stunt Awards, it was all to promote the new video game "Stuntman Ignition." And yes, some Subies were harmed in the making of this film. Don't try this at home.

Team Orange Drift Finale

Team Orange takes X-Games Gold Medalist and Subaru Rally Team USA driver Travis Pastrana for his first ride in a D1 Drift car. D1 Champion Kumakubo and his teammate Tanaka then let it all hang out for the grand finale of Subiefest 2007. Some great drifting in this video.

Upcoming Videos for January 2008

We're going to be busy putting together some of our magazines (we publish a few national car magazines when we're not running around with video cameras), so we'll be rolling a number of Subiefest clips over the next couple weeks. Most of these have never been posted online before, so they're sure to be new to many of our viewers. Even if you're not into Subarus, specifically, they should be fun to watch.

As for the Russ Swift clip, that man is just amazing. The blonde isn't bad, either.

Thursday, January 10
Team Orange Drift Demo Finale

Monday, January 14
Russ Swift Stunt Demo

Thursday, January 17
Subiesport 2007 Tuner Shootout

Monday, January 21
Subiesport "Zero to Hero" Project vs. STI Touge Battle

We should then get back to wrapping up remaining clips from the WRC Wales Rally 2007.

Team Orange Drift Demo

We've heard from a reliable source Team Orange has pulled their cars from the States, no doubt due to the implosion of the domestic D1 championship.

You may not be able to see them here in the USA any time soon, but you can still catch them doing what they do best in this exclusive Driving Sports video! This is the tandem drift demo Kumakubo and Tanaka wowed the crowd with for our annual all-Subaru event, Subiefest.

Video Archives Updated!

We've rearranged the main page of DrivingSports.com to give you more direct access to our videos. Click the little expandy-box icon next to the sound icon and our videos will enlarge to the width of this page! Of course, you'll need a reasonably new computer to take advantage of the big playback screen. Along with this change, we've rearranged the video playlists to accommodate a new "Archive" section. In time, we'll get our back catalog of videos posted, be sure to check it out from time-to-time. They very well may be "new to you."

First up: "Season 2" of the classic Driving Sports Podcast is now available in new Archive video playlist. In these episodes from 2006 you'll get to see my fantastic hosting skills in action, along with exclusive interviews with the Autobach's S2000 Time Attack team, Kazunori Yamauchi shows off Gran Turismo HD (before it was delayed another year) and some other fun items.

Flashback: WRX Crashing at 125mph+

For the first time, we're making the now infamous crash from Subiefest 2006 available online. A few notes about this. First, it can be disturbing to watch for sensitive viewers. Second, though the driver, Alec Osenbach, sustained relatively minor injuries, we use the term "minor" within the context of this crash--he was battered up pretty thoroughly. The car was owned by Kendrick Gray and was a very nice show car that was out to prove it was more than just good looks. It was a cover feature in the February 2007 issue of Subiesport Magazine.

We've watched this sequence in slow motion, on the source HD video, and we are in awe every time. The chances of Alec even surviving had to be astronomical considering this is a non-caged car, it performed 7.5 rotations after the initial impact (that knocked Alec out), and his head and arm are even hanging out of the driver's side window at one point--re-entering the vehicle just before the next impact.

We've encouraged Alec to seek a calling in the church.

So remember, kids, you really don't want to ever try this at home. Oh, and if you're interested in seeing more from this event, you can still buy the DVD from our official store, www.carzines.com. Or buy/rent the digital download edition from the DSTV video store.

JC Meynet Dominates at Tuner Challenge

On an unusually cold September day in the desert, time attack racer JC Meynet drove his Harman Motive Subaru STI to a double victory at the 2007 Tuner Shootout at Spring Mountain Race Park in Pahrump, Nevada. We put together this short video (6 min) of Meynet throughout the race. Want to see how his now infamous fuel protest went down? We were there!

This is the same event chronicled in the Subiesport Magazine feature in the December issue ("A Team of One") where I drove my 2007 Legacy GT street car in Modified Class.

Solberg's Scary Moment

Petter Solberg has a high-speed spin on the first stage at the WRC Wales Rally GB. Oh, if we could only have in-car cameras on the WRC cars! (oh, wait, thanks to YouTube, we don't need one! Click the jump and fast forward to 0:55) For our part, we can at least see the car come in for service and get a team update from the Subaru World Rally Team PR manager, Stephen Webb.

In this clip, Petter's car gets some suspension changes and Chris Atkinson's car gets a new steering rack.

Paul's Wicked EVO

While healing up from an injury, Ultimate Fighter Paul Nelson was looking for a new hobby. That led him to his 2005 Mitsubishi EVO 8. What started as a part-time project is now a full-blown 700hp obsession. Watch the video to see Paul ripping it up at Portland International Raceway and on the streets of Portland.

English Racing built the 2-liter featuring 8.5:1 compression, PT 67mm turbo, 1600cc injectors, AEM engine management, Brian Crower engine bits and a lot more.

Next, Paul is looking to upgrade to a GT42R turbo with a new intercooler and exhaust setup good for 900 wheel hp. That should get him in the high 8s and will make Paul a very happy man.

Travis Pastrana Frustrated at Rally GB

This was the first WRC Rally GB for two time US rally champion Travis Pastrana. His goal is to be competing (in a Subaru) at the highest level of WRC competition within a few years. For this event, Pastrana competed in the Production Class (PWRC) in a car built and supported by Vermont Sports Car. The same crew supported his US championship run over the past couple years. His Subaru Rally Team USA teammate Ken Block took part in other PWRC events earlier this year, but Block wasn't competing this time around.

So far, on his quest for WRC greatness, Pastrana's greatest challenge has been for him and his co-driver, Christian Edstrom, to "get up to speed" on the WRC notes. Notes are the course "shorthand" used by teams to manage high speeds in weather conditions like we had in Wales this year -- almost zero visibility. We have another video that we'll post later, where Christian describes how notes work.

In the meanwhile, let's check in with a visibly frustrated Travis at his first Service (or start at the beginning), after he spent a good part of the his earlier stages fixing flat tires on course. (Yes, in rally, teams have to fix their own cars on course.) Careful, kids, Travis drops an F-Bomb as he describes his "Austin Powers"-like driving skills, but continues to hope for the best.

WRC Wales Rally GB - Shakedown

Before the event, several cars took part in a Shakedown stage just outside of Swansea in Wales. Since this Stage is optional, and not for any points, cars were driving at 7/10ths. Still, with the one sunny day to view cars on the stage, it was a very exciting afternoon. As you'll see in a later clip, by Friday night the rain was coming down -- with a vengeance.

Click to view "Shakedown" in the main player.

WRC Wales Rally GB Videos - Stage 1

Stage 1 from WRC Wales Rally GB has just been added to the main player. We're going to keep the videos in sequence (mostly) so you can watch them straight through on the playlist. That means that the Cardiff opening will remain the the first one you see, followed by Stage 1 and anything else we put up in the next few days.

This stage was a particularly long hike through muddy, slippery terrain. As you can see the fog was also quite dense making it near impossible to identify which car was which as they whizzed by at triple-digit speeds.

This isn't every single car, as I had trouble finding a good vantage point for the jump -- without offending the many intoxicated folk that were crowding the sidelines. It appeared as several large groups had camped out their positions hours, if not days, before the event. Unheard of in US Rally, but quite the regular custom in World Rally competition.

WRC Wales Rally GB Videos - Opening

Over the next week-or-so, we'll be rolling out short clips from our recent adventure to Prodrive and WRC Wales Rally GB. The first clip, "Opening in Cardiff," is now up in the main page player. Or, to see it larger, you can click here to launch our full page player.

The start took place in downtown Cardiff. Thousands upon thousands turned out on the chilly but clear Welsh evening. Even though every team crossed the start, most of the crowd was gone after the top 10 cars had passed. It went on for several hours.

Our own group waited to see the only American competing, Travis Pastrana of the Subaru Rally Team USA, cross the start. We then all headed to a nearby restaurant for wine and seafood.

2008 WRX STI at Laguna Seca

We had a chance to drive a pre-production 2008 Subaru WRX STI at Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif. Here is the in-car video, along with telemetry data, from one of the warm-up laps. (Click the jump to see the video.)

In short, the new STI is a brilliant piece of machinery that is significantly more capable than the outgoing model. The looks are subjective, but we think that Subaru really hit the target with this offering. It will just take some time for the fanbois to get used to the looks of this hatch-only silhouette. Once in the seat, gripping the leather-wrapped steering wheel and harnessing over 300hp with the right foot, nothing else will matter.

You'll have to pick up the December 2007 issue of Subiesport Magazine to read about our full results from testing the hot new 2008 Subaru WRX STI (available at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Hastings, Books a Million, etc.)

New vs. Old Mazda MX-5 Miata

Finally had a chance to get the new MX-5 Miata PRHT out to the airstrip for some fun. Also brought in a "test subject" to compare the new model versus his old "NA" Miata.

BMW 328i: Hero Material?

Some fun out at the airstrip. Ryan "tested" the BMW 328i to see if it was fast enough to be a "hero car" against Travis in his pimped-out, turbo-charged 1.8l Impreza. The results? Watch and see!