MIATA MONDAY // LAPPING LAGUNA SECA

The car featured above belongs to a gentleman by the name of Scott, who, like a number of Miata owners I know, has been upgrading his roadster since the day he bought it. Powered by Mazda's 1.8-liter BP-I4 motor, Scott has since replaced the head with a ported and polished unit from a '99 Miata, added four Maruha Motors 45mm individual throttle bodies and stripped the powerplant of all the unnecessaries. The drivetrain has seen the addition of an ACT heavy duty clutch, Toda chromoly flywheel, Kaaz 1.5 way LSD, and a Maruha 4.875 final drive, while a set of Tein Flex coilovers help put power to the ground.

Aerodynamic and aesthetic improvements include the massive Rotora 3D GT rear wing, a custom front splitter with Garage Vary canards and APR splitter rods, Jubride fender flares, as well as a set of Work Meister S1's with 225/45/15 Toyo R888s mounted to them. For more images and information, check out the feature that former ColdTrackDays correspondent, Linhbergh Nguyen, put together for SpeedHunters // [comment]

EYE CANDY // KENNY CHIEU'S KINOD SPONSORED MR-S

Months back, former ColdTrackDays correspondent turned internet celebrity, Linhbergh Nguyen, approached me, curious if I was interested in a feature on his friend's Toyota MR-S. At the time, the car was a road legal, weekend racer that belonged to So-Cal native, Kenny Chieu. Endless work went into Kenny's MR-S, readying the mid-engined roadster for weekend bouts at Willow Springs Raceway, and we were more than happy to feature Kenny's ride. A few weeks later, Linhbergh shot the car on the sunlit streets of Los Angeles, producing some rather stunning images.

Skip ahead. Kenny's MR-S is now a dedicated track monster, and will compete in the 2010 Redline Time Attack Series. Linhbergh and his partners at KINOD have sponsored the Toyota, fitting it with an appropriately appealing livery and, along with some additional modifications, hope to see Kenny's MR-S finish atop the RTA's 'Street Class.'

With the 2010 Redline Time Attack Series set to kick off in just two weeks time, stay tuned for continued updates on the KINOD MR-S and our friend Kenny Chieu! // [comment]

EAR CANDY // GROUP B MONSTERS: PURE ENGINE SOUNDS

Courtesy of Linhbergh Nguyen and The Rally Channel, enjoy the sights and sounds of Group B // [comment]

MIATA MONDAY // THE 'M' EDITION

Considering the last few Mazda Monday's have been more Miata then Mazda, we decided to rename our weekly feature Miata Monday!

Our love affair with Mazda's roadster began right around the same time we launched ColdTrackDays. While searching through Flickr photostreams we came across this Miata, a car that we felt adequately represented everything we were trying to accomplish with our new weblog. A hint of sophistication, plenty of real world performance and excessive amounts of style. Our find would ultimately lead us to the photostream of one Linhbergh Nguyen. The story goes on from there, but do you really want to know what happened next? How about we just point you in the direction of Linh's photostream and leave you to discover your own favorite photos... // [comment]

RIDE ALONG // KENNY CHIEU'S TOYOTA MR-S @ WILLOW SPRINGS

When the Redline Time Attack visited the Willow Springs International Motorsports Park for the second round of their 2009 season, Kenny Chieu, fan of ColdTrackDays (note the CTD sticker on his front bumper) and friend to a certain group of photographers, prepared his Toyota MR2 Spyder (MR-S) for a few hot laps around the 2.5 mile race track. Follow the link for a bit of in-car footage... [read more]



Photo: Linhbergh Nguyen
Editorial: Justin Coffey

WHAT WE'RE READING // LINHBERGH FEATURED IN IMPORT TUNER

ColdTrackDays correspondent and Kinod.net photographer, Linhbergh Nguyen, is being featured in the April issue of Import Tuner magazine.

Back in November, Linhbergh headed out to Willow Springs for the inaugural Miata Challenge. The first all Miata time attack, the Miata Challenge offered drivers the chance to compete against the clock in a number of classes. A great event with a substantial turnout, Linhbergh was there to capture all of the action.

For a look at Linhbergh's photos from the inaugural Miata Challenge, click here // 02.13.2009

DARTH VADER'S ARIEL ATOM // SHOT BY LINHBERGH NGUYEN

Not sure how Linhbergh managed this shot, or for that matter, what in the hell Darth Vader was doing in So-Cal driving a blacked-out Ariel Atom, but for those of you seeking a new desktop, click here for Linhbergh Nguyen's now uber famous photograph // 01.21.2009

FEATURED // LINBERGH NGUYEN IN IMPORT TUNER

ColdTrackDays So-Cal correspondent and photographer, Linhbergh Nguyen, is being featured in the 'Longshots' section of Import Tuner (March '09 issue). So for those of you notorious newsstand magazine readers (you know who you are), we urge you to not only support a member of the CTD Media Collective, but the now dying print magazine industry. As Linbergh himself so eloquently put it, "Magazines are much more rewarding when read on the toilet than at a bookstore –at least I think so…"

News of Linhbergh's Import Tuner feature was followed closely thereafter by his now uber famous shot of Darth Vader driving a blacked-out Ariel Atom on an unknown So-Cal freeway... For more of Linhbergh's photography, click here // 01.21.2009

KENNY'S TOYOTA MR-S // SHOT BY LINHBERGH NGUYEN

Check out this So-Cal track beast shot by Kinod Photography's Linhbergh Nguyen. With 200+bhp produced by the mid-mounted 2ZZ-GE motor, proper safety equipment and loads of additional upgrades, Kenny's MR-S is ready for plenty of track time this coming season. Complete list of modifications below:

POWERTRAIN:
2ZZ-GE 6spd
Apex-i powerfc (tuned by Churchs) *208.9hp/145.3lbft
LittleRocket header
JNZ tuning midpipe
Techno Pro Spirit titanium muffler
Custom short intake w/ HKS foam filter
Custom intake ducting
Toda Racing Clutch
Toda Racing Flywheel
KAAZ 1.5-way LSD
Kirkasaurus motor mount inserts
Speedsource shifter cable bushings
Speedsource steel braided clutch line
AuburnSpyder thermostatic oil cooler
Buddyclub Racing Spec battery

SUSPENSION:
JIC FLT-A2 coilovers
Superpro suspension bushings
CHE's spherical track arms kit
Whiteline anti-roll bars
Carbotech XP8 racing brake pads
Goodridge steel braided brake lines
TRD front/rear strut tower bar
TRD front/rear underbody brace
Antiflexpro breastplate

Enkei RPF1 15x7 front, 16x8 rear
Toyo R888 195/55/16, 225/50/16

INTERIOR:
Autopower rollbar
Buddyclub bucket seat
Sparco 6-point 3" camlock harness
Personal neogrinta 330mm wheel
FET ver.2 quick release hub
Works Bell steering wheel hub
Kazama shift knob
OEM shifter + Comptech short shifter adapter(for Acura TSX)
Custom hardtop mounting plates
removed carpeting
removed stereo equipment
removed softtop

EXTERIOR:
Toyota Japan OEM hardtop
TRD stage 1 lip kit
Toyota Japan Celica side markers
2003 MR-S headlights
MR-S Finalversion side ducts
MR-S Finalversion rear bumper inserts
VIS carbon fiber hood
APR formula GT3 mirrors
Kenchi's rear diffuser
Origin Lab GT wing

For the complete photo gallery from Linhbergh's shoot with Kenny's MR-S, click here // 01.20.2009

THE LOWDOWN // PETER LI'S NA MIATA

As far as we’re concerned, that things low ; )

Shots come courtesy of Kinod Photography’s Linhbergh Nguyen, click here for the complete gallery // 01.08.2009

IMPORT TUNER'D // CTD'S LINHBERGH NGUYEN

ColdTrackDays photographer Linhbergh Nguyen will have a photo featured in the March issue of Import Tuner magazine. This is big news for Linhbergh and we couldn't be happier for him. So to all of you CTD fans out there, support CTD and Linhbergh by picking up a copy of Import Tuners March issue. For more of Linhbergh's photos, click here // 12.23.2008

EYE CANDY // AN EPIC ASTON

This weeks Eye Candy comes courtesy of CTD photographer Linhbergh Nguyen, and is just a little teaser of things to come. Enjoy // 12.17.2008

BRAGGING RIGHTS // SO-CAL MIATA CHALLENGE

A few weekends ago, a handful of So-Cal Miata owners headed to Willow Springs raceway to sort out who owns the fastest drop top Mazda in the region. A full on time attack ensued and ColdTrackDays very own Linhbergh Nguyen was their to capture the action. The So-Cal Miata Challenge saw some 25 cars register across three classes (Street, Modified and Unlimited), and had everyone on track for the better part of the day. Results are unavailable at this time, but for more shots from the event, click here // 12.11.2008

RBWDC // PREVIEW PART.3

The ColdTrackDays crew (Russell O’Connell and Linhbergh Nguyen) will be reporting live from next weekends Red Bull World Drift Championship. The festivities begin this Thursday, with a parade of cars through the downtown area followed by a draw party at ‘Smooth’s Sports Grill.’ The cars will be on display Thursday from 5:45pm until 9:30pm on Pine Ave. A driver autograph session is also scheduled for 6pm at the draw party, where the official qualifying order will be announced for Sunday’s main event.


A purpose built race course is being built at the Port of Long Beach to host the top 32 drifters from around the world. The course will feature six turns and a high-speed right hand entry, with speeds expected in excess of 100mph. The RBWDC course will be the first of its kind, pushing drivers to the limit with a technical layout and high speed entry. Sunday’s main event will see the top 32 drifters from around the world go head-to-head in a tandem battle format, with the winner from each bracket advancing to the next round. Saturday will see the Formula D Pro/Am competition and a special opening ceremony by the Red Bull Air Force skydive team.

Be sure and stay with ColdTrackDays as we will be providing live coverage from Long Beach, to include NW native Victor Moore’s attempt at a Formula D license in the Pro/Am competition // 11.12.2008

JAPANESE CLASSIC CAR SHOW // PHOTOS ARE UP

ColdTrackDays photgrapher Linbergh Nuygen (of Kinod Photography), headed out to Irvine this past weekend, for the fourth annual Japanese Classic Car Show. Media credentials granted him a little better access, arriving early to avoid some of the crowd, Linhbergh was able to snap some great shots of the vintage eye candy that showed up. A wide range of cars were present, with a well represented group of AE86 Corolla’s, Datsun 510’s and vintage Toyota's. Click here for the complete gallery // 10.15.2008

TIME FOR THE CROWN // FORMULA D FINALE

Tanner Foust not only managed a second place finish at last weekends Formula D finale at Irwindale, but collected his second consecutive FD title as well. A first for the sport, Foust has been consistent all year, so his win doesn’t come as too much of a surprise. On the other hand, Vaughn Gittin Jr. took the win at Irwindale, his first Formula D win to date, and though he had no championship hopes, it was a good showing. Also of note was Justin Pawlak’s performance in his FC3S, which landed him a third place finish.

Listed below are the top 16 drivers from the 2008 Formula D season, all of whom will receive invites to the Red Bull World Drift Championships at Long Beach next month. As we all know, NW drift champ Victor Moore will be at Long Beach as well, competing in the Formula D Pro-Am. ColdTrackDays correspondent Russell O’Connell, as well as a CTD photographer Linhbergh Nguyen, will be on the ground, reporting live from the Red Bull event. So stay tuned!

2008 Formula Drift Top 16 as follows //

1: : Tanner Foust - Nissan 350Z
2: : Sam Hubinette - Dodge Viper
3: : Rhys Millen - Pontiac Solstice
4: : Daijiro Yoshihara - Pontiac GTO
5: : Chris Forsberg - Nissan 350Z
6: : Ryan Tuerck - Pontiac Solstice
7: : Michihiro Takatori - Nissan R34 Skyline
8: : Vaugh Gittin Jr. - Ford Mustang
9: : Conrad Grunewald - Chevrolet Corvette
10: : Robbie Nishida - Nissan 350Z
11: : Ryuji Miki - Mazda RX7
12: : Darren McNamara - Saturn Sky
13: : Stephen Verdier - Subaru Impreza
14: : Ken Gushi - Scion TC
15: : Bill Sherman - Nissan S13
16: : Justin Pawlak - Mazda RX7

Stay with ColdTrackDays for continued coverage of both the Red Bull World Drifting Championship and Victor Moore's attempt at a Formula Drift license // 10.14.2008

CTD.COM WILL BE THERE // 4TH ANNUAL 'JCCS'

Today was a weird day. As I was typing up this post on the Japanese Classic Car Show this coming weekend, I noticed a new message in my inbox. The message came courtesy of our LA based photographer, Linhbergh Nguyen, and read as such: "Hey I just wanted to give you a heads up that I will be attending the Japanese Classic Car Show this Sunday in Irvine, California. I'll have photos for you guys!" Weird... Expect a handful of photos from our So-Cal correspondent, as well as detailed descriptions (courtesy of our editorial staff) of all the eye candy that turns up. Stay tuned // 10.10.2008

EYE CANDY // CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY AUTO-X

More Miata love for this weeks Eye Candy. Check out these photos from a recent Auto-X event at California Speedway, where the Miata community was well represented and ColdTrackDays photographer Linhbergh Nguyen was there to shoot the event (and maybe run his car, maybe). A Miata enthusiast himself (though showing signs of joining a certain water-cooled German cult), Linhbergh is well known for his automotive photography and what better a venue to show it off than ColdTrackDays weekly Eye Candy feature. Click through for more of Mr.Nguyen's photos // 10.04.2008

ALL MIATA MEET // WILLOW SPRINGS

ColdTrackDays So-Cal photographer, Linhbergh Ngyuen, spent the better part of last weekend at Willow Springs Raceway, fighting off dehydration and massive sunburns, all in the name of photo journalism. The product of which is showcased above and by clicking here. The event was an all Miata track meet, with a solid turnout and plenty of track time for everyone. Linhbergh has been slaving away, sorting through and editing some 700+ photos. A few shots from the event are available for your consumption, but stay tuned as Mr.Ngyuen will be finishing things up soon // 08.14.2008

CTD STAFF MEMBER // LINHBERGH NGUYEN

The ColdTrackDays staff would like to welcome aboard a new photographer, Linhbergh Nguyen. Some of you may recognize his photos from this weeks 'Eye Candy' posting, as well as our coverage of the Red Line Time Attack. Linhbergh is a California based photographer and graphic designer, a fine example of what you should be doing with a camera and a fan of the Mazda Miata, as evidence through his blog postings. We look forward to having some live coverage from the golden state, and can't wait to see what Mr.Nguyen will shoot next. For a some examples of his work, click here // 07.27.2008