EVENT // JUST DRIFT SESSIONS @ WILLOW SPRINGS

ColdTrackDays correspondent, Larry Chen, was at Willow Springs International Raceway last weekend for a Just Drift practice session ahead of the upcoming 2010 Just Drift Top Drift season. Drivers from as far as Washington were in attendance and as far as we can tell, it was one hell of an event!

Follow the link for additional images... [read more]















For a look at more photos from last weekends Just Drift practice session, click here

Photo: Larry Chen
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

MAZDA MAKES F1 NOISES // BMI RACING'S 4-ROTOR RX8

Making its debut at this years SEMA show in Las Vegas, the BMI Racing RX8 is, as far as we know, the only 4-rotor Mazda RX8 in the world. Having moved their operation from Australia to the US earlier this year, BMI Racing will campaign one of their 4-rotor RX8's in the 2010 Formula DRIFT Championship, with the other set to compete in the Redline Time Attack Series.

Follow the link for a few videos of the BMI Racing 4-rotor RX8 making noises that up until now we thought only Formula One cars could make... [read more]





Photo/Video: BMI Racing

VIDEO // SUBIEFEST 2009 VIA RYAN DOUTHIT

Subiefest isn't just a regular event, it's our event. That is, our crew produces it. Every year we try to ratchet up the awesome, and this year I had what I though was a great last-minute idea: Formula D star Stephan Verdier was schedule to come out and show off his Drifto antics in a modified RWD Subaru STI - well, what if I provided myself as an obstacle? I mean, anyone can slide a car back-and-forth on a narrow track. But to get a car full-on sideways with someone blocking half the track? That certainly take a bit more than your average helping of skill.

In addition to this craziness, the video includes a walk-around of Mike McGuinness' Best in Show WRX Wagon, Ali Afshar's 1000hp WRX demo and more.

Video and Editorial courtesy of Ryan Douthit and Driving Sports // [comment]

EVENT // SUBIEFEST 2009 @ WILLOW SPRINGS

Presented by Subiesport Magazine, Subiefest is the largest all-Subaru track event in the country. This years event is scheduled to take place Saturday, October 10th at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California (about an hour outside of Los Angeles). Expect a full day of on-track excitment, vendors, Subaru experts and much more. You can find additional information regarding the event here. General admission is $10, however track-time is limited so if you’d like to participate, be sure and register as soon as possible // [comment]

STUCK STICKERS // JAY LEE @ HORSE THIEF MILE

Showing his support for ColdTrackDays, our man Jay Lee just sent us this shot of his Miata running the Horse Thief Mile at Willow Springs Raceway. Take note of the sticker adorning Mr.Lee's helmet. Well done!

For your free ColdTrackDays sticker click here // [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

PHOTO GALLERY // REDLINE TIME ATTACK [ROUND 2]

Following Robert Carrier's coverage of the Redline Time Attack series at Willow Springs, here are a few shots courtesy of ColdTrackDays contributor and Kinod photographer, Grady Nguyen... [read more]









Click here for a look at more of Grady's photography

REDLINE TIME ATTACK // ROUND 2 @ WILLOW SPRINGS

Round 2 of the 2009 Redline Time Attack season brought out the largest field in the history of the series, with more than 100 entrants on Sunday tackling the "Fastest Road in the West." The sheer number of competitors was not the only thing that made the weekend noteworthy however; no less than five cars broke or tied the existing Redline Time Attack record at Willow Springs, one of which was actually front-wheel drive! It goes without saying that Round 2 at Willow Springs Raceway has set the bar for the rest of the year... [read more]


This was my first time attending a time attack event, and I was thoroughly impressed with the variety and caliber of cars. With highly tuned variants of such cars as the Honda S2000, Lancer Evolution, Impreza STi, Mazda RX7, Acura Integra, Honda Civic and Nissan Skyline lining the paddock before the session began, there was no shortage of cars to look at and drivers to talk to. Formula D champion, rally car competitor and stunt driver Rhys Millen was there with a Hyundai Genesis coupe showcasing his Rhys Millen Racing product lineup, as was Eiji "Tarzan" Yamada, driving the Crawford Performance Impreza STI. I think the fact that such drivers are becoming involved with the sport is a good indication of its staying power in the United States.

The top vehicles in the field, running in the Unlimited Class, made quick work of the previous Redline Time Attack record of 1:22, with the overall victory going to the FX Motorsports Development Acura NSX with an amazing lap time of 1:18.555. Following their victory at Buttonwillow Raceway during Round 1 of the Redline Time Attack, the FX Motorsports Development team is starting off the season on strong footing. The Modified victory went to the Harman Victory Impreza STi with a lap time of 1:26.4, and Jeremy Toye took the Street Class victory with a lap time of 1:28.8 in his Lancer Evolution. The AWD Imprezas and Lancer Evolutions have a strong presence in the series, and it's no surprise that they perform so well throughout the class structure.

The Redline Time Attack represents the best of the tuning industry in my mind. Far too often aftermarket parts seem to be purchased for the sole purpose of brand recognition or bragging rights, and at best see light duty on a freeway on-ramp or back country road. At worst, these parts can actually decrease the performance of the car if not properly selected or tuned. The Redline Time Attack, like time attack competition throughout Japan and Europe, is a venue that allows individuals of varying skill levels and budgets to showcase the performance of their street cars on the track in a competitive series that is far more safe and accessible than door-to-door racing.

For a look at more of Robert's photos from Round 2 of the Redline Time Attack series, click here

Photo/Editorial: Robert Carrier