2010 Pirelli Calendar Featuring Works of Terry Richardson Unveiled at Global Premier in London

For those of you who don't know, Terry Richardson is one hell of a photographer whose work we greatly admire. Good to see him controlling the lens for this calendar. A must-have!

London, England, UK – The 2010 Pirelli Calendar - the 37th edition of the annual cult classic – was presented to the press, guests and collectors from around the world at its global premiere in London today. The much-awaited engagement with ‘The Cal’ was held this year at Old Billingsgate, the late 19th century building on the banks of the Thames, where from 1875 to 1982 it housed the capital city’s fish market.

Following China, immortalized by Patrick Demarchelier in the 2008 edition, and Botswana shot by Peter Beard a year later, 2010 is the year of Brazil, and the work of American photographer Terry Richardson, the celebrated “enfant terrible” known for his provocative and outrageous approach to his art.

In the 30 images that span the months of 2010, Terry Richardson depicts a return to a playful, pure Eros. Through his lens, he fantasizes and provokes, but with a simplicity that sculpts and captures the sunniest side of femininity. He portrays a woman who is captivating because she is natural; a woman who plays with stereotypes in order to undo them, and who makes irony the only veil that covers her. This is a return to the natural, authentic atmospheres and images of the 1960s and 1970s. It is a clear homage to the Calendar’s origins, a throwback to the first editions by Robert Freeman (1964), Brian Duffy (1965) and Harry Peccinotti (1968 and 1969). Terry Richardson - like his illustrious predecessors - has chosen a simple kind of photography, without retouching, where natural-ness prevails over technique and becomes the key to removing artificial excesses en vogue today to reveal the true woman underneath the superfluity.

The rooster, the saber, the jets of water and the old tires in the Calendar’s shots become the punctuation marks giving rhythm and harmony to the tale told by Richardson.  He takes the Pop Art that inspired some early editions of the Calendar and merges it with an Eros typical of the American photographer. That Eros is alluded to in the 2010 Cal and evoked only slightly. Richardson uses this to mock convention, giving form and carnality to taboo things.

This is a Calendar which Francesco Negri Arnoldi, former Art History Professor at the University of Salento in Lecce and University Tor Vergata in Rome, considers Pop. He defines it as “totally new in its return to the past; absolutely original in its consolidated tradition, and capable of rediscovering the charm of all-natural femininity”. With the return to Pop Art, the language adopted is an essential and immediate iconographic language, understandable by all and contaminated only by daily life.
The 2010 edition is a clear expression and Terry Richardson is its interpreter: he portrays figures without frills, removed from complicated and artificial contexts set by fashion trends. The setting has no showy backgrounds or schemes, in line with the photographer’s simplicity and focus on the essential. “A great photographer,” says Richardson, “captures the moment – that’s why I shoot without extra equipment and without assistants.

“My technique is the absence of technique: the lens is my eye, my charisma, my ability to capture moments of truth, whatever they may be, picture angles, use of color, light, scenery – these have always been the essential aspects of my photographic art.”

Eleven models appear in the Calendar:  Catherine McNeil, Abbey Lee Kershaw and Miranda Kerr of Australia, Eniko Mihalik from Hungary, Marloes Horst of the Netherlands, Lily Cole, Daisy Lowe, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley from the UK, Georgina Stojilijkovic of Serbia and two Brazilian natives, Gracie Carvalho and Ana Beatriz Barros.

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycle and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.

Scion SEMA preview night - Kogi tacos, Singha beer + more!

Last night Scion gave us a sneak preview to just a few of the cars they're going to have on display at next week's SEMA show. If they're as tasty as the short rib tacos the custom built Kogi xD serves up, you're guaranteed the hotness. Also on display was Jeremy Lookofsky's crazy topless tC with a sound system to make Daft Punk envious and the 0-60 Magazine xD rally car. If you're attending the SEMA show, make sure you check out the xB Tuner Challenge competition.

Source: www.scion.com

BFGoodrich Tires and You: It's GO Time!

BFGoodrich Tires Celebrates the Thrill of GO with an Online Community for Auto Enthusiasts

BFGoodrich Tires® announced today an action-packed online gathering place for those who live for the thrill of the drive.  The place is NationofGO.com, and its purpose is to provide an online community where people with a passion for driving can celebrate and share what they love to do best.  While there are many different types of automotive enthusiasts, some who live for the trail, others who live for the road, all are driven by the same thing – a passion for GO.  Created for enthusiasts by enthusiasts, BFGoodrich Tires took all of the action of auto and housed it all under one roof at NationofGO.com.

After all, GO is a lifestyle, a thirst, an addiction – it’s a passion for getting behind the wheel.  The Nation of GO allows members to create driver profiles; map roads, tracks and trails; upload photos and videos; post blogs and events; start discussions on forums and follow pro drivers.  It’s a community that enables members to connect with others who share a common passion.   

“BFGoodrich is all about GO, so that’s how we’ve geared the site,” said Tom Jupena, brand communications manager for BFGoodrich Tires.  “The Nation of GO is a social network offering innovative tools to help people ‘Drive. Connect. Share.’  It’s about doing what you love, and sharing your experiences through pictures, maps, videos and conversation.  Among other innovations, the Nation of GO combines Google Maps with our own mobile mapping application to make plotting your favorite roads and trails easy.  We haven’t built a site for everyone.  We’ve built a site for everyone who shares this passion.”

Along with the launch of NationofGO.com, BFGoodrich Tires has embarked on a social networking initiative with the Nation of GO Tour.  The tour will travel the country to drive awareness, and along the way, post pictures and videos and share stories about the journey.  Nation of GO members can follow the tour online by visiting the Nation of GO site, the Nation of GO Tour blog (blog.nationofgo.com), Twitter (twitter.com/nationofgo) and YouTube (youtube.com/nationofgo).

“It’s the essence of the Nation of GO mission,” says Jupena. “We’re no longer strictly talking to the consumer in a traditional marketing sense. We’re encouraging conversations and providing a fun place for them to happen.”

Features of NationofGO.com include:

Build a Profile to Show How You GO
Each member has the ability to share their unique take on GO.  They can upload photos and videos, tell the community a bit about themselves and their driving interests, create blog posts and share insights on events.  Members can also follow other drivers and groups who share their interests.  These groups include BFG-sponsored teams and drivers such as drift champion Samuel Hubinette, 2009 King of the Hammers winner, Jason Scherer and 2009 King of the Hammers runner up, Casey Currie.

Create and Share Drives to Show Where You GO

One of the top features of the site is the ability to recreate a drive.  Users can plot drive points along the map by drawing with their mouse, inputting gpx or usr files, latitude and longitude coordinates, or uploading them straight from a mobile device.  Once a drive is created, photos and videos can be placed to specific points along the drive, as well as custom notes to inform other users of suggestions or tips about the drive.  This tool allows enthusiasts to track driving experiences as well as provide other drivers with the ability to discover new ones.  It’s the ultimate way to find and share your GO.

Web Forums to Talk About GO

In the Nation of GO web forums, enthusiasts can discuss a range of topics from favorite racing series to the best equipment for Baja or Thunderhill.  They can explore tips from friends and professional drivers, connect with members of your local community and discuss the latest in the world of automotive racing.

Nation of GO Mobile Application to Take GO Where You GO
The free Nation of GO mobile app allows members to track a drive and take geotagged photos that can be uploaded in real-time with just the click of a button, creating a seamless connection between the real world and the community. The application is available for download on the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS and the Blackberry Curve 8310 and 8330.

The Martin Agency, a Virginia-based advertising agency, led the creative and assembled a dream team for the development of the Web site.  Odopod, a digital agency, led the development of the online community.  Every Trail was responsible for the mapping services and iPhone application, while Pluck handled the community services.

Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 30 years, BFGoodrich Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, sports car, drifting, drag, desert, dirt, rally, and extreme rock-crawling.  BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle.

Source: www.bfgoodrichtires.com

ONELOVEfor...Music 2009: Do It For the Love!

ONELOVEfor…Music 2009
 
ONELOVEfor...music is a social business that promotes peace and unity through the celebration of
music, by showcasing emerging and established artists from across the globe. ONELOVEfor…Music aspires to unite 1 billion people in collective consciousness for three minutes in recognition of the ever-increasing need for cultural unity in our world.  We aim to achieve this by simply asking radio stations around the world to play Bob Marley's legendary song, "One Love", at exactly the same time within their time zone, 09:21 AM, on September 21, 2009, creating a wave of positivity around the globe over a 24-hour period.  This will take place on the United Nations Sanctioned International Day of Peace.

ONELOVEfor...Music promotes emerging talent in music, film and art through grass-roots initiatives
involving our local, national and international communities. Launched in 2008, ONELOVEfor…Music collaborated with radio stations across the globe, to celebrate the UN-sanctioned International Day of Peace.  This year, the organization is planning an even broader campaign in collaboration with national and international radio broadcasters. ONELOVEfor...Music has expanded its operational base over the last 12 months with like-minded and high profile individuals and has outlined an ambitious plan to unite the world for three minutes in song.  ONELOVEfor...Music believes that through song it is possible to raise the collective consciousness
about the importance of cultural and social understanding between all countries. Delivering their message through the universal language of the arts, and aligning with individuals and companies who
share their vision, ONELOVEfor...Music is truly a substantial and positive organization for change.
On Sept.26th ONELOVEfor…Music are presenting a U.N backed event, There is an Art to Change,
which will showcase 7 cutting-edge bands, 12 visual artists, and 3 filmmakers in an evening of celebration at BoxEight Gallery in Los Angeles. 100% of our net proceeds will be donated to Global
Angels, a children’s charity. In fact, $1.00 of every ticket sold goes directly to give a child clean water
for a year. (www.globalangels.org)

How You Can Help
Join ONELOVEfor…Music this year in support of the International Day of Peace by sponsoring our
organization. Please participate by playing “One Love” on Sept.21, 2009 at 9:21 am and pm local time. Contact us to let us know of your participation and we will put your station or organization on our website with a link to a page of your choice.  Promote our event on Sept.26th and help spread the word about ONELOVEfor…Music.

Source: www.oneloveformusic.com

 Take a look at Jesus' top Super Street EG feature cars of all time!

Over the years Super Street has been known for publishing some of the hottest Hondas ever built, years before Honda Tuning even existed. In chronological order, here are my favorite four EGs ever published in the book...

Lee Randle May 2000 Issue

Why it made the list: In my mind this car was very influential in setting the pace for Civic builds in years to come. With a full color change, B18C engine swap and JDM flavor this super clean hatch was well ahead of its time. It's hard to remember that this era was dominated by 17"+ chrome wheels, hideous body kits and colored vinyl interior. Lee's car was and still is an inspiration for me, hell this car is a big reason why I was interested in Hondas in the first place. This car would still be on point today, nearly a decade later.

Interesting tidbit: The car dubbed "Spanky" was later sold to Ken Montes of Benen and subsequently stolen, causing an internet frenzy in its wake.

Jay Smith April 2002 Issue

Why it made the list: Jay's car was essentially built in the same style as Lee's but taken up a notch. Incorporating more after market parts and an OCD level of attention to detail this Civic made me lose my mind. After this car was featured with its custom red CP-Fs along with Jay's next project (a RHD converted DC2 on red gabs) red wheels exploded in popularity. To say he was a trend setter is an understatement.

Interesting tidbit: The sticker on the rear hatch glass was for Jay's shop "onE Honda Specialist" where he offered all sorts of services from basic maintenance to engine swaps and custom exhausts. Sadly the shop closed its doors in 2005.

Eddie Hahm December 2002 Issue

Why it made the list: Eddie's car separated from the OEM JDM style and turned towards the race-inspired look. This was one of the earlier "themed" builds. With sick ass paint and a slew of Spoon Sports goodies Eddie's car made way for Honda builds to go up in price exponentially. Instead of opting for then-popular OEM parts, Eddie spent a little more cheddar for goodies like Bride seats, a Spoon header and Sparco steering wheel. The Honda community hasn't looked back since.

Interesting tidbit: This car was shot by Jeff Ludes who has since become one of the best known automotive photographers in the world - shooting catalogs and advertisements for nearly every major manufacturer.

Jason "Katman" Kaplan December 2008 Issue

Why it made the list: Besides the fact that I shot it :P, this car has a lot of history. Katman and the FF-Squad (a group which Lee Randle also belongs to) broke a lot of ground early on and helped shape how we all view and build our cars. Furthermore, in a time when it seems everyone is going over the top (IMO) Jason showed that you can combine classic styling with current technology.

Interesting tidbit: I'm not sure if it's purely a coincidence, but shortly after the article ran w/ a comment I wrote about how Katman never updates the FF-Squad site it miraculously had new options including a link to the classic site.

What do all of these cars have in common? If you noticed they're all CXs you get a gold star. If you guessed they were all built and driven in Los Angeles county then you are 100% correct. But more than that, they all have timeless style. They aren't "trendy." In ten more years they will all look as good as they did when they were published. There's no crazy engine bay paint job, no pokey jacked up offset wheels and no tacky bs. Why is there such a gap in time from the first three cars to the fourth one? Who knows, but one thing is for sure - they don't build 'em like they used to... but I sure wish people would start.

Mobil 1 Announces new Racing full synthetic oil

Mobil 1's Racing 0W-20 and 0W-30 fully synthetic motor oils are world famous for their use premiere racing series all around the world and are no doubt a brand you can trust when it comes to your personal project car. These oils feature increased levels of anti-wear protection, exceptional high-temp protection in high-RPM operation and will help maximize power during race conditions. These oils are not recommended for street use, so that makes it a perfect option for the weekend toy, whether it's drag, road racing, Super Lap Battle or beyond.

Source: www.mobil1.com

 Do you have a project that the world needs to see? Enter eBay's Motors Master contest to show it off and win a possible trip to SEMA 2009 and more!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WTk4Y6x0tI

eBay Motors has just announced a new contest, the 2009 Motors Master, where motorsports enthusiasts of all breeds - auto, motorcycle, trucks, almost anything with wheels - can enter for a chance to win a trip to this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. All it takes is a winning video that showcases your project, whatever it may be! Not only does the winner get to go to SEMA, you'll also be representing on behalf of eBay Motors with YOUR project! What's even cooler is that you'll also receive $2,500 to spend on eBay Motors for your next project!

So how do you enter? It's simple: Make a short video about your favorite project, explaining why you would make the best DIY project expert for your category, then upload it to the Motor Masters website at http://www.motorsmaster.ebaymotors.com. eBay Motors' expert judging panel and the public will then vote for the top entrants in these categories:

- Sport Compact/Tuners
- Muscle cars/Domestics
- Off-road
- Motorcycles

The top projects will be selected based on each submitted video and their written descriptions of how they used eBay Motors to drive their projects and why they should be chosen as 2009's Motors Master. The first wave of voting determines the finalists in each category by the public who visit the site; the expert judges will review the top submissions and determine the Grand Prize winner.

Even if you don't submit a video of your own, anyone who visits the Motors Master site to rate videos can also enter to win a $1,000 eBay gift certificate. Visitors can enter once a day during the six-week contest period.

Entries must be submitted by August 31, with voting to continue through September 14, 2009. Ten finalists will be selected for each category and one Grand Prize winner from each will be announced in early October, just in time for the debauchery at SEMA.

This contest is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States, District of Columbi and Canada, unless otherwise prohibited, and all entrants must be at least 18 years old. Official rules can be found at http://ebay.promotionexpert.com/motorsmaster/rules.html.

Good luck and we'll see the winning Motors Master at SEMA!

 Super Street FF Honda Battle - Friday July 31st and Saturday August 1st

 For those of you who don't already know, Super Street has started an event called "FF Battle." It's Honda-only and we are setting out to find the best streetable track cars. In Best-Motoring fashion we are having our own driver (former Honda Challenge champion Andy Hope) drive each car entering the event to compare handling and performance as well as record hot lap times. All cars are required to have full interior and current registration. Bisi from Bisimoto Engineering will be on-site dynoing the cars to get power figures. We have a bunch of sick cars in attendance (Sportcar Motion, JHP USA, Raceline, Circuit Hero and even some of our own forum friends!) and I can't wait to see who comes out on top.

Here's where you come in. On Saturday August 1st we will be holding a Honda meet @ Auto Club Speedway (formerly Cal Speedway) where the event is taking place. It's absolutely 100% free to attend. No parking fees, no registration fees - nothing. Just show up and park! Think your car is ready to be featured? Myself and the other editors will be on site scouting the meet for potential features, so this could be your big chance. We will also be holding a ballot where you can vote for your favorite car in the FF Battle. You'll be able to get up close and look at all the entries as well as speak with the owners regarding questions on setup etc.  

On top of alllll that, there will also be a Super Lap Battle event running so you can be sure to checkout some of the fastest Time Attack cars in the US! Before I forget - anyone that wants to attend on Friday July 31st is more than welcome, but the main meet and vote will be on Saturday August 1st. The entire event is sanctioned by NASA so if you have ever wanted to get into road racing there will be NASA instructors and officials on site that can help get you started! It should be lots of fun and I really hope to see you all out there. Let's show everyone that the Honda scene isn't dead!

GATES OPEN AT 7a ON FRIDAY AND 9a ON SATURDAY

Please help spread the word and feel free to blog about the event!

Come hang at Puente Hills Scion on August 6, 2009 from 7-10p!

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SCION OWNERS:

On Thursday, August 6, head to Puente Hills Scion for a local car meet and hang with other Scion nation fans. There will be food, giveaways and a lot more, so if you have a couple of hours to spare and a Scion that needs showing off, make your way there. Koyo and DC Sports will also be among some of the few vendors that will be showing their latest products.

Where:
Puente Hills Scion
17070 Gale Ave.
City of Industry, CA.  91748
(800) 935-2508

Date: August 6th, 2009

Hours: 7-10pm

Source: www.puentehillsscion.com

You MUST watch this! SUPER, SUPER SICK!!! It's the new viral vid for Ken Block highlighting his new gymkhana Subaru STI featuring Rob Dyrdek. The camera angles are crazy and man, I wish anyone could have gone for a ride-a-long with Ken (posting our own in-car video from the media event shortly).

Watch it NOW: www.dcshoes.com/gymkhanatwo

images from the video, courtesy of DC Shoes:

Voting now open for the Castrol Syntec Top Car Challenge!

It's true, your vote counts. Don't you think Super Street is going to win the Castrol Syntec Top Car Challenge? Of course you do.

http://www.syntectopcarchallenge.com/vote/index.html

via 5Zigen USA:

Racing season has just started! Here is a good driving event for amateur drivers – both drifters and grippers – taking place at El Toro on Sunday, May 3. This is a excellent chance to enjoy and learn driving from the best. Bring your friends, co-workers or anyone else!
 
Dai's Driving Academy
El Toro Field, Irvine CA
Sunday May 3rd (the day after D1 Anaheim)

$120 for Drift and Grip
$40.00 discount for GOZIGEN-USA blog readers!
Check: http://d.hatena.ne.jp/GOZIGEN-USA/
$80 for only Grip

Plenty of seat time!

No spectators, but a pit crew is allowed.

Contact info & where to sign up:
phone: 310.212.0100
email: info@jdmoption.com
 
Also, 5ZIGEN USA will be a vendor in the JDM Mini Arcade section. Hope to see you at El Toro!

Source: www.5zigenusa.com

PUMA takes Gumball 3000 to the streets and the web with product designed exclusively for the 3000-mile “coast to coast,” celebrity-studded event.  As official sponsor of the 2009 Gumball 3000 Rally, PUMA will release a brand new motorsport sneaker in celebration of the global event as well as a series of limited edition t-shirts.  
 
Designed in collaboration with Gumball 3000, the PUMA Speed Cat 2.9 Mid Gumball is a black and silver leather and mesh sneaker featuring a co-branded tongue and foot bed highlighting the cities along the Gumball 3000 route.  Each driver will be given this exclusive style for their coast-to-coast adventure.  In addition, 200 pairs of the PUMA Speed Cat 2.9 Mid Gumball will be available exclusively at Journeys.com for $105 beginning on April 27th, just in time for the Gumball Rally fans to join in on the fun.  PUMA will launch an inline version of the PUMA Speed Cat 2.9 nationwide in a variety of colors and styles in June 2009, as part of their fall motorsport collection.  The Speed Cat 2.9 is an evolution of a
classic iconic silhouette the Speed Cat, but updated for today’s urban consumer. True to form, it still incorporates classic characteristics from the original yet fused with updated components.  Details include original Speed Cat outsole tread inspired by motorsport tires, the rounded heel for better contact and functionality for hitting high speed maneuvers, the vulcanized outsole; the reinterpreted PUMA toe cat and a lacing closure system for ease of comfort and stability.
 
With PUMA Stores featured throughout the Gumball 3000 route, PUMA will also release three limited edition t-shirts sold exclusively on store.puma.com, select PUMA Store locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, Orlando and Miami and at on-site Gumball 3000 events during the rally.  Available for $20 each, the exclusive PUMA Gumball t-shirts will be a commemorative piece for participants, enthusiasts and fans alike.

- via idAgency (www.idagency.com)

Sources: www.pumamotorsport.com, www.gumball3000.com, www.journeys.com

To celebrate the release of Midnight Club: Los Angeles - South Central, Rockstar Games is teaming up with us to give you a chance to win an exclusive Midnight Club gift package containing a copy of the original MC:LA game on Xbox 360 or PS3, the South Central downloadable content and a limited edition Midnight Club-branded Sidekick. South Central comes with new vehicles, races and a Map Expansion, a must-have for the complete Midnight Club experience. Simply email us at mailsack@superstreetonline.com with the subject “Midnight Club: LA South Central” – and tell us which system you’d prefer. We’ll pick one lucky winner at random so don’t sleep!

From Continental Tires for this year's Super Lap Battle program:

We are offering an open contingency for competitors on Continental Tires for the 2009 Super Lap Battle series. It's an open contingency where vehicles must use Continental brand tires and display decals on each front fender; each class must have a minimum of three competitors.

Qualifying Rounds:
1st: $500, 2nd: $300, 3rd: $200

Finals:
1st: $1,500, 2nd: $1,000 3rd: $600

Contact Terry Smouter for decals: terrance.smouter@conti-na.com or 704-583-8726

 From the minds at Eat Sleep Race:

We're proud to announce our first dealer exclusive release!

We partnered with Bowls LA (www.BOWLSLA.com) to release and exclusively retail our "ESR Brings the Ruckus" t-shirt.

The t-shirt is limited to 50 pieces that are only available at BOWLS LA!  The tee features ESR's Bobblehead rolling out on a modded Honda Ruckus in standard uniform with the ESR logo striked on the back.

The t-shirt will be available in-store (4/10/09) and online on 4/9/09:
http://www.bowlsla.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=67&idproduct=7997

BOWLS LA is an upscale lifestyle (fashion, shoes, art, urban toys, music or skateboarding) boutique situated in the city of San Marino, CA and is one of the top aftermarket Ruckus parts dealers in the US.

EAT SLEEP RACE is a motorsports apparel brand based out of New Jersey.

Sources: www.eatsleeprace.com, www.bowlsla.com

Puente Hills Toyota will be hosting a special Scion owners meet on Tuesday, March 31 from 7-9pm at the service drive. Food will be provided on first come-first serve basis along with a dj spinning tunes all night. Come for the free giveaways and enter a raffle for $100 towards service, parts or a brand new car. Cruise on over, hang out and show off your Scions!

Source: www.puentehillsscion.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQyKWDF2tu0

SPEED DREAMS

While synthetic motor oils have an impact on the performance of everything from race cars to minivans, many drivers may not be aware of the critical role such oils play in driving. A new documentary featuring Mobil 1, the worlds leading synthetic motor oil, intends to change all that.

Titled Speed Dreams, the 24-minute program will premiere March 16 at 10 p.m. EST/PST on The Documentary Channel. In addition to visiting revered locations such as the Corvette Hall of Fame and delving into the history of synthetic motor oils, the program highlights several successful drivers as they discuss the factors that have helped propel them to the top of their circuits.

Speed Dreams features interviews with 2008 FIA Formula 1 Drivers' World Champion Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Automotive, Porsche factory GT driver Wolf Henzler, and drag racing specialist Jason Whitfield of Whitfield Racing. Each discusses the personal experiences on and off the track that have helped bring auto racing success. In addition to the lifelong support of family and friends and an innate desire to compete, the drivers credit breakthroughs in racing technology including the reliable performance of Mobil 1 for their ability to win at the track.

The documentary also features Bill Maxwell , a prominent member of the team that invented Mobil 1 more than 35 years ago. Maxwell discusses the origins of synthetic motor oil and how it traces its roots back to the US militarys need for lubricants that would not freeze in the extreme temperatures experienced by its naval aircraft during World War II. Bill also discusses his lifelong love affair with Corvettes, and how it inspired him to become an engineer and eventually play a key role in the development of Mobil 1. One of Bills own dreams even comes true on-camera as he is given the honor of turning the ignition on a just-completed Corvette at the factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

"We're very excited about this project, as it really shows viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the technology that goes into a product like Mobil 1," said Scott Howard, Americas Automotive Marketing Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants and Specialties. "We're proud of the contributions that Mobil 1 makes to auto manufacturers and race teams around the world, and we think any fan of fast cars and powerful engines will enjoy this documentary."

In addition to airing on The Documentary Channel, Speed Dreams can be viewed online in its entirety on the networks Sling.com channel (www.sling.com/network/189/The-Documenta ry-Channel) from March 16 to May 15 . During this time the network will also offer a unique interactive sweepstakes, titled Drive of Your Dreams, which features Mobil 1 and will award two grand-prize winners a trip of a lifetime to the renowned Porsche Sports Driving School in Leeds, AL. Over two days, the winners will be able to experience first-hand what performance driving is all about by putting various Porsche models through their paces on the track and off-road.

Sources: www.theoryconcept.com, www.mobil1.com

SCION tC RS 5.0

Scion's latest limited run in the tC Release Series is the fifth model, inspired by a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) theme, featuring gloss black exterior paint and performance products to go with it, like TRD edition 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, in matte black with red trim, and red TRD lowering springs to give it a lower stance.  Other parts include a TRD rear sway bar, TRD sport muffler and a unique TRD exterior badge to tag the rear.  A black rear lip spoiler will also be available.

Inside, buyers are treated to more TRD with a black leather steering wheel featuring red stiching, black seats with red accents and floor mats with the TRD logo.  The tC RS 5.0 is also equipped with a cargo mat. Individually numbered badging completes the uniqueness of this vehicle with 2,000 units total to be produced.  

The tC RS 5.0 model carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,300 over the base price of the tC.  The base MSRP for the standard tC with a manual transmission is $17,000, while the standard tC with an automatic transmission model carries a MSRP of $17,800.  The available black spoiler has a MSRP of $285, not including installation.  The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP.  DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Source: www.scion.com

We are now accepting entries for the Syntec Top Car Challenge. We WILL be picking a reader's car for the challenge. If you feel like your car has what it takes to kill the competition, you need to let us know. You could win $10,000. The site is now up and ready to take your submissions.
www.SyntecTopCar.com

Tests will include:

• Lap Times: Teams compete for the single fastest lap time during a 20 minute session on the road course.
• ¼ Mile Time: Cars compete for quickest ending times, best of 3 runs.
• ¼ Trap Speed: Cars compete for fastest trap speed, best of 3 runs
• Horsepower: Using a dyno, cars will be tested to find who has the highest peak horsepower. Teams will be limited to 3 runs.
• Power to Weight: Cars will be weighed at the dyno to calculate who has the best ratio.
• Emissions: Vehicles will be tested with a 5 gas automobile emissions analyzer.
• Acceleration: 0-60mph using a radar gun.
• Braking: 80-0mph using a radar gun.
• Endurance: Cars will have to test out their endurance in the brutal test of Los Angeles traffic by driving to the track in the middle of rush hour traffic.
• Vehicle Cost: Scores will be based on the current used car value.
www.SyntecTopCar.com

Xbox 360 and Capcom held an exclusive preview event in Los Angeles with SA Studios and Mister Cartoon for “Resident Evil 5,” which has a new home on Xbox 360, which is set to release this Friday, March 13.  Attendees from former EXTRA! TV host and Sugar Ray front-man Mark McGrath and Cypress Hill’s DJ Muggs, to rock band Lostprophets and reality TV star Rob Kardashian - not to mention your very own JDMWong and eurotuner's Greg Emmerson - teamed up to play “Resident Evil 5” together on special edition red Xbox 360 consoles that will be available in limited numbers to consumers this Friday. As the next blockbuster on Xbox 360, “RE5” will also allow players to meet up with two-player co-op on Xbox LIVE.

Source:  www.residentevil.com

More photos and videos from Vaughn Gittin Jr's Dream Drift Trip to Japan:

Mustang Drifting at Bihoku: http://www.youtube.com/v/fyeaSrLiTE4&hl=en&fs=1

Drifting in the rain and YZ Circuit: http://www.youtube.com/v/T5_DIvGiMbQ&hl=en&fs=1

Slo-mo rain drift action! http://www.youtube.com/v/iC41RTPm158&hl=en&fs=1

Vaughn departs YZ Circuit for Ebisu on the Shinkansen: http://www.youtube.com/v/iPzf2PWhaW0&hl=en&fs=1

Vaughn arrives at Ebisu and drifts for Option Video: http://www.youtube.com/v/sGZgZ1ieijw&hl=en&fs=1

Vaughn sums up his first day at Ebisu: http://www.youtube.com/v/547EKbyzVB4&hl=en&fs=1

One of our favorite US drifters, Vaughn Gittin JR aka "Hey Buddy" aka "Don't call me JR", is currently travelling all over Japan in a 2010 Ford Mustang and doing the thing he loves best: drifting. Of course, he's also meeting up with his drifting idols and friends, all while spinning the tires in Ford's latest Mustang, the car he'll be campaigning this year on Falken Tire's drift team. While we couldn't join him on this trip, he did want to make sure you were able to catch his trip, all viewable on the following YouTube clips:

(content courtesy of Ford Racing and YouTube.com)

Vaughn packs up his gear and explains his dream to drift in Japan: http://www.youtube.com/v/9N_eMed0PeM&hl=en&fs=1

Vaughn highlights the Ford Racing parts used to upgrade his ride: http://www.youtube.com/v/nMkUOCkxWkQ&hl=en&fs=1

Vaughn finally arrives in Japan! http://www.youtube.com/v/sI_fLTz3tiQ&hl=en&fs=1

Vaughn hits the streets of Osaka in the Mustang: http://www.youtube.com/v/H6ZwKjbuNY0&hl=en&fs=1 

Vaughn grabs a quick bite to eat: http://www.youtube.com/v/_i-9HGiEMOs&hl=en&fs=1

After a long day of driving, Vaughn finally gets some sleep: http://www.youtube.com/v/2WFRZLAkvTc&hl=en&fs=1

Vaughn finally gets to the track! http://www.youtube.com/v/jMCzo4P_3qo&hl=en&fs=1

There's plenty more footage available on Ford's Mustang YouTube channel, so check it out now!

http://www.youtube.com/fordmustang

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkQ5-9Og3U8

This is great. Which Drift Alliance member do you see in this promo?

Attention all Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35 owners, Techno Square is hosting a dyno/tuning day at their Torrance facility this coming weekend on March 7, 2009 from 9a to 4p. $60 gets you 3 dyno runs or you can opt for special tuning if you're so inclined. Or if you just want to come and chill, you can do it with other VQ lovers.

For more info, call 310.787.0847.