Japfest 2013
Back for its 11th year, Japfest, Europe’s biggest Japanese car event, returned to Castle Combe Saturday.
Being deep in rural Wiltshire, getting to the circuit can be an issue, with some people queueing into the afternoon for last years event. Despite some doubters though, it seems the improvements made this year alleviated the epic queues.
British Drift Championship brings out the sun
After a good start, British spring time struck again at round one of the Maxxis British Drift Championship. After a bright morning for the Semi Pro and Pro qualifying sessions, the heavens opened on Lydden Hill circuit in Kent meaning the Super Pro’s had to wait.
Which ment Sunday became 5 hours of non-stop drifting for the big crowd that turned up in the glorious sunshine.
Ken Block and friends tear up Santa Pod
Worldwide driving sensation and King of the Hoonigans, Ken Block came to Santa Pod and he brought some friends! Along for the ride were drift legend Vaughn Gittin Jr, British rallycrosser Liam Doran and the massive spectacle that is the Gymkhana Grid roadshow.
Two entrants from each of the 4 heats held in France, Germany, Holland and the UK came together in Northamptonshire to battle it out for a chance to drive head to head with either Block or Gittin.
Just what is Gymkhana Grid? I’ll let the guys themselves explain in this understated public information film.
British Drift Championship 2012 – Round 6 – Judgement Day
The crowning glory of British Drift champions took place over the weekend of the 29th September, where full driver commitment and nerves were tested to the extreme. Navigating their way through the action packed track, drivers put on a show of integrity and determination.
None more deservedly so than Team Japspeed driver Paul “Smokey” Smith who was crowned Super Professional champion of 2012.
Rhys Millen – Climbing The Record Setting Ladder
On August 13th 2012, Rhys Millen of California set a new world record for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. After trying for years to match the record, set by his father, the accomplishment was achieved with the added bonus of a new world record.
Stopping the clock at 9 minutes and 46 seconds, Millen set the new quickest time triumphing over Romain Dumas, a 2010 winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Motor Vision - Powered by
Guy Kendal
Mercedes 300slr has swing axles, just like a lot of other 1950's/1960's car's. Perhaps that what caught out a younger driver who's unaware of the consequences of lifting off the throttle at speed on a corner?
Read more
Adam
'Put it on a pedestal'
Way off the mark there. You were obviously WAY out your depth!! These cars were made to drive and be driven hard, they are still raced today and still take a hammering, all in their stride.
There is no other classic of its age that can take the abuse a 300SL takes, phenominal cars and probably the best of all time.
Jaguar and Ferrari were using race bred technology in their cars, Mercedes took the engine/gearbox and driveline from their saloon car, took on the world and trounced them all!!
Only Mercedes could do that!!
Read more
richard wosiek
If the paint shop knew their stuff then the shade would be blended in to match the shade of the rest of the car.
Read more
richard wosiek
There's always one eh homersimpson.
Read more
Russell
Reference rolling a Gullwing.
It didn't happen to me but I tried driving one over 30 years ago and found it a terrifying experience. The steering, brakes and tyres of the mid-50s could not cope and being cooped up in the cabin with pedals so close together and heaving the massive steering wheel about inches from your face with all the noise and rattles did not thrill me at all.
Still a great looking car; polish it up and put it on a pedestal. Maybe glide it around a smooth track, but stay off public roads.
Read more
