The 15th Annual SummerSlam at Englishtown arrived on a typical hotsummer day in New Jersey. This is the event us tuners in the tristate arealook forward to every summer, with the hottest rides, girls and racing. This event was extra special since it was the first time a legit ViP Stylecar club graced their presence at the event, and LibertyViP shut it downand took home the Best Club award. The crew has evolved since it’s firstdays from a few cars to a fleet of 15 or more fully built and custom ridesspecializing in the theme of ViP Style. Most of the cars have done bodywork to be able to fit their aggressive offsets but keep the OEM look oftheir rides and the mastermind behind that work is Nate and his team atDreamakers Kustom in Endicott, NY. If you like great work, a good timeand deer hunting Nate and his team is the place to be.

Summerslam is also an epic event where Team Puerto Rico returns stateside to race and drive their local fans crazy with their fast times and setups.

If you think Puerto Rico is coming here just to get a taste the humidity inNew Jersey they are here to take wins and bring back the bragging rightsto La Isla Del Encanto and talk about how in Puerto Rico is where they buildthe fastest cars.

JOELL ORTIZBIG PUNS BACK

DEL PATIOWATAGATAPITSUBERRY

DAVID RUSH SENSATO

Summerslam isn’t all about cars and racing, it’s also about entertainmentand this year was no different with the bikini contest and artist like JoellOrtiz, Del Patio and David Rush spitting lyrics and whispering in the ladiesears”Call Me”.

With Summerslam in the books and successful, the next event to bea part of is Honda Day , this year for the first time two days of totalvtec madness. Check www.hondaday.com for more info.

WORDS: RAY HORTONPHOTOS: RAY HORTON RICH HARTNETT

XDC/Remix Round 5 rolled into tobacco road and with their arrival brought the heat. The drivers and car showgroup had to keep their game faces on under one of thehottest weekends of the short summer with an averagetemperature of 95 degrees. The North Carolina show scene is nothing without the hot rides from the InsaneStance Offset group and they didn’t disappoint. Zeb brought out his Aristo swapped Lexus GS300 fitted withan authentic Vertex kit, SSR wheels and D2 suspensionand brakes. The car is a perfect example of luxury andperformance.

XDC/Remix Round 5 rolled into tobacco road and with their arrival brought the heat. The drivers and car showgroup had to keep their game faces on under one of thehottest weekends of the short summer with an averagetemperature of 95 degrees. The North Carolina show scene is nothing without the hot rides from the InsaneStance Offset group and they didn’t disappoint. Zeb brought out his Aristo swapped Lexus GS300 fitted withan authentic Vertex kit, SSR wheels and D2 suspensionand brakes. The car is a perfect example of luxury andperformance.

XDC has become one of the better drift circuits in terms of competition in it’s short life, and with the East Coast Championship on the line the focus was high. The biggest worry with the intense heat was how the cars willperform but no cars had any issues. The field included Chelsea Denofa,Nate Hamilton, James Evans, Rapper Dan Savage, Miro Ovcharik, NathanBrasz and others so you knew there would be lots of contact going on thiscompetition. The Top 16 had some great battles that the fans knew weregoing to be tight, which included the battle between Nate Hamilton andDoug Van Den Brink who was coming off a victory at Round 4. On paperNate is in the disadvantage in power against the twin turbo Mustang butwith great entries and clean lines Nate knocks out Doug in the top 16.

Another epic Top 16 battle happened between Sikky’s own James Evanand Alan Brentzel. The two battled so hard to a one more time and duringtheir OMT battle Alan went off course hitting the guard rail that gave thewin the James. The Charlotte course was pretty quick with average speedsof 65 mph into the first entry but having to pretty much drop it into 2ndinto one of the last 3 clipping points made it very hard for some driverswho were trying to keep that speed while staying on course; by doing thatsome went off course, having dirt drops and losing those crucial points.

The Final 8 was real intense if you love drifting these matchups were a mustsee battles. A great battle between James Evans and Miro Ovcharik withneither driver giving an inch. The two drivers so close in points and witha win could have a chance to win the XDC East Coast Championship. Thedrivers were door to door on both lead runs, but on Miro’s lead run he wenta little wide on one of the last clipping points causing him to take a dirtdrop; therefore giving the win to James. I think that battle was definitely worth a OMT but the judges thought otherwise.

The two drivers who were kicking butt all day matched up together in the final 8 and it was fierce. Rapper Dan Savage against Chelsea Denofa. Theseguys have known each other for awhile but never had the chance to driveagainst each other. Chelsea put the pressure on Dan with his lead run thatduring one of the last entries he tapped the rear quarter of the boosted BMW causing him to bend his tie rod. The Rapper being the rad dude he iscalled 5 minutes, the crew did a little tweaking and even with a bent tie rodhe came out on his lead run and killed but to no avail, Chelsea got the windue to the contact. Dan secretly says he should of went faster :) . There wasa Mazda fans dream two FC3 getting sideways and to make the rotary fanseven happier Jeremy Lowe with his rotary took out Brian Peters in the V8RX-7 to advance to the final four against Chelsea Denofa.

Chelsea must of owed the guys some money because in his final four matchwith Jeremy Lowe he was hit again in his lead run, so in Jeremy’s lead runhe kept close watched his lines and got the win. Nate Hamilton took outthe tough James Evans to advance to the finals against fellow Texan Mr.Denofa. Jarod DeAnda the infamous Formula Drift announcer called it amatch between Chelsea “ Don’t call me a girl” Denofa and Nate” The LittleTexan” Hamilton. What Nate lacks in height he lets his driving do the talking, and gave Chelsea a run for his money. Chelsea’s BMW spreads it’s Eurolegs, took the win against Nate and also won the East Coast Championship.Eventhough it felt we were on the surface of the sun the whole weekend,the Garagespec team enjoyed the event, met a few readers of the mag andleft Charlotte tired and with a tan.

Words: Komal PoonaiPhotos: Terence Gamble

Out of all the cars we had, the one that caught my eye the most was a white LS Integra my brother had that he later on sold. It was dropped on some clean swirlies built LS motor and Carbon fiber hood and spoiler. Man was I upset when he sold that car. Crashing the civic was a good thing for me believe it or not because now I get to start building my dream car. Someone was selling this white 94 GSR shell which I immediately fell in love with. Thankfully my girlfriend bought it for me for $1,500. As time went by and I saved some cash it goes straight to the car. First was the 5-lug conversion and GSR motor that my bro got me. Surfing the web one day I came across Osaka Japanese import in Quebec Canada and the rest was history from then. Got in contact with them and purchased the complete JDM front conversion, the complete Type R swap and the complete red interior. The interior which I actually drove to Quebec to get. This was all over the duration of about 2 years or so. However, with all good things there is always going to be some down fall. The car was impounded for over two months by NY auto crime because they thought my Transmission was stolen. Like all imported JDM Type R transmissions there is no Vin plate on the transmission. I had to get proof of purchase and go to court in order to get my car back.

In the beginning of 2010 I got tired of the white DC5 wheels I had and got my hands on a set of 17” white Mugen MF10s from a seller in southern Cali. As the left over financial aid money and savings added up I started to add more and more to the car. One of my biggest move was the complete wire and brake tuck done by Certified Racing in NJ. Started to attend local shows and bringing home some hardware so that motivated me to keep doing more. The biggest motivation of my build is all the haters that I have out there. I just like to prove people wrong. 24K plus later this is my 180WHP dream car. However, this is still not the end……

Under The Hood:- 98 spec Integra type R motor- 5 peed type R transmission (LSD)- Skunk2 headers- Hasport mounts- Password JDM carbon intake- AEM fuel rail- AEM pressure regulator- AEM fuel filter- AEM steel braided lines and fittings- Greddy muffler with 2.5 inch piping- Light weight Aluminum radiator- Password JDM radiator brackets- ACT clutch- Password JDM carbon spark plug wire cover- Nology performance spark plug wires- Complete wire/brake line tuck- Battery and fuse box relocated- Takata green engine bay- Tein green hood shocks- PWJDM radiator cooling plate

Stance:- Skunk2 coilovers- Skunk2 lover control arms- ASR red lower tie bar- Password JDM 3-way shock tower bar

Resistance:- Ksport slotted 12.5” rotors- Ksport pads- Ksport calipers- Ksport steel braided lines- Type R 5lug conversion

Rims/Tires:- 17” white Mugen MF10- 205/40/17 Dunlop tires- Red Works extended lug nuts

Outside:- Championship white paint- JDM Integra type R front conversion- CF spoon style front lip- CF Seibon type R side skirts- CF rear type R valances- CF front wind duct- CF VIS hood/trunk- CF type R wing- CF fenders - CF Spoon mirrors- CF rear garnish

Inside:- Recaro front seats- ITR door panels- Takata 4-way seat belts- JDM srs steering wheel- JDM cluster- CDM rear red seats- Armrest eliminator- CDM CF airbag pocket-Type R 5-piece rug- Type R shift knob- JDM non-smoker personal box- 7.5” Jensen touch screen receiver- Sony Amplifier- 12” Kicker subwoofer

words:ray hortonphotos: ray horton

East Coast Bash is the most looked for drift event outside of Formula Driftevery year. Clubloose the masterminds behind this event always make itaround the FD’s Jersey stop, so some of the guys stay around and rip it upat Englishtown. This year seemed to have been the biggest I have seen withover 100 drifters registered and ready to shred tires, party, and have a goodtime. The event brings drivers from the Midwest, Canada, Mid Atlantic andof course our regulars from the Tri-State area. This year we had a great variety of cool cars like a Toyota Cressida that makes me want to get off myass and start my MKiii Supra project. I personally loved the baby blue ToyotaCorolla of Henry Russo and his car’s attitude/stickers.

Before you are even allowed on the track you must participate on of MattPetty’s inspirational speeches of how to drive the course and what happensif you choose not to follow proper Clubloose ediquette on the course.

Once the meeting is over it’s time for everyone to suit up and hit the trackand it was a great day of drifting from all groups of drivers.

The great thing about East Coast Bash is just hanging out in between thedrifting sessions and checking out the cars and just talking to other driversfrom around the country who made the trip and to hear their stories. One ofthe coolest stories is seeing the guys from Puerto Rico come up this timewithout their cars to check it out but next year their boosted BMWs will bepart of the action adding a little sazon to the festivities of East Coast Bash.

If you haven’t been to an East Coast Bash event make sure you save yourpennies, get your car ready , and be ready to party for 2012. Make sureyou check out www.clubloose.com for more information on future events.

CLASSIC IMPORT OF THE MONTH

I went forum searching for our latest installment of classic import of the monthand stumbled upon this beauty on the rx7 forums. This has to be the cleanest 88 Mazda RX-7 convertible you will see on the roads, I promise you that. I met upwith Rob the mastermind of this build on an abandoned air field and got right towork drooling over the great lines of his RX-7. Rob began to tell me about this build and how cheap he got it ( in my mind I was jealous since I always miss thesweet deals) He is not new the RX-7 game and quickly went to work on makingthe car what it is today. The first thing you notice when you see the car is how immaculate the paint is and of course the nice intercooler peeking through thefront bumper.

Rob chose a nice set of BBS RS-GTS wrappedin Bridgestone Potenzas 225’s in the front and255’s in the rear to give the car a nice stance.To get the vert closer to the ground and forbetter handling, he went with a set of RacingBeat Coupe Springs with KYB AGX adjustableshocks. To protect the wear and tear of thosemeaty Bridgestones, he had Racing Beat DTSSeliminators and rear camber plates installed.

When it came to really spice up the build, he modernized the interior of the coupe and went with a set of 2009 Mazdaspeed 3 seats with custom rails,black carpet conversion and a nice rotary hanging from the rear view mirror.

To reach his power goals, he went with a Garrett T04B turbo with a HKS turbomanifold. The great thing about forums is they always have to put in their inputand tell you to go bigger on the turbo, but Rob knew he would be able to reachhis goals with the right fuel mods consisting of a Supra TT fuel pump, 850ccprimary and 1680 secondary injectors on a KG parts fuel rail, and aeromotivefuel pressure regulator and the car put a exactly 400 horsepower on the dyno.

Has full TII drivetrain swap, he had the transmission and rear end rebuilt before it was installed. Engine is a combination of parts. It has S5 irons and housings, S4 front cover with a mechanical OMP that injects 2 stroke oil from a remote reservoir using linkage off the throttle body. S6 ( FD ) rotating assembly, new oil pump. Ribbed belt custom conversion and car retains air conditioning that consists of a FD compressor mounted on a PS delete custom modified bracket, ribbed belt. FD alternator. Engine is street ported, engine and drivetrain was installed and without the help of RX-Parts.com, Roan, Steve, Marley, and Chris it could not have happened. Speed Tek handled the exhaust from the wrapped Himni downpipe to the Racing Beat REV II exhaust. Custom carbon kevlar clutch with a modified ACT pressure plate, Racing Beat 12lb flywheel, clutch hydraulics are all new with along with stainless line

You will be hard pressed to find such a clean looking 88 vert inside and outside.I think after shooting this car, it would be pretty cool for Mazda to bring back a sports coupe convertible. I’d like to thank Rob for sharing this great build with us and our fans.

We got the chance to have an exclusive conversation with XDC DrifterRapper Dan Savage, and if you have seen this man drive you know whywe wanted to pick his brain. His Sikky Manufacturing S13 definately willcatch your eye with it’s crazy green flames paint scheme, but the roar ofthe V8 and smoke will also get you out of your seat and cheer for Dan. Igot the chance to see Dan at New Jersey Motorsports Park and he had this sick entry on this fast course one of the best manly entries of the day.We had the chance to see him again at Clubloose East Coast Bash and hetook his showmanship to another level creating green smoke off his tires;as I was shooting away I was saying to myself that is one crazy mofo.

We got the chance to have an exclusive conversation with XDC DrifterRapper Dan Savage, and if you have seen this man drive you know whywe wanted to pick his brain. His Sikky Manufacturing S13 definately willcatch your eye with it’s crazy green flames paint scheme, but the roar ofthe V8 and smoke will also get you out of your seat and cheer for Dan. Igot the chance to see Dan at New Jersey Motorsports Park and he had this sick entry on this fast course one of the best manly entries of the day.We had the chance to see him again at Clubloose East Coast Bash and hetook his showmanship to another level creating green smoke off his tires;as I was shooting away I was saying to myself that is one crazy mofo.

So let’s get to know the man of the sick entries:

Garagespec: Where does the name Rapper come from? Do you have lyrical skills? Are you XDC’s version of Eminem?

Rapper: I get asked this question all the time, and it’s probably the mostnon interesting story you’ll ever hear. Heres the short, My first job had three different Dans that worked there. All had a nick name based on there position/hobbies. There was a Rockstar Dan who was in a band and the Sales Manager Dan, but I didn’t have any awesome skills or like hobbies. So one day I was installing subwoofers into my car and a sales lady asked what I was doing. I dumb'd it down and said "upgrading my sound system" she then asked if I listened to that "rap music" .yes i repliedboom. "Rapper Dan" Weak right?

Garagespec: LOL I guess at the next event we should give you a mic andsee what you can do ... :)

So let’s get to know the man of the sick entries:

Garagespec: Where does the name Rapper come from? Do you have lyrical skills? Are you XDC’s version of Eminem?

Rapper: I get asked this question all the time, and it’s probably the mostnon interesting story you’ll ever hear. Heres the short, My first job had three different Dans that worked there. All had a nick name based on there position/hobbies. There was a Rockstar Dan who was in a band and the Sales Manager Dan, but I didn’t have any awesome skills or like hobbies. So one day I was installing subwoofers into my car and a sales lady asked what I was doing. I dumb'd it down and said "upgrading my sound system" she then asked if I listened to that "rap music" .yes i repliedboom. "Rapper Dan" Weak right?

Garagespec: LOL I guess at the next event we should give you a mic andsee what you can do ... :)

Garagespec: How long have you been drifting and how did you get into it?

Rapper: I’ve been into drifting since about '03 supporting friends that participated in it, but I didnt actually start till about '05. It started because it seemed like fun to do and I had a RWD car(Miata). My first competition was VIR in Danville Va with US Drift.

Garagespec: Having a teammate like James Evans who is currently in 2nd place in the East at XDC, does it help you get more focused during an event? Do you guys have a special handshake or ritual before an event?

Rapper: Being a part of the SIKKY Manufacturing Team is amazing, And with James as the Team leader so to say he's got the skill/talent/experience that is necessary for running at the top. We stay focused by communicatingwith input from each other on how we initiate the drift or how our line around the course is. Its vital to discuss run after run to not only help each other but also to talk about competitiors and if they are particullary slow at times. Rituals, no. Im usually first in my car and I have to yell at him to get in his car and lets go, hes always lounging around somewhere...

Garagespec: How long have you been drifting and how did you get into it?

Rapper: I’ve been into drifting since about '03 supporting friends that participated in it, but I didnt actually start till about '05. It started because it seemed like fun to do and I had a RWD car(Miata). My first competition was VIR in Danville Va with US Drift.

Garagespec: Having a teammate like James Evans who is currently in 2nd place in the East at XDC, does it help you get more focused during an event? Do you guys have a special handshake or ritual before an event?

Rapper: Being a part of the SIKKY Manufacturing Team is amazing, And with James as the Team leader so to say he's got the skill/talent/experience that is necessary for running at the top. We stay focused by communicatingwith input from each other on how we initiate the drift or how our line around the course is. Its vital to discuss run after run to not only help each other but also to talk about competitiors and if they are particullary slow at times. Rituals, no. Im usually first in my car and I have to yell at him to get in his car and lets go, hes always lounging around somewhere...

Garagespec: What are your thoughts on the LSX swaps taking over the drift community, that makes some fans annoyed?

Rapper: I was always particually kinda jealous of the people that could "afford" that route. I was always 4cyl turbo until SIKKY asked me to drive their S13 for them. Driving one is the only way to understand why its amazing. To have such a powerband is what’s so desired today. The only people that are annoyed and or how we say "vhaters" is the people that probably don’t drift or understand the advantage in competion due to the responsiveness of them.

Garagespec: What are your thoughts on the LSX swaps taking over the drift community, that makes some fans annoyed?

Rapper: I was always particually kinda jealous of the people that could "afford" that route. I was always 4cyl turbo until SIKKY asked me to drive their S13 for them. Driving one is the only way to understand why its amazing. To have such a powerband is what’s so desired today. The only people that are annoyed and or how we say "vhaters" is the people that probably don’t drift or understand the advantage in competion due to the responsiveness of them.

Garagespec: What is your favorite stop on the XDC Tour?

Rapper: Hands down, Hyperfest @Summit Point WV. A legit road course makes the best drift course in my opinion, and with Summit Point being my home track I've gotten a decent amount of experience on it.

Garagespec: Outside of destroying tires on a track, what do you do besides drifting?

Rapper: I dont have time for anything else. Just kidding, but really im working 8-5 and right after work its home to work on my car, or over to a buddys house to help them w there car. Or running state to state getting parts etc. Not much free time. Im still running on lack of sleep from East Coast Bash that was this past weekend!

Garagespec: What is your favorite stop on the XDC Tour?

Rapper: Hands down, Hyperfest @Summit Point WV. A legit road course makes the best drift course in my opinion, and with Summit Point being my home track I've gotten a decent amount of experience on it.

Garagespec: Outside of destroying tires on a track, what do you do besides drifting?

Rapper: I dont have time for anything else. Just kidding, but really im working 8-5 and right after work its home to work on my car, or over to a buddys house to help them w there car. Or running state to state getting parts etc. Not much free time. Im still running on lack of sleep from East Coast Bash that was this past weekend!

Garagespec: You are currently in the middle of the pack in points, what you think you need to improve on to get closer to the top?

Rapper: Turn time back. With the first round of East coast run being at a course with K-rails and sand polished concrete I fell short in qualifying and didnt even amount any points. I’ve been to Charlotte Motorspeedway beforeand with that upcoming round i've already gone through the course in my head and got somewhat of a game plan. So Im just gonna try to qualify good and go rounds!

Garagespec: You are currently in the middle of the pack in points, what you think you need to improve on to get closer to the top?

Rapper: Turn time back. With the first round of East coast run being at a course with K-rails and sand polished concrete I fell short in qualifying and didnt even amount any points. I’ve been to Charlotte Motorspeedway beforeand with that upcoming round i've already gone through the course in my head and got somewhat of a game plan. So Im just gonna try to qualify good and go rounds!

I would like to thank James Evans and SIKKY manufacturing for theopportunity to show my skill behind the wheel of a properly set up car. Iwould like to thank John Maycrantz for putting in long hours maintaining the car and fabricating all the awesome custom pieces to make it run round after round. I would also like to thank my brother Graham Savage for driving all up and down the east coast with me and also for being my spotter. Morethanks to Mom, Lee Alexander, Ro Keosann, Todd Rich,Yens Scott from Summit Point Raceway and also painter John Amos, and all other friends/family that have helped me to get where I am today!!!

I would like to thank James Evans and SIKKY manufacturing for theopportunity to show my skill behind the wheel of a properly set up car. Iwould like to thank John Maycrantz for putting in long hours maintaining the car and fabricating all the awesome custom pieces to make it run round after round. I would also like to thank my brother Graham Savage for driving all up and down the east coast with me and also for being my spotter. Morethanks to Mom, Lee Alexander, Ro Keosann, Todd Rich,Yens Scott from Summit Point Raceway and also painter John Amos, and all other friends/family that have helped me to get where I am today!!!

Thanks again to Rapper Dan Savage

Formula Drift Round 4 The Gauntlet at Wall NJ was another epicbattle of the young drift season. This year at Wall it was anyonewho could of taken the wonderful carbon fiber trophy. During thewhole weekend, the driving was really impressive throughout thefield, and gave the judges a hard time on picking the winners. This time around we were pleased to have a new winner to the podium, and he definitely deserved it and that was Hankook’sown Conrad Grunewald. Throughout the whole weekend he wasdominating with speed, angle, and incredible style by smoking out his competition with his Hankook Tires. When Conrad was thelead car, there was no catching the Camaro and if you were closeenough you couldn’t see where the lines were behind the smoke.

A betting man would of picked another Falken podium sweep after the impressive season the team is having expecially with2011 points leader Justin Pawalek at the helm. JTP continues todominate the group in the Falken Mustang letting the driftingcommunity know the Mustang is possibly the drift car of the newgeneration. I personally prefer a nice S15 Silvia like Boss Hog, butGittin Jr and JTP have shown the Mustang is taking over. The Final8 matched the two Falken Mustangs together for a rematch afterRd 3 they had a great battle that Pawalek won. This battle was even better and Jrod even had to announce it looked like a FalkenMustang commercial as they were a few feet apart throughout thewhole course. Unfortunately for Vaughn the results were the same.

Ryan Tuerck driving the Gardella Racing Chevy Camaro for thefirst time this season has also been on an impressive tear andwas the number one qualifier after day one and got a pass to thetop 16. Ryan with the huge Jersey fan base put on a great show for his fans until in his quest for awesomeness against Conradhit the wall and was unable to return. I believe that would of beenan epic One More Time battle for sure.

With Ryan’s unfortunate mishapin the final 4 it gave Conrad anautomatic podium and left the battle for 3rd place up to Dai andJTP.

On this day Dai had no chance against Justin as he took the win toface Conrad Grunewald in the finals where the Camaro spreadit’s legs and reminded the older fans of the great battles of oldbetween Chevy and Ford. This event had a lot of newcomers to thescene that have been the buzz over the first few rounds and seeingthe Fatlace S13 of Walker Wilkerson in action was great. The carwasn’t able to finish and was towed off before it can really battle2009 champ Chris Forsberg but during the weekend Walker wasreal impressive. He will get the bugs out and return home to the Northwest where i’m sure he won’t disappoint. The Fatlace S14driven by Matt Field had nine lives by the end of the day the onlything that didn’t fall of the car was the hood, but Matt kept on pushing on. Fredric Aasbo in the Need For Speed Scion TC was

awesome to watch and had a great battle with Dmac in the top 32that could have went either way. It was my first time seeing Aasboin person and was really impressed. The tough luck goes out to Joon Maeng in the RX8. Joon has been driving real well this seasonbut the car has not performed up to par leaving Joon fans empty.

Next stop for Formula Drift is Seattle where the Northwest fanswill put on a great show.

The great thing about Formula Drift is the beautiful models thatyou see throughout the signing autographs and taking pictureswith fans. Team Falken typically have the most beautiful modelsat the track. Falken is not playing fair with the #1 driver and girls.

The crowd at Wall is always jammed pack and this round did notdisappoint, if you are living in a bubble and have not been to a FDevent, take a look at how packed these events are with fans.