It’s my belief that Rally Car drivers are the best racing drivers in the world. Unlike other motorsports, they aren’t driving on a track where they can memorize each turn, they are navigating complex courses of dirt, snow, ice or tarmac only relying on turn by turn pace notes their co-driver is dictating during the race. Mind you, just because they don’t completely know the courses doesn’t mean they are gingerly cruising down these roads. These guys are constantly pushing their vehicles to limit (sometimes in excess of 90 mph) screaming down straights, flying over crests and sliding turns with the utmost confidence. The inaugural rally of the World Rally Championship season is the legendary Rally Monte Carlo held in the rugged mountainous terrain lying just north of the ritzy town, a true tarmac rally with stages running on actual mountain roads. My favorite and most impressive of these stages, are the night stages which they are very few throughout the whole WRC season. Check out the video above to get a flavor of how talented these drivers are. [Photo Courtesy of Bill Butcher]
New web series DRIVE has taken to the task of highlighting the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hour race in it’s first episode, bringing the history and character of the track to those who may not know it very well. The Nurburgring spans 13 miles and 154 turns through the rolling hills of western Germany, and is considered the most unique and difficult racetrack in the world, that all auto manufacturers use as the benchmark for their sports cars. With a multitude of elevation changes and variety of turns, this course is basically like driving on a mountain road but at blistering speeds. Take a moment acquaint yourself with the greatest race in the world, on the greatest track in the world. [AxisOfOversteer]
To see familiar streetscapes and landscapes through the lens of an older era is always fascinating experience. Here is a film taken in New York City in 1938 giving a tour of Manhattan from bottom to top, a glimpse of what life was like back in the day. I really enjoy seeing the buildings, shops, people, cars and clothes of the past in a dynamic form such as film because it gives a very lifelike and intimate connection, especially when they are streets that you have walked first hand. [LikeCool]
Created by Dutch filmmaker Joris Debeij living in Los Angeles, “I Am Los Angeles: Portraits of Real Angelenos” is a collection of videos showcasing outstanding citizens that make our fine city so unique. Of the local artists, musicians and athletes that are highlighted, my favorite is the story and works of Eastside photographer Gregory Bojorquez, who photographs the people and cityscapes in the oldest part of Los Angeles, the Eastside. With the stated goal of documenting the “real city of Los Angeles,” I am extremely impressed by how an outsider was able to so accurately capture our city in a way a native Angeleno would. No surprise here, but the Dutch continue to cement their role as the greatest artists/designers on the planet. [LosAngelesI'mYours]
With the NBA in lockout, many of the players are taking advantage of their newly acquired free time by participating in all types of activities. From Kevin Durant playing intramural flag football game this week at Oklahoma State (Go Pokes!) to guys playing on street courts in their hometown, there has been a myriad a surprise appearances by NBA players over the past few months. Nike just came out with a great TV ad showcasing what it would be like if these stars crashed local pickup games across the country. My favorite is the Williamsburg. Oh hipsters, or should I say hoopsters.
“Through creativity and hard work, America’s doers and dreamers built this great Nation from the ground up.” This is the anthem pronounced by American clothing manufacturer Carhartt who has been making well made apparel for the workers and craftsmen of this country for over 100 years. I was very moved and inspired by their recent TV commercial which honors our great manufacturing history, and calls for today’s Americans to keep that tradition alive and respect those that are doing so. As for myself, I strive to abide by this doctrine; I work on my own car, make my own furniture and am currently making a canvas/leather backpack.
The character of Ron Swanson on Parks and Rec is quickly ascending to one of living legend. Ron’s strong rooted American morals and hard nosed demeanor have set him apart from today’s typical sitcom character. But even more so than those, his insatiable love of food has developed a theme in the show that is pure comedic genius. Here is a montage of some of Ron’s more memorable moments involving food.
To promote the new race track being built in Austin Texas to host next year’s United States Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Red Bull team is showcasing their race car all around state. Flying down the country roads past farms and pastures, this world class machine is giving the locals a little taste of the high level of racing that is to come. Driver David Coulthard even took the car around some turns on the currently being built track, likely the first and only time you will see a Formula 1 car sliding around on the dirt corners. [TheChicane]
Entitled “Back To The Start,” this stop motion commercial sends a very powerful message about how the modernization of our food and agriculture industry to increased production and productivity has lost touch with it’s true farming roots. Of late, many small and even large food service companies have recognized this deterioration of our country’s backbone, and have gone back to support local farms producing meat and produce the proper way. One of the leaders of this movement and also the surprising creator of this amazing commercial is… Chipotle. Paired with an extremely well done cover by Willie Nelson of Coldplay’s “The Scientist, this is quite a moving production. [FastCoDesign]
Rally Car driver Ken Block has evolved the traditional Japanese Gymkhana into an elaborate production of Hollywood effects and spectacular driving, tearing through the backlot of Universal Studios. Small, nimble, adaptable and fast, Rally Cars are designed perfectly courses such as this. With the popularity Ken’s videos have been receiving, they decided to go all out for the 4th episode incorporating special effects and staging of Hollywood blockbuster, and even including a cameo of the fellas from Epic Meal Time. [Jalopnik]
Kanye West and Jay Z’s new video for their track Otis is an amalgamation of so many amazing things that it couldn’t go un-posted. Their post-apocalyptic retrofit of a $350,000 Maybach may be the greatest version of the car I’ve ever seen. So much so, I petition that Maybach should really consider releasing this as the Mad Max model. Aside from that, the music itself is tasteful blend of old school and new school featuring the sounds of Otis Redding. And to boot, the inclusion of Aziz Ansari as a backup dancer is one of those fantastic acts of randomness.
To say that modern sports cars lack character is understatement, they have no character. When seeking timeless styling, raw power and the pure driving experience, the sports cars of the 1960′s, 1970′s and 1980′s have unparalleled performance and personality. One prime example of this phenomenon is the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) sports cars of 1970′s. These iconic machines like the Toyota Celica, Nissan Skyline and Datsun Z embody these characteristics and are the passion of Eric Bizek of JDM Legends who restores and sells these gems. Check out the video for a stunning video of these beauties. [Jalopnik]
