Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine #9 by CarbonMagazine

PG. 35 // MODEL: KALEIGH

ISSUE # 009

JULY

All American

2014

GIRL

MICHELE’S RACE PREPPED SCION FRS

PG.12

CODY’S KAMELEON COATED Z33 PG.20

PG.28

PG.30

PG.32

Check Out What’s Poppin!

TUNED to PERFECTION

LOCAL EVENT COVERAGE

TUESDAY BLEND:

PROJECT Be:CALM:

MAX SHOWCASE

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

PG.40

Readers Rides! 1

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

PG. 35 // MODEL: KALEIGH

ISSUE # 009

JULY 2014

•

All American •

GIRL MICHELE’S RACE PREPPED SCION FRS

PG.12

Michele’s Scion FRS

Meet this All American Girl with an unrivaled passion for racing

CODY’S KAMELEON COATED Z33 PG.20

PG.28

PG.30

Check Out What’s Poppin!

TUNED to PERFECTION

TUESDAY BLEND:

PROJECT Be:CALM:

PG.32

MAX SHOWCASE

PG.40

Readers Rides!

LOCAL EVENT COVERAGE

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

Publisher Carbon Marketing LLC

22 Cody’s Kameleon Z33 Orangy purple has never looked this good!

28 Tuesday Blend Coverage Check out our photobooth shots from the last Tuesday Blend!

Operations Director Jasmine Tamimi Managing Editor Lailani Albano Editors Robert Sheppard Claudia Melton Kareem Tamimi Media Director Lauder Corea Creative Director Eric Hall Brand Ambassador Reginald Cunanan

30 Project: be:CALM Project: be:CALM gets a TUNE! Check out what Rick from Road Race Engineering has in store for us!

32 Max Showcase Coverage Max Showcase had many makes and models you can drool over! Come check it out!

Advertising Jonathan Davis Contributors Dylon Algire Hayden Evans Alex Tsatourian Hair & Makeup Samantha Fetters

facebook.com/carbonlv

instagram.com/carbonlv

35 Featured Model: Kaleigh Damm Interview with one hot Damm model!

40 Readers Rides! Check out our reader rides submissions! Join in on the fun! 4

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

Carbon Marketing LLC OFFICE 1452 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy Henderson, Nevada 89012 To Advertise Contact Advertising@carbonlv.com The material used in this publication is intended for informational purposes only. A sincere effort has been made to report details accurately, however as specifications and models vary over time and upgrades are constantly appearing on the market, readers are advised to seek specialist assistance before acting on information offered in this publication. All text and layout remains copyright of Carbon Marketing LLC, unless stated otherwise. Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine is fully independent and its views are not of those any company mentioned herein. Nor part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. © 2014 Carbon Marketing LLC

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

•

All American •

GIRL

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

Story By: Robert Sheppard and Claudia Melton- Photos By: Lauder Corea & Eric Hall

Michele Abbate is humble when describing her racing career. “I’m not a bad-ass. I just do what I do.” “I feel at home in the seat.” Abbate’s do-work attitude is evidenced by her impressive race resume. The 26 year old Las Vegas native’s life unabashedly revolves around racing. “I feel like I’m doing something that I love. It’s just fun.” Abbate’s interest in racing was sparked when she was seven years old. She clearly remembers her older brother, a world champion go-karter, racing in leagues. He was even part of the first Red Bull F1 driver search. Racing is in the Abbate family’s blood. Although she wanted to participate alongside her brother, she was not given the opportunity to race for several reasons: she was a girl, lack of money, and the main focus was on her brother.

Abbate recalls that the doubters thought “I should be doing other things.” The misgivings of others didn’t stop Abbate. By her teens, the spark of interest in racing from her childhood turned into a fire. She then fell into the sport of autocross. “It was the cheapest, easiest way to race.” Like so many others, she started out as a spectator. When her interest grew deeper, she rode along as a passenger with her friends. After a short while, she told her dad that she wanted to race. He agreed, but under two conditions – no street racing and she had to agree to put an Abbate Construction logo on her car. The first car she piloted at autocross? An automatic 1999 Pontiac Grand Am. In 2005, Michele purchased a 2003 MazdaSpeed Protégé with a blown motor. “That was the only way I could ever afford anything”,

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

she says jokingly. Abbate’s mom helped track down a new motor and with her dad’s help, Michele swapped the new engine into the Protégé in their family garage. She went on to drive that car for 10 years, becoming a major part of the autocross community. Eventually, Abbate’s friends suggested that she participate in track or road course racing. Her interest piqued, so Abbate ran the idea by her Dad. He declined to let her participate due to the lack of a roll cage in her car. Michele didn’t let that stop her. One Easter morning, she snuck out of her parent’s house and headed to Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch. There, Abbate raced in her first track day. “I’ll never forget that day,” she recalls. “I didn’t know what I was doing and the first turn on the track I put my blinker on.” She also recalls passing an Audi R8. “That made me feel really good”. She then went on to participate in Time Attack events for two years. Even though Michele didn’t own a Subaru, she primarily associated with a local Subie group. “Subaru people helped me kind of grow and learn.” Her friends introduced her to Subiefest, the largest all-Subaru Motorsport Event in America. Michele was eager to participate in track events at Subiefest so she reached out to Crawford Performance to see if they had a vehicle for her to race. Crawford

decided to give her a chance and Michele campaigned their car in 2008 and 2009. In 2011, Abbate’s relationship with Crawford Performance was still blossoming when they introduced her to Scion Racing. Soon, she signed on with Scion. With their aide, Michele pursued her National Auto Sport Association (NASA) time trial race license. She placed 2nd in NASA time trials that year. In 2012, Michele partnered with Dynamic Autosports | Gruppe-S, obtained her NASA wheel to wheel race license, and then entered into the MotoIQ Pacific Tuner Car Championship. She piloted her Scion tC to win the championship in her rookie year by only one point! “That was like my dream because that’s what I watched my brother do and I had finally made it”. When describing the season she states, “It was really humbling and kind of a surprise”. Michele only won one race but her consistent top three finishes allowed her to take the championship. This year, Abbate is racing for Scion in a 2013 FRS. She will be competing in the U.S. Touring Car Championship, a professional level series. This will be a first for Michele. The FRS had 1200 miles on it when she purchased the car. Immediately, the FRS went under the knife to prep it for track duty. She and her team gutted the car 24 hours after she received it. The first mod

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

was an AST suspension. When asked about why she chose the FRS, Michele said, “[Its] proven to be a great track car whether it’s enthusiast level or professional level”. “We just had been campaigning the tC for three years and I was really excited to move to a different chassis and also move to rear wheel drive because everybody knows that all race cars are rear wheel drive…although, it can be a challenge to learn a new chassis in the first year.” The FRS’ livery is military based. Michele is passionate about the styling of her car. According to her, “American inspiration is kind of what it’s about. American dream, following your dreams, pursuing your dreams,

ly named, “Grrr face”. Abbate’s logo pulls from this. Its “sexy, it’s kind of cute, it’s fast”. Michele also sports a custom painted helmet designed by Off the Wahl. From the beginning of her racing career, Abbate has wanted her own custom helmet. “My brother had one, and I was like, ‘That’s what you have to have!’”, she exclaims. It draws from European styling cues and incorporates bright colors with a little bit of “girly” cheetah print. Michele also worked with Off the Wahl to add a timeline on the back which illustrates how she pursued her racing career. Outside of her Scion, Michele also races an INEX 600 Racing Legends car powered

“Just to show support, thanks, appreciation for everything that the military and police and firefighters and the guys who support and protect us” believing in yourself and being in a[n] era in the world where you can do those types of things without being hindered by laws.” Further, it’s “Just to show support, thanks, appreciation for everything that the military and police and firefighters and the guys who support and protect us” do. “It doesn’t need to take an unfortunate event to show your appreciation.” Michele’s Cheetah/Leopard logo was created by Adam at Reklaw Design. Anyone that knows her personally has seen her signature facial expression. Whenever her photo is taken, she makes her affectionate-

by a Yamaha FJ1200 motor. She drives this locally on the road course for more seat time when she’s not in the FRS. Before it was purchased, the car sat in the sun in Kingman, AZ for four years, not working. Michele bought it, fixed it and began racing it. First or last place, Abbate just wants to drive. “If I’m not racing, I’m doing something for racing”, she says. “I like to learn…I understand vehicles very well, but there’s always more to learn”. To aspiring racing drivers and enthusiasts looking to take the next steps to pursue

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

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Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

their dreams, Michele has this to say: “You get out of it what you put into it. It just depends on how bad you want it. I will never let it go, I can’t. Set realistic goals for yourself and look at them every day. Literally. I did. I have a poster I made, in my room, and I see [it] every day and it has short term goals for me. The second thing is, believe in yourself. YOU CAN DO IT.” “You must give yourself credit and continue to follow your dreams. Do what makes you happy and don’t conform to the thoughts and judgments of other[s]. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. When they happen, learn from them.” “I never had it easy. Ever”, she says, “I surrounded myself with people that did believe in me. You have to know you can do it, and even though sometimes you think you can’t, that’s when you lean on others that do believe in you.” Every year, Michele sets the same goal. She wants “to do better than I did last year. And that doesn’t necessarily mean go faster or win, it just means achieve more and be greater than I was.” One day she hopes to race in the World Challenge series. To her friends that supported her from the beginning, Abbate states that she is “endlessly and forever thankful” because “they instilled so 18

much confidence in me.” She is also thankful to her parents. “I’m happy they put me through everything the hardest way because I wouldn’t appreciate or understand what it takes to do everything.” Michele thanks her Media Marketing Manager, Anthony Philleo. “[He’s] been there since I’ve autocrossed and he’s seen me at my absolute lowest lows…and he’s seen me at my highs.” “I could not do any of this without him.” Michele also thanks the Vegas86 Club, Bill at Delicious Tuning, Adam at Reklaw Design, Brian at Berk Technologies, Jim at Weds, Steve Hatanaka at Scion, Dennis at Urban Metalworks, Rick Dale at Rick’s Restorations and all of her sponsors.

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

MODS Engine Bay Delicious Tuning Custom FA20 Race Tune JDL Headers ACT Clutch and Flywheel AirAid Intake System Mishimoto Radiator Mishimoto Direct Fit Oil Cooler Kit Super JDM AC Delete Bracket Amsoil Oil Filter Amsoil Coolant Boost Amsoil Racing Oil Amsoil Racing Brake Fluid Berk Technology Full Race Dual Tip Exhaust Exterior Five Axis Design FR-S Aero Kit APR Performance Five:AD Splitter APR Performance GTC-200 spec wing with 2.5” risers APR Performance Splitter Support Rods Seibon Carbon DV Hood Seibon Carbon OEM Trunk OD Green vinyl wrap with American Flag and decals by Reklaw Design Winjet Headlights by Illuminating Lightworx Pegasus Auto Racing Quick Release Adjustable Body Hold Down Latches TAKATA Front and Rear Tow Straps Midland XTC-400 HD Cameras and Mounts Mother’s Detail Products Interior Urban Metal Werks Custom 6-Pt Race Roll Cage Recaro Pro Racer HANS Seat with Head Bolster TAKATA Race 6 Hans Harness TAKATA Race “Go For Green” Keychain Driven Race Gear Suede Steering Wheel NRG Steering Wheel Short Hub NRG Gen 2.5 Steering Wheel Quick Release Kit DTA/Rogue Status Shift Knob Custom Dash with Carbon Fiber Gauge Bezel Innovate Motorsports MTX-L AFR Gauge Innovate Motorsports MTX-D Oil Pressure and Temp Gauge Innovate Motorsports MTX-D Water Temperature and Battery Voltage Gauge Sampson Race Communication External Vehicle Antenna and Radio System Traqmate Data Logger with GPS and RPM Sensor Aftermarket Master Shut Off Kill Switch Schroth SFI/FIA Regulation Window Net Pegasus Auto Racing Fire Extinguisher and Mount Midland XTC-400 HD Cameras and Mounts

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Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

Kameleon Clad Warrior Story by Kareem Tamimi- Photos By Eric Hall

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

cody langston nissan 350z

Young, wild, and free; no, not the Wiz Khalifa song, but rather a small collection of words most car enthusiasts would agree embody the feeling of driving a car. These qualities reflected in the driver create an experience that although some might consider dangerous most would consider pure fun. Take 20-year-old thrill-seeking Cody Langston for example. A phlebotomist from Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, he has never been one to shy away from a good time. As a guy who prefers paintballing and bull-riding over long walks on the beach, Langston’s adventurous spirit has gotten him into all kinds of crazy scenarios; usually at the expense of his car. From crashing into trees and blowing up engines, to pushing over 130mph in a Sonata and getting it impounded, (and no we do not condone this, ESPECIALLY in a Hyundai) this daredevil laughs in the face of danger (and cops, apparently). Because of his brashness and love for racing movies such as Gone in 60 Seconds, Langston quickly became enthusiastic about cars despite how poorly he took care of them. But even Evel Knievel had his daily. After wrecking more cars (mostly trucks) than I can name, he finally came across the 2006 beauty-of-a-Nissan 350z you see before you (yes, he has already driven it; yes, this is a current picture). What’s even be more surprising than the picture before you is the fact that Langston doesn’t plan on racing with this car, but rather would like to take it to shows. Perhaps he learned from his past mistakes; perhaps he values the car as much as his late friend Amir Elkhechen did to risk wrecking it; or perhaps, like the rest of us, he simply appreciates beauty at its finest.

Regardless of his reasons, he plans on going all out with the customization. From a Top Secret diffuser to a supercharged engine, Langston plans on making his 350z into more than just another expendable joyride. It might not be his Liberty Walk 458 Ferrari dream car or any of the luxurious cars featured in his favorite movie, but let’s just hope it sticks around for more than just a minute.

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

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Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

The Tuesday Blend Project

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

come join: Where: Hard Rock Cafe TBD: Tues. Aug 5 & 19, 2014 facebook.com/blendproject photo.carbonlv.com

Imagine a gathering of people who shares in a common interest of good tunes, good vibes, and a good time. That’s what The Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas Strip offers; one Tuesday night every month. Welcome to the Tuesday Blend Project. You know you’re in for a good time when you show up early and there’s already a line leading into the venue. The wait is worth it however when you make your way up and listen to the DJ spinning high energy music. You’ll hear anything from old school hip-hop to new chart topping hits, of course, with a special touch from the given DJ. Just as the crowd gets going the live performances start. The Tuesday Blend Project brings together artists, dancers, and musicians to showcase a talent you would only see on tv or in the movies. Both local and non-local performers give it their all in a powerful show of talent. High energy dancing you’d see on Step Up or America’s Best Dance Crew can be found in every corner of the venue, not only on stage. The eager crowd soaks in a show that could only be explained if you were there.

The venue is open to 18 and older with a huge bar area for those 21 and over. If you need a breath of fresh air, feel free to make your way to the huge balcony area where local vendors offer opportunities to purchase goods such as vapes from Vape Street, clothing from Hippo Esthetics, and even brush up on your kendama skills with Kendama Las Vegas. The Tuesday Blend Project takes a chunk of everything and mixes it perfectly to create the ultimate night showcasing the love for dance, love for music, and love for art. Welcome to the scene and lifestyle that only adds to our city of Las Vegas; The Live Entertainment Capital of the World.

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

TUNED TO PERFECTION 30

Project: be:CALM gets a TUNE! Written by Jasmine Tamimi | Photo Lauder Corea

Road Race Engineering (RRE) 3 port boost solenoid installed Utilized a Tactrix 2.0 cable and closed source software as opposed to open source. Utilized a bench flasher in order to reprogram the ECU with the latest “TephraMod V2” ROM which allows up to 10 maps + launch control + flat foot shifting. Lauder’s car made decent power with the stock tune but it was dangerous because of how lean it was running and the amount of ignition timing advance the OEM map utilizes. We made more power and torque with more fuel, less timing, and more boost. New numbers: 311WHP and 312WTQ

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

PROJECT: be:CALM

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

HALL PHOTOS BY ERIC

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

Written by Jasmine Tamimi | Photos Eric Hall

In the City of Sin, a new breed of showcase car show has begun and the inaugural event to kick it all off was one to rival the ever popular Hot Import Nights. This show was definitely hot, with cars ranging from well groomed dailies to SEMA status show cars. Not only japanese imports, but euros as well as other makes, made headway into the night when the import culture comes out to play. Well known enthusiasts who call Vegas home, and those who travelled from neighboring So Cal came out full force to support this new event that promised a show that involved everything the audience would love to see from hot cars, to hot

vendors who had the latest goodies, to hot ladies. Attendees had lots of curves to look at that night. Owner and promoter Charles Max tells us at Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine that he plans on making Max Showcase happen not only once a year, but twice. This will be an event that enthusiasts will come to know as one of the most premier car shows on the west coast. Max Showcase, that calls Las Vegas its home, will continue to grow and set new standards each and every time. Keep an eye out for the next event happening soon.

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

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Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

MEETKALEIGH: INTERVIEW WITH ONE HOT DAMM MODEL! PHOTOS BY: DYLON ALGIRE INTERVIEW BY: JASMINE TAMIMI

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

Tell us a little about yourself: I was born and raised in the awesome city of Henderson, Nevada. My life is full of passion and determination. Tattoos, family, cars, and modeling are just some of the things I can’t live without. Interesting Hobbies: I’ve been playing softball for about 6 years with friends and family. I’ve been a dancer for most of my life and will never stop. I am also a co-driver and pit crew member for my boyfriend’s autocross/ rally car racing team. I try to participate in any motor sport I can get involved in. Biggest Pet Peeve: I can’t stand when people drive a custom vehicle or sports car and they don’t know how to drive it or they don’t drive it to its full potential. What I do for work: I’m an office manager for a truck scale company called D&G Scale. Worst Job: I used to work at a scrapbook store; I hated it and I had no idea how to scrapbook or anything like it. Cars I’ve Owned: My first car was a POS Dodge Neon that my dad and I named the Green Hornet. I currently own a Hyundai Elantra. Dream Cars: I would love to have a Joe Gibbs Silverado, a Subaru WRX STI, or a Scion FRS. What’s the one thing I want to accomplish: I want to further my modeling and acting career, and have an awesome little family too. Favorite Food: Anything and everything. I love to cook and try out new recipes. 3 Words to Describe Me: Driven, Bubbly, and Energetic.

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

Kaleigh Damm AGE: 22 INSTAGRAM: @The_Damm

Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

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Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

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Carbon Automotive Lifestyle Magazine | May 2014

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