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www.monsterenergy.com
|
www.gymkhanagrid.com
Contacts: Media Enquiries: john.close@monsterenergy.com Competition Enquiries: tyreslayer@monsterenergy.com
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
Editorial: John Close Design: Richard Heneghan 2019
CONTENTS 5 6 7 9 12 16 34 42 48 50 54
Introduction - Strap In And Hold On! Pay Attention: What Is Gymkhana GRiD? Pacenotes: The Track The Gymkhana GRiD Hall Of Shred Racing Tips: Watch Out For... The Class of 2019 Get To Know The Head Hoonigan In Charge Gymkhana: The Video Series That Redefined Automotive Filmmaking The Gymkhana GRiD Guide To Warsaw Back For Revenge: Luke Woodham
How To Launch A Supercar With Petter Solberg
56 58 60 62 64 68 72 76 80 82 83 84
Jakub Przygonski: From Dakar To GRiD The Voice of GRiD: Jarod DeAnda Legacy: Decimate All With The Supra Young Gun: Oliver Solberg Check yourself: GRiD Glossary Zero Emissions Tyre Slaying: The ER32 Tesliner EV Chris Hoy Gearing Up For GRiD Bet On Bucky Whittock Vs Fijał Crossword About Monster Energy Take Note: Knockout Formats
4
INTRODUCTION
STRAP IN AND HOLD ON! Gymkhana GRiD is unlike anything you’ve seen before. A race-fuel fed competition with a difference. GRiD’s unique competition format takes everything you know about traditional motorsport and turns it up to 11. Part competition and part kick-ass spectacle; the aim is to deliver an experience that is as intense for the drivers, as it is edge of the seat for the fans in the grandstands. This year, we celebrate the tenth world final of Gymkhana GRiD with a faster, larger, and more complex track than ever before. Set in the shadow of the capital city of Poland - Warsaw - this is a competition you won’t want to miss.
5
P O LA N D
WHAT IS GYMKHANA GRID? 2019
(i) Gymkhana: Jim•kah•nuh - dʒɪmˈkɑːnə (noun) - A motorsport competition judged on time or speed events in an automobile. The track or course can feature a variety of obstacles, which the driver must manoeuver through via a predetermined route using different driving techniques. See also (ii).
(ii) Hoonigan - hōōn•î•gɘn (noun) - a person who operates a motor vehicle in an aggressive and unorthodox manner, consisting of, but not limited to, drifting, burnouts, doughnuts as well as acts of automotive aeronautics. One who hoons.
Tyre slaying, car control, mental agility, and pure unadulterated tyre slaying against the clock. This is Gymkhana GRiD: The European Gauntlet. It all started with one man. The Head Hoonigan in Charge, the chief clutch-kicker, the boss of the blacktop; Ken Block. In 2008 Ken introduced his own brand of automotive madness online with the airing of ‘Gymkhana One – The Practice video’. Ten videos and over 550 million worldwide views later, and the rest they say is history. Stepping things up a gear again, Gymkhana GRiD takes Ken’s concept and flips it into competition mode. Drivers compete head to head, and against the clock, on a predetermined course a.k.a ‘The GRiD’. The format made its European debut in 2012 and hasn’t looked in its rear view mirror since. After shredding the tread in the USA, UK, Spain, Greece and more recently two back-to-back seasons in South Africa, Gymkhana GRiD has landed in Warsaw, Poland, to celebrate its tenth world final.
6
THE TRACK
PAY ATTENTION
WA R SAW
PACENOTES
Feast your eyes on this. A tenth edition Gymkhana themed tyre slaying spectacular. Divided into two lanes (left and right) with a mind-bending array of twists, turns, and spins; this year’s Gymkhana GRiD course spans nearly 300 meters long and over 100 meters wide. The vast expanse - nearly 30,000m² in all makes the 2019 edition track the largest and fastest yet. What’s more, with 11 obstacles per lane, drivers will have to be razor sharp if they want to complete runs without any penalties. The winner is the driver who has the fastest cumulative time - adding together the times from their left and right lane runs including any penalties. Let battle commence.
7
WA R SAW
GYMKHANA GRID
P O LA N D
2019
HALL
SHRED OF HALL GRiD
GRiD OF SHRED
GYMKHANA
GYMKHANA
HALL OF SHRED Over nine events, spanning the USA, UK, Spain, Greece, South Africa as well as countless qualifying rounds; Gymkhana GRiD has an enviable racing heritage. Better still the names of the previous winners are an unprecedented mix of FIA World Champions, home-build amateurs and just about every class of driver in between. The very first Gymkhana GRiD went live in Irwindale in 2010, with pro-stunt and race driver Tanner Foust going head to head with the Head Hoonigan in Charge Ken Block. Since then a further 51 GRiD podium positions have been awarded. Read on to check them outâ&#x20AC;¦
8
9
WA R SAW
P OLAND
YEAR
2013
WHERE
Madrid, Spain All-Wheel Drive WINNERS::
1. Ken Block – Ford Fiesta 2. Dmitrij Sribnyj – Subaru Impreza 3. Jake Archer – Subaru Impreza Wagon
YEAR
2012
WHERE
Santa Pod, UK
Rear-Wheel Drive winners:
1. Luke Fink – Nissan PS13 2. Nikolett Szántó – BMW E30 3. Luke Woodham – Nissan S14
All-Wheel Drive WINNERS::
1. Dmitrij Sribnyj - Subaru Impreza 2. RJ Price – Subaru Impreza 3. Jake Archer – Subaru Impreza Wagon
Super pro winners:
1. Nani Roma – Mini Cooper 2. Ken Block – Ford Fiesta 3. Anton Marklund – Volkswagen Polo
Rear-Wheel Drive winners:
2019
1. Remmo Niezen – BMW E30 2. Luke Woodham – Nissan S14 3. Frank Lagalice – BMW E39 M5
YEAR
2014
YEAR
2015
WHERE
Madrid, Spain
WHERE
Santa Pod, UK
All-Wheel Drive WINNERS::
1. Dmitrij Sribnyj – Subaru Impreza 2. Reinis Nitišs – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 3. Jake Archer – Subaru Impreza Wagon
All-Wheel Drive WINNERS::
1. Dmitrij Sribnyj – Subaru Impreza 2. Lewis Jones – Subaru Impreza 3. Jake Archer – Subaru Impreza Wagon
Rear-Wheel Drive winners:
1. Luke Woodham – Nissan S14 2. Adam Elder – Nissan S14 3. Richard Dalby Smith – Nissan S13
Rear-Wheel Drive winners:
1. Luke Woodham – Nissan S14 2. Danny Cross – Nissan S14 3. Adam Elder – Nissan S14
Super pro winners:
1. Ken Block – Ford Fiesta 2. Jake Archer – Subaru Impreza Wagon 3. Dmitrij Sribnyj – Subaru Impreza
YEAR
2016
WHERE
Marathon, Greece
YEAR
2010
All-Wheel Drive WINNERS::
1. Petter Solberg – Citroen Xsara 2. Liam Doran – Citroen DS3 3. Reinis Nitišs – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
WHERE
Irwindale, Los Angeles, USA All-Wheel Drive WINNERS::
Rear-Wheel Drive winners:
1. Tanner Foust - Ford Fiesta 2. Ken Block - Ford Fiesta 3. Stephan Verdier - Subaru Impreza
1. Luke Woodham – Nissan S14 2. Adam Elder – Nissan S14 3. Danny Cross – Nissan S14
Rear-Wheel Drive winners:
1. Dai Yoshihara - Nissan 240SX S13 2. Jon Rusakoff - Toyota Corolla AE86 3. Kevin Abbring - Nissan 350Z
YEAR
YEAR
WHERE
WHERE
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
All-Wheel Drive WINNERS::
All-Wheel Drive WINNERS::
1. Johan Kristoffersson – Volkswagen Polo R World RX Supercar 2. Petter Solberg – Volkswagen Polo R World RX Supercar 3. Oliver Solberg – PSRX Citroen Xsara
1. Johan Kristoffersson - Volkswagen Polo R World RX Supercar 2. Petter Solberg – Volkswagen Polo R World RX Supercar 3. Andreas Bakkerud - Ford Focus RS RX
Rear-Wheel Drive winners:
Rear-Wheel Drive winners:
1. Daigo Saito – Corvette ZR1 2. Jason Webb – Ford Mustang 3. Luke Woodham – Nissan S14
1. Luke Woodham – Nissan S14 2. Adam Elder – Nissan S14 3. Danny Cross – Nissan S14
2018
YEAR
2013
WHERE
Gymkhana GRiD invitational at X-Games, Los Angeles All-Wheel Drive WINNERS::
1. Tanner Foust - Ford Fiesta 2. Patrick Sandell - Ford Fiesta 3. Liam Doran - Mini Countryman
10
2017
11
RACING TIPS
Dmitrij Sribnyj WA R SAW
P O LA N D
WATCH OUT FOR... OUT WATCH TIPS: RACING
Of course we had to start with Bucky. Now in his fifth year of Gymkhana GRiD competition having scored a podium as the top Pro-Am Driver in 2018 - never count out 38 year old Jonathan Buck in the All-Wheel Drive category. Hailing from Bradford from the UK, “Bucky” as he’s known to his friends has made the top eight every time he has lined his trademark neon yellow coloured 500bhp Subaru Impreza WRX on to the start line. There’s definitely no lack of talent here.
K C U B N A H T A N O J
12
Never discount Former FIA European Rallycross Championship driver, stage rally instructor, and Gymkhana GRiD competitor Riku Tahko. The 35 year old Finnish driver has suffered at the merciless hands of technical problems in the past, but with a new MINI Cooper S R4 rally car underneath him at GRiD’s tenth ever final, he is sure to give the top contenders more than just a run for their money. 100% Finnish style Sisu here!
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
FOR...
(AWD)
(AWD)
OUT
Jonathan Buck
Riku Tahko
WATCH
It just goes to show that no matter how many engineers you have in the paddock; at GRiD it is all about the talent behind the wheel. Don’t just take our word for it though, here are just a handful of drivers to check out that will likely be giving the established names a run for their money on race day…
DMITRIJ SRIBNYJ
TIPS:
If past Gymkhana GRiD Showdowns have taught us anything then, predictability isn’t the name of the game. It doesn’t matter if you are a Solberg or a Saito; the GRiD course takes no prisoners, and if you put a wheel wrong then the penalties will start racking up. It’s never over until you reach the final finish line. Look no further than privateer Jonathan Buck for evidence of this. In 2018 his car arrived late to South Africa, an engine bay fire during practice almost scorched his chances completely when he finally got out on track; but then he battled through to a podium spot claiming the Pro-Am driver of the year - with only factory supported cars placing ahead of him.
GRiD’s most successful All-Wheel Drive racer and star of the Road to Gymkhana documentary returns; a Gymkhana paddock almost wouldn’t be complete without 38 year old Dmitrij. With five podiums and two wins to his name, Dmitrij is certainly no stranger to GRiD. In 2014 the Russian-Ukrainian driver won Gymkhana GRiD’s first ever season ending finale in his own Subaru Impreza, and he hasn’t looked back since. Now at the wheel of a custom built Subaru BRZ, expect a ton of tyre smoke, speed and style every time Dmitrij hits the track.
RACING
FOR...
2019
(AWD)
RIKU TAHKO
2019
13
Eric Van Eyssen (RWD)
JAKUB K S N O G Y Z PR FOR...
WATCH
(RWD)
TIPS: RACING
TESSA WHITTOCK WA R SAW
14
2019
OUT
FOR...
FIA World Cross Country Champion, Polish Drift Champion, former Motocross racer and now Gymkhana GRiD podium contender. Kuba Przygonski. The 34 year old racer needs little introduction in Poland, and as a Warsaw local, he is sure to have the full support of the crowds in the grandstands. What’s more, Jakub – or Kuba – as he is known to his friends, is coming armed with an incredible custom built 850bhp Toyota GT86 – which when Kuba hits the NOS buttons cranks up to over 1000bhp. Watch this space!
WATCH
OUT
(RWD)
Tessa Whittock Drift racer and all-round badass Tessa Whittock is continuing a super important line of female drivers at GRiD. Coming armed with her awesome Driftworks prepared Nissan Skyline R33 GTS-T, Tessa will be looking to show her rivals how it’s done, using all of her experience gained racing in the British Drift Championship and in Europe in the Queen of Drift Championship - in which she finished 3rd this season.
P O LA N D
TIPS:
ERIC VAN EYSSEN
WA R SAW
RACING
Eric the viking text - fixed typos - A.K.A “The Viking”! Drift racer Eric Van Eyssen needs little introduction. A regular in the SupaDrift series, as well as any Gymkhana or drift style competition going, Eric won a golden ticket to last year’s GRiD final. At the wheel of his 2JZ powered S14 Eric battled through to the top 16 stages at GRiD 2017, and will be putting pedal to the metal to go one step further this year.
Jakub Przygonski
PERFORMANCE CAR CARE... MADE IN GERMANY!
ADVERT
P O LA N D
2019
KEN BLOCK’S 1ST CHOICE FOR CAR CARE! www.sonax.com
SONAX CARCARE @SONAX_GERMANY
15
OF CLASS GRID GYMKHANA
16
2019
OF 2019
OF
CLASS
CLASS
2019
DAIGO 1 SAITO
GRID
2019
P O LA N D
GYMKHANA
WA R SAW
#1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Daigo Saito Country: Japan Hometown: Saitama Age: 39 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Toyota Supra
Power: 700bhp
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
GRiD appearances: 2 Social Media:
2019
@daigosaito87 (Instagram)
(A90) GR Monster Edition
17
#4 – Luke Woodham Country: United Kingdom Hometown: High Wycombe Age: 30 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Nissan 200sx (S14)
Social Media: @lukewoodham1 (Instagram)
#11 – Petter Solberg WA R SAW
P O LA N D
All-Wheel Drive Car: Volkswagen Polo Power: 600bhp
2019
R RX Supercar
OF
GYMKHANA
Class:
CLASS
2019
GRID
Age: 44
LUKE WOODHAM 18
Country: Norway Hometown: Askim
GRID
CLASS
GRiD appearances: 8
GYMKHANA
OF
2019
Power: 550bhp
PETTER 4 SOLBERG GRiD appearances: 4 Social Media: @petterwrc03 (Instagram)
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
2019
11 19
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
#12 – Riku Tahko Country: Finland
2019
Hometown: Porvoo Age: 35 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: Mini Cooper S R4 270bhp
OF
@rikutahkorally (Instagram)
GYMKHANA
Hometown: Upminster Age: 32 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive
2019
20
United Kingdom
OF
Riku 12 Tahko
Country:
CLASS
GRID
Social Media:
Biagioni
GRID
5
CLASS
GRiD appearances:
#13 – Steve “Baggsy”
GYMKHANA
2019
Power:
E V E ST IONI BIAG Car: Nissan Silvia PS13 Power: 750bhp GRiD appearances: 8 Social Media: @BaggsyBoyUK (Instagram)
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
2019
13
21
OLIVER 16 20 SOLBERG #20 – Dmitriy Illyuk Country: Ukraine
Hometown: Odessa
2019 OF
Rear-Wheel Drive
Class:
OF
GRID
Power: 600bhp GRiD appearances: 5 Social Media: @dmitriyillyuk (Instagram)
22
#16 – Oliver Solberg
Car: Citroen Xsara
Country: Norway
Power: 420bhp
Hometown: Askim
GRiD appearances: 3
Age: 17
Social Media:
Class:
@OliverSolberg01
All-Wheel Drive
(Instagram)
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
2019
2019
y i r t i Dm k Illyu 2019
GYMKHANA
Mazda RX-8
CLASS
Car:
GRID
38
CLASS
GYMKHANA
Age:
23
33 #33 – Liam Doran Country: England
Hometown: Winkleigh
OF
2019
ANDREAS BAKKERUD
Car: RX Cartel Special Race Whip
GRID
Country:
Grid Appearances: Social Media: @liamdoran (Instagram)
24
LIAM N A R O D
Norway
2019
8
#34 – Andreas Bakkerud
OF
Ten Second Car
CLASS
GRID
Power:
GYMKHANA
CLASS
32
P O LA N D
GYMKHANA
2019
Age:
WA R SAW
Hometown: Bergen Age: 27 Class: TBA Car: RX Cartel Special Race Whip Power: Ten Second Car Grid Appearances: 4 Social Media: @andreasbakkerud (Instagram)
34
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
2019
25
43 #43 – Ken Block Country: USA
Hometown:
Long Beach
2019
Krzysztof Holowczyc
51 Class:
Country:
(Cossie V2) 395bhp GRiD appearances: ALL! Social Media: @kblock43 (Instagram)
26
KEN K C O L B
Poland
2019
CLASS
Krzysztof Hołowczyc
OF
Power:
#44 –
Ford Escort RS
CLASS
Cosworth WRC
44
GRID
Car:
GRID
All-Wheel Drive
GYMKHANA
OF
P O LA N D
GYMKHANA
2019
Age:
WA R SAW
Hometown: Olsztyn Age: 57 Class:
Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Subaru Impreza Power: 350BHP Grid Appearances: 1
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
Social Media: @krzysztof.holowczyc (Instagram) 2019
27
2019 OF CLASS GRID
Hometown: Sawbridgeworth
Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Nissan Skyline R33 GTS-T Power: 550bhp GRiD appearances: 2 Social Media: @tessa_whittock (Instagram)
28
51
#88 – Arkadiy Tsaregradtsev
Country: Russia
Hometown: Moscow Age: 36
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
Class:
Rear-Wheel Drive
2019
2019
28
OF
Age:
CLASS
GYMKHANA
United Kingdom
GRID
Country:
88 GYMKHANA
#51 – Tessa Whittock
ARKADIY TSAREGRADTSEV
a s s Te ock t t i h W
Car: Nissan Skyline R34
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
Power: 1200bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media:
2019
@tsaregradsev_ark (Instagram)
29
JAKUB PRZYGONSKI
7
PANAGIOTIS ROUSTEMIS
2019
Country: Poland Hometown: Warsaw Age: 34 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Toyota GT86 Power: 1000bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @kuba_przygonski (Instagram)
OF CLASS GRID
09 JAMES STEPHEN 10 BEN DRYBURGH
Country: Greece Hometown: Athens Age: 35 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: BMW E36 M3 Power: 750bhp Grid Appearances: 2 Social Media: @chantzaras_team22 (Instagram)
18
GRZEGORZ HYPKI
Country: Poland Hometown: Środa Age: 35 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: BMW E30 M3 Power: 600bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: https://www. facebook.com/ hypkidrift/
Country: Poland Hometown: Warsaw Age: 25 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: NIssan Silvia S13 Power: 550bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @turbosztos (Instagram)
Country: United Kingdom Hometown: Edinburgh Age: 43 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: Hyundai R5 Power: unknown GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @chrishoy1 (Instagram)
26 PETRI YLINEN 28 DOMINIK KOUBA 30 MARKO PALIJAN Country: Finland Hometown: Seinäjoki Age: 44 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Subaru Impreza Power: 300bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @ylinenpetri (Instagram)
Country: Czech Republic Age: 43 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: BMW E36 Power: 500bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @dominokouba (Instagram)
Country: Croatia Hometown: Zagreb Age: 42 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: BMW E30 Power: 250bhp GRiD appearances: 5 Social Media: @croatiancrusher1 (Instagram)
2019
30
CHRISTOS CHANTZARAS
Country: Scotland Hometown: Kirkcaldy Age: 16 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: Subaru Impreza Power: 450bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @bendryburgh1 (Instagram)
Country: France Hometown: Collonge Age: 29 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: 1968 Dodge Charger Power: 550bhp Grid Appearances: 1 Social Media: @alexandreclaudin (Instagram)
OF
Country: Scotland Hometown: Kincardine Age: 30 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: Subaru Impreza Power: 400bhp GRiD appearances: 5 Social Media: @jamesstephen09 (Instagram)
14 NIKOLASS BERTANS 15 Country: Latvia Hometown: Riga Age: 14 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: BMW E36 Power: 700bhp Grid Appearances: 1 Social Media: @niknakdrift (Instagram)
Country: South Africa Hometown: KwaZulu-Natal Age: 51 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Nissan S14 Power: 600bhp GRiD appearances: 3 Social Media: @eric_the_viking_68 (Instagram)
23 SIR CHRIS HOY
CLASS
GYMKHANA
Country: United Kingdom Hometown: Cambridge Age: 49 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: ER32 Tesliner EV Power: 640bhp Grid Appearances: 3 Social Media: @zeroevuk (Instagram)
21 ALEX CLAUDIN 22 Ola Fijal
GRID
Country: Greece Hometown: Corinth Age: 28 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: Mitsubishi Evolution X Power: 400bhp GRiD appearances: 2 Social Media: @panagiwths_rs (Instagram)
3 ANDY STEVENS 5 ERIC VAN EYSSEN
GYMKHANA
2
31 Jonathan Buck 36 DAWID SPOSOB 41 Dennis Haggblom Country: United Kingdom Hometown: Bradford Age: 38 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: Subaru Impreza Power: 470bhp GRiD appearances: 5 Social Media: @j13uky (Instagram)
Country: Poland Hometown: Niewegłosz Age: 19 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Toyota GT86 Power: 850bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @dsposob56 (Instagram)
Country: Finland Hometown: Jakobstadt Age: 34 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Honda S2000 Power: 780bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @haggblommotorsport (Instagram)
31
59 CARL VAN AS 60 KRISSE AALTO 62
JOAKIM EIDSMO-SAND
42
65 PAWEL TRELA 71 AHMAD DAHAM Country: Poland Hometown: Pruszkรณw Age: 39 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Opel GT Maybug Power: 860bhp Grid Appearances: 1 Social Media: @paweltrolltrela (Instagram)
Country: Norway Hometown: Sander Age: 43 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Nissan Silvia PS13 Power: 830bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @joakimdrifting (Instagram)
CLASS GRID GYMKHANA
NABEEL AL-SHAIBANI
Country: Oman Hometown: Muscat Age: 39 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: Mitsubishi Evolution VI Power: 425bhp GRiD appearances: 2 Social Media: @mazin2727 (Instagram)
87
BARTOSZ OSTALOWSKI
Country: Poland Hometown: Warsaw Age: 32 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Nissan Skyline R34 GT-T Power: 550bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @bartosz_ostalowski (Instagram)
Country: Poland Hometown: Warsaw Age: 30 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: BMW E21 Power: 750bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @marekwartalowicz (Instagram)
Country: Oman Hometown: Muscat Age: 36 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: Mitsubishi Evolution VI Power: 410bhp GRiD appearances: 1
92
CHRISTIAN BAKKERUD
Country: Norway Hometown: Bergen Age: 30 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Nissan Cefiro Power: 785bhp GRiD appearances: 2 Social Media: @c_bakkerud (Instagram)
Country: Ukraine Hometown: Pripyat Age: 38 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: SCR Subaru BRZ Power: 500bhp GRiD appearances: 8 Social Media: @dimitrijsribnyj (Instagram)
86 SAMI AL-SHAIBANI
Country: Oman Hometown: Muscat Age: 29 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: BMW E46 Power: 550bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @Sami Al Shibani (Instagram)
2019
32
Country: Norway Hometown: Sander Age: 43 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Nissan Silvia PS13 Power: 830bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @joakimdrifting (Instagram)
84 MAZIN AL-SHAIBANI 85
Country: Lithuania Hometown: Utena Age: 29 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Mazda MX-5 Power: 200bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @thelsoman (Instagram)
77 DMITRIJ SRIBNYJ
OF
Country: United Kingdom Hometown: Sheffield Age: 27 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: Skoda Fabia R5 Power: 300bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @rhys.yates3 (Instagram)
Country: Finland Hometown: TBA Age: 34 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Toyota Soarer Power: 700bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @krisseaalto (Instagram)
Country: Germany Hometown: Michelstadt Age: 28 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: BMW E46 QBM3 Power: 650bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @qbmmotorsport (Instagram)
MAREK WARTALOWICZ
CLASS
64 RHYS YATES
Country: Poland Hometown: Torun Age: 27 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Nissan 200sx 14a Power: 900bhp Grid Appearances: 1 Social Media: @drift.borkowski (Instagram)
72 MANTAS SLIOGERIS 74
GRID
Country: South Africa Hometown: Johannesburg Age: 28 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Subaru Impreza Power: 450bhp GRiD appearances: 3 Social Media: @carl_boosted (Instagram)
OF
2019
Country: United Kingdom Hometown: Bristol Age: 26 Class: All-Wheel Drive Car: Mini Cooper SX1 Power: 600bhp Grid Appearances: 2 Social Media: @42Bennett (Instagram)
47
PAWEL BORKOWSKI
GYMKHANA
55
CHRIS NIGEMEIER
OLIVER BENNET
93 BENCE BAUER
Country: Hungary Hometown: TBA Age: 22 Class: Rear-Wheel Drive Car: Mercedes E500 w124 V8 Power: 600bhp GRiD appearances: 1 Social Media: @bauerbence9 (Instagram)
33
BLOCK KEN WITH
WITH KEN BLOCK
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
34
GET TO KNOW THE HEAD HOONIGAN IN CHARGE
35
KEN BLOCK BLOCK KEN WITH INTERVIEW
36
What skills do you need to work on? “To me every day is a learning experience. I never see myself as an expert - I see myself as a student. You can learn anything about business or driving or life from anyone. So I always try to learn as much as I can from everyone I meet, and develop my skills in all parts of my life.” Tell us about Gymkhana Grid... what is like for a driver to take part, and what are the challenges? Ken Block: “The thing
into play with regard to the vibe - and those that can really control their nerves, can really excel. That’s the basic gist of what it feels like to be a driver in Gymkhana GRID, but also it’s just a great experience. We’ve had world champions - like Petter Solberg and Johan Kristoffersson and Daigo Saito - competing. It’s great to be able to compete against some of the top drivers in the world and have fun doing it. It’s an amazing experience for the drivers and a very entertaining shoe for the fans that watch!” Why did you choose the Ford Escort Cosworth (The Cossie)? Ken Block: “One of the reasons I like the Cossie so much is that it comes from an era when the hothatch type of car
started its big take over in World Rally. Before that, during the Group-B era, the cars were much more bespoke. The manufacturers only had to make 200 cars at a time. After that era ended that’s when it had to be much more of a production car. In turn that pressured manufacturers like Ford to make hot-hatches and make them cool! I thought the Ford Escort RS Cosworth was one of the coolest cars to come out of that era. The design; the wing, the ovals in the hood were just touches that put it above the rest in my mind. It never officially came to America either, so I didn’t get to experience the car until I came over to England years ago and saw one in person. I always thought that the story was unique behind the Cossie, and the
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Who do you owe the most to?
What rules do you live by? Ken Block: “Be a good human; don’t be an asshole! That and try and live life to the fullest, have fun, and be creative.”
about Gymkhana GRiD is that there is a lot of pressure to perform in very short bursts. You have to be very technical with the driving and very precise, because you are battling for tenths of a second. It’s different from where I came from in rally. There, you race over two days, and there are hours of actual competition time. But with Gymkhana everything is much more condensed and intense. It’s about precision, car set up, and ultimately about having the right car to try and win. It’s really quite a nerve wracking experience when you get into the final stages. You’ve got to be really on-point because all it takes is one mistake and you get eliminated! So I think that’s where the high pressure and nerves come
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Hi Ken, thanks for the time, so to start, how would you describe yourself? Ken Block: “No problem. Ha-ha – well, I’m 6ft 1, I have dark brown hair, I like Kickboxing and I like racing cars really fast. On the side I like to be very creative.”
Who taught you how to be a professional driver? Ken Block: “Team O’Neil is where I first learned how to drive a rally car. But I was influenced by rally very early in life - so the minute I got my hands on a set of car keys I mimicked the way that I saw rally drivers raced down stages; using the whole road! Of course this was when there was no other traffic around me! I seriously don’t recommend that on public roads! In 2004 I went to the Team O’Neil rally school in New Hampshire, and they taught me the
Tell us about your greatest accomplishment and greatest mistake... Ken Block: “I’ve had a lot of great fun things that I could credit as accomplishments throughout my career. It’s been a really wild and fun career so far. Getting to race Colin McRae at the X-Games and then pressuring him into rolling his car that was probably one of the biggest moments in my life, let alone my rally career. The lowest moment was also one of the biggest crashes in my life - and that was during the shakedown stage of WRC Portugal in 2011.”
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In between flights, and photoshoots, we grabbed Ken for a cold can and a chat to talk about his career so far, the rules he lives by, his style, Gymkhana GRiD and everything in between...
How old were you when you got behind the wheel of a car? How’d it go? Ken Block: “I was probably around 14 when I started driving - my Dad had a Ford truck for moving things around our small ranch. I’d put my dirt bike in the back and things like that - so that was probably the first time I drove a car.”
real skills of racing a rally car.”
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However, dig deeper behind the scenes and you’ll also find a family man, and a deep thinker, who has devoted a lifetime to following his passions and sharing the content of those passions with all that are interested.
Ken Block: “The most credit in my life has to go to my parents; who raised me and even influenced me in business. Beyond that, it has to be the Skateboard industry it really taught me to think in independent ways and be creative. Then I’d have to say Colin McRae. He was my biggest influence on being a rally driver and attacking driving the way that I do. And when I say attacking; I mean the aggressive nature of the way I like to drive.”
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Rallydriver, businessman, marketeer, and currently Head Hoonigan in Charge; there’s very little that 51-year old Ken Block can’t [and hasn’t] turned his hand to and made a success. From snowboard magazines, to clothing lines and skate shoes, Ken’s CV in business is an enviable enough. However, throw in his achievements behind the wheel, not to mention the insanely successful Gymkhana video series, of which the view count on YouTube sits literally in the hundreds of millions, and you have a legacy that truly redefines successful.
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How does the Cossie stack up against your Fiestas? Ken Block: “That’s a tough question to answer to be honest, because I’ve only tested the Cossie in its Gymkhana format once! But that being said I really like the Cossie because of its 90s World Rally Championship heritage. This is one of the original shells that was built for rallying. We’ve modified it to be a more fun and modern handling car; but it still has a 90s engine in it. So I have no idea how it’s going to do at Gymkhana GRiD. But as I
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did last year I’m going to be there mainly as a host, and to do demos for the fans and not actually compete. It’s great to be able to go to these events and be the face of Gymkhana and Gymkhana GRiD, and hang out with the fans, and enjoy the entire experience without having the direct pressure of competition. When we are racing we don’t get to drive quite a wild as what you see in the videos - so it’s great to be able to do that at GRiD and just put on a great show, and bring some of the videos to life.” Talk us through the design process and the inspirations behind it. Ken Block: “When we started on version two
of the Cossie, the idea was keep certain things authentic to the original. Like the engine and the wing, and parts of the general body design. But then we wanted to modernise parts of the car because it was just unreliable. It was from the 90s, the electronics were old, the diffs were old. In 2018 I tried to race an actual classic Cossie and we had nothing but issues because everything was just old! So we took a 90s Cossie and modernised certain elements of it - all the electronics, the suspension, the drivetrain. But kept other parts of it original, like the engine and the parts of the body. It’s a modernised car - it
On top of all of that I worked with a buddy of mine - Troy Lee who’s well known for painting helmets in the motocross industry. Troy is a legend in the Moto world and I partnered with him to create the livery for the Cossie, and he did an absolutely exceptional job translating his style that he has for the Moto gear on to the car and all of our gear. Partnering with creative people is something I’ve enjoyed immensely about my work. Do you ever have a formal style? Ken Block: “The funny thing is that I really don’t like dressing up. I genuinely hate it. I
off-road racing too. My wife is very active also - and likes to get out and even races in a rally car a couple of times a year. It really is quite a busy life I have and I feel lucky to experience the things I do.”
What’s a typical day for you like? Ken Block: “Well unfortunately I don’t get to drive my race car very often. When I’m at home I like to work on my physical condition either kickboxing or with a weight trainer, and on top of that I do a lot of mountain biking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. I just like to get outdoors, whether thats on my Can-Am UTVs or the Snowmobiles, but really just to be as active as possible. I have three kids now - the oldest is twelve and the youngest is eight; and so they keep me quite active also. They do everything from riding dirt bikes and skateboarding to my oldest also doing some
How do you stay in shape? Ken Block: “I’m getting old! So I have to stay active so that I have the right reactions I need when I get in a race car. Not to mention so I have the physical endurance I need to race everything I want to - from Gymkhana GRiD to the Donegal Rally in Ireland for example. It’s a constant process of keeping myself sharp by getting out on my mountain bike or getting in the gym with my Kickboxing trainer. Working on speed and strength and full body movements.”
INTERVIEW WITH KEN BLOCK
fact that it was unattainable in my youth made it something that I really wanted for about 25 years!”
I worked with a guy called Ash Thorpe who is an industrial designer - he does a lot of car design for movies. He took on the project to modernise the Cossie, to make it look as if the car had been released today, and think about what would the current Ford WRC team do to the car if they were racing it. Ash did some beautiful renderings, and the whole thing turned out incredible. MDV Engineering built it based on the renderings Ash created, so its been really fun, beginning to end.
do what I have to do for weddings of whatever, but one great thing about being a business man in the worlds that I’ve come from is that I don’t have to wear a suit and tie! Most of my business life has been in the skateboard industry, and if I had worn a suit in that industry I would have gotten looked at really quite strangely. So it’s great to be able to work go through my business life, running a company that at one time was doing over 500 million dollars in sales, and I was wearing a t-shirt and camo shorts. So I feel I’m really quite lucky to be a successful business man and racecar driver and still be able to wear the same t-shirt and camo shorts.”
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handles better than before - but still has a 90s engine. It’s the best of both worlds for the most part! The whole project has been a lot of fun.”
Before all that though I work! I sit at my computer and answer emails or create creative briefs or whatever I need to do. Luckily all of that is more creative now than real serious business type stuff! I’m more of a morning person than a night person. Most days my kids have to be at school by eight o’clock so I have to get up before them and get some work done. So usually it starts quite early!
What has the gymkhana videos series taught you about constantly pushing the boundaries? Ken Block: “I feel
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Lastly, where do you see yourself in five years? Ken Block: “I see myself doing similar things that I’m doing now,
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Does your competitive driving help fuel the creative elements of your driving? Ken Block: “I like both sides of it. Mostly I like having fun with the vehicle I’m driving. For me that’s really important. I just want to have fun. It was the same when I started skateboarding - I didn’t do competitions I went out with my friends and just enjoyed the tool
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How has the motorsport changed in the last decade and to what extent have the social media changed it?
Ken Block: “It’s a tough question. I think social media has brought so many more options for people to be able to enjoy things. What I mean by that is that if you want to watch rally, anybody can just go to YouTube and type in ‘Rally Monte Carlo’, or ‘Rally Crash’ or ‘Hooning’ for example and get a big variety of content delivered instantly. When I was growing up it was much harder. You either had to go out an try and buy a VHS tape of rally or whatever you wanted to watch - or hope that the broadcast on TV included what you wanted. Otherwise you’d just have to wait. The situation we have now is really quite enjoyable
If you quit motorsport tomorrow, what would you do instead? Ken Block: “Well I don’t think I’d be able to fully quit tomorrow because I have kids that want to be involved in motorsport. So no matter if I stopped racing then I’d be involved in motorsport in their lives. So I will be involved in some shape or form even if I’m not behind the wheel. My kids are racing already, and will be racing more in the future. I cant teach many things because I don’t consider myself an expert, but motorsport is something you can learn and it’s something I can definitely pass along to my kids if they are interested.”
but with my kids more involved. My eldest is 12, so she would be 17 in five years - and if it’s up to her she’ll be racing rally and rallycross. So we will see how that goes! But for me I’m on more of a limited programme these days. I race seven to eight events around the world a year and I’d like to keep doing that for as long as I can. To be able to go out and race some of the best stage rallies in the world is a great thing, and as long as I can keep driving at a high level then I’ll keep doing it as long as I can…”
INTERVIEW
I take a lot of pride that I’m a rally driver, and everything we do in the videos is inspired by what I can do in the car as on rallies. I say that very specifically because I’m not a stunt driver - I don’t try
and do loops or barrel rolls or anything like that. Everything I do comes from skills I have learnt through racing rally - it’s just done in a unique and creative way. It’s been a really fun challenge. Not just as a driver but as a creative - to make something that goes from an airfield in California to set streets in Dubai. It’s been a wild ride to see how far we can push things. To get a 747 on a runway in Dubai or doing donuts around a swimmer in Sweden is hugely fun in so many ways.”
(the skateboard) to be able to have fun and be creative with it. It’s the same thing with the car. I enjoy racing and being pushed to my limits and be as fast as I can be. But at the same time I want to be able to play with the car. I want to enjoy the creativity side of things. I want to enjoy just being able to jump in the car and drive it as aggressively as possible and not worry about a stage time. So for me the car world really works in two ways - it’s the competition side and the creativity side of being in the machine I’m in.”
KEN BLOCK
like I really am quite a lucky bastard that I’ve been able to go out an race cars around the world and make these very fun videos. Making ten of them has been pretty wild because they’ve all been successful and that’s pretty hard to do when you are making ten of something. They’ve all been pretty roughly the same concept too - just changing locations and set ups. It’s been a unique challenge.
to me - there were so many things I wanted to see as a kid, but I just couldn’t. So as I’m making these videos, I feel like I’m making them for me. We joke about this at Hoonigan internally, that we are making the things that we want to see, you know. We come up with these ideas for things we want to see and do, and it just so happens that the fans have really enjoyed that content too. For us its a total winwin situation. And all the while people are enjoying what we are making it means we get to go and make more! I really would have liked to have seen social media when I was younger - when Colin McRae was racing, or when Michael Schumacher was coming up through his career, but it just want available. You were just stuck with what TV wanted to air. So I look at that today and think, what can I deliver that I would have wanted to have seen of Colin McRae back in the day. That’s the thought process of what we do!”
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DC Shoes: Ken Block Gymkhana Two: The Informercial
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2011 Ford Fiesta GYM3 (aka: Jim Connor) Engine/Powertrain: Olsbergs 2000cc Duratec Transmission: MakTrak 6-speed sequential gearbox with electronic shift Exterior: seam-welded and reinforced body; OlsbergsMSE roll cage; custom body design and underbody protection Interior: Recaro race seats Electronics: Wheels/Tires: 18 x 9.5-in. wheels; Pirelli Trofeo 265/40R18 tires Suspension: Ohlins shock absorbers Brakes: AP Racing 4-pot calipers front and rear; 340mm front discs and 323mm rear discs Misc: 600 hp, 660 lb.-ft. torque @ 4000 rpm; 0-60 mph in 2 seconds Car:
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2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Crawford Performance 2.5L SR3L short block Boxer 4-cyl.; Garrett GT30R ball bearing turbo Transmission: Subaru 6-speed stock STI transmission; SPT short throw shifter; Exedy triple disk carbon clutch Exterior: Crawford Performance carbon fiber roof and hood; Carbon fiber door cards; Carbon fiber trunk; Subaru World Rally Team carbon fiber rear wing; WRC wide-body replica Interior: Recaro seats; Sparco steering wheel Electronics: EcuTek engine management Wheels/Tires: Volk RE30 wheels; 285/30/18 BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW Suspension: Tein coilovers Brakes: Brembo with Project Mu pads Misc: 530hp, 525 lb.-ft. torque Car:
Ken Block’s Gymkhana Three, Part 2; Ultimate Playground; France
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DC Shoes: Ken Block Gymkhana Practice
November 11, 2008 - The original that started it all! Ken Block’s Gymkhana One not only redefined car culture but transformed car media and automotive film making itself. No CGI or sped up footage to be found - only real driving born from Ken Block’s rally driving skills. This is the video that launched an empire and spawned countless imitators. This is Gymkhana.
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Ken Block’s Gymkhana: the viral video series that changed the face of automotive filmmaking forever, boasting over 550 million views worldwide for the series to date. It’s also a big part of where Ken Block gets his title from - HHIC - aka Head Hoonigan In Charge. What started as a simple way for Ken to hone his rally driving skills, has morphed into the ten main videos, that have set the style, tone and straight up tyre-slaying precedent for automotive fans all over the world.
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2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Engine/Powertrain: Crawford Performance SR5 2.65 Liter Boxer 4-cyl., Garrett turbocharger Transmission: KAPS 6-speed dog box transmission; STI short shifter; Carbonetic front and rear carbon differentials Exterior: Crawford Performance carbon fiber roof and hood; Vermont Sports Car designed, homologated FIA-spec roll cage; Prodrive carbon fiber wing; Syms carbon fiber door panels and mirrors Interior: Recaro carbon Kevlar seats Electronics: Motec engine management and data logging Wheels/Tires: Volk TE37 wheels; 275/35R18 BFGoodrich g-Force Drag Radials Suspension: Tein Super Racing coilovers Brakes: Brembo Gran Turismo 6 piston front and 4 piston rear Misc: 565 hp, 590 lb.-ft. torque; 0-60 in 3 seconds Car:
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JUNE 01, 2009 - Gymkhana TWO: the wildest infomercial in the world. That’s a big claim when you’re competing with Billy Mays or the ShamWow Guy, but the second installment of the Gymkhana video series brings it. Fire, smashing glass, paintball assault, near-death crash dummy moments, and explosions. Need we say more?
SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 - In his never-ending search for unique places around the world to thrash his racecars, Ken Block happened upon one of the world’s steepest surviving oval tracks: Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry in France. Transitioning from the street car based Subarus from previous Gymkhana films, to his new purpose-built Ford Fiesta rallycross car, Gymkhana THREE took the series to a new level. It also marks the first appearance of Scotto in a Gym film – just look for the tall dude on the Segway.
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Ken Block’s Gymkhana Four; The Hollywood Megamercial Engine/Powertrain:
1965 Mustang – Hoonicorn RTR V1 Roush Yates 410 cu.in. Ford V8 engine with individual throttle bodies; Sadev all-wheel drive Transmission: Sadev 6-sped SC90-24 Exterior: seam-welded and reinforced body; custom ASD Motorsportsdesigned tubular chassis, roll cage, door bars and underbody protection; body styling by RTR, Ken Block and Hoonigan; RTR carbon fiber body panels. Interior: Recaro race seats Electronics: Wheels/Tires: 18 x 10.5-in. Fifteen52 forged 3-piece Tarmac R43 wheels; 295/30R18 Pirelli Trofeo R tires with custom Ken Block compound Suspension: ASD Motorsports, custom front and rear suspension mounts Brakes: Hydraulic handbrake system Misc: 845-hp, 720 lb.-ft. @ 6500 rpm Car:
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2014 Ford Fiesta ST HFHV Pipo Moteurs-developed Ford EcoBoost 2.0L engine; Garrett turbocharger with 33mm restrictor; Cosworth Electronics engine management; bespoke M-Sport intercooler Transmission: Sadev 6-Speed sequential gearbox with adjustable, mechanical front and rear differentials; twin-plate AP carbon clutch Exterior: seam-welded and reinforced body; M-Sport designed, homologated FIA-spec roll cage; custom M-Sport body design; bespoke underbody protection Interior: Recaro Pro-Racer Ultima FIA8862-spec race seats; two spare wheels; toolkit for emergency repairs Electronics: driver/co-driver intercom; integrated co-driver display unit featuring tripmeter Wheels/Tires: 18-in. Fifteen52 forged monoblock Tarmac wheels; Pirelli Trofeo tires Car:
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MacPherson-type suspension, with 3-way adjustable Reiger dampers Brakes: Brembo 4-pot calipers with 300mm rotors. Sadev Hydraulic handbrake system Misc: 350 hp, 515+ lb.-ft. torque; 0-60 in just 2.3 seconds Suspension:
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THE NOVEMBER 11, 2013 - A life size glimpse into Ken Block’s dream Gymkhana course. A real-life automotive playground/skatepark, with obstacles that would be completely out of place on any other racecourse on the planet: including Segway cops, construction equipment, chopped up shipping containers, Lambos, and more.
Ken Block’s Gymkhana Five: Ken Block’s Gymkhana Ultimate UrbanPlayground; Seven: Wild in the San Francisco streets of Los Angeles
JULY 09, 2012 - The pinnacle of hooning through city streets. San Fransisco might as well be a tarmac rally stage, between all of its jumps, elevation changes, switchback streets, and naturally occurring obstacles. This one might just be our favorite Gymkhana video of all time.
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2015 Ford Fiesta ST RX43 Engine/Powertrain: Pipo designed 2000cc 4-cyl., Garrett turbocharger Transmission: Sadev 6-speed sequential transmission; Sadev rear differential; Sadev center differential release unit Exterior: seam-welded and reinforced body; M-Sport designed, homologated FIA-spec roll cage; Custom M-Sport body design; bespoke underbody protection Interior: Recaro seats Electronics: Cosworth engine management and data logging Wheels/Tires: 18 x 8-in. Fifteen52 forged monoblock Turbomac wheels; Toyo Proxes R1R tires Misc: 600 hp, 650 lb.-ft. torque; can run from 0-60 in under 2 seconds Car:
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2014 Ford Fiesta ST HFHV Pipo Moteurs-developed Ford EcoBoost 2.0L engine; Garrett turbocharger with 33mm restrictor; Cosworth Electronics engine management; bespoke M-Sport intercooler Transmission: Sadev 6-Speed sequential gearbox with adjustable, mechanical front and rear differentials; twin-plate AP carbon clutch Exterior: seam-welded and reinforced body; M-Sport designed, homologated FIA-spec roll cage; custom M-Sport body design; bespoke underbody protection Interior: Recaro Pro-Racer Ultima FIA8862-spec race seats; two spare wheels; toolkit for emergency repairs Electronics: driver/co-driver intercom; integrated co-driver display unit featuring tripmeter Wheels/Tires: 18-in. Fifteen52 forged monoblock Tarmac wheels; Pirelli Trofeo tires Suspension: MacPherson-type suspension, with 3-way adjustable Reiger dampers Brakes: Misc: Brembo 4-pot calipers with 350 hp, 515+ lb.-ft. torque; 300mm rotors. Sadev Hydraulic 0-60 in just 2.3 seconds handbrake system Car:
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Need For Speed: Ken Block’s Gymkhana Six - Ultimate GRiD
AUGUST 16, 2011 - If Gymkhana TWO was an infomercial, then Gymkhana FOUR is the ultimate Hollywood Megamercial. Ken Block gets free reign to smash through the backlot of Universal Studios California, from preserved movie sets to sound stages and emptiedout filming pools. Only there aren’t any Hollywood style film effects here - just pure, raw hoonage!
NOVEMBER 17, 2014 - Ken Block built one of the wildest Ford Mustangs ever, the 845hp All-Wheel Drive Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR. Naturally, he had to make a video to show off what it is capable of! And what better place than the raw streets of Los Angeles? Picture what it would be like to be the sole survivor in a post-apocalyptic cityscape, equipped with one of the greatest hooning vehicles ever built. Does it get better than this?
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SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 - Returning to the roots of HHIC Ken Block’s 550+million view viral video franchise with pure, raw driving action at center stage once again. Co-starring is his 600+ horsepower Ford Focus RS RX with which Ken raced in the 2016 and 2017 FIA World Rallycross Championship.
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2016 Ford Focus RS RX #43 2000cc 4-cyl. Designed by M-Sport and Ford Performance, Garrett turbocharger Transmission: Sadev 6-Speed Sequential transmission, Sadev rear diff, Sadev center diff release unit Exterior: seam-welded and reinforced chassis; M-Sport designed, homologated FIA-spec roll cage; custom body design by Ford Performance and M-Sport, UK; bespoke underbody protection; livery by Felipe Pantone Interior: Recaro seats, M-Sport multifunction bespoke steering wheel Electronics: Cosworth engine management and data logging Wheels/Tires: OZ 17-in. x 8-in. wheels; FIA homologated rallycross tires Suspension/Brakes: Reiger suspension Car:
Ken Block’s Gymkhana Nine: Raw Industrial Playground
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FEBRUARY 29, 2016 - Dubai - a place that has been breeding automotive folklore for decades. Exotic vehicles, sleeper builds, desert thrashing, and a devil-may-care attitude about it all. Also known as the perfect place for HHIC Ken Block to bring one of his favorite racecars - the Ford Fiesta RX43 - and use the city and its surrounding areas as his ultimate exotic playground.
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2015 Ford Fiesta ST RX43 Pipo designed 2000cc 4-cyl., Garrett turbocharger Transmission: Sadev 6-speed sequential transmission; Sadev rear differential; Sadev center differential release unit Exterior: seam-welded and reinforced body; M-Sport designed, homologated FIA-spec roll cage; Custom M-Sport body design; bespoke underbody protection Interior: Recaro seats Electronics: Cosworth engine management and data logging Wheels/Tires: 18 x 8-in. Fifteen52 forged monoblock Turbomac wheels; Toyo Proxes R1R tires Misc: 600 hp, 650 lb.-ft. torque; can run from 0-60 in under 2 seconds Car:
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Ken Block’s Gymkhana Ten: The Ultimate Tyre Slaying Tour Gymkhana TEN takes viewers on an epic journey to five very different locations with five very different vehicles. The journey starts in Luleå, Sweden, with Block piloting the current 2018 Ford Fiesta WRC on snow and ice—a first-ever for Block in one of his Gymkhana films. After that the action jumps to Detroit, Michigan, with Block in his 1965 Ford Mustang RTR Hoonicorn V2, decimating his tires with 1,400 horsepower on the streets of the Motor City. From there viewers are transported to Guanajuato, Mexico, where Block can be seen ripping through the colorful streets and tunnels of a picturesque mountain town in his 2017 Ford Focus RS RX rallycross car. After that, things go full-sketch with a jump to Los Angeles, California, with Block driving his beloved 199 Ford Escort Cosworth Group A car on a mixture of both tires and bare metal wheels, creating massive sprays of sparks. Finally, viewers are brought to historic Route 66 in Shamrock, Texas (the inspiration for the animated film Cars), for the world debut of Block’s all-new 1977 Ford F-150 Hoonitruck in action as he absolutely wreaks havoc upon the small Texas town.
Ken Block’s Ultimate Exotic Playground in Dubai Ford Performance
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TO WARSAW GYMKHANA GRID
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Neon Muzeum The Neon Museum is an absolute feast for the eyes and one of the quirkiest attractions in the city. First, some history. In the post-Stalin era the city underwent a ‘neonization’, where some of Poland’s top artists and architects designed neon signs that were to illuminate the city as a symbol of economic success and a more open, relaxed society. They weren’t just commercial advertising tools, the signs were used to highlight landmarks, dancehalls, train stations, libraries – anything you need a sign for basically. In later years, as the city changed, the signs were just tossed away and left to rot – until they were rescued for the museum. There’s over 200 signs and 500 letterforms and it’s housed in the super-cool Soho Factory complex, so it’s well worth heading over and checking out another fascinating part of Warsaw’s history. Entry is just 13PLN too – that’s not even €3. Where: Mińska 25, Warszawa (Soho factory, building 55)
This year, Gymkhana GRiD: The European Gauntlet lands in Poland for the very first time and what better place to come than the capital?
Website: www.neonmuzeum.org
The heartbeat of Poland, the city oozes character and charm. Whether you want to spend a weekend immersed in the immense history of the Old Town or you fancy wining and dining with some incredible views of one of Europe’s most eye-catching cities, there’s something for everyone.
Discover Jewish Warsaw
We did some diggin’ and opened our little black book of contacts to put together an alternative guide to the city; things to do, places to see, that kind of stuff. Take a look and we apologise in advance if you now have to extend your stay.
Can we find a way to mix culture with a bit of time behind the wheel? Of course we can. One of the coolest experiences in Warsaw is the Jewish Warsaw tour, an eye-opening journey through some of the most important places in the city.
Warsaw Fotoplastikon
Taking a seat in a retro Fiat 125p, you’ll be taken to landmarks such as the remains of the Ghetto wall, Grzybowski Square, Nożyk Synagogue and Muronów all with the knowledge of local guides who will explain exactly why each place is so significant.
The Fotoplastikon is, in its simplest terms, a big room with an uber-clever device sat in the middle that enables guests to look through a series of telescopic lenses to look at some incredible 3D photos.
If you want to really intertwine yourself in the history of Warsaw, this is a must-do and will open your eyes to just how far the city has come in the last 40 years. It’s not the cheapest thing you can do here, but it is definitely one of the most interesting.
It sounds pretty technologically advanced, right? Right – but even more so in 1901, when it was built.
Website: http://wpt1313.com/eng/PRIVATE-TOURS/JEWISH-WARSAW
Each port you look through tells a different story, a mini movie, using archived 3D photographs and it’s an awesome way to learn some Warsaw history. From historical events and figures to quirky stories about the city, it’ll leave you feeling a damn site smarter than you were when you went in.
Visit Beer Heaven
It’s one of the few Fotoplastikon sites left in the world, and the oldest, so it’s well worth a visit. It will cost you just 4PLN to get in too, and we guarantee you won’t spend a better 4zlotys all week. Where: Al. Jerozolimskie 51 Website: www.fotoplastikonwarszawski.pl
Head to the Praga District For years, the Praga District was the must-avoid area of Warsaw but it’s undergone a total overhaul and now it’s somewhere you really should check out.
We might be in the land of Vodka (which you should try with a can of Monster, for real) but that doesn’t mean that’s all that’s on offer. The Piw Paw is beer heaven, with over 250 different types of beer, so you could be there all day and still not even come close to scratching the surface. There are three locations around the city, Piw Paw Parkingowa is the original but Piw Paw Beer Heaven has 97 beers on tap and Piw Paw Mazowiecka sits slap bang in the middle of the party district, so there’s plenty of choice. They’re all open every day so if you want a true beer education, set aside a few hours and grab your paracetamol for the day after. Website: https://www.piwpaw.pl
The district screams edge and authenticity and it’s where you’ll find some amazing street art, 40 year-old mural ads from the communist era, wrecks of buildings still peppered in bullets from WWII, underground bars, great walking tours and some alternative museums worth taking a look at. It’s on the right side of the river and can be really easily reached by metro or taxi, so if you want to really get to the heart of the city then this is your place.
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LUKE REVENGE: FOR
Luke Woodham: “Every event I go to I go with the mindset of winning. More than ever with GRiD I want to win now though. After last year I can’t be upset or disappointed. I still I am the most successful driver in the Rear-Wheel drive class at GRiD. I’ve taken a podium at every event, and my team and I are going back fighting more than ever. So GRiD #10 marks a big change for you? Luke Woodham: “I want to compete. I was driving a lot, and I needed to get out and do more than just demos. I need the nerves and the adrenaline buzz. To push for a result and compare myself to other drivers is what I like to do. I feel like my level of driving has stepped up. I’d been missing the competition aspect of driving - having
the pressure of competition - instead of just doing demos has meant I started enjoying my driving more. I really want to prove that; because I’ve been driving an underpowered street-spec car for the last four years - and managed to get four championships. However now, when you have drivers like Daigo [Saito] - who is within the top three drivers in the world, and his cars are absolutely unbelievable you have to step your game up. It goes to show how far GRiD has come along, and how much people are willing to put into it to be successful.”
WOODHAM
BACK
How badly do you want to win?
LUKE
our-time Gymkhana GRiD champion is arguably the driver to beat in the hotly contested rear-wheel drive category. The 31 year old from High Wycombe in the UK has scored a podium place at every single Gymkhana GRiD event he has contested. What’s more, last time out at Gymkhana GRiD #9 in South Africa, Luke was the favourite for the top position again.
2019
REVENGE:
F
P O LA N D
FOR
BACK FOR REVENGE However an uncharacteristic error in the semi-final stages against rival Jason Webb in his custom chopped-roof Ford Mustang, saw Luke pushed down to third position. Now nearly ten months on, refreshed and recharged, Luke brings a rebuilt 600bhp+ version of his trademark Nissan S14, along with a fresh outlook on competition, and how he will tackle the latest edition of the most unique challenge in motorsport. Read on to find out…
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WA R SAW
BACK
WOODHAM
LUKE WOODHAM
What do you think the level of drivers from Poland will be like? Luke Woodham: “I know a few Polish drivers, and I know the level of driving that goes on in Poland, so I know that need to be at the absolute best I can be, and bring the best possible car I can, if I want to win.”
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BACK FOR REVENGE: LUKE
BACK
FOR
REVENGE:
LUKE
WOODHAM
WOODHAM
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We hear you have a new car for this year…
at the car. It’s a lot of hard work that doesn’t stop.”
Luke Woodham: “It comes down to the set up of the car. Last year different tyres were being used, to the compounds that were allowed in 2017, and if I’d have known I could have brought better rubber and been higher on the podium. My car was ok, but I wasn’t entirely happy with it. I believed I fixed that now from a handling point of view. There comes a point in any motorsport where if you want to be successful you have to develop, and for my car that means more power and better handling. We have huge changes in the works. It’s still my same S14 chassis, but everything else has changed. I dont want to shout about it but instead I just want to work hard in silence and then let my driving on track do the talking. It’s a different engine, different gearbox, different drivetrain, you name it, and we’ve thrown it
So does this feel like a chance for revenge? Luke Woodham: “Absolutely! I’m just going to go and enjoy it, and it’s up to everyone else to worry about what I am bringing! I’ve been driving a car with 360bhp before, and now I’m bringing a vehicle that is fully prepped and has another additional 250bhp than I had before - thats going to be the game changer. I feel like now I’m going to have the machine to back up my driving.” Finally, as a driver - what is your favourite element of a GRiD circuit? Luke Woodham: “I enjoy all of the GRiD circuits so its hard to pick a favourite feature. Last year was a lot of fun with the fast long run-in and the quick first turn. 2017 was quite
similar but it still had the tight figure-of-eight turns in the infield, which I really enjoyed. You had to transition from fast and flowing to tight turn where you have to be super tidy. Quite a cool track was Madrid in 2013 I think where you started the run from the side of the circuit, almost heading towards each other. After the first turn, you’d be side-by-side and you could scope out how fast you’d managed to launch. I’d like to see a slalom section in a GRiD track, and more 360 washbox sections like we had at Silverstone a few years ago too. It’s a funny thing Gymkhana the technical aspect of it means it can go very well or very wrong, but theres a very fine line in between the two.”
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PETTER SOLBERG
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
Standing on the start line behind a World Rallycross car going through a launch sequence is like being deafened, and punched in the chest all at once. So what’s involved?
A LAUNCH TO HOW SOLBERG: PETTER
SUPERCAR
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A
So tell us; how do you launch this thing off the line? Petter: “Ironically the first
“Now everything is ready to go. The engine is in full launch mode to speak, and the car is literally shaking to jump off the line.
LAUNCH
“Welcome to my office”, says Solberg. Who reaches over and plugs in his steering wheel into the quick release boss-fitting. “I love being in my race car – everything is exactly where I want it, and designed perfectly for me – it’s always a real privilege to have something like this!”
“Then you release the clutch to just below the biting point [the point at which the clutch is engaging] and then you are waiting for the green light!
And practice makes perfect, right? Petter: “Yes exactly; it’s like getting things down to muscle memory – you have to practice the launch by doing it in and out of the car. I find visualizing the launch and the start helps a lot. Even if I am sitting at home, I can visualize working through the launch procedure. Doing it over and over and over is the key for me. So I can figure out exactly what I did right or wrong without any pressure, then when I come to do it for real I will be faster off the line in the car for real.”
TO
Peering into the cockpit of the PSRX Volkswagen prepared Polo R, the first thing that strikes you is function over form. An intricate layout of switches, levers, wiring, and carbon-fibre boxes surround a single race seat. Long gone are the luxuries of air-conditioning and cup holders in the Polo’s former life – they have absolutely no place here
So then it’s go time? Petter: “Almost! The procedure is like this; first you dip the clutch, then select first gear, and switch on the ALS system. Then you pull the handbrake, Press the launch button on the steering wheel, and then go full throttle with your right foot.
“If you get it right – it’s one of the best feelings in the world. The worst thing for me is that you get used to launching a car at this speed too quickly; and I want more! The first launch of the season, or after the summer break, when you aren’t fully prepared for what it will feel like – it feels like you left your brain 20 meters behind you! The acceleration of the car is very very impressive, and it feels like nothing else. Apart from Drag racing I don’t think there are many cars that accelerate faster off the line. We are always at the very limit of what is possible for the conditions and the tyres.”
HOW
Luckily we have triple FIA World Rallycross, and 2016 Gymkhana GRiD Champion, and all round legend-in-a-race car - Petter Solberg on hand to show us how.
“After that I check that all the switches are in the correct positions for the launch. We have three to four settings on the launch systems depending on the grip levels and tyre temperature that we can change; so we can adapt the car to how the conditions have changed for that particular session.”
quickly – often within the first two tenths of a second, but at that point it’s too late to change also.
SOLBERG:
SUPERCAR
Predictably it’s also a bit more involved than just dropping the car into gear and driving off. Specially built to accelerate from 0-60mph in less than 1.9 seconds, Petter and Petter’s Polo R has come a long way from the modest family hatchback it was orginanlly derived from.
thing I do when I get into the car on the grid is actually to press the brakes! I do this to check the pre-load as the engineers check the brakes after every run on track. As a driver, you need to check these straight away – it’s one of the most vital systems on the car. There’s no point going this fast if you can’t slow down as well!
PETTER
HOW TO LAUNCH A SUPERCAR 2019
Famously described like being thrown out of the back of a plane in mid-flight, launching a flame spitting 600bhp Rallycross car – as used by Petter Solberg and Petter Kristoffersson in the AllWheel Drive class at Gymkhana GRiD is not for the faint hearted.
“When the lights go green; you release the clutch, handbrake, and the ALS system button all together and as quickly as possible. After that it’s all about controlling the wheel spin after the launch, and getting down as much power as possible to build speed.” What does that feel like? Petter: “Most of the time if you get it right it feels great, but occasionally if you get it wrong it feels sh*t! You feel it very
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How does learning the GRiD course compare with a challenge like the Dakar? Kuba: “Both are unique - at the Dakar you have massive routes to work through every day, where the challenge changes all
TO DAKAR FROM PRZYGONSKI: JAKUB
the time. I have a route book and a co-driver during the Dakar, but at GRiD I will be on my own! Of course I think I’ll need a little bit of time to memorise the track this is the most important thing at GRiD! The rest will be ok I think. Once I have memorised the track then I can just focus on being as fast as possible with each run and pushing as hard as I can.” Will your off-road racing experience help you be competitive? Kuba: “I think I’m going to have everything I’ve learnt from my past in motorsport. I used to race Motocross and Enduro, and now for the past seven years I’ve only been racing on four wheels. So I think all of this will come together to help me be fast at GRiD.” Who do you think your rivals will be?
Kuba: “It’s my first Gymkhana GRiD so I’m going into the competition with an open mind. I think the competition will be strong for sure. The Monster drivers who have done the event before will best fast, and the local drivers will be interesting too. We will see!”
GRiD
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What does it mean to you to compete for a world championship at home in Poland? Kuba: “It’s really cool that Gymkhana GRiD is coming to
What do you know about Gymkhana GRID - Have you watched it before? Kuba: “Yes - I watched it before. I’ve seen the Gymkhana videos from Ken online, and also since I heard that Gymkhana GRiD was coming to Poland I’ve been checking out the livestreams of the previous competitions. I really like the format because I think it’s fun for the spectators, and the drivers get to have a lot of fun driving in a different style of competition.”
How will you prepare for Gymkhana GRiD? Kuba: “Because I’ve been racing Dakar with the cross country rally cars, and also drifting with my Toyota GT86, so I’ll try and use things I’ve learnt from both of those disciplines at Gymkhana GRiD. I’ll try and make the GT86 faster for GRiD too. I’m looking at tweaking the angle of the front suspension to suit tighter lines - compared to what I normally have to race to during circuit drift competitions. I’ve been looking at the damping set up too, to get faster launches, and also help carry more speed around the obstacles on the GRiD track.”
TO
Read on to find out exclusively what Kuba’s thoughts are on making his GRiD debut, how the challenge stacks up against
First off, tell us about your 2019 season… Kuba: “Of course! This year I started out with the Dakar Rally and finished fourth. Then after that I’ve been racing in the The FIA World Cup for CrossCountry Rallies and also the Baja championship. I’m doing full championships for both of these. In 2018 I was the champion in the World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, so I’m defending my title. For Drift I’m taking part in the Polish drift championship - it’s a busy season, I think I’m racing nearly every weekend!”
Poland - and my home city of Warsaw. When I first discovered that the event was coming here, I wanted to find out straight away if I could take part. It’s exciting that an international event is coming to Poland - I hope the spectators will enjoy the show for sure!”
DAKAR
The 34 year old from Warsaw is also the hometown hero as GRiD goes live with it’s tenth anniversary event in Poland. Jakub or ‘Kuba’ as he is known to his friends and fans, will be using every bit of experience gleaned through a lifetime of motorsport on two- and fourwheels to conquer the GRiD course. What’s more Kuba is bringing an awesome 1000bhp+ direct port Nitrous injected Toyota GT86.
racing in the Dakar, and what it means to be competing on the world stage in his hometown…
2019
FROM
FIA World Cross Country Champion, Dakar front runner, Polish Drift Champion, former Motocross racer and now Gymkhana GRiD podium contender. You heard it here first. Jakub Przygonski is coming in hot!
P O LA N D
PRZYGONSKI:
FROM DAKAR TO GRiD
WA R SAW
JAKUB
GRiD
JAKUB PRZYGONSKI
What car will you be bringing? Kuba: “I’ll be bringing my main drift competition car - the Toyota GT86. It’s got 820bhp plus another another 200bhp from Nitro. It weighs 1150kg with a full carbon kevlar body. It’s completely modified for drift. The engine is a 3.0 litre 2JZ-GTE engine with a single turbo. We are running a fully adjustable Winters differential and Ohlins suspension. I think all together it’s a really good package - and I’m looking forward to seeing how it compares with the other cars at GRiD.”
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The voice of drift [and GRiD!] is back at Gymkhana GRiD for 2019. Jarod DeAnda; who has led the commentary team since the tyre slaying format first touched down on European soil nine years ago, will be once again be stepping up to the mic when GRiD’s seasonending showdown goes live on September 7 in Poland.
GRID
GRID OF VOICE THE DEANDA JAROD
OF
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If you had describe GRiD to someone that had never heard about it - what would you say? Jarod: “Gymkhana GRiD. Rear
If you raced in GRiD, what car would you use and why? Jarod: “I mean you’ve got to go for Luke Woodham’s S14, right? I just think that’s a cool car. Of course you could pick Petter’s Citroen Xsara, or VW Polo in the All-Wheel Drive class. Or even the Hoonicorn in the Rear-Wheel drive class - which is one of my favourite machines of all time - but it’s not that competitive. If I wanted to do burnouts and doughnuts, or put on a demo; then It’s Hoonicorn V2 all the way. But if I want to win, then it’s going to be Luke Woodham’s S14.”
VOICE
THE VOICE OF GRiD
How excited are you to help bring Gymkhana GRiD to Poland? Jarod: “Gymkhana Grid has grown tremendously over the years. It’s a stand alone and unique event that culminates in a bunch of talented drivers going head to head. Now bringing it to a new market such as Poland is going to be exciting. It’ll be exciting for the locals but also for the drivers and teams
From your perspective - How has GRiD developed and improved since the first finals in the UK in 2012? Jarod: “Gymkhana as a brand has now jumped off a computer screen into real life. Gymkhana GRiD feels like a video game come to life! It’s competitive, it’s concise, and visually its very exciting. The competition works as a ‘Run-What-You-Brung’ environment, which is a level of accessibility that not many other events offer. Now the format has grown in exposure and notoriety, it’s grown tremendously.
THE
@JARODDEANDA
2019
Read on to find out Jarod’s thoughts on announcing the tenth edition of GRiD, what car he would use if he was to take on the GRiD track, and how he thinks this years competition will shape up…
Thinking back over the GRiD finals; whats your favourite GRiD moment? Jarod: “Oh man - thats a tough one! In the Rear-Wheel Drive class I really like the way Luke Woodham comes under such pressure but he doesn’t crack. It’s very admirable! I really like the posturing of these champions - whether it’s Petter Solberg or Johan Kristoffersson. Now there’s a younger generation of driver and future champion coming in with Oli Solberg. The cars are awesome but it’s the stories of the drivers that makes GRiD in my eyes. Petter coming in and winning in Greece, and doing it in such style was really fun!”
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P O LA N D
Have you been to Poland before? What are you expecting to see in terms of the local Polish drivers coming to race? Jarod: “I’ve never been to Poland personally, so I’m looking forward to visiting - I’ve heard a lot of great things. As my background is drifting - and from I’ve seen, and read, Poland is a very motorsport centric community. There’s definitely going to be some big talent in the Rear-Wheel drive category.
DEANDA
WA R SAW
Wheel Drive. All Wheel Drive. Mirrored Courses; rip through them as quickly as possible, whoever is fastest wins! You’re racing the clock but you are also racing the other competitors.”
JAROD
DeAnda, 40, from Northern California in the USA, is known best to fans as the Voice of Drift, having been the main announcer for the US-Based Formula Drift Championship since its inception in 2003. And just like DeAnda has seen countless tyres slain at FD, he has also been on the ground as 51 podium spots have been awarded since Gymkhana GRiD: The European Gauntlet has been crowning champions since 2011.
involved. It’s like an adventure show - you’re getting all these diverse drivers from so many different countries competing in a unique track. It’s pretty exciting definitely!
T I D N E
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LEGACY
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
2019
Pop the hood? Yeah, pop the hood! 2JZ…! No $hit! Ok, ok, Fast and Furious oneliners aside, any car fan will agree there’s a reasonable amount at stake here. We are talking about the new Supra in Daigo Saito’s garage, sporting an old engine, and carrying the hopes and dreams of a generation of tuner fans. Not to mention the re-birth of an iconic mid-90’s Japanese sports-car. Confused? Don’t worry, allow us to explain.
DAIGOS
SUPRA DAIGOS WITH ALL DECIMATE
WITH SUPRA
LEGACY:
So keep all that in mind when you hear someone saying Daigo’s Supra is just a rebadged BMW. It’s really not; his team ripped all the BMW out of it, which is for the better, and what’s more, with 800bhp at the rear wheels it’s probably going to decimate all…
ALL
To say the 2JZ-GTE went relatively unappreciated in the Aristo is arguable, however it wasn’t until the engine was bolted into the-then latest generation of Toyota’s flagship sportscar - The Supra - that things got really interesting.
What all this jargon means, is that with some relatively mild tweaking, the engine is capable of putting out more than double it’s original horsepower. Even 28 years after it’s original release, the 2JZ is still considered an absolute jewel in the crown of tuner circles. Which also brings us neatly full circle.
What you see in Daigo’s GRiD pit garage however - is a custom built version of the A90. Better still, the identity crisis that this new car suffers in the showroom - with its complement of BMW parts - has been completely struck from the record. The stock B58 BMW engine has been replaced with, yes you guessed it, the all conquering, race proven, 2JZ-GTE engine.
DECIMATE
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DECIMATE ALL WITH THE SUPRA
Destined originally for use in the family-friendly, four-door Toyota Aristo - later to be known as the Lexus GS outside of Japan - the engine came at a high point in the Japanese car industry. Overbuilt and undertuned in stock form was the order of the day. Toyota’s massive iron block motor was a direct answer to Nissan’s RB26 engine, which had garnered wide acclaim in Group-A and Group-N circuit racing while stuffed into their GT-R chassis.
The reason why the 2JZ-GTE is so revered in tuning circles is simply because of it’s strength. Just like Nissan’s rival RB26 engine, Toyota’s engine is based on a cast iron block. Every piece of the engine from the bearings, to oil and water pumps, and internal components are more than overkill for their original road based application.
and a Japanese monster of an engine, there are BMW roundels and components everywhere; including a completely BMW developed engine. Sit inside, and the similarities are even more obvious.
LEGACY:
Flashback to 1991. Neon colours were in, Supermodels like Crawford and Campbell dominated the airwaves, and “Do The BartMan” topped the charts worldwide. It was a special kind of time. Better still Japanese car giant Toyota released The 2JZ-GTE engine. Specifically, an inline six-cylinder, dual overhead camshaft, twin-turbocharged, cast-iron beast.
Production of the A80 model Supra began in 1993, and thanks to a gentlemen’s agreement between Japanese automakers, horsepower on the top-of-the-range models was limited to 280bhp. However as history has taught us time and again; rules are meant to be broken. And let’s face it, nobody was going to keep a Supra stock. Much less owners of a 2JZ-GTE equipped Supra. A dayglo orange example gracing cinema screens in mid 2001 was testament enough of this.
After years of mysterious patent filings and rumours, Toyota officially launched the latest generation of The Supra at the 2019 The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Initially fans of the Supra jumped for joy, but on closer inspection of the new car, the release came with a twist. Toyota had partnered with BMW for the development of the A90 - using the Z4 as the base platform. In real world terms this means, when you walk into a Toyota Showroom and pop the hood on the new Supra, instead of seeing a slew of Toyota logos
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YOUNG GUNS
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
THE NEXT GENERATION
NEXT GENERATION
NEXT THE AND SOLBERG GUNS: OLIVER
THE
“For sure its going to be really exciting - Gymkhana GRiD is a really cool event, and it went well for me last year in South Africa,” explained Oliver. “I’m going to try my best to fight for the win this year. Poland is a big motorsport country, so I think there will be a lot of fans.
AND
Last time out in Johannesburg, Oliver went head to head with Petter - in an epic father-son tyre slaying grand final showdown. Let down by mechanical issues in his custom built Xsara, Oliver finished third, in only his second ever appearance at Gymkhana GRiD [his debut was in 2017].
SOLBERG
At just 17 years old, the Norwegian protege is arguably better than most drivers with more than double his age and experience under their race suit belts. Just check out out his recent run up the hill at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed if you don’t believe us. What’s more when he has a working car underneath him at Gymkhana GRiD, Oliver is sure fire podium winning material. So much so, that he gave his Dad - three time FIA World Champion, Petter Solberg - more than a real run for his money.
OLIVER
Sure, he’s just become the youngest ever winner of an FIA European Rally Championship round, but that’s not the only reason why we are super excited about Oliver Solberg coming to the 2019 Gymkhana GRiD: The European Gauntlet finals.
GUNS:
YOUNG
YOUNG
GENERATION
2019
It’s a new location, a new track; so I’m really excited to come with a Xsara that works. When the car was working in Johannesburg last year, it was really quick, but I don’t think I had a single run where something didn’t go wrong with the car. I really wanted to beat my father - so this year I will be pushing again, and hopefully I’ll come away with a good result!” Oliver won’t be the only young gun on the GRiD this year though. Watch out also for 16 year old Scottish racer Ben Dryburgh (Instagram: @bendryburgh1) who will be making his Gymkhana GRiD debut this year in the All-Wheel Drive class, at the wheel of his 450bhp Subaru Impreza, and 14 year old Latvian racer Nikolass Bertāns (Instagram: @niknakdrift) piloting a 700bhp BMW E36. Gymkhana GRiD: The next generation of tyre slaying. You heard it here first!
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GLOSSARY GRiD YOURSELF:
AWD All Wheel Drive (see
Black Flagged To be ordered to the pits or penalty box, due to a rules infraction or unsafe car. A black flag is shown to the car that has to stop. Boost The increase in pressure, speed or power produced by turbocharging a car’s engine or, specifically, when the turbocharger spins faster. Burnout A burnout is the practice of keeping a vehicle stationary and spinning its wheels, causing the tires to heat up and smoke due to friction.
Bye Allows a driver to advance to the next stage or heat of an event, without competing, when there are uneven numbers entered. Carbon fibre A magical material that simultaneously makes any car faster and more expensive. Seriously, when discussing cars, we’re more specifically discussing carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). Clean air Air that has not been affected by turbulence from other cars. The opposite of dirty air. Clipping Point A marker set out by judges – drivers have
Chuki Mid period of a Japanese car model lifespan D1 The Autobacs D1 Grand Prix which started in Japans Ebisu South Circuit. This is the world’s premier drift championship. Displacement The calculated combined volume of all of the cylinders in an internal combustion engine Did Not Attend (often DNA) Denotes a driver who was entered for a race but did not attend the circuit. Did Not Finish (often DNF) A driver who did not finish the race. Did Not Qualify / Did Not Pre-qualify (often DNQ / DNPQ) A failure to qualify or pre-qualify for a race. Did Not Start (often DNS) A driver who did not attempt to compete in a race, even though he may have competed in practice sessions and/
Dirty air The air disrupted by a car when it moves at speed, which can cause aerodynamic difficulties for a car following closely behind. Disqualify (often DQ or DSQ) Where a competitor is removed from the results, usually in penalty for a technical infringement. Sometimes, but not always, interchangeable with Excluded. Drift A driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, with loss of traction in the rear wheels or all tires, while maintaining control and driving the car through the entirety of a corner. Dorifuto Westernised Japanese term for the sport of drifting ECU Engine Control Unit. Electronic system that controls engine functions. Green track A paved race course that is clean from rubber buildup, oil/ grease, marbles (see below), and debris,
typically cleansed by means of a recent rain shower. Feint Drift Steering in one direction and then quickly countersteering, therefore forcing the back of the car to break traction and slide. FIA Stands for Federation Internationale de l’Automobile. The World governing body of motorsport. Flat spot When a wheel locks under braking, the car skids and leaves a flat spot on the section of the tyre that was touching the ground at the time. Formula Drift The premier United States drifting series. Formula Drift, Inc. was co-founded by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage in 2003 as a sister company to the now defunct Slipstream Global Marketing, the same partnership that introduced D1 Grand Prix to the United States. FRP Fibre-reinforced plastic, (also called fibre-reinforced polymer, or fibrereinforced plastic).
GLOSSARY
Apex The part of a corner where the racing line is nearest the inside of the bend.
also RWD)
Crate motor or engine An engine that is ready-built and sealed by an independent company.
or qualifying.
GRiD
American Muscle Vehicles built in the USA, usually with a V8 engine. Often refers to sports and performance cars that were built in America by American companies from the late 1950’s onwards fitted with large displacement engines
to get the front or rear of the car close to this point to do well.
YOURSELF:
CHECK
2019
Confused about a lot of the petrolhead terms heard in the paddock? Then Get to know your Oversteer from your RB26 with our ultimate GRiD glossary guide. Heard something you dont understand? Head over to the Gymkhana GRiD Facebook page and send us a message…
Anti Lag / ALS A system that keeps the turbocharger spinning, and producing boost, at low throttle by igniting air and fuel in the exhaust.
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P O LA N D
CHECK
GRiD Y R A S S O L G CHECKSELF: YOUR
WA R SAW
Grip Opposite of Drift Gymkhana A type of motorsport.
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Similar to autocross, the goal of gymkhana is to achieve the fastest time possible; memorising the course is a significant part of achieving a fast time.
GRiD YOURSELF: CHECK
Holeshot Getting a starting line advantage due to a quicker reaction time. The other driver gets “holeshotted” “welded to the line” or “left at the tree.” Hook up Good traction between tires and track resulting in increased acceleration and reduced slipping or smoking of tires. Hoonigan
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Kouki Late period of a Japanese car model lifespan LSD Limited Slip Differential – The standard open differential used on most cars allows the wheels at each end of an axle to spin at different speeds. Missile A drift car built for practice and abuse, to be used alongside another competition car.
Oversteer Occurs when a car turns by more than the amount commanded by the driver. Parc Fermé ‘Closed Park’ where cars can be isolated after a race for controlled checks by Scrutineers. Penalty A one second time penalty for a competitor hitting an obstacle on track during a run Practice Track session at the beginning of each event for all participants to run as
Pre-grid Area behind the start line where cars line up before a race.
S-body Slang for a particular model of Nissan’s cars with chassis codes beginning with S. Applies from the S10 through to the S15, although commonly used to refer solely to the S13/S14 and S15.
Scrutineering Pre- and postevent technical and safety checks of cars to ensure their compliance with the regulations. Skyline A line of compact cars, sports cars and compact executive cars originally produced by the Prince Motor Company starting in 1957, and then by Nissan after the two companies merged in 1967. RB26 A type of engine. Specifically the RB26DETT engine is a 2.6 L (2,568 cc) Inline-six engine manufactured by Nissan. Rice Slang term for a heavily modified Japanese manufactured car. Mostly used in the derogatory sense. RWD Rear Wheel Drive. See also AWD Run The Wall To graze the rear bumper of the car along a wall or guardrail whilst drifting without
Send It Slang for launching into a race full throttle / attacking a run / going all in. Popularised in the car scene and drifting by Jarod DeAnda Train Drifting in a train formation (3 or more cars) Togue Back mountain roads in Japan, sometimes used for drifting Turbocharger A method of forced induction (opposite of Naturally Aspirated) which uses a compressor driven by exhaust gasses to increase the pressure and quantity of air entering the engine, allowing an increased power output. Tyre cleaning Non-compulsory process prior to lining-up on the grid where drivers warm their tyres and rehearse their start procedure, or perform donuts, with the
resulting wheel-spin ‘cleaning’ the surface of the tyre. Understeer When the car’s front wheels lose grip through a corner due to excessive speed. Welder An open differential that’s had the spider gears welded together so that both rear wheels spin at the same speed. Zenki Early period of a Japanese car model lifespan 2JZ Or 2JZ-GTE. A inlinelayout, six-cylinder, belt-driven dual overhead camshaft, air-intercooled, twinturbocharged, castiron block, aluminium cylinder headed engine designed and manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation that was produced from 1991 until 2002 in Japan.
GLOSSARY
HHIC The Head Hoonigan In Charge - Ken Block
JDM Japan Domestic Market - refers to vehicles or vehicle parts sold in Japan
OEM: Original equipment manufacturer OEM parts are the stock parts that are supplied by the manufacturer of any vehicle.
drastically altering the car’s line.
GRiD
Handbrake Drift The handbrake is pulled sharply on causing the rear wheels to lock up and slide.
Initiate To begin a drift. Drifting can be initiated by unsettling the rear grip of the car using any number of techniques.
NOS, N20: Nitrous oxide NOS technically stands for Nitrous Oxide Systems, which is a manufacturer of components used to enable nitrous-oxide gas injection for petrol engines.
many time as they wish to learn the circuit.
YOURSELF:
HANS Device Acronym for Head and Neck Support, a specific form of Frontal Head Restraint (FHR) which is compulsory for all drivers to wear during races.
Inertia Drift Heavy deceleration and then a steering movement as the rear wheels go light therefore initiating a slide or drift.
Naturally Aspirated Referring to an engine, where the pressure of air entering the engine is at natural atmospheric pressure.
CHECK
GLOSSARY
Hachi Derived from “Hachi Roku” - Japanese for Eighty Six - or Toyota AE86
A person who operates a motor vehicle in an aggressive and unorthodox manner, consisting of, but not limited to, drifting, burn outs, and doughnuts. One who f@#king hoons!
1.5-Way & 2-Way Types of rear differentials. A 1.5-way diff locks the gears under acceleration and a small amount under deceleration. A 2-way diff locks the gears under both acceleration and deceleration.
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Or is it?
EV
EV Tesliner ER32 The Slaying: Tyre Emissions
Championships, which have previously hung their hat on firespitting, high octanefuelled racing, are crossing their fingers that sparks will continue to fly when
Tesliner
Does it still absolutely hold true today? Maybe, maybe not; we’ll leave that to you. But the important thing to remember is that when a manufacturer pushes
This is all eye wateringly expensive stuff though. And unless you happen to be on first name terms with a bank or a blue chip, plugging into electric racing is out of reach for most.
Take a peek in the ZeroEV pit awning at Gymkhana GRiD, and you’ll find something entirely more accessible than a million-dollar Formula E or World RX car. An early 90’s ER32 Nissan Skyline sporting much more than a fuelly petrol engine under the bonnet. What’s more, once its rolling there’s no 90’s turbo-car scream or whoosh-sound. Instead, there was just a quiet whine, which is overtaken rapidly by the sound of squealing tyres.
ER32
The race for advancing technology in motorsport is hotter than ever before; and it’s working towards more than just figuring out how to cram more buttons onto Lewis Hamilton’s steering wheel.
The
The theory was, that if the green [race] car finished ahead of the red [race] car at the weekend; wouldbe customers might be more likely to sign on the line for a green [street] car later that week.
they switch to allelectric drivetrains. The FIA World Rallycross Championship is the most recent example, which hopes to turn on battery power come the flag drop of the 2020 season. Arguably series like the Formula E championship, and the World Endurance Championship’s use of hybrid engines have kicked down the proverbial door and blazed a trail for a new generation of emission-light racing.
Slaying:
in a clear direction during the race season, you are more likely to see a result of that push driving around on the street in a handful of years that follow. Look no further than traction control, flappy-paddle gearboxes, and active suspension, for example.
Tyre
Win on Sunday, sell on Monday. Or so the saying goes... It’s a cliché that emerged from the smokey boardrooms of automotive executives in the 1960’s. A sort of advertising shtick used to justify spanking through obscene piles of cash in order to go racing.
Emissions
Zero
THE ER32 TESLINER EV
Zero
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Zero Emissions Tyre Slaying
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Zero Emissions Tyre Slaying Tesliner
Tesliner ER32 The Slaying: Tyre Emissions
ER32 EV
“It’s running a whole Tesla rear sub frame, motors, brakes, and twin chargers. With the twin Tesla chargers, we can do 22 kilowatts-anhour charging. Put in rough terms 22 kilowatts is roughly what a house would use in two or three days, and we can chuck that into the car within an hour. This is just the start, we are developing drivetrains that run from 500bhp to 1200bhp using just electric motors.”
“I think the advantages can potentially outweigh the negatives though – if we want to continue racing, and keep going to all of the tracks we love, then the lack of noise is potentially one way to do that. We could even see more venues – in city centres for example – open their doors to racing, where noise does become an issue. If this is the future then so be it – I’m kind of ok with it, because it exceeded my expectations in such a big way. Time will tell…”
The
“I find it hilarious that people say this electric power is boring, or that you’ve ruined a perfectly good car,” continues Hazell. “It’s so ridiculously fast, and it’s the future. At the moment it’s in a reasonably mild state of tune, and we are putting out roughly 500bhp, and it’s well over 1000nm of torque. There’s so much less to go wrong – less moving mechanical parts. Everything can be programmed and tailored to suit the driver. We are looking in to torque vectoring at the moment – that is how much power is delivered to each wheel to help the car turn faster.
“The downside is the obvious. I’m a petrol head through and through, and I will always miss the noise, because you’ll never beat the sound of a V8 or a rallycross engine popping and banging, but from a performance standpoint this thing is unbelievable. The only way to describe it is like being on a theme park ride. You’re just forced into the seat when it takes off without a lot of the usual references – like the rev-limiter. It’s got one gear and just takes off and keeps going. I was left a little bit speechless.
Slaying:
And what is Chris’ response to hardened mechanics crying into their oily rags that there isn’t a piston in sight?
Luke Woodham, gave his verdict after putting the Tesliner through its paces in demonstration runs last season, added: “It was a complete attack on the senses, I had no expectation as to what it was going to be like”, said Woodham. “The throttle response was the biggest thing for me. You don’t need to clutch kick or gear change – you just keep your foot planted and it is absolutely relentless. I think it’s actually easier to drift than a conventional drift car with a clutch and gears. People need to experience it first hand and feel the pure power and usability of the car instead of jumping up and down over the Internet about it.
Tyre
“Away from motorsport the whole world is going to transition from internal combustion to electric power sooner rather than later, and that’s huge. The new generations of drivers in 10 to 15 years aren’t going to know any different. Anyone running one of these electric cars against a petrol cars… well the petrol car doesn’t stand a chance.”
“I competed at GRiD in 2015 and 2016 in a Subaru. When I was offered a drive in the R32 with the Tesla motor I jumped at it. I love EVs, so I’m really excited to see how well we can compete with the ICE (internal-combustion engine) cars. Like it or not I think EVs are going to be the next big wave! It’s got 1000Nm of torque. You can’t ignore figures like that!”
Emissions
Zero
“The idea is to enable people to get into this. We are working on kits that are plug and play, with pre-made wiring looms and idiotproof guides. The aim is to bring electric race cars to the open market. People will still want to build kit cars, drift cars, and do mad engine swaps – but the future is doing it with electric stuff. Our Tesla Large Drive Unit kit is under £10,000 and the car cost me £1,800 from a breaker, even with the batteries and various accessories – that’s still a fraction of the price of the average competition car.
to say the least, and reliability should be good too. There is far more to go wrong with a traditional combustion engine car too - when you consider the amount of moving parts.
Zero
EV
“We have built Europe’s first Tesla powered Skyline, and at the same time the world’s first tesla powered drift car”, explains Chris Hazell, boss of Zero EV. “It’s absolutely brilliant to have the opportunity to let people see it in action, We had Monster Energy’s Luke Woodham demo the car at last year’s FIA World Rallycross of France, and now Andy Steven’s is competing with it at Gymkhana GRID 2019. They are both used to driving petrol powered race cars before and since driving our electric car have been grinning from ear to ear after the first run.
The verdict is good from the cockpit too.
It’s absolutely tremendous - and should hopefully be very competitive,” explained Andy Stevens - who will be piloting the Tesliner at GRiD this year. “I’m really really excited to be accepted to compete at Gymkhana GRiD again this year, and even more so to do it in the Zero-EV Tesliner. I’ve really had my perspective really shifted by this car. The power delivery from the electric motors is impressive
WA R SAW
P O LA N D
2019
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WA R SAW
P O LA N D
2019
It’s not often you meet an athlete with more torque in his legs than a Ferrari Enzo. Less frequently still, an athlete that holds a staggering six Olympic gold medals and eleven world titles. Enter the simply astonishing Sir Chris Hoy. When it comes to raw performance, the 43-year-old Scot is a true force of nature. As the second most decorated cyclist of all time, not to mention the most successful Olympic cyclist of all time, Sir Chris Hoy knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed at the top. Having retired from competitive cycling in 2013, Hoy has turned his professional focus on a life long interest in motorsport; and it’s fair to say he hasn’t been hanging about. Having previous taken part in the British GT Championship, European LeMans Series, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and a round of the 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship, Sir Chris is quickly racking up the cockpit hours.
GRiD FOR UP GEARING HOY:
UP FOR
CHRIS
GEARING GRiD
SIR
HOY:
GEARING UP FOR GRiD
You’ve been an extraordinary competitor all of your career; what’s your approach? Sir Chris Hoy: “Thank-you! My approach is to do it because I love it! When you do something you genuinely enjoy, and you don’t have massive pressure to get results, it usually goes well! I always did my cycling because I loved it, but there’s no denying that towards the end of my career it was very driven by results because of how much I was putting into it. And that can suck the fun out of things a little. Whereas with what I am doing now in motorsport, there isn’t huge external expectation. In fact, the main expectation comes from myself to do the best job I can, and to do the opportunity justice. There are so many people out there that would love to do what I am doing - I really just want to do want to do a good job!”
CHRIS
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SIR CHRIS HOY
Read on to find out his thoughts on how things are shaping up in preparation for GRiD 2019, and how a drive in Colin McRae’s championship winning Subaru lit the fuse on a racing career…
SIR
Arguably his most unique challenge behind the wheel is yet to come though. Strapping into a turbo-charged Hyundai i20 R5 specification rally car this September, he will take on the 2019 edition of the Gymkhana GRiD course in Poland, in the All-Wheel Drive category.
How did you first become interested in Motorsport? Sir Chris Hoy: “I’m a motorsport fan through and through, and I feel like I really am living the dream right now! Getting to drive all sorts of fantastic cars. If only I’d have known back then that all I needed to do was win six olympic gold medals and I’d get to drive all this wonderful stuff, it would be simple right?! My interest in motorsport started out right from the very beginning with Scalextric [Slot Cars] and playing with toy cars. I was really interested in LeMans as a kid, because I had a LeMans Scalextric set. I remember asking my Dad why those cars had lights, and other racing cars didn’t. Of course because they raced at night! But naturally as
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What will you be driving at GRiD? Sir Chris Hoy: “I’ll be in a Hyundai i20 R5 rally car, I’ll only get a day or so of testing before the event, so it’s hard to say much more about the car at this stage. I’m very excited to drive it though, as it’s a hugely capable machine!”
GRiD FOR UP GEARING
GEARING UP
HOY:
HOY: FOR GRiD
SIR CHRIS
CHRIS
bikes became such a big part of my life, cars kind of took a back seat. During the mid-nineties when Colin McRae was at the forefront of World Rally - not to mention to have a Scottish sports person winning at world level - I watched every single round possible on Channel 4. Whenever I had the chance to follow it I would. Colin’s driving style, his commitment; he was just such a compelling competitor to follow, and he was my hero. It’s fair to say he was the one that got me hooked on rally and racing. I had the massive honour of doing a documentary on Colin’s life in 2013 - I got to drive his championship winning Subaru on the Sweet Lamb stages in Wales, and re-enact the final stage. It was massively awe-inspiring. That was what really got me into racing.”
Finally, what’s your view on the driving challenge you’ll face in Poland at GRiD? Sir Chris Hoy: “The adrenaline rush when you are on the start line of a race is massive. When I was on the grid in World Rallycross in Barcelona at the beginning of this year, and you’ve done the burnout to clean the tyres, I was looking across at the other drivers thinking ‘what on earth have I got myself into here! Haha! Straight in at the deep end - bouncing off the limiter. It was so surreal but absolutely incredible. I’m expecting Gymkhana GRiD to be exactly the same. Of course I love competing and want to be the absolutely best I can be, but I realise that to step up to professionals that have been racing cars all of their life is a big challenge. If I can improve with each run and get a benchmark of where you are in comparison to your rivals then I’ll get the most out of it. I’ll have a lot to learn about the course and the car, but at the heart of it I just want to have a brilliant time, and do some big skids!”
SIR
What do you know about Gymkhana GRiD and how will you learn the course? Sir Chris Hoy: “I’ve watched the videos online, but short of that I’ll be throwing myself into the unknown! Before the documentary around Colin McRae in 2013 I had the chance to have a passenger ride with Ken Block, and got to see the immense car control he has, and to see what kind of performance the type of cars that compete in Gymkhana GRiD have. It’s going to be very much into the unknown. From a mental approach - I think there’s a parallel between pursuit cycling or the team sprint - where you’ve got your opponent on the other side of the track - and you are trying to get round and finish before them. You aren’t focusing on them entirely, but you are constantly aware they are there. Any tips I can pick up from the other drivers that have competed in GRiD before will be invaluable too. The best way will just be to approach the whole experience with an open mind.”
How do you train as a driver? Sir Chris Hoy: “For me simulators are really useful. I used the sim in preparation for the rallycross race at Barcelona - it helps to learn the layout of the course. I try and visualise runs - being able to close your eyes and know where you need to be on track and what gears you need to be in is hugely important. Speaking to other drivers, watching videos, talking to the engineers - looking at data - all of which I find fascinating. I love having a puzzle, and trying to solve it; and motorsport is very much like that for me. I’ll speak to the guys that are doing well, and try and absorb as much as possible. They’ve gone through the painful process of trail and error, so what better way to learn than from the best!”
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BUCKY ON
Fan favourite Jonathan Buck and his trademark fluro-yellow Subaru have high hopes at this year’s Gymkhana GRiD final in Poland, not least because he finished as the top All-Wheel Drive Pro-Am driver at GRiD 2018.
How did you first get involved with Gymkhana GRiD? Bucky: “In 2015 I took part in a couple of Gymkhana events, and then rocked up to Gymkhana GRiD as a last chance qualifier, and managed to finish seventh I think. It wasn’t my greatest event in terms of performance but I was pretty much hooked and loved it from there!” What does GRiD mean to you as an opportunity? Bucky: “Gymkhana GRiD has pretty much given me everything that my racing career stands for at the moment. I race in the UK Gymkhana series also, and do whatever I can to promote myself on online and through social media [Editor’s note... Bucky’s Instagram is: @j13uky]
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but to have 50 million people watch Gymkhana GRiD online and on TV is insane. You get to race against legends like Ken Block and Petter Solberg and Johan Kristoffersson. I’m just a guy from Bradford that fits kitchens… that’s it! I’ve built a car, traveled the world, and raced on a massive stage against names that are legends. That’s what Gymkhana GRiD does, and it’s what no other sport can do!”
BUCKY
As one of the paddock’s most outspoken drivers’ we caught up with Bucky to get his take on the opportunity that GRiD offers to any competitor, working 70 hours a week to fund a racing ambition, and just who he thinks will be giving him a run for his money to the ProAm GRiD title this season. Read on to find out…
2019
ON
This season’s final will be Bucky’s fifth Gymkhana GRiD, and while the will to win is stronger than ever with the charismatic 38 year old from Bradford, in the UK, he and his Spotter Mark Palmer, are looking forward to setting the track alight with burnt rubber, instead of an oil fire – as experienced in Johannesburg during GRiD 2018.
P O LA N D
BET
BET
BET ON BUCKY
WA R SAW
Tell us a little bit more about yourself… Bucky: “For 50 weeks a year I supply and install kitchens! For 50 weeks a year I get up in the morning and go to work like everyone else. I leave my house at 7am in the morning, and most nights I don’t get home until 7 o’clock at night. But equally for 52 weeks a year Gymkhana GRiD is there in the back of my mind. It’s a goal, and it’s always there. That’s how insane Gymkhana GRiD is. Of course I work to provide for my family and make sure that my wife and my kids have a great life, but I’m always thinking about how I can make sure that my car is ready to go when it comes around to Gymkhana GRiD time! I could work 45 hours a week and have a nice easy life but I work 70 hours a week to make sure I can pay for the race car as well as giving my family a great life.” You were Top Pro-AM in South Africa at GRiD 2018 - that was no easy feat right? Bucky: “It was a total experience of mixed emotions last year if I’m honest. From car fires to winning - it was crazy. Going to South Africa
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last year he was testing his new car, but this year he’s moved things along, and he’ll be the guy I need to beat! Of course Oliver and Petter Solberg will be tough to beat; but they are racing cars worth hundreds of thousands of pounds with massive specs. I’m a kitchen fitter from Bradford who drives a £30,000 Subaru, so if I beat them it’ll be their loss - if not then no problem!”
BET ON BUCKY
Tell us a little bit more about your car… Bucky: “It’s a street-car first and foremost! I bought the car five years ago. I remember watching the first Gymkhana video that Ken Block did - on the airfield - with the ‘Hawkeye’ Subaru Impreza. I watched it and thought - I want to do that! I’d never raced a car before. So after I bought it - I put some wheels on it, a spoiler, and some light modifications. I turned up to my first Gymkhana event in the UK and was blown away. £25 grand later, and it’s 500bhp, lightweight, and is I think - the essence of Gymkhana. I think the car almost perfectly represents what Ken Block wants for Gymkhana GRiD. That is, the ability to turn up with a street car, and race against megastars on an amazing track.”
BET
ON
BUCKY
Finally, tell us about your team Bucky: “There’s one guy that for the last couple of years that has absolutely seen me through Gymkhana GRiD and supported me 100%. And I couldn’t have done it without him. His name is Mark Palmer! He’s my spotter when I’m on track, and his support means everything in the paddock. He talks me through the track during practice and it’s invaluable.”
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FIJAŁ
Who will your main rivals be this year? Bucky: “It’s going to be tough this year for sure. I think there will be a lot more competition in the Pro-Am category this year. Having said that, I think it’s is going to come down to me and the SCR guy - Dmitrij Sribnyj. He’s picked his game up again this year. I think
Vs
So next up is Poland; have you been before and what are you expecting? Bucky: “I’ve never been to Poland before and I’m massively looking forward to it. After winning the top Pro-Am spot last year; I’m feeling more relaxed. Ever since my first race in 2015 I’ve always been so stressed; who am I racing, who do I need to beat, what is the track like… Now I feel like I just need to focus on me and I’ll be alright. Don’t get me wrong, the challenge is going to be massive and there are going to be some new drivers, so I’ll give it my all. But I think I’m in the right frame of mind to succeed.”
WHITTOCK VS OLA FIJAL
WHITTOCK
was amazing on every level. The engine in my race car blew up at an event right before I was due to ship it to Johannesburg. We managed to get it fixed literally on the morning the car was going to be loaded into a container. Then during practice, the oil feed came off and set the track and car on fire! At that point we thought - that’s it; it’s over; wasted time, money and effort. We got the car repaired, and the next minute I’m in the top four and the top Pro-Am. It was incredible. I cant stress enough, that’s all because Gymkhana GRiD gives people like me an opportunity!”
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Professional; amateur; young; old; male; female… none of those things really matter to us. What does matter is your credentials behind the wheel. Nevertheless, there is a storm brewing for the tenth GRiD finale that can’t be overlooked. And we are seriously excited about it! Two awesome drivers; two equally matched 550bhp drift machines; and bragging rights to be the latest female podium finisher at Gymkhana GRiD. The UK’s Tessa Whittock (Instagram: @tessa_whittock), who recently became the first ever female drift driver to be signed up as an athlete for Monster Energy, threw her name into the mix for the podium spoils in Warsaw this year. What’s more she comes armed with a serious level of talent, and a 550bhp Nissan Skyline to match. After a baptism of fire in Johannesburg, South Africa, at GRiD 2018, she is eyeing success when the battles get going in earnest on September 7th. However Tessa will have to bring her A-game though. Flying the flag for the home crowd will be Poland’s Ola Fijał (Instagram: @turbosztos). The 25-year-old Warsaw-based driver will bring an equally race-ready, 550bhp Nissan S13 with her to the PTAK Warsaw Expo on September 7th. Judging by her runs in the Polish National Drift Championship, where she has been absolutely vaporising the tyres on her epic S13, and going door-to-door with rivals, Ola is going to put up a serious fight when it comes to a shot at the GRiD podium. Both driver’s follow in the wheel tracks of Hungarian driver Nicolett Szanto, who raced to podium success at 2013’s edition of Gymkhana GRiD in Madrid, Spain.
Goals for this year?
R33 vs S13, Whittock vs Fijał; it’s on!
Vs
Read on to find out more about each driver, and how they will be tackling the challenge once it’s lights out for Gymkhana GRiD 2019.
WHITTOCK
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Have you raced in Poland before? Tessa: “I’ haven’t been to Poland actually - it’s one of the only places I haven’t been. I’m expecting some tough competition for sure though!” What car are you bringing? Have you adapted it for GRiD? Tessa: “Nissan Skyline R33 GTS-T. It’s my other half’s car.
It’s got a 1JZ, 550bhp 500 ft lb of torque. I’m very lucky to have a mechanic as a boyfriend. He’s very very good at aligning and setting up cars for as much grip as possible. He’s competing in the European Drift Masters series, so I have a lot of experience to draw from with him and we can bounce ideas around.”
Who’s your main rival? Tessa: “I’m more inclined to say one of the guys, but because there is another woman involved - then I’m hoping that we can have a little bit of girl rivalry at Gymkhana GRiD this year! It’s going to be tough and exciting at the same time!”
OLA FIJAL
How did you get into drifting? Ola: “It all started with my dad. He founded the drift team. Then he created the drift Academy in which I started. So with all this around me I had to start in competitions.” What does it mean to compete at GRiD in-front of your home crowd?
FIJAŁ
How are you feeling about GRiD 2019? Ola: “I’m very excited! I can’t wait. Every time I see a Gymkhana GRiD poster in Poland, I shout - I’m going there!!” How long have you been racing? Ola: “For five years I have been taking part in the Polish Drift Championships with STW Drift Team.”
First up how are you feeling about GRiD 2019? Tessa: “I’m very excited! Because it was my first year going to Gymkhana GRiD in South Africa last year, to go be invited back and go to a different venue - in Poland - is awesome! I was unlucky last year with some technical problems due to fuelling issues. But I’m definitely read and raring to go this time for sure!”
haven’t come from a motorsport background, and I’ve done this just with the help of my friends and family. I know of a lot of women that have got into motorsport because their family were already involved, and I want to be able to help and show awareness to other women that if they want to race that they can get involved even if they dont have a direct connection to the sport. As long as they push themselves to reach their goals.”
Vs
WHITTOCK
Tessa: “I would love to go and win obviously. But I think to be more realistic I would like to get to the Top-16. I want to be part of the evening show. If I can get into the top-8 or top-4 then that would be incredible. There are some incredible drivers coming though, so it’s going to be tough! Including Daigo and his amazing Supra, which I’m very jealous of!” What does it mean to you to be a female athlete in motorsport? Tessa: “It’s a privilege and I’m really excited about it. I’m the first female in the world to be signed as a drift driver for Monster Energy, which is something I’m immensely proud of too. So to fly the flag for women in drifting is something I really want to embrace and share with other people. I
WHITTOCK
FIJAŁ
Have you been testing? Tessa: “Not at all! I might have an opportunity just before the Gymkhana GRiD finals this year. I think I underestimated the format. I didn’t expect the track and driving to be so complicated and technical. I’ve watched Luke Woodham drive GRiD for many years, and I thought - I could definitely do that, not a problem! But in realist there is so much to learn. There are two sides of the track to learn. You’ll always have a stronger left or right hand side depending on what side of your your brain works better. So I was properly taken a-back in South Africa when I first drove the course.”
Ola: “It’s amazing, but also very stressful. All competitions in my backyard stress me even more.”
Have you adapted your S13 for GRiD? Ola: “Yes! We’re working on the car all the time to keep it perfect. I’m not going to give our set up away!” Have you been testing? Ola: “Yes, after the euphoria of finding out I was going to Gymkhana GRiD, I started working on it to get the best result.” What challenges do you think you will face learning the GRiD course? Ola: “Definitely a lot of technical driving. but I hope that there will be lots of new things for me. This will be a very good experience for me.”
Who is a main rival for you? Ola: “Everyone is a potential rival for me. But what I will have to fight against the most is myself. The reason why is because there will be a lot of amazing drivers, who I used to follow on social media and who are my inspiration and now i ma going to compete against them. It’s stressful but very exiting at the same time.” What does it mean to you personally to be a female competition driver? Ola: “I’m glad that in Poland there is more and more drift girls. We compete with the guys, showing that girls can be as good as guys in drift. I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s always been my lifestyle.”
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CROSSWORD
ACROSS. 5. Dakar driver competing in GRiD this year 6. Warsaw in Polish 8. The Voice of GRiD 9. Most successful AWD driver in GRiD history 10. Petter Solberg’s style of driving 11. Luke Woodham’s original job 12. OG Supra Engine 14. KB43 2019 season programme 15. GRiD venue in Johannesburg 16. Complete the quote: “I’ll have the tuna….” 18. 2012 RWD GRiD winner 19. Youngest driver at Gymkhana GRiD 2019
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DOWN. 1. Oliver Solberg’s fanclub 2. Jonathan Buck’s nickname 3. Location of 2014 GRiD Final 4. Car is stationary, but the wheels are spinning 5. What does JDM stand for? 7. The Head Hoonigan In Charge 13. 1400bhp, All-Wheel Drive, Version 2 17. Time penalty in seconds for hitting an obstacle
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FINAL
QUARTER FINAL BATTLE 2
RWD
SEMI FINAL BATTLES WARSAW
2019
WINNER POLAND
TOP 16
SEMI FINAL BATTLES
QUARTER FINAL BATTLE 1
QUARTER FINAL BATTLE 1
2019
THIRD PLACE
WINNER
FINAL
AWD WARSAW
P O LA ND
TOP 16
QUARTER FINAL BATTLE 2
THIRD PLACE
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