Modified Tuner Shootout | FIR Main – 3.16.13

Two weeks ago was a huge weekend for us (i.e. the motor sport world) here in the valley of the sun. Firstly, the Modified magazine Tuner Shootout was running an event with NASA AZ and secondly, our good friend Phil Robles (Woohoo!!!) was making a much anticipated return; which surprised quite a few people, including yours truly – moi. Read More

The Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas

The U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas, where can I start with this? I know that thousands of fans have awaited the return of Formula 1 to the U.S. In my eyes, the last real Grand Prix held here in the States was more than 20 years ago at Watkins Glen in 1980. From there on, it bounced around multiple cities trying to establish a home that never flourished as well as the organizers anticipated. It is still shocking to know that Phoenix held 3 races! (Here in Phoenix!) It is unfortunate that I was not living here during those years. Indianapolis was a big joke, I was never a fan of the track and even the name didn’t sound right. In some ways okay maybe most ways I was glad Indianapolis didn’t work out. Read More

Under the Lights – FIR West | 8.25.12 & 8.26.12

Arizona summers are a challenge to endure. There are constant extreme temperatures throughout the day - hot, hotter and hell! The break we get at night is minimal. So how does one deal with this factor when pushing mechanical parts and humans to the limit? Well, you set the time of the event to start after sunset and then - hope for the best! Read More

Nisei Showoff 2012 | Little Tokyo

When 12:45 p.m. rolled around, I got ready and finished some last minute things at work in true-frantic style. The plan was to meet at Matt's shop at 2:00 p.m. to commence our long and mundane drive to L.A . From what I heard, we were supposed to leave a couple hours before but since I had to work, they decided to wait for me. My drive to Matt's shop occurred rather quickly but to my surprise, there was nobody there. Hmmm. After some waiting and some bumper re-taping everyone arrived and our small convoy was ready to take off to attend Nisei Showoff 2012. Read More

Just Another Si

Back in 1999, Honda decided to bring the Si badge out of hiatus and make a triumphant return to showrooms across the states. I remember the first time I saw one. It was actually owned by our very own Paul ‘My shoes are not bright’ Green. Though the car was already very attractive, after he lowered it – everywhere he went - heads turned. It had a timeless yet and classy look. Read More

Wekfest LA | Part Three

There were a few times during the day that I felt like calling it quits and just going back to the hotel to get some sleep, time felt as it was going in slow motion. Hauling all my gear did not help. Once the winners were announced, I've realized that Wekfest was almost over and to be honest it went by so quick. It was time to pack up and go home. Read More

Wekfest LA | Part Two

Catching the bus boat to get some food was much needed a nice break. I was really in need of some food and I was not the only one. The bus boat took an odd route to the other side of the bay. However, this gave us a chance to see the show from end to end from a different perspective. After lunch, Paul decided to go get some Ice Cream, and though I am not a big fan of dessert, the idea of Ice cream sounded good. Maybe because I was still hungry. By the time we were heading back, I was done with my dessert and between the long night, heavy food, and the rocking of the boat, I was ready to go to sleep. When we got back, the marine layer was gone, the gates were open and the place was jamming. Read More

Wekfest LA | Part One

Last weekend we got the opportunity to attend Wekfest LA. From previous experience in San Francisco; we knew this was going to be an awesome event and were very excited to be attending. As the weekend got closer-anticipation got bigger. I only had to work 3 days that week but it felt as if I had worked 7 days...time passed so slowly. Read More

P IV | Cage The Animal

A few weeks ago, I was speaking to Paul about Phil's car and the status of its wiring harness. However, he switched from speaking about the harness and told me that the EG was heading down to Precision Chassis Works so Kent could work on a cage. The news took me by surprise; I was really not expecting this move so late on the build. But then again there was no script on putting the EG back together. A lot has changed along the way and if Phil was ever going to get a cage, this was the perfect timing. Read More

Under the Lights – FIR Main | 3.31.12

Yes, this is 30+ days late… but it happens. The first time I took photos at a track event was at Firebird International Raceway – Main -08’. It was a time for firsts – it was also my first time there. I was there with a 500mm lens. I was seated at the top of the bleachers and I was still able to get nice tight photos. Yes, this sounds like a very lazy way to take photos but it worked. When I was going over the photos, I realized that there was something I liked about those photos. I don't know if this was due to the lens, the track environment or a combination of both. Read More