VIDEO // SUBIEFEST 2009 VIA RYAN DOUTHIT

Subiefest isn't just a regular event, it's our event. That is, our crew produces it. Every year we try to ratchet up the awesome, and this year I had what I though was a great last-minute idea: Formula D star Stephan Verdier was schedule to come out and show off his Drifto antics in a modified RWD Subaru STI - well, what if I provided myself as an obstacle? I mean, anyone can slide a car back-and-forth on a narrow track. But to get a car full-on sideways with someone blocking half the track? That certainly take a bit more than your average helping of skill.

In addition to this craziness, the video includes a walk-around of Mike McGuinness' Best in Show WRX Wagon, Ali Afshar's 1000hp WRX demo and more.

Video and Editorial courtesy of Ryan Douthit and Driving Sports // [comment]

AD CAMPAIGN // THE PORSCHE FAMILY TREE

You may have already seen this clip, but for those who haven't, enjoy what might be one of the most interesting and entertaining ad campaigns ever produced by a major automotive manufacturer... save for Nissan's Black Gold commercials of course // [comment]

HISTORY // NEIL TOZER & THE 1977 RAC RALLY

Thinking back tonight with a few beers, I remembered the first Rally my late father took me to which was the RAC Rally in 1977.

The RAC, which dated back to before the war, was a fearsome test of man and machine taking place over five whole days and nights with stages right around the UK. Crews would have to endure a timetable that left little time for sleep and often conditions in the North of England would see ice and snow, especially around the fantastic stages in Kielder.

I was only eleven at the time and I can remember seeing the late great Roger Clark with the glorious sound of his Escort RS1800 BDA ringing around the forests at dawn. This event really puts the modern WRC events to shame, and one wonders how some of todays stars would have coped.

Anyway enough of my ramblings, follow the link for a list of drivers that can be seen in this great footage from the 1977 event... [read more]



Drivers in the video (in order of appearence)
1 - Roger Clark (Ford Escort RS1800)
4 - Pentti Airikkala (Vauxhall Chevette 2300)
5 - Björn Waldegard (Ford Escort RS1800)
7 - Sandro Munari (Lancia Stratos HF)
8 - Hannu Mikkola (Toyota Celica)
9 - Ari Vatanen (Ford Escort RS1800)
29 - Brian Culcheth (Triumph TR7)
23 - Russell Brookes (Ford Escort RS1800)
70 - David Thompson (Ford Escort RS1800)
26 - Andy Dawson (Ford Escort RS1800)
24 - Tony Pond (Triumph TR7)
40 - Graham Elsmore (Ford Escort RS2000)
20 - Kyösti Hämäläinen (Ford Escort RS1800)

Video: Neil Tozer/YouTube
Editorial: Neil Tozer

LUNCH BREAK VIDEO // THE 1982 MONACO GRAND PRIX

There is something missing from todays race commentary. Something fundamental. When I watch vintage racing videos, there is a sense that no one driver is favored, that each is, as they should be, judged not by what they have done, but what they're doing in that particular race. Take this clip from the 1982 Monaco Grand Prix for an example. The commentary is sharp, witty and interesting. It leaves personal opinions at the door and instead offers insight and information on what might otherwise be a rather uneventful race. It reminds me of Bruce Brown and his 1960's surf film The Endless Summer. Both tongue and cheek.

In a sport often ripe with controversy, this clip reminds me of a time when commentary was entertaining, not overly opinionated // [comment]

HISTORY // TAZIO NUVOLARI WINS 1935 PAU GRAND PRIX

In the opening race of the 1935 Formula One season, Italian racing driver Tazio Nuvolari drove his Alfa Romeo Tipo B "P3" to victory on the streets of Pau, France. Follow the link for a look... [read more]



Video courtesy of our good friend Kevin York

VIDEO // TOM CORONEL @ PAU - NSFW

There are few people as animated in the cockpit as Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel. Last season, when the WTCC visited the small French town of Pau, Tom was alive with comments and criticisms throughout the contest. In the videos below, watch as Coronel laps the French street circuit, breathing heavily as he muscles his SEAT racing car through the narrow streets, then enjoy a bit of a remix... [read more]





Photo: Neil Tozer