Missed Gear – Page 7

Mazda and Modified Mix at Martinsville

October 28, 2024January 20, 2026 Missed Gear

It started with a discussion after a thought. A discussion about what could be done to have small, open top sports cars race around Martinsville Speedway.

A test happened with Mazda MX5 Cup drivers and noted NASCAR drivers. Dale Earnhardt Jr was there. Bobby Labonte was there. Later there was more testing with more cars for pack racing. Following this, the announcement came of a full on race with the Mazdas sharing a date with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.

This could be a thing… The Mazda show on the track did have a bit of its own flare. The sound, for one. Those engines are a higher pitch buzz instead of the NASCAR V8 roar. The size and weight make side to side moves on the track a lot quicker and three wide into the turn has track space to hold a line. The infield setting even mixed a bit of sports car, croissant and wine with the NASCAR biscuits and gravy.

NASCAR has been mixing with IMSA for years. The concept of the Mazda MX5 Cup at Martinsville began with a “what if” moment between Speedway President Clay Campbell and MX5 Cup representatives at Watkins Glen. Road course stock car racing is common. Sports cars on a NASCAR short track works out pretty good, too. The inaugural show at Martinsville has set that precedent.

For this one, racing front to finish for the most part, Jared Thomas took the win. Westin Workman challenged and took the lead briefly but came in behind Thomas. Landen Lewis drove in for third. Thomas had some early career short track experience but Workman had none and also had not previously tested at Martinsville. Lewis was a complete newcomer to the Mazdas and had not run the MX5 season at all.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour set the stage for thunder once the podium celebrations for the Mazdas were done. There was a little bit more tension for this one. The MX5 Cup season was done and the race at Martinsville was “run for the money” show. This Modified race was the season closer and crowning championship.

The Modifieds and Martinsville have a long tradition of racing and history. NASCAR Hall Of Famer and six time Modified National Champion, Jerry Cook, was there and made an obvious connection to the past. Title sponsor Whelen Engineering made the announcement to extend their connection and financial support to NASCAR and the Modified Tour.

Left: Whelen Pole Winner – race winner Justin Bonsignore with NASCAR Hall Of Famer / 6 time Champion Jerry Cook
Right: Joey Dennewitz – NASCAR Regional Director, Peter Tiezzi – Whelen Engineering, Jimmy Wilson – Modified Series Director

Coming into race day the points were close enough that a championship could fall one of three, maybe even four, ways if luck played in certain favors. Former champions Justin Bonsignore and Ron Silk were riding high coming into Martinsville. Patrick Emerling was reaching with a long shot but still had a chance.

By race end, Emerling came away closing the top ten. Ron Silk fell back to 17th with engine trouble putting him out. Bonsignore ran practically from flag to flag up front to take the win and his fourth series championship.

Matt Hirschman finished second, Jacob Lutz was third. Austin Beers and Ryan Newman rounded the top five.

This “experiment” worked well and looking forward it’s hopeful we can check more variety at Martinsville Speedway. We’ll certainly want to check the Mazda MX5 Cup. Moving forward, they could have two visits to the region as they also run with IMSA at Virginia International Raceway. This could be a very cool crossover for Virginia racing.

Photos from the Virginia Is For Racing Lovers 300 at Martinsville Speedway – October 26, 2024

2024 Race Day Showcase

The Bridge Is Pushing Forward

October 20, 2024January 20, 2026 Missed Gear

The season for 2024 is winding down while also taking a look ahead.

OK… For some maybe not… Let’s face it – There’s a race track in one direction that has put on a great face and made big strides and drawn big events and is still hanging in limbo for 2025. However, in the other direction, Natural Bridge Speedway is hanging on, thriving and taking more steps forward.

The upgrades for 2024 are showing results. There are plans, apparently, for more upgrades for 2025. These are investments to push the experience forward for racers and the fans.

We sit firmly with the fan experience. The drivers and teams focus on winning and keeping equipment rolling forward. The fans want a show. The folks at NBS making these investments can make a connection with racer experience and fan experience.

The “Fall Classic” (Oct 18-19) ran a Friday and Saturday combined schedule and showcased the excitement on the track that makes dirt track racing a different animal. It was fast, it was sideways and it was just a bit dirty. (You get used to it…)

It is a side effect of dirt tracks. You come in ready to rock and you leave with a light film of red clay. It washes off. It’s fine… It’s also a bit more casual than a visit to most paved tracks. NBS is set up for “in car” viewing and even sets reserved spaces for fans in regular attendance. Grandstands and “grass” seating is spaced on both sides. The fans drive a race track and Natural Bridge is working hard to keep that relationship.

The Friday of the “Fall Classic” set the stage with practices, qualifying and heat races. The Saturday hosted the “B” Mains and Feature races. The feature results are online (courtesy My Race Pass and NBS ).

The season still has some life left. Natural Bridge is hosting the American All-Star Crate Series for the upcoming weekend (October 26th)

Photos – Friday Oct. 18, 2024 – “Fall Classic” Qualifying / Practice / Heats – Natural Bridge Speedway

2024 Race Day Showcase

VIR SpeedTour Is A Rolling Car Show

October 8, 2024January 20, 2026 Missed Gear

A little subdued…

That might be a start. The activities of the SVRA VIR SpeedTour were a just a little restrained. The track action was full. The variety was there with exotics, vintage, muscle and open wheel turning laps under pleasant weather. The speed was certainly there (A new track lap record was set). The fans were there and so were their cars as the parking filled in around the Hagerty Car Show.

Still… The event carried a bit of a somber mood as people gathered to celebrate speed knowing that many more were gathering together because they had to. Hurricane Helene destroyed a large area from Florida to Virginia. Pittsylvania County, VA saw storm damage and tornadoes come through with Helene. Western North Carolina to Virginia and Tennessee saw huge losses in difficult areas.

Virginia International Raceway is just within these areas. The evidence of heavy rain and wind were there but nothing like the extremes of devastation showing from nearby areas. As the weather settled in the week, an announcement came from officials that the event was still on and open. It was a move forward to maintain the investments, the sponsor support and the influx of capital back to the surrounding community.

The weekend went forward. SVRA Classes on track represented quite a bit of automotive history. The Pirelli Trans-Am series also brought the American muscle to the track to mix it up with the European badges. The schedules for Saturday and Sunday offered track action for racing. Saturday also presented a “Cars and Coffee” style car show and Friday set the stage with practices and some of the qualifying.

Friday also brought some unexpected highlights. For one, the VIR track lap record was broken as Nolan Allaer drove the Martini / Panoz DP01 #70 around the full course with a time of 1:35.344. (The former record from 2012 set by American Le Mans driver Lucas Luhr was 1:36.112 in a Honda HPD LMP1 Prototype).

Nolan Allaer setting a new VIR track lap record (1:35.344)

For another, Vice President Kamala Harris flew over the track in the “Marine 2” helicopter on the way back to Washington DC after reviewing storm damage in North Carolina and other areas. Of course, FEMA has been working to coordinate and get action moving as quickly as they can. The Red Cross, Salvation Army and many others are involved as well.

Marine helicopter designated “Marine 2” with the Vice President flying over VIR

Saturday racing activities began with a fan grid walk with the cars and drivers and a presentation of the National Anthem by country singer Kristy Wilkins. Her newest album “Devoted” was set for release the week following SpeedTour.

Country singer Kristy Wilkins performing the National Anthem

Virginia International Raceway is known for the views and beauty as variety series such SVRA, IMSA and SRO roll in. Club events with SCCA and NASA are also big with several driver and car club events filling out the private schedule. It’s always a pleasure to visit. For full event results from the SpeedTour weekend, check the SVRA website and the Grand-Am website.

Photos from the SVRA SpeedTour – Virginia International Raceway – October 4-6, 2024

2024 Race Day Showcase

Kvapil Takes The Clock – Sellers Takes The Crown

October 1, 2024January 20, 2026 Missed Gear

The final race of the three ring late model circus was on for Martinsville Speedway. It even looked a little like a circus with a fair in the showcase next to the track complete with a Ferris wheel, some “thrill” rides, lights, cotton candy and a petting zoo.

The lead up to Martinsville from South Boston and Langley put a few regular late model names in the top positions to earn the “Triple Crown”. Connor Hall carried the momentum but Peyton Sellers was not far off. Two others in position to compete, Brenden Queen and Kaden Honeycutt, were putting their hands to the wheel in Kansas with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series. Those cars were being put on track with Lee Pulliam (former winner, champion) in the “Butterbean” ride and Daniel Silvestri in the Honeycutt car.

However, these positions and fills were set well before the weekend of the ValleyStar Credit Union 300. Nature had a big surprise in store that forced the schedule to compress to just Saturday, September 28th. The Friday schedule of practices and qualifying was pushed to a shortened time table for Saturday with Hurricane Helene bringing rain and wind into the region.

*Regions very close, western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and areas closer to the track in Virginia were hit very hard by this storm and people are without homes and businesses. Some lost their lives. The Red Cross and Salvation Army are already working. There is also an active “GoFundMe“. Yes, FEMA is on the job but this is a massive impact and the help of anyone who can is appreciated.

For the compressed race day, there were still some kinks to come. There were many stories coming in taking attention. Lee Pulliam out of “retirement”… “Triple Crown” angles… The weather… But what of racers making waves as contenders coming in…? There were several outside of the “Triple Crown” but very capable of winning at Martinsville. Timothy Peters, Mike Looney and Trevor Ward were in the field and have won this race before.

There were many others coming in with eyes on a grandfather clock. The “Triple Crown” was there for a few but the race win was open to anyone. Among those was Kyle Dudley. He came in with regional wins and a local track championship (Motor Mile) under his belt and turned qualifying times that put him in the lead to start. He also started on the pole at South Boston for the first of the “Triple Crown” races but did not run at Langley.

The racing schedule for Saturday leading up to the main went by mostly without a hitch. The heat races did show some cautions but the starting order was set for the main. The show for the fans started stage side on the track for ceremony and introductions. The first half track incidents took out some drivers which included the pole sitter, Kyle Dudley. Some other names familiar to Martinsville success, Timothy Peters and defending race winner Trevor Ward, were out in the second half. Points favorite Connor Hall and former winner, Landon Pembelton hung on to the final laps but were far back for the green – white – checker overtime restart.

For that restart, and most of the second half of the race, it was Carson Kvapil in the #8 Jr Motorsports Bass Pro Shop Chevy that was out front. He credited his team for presenting and maintaining a good car but also, in a way, gave credit to the other competitors for keeping him at attention and on focus for the race. Tire management and eyes on mirrors trying to see if those behind him were pushing hard or holding something for the final laps kept Kvapil on point and out front.

Mike Looney, winner in 2016, said his car was fast but just could not close the deal on Kvapil with several restarts to give the chance. Looney was proud of the team and the effort for 2nd place giving credit to their small team dedication against the bigger money and high talent of much of the competition.

Treyten Lapcevich, Casey Kelley and Bobby McCarty rounded the top five. Former winner Jake Crum came in at sixth. Brent Crews, Ronnie Bassett Jr, Peyton Sellers and Sam Yarbough filled the top ten.

The ninth place for Sellers was enough, with positions from South Boston and Langley, to clinch the “Triple Crown”. This was his fifth “crown” in a continuing career of championships and cross platform accomplishments.

The valleyStar race pulls the late model community together for a season competition finale. It is also a lead up for the late season NASCAR championship which is set up at Martinsville before the season finale at Phoenix. For this year, there is also another race mix before the NASCAR weekend. The Whelen Modified finale is on with a new addition showcasing IMSA at Martinsville with a debut of the Mazda MX-5 Cup.

Photos from the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 – Martinsville Speedway – September 28, 2024

2024 Race Day Showcase

Last Hoorah? Track Champions at Franklin County

September 25, 2024January 20, 2026 Missed Gear

Is it the end? The rambles of racing have a long history here. Apparently, the history of who and the history of what also have some rambles here. Is the future here still running in the shadow of past performance? Or is it just the shadow of the past? There really is only the information currently at hand.

Franklin County Speedway is, again, on the verge of going dark. The most recent breath of life came at the hands of Langley Austin. His wife, Kimberly, has been right there as well. The progress has been tempered by long days and financial strain. The racers and fans that frequent the track have seen the work and they have seen the pull on resources that went into keeping the laps on.

It appears, at least for now and into an uncertain 2025, the resources have reached a limit. From Austin, it is a matter of a rock and a hard place. The operations model he has been working under has reached a spot that he can not push further. An all out purchase of the facility is beyond a current financial reach. There are questions of family and financial responsibilities that cross several lines and even more years.

This run, however, has left a strong mark on the legacy here. Luck and determination literally pulled a rabbit out of the hat. A Thanksgiving “Southern Turkey Derby” set a stage in late 2019 to move forward. The coming year pulled a twist that Langley turned into opportunity. Covid came along and everything was closing. Racing included.

But… But… But… There was ambiguity in the way things were communicated and the way things were presented. Langley was able to pull in some events that were shut down at other tracks. Racing in North Carolina was halted after some attempts to roll under the radar but the Virginia situation was open for some interpretation. The “out of the way” location and a stretch of available rulings put Franklin County in a nice spot. A “Covid Clash” event tested the waters for viability of even putting a race on the track. It worked well enough to pull the Carolina Modifieds over state lines to race. The “CARS Tour” came in. This was a big deal for the little oval in the hills.

It was big enough that Langley was able to push these little successes into forward motion. The CARS Tour came back. SMART Modifieds, Grand National, Super Stock and other touring series made Franklin County part of their schedules. This was made possible by the push and persistence of Langley Austin. For the champions night, he even had the STAR Super Stock Tour on hand as part of the show.

He expanded the infrastructure of the facility with repairs and basic maintenance. The track was patched. The lights were kept on. The buildings had floors (mostly). He brought in sponsors.

The scoreboard worked… for a minute…

It isn’t perfect. It is not “Martinsville” or “South Boston”. It was hanging by less than a thread and Langley threw some heart and hard work at it and brought it back to viability in spite of the shortcomings.

But now, he can’t, any longer… Right now. He’s brought it this far but can’t do any more with the resources available with a lease deal that, apparently, is not evolving with his investment. The race for the track championships on September 21st was, he says, his last.

Is there a chance that could change…? His own words were “not saying ‘never’… but for now…”

For now… Apparently it’s in the hands of a character in a white cowboy hat… And he’s currently distracted by a guy in a red hat…

For the “HEXED Championship Night”, all divisions went all out for final points to grab the season. There were some cautions and there were some stops and, all in all, it was a hot evening. Apparently, the markers were in the making for the last night of Moonshine Capital Promotions as the spectator drag races hit the track gate and ripped the railing off it. It was almost a prophecy…

The results for the night, the last night… as it was… (Champions in bold)

One Stop Towing Late Models:
1 – #08 Doug Morgan
2 – #25 Jonathan Hall
3 – #84 Drew Bond
4 – #54 Matthew Lawrence
5 – #83 Tyler Ashley

Mini Stocks:
1 – #16 Brittany Cockram
2 – #8 Wes Givens
3 – #19 Dennis Holdren
4 – #46 Josh Phillips
5 – #00 Gary Fitzgerald

Stock4:
1 – #7K Keyshaun Claytor
2 – #97 Gary Smith
3 – #8 Wes Givens
4 – #34 Chris Meeks
5 – #22 Josh Hinchee

STAR Super Stock Tour:
1 – #48 Alby Ovitt
2 – #60 Jeff Melton
3 – #07 Mike Cooper
4 – #10 Danny Bush
5 – #1 Brittany Cockram

Moneta Tractor & Trailer Legends:
1 – #27 Chris Lilly
2 – #11 Keyshaun Claytor
3 – #21 Rian Wheat
4 – #16 Phil Smith

Rookie:
1 – #83 Kevin Lytton, Jr.
2 – #21 Ben Short
3 – #315 Heather Fackler
4 – #23 Kent Chrisley

Photos from Franklin County Speedway – HEXED Championship Night – September 21, 2024

2024 Area Cars Showcase

Leisurely Saturday For Some Cruisin’

September 8, 2024January 20, 2026 Missed Gear

To put it right out there, this was not the original plan. The calendar earlier in the week had the weekend marked for a road trip to Richmond to check out some pavey, dirty, joker-lappy action. As the weekend approached, it became apparent there were some “family” necessities that needed looking after which poached the original plan. With that, a secondary plan of slightly less “action” had been presented by the party of the “better half”. As Richmond was no longer a possibility, and the emergency of family had been notched, there was no real reason to decline.

The short of it was attendance and display at a craft show. (Yes… Really…) Vendors of homey, makey things set up to sell wares to folks who enjoy the art of hand made novelty and display.

To be clear… Some folks work very hard with their talents and skills to create beautiful things of many descriptions. Some simply re-sell the trinkets they have purchased elsewhere as a “middle man”. With that, when you find yourself at a “craft show” (and, at some point, you will…) please take a moment or two to learn the difference.

For the alternate plan, there was a fortunate turn. The crafty display was alongside a car show. Technically, the correct term would be a “cruise in”. This may be best described as a “drive by” car show. Sure, some folks parked and chatted and lifted hoods and pointed at bits and compared specs but mostly just made a circuit or two and drove away. Later, after a cruise about and around, many then reappeared to do the same a little later.

It has become somewhat common for craft shows to mix with car shows. Perhaps, as the wife is a crafter of pottery, it is more noticeable and visible. Either way, it does make for a good mix of interests.

This rolling car show was promoted by “Cruisin’ Rocky Mount” for the first Saturday a month from early Spring into almost Winter. Set against the slightly rural town of Rocky Mount, VA the venue for the turn around or sit and chat changes each month. For this one in early September, the setting was the Lowes on highway 40 on the east edge of town. A good mix of vintage muscle, rat rods, recent rides and streamlined style rolled by or stopped to chill. It was a relaxing Saturday evening for casual shopping, maybe a hot dog and lemonade, and some views of classic cars.

Photos of coming and going and parking – “Cruisin’ Rocky Mount” – Lowes on 9-7-2024

2024 Race Day Showcase

Champions Roll On At South Boston

September 4, 2024January 20, 2026 Missed Gear

To more or less quote a beer ad… “I don’t always go to South Boston – But when I do it’s a great time”.

SoBo always presents a good show. Loyal fans and racers chasing the checkers always mix well and these folks do strive to keep those fans coming in. For this evening it was a season crowning of track champions that brought them in for front stretch seating or their favorite spot around the perimeter. There was also a sense of “anything can happen” to roll a fan favorite off the running or place a trophy in their hands. That is racing the real South Boston way.

Yes, there was some bent steel and shattered egos. The yellow flag did fly a few times but close racing and pushing for position to win or gain that championship will cause a spin or two… Or a hood to fly off…

Focusing first with the main event, which actually ran last before a nightcap of fireworks, the track championship and a season win were on the table. As it happened, it was indeed split among two drivers. The race win went to 2023 track champion, Carter Langley. Mike Looney gave them all a run for a bit but the stop break at lap 100 set an even re-start and Langley pulled away with Looney in the mirrors.

The pole winner, Blake Stallings, was caught in an early mash up which also collected Kyle Dudley, Stacy Puryear and a visting Jeb Burton. These 4 drivers were unable to catch the leading 3 of Langley, Looney and Peyton Sellers, although a chasing bid for Burton did put him across in the 4th spot. Jacob Borst crossed in the top 5.

Carter Langley (trophy) with Halifax County Farm Bureau reps Dave Ashwell, Steve Bowen, Garland Comer, Holly Covington, Robert Mills

Peyton Sellers crossed the line in 3rd and was enough to claim the 2024 track championship for the Sentara Health Late Models division at South Boston. Sellers is a repeat champion with 2024 being his 7th. He last won the track title in 2021 and now ties David Blankenship who took his 7th back in 1998.

Budweiser Limited Sportsman Champion Jason Myers, Virginia State Police HEAT Hornets Champion Jordaine Penick, Sentara Health Late Model Stock Car Champion Peyton Sellers, Southside Disposal Pure Stock Champion B.J. Reaves

The Budweiser Limited Sportsman saw a repeat of the crown from 2023. Jason Myers needed the win to take the title as he was trailing Eric Winslow by just 1 point coming into the weekend. Nathan Crews also had a shot but an early crash settled his chances.

Jason Myers (race winner / champion) with Halifax County Farm Bureau’s David Ashwell and Holly Covington in Victory Lane

Myers won the pole and raced up front green to checkers with Winslow crossing just over a second behind. The win gave Myers the championship by 1 point over Winslow. Karl Budzevski came over in third with two brothers, Justin and Drew Dawson, filling the top five at the line.

Jason DeCarlo (Race winner – VA State Police HEAT Hornets) with Halifax County Farm Bureau’s David Ashwell and Holly Covington

Racing was hot with the Virginia State Police HEAT Hornets and this one showed that consistency pays off. Sixteen-year-old Jordaine Penick may not have won the checkers but she won the title. Her 5th place at the line was enough to carry the season. Her title marked the 2nd female to win a division championship. Terri Marks won the Grand Stock title in 2004 and was at the track to greet Penick.
Jason DeCarlo won the the race as his 2nd victory in a row at SoBo. Cameron Goble came over in the 2nd spot. Cameron Moss, Dustin Davis and Penick filled the top five. Davis, also of note, had won the pole to start.

2024 Virginia State Police HEAT Hornets champion Jordaine Penick with 2004 Grand Stock champion Terri Marks

There were two Southside Disposal Pure Stock races. One to start the evening and another before the main late model show. It was a bit of a gift but a win is a win. Defending division champ Johnny Layne had the season on a string with 5 wins, the most laps and the most poles. A favorite in all aspects, Layne took a family “time out” for the finale leaving nothing but good words for whoever took over the lead.

Southside Disposal Pure Stock Winners
Left: Scott Phillips (Race 1 winner) with Halifax County Farm Bureau’s Holly Covington
Right: B.J. Reaves (Race 2 winner) celebrating the win and division championship

A 2nd place and a win in the two evening events gave that lead to South Boston local driver B.J. Reaves. Scott Phillips won the first race with B.J. just behind. Zach Reaves, Kendall Milam and Bruce Mayo sealed the top five in the first of the two races. The latter was taken by B.J., with Dillon Davis in at 2nd. Scott Phillips came across in 3rd with Milam and Colby Pool in the top 5.

More details for the evening are online with South Boston Speedeway.

The CARS Tour is coming up and it looks like the SMART Modifieds are coming in October.

Photos are compiled with personalities from the evening and mixed with contributions from DOS Images. Halifax County Farm Bureau Championship Night at South Boston Speedway (August 31, 2024)

Roanoke Drifting In Jappalachia

It is a fine thing when conditions lead to continuity. This particular continuity is also an automotive conundrum in several ways considering the current condition of the existence of the automobile. What….?? The trend that has taken hold, especially here in these United States, is the popularity of the SUV, the crossover variations of five door hatches, the automatic transmission and front wheel drive. All of these would point to a humorless and drab driving culture of A to B with a soccer game or a grocery store on the agenda. The days of fun behind the wheel are drying up. Or are they…? There are a handful of new rear drives out there. Of those, fewer still have a manual transmission. This leads to the continuity of cars of the past being rebuilt and re-born by people who seek the slides and the sideways. Yes, America, drifting may be the saving grace of the manual, rear wheel drive car. On a warm Wednesday tucked in the back corner of an industrial park I was there to bear witness to a mixture of car cultures. The recipe was a good mix of classic British “Top Gear”, American Motor Trend “Roadkill” and a heavy helping of the Japanese origins of drifting. The cars were budget sourced from the pre-owned market and rapidly made “drivable” over the past several days. Now they were here in this slightly barren environment to be compared on a mapped rally / drifting course by (can you guess…?) the same “tame” racing driver. For the sake of a little background… This group of guys have a mission which is building on their combination of talents. What is the mission…? Loosely defined it is a mixture of Japan’s origin culture of drifting and the extreme styling of it with the back roads mountain attitude of American muscle cars. They call it “Jappalachia”. There have been trips to Japan with driving study in the origins of the legendary Daigo Saito drifting style. Japan is distinguished as the genesis of drifting even as the sport has expanded worlwide. The “Jappalachia” handle has been vetted during these visits with positive approvals. The drift is no stranger to these men. A recent visit to NASA Haltech Hyperfest at Virginia International Raceway had a Nissan going tandem on the drift pad competition. On this Wednesday, they have two cars ready to take on the course. These are not their “pro builds” but side projects for the practice and fun of it. One is a late ’80s Corvette and the other is a Nissan 240sx (’89…? ’90…? give or take…) Both of them had less than “garage kept” history. Both put up sideways and dusty shows. I think the Corvette took the time even with bottom scrapes, fuel delivery issues and a lost ass bumper. It was also driven after the 240 so one could say the previous lap in the Nissan gave a nudge of “practice” to the ‘Vette. The “real” cars involved…? These guys are looking ahead to extreme builds in their shop. They are working up another C4 series Corvette and a 3rd generation Ford Mustang. The cars are being treated as homage to the extreme Kaido or Bosozoku style of Japanese drift builds. Big fenders, shovel forward in front of the wheels and wide body wings over the back. These are American muscle cars treated with anime angles. Engines are being built. Chassis and suspensions are being tuned and going into place. A rough timeline has turns on the calendar for the newly re-opened Southampton Speedway later this year as that track is running a drift schedule. This is Jappalachia. Connections…? Roanoke, Charlottesville, Japan, backgrounds in design, mechanics, fabrication, travel… They have formed a friendship from chance encounters, childhood history and love of fun in cars. The “tame” racing driver…? 2016 F4 Champion / 2021 EFO F3 Champion – Cameron Das, visiting from the UK with friends connected through common and crossed paths. His 2016 F4 is in the Jappalachia shop. 2016 USA F4 Champion, Cameron Das, with the season winning car in the Jappalachia shop Das is currently doing a social media series of video showcases of kart racing and tracks. Cameron Das: YouTube InstagramTay Whiteside – Lift Arc StudiosGresh Chapman (Instagram): Jackson WalkerConnor Shupe Visit the Jappalachia Website Photos – A visit to Jappalachia – Industrial Drifting *The dog is “Pickles” – an Alaskan Malamute. He’s a sweetheart in a sweet spot.
Movie Truck Throwback

Hanging out with long time friend from stage and screen who happened to be in a famous truck movie by Stephen King
RoVA-Drive Showcase: Benoit Pigeon

Elite commercial photographer has a fast eye for drag racing
RoVA-Drive Showcase: Bryan Reedy

Late Model Driver (#17) based in Roanoke

Author: Missed Gear