Latest News

Matt Field and His Reckless Drift Krew Leave Their Mark on 2013 Formula Drift Series

Aug 26, 2013

Matt Field's driving style is aggressive with just enough style to make him a fan favorite. He's driving a 270hp sr20 s13.

A racers' driving styles is as unique as their personality, it's in fact an expression of the individual's character. For San Jose, California native, Matt "Mofo" Field, it's about controlled aggression and precision and just enough flair to make people stop down and take notice. Matt Field regularly displays the kind of talent that has people convinced that once he fits all the square and round pegs into the proper holes, he'll be a consistent force to reckon with.

"This is my 4th year in Formula Drift," Field said. "This season we have already made it to the top-32 once, top-16 three times, and we've had one top-8. We have gone against champions from previous years and won. We have faced many great drivers and we've won some and lost some. And I am always very excited to see what the next event has in store has in store for us."

The AEM sponsored driver Matt Field is finishing more consistently towards the top with each passing round this season.

Matt Field was introduced to competitive level motorsports at a very young age, riding Honda ATV's at the age 4, and 1/4 midget racecars at the age eight. Before he was legally old enough to drive on the street, he raced competitively, as the co-driver of his father's off-road race truck. To date, the father/son team has brought home over 30 wins and four championships.

"I have always had a competitive spirit and drifting proved to be no different," explains Field regarding his move into drifting." My first competition was a local event at Altamont Raceway. I placed 3rd and knew I couldn't stop there. I began making the long trek down to So Cal to compete in Just Drift. My first competition I entered down there I ended up winning. All the promoters of the event told me to come back next year and run a full season. So I did, and in doing that I earned my Formula Drift license. Long Beach here we come."

Matt Field learned quickly that in Formula Drift power is the name of the game.

Matt Field's Formula Drift debut was in 2010 at the Long Beach event. "I had never even been to a Formula Drift event before that," he said. "I went out there with my 270hp sr20 in my s13 and thought I would do well. Big mistake. I learned quickly that power is the name of the game. A bigger turbo made some more power, and I instantly went from not qualifying, to qualifying every round I entered. I finished out the season strong with my first top 16 at Irwindale."

Last season at Irwindale, Matt Field put together the kind of performance that clearly illustrated what he's capable of when everything meshes together at the right moment. It was Matt Field versus Diago Siato, in a ridiculously dramatic elimination rounds showing, where he came within a tire smoke plum of eliminating the 2012 champion in the final round with two "One More Time" rounds. That evening the crowd went wild, stomped the stands and the news buzzed around the globe.

In a follow-run, Matt Field knows to keep pressure on his opponent.

This year Matt Field recently went toe-to-toe with Vaughn Gittin Jr. in Formula Drift round 4 in New Jersey, finishing his day with a strong follow-run behind the drifting icon. "We finished with our heads held high," remarked Field after the event. "JR is a really great driver, in an amazing car, so it feels good to be able to be that close in drift to him. We were able to maintain the pressure during the follow-run, and it just made the team and I feel amazing. They were stoked because we built a car that can do what we want it to do, and I was happy that I was able to put the car where it needed to be. The key to a good follow-run is to initiate drift at the same time and to continue to pressure the lead driver. Letting them know you are there, knocking on the door. The more pressure you can put on them, the better it looks for the follow driver."

"This year has been a huge improvement for the team and me. We went from worrying about qualifying each round, to worrying about making it into top-16. The season had its ups and downs, but with a more competitive car, we made up huge ground. We improved from a 33rd finishing position, to a 19th finishing position in the year round points."

"2012, was more than a struggle for us. Since I did not have the funding to do much to the car, I kept the same engine. Didn't rebuild it, just put it back in and ran. The engine was tired, that was for sure, but we didn't have any options. The season was already going better for us, but we were just plagued with car issues. Small things kept us from the top. This last season, even with all the parts failures, we were still able to improve."

The AEM sponsored driver and his Reckless Drift Krew just completed round 5 at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington as this story was ready to post. Heading into the event Matt Field commented, "We have never had an easy bracket setup to get to the top, and I don't expect this round will be any different. We are ready though, and out for blood." Field ended his day in Monroe with another top-16 finish.

Matt Field uses an AEM Dryflow Universal air filter in his Nissan Silvia S13 due to its high flow and high filtration efficiency. Use the AEM Product Search to find AEM performance products for your vehicle. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com.


AEM Articles about Drifting and Formula Drift


	AEM's David Waterworth In 1st Place After 2 Rounds of 2013 British Drift Championship AEM's Chris Forsberg Finishes 3rd in Round One of 2013 Formula Drift Championship Need for Speed Scion Papadakis Racing Gambles at Formula Drift in Vegas and Comes Up Short AEM's Chris Forsberg and the NOS Energy Nissan 370z Took 2nd at Formula Drift Round 5

AEM Induction Systems Powers Monster Energy UK Champion Liam Doran

Aug 22, 2013

Liam Doran received a sponsorship from Monster which launched his racing career, up to receiving Silver and Gold medals in the 2013 Munich Xgames driving Mini RX.

A child with a dream, Liam Doran began racing at the age of 14. Pushing through obstacles of age limitations and parents' wishes, Doran has spent the last 12 years racing and taking home trophies all throughout Europe.

After finishing 3rd overall in European Rallycross championship in 2010, completing his first full season, Liam Doran received a sponsorship from Monster in 2011. That additional support launched Doran's racing career, up to receiving Silver and Gold medals in the 2013 Munich Xgames driving Mini RX.

Liam Doran began racing and pushing through obstacles of age limitations at the age of 14.

Most recently Liam Doran crossed the finish line first at the FIA European Rallycross Championship in Hell, Norway, taking his fifth career win. For utmost vehicle performance in each race, Liam Doran has exclusively used AEM Performance Filters.

"I've known the AEM brand for a long time; they have a great population in the Motorsport industry, so I wouldn't have approached anyone else for support," said Liam Doran. "Their products are the best, and in RallyX we have the harshest conditions possible with dirt and dust, etc. AEM keeps my engines breathing fresh!"

Use the AEM Product Search to find AEM performance products for your vehicle. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com.

Charlie Wong Turns to AEM's Subaru Impreza WRX Cold Air Intake and Strut Bar for His Custom Ride

Aug 12, 2013

Owner Charlie Wong plans to take his modified 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX to the track later down the line.

Charlie Wong, of San Gabriel, California, is all about optimal performance and is no stranger to modifying his vehicles to suite his expectations. The car enthusiast equipped both of his previously owned Nissan 240 SXs with AEM cold air intake systems and also tweaked a Honda Civic Si in the past.

Charlie Wong bought a 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX in December of 2012. At the time of purchase, the vehicle fit all of the requirements of what Wong wanted in a car; all-wheel-drive, four-door, and a factory turbo. However, looking back at the car enthusiasts's track record, change was eventually on its way.

It didn't take long for the car owner to grow restless. In fact, within a month, he had already embarked upon his next modification. Having already experienced the quality of AEM products, little thought had to go into what changes needed to be made. A cold air intake would boost the engine's performance, and AEM strut bars would prove useful during high speed turns.

Charlie Wong's custom Subaru Impreza WRX is equipped with an AEM cold air intake and an AEM strut bar.

In reference to the modification to the car's suspension, Charlie Wong said, "This is my first time to own an AEM strutbar (part 29-0004). I plan on taking the car and entering a couple of track events later down the line," he continued. "So a strut bar was definitely going to to be purchased. It improves the front of the vehicle under turn-ins and makes the car feel more solid."

With intentions of entering his car in future track events, AEM's Subaru Impreza WRX strut bar was an obvious choice. However, it was equally as important to make changes that would increase the performance of his engine.

Having previously experienced the benefits of adding a cold air intake into the equation, this modification was a no-brainer. Knowing first hand how well this particular AEM product performed there was no need to look any farther. The AEM cold air intake system for Subaru Impreza WRX (part 21-478WR) was proven and easily accessible. It was dyno tested and shows an estimated gain of 36 horsepower.

"The price was right, and AEM has always been known for their quality intakes," shared Charlie Wong. I had AEM cold air intakes on my two previous cars and couldn't have been happier with their performance." With the modification behind him, Charlie Wong has experienced ample time to come to a conclusion - was it worth the efforts or not?

According to the vehicle owner, with the change came some noticeable differences. As suspected, there was a noticeable increase in throttle response. Although there was not much change in the sound of the engine, Charlie Wong could definitely hear the air intake gathering air during acceleration.

These characteristics would have been more than enough to deem the modification a success, but it seems he was treated with another benefit that was icing on the cake - a noticeable difference at the gas pumps. "It seemed to have improved fuel economy," he shared. "So that was an added bonus." At this point in time, Charlie Wong is satisfied with his recent modifications to and the performance of his vehicle. However, as do many who are accustomed to turning their own wrenches, he is always excited to embark upon another project.

That in mind, Charlie Wong already has plans that will take fruition a little farther down the road. And as one might suspect, AEM will play a role in his plans for improvements.

When asked if he had intentions of modifying the next vehicle he purchases, Wong said, "Definitely. . .Without a doubt I would. Judging from his satisfaction with AEM products, one would suspect that they will be a sure fit for his next project. In reference to the benefits of their cold air intakes and strutbars, he shared, "They increased performance and livened up the car. AEM products are one of the best bangs for the buck and are very well made."

Use the AEM Product Search to find AEM performance products for your vehicle. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com.

AEM Articles about Subaru Impreza WRX

Full list of AEM Cold Air Intakes for the Subaru Impreza WRX models
Full list of AEM Dryflow Air Filters for the Subaru Impreza WRX models
2008-2013 Subaru Impreza WRX and Subaru Impreza WRX STI Air Intake System Gains Estimated 36 Horsepower

AEM's David Waterworth Holds First Place After Round 3 of British Drift Championship

Aug 6, 2013

The AEM sponsored driver says he used the Teesside contest as more of a competition/tire testing event.

The definition of consistency is the ability to maintain a particular standard, or repeat a particular task with minimal variation. The word aptly describes the 2013 British Drift Championship, where after three rounds, the level of competitive fervor hasn't varied one iota. The term also fittingly applies to AEM's David Waterworth and his Nissan Silvia s15 with the behemoth Viper V10 engine. Although David Waterworth has yet to finish on the top tier of the podium, his level of consistency in the Super Pro class has been second to none, his fourth place finish in the third round earned him enough points to remain in first place overall.

Waterworth thanked AEM for the continuing support which helps him to stay on top.

Round 3 of the 2013 championship marks the series' return to the birthplace of the British Drift Championship six year ago, at Teesside Autodrome, on the outskirts of Middlesbrough in the North East of England. Teesside is a drivers track and a favored venue for many of the competitors and round 3 once more had it all, brilliant weather, a fantastic track and absurdly entertaining drifting.

AEM's David Waterworth continues to hold onto first place in the BDC Super Pro class.

"The track was fast and technical, and with us trying out numerous brands of tires for this event, we had placed it as more of a competition/testing event," David Waterworth remarked. "Which did see us out in the top 16 unfortunately, but in the championship as a whole, we are still in first place in the highest and most competitive class."

With so many fickle variables in motorsports where a failed three-dollar bolt or an ill-timed sneeze can determine a win or DNF, Waterworth's evenness continues to be exemplary.

"I believe a lot of it is luck," says Waterworth, "but also natural ability has to be mentioned, as we get very, very little in practice time due to other commitments and the high cost of the tires. So this is where the natural ability comes through, as from one race to the next you may not drive at all, then have to learn it all again in the qualifying sessions. The car is holding up well and I can't thank the sponsors that we do have enough in helping us to achieve what we are doing."

Round 4 sees the Championship head back down south for its second visit of the year to Lydden Hill. "I am excited to be going back to Lydden hill again," David Waterworth says. "With a 3rd place finish last time, and learning what we did from that event, we are going back with the knowledge to hopefully achieve an even better result this time."

David Waterworth uses AEM Tube bends, AEM Universal Clamp-on Air Filters and AEM Pre-Filter Wraps on his race car. Use the AEM Product Search to find AEM performance products for your vehicle. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com.

AEM Articles about David Waterworth and British Drift Championship

AEM's David Waterworth In 1st Place After 2 Rounds of 2013 British Drift Championship
AEM’s Chris Forsberg Finishes 3rd in Round One of 2013 Formula Drift Championship
AEM's Dillon Van Way Starts 2013 Rally America National Drift Championship with a 2nd at Sno*Drift Rally
Fredrick Aasbo from the 2011 Formula Drift Championship World Finals

Platinum VIP CEO Kennedy Nguyen Trusts AEM for His Loyal and Prominent Customers

Jul 29, 2013

Kennedy Nguyen and Platinum VIP transformed this Lexus IS250 into a one-of-a-kind creation.

Renowned American designer Charles Eames said "There is no line where art stops and life begins." Eames made major contributions to modern architecture and furniture and he understood that life is undeniably art, and that the things we choose to fill our lives with are the expression of that creative process. Yet another American designer, Chris Bangle has a philosophy that car design is one of the most ubiquitous, yet taken for granted art forms today. And Kennedy Nguyen, the hands-on visionary behind Platinum VIP in Irwindale, California, is leading the frontlines of that artistic, automotive void and without fail - he's redefining and elevating it to its rightful stature.

Kennedy Nguyen and Platinum VIP's attention to the slightest detail made this Lexus LS460 owner a lifetime Nguyen fan.

"I see car modification as a mix between beauty and brains because you have to have the best of both worlds," Nguyen states. "The car's appearance (body kit, paint, and wheels) need to look good while the mechanical aspects (engine, drivetrain, brakes, and suspension) have to perform well. If you are lacking one or the other then it is not a complete car.

Art, like life, demands balance and Nguyen gets that. "I started modifying cars at the age of 14. I hung out with older kids who had Supra's, Celica's, and MR2's and I would fix and install the aftermarket parts they bought. So basically, I've been modifying cars for 25 years. And I work on every single aspect of a car that comes through my shop - the paint, custom bodywork, suspension install, and wheels."

Kennedy Nguyen and Platinum VIP Chrysler 300c with attitude.

Nguyen opened his first shop, Premier Autoworks, in La Habra in 1996. On the forefront of the import subculture, word spread quickly about Nguyen and his deep passion for cars, his obsession for details, his dedication to craftsmanship and his relentless commitment to luxury. So, in 2007 he moved it on up to his current location in Los Angeles County, rebranding himself as Platinum VIP, and in the processes he comfortably donned the crown as the industry's modification benchmark. VIP also offers a complete collision center and "Auto Spa" featuring I-Car and ASE certified collision repair, and a certified PPG and a DuPont refinish center. Over the years Platinum VIP's exemplary dedication to their craft has seen them honored with a numerous automotive accolades, including in 2008 when Ford chose to display Nguyen's creation of the Flex at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The Platinum VIP style, according to owner Kennedy Nguyen, is primarily about modifying luxury sedans.

"The VIP style is mainly modifying luxury sedans. It derived from Japan and we in the states are just adding to that style with our own taste," Nguyen explains. "My first VIP car is my first Gen (Lexus) GS300, aka Aristo and in the 90's no one was fixing up luxury sedans, but rather only sport compact cars like Integra's and Civics. Even in the 2000's, I purchased the third Gen LS, and I was still one of the very few that modified that particular car VIP style here in the states."

Nguyen's creative process is wide open to all possibilities, rather than contracted and myopic, so he welcomes customers that have their own vehicular vision, as well as those that allow him to do his thing. "It's good working with both kinds of customers," he confirms. "Those that come with a vision already did their homework, so it ultimately ends up looking nice. And it's an honor when customers leave the modifying up to me, because it means they trust my vision."

Platinum VIP moved to Irwindale in Los Angeles County, California in 2007.

Nguyen is also business savvy and pragmatic, so he understands that his creations are ultimately only as refined as the palate of products utilized to produce them. Platinum VIP therefore only uses the best. Recently Nguyen invited AEM to stage a product photo shot at his facility.

"It was a privilege to have you guys use our facility for the photo shoot," he remarked. "It speaks volumes to customers that a quality brand like AEM is associated with a quality shop like Platinum VIP. I use AEM products because they have a history of making premium products. I only sell the highest quality products to my loyal customers so going with AEM is a no brainer."

Use the AEM Product Search to find AEM performance products for your vehicle. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com.

AEM Articles about Lexus IS250, Chrysler 300C

Simple Power Add-on for Lexus IS250 2.5L and IS350 3.5L with AEM Cold Air Intakes
Advanced ETI Air Intake System Available for 2006-2013 Lexus IS250
2011-2013 Chrysler 300C Models Benefit from AEM Drop-in Air Filter

Previous Page 1 ... 60 61 62 63 64 ... 114 Next Page

Latest News

AEM Articles about Drifting and Formula Drift

AEM Articles about Subaru Impreza WRX

AEM Articles about David Waterworth and British Drift Championship

AEM Articles about Lexus IS250, Chrysler 300C