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Tanner Foust leading Vaughn Gittin Jr. and throwing up big smoke in Irwindale, CA.
2010 was another awesome season for the Rockstar Energy Scion drift team sponsored by AEM Induction Systems. Their V8 powered drifting machine propelled driver Tanner Foust, team owner Stephan Papadakis, and the rest of the team to an impressive 2nd place finish at the end of the season and their third top three finish in four years.
Tanner Foust and the Rockstar Energy Scion team checking the car before a run.
The competition has only gotten more intense as the years have passed, and Stephan, Tanner, and their team continue to throw their cars sideways at the head of the pack. AEM recently had an opportunity to sit down with team owner Stephan Papadakis and ask him about the team's 2010 season and what changes they're looking to make for the 2011 season to help their team stay competitive.
What were some of the major challenges your team faced for the 2010 season?
The major challenge we faced in 2010 was the increased competition from all the teams. Everyone really stepped it up with their vehicle prep, speed and performance around the tracks, so we had to fight to stay ahead.
Darren McNamara feeling the pressure from Tanner Foust through the corners in Irwindale, CA.
Tanner did a great job driving and our team was awesome in making sure the Scion held up on the track.
How do you feel about your team's performance over the 2010 season?
Excellent. With two wins and several podiums, any other year we would've won the championship.
Tanner Foust, Vaughn Gittin Jr, and Michihiro Takatori celebrating atop the podium in Irwindale, CA.
JR just had a better season, obviously a better season than we had. The competition has just stepped up so much. However with winning the last event in Irwindale we have a lot of momentum going into the 2011 season.
What was the highlight of the season for you?
The highlight of the season was definitely winning the last event in Irwindale, beating the season champion, and moving all the way up to 2nd in points.
What was the lowpoint of the season?
The lowest point of the season was probably Atlanta, knowing that we had the car and Tanner could've won the event, but losing in the top 16 and just going out early.
The Rockstar Energy Scion team celebrating their 1st place victory at Title Fight in Irwindale, CA.
What are some of the most important lessons you've learned from the 2010 season?
One of the biggest lessons we learned was when to drive aggressively in the rounds and when to drive more conservatively. I spot for Tanner so we discuss when to push it and when to back off. You have to be careful not to get into the rear end of the other guy when you're following. That happened in Atlanta and again in Vegas where Tanner was going 100% and we ended up losing because the guy he was following wasn't charging as hard and Tanner hit their bumper. We've taken that as a big lesson from 2010.
Are there any changes you're planning to make for the 2011 season that you can share?
We're changing the entire vehicle. The 2009 Scion we have is going to be retired. It's going to be a demo vehicle, and we're building one of the brand new 2011 Scion TC's.
While being an awesome season with a strong 2nd place finish, 2010 was also a great learning experience for the Rockstar Energy Scion team and they listened. They're learning from their successes and mistakes and making some exciting changes for the 2011 season. Will an all-new platform be the trick to get Stephan, Tanner, and the team back on top of the podium? What will the competition be like in 2011 knowing the level of intensity in 2010? Drift fans won't want to miss the 2011 season as it promises to be even more exciting than 2010!
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM application search function and the Where to Buy function on AEMIntakes.com to find an AEM dealer near you.
Building a custom car is a challenge but to do it as a full time job is a totally different challenge. Founded on the values of the American Armed forces Nicholas Ashby started leadership LDRSHIP Designs. He has been working doing custom builds for 4 years. Since his start he has worked with over 30 companies on different projects.
LDRSHIP, INC. Custom Nissan 350z
Recently LDRSHIP released the 2006 Nissan 350z dubbed “Black Ops.” The Car is a blacked out tribute to our countries servicemen. This custom 350z displays the National Guard logo on the front and images of war and disaster on side. The car includes very patriotic quote on the front that raises hairs for any proud American. These Images correlate with the duties and challenges a National Guardsman has to face. According to Nick the contribution of the Nissan 350z was Nissans way of supporting the great effort our troops put forth to protect this country.
This Nissan 350z includes a laundry list of performance parts.
This is not Ashby’s first project, but it is one of his more detailed. It uses no vinyl for the detailed images on the side or anywhere on the car for that matter. The entire car was painted by hand with incredible detail. The goal for Ashby’s creations is to make projects that no one can forget. This Nissan 350z includes a laundry list of performance parts that go a long with the one of a kind customization of the body. The AEM filter for the cars turbo rests all the way near the rear bumper of the car on which is a more original design for a turbo pick up. This car took Ashby 30 days from start to finish, obviously with the help of others.
Custom Nissan 350z Details
Ashby had the “Black Ops” Nissan 350z on display at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Located outside, in front of the central hall, this 350z was a sight to see. Next to the “Black Ops” 350z, was a fully custom 2010 Nissan 370z and 2010 Chevy Camaro SS, also built by LDRSHIP Designs. AEM caught up with Ashby at the show and had a chance to see his custom creations up close.
When asked what he would recommend to car builders just getting started, Ashby said, “Never take no for an answer and never give up, yes it’s corny but it’s the best advice to be given.” Ashby just wrapped up a carbon fiber Duramax for Chevy and continues to build his reputation with every tricked-out vehicle he completes.
Vehicle Images from SEMA of the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS and 2010 Nissan 370z:
2010 Nissan 370z
LDRSHIP, INC. 2010 Nissan 370z
2010 Nissan 370z at SEMA
2010 Chevy Camaro SS
LDRSHIP, Inc. 2010 Chevy Camaro SS
2010 Chevy Camaro SS at SEMA
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM application search function and the Where to Buy function on AEMIntakes.com to find an AEM dealer near you.
With the checkered flag in hand once again, the AEM sponsored Renezeder thanked his team and sponsors for helping him win.
"It's all about the battle." That's seven-time national short-course champion Carl Renezeder's mantra. Battling the searing heat of Surprise, Arizona at Speedworld Motorsports Complex, and on track scuffles that paled the triple-digit inferno by comparison, Renezeder managed to win in both Pro-4 and Pro-2, bringing his career short-course win total to 91. The two wins also announced that the bad-luck gremlin that had beleaguered his pit and truck most of the season had been vanquished.
Notching two more wins at Arizona's Speedworld Motorsports Complex, Renezeder now has 91 wins in the record books.
"There are two things that got me here today," remarked a relieved Renezeder from the top spot on the podium after the Pro-4 win on Saturday, "my team and my sponsors. I wouldn't be here without them."
After qualifying third in his Lucas Oil/General Tire Pro-4 truck, then starting outside second row because of the three-row invert, the AEM induction systems sponsored driver settled into his groove and showed patience, which allowed him to stay out of the tangle-up in turn four that resulted in a complete restart.
Renezeder's epic battle with points leader Rob MacCachren produced some of the best action the Pro-2 class has seen all season.
After the second drop of the green, Renezeder was able to get around third place Travis Coyne when he got sideways coming out of turn five, that's when great battles with first place Mike Johnson ensued. Renezeder made his pass on Johnson stick right before another mandatory yellow. The restart found his front left tire going flat, but, it hung on for the remainder of the race, as did Renezeder, to ink win number 90 in the books.
Less than an hour later, Renezeder climbed into his number 17 Pro-2 truck, poised and ready for more combat. Fresh off the Pro-4 win, confidence was high as he lined up on the inside of points leader Rob MacCachren on the third row.
Renezeder shot into fifth place by the end of lap one, and then worked his way to fourth before a full-course caution bunched up the field. The green flew again and Renezeder got around MacCachren in turn three to put himself in third for the mandatory caution.
The second half of the race delighted the fans with some of the best action the class has seen all season. Renezeder worked his way around second and third place, as did MacCachren, setting up a three-lap dogfight to the checkers. Renezeder held his ground and earned winner's circle rights one more time, relishing in all the things he loves about off-road racing and battles.
"That was fun. Great job guys," commented Renezeder on the radio just after the checkered flag flew.
"We actually like the weekends that have extreme weather - we seem to work really well in adverse conditions," understated Renezeder. "But, it was definitely hot, and it took some extra time to recover. It felt really good to have a positive weekend and get back on top of the podium. My battles with Rob MacCachren were a lot of fun and holding him off for that win on Saturday was definitely memorable."
With 91 wins now securely locked up, it's not unreasonable to wonder if Renezeder has taken a peak ahead to the century milestone?
"We don't take any win for granted because we never know if it will be our last. One hundred career wins would be an amazing achievement, but we'll keep focusing on one race at a time."
"I'm pretty sure we've been mathematically eliminated from both championships this year," added Renezeder. "It's unfortunate. We've earned a championship every year since 2005, but it looks like the streak will end with our double in 2009. We had a few bad races in both trucks this year, and with the way the points system is structured, it's really hard to make up any points just by doing well. You have to rely on others having a bad weekend to make up much ground. We're focused on finishing out the season strong in Vegas next weekend and then at Firebird in December."
Three more rounds of racing are left in the points chase, followed by the second annual Lucas Oil Challenge Cup on December 12th at the new Firebird Raceway venue in Chandler, Arizona, to close out the 2010 season.
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM application search function and the Where to Buy function on AEMIntakes.com to find an AEM dealer near you.
Ryan Tuerck and the Gardella Racing team took an impressive 2nd Place in Irwindale, CA.
The 2010 Formula DRIFT season was one for the record books. Teams were sporting new cars with bigger and more powerful motors which only intensified the competition and excitement at every event. Fans were treated to big tire smoke and screaming full throttle action at each of the 7 stops throughout the season.
The Gardella team discussing tactics between races.
The season started off a little slow for Gardella Racing and their AEM Sponsored Mobil 1 Pontiac Solstice driven by Ryan Tuerck, but they rallied about half way through the season and charged hard with two 2nd place finishes along the way to finish in 3rd place overall, taking the podium spot from Daijiro Yoshihara by just 1 point.
AEM Induction Systems recently had the opportunity to ask team owner Gary Gardella about their 2010 season and what may be coming down the pipe for 2011. Here's what Gary had to say.
Sometimes you just have to get in there and make it work.
What were some of the major challenges your team faced for the 2010 season?
To start the season off, we were running our Ecotec 4 cylinder that produced a ton of HP, but just did not have the torque curve that was needed to keep up with some of the big shots in the Formula Drift series. So, starting the season off we knew we were at a disadvantage. Fortunately, we were able to turn this around for the second half of the season once we dropped in an LS7.
Tuerck slinging it sideways around the last clipping point in Las Vegas.
How do you feel about your team's performance over the 2010 season?
I think it was phenomenal! I have always raced to win and this season was a major learning curve as I continue to adjust to a judged sport. As the season went on, I realized that I had to relax, begin to understand the sport as a whole, and not put so much pressure on myself and the team.
Ryan Tuerck throwing up big smoke in Irwindale, CA.
What was the highlight of the season for you?
The highlight of my season was in Evergreen Speedway when we finished 2nd to Tanner. It was not because we finished on the podium, but because the guests we had at the event had so much fun. They were on their feet the entire event rooting on Ryan Tuerck and the Mobil 1 Solstice.
What was the lowpoint of the season?
Not winning an event.
What are some of the most important lessons you've learned from the 2010 season?
Like I mentioned above, that winning is not everything. Throughout my entire racing career, I have raced to win. In drag racing you are able to make upgrades and modifications to the car and win. In drifting you are judged and the equipment you are using is only part of the equation. I have never lost so much in my entire career, yet this has been one of my most successful years in racing for many other reasons.
Are there any changes you're planning to make for the 2011 season that you can share?
You will see many major changes in our program for 2011. To start, we are focused on building new competition cars during the off-season. There will be a second driver in our Solstice for a few select FD events. The team is also planning an international tour in the 2nd half of 2011.
Gardella Racing is definitely hitting their stride and looks to be one of the strongest contenders for the top of the podium in the upcoming 2011 season. They've learned so much from the 2010 season and it's only going to help make next year that much better.
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM application search function and the Where to Buy function on AEMIntakes.com to find an AEM dealer near you.
Nowadays, V6 muscle cars mean business, and the new 2010 and 2011 V6 Chevy Camaro is no exception. With its direct-injected, DOHC 304HP V6 engine, a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions, and a sporty independent rear suspension, the new V6 Camaro can out-gun many older V8 models both at the drag strip and at your local road course. With that much power and value straight from the factory, the challenge to create an
air intake that would beat the competition would not be easy.
Dyno Chart for 2010 and 2011 Chevrolet Camaro V6
After several months of testing four different prototypes with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis, in-vehicle fuel-trim tests, under hood thermal analysis, and vehicle dyno tests, AEM Induction's engineers were still not satisfied with the results.
While testing a 5th prototype they found it had no advantage over competitor
designs. Our conclusion at that point was simple:
Compromise is not an option. It was back to the drawing board.
AEM Air Intake on a 2010 and 2011 Chevrolet Camaro with 3.6 liter V6
engine
AEM engineers came up with 4 more designs and put them through their usual onslaught of tests. In total, 9 designs with 24 variables were run through dozens of flow tests and over 180 dyno pulls on 6 different vehicles! The ultimate reward came when they finally designed a winner with impressive mid-to-high range power. The results for the new AEM 21-8028DC
with a gunmetal gray finish and 21-8028DP
with a polished finish were what AEM engineers were looking for in a Cold Air Intake Systems for the 2010 and 2011 V6 Camaro.
Testing revealed a maximum power gain of 16.39 HP @ 5350RPM and 17.57 ft-lbs of torque @ 2600RPM
at the rear wheels!
AEM's new 21-8028DC and 21-8028DP Cold Air Intake Systems for the 2010 and 2011 V6 Camaro use a bolt-on kit, including a large 2-piece, 3.5-inch diameter mandrel-bent intake tube made from high-grade aluminum. The intake tubes include a venturi insert to contour the air flow at the MAF sensor position, maintaining the factory calibration while allowing a greater volume of air into the engine. The new MAF position reduces heat soaking of the integral IAT sensor, a common issue with the stock intake system, allowing it to read true intake air temperatures instead of hotter surface temperatures. An OEM-quality MAF extension harness is included.
The 21-8028DC and 21-8028DP intake tubes position the large, AEM DryFlow performance air filter in the optimal location for cool air. As a result, the V6 Camaro's
windshield washer fluid reservoir had to be replaced with a smaller,
lightweight washer bottle mounted in a new location. An OEM-quality washer
pump extension harness and a powder coated mounting bracket are also
included. Just bolt it on, plug it in, and GO! AEM provides detailed instruction instructions that make installing this power gaining air intake on your Camaro V6 easy.
The AEM DryFlow air filter has a large surface area and a velocity stack inlet design that outflows the V6 engine's requirements. The oil-free synthetic DryFlow technology is extremely durable and easy to clean. To further enhance the filtration properties of the DryFlow performance filter, AEM also offers DryFlow Pre-Filters. Designed to prevent splashes of water or mud from saturating the DryFlow air filter, AEM's
pre-filters are manufactured from a durable micro-screen material that is pretreated with a proprietary hydrophobic process.
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM application search function and the Where to Buy function on AEMIntakes.com to find an AEM dealer near you.
