Urban Assault 2

Back in 2016, Blake Wilkey rose to fame as a result of an insane video titled Urban Assault which went on to become a massive viral sensation.  It still stands up today as an epic video and is worth watching if you haven’t seen it.  Blake actually had to do some jail time for breaking a long list of driving laws in San Diego where the video was filmed.  However, the risk/reward has paid off nicely and Blake is now a social media darling with thousands of followers on Instagram.

After that first video, Blake went on to sell his 700 HP Baja Buggy to a Prince in Dubai. However, that did not end his off-road shenanigans as he has successfully leveraged his popularity by attracting major sponsors who have helped him build a beautiful new Baja buggy.  From all accounts, Blake seems to be a very affable, down to earth, fun loving guy so we are not surprised his rise to fame has continued to shine bright.

Earlier this month, in the run up to Las Vegas’s big off road race the Mint 400, Blake Wilkey launched his newest project titled Urban Assault 2.

This new video is 7.5 minutes of Blake driving like a mad man through the streets of Vegas.  The cinematography is top notch with lots of cool backgrounds all behind the carnal noise and crazy power of Wilkey’s LS3 powered Baja buggy.  Make sure to follow him at @b357wilkey

Ken Block’s GYMKHANA NINE: Raw Industrial Playground

Over the years, we have written many times about the infamous Gymkhana series, so it should come as no surprise we are writing about the latest installment. All of the earlier videos have become viral sensations, because the King of “Hoon”, Ken Block continues to push the boundaries behind the wheel.  The new and ninth version likely will too, as it captures the epic “Hooning” tradition of the rally star and his drifting genius.

While it was originally scheduled to be filmed in Sydney to tie in with the Australian Forza Horizon 3 video game, authorities said Block was too much of a “Hoon” for the Land Down Under and would only allow him to make the video on private property.  Instead, Block chose to film in an abandoned industrial area in New York state. Yeah Buffalo!

With so many global corporations shying away from the single big endorsement deal as a result of today’s fragmented online world we do appreciate Ford’s decision to buck the trend.  The combination of a significant amount of both resources and dollars enables the team to create a world-class product in the Gymkhana video series.

As part of Block’s deal with Ford Performance that sees him compete in the FIA World Rallycross championship, these videos feature him driving the custom-built 600 horsepower Ford Focus RS rally machine.  I’m sure the real ROI isn’t great, but it does make you want to take a Ford Focus for a test drive.

15 Best Sounding V8 Engines

Although it has been a much tamer winter here in Toronto compared to last year, Spring can’t come soon enough. Here’s a little cacophony of sounds to get you all over this final hump.  Make sure to crank up the volume on this insane video from the folks at VisoRacer.

Nothing beats the sound of a powerful V8 engine…..Nothing!

What’s your favourite engine?

Dune Buggy Driver Who Ripped Around San Diego Streets Faces 26 Charges

We don’t condone any person driving recklessly on public roads as it really is the dumbest thing you can do as a driver.  However, you have to admit this 800 HP dune buggy is an insane beast and it’s no surprise the video of it tearing up San Diego’s streets has become a viral sensation.  With over a million views since being posted in January, check it out for yourself.

Hopefully driver Blake Wilkey has now learned his lesson from the little joy ride as he is in some big trouble with the local law enforcement with 26 misdemeanor charges, including nine conspiracy counts.  Hope he has a good lawyer and some extra dough for bus fare.

It’s that time of year again and Ken Block has outdone himself!

Earlier today, Hoonigan, Ford and Need For Speed posted Ken Block’s Gymkhana SEVEN – Wild in the Streets: Los Angeles.  Having covered the epic “Gymkhana video series” for the past few years there is nothing in the world like it and Ken Block has certainly upped the ante with this new installment.

With some help from the Hollywood Hills and post apocalyptic Los Angeles, Ken and his corporate A-team of sponsors sure know how to make the ultimate drifting video.

This new video captures all the sounds and sheer genius skill of Ken Block as he tears through LA in his custom 1965, 845 horsepower fire-breathing Mustang. Honestly, enough of our words, just go ahead and enjoy this 12 minute video and be glad you don’t have to pay for Kenny’s tire bill.

The Mercedes C63 AMG Experiment

After spending a glorious day at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park watching the Tudor United Sportscar series we thought it was time to have a little fun with some old school video. Check out this 2012 Chris Harris segment where he takes a Mercedes C63 AMG coupe with the optional 480 HP power upgrade and lets her rip on some smaller rubber. The moral of this video is “Everyone should learn to drive with big power on skinny rubber!

Another Gymkhana Battle for the Ages

As our regular readers know we have always been interested in covering the Gymkhana drifting scene so we would be remiss if we did not post this new video from Pikes Peak International Hill Climb champion Mike Ryan. The new video features Mike in his heavily modified Freightliner Cascadia (by Banks Power) and a drift-ready Nissan 240SX driven by Daniel Leavitt. Together with a solid team of stunt professionals Mike and Daniel drive their rides to the limit incorporating everything from tandem drifts, insane jumps to unreal burn-outs.  Honestly, after watching this epic video we are starting to think Ken Block may not be the King for too much longer…..

 

Vice Chronicles Okinawa’s Illegal Street Racing Scene

Here in Canada we have very strict street racing laws and they are a good thing don’t get us wrong. However, that does not mean the allure of racing on public roads among enthusiasts is fully extinguished. Autoblog Canada has posted a very cool video from Vice Japan that profiles illegal racer Eikichi Nagayoshi of Japan’s southern island Okinawa. Having spent a year in the “Land of the Rising Sun” and travelling to Okinawa I can honestly say it is one of the most unique places in the world so it’s no surprise its car culture is 100% authentic.

The video focuses around Nagayoshi’s admiration of his customized 1,000 horsepower Toyota Aristo (better known to us as a first-generation Lexus GS) that he claims can hit 330 km/h (205 miles per hour).  In typical Vice style the video is shot in a documentary view providing a close-up encounter with Japan’s enigmatic underground racing scene. Scroll down to check out the video, but make sure you have the “CC” button clicked, because several portions are subtitled.

Central Florida Racing Complex closes its doors for good

Having just spent some time in the South, it’s quite suiting we recently came across this story. After years of providing Central Florida with a popular development track, the Central Florida Racing Complex (CFRC) has officially closed its doors.  Most recently used by drifting enthusiasts to hone their skills, the track’s substantial size and grassroots environment made it a prime breeding ground for Florida’s drifting scene.

Over the years, track owner Donnie Vivier poured his heart and soul into each event and fought hard to keep the doors open for Florida’s drift community. However, Donnie is now moving on to Orlando Speedworld (OSW), an oval track where drifting started for a lot of Florida’s top drivers. Nevertheless, check out a recently made tribute video which successfully captures the visceral action that made the track infamous for providing an ultimate learning ground for aspiring drifters.