Yup. We won round 1 at Suzuka circuit.

The GT300 Z33 went through some aero changes for this year.

Big ups to Kageyama and Fujii for their mad skills. Okayama International Circuit is up next.

The following is most likely going to be incoherent when read for explicit meaning. Nevertheless, I shall proceed and continue.. I’ve reached a crossroad in my life, yet the actual crossover from one segment to the next has been blurred to the point of being utterly indistinguishable. It’s momentous when it’s deliberately considered but, because it isn’t, it’s merely listless and uneventful. However, when the mere notion is considered, one can’t help but ponder as to why that is.

Truth be told, this is the moment I’ve been anticipating for much too long. But regardless of the moment being upon me, it seems as if it hasn’t yet come. Perhaps it’s simply the fact that something this momentous cannot be contemplated nor fully considered in such a short time span, or perhaps it’s because the event itself was severely overstated in significance. I truly do hope that it’s more the former than the latter, for unmet expectations are far more devastating than anyone ever admits.

The most common feelings and emotions that are carried with the preceeding thoughts are that of reminiscence. Thus, I’ve attempted to reflect upon the events carrying me to this very moment, the events which occurred during the past four and a half years of my life. It seems as though saying a considerable amount has happened would be an understatement at best, and while trying to remember everything would be quite the task, an attempt at remembering only the pleasant would be an exercise in futility.

I think the most analogous nuance that life offers us is the frequent misinterpretation of Green Day’s “Good Riddance”. How many people have used this seemingly optimistic song in reference to times in their lives that they wish to remember, when in fact the message behind the song is anything but? Keeping this in mind, I believe the best way for me to describe the sum of thoughts and emotions within me is simply that, “Good Riddance”.

But it shall not and will not end there, not so fast my good friends. My last post was entitled “The beginning” and that it truly is. If you think what’s happened so far was impressive, just you wait. It ain’t over yet, I’m just getting started.

So I took delivery of the car back in February. I’ve spent the last two Saturdays stripping and removing stuff the old owner installed. Finally, this past weekend, I got to put something in the car. Personal Fitti Corsa in black suede with yellow logo/stitching. Works Bell Rapfix GTC in black. Both courtesy of A Spec Products.

We’ll begin to give more love and shine to companies and brands we like. For the luxury style heads, WALD is definitely one of them. In Japan, WALD (most popular for their high-quality aerokits) is easily considered to be within the upper echelon of VIP (Bippu) status. Contrary to popular belief, what’s considered “VIP” in Japan isn’t the flambuoyant and gaudy stuff you most likely see here, but moreso a clean and subtle, grown-up look. Hence, the popularity of WALD (pronounced “Baludo” in Japanese) in Japan. Peep their stuff here.

Jon Pek from Nor. Cal. runs Jonari Corporation and exclusively imports Wald. Legitamately. Got this in the mail today. Jon hooked me up with this long-sleeve. Like their logo. Very Bentley-esque. I hope to slowly begin to see companies like WALD and G.Corp., 2 of my favorites, bring more of the VIP style to life stateside. Thanks Jon!

For those that don’t know, ZEAL is Endless’ labelmate. Endless is brakes, ZEAL is coilovers, simply put. Same company. ZEAL is known to be in the upper echelon of coilover suspension systems. All monotube from street to circuit versions. We perform overhauling in-house for the North American market and take it quite seriously. ZEAL coilovers have come a long way. It’s the little things that count. For instance, here we have an older Function-Xs on the left and a newer version on the right.

First, notice the upgrade from a thinner lock seat (for the lower adjustable cup/bracket) and stainless seat on the left, to a wider lock seat on the right. Also notice the difference in color of the shell case. Our older versions (ie., Function-B6, Function-V6, etc.) were completely silver. Now they have a goldish color. This gold colored coating helps protect the exterior against rusting.

Little ever evolving changes like this, go a long way.
Notice we’re pointing at the protrusion. This is actually the bottom of the seat and it aids in securing the lock seat to the bracket.

From left to right, we have a rum cylinder (reverse monotube-type), an older shell case, and a newer shell case.

Here is the inside of an older shell case.

Here’s the inside of an updated shell casing for a reverse monotube type ZEAL coilover. The rum cylinder goes inside here. The ring as well as the protrusion below help secure the cylinder causing less noise and unnecessary friction. ZEAL continues to progress.

Your message to me was duly noted. Here’s a throwback from me to you.

Watch for the next one in ‘08.

A friend showed me this link. I guess this means we made it? L-A-M-E. But Funny. Endless Caliper COVERS!!!!!. Coulda fooled me.

The motivation for this entry comes from Stephen of Alpinestars. A couple weeks back at Chinatown Showoff he asked what excites me. Surprisingly, I didn’t have much of an answer for him. It’s taken me since that moment to figure it out, but I think I have something now.
To the left is something that really gets me excited - uh, what’s behind the woman.. Although the woman’s exciting too… Isn’t that Keeley Hazell? Damn it, focus.

There. That’s better. Formula 1. I have to admit that I’ve just recently begun to have interest in F1 after watching the 2006 season review. Regardless, F1 has always been like the holy grail of all motorsports in my opinion. It’s the epitomy of racing technology at it’s best. The millions of dollars spent, the global reach of the series and the driving talent all make for quite possibly the most exciting racing series in motorsports. Engines that spend most their lives in tens of thousands of RPM and spit blue flames while doing it? C’mon..

Thankfully, both Endless and Enkei are Formula 1 suppliers and have been for several years now (Endless supplying RF-650 brake fluid to Honda, Toro Rosso and Super Aguri and Enkei supplying wheels to Mercedes). There’s a lot of pride that comes with being able to say that and it makes me believe wholeheartedly that I’m working for the right companies within the industry. Watching the series, knowing that I’m a part of that (however small), is a wonderous feeling.

Next we have WRC and other rally series, something I truly wish I could watch more of. Rally is something that doesn’t get nearly enough press or exposure. The talent of crews and drivers (and co-drivers) is awe inspiring.

If any of you got a chance to see rally as part of the X-Games for the first time back in 2006, you know what I mean. ESPN did a fantastic job of putting together coverage of the series up to the final at the Home Depot center. You can’t stage the excitement that unfolded that day as Mc Rae rolled his Impreza after the last jump giving Travis Pastrana the Gold. Endless supplies a lot of brake pads and fluid to rally as well. Rally is something that everyone should watch, at least once. It won’t dissapoint.

A few years back an event called GT Live made its debut at California Speedway. More than a dozen official GT machines made the trek across the Pacific to take part in the first event of it’s kind on US soil. THAT was the definitive GT Live event combining both GT racing as well as drift (GT Live events now are another story). There really isn’t anything like being there in person hearing those machines roar past you. And there’s no way to describe the feeling I felt as the Endless x Advan GT300 Z33 drove by.

I think the most down to earth form of racing that excites me is D1. For the hardcore race cats, I’m prolly letting you guys down, yet I can’t deny that I do enjoy watching D1. Option does a good job of putting the DVD’s togther, especially the 2006 season. D1 teams too face the high stress demands of racing. JUN’s Koyama demanded a differential change in less than 10 minutes for Team Orange’s Impreza driven by Kumakubo. I don’t care who you are, that’s impressive.

So what excites me given that I’ve fallen victim to becoming jaded? Recently Mr. Inamoto, Executive Director of Endless, visited and I once again had the opportunity to pick his brain. Usually I don’t know that we’re involved in a vehicle unless there’s a sticker on it. But he taught me all about the different ways we’re involved in F1, WRC, Super GT, Super Taikyu and countless others, which really gave me a sense of meaning. It was like he was telling me why I’m working for Endless; “because you’re a part of this.” That was like nothing other.

Car wise? Machines that manufacturers build really make me say ”Wow, that’s impressive.” They build these machines keeping so much in mind, leaving no element neglected, no detail too small. And then they get out there and drive these machines. JUN’s AWD Z33 comes to mind. Overdone show cars that merely go to shows and back really bug me.

So, is that to say that private individuals can’t build cars that excite me? No, it’s not impossible, just rare. There have been cars built by individuals such as Jay Bryan, Mike Sabounchi and Toshi Hayama that have definitely impressed me in one way or another. But to be honest, I haven’t seen anything too interesting in a while. Consider this a challenge to people out there reading this. My name at the top of this entry is a link to my E-mail. Send in cars that you think I’ve overlooked or go out and build something that makes people look twice. I’ve shown you what inspires me, so what inspires you?

I’m thoroughly impressed with the direction AME is heading with both the sports and luxury lines. Here’s the Modelart GRACER Premium Version. The flagship of the flagship. Mr. Hashiba just sent these pics to me so I had to show them off.

In Japan, the Premium Version will only be offered to select, stocking resellers and boutique-esque (is that a word?) retailers.

The standard GRACER is offered in a Sparkle Finish (which is essentially the SBC finish) and the Mirror Finish x Black (which is essentially a polished face with gloss black accents).
The Premium Version, shown here, comes in a Mirror Finish x Matte Black finish.

Oh right, the center cap is special as well. The new version of the AME unicorn. I’m liking it.

I probably wouldn’t have thought about these on a G35, but it doesn’t look half bad.

Fitted..like a New Era. This is the MF x Black standard GRACER. This wheel is really beginning to grow on me..enjoy.

The WX doesn’t get its due shine. Such a nice wheel design.

Diamond Cut face.

This is a 19×10 with a +0 offset in a super low disk. (Sony Ericsson & Mosley Tribe Aviators not included)

Finally. Our Super GOLD Spec-R with machined center. Special Edition. They’ll be here end of April-ish.

This is in Japan..some of the KYH peeps setting our FX in a cherry blossom tree. You’ll see this, amongst other things, on our Transitlab produced, AME site shortly.

3 birthdays in 3 days…Sorry TobsxChar/Antonio/RJ for not making it to LA for the parties this past wknd…But here’s Fata..if you notice, he’s so faded that he doesn’t realize his bicep is on fire. Now that’s faded. Happy Bday Fata. CSOYB. OYB meaning On Your Bicep.

Super Street x Volk x AME..

Happy Bday Arj…the big 3-0~!

Rockerface Jay and friend.

Last, but not least..Happy Bday Kei. A night to remember as it became a bit toasty. For those of you who don’t know, Ken Miyoshi (Import Showoff), Satoshi (Dynamic Autosports) and I go way back. Ken and I went to high school together while all 3 of us were also involved with kendo. I met Meg and Kei back in the anteater days. Since we rarely all get together, the conversations both work and non-work related were…interesting to say the least. Meg, Myself, Satoshi (Dynamic), Ken (Showoff), and Kei. This is at Izakaya Kan Yuzen in Torrance. A very good place to eat, btw.