Gymkhana USA! First Event @ El Toro AFB Irvine CA - March 31 2007

[A Spec Products]

http://www.aspecproducts.com/forums/zilvia/delete/gymkhana.jpg

GYMKHANA USA in Socal, first event of 2007

Looks like its gonna be a dope event, and the location is super bad ass!

For those who don't know what gymkhana is, check out Gymkhana USA's site for more info:

http://www.gymkhanausa.com/index.html

All you Irvine guys have no excuse to hard park!

El Toro AFB Irvine CA - March 31 2007

$120 to enter

To register go here:

http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEventDetail.Show?psevent_id=6767&psmode=3&psrnd=.38593679050001115757155412624505600259

For those registered!

There is a PRE TECH INSPECTION this weekend!

Save time on track day, get your tech done ahead of time!

Location:
Autobacs USA
12645 Beach Blvd.
Stanton, CA 90680

Date: This Sunday 25th
Time: From 10am to 3pm

http://www.autobacsusa.com/

---------------------------------------------------

Here is what the organizer Ken Takahashi has to say about the event:

Hello everyone, Ken here…. For some of you might remember me as “Ken” from Motorex, or “Ken” the guy how brought C-West & Uchi, or “Ken” from Best Motoring aka “American Touge” or finally “Ken” one of the Formula D judge. Either Ken you know you probably know me. And I probably know many of you guys too….

That’s why I’m happy to announce to you guys 1st the launch of my new event “American Gymkhana”. With the support and advice from some Japanese manufactures & Drift Association were bringing one of Japan’s most popular and oldest grassroots motorsport. History has proven the most successful are the events that were started by the “people” like Import drags started from street racing, Hot Import Nights started from car clubs hanging out at night, and Drifting…. Well need I say more?

Well, I encourage you guys to come out and try it. It will be fun, it’s like time attack meets drifting in autocross. Short course & you will get time slips challenging your fellow drivers. You can run with your Scion, Fit, Subaru, G35 pretty much anything except SUV’s and you don’t have to driving 100 out into the boonies to run. You don’t have to have a FR (rear wheel drive) car to have fun in Gymkhana, All-wheel drive and mid-ships are fine too. Were going to be right next to Irvine Spectrum. Our event is going to be on March 31st (Saturday) at El Toro. So, please visit my site www.gymkhanausa.com register to run (price is for all day) and please support the cause.

“Let’s build something together”

Thanks,
Ken

http://www.aspecproducts.com/forums/zilvia/delete/gymkhanalayout.jpg

Here is the track layout.

Larger Version (http://www.aspecproducts.com/forums/hondatech/ElToro/EL-TOROtrack.jpg)

[tknbkthrsdy4anfg]

OMFG I'm so there!!!

[klohiq]

what?! no love for maine...

i gotta move to somewhere that doesn't snow for half the year :(

[brainfood]

I Might come out looks like fun, depends on tires and $$$ and conflicting with other events but I would like to check it out.

[94cc0rd]

oo... very interesting..

damn socal is ballin w/ events.... at least 2 every month!!! hAhaha

[vw_nissan]

I want to move to the West Coast damn it......life is boring on the East coast.

[A Spec Products]

Oh and all you "anti drift" purists dudes got no excuse either

[UNITEDMASTER]

I Might come out looks like fun, depends on tires and $$$ and conflicting with other events but I would like to check it out.

Yea, pretty much the same for me with conflicting schedule (POC), maybe next time:bigok:

A-SPEC:naughty: :naughty: hahaha ,ya gotta go easy on the irvine hard parkers LOLLOLLOL:2f2f:

[A Spec Products]

Yea, pretty much the same for me with conflicting schedule (POC), maybe next time:bigok:

A-SPEC:naughty: :naughty: hahaha ,ya gotta go easy on the irvine hard parkers LOLLOLLOL:2f2f:

Hahah

You spend money on the car for a reason

Not to hang out in parking lots!

Nah I'm just playin, I don't mean it seriously, but driving a car hard at the track is fun!

[TheSquidd]

120$ for Gymkhana, this makes me assume I won't need to work the track for that price?

What kind of seat time are you looking at?

Very very interested. I'll see how my budget works out for this.

[RPS13FREAK]

Damn, interesting...so the setup with be for drift and grip, but it's whoever has the best time? i bet it's going to turn into a drift vs grip battle.

[ZX88]

no eastcoast love :(

[A Spec Products]

120$ for Gymkhana, this makes me assume I won't need to work the track for that price?

What kind of seat time are you looking at?

Very very interested. I'll see how my budget works out for this.

I had the same question in regards to seat time

But I assume it should move pretty fast even though its 60 people, since there are two run courses going at the same time, and its only one time through

And you always have the dudes who don't run a full day, so that opens up more time

no eastcoast love :(

West west yall

Ain't no one best like the WEST

[TheSquidd]

blahblahblah

So what, are you driving at this? I'll go if you go. Period. Let's Gymkhana!

[A Spec Products]

So what, are you driving at this? I'll go if you go. Period. Let's Gymkhana!

Not sure yet, gotta see how the finances are for next month.

[TheSquidd]

Not sure yet, gotta see how the finances are for next month.

That it I'm holding your fender roller hostage.

[Wei240]

holy moly,
it's in irvine,

if i can fix the car in time, i'm there

[boozels]

looks like a fun event
tryin to get the day off work
if I do i'll be there fo sho

[golds1400]

hmm sounds fun ... just finished my 300zx brakes 2 days ago mite want to test them a little ..

[A Spec Products]

That it I'm holding your fender roller hostage.

I'm going to hold your face hostage.

[TheSquidd]

I'm going to hold your face hostage.

I'm gonna hold your heart hostage.

:love:

And hold your hands.

[A Spec Products]

I'm gonna hold your heart hostage.

:love:

And hold your hands.

I may be poor, but I am rich in GAY GUYS.

[hitman]

120$ for gymkhana? yuck

[longdy]

hey the price isnt as bad since it is the first event that is held like this..
man wish i could go though and :2f2f:

[hitman]

for 5$ more you can go drift horse thief hot lapping. they used to do gymkhana at balcony since like 2 years ago for 50$.whatever

[A Spec Products]

for 5$ more you can go drift horse thief hot lapping. they used to do gymkhana at balcony since like 2 years ago for 50$.whatever

haha

fo sho

i was thinking of doing the HTM event in march

but this is convenient and not as far for the socaliens

haha my car is in modified class cause i have a strut tower bar and BODYKIT

YEAHHHHHHH

[TheSquidd]

haha

haha my car is in modified class cause i have a strut tower bar and BODYKIT

YEAHHHHHHH


Werd. I believe I'd be in Unlimited class for no CAT and motor swap. Gay city.

120$ is a shiat load... thus the seat time question. I hear in JPN you get like, 4 runs in a day (but their gymkhana events cost like 25-50$)

[A Spec Products]

Werd. I believe I'd be in Unlimited class for no CAT and motor swap. Gay city.

120$ is a shiat load... thus the seat time question. I hear in JPN you get like, 4 runs in a day (but their gymkhana events cost like 25-50$)

I'd hope that there would be more than 4 runs

I'd be so sad if that was the case

I'll try to see if I can find the answer

[koukikat180sx]

sign up ppl! :)

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

this may be first track event with the new car!

[Moon Ill]

Isn't Gymkhana the same as Auto-x? If not inform my ignorant ass.

[1via]

$120 isn't bad, consider you save 3-4 hours of driving time to Willow or Button Willow and save yourself $50+ on gas. Ya know KA or SR isn't the most fuel efficient motor on the road and rolling in the slammed 240 will get pretty tired after 100+ miles of driving..

[94cc0rd]

willow springs isn't that far... and a lot of people think it's worth it to be on an actual track...

I think it's a good compromise, since beginner practice days @ oval or balcony are usually $105 through just drift... the extra $15 could go for the gas that you save... or whatever...

either way, $120 for an event isn't bad at all...

i'm going to try to make it out to this event.. see what gymkhana is all about..

[A Spec Products]

Isn't Gymkhana the same as Auto-x? If not inform my ignorant ass.

Read da link I posted earlier: http://www.gymkhanausa.com/

Gymkhana started in the '60 but built popularity in the 80's. Never built up popularity in the US unlike Europe and Japan. But now with the popularity of Import cars (Japanese & European) and the advent of Drifting perking the interest of auto enthusiast to focus more on driving technique than raw horsepower. Gymkhana has come full circle and has become the next big thing in the auto industry.

Sometimes called "Car Rodeo", Gymkhana is quite often compared to Autocross or Pro Solo. Although the two sports share many common similarities the Autocross & Solo course main is "time". A Gymkhana track is laid out in a matter that encourages the driver to use flamboyant driving and drifting techniques that's 1st, 2nd is time. It has been a popular sport for many years though out the world. Now its coming to America.

Gymkhana is about "control".
Gymkhana is primarily done on an open paved field or parking lot. The course is laid out with cones in key points to navigate to. The obstacle will often consist of slaloms, 180 degree turns, 360 degree turns, figure 8s, and some time parking boxes. The drivers goals is the get through the course and fast a possible with the least amount of mistakes. Gymkhana requires strong mental concentration and memorizing of the track, where you have to go and do next. The driver will use many techniques to effectively go through a course. Acceleration, braking, drifting & grip driving are all necessary for Gymkhana. Widely popular internationally, in Europe, Malaysia, Australia, and Japan.

willow springs isn't that far... and a lot of people think it's worth it to be on an actual track...

I think it's a good compromise, since beginner practice days @ oval or balcony are usually $105 through just drift... the extra $15 could go for the gas that you save... or whatever...

either way, $120 for an event isn't bad at all...

i'm going to try to make it out to this event.. see what gymkhana is all about..

yeah, willow springs is bad ass

but to have an event in OC is super cool, especially since El Toro was closed to a lot of motorsports events for a while

el toro is right off the 5 in irvine, so its central to people from SD and LA, and perfect for the OC guys

we talked to the organizer and he said that for $120, you can run ALL DAY as MANY TIMES as you want

so that should be a LOT of seat time, especially since a lot of drivers often sandbag after around lunch time and go home

this isnt lame like autox where you have to work the track. u wont need to work the track, no need to pick up cones, just go and DRIVE!

this should be a great start to REAL GYMKHANA in the usa, especially with the amount of support from over 17 manufacturers (ex: A SPEC!, Autobacs, Bridgestone, Toyo, Nitto, Falken, Tanabe, HKS, BRIDE, 5Zigen, C-West, RSR, JIC, Mazda)

[articdragon192]

Local = save gas money!

[94cc0rd]

yea.. and i noticed that drift association aka drift day is associated with this which means that this is just one more legit track event for us socal-ers...

once i get some more track events under my belt, i might want to start staffing for drift day or something... they get some sweet hookups through the sponsers...

[swayray]

yea.. and i noticed that drift association aka drift day is associated with this which means that this is just one more legit track event for us socal-ers...

once i get some more track events under my belt, i might want to start staffing for drift day or something... they get some sweet hookups through the sponsers...


yes yes... it will be very legit and organized to where every one in each class has a chance on doing well....


$25-$50 for a gymkhana is wonderful if we were in japan... unfortunately it cost more here in the US w/ insurance and all.... i guess you can rest assure that that money you put into the event would pretty much insure your health...

its a little steep but I cannot really give an opinion as far as how the event is or if its really worth my $125 until i try it out at least once... so i'm gonna sign up just to see how it is.... i'd say do the same before you start talkin smak about an event you haven't even tried yet.... i don't mean this on you 94cc0rd i ment to say this to everyone in general....

[A Spec Products]

its a little steep but I cannot really give an opinion as far as how the event is or if its really worth my $125 until i try it out at least once... so i'm gonna sign up just to see how it is.... i'd say do the same before you start talkin smak about an event you haven't even tried yet.... i don't mean this on you 94cc0rd i ment to say this to everyone in general....

Real talk.

I'm signing up to go as well.

We are sponsoring the event, so might as well drive rather than watch!

[R&D Factory]

The staff of R&D Factory will be there representing also. So Logan stay out of my way when I'm taking down the cones with my car. heheheheh

[Wei240]

ah, cool, rnd is going to be there, tell Ed to bring my sr ecu that he owes me, lol
(no joke, he owes me an ecu)...

irvine pd has absolutely nothing to do, so don't give them a reason to pull anyone over, seriously, if anyone read the police blotter, it'll be something like this "9:55 am, woman called to report someone keyed her car"

[A Spec Products]

irvine pd has absolutely nothing to do, so don't give them a reason to pull anyone over, seriously, if anyone read the police blotter, it'll be something like this "9:55 am, woman called to report someone keyed her car"

They see me rollin
They hatin
Patrolling they tryin to catch me ridin dirty
Tryin to catch me ridin dirty
Tryin to catch me ridin dirty
Tryin to catch me ridin dirty
Tryin to catch me ridin dirty

It's right off the 5 so shouldn't have that big a deal, but yeah don't act like idiots, cause Irvine PD will mess you up

[s13coupedrfter]

Holy shit I'm there!!!!!

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

less talk more of this:
Alejandro Galindo -

Your registration for 'Gymkhana USA event 1 (31-Mar-2007)' has been received by
MyAutoEvents.com and forwarded to the event registrar.

Your Registration:
http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEntryDetail.Show?psevent_id=6767

Entry List for this Event:
http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEntryList.Show?psevent_id=6767

Event Details:
http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEventDetail.Show?psevent_id=6767

This message was generated by the MyAutoEvents.com mailing agent.
Do not reply to this message. http://www.myautoevents.com


see you fools there!

[brainfood]

My Fit should be in stock n1 ff class but I have a catback and it doesnt say if its legal or not?! I say it doesnt list it its legal.

[A Spec Products]

http://www.aspecproducts.com/forums/zilvia/delete/gymkhanalayout.jpg

Here is the track layout.

Larger Version (http://www.aspecproducts.com/forums/hondatech/ElToro/EL-TOROtrack.jpg)

[steve shadows]

im going haha

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

damn i can't wait! didn't see any hang loose team members registered yet. i wonder how many cones i can get stuck under my car in one run.............?

[miucus]

damn track layout looks fun

[A Spec Products]

damn i can't wait! didn't see any hang loose team members registered yet. i wonder how many cones i can get stuck under my car in one run.............?

hngloose aint a team

its a lifestyle movement

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

sorry about that.
http://www.brmoffroad.com/HangLoose.GIF

[A Spec Products]

sorry about that.

http://a902.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/46/l_f95aa8c3308231ac9628603c723e4f0d.jpg

HANGLOOSE is not HNGLOOSE.

Lower section rear bumper.

You know what it is.

[steve shadows]

sht if I cant make some cash soon It might be 500 hp, on blown stock suspension...but decent tires haha.:cj:

[A Spec Products]

sht if I cant make some cash soon It might be 500 hp, on blown stock suspension...but decent tires haha.:cj:

you building them cars the wrong way

suspension > engine

haha

[azndoc]

hmmmmm... I'll be there just to see how cracked logan's front bumper is going to be from all of cones. Oh yeah I guess I could drive too, why not.

[Z_Spool]

w00t! that's on my B-Day, so I'll most likely go, but only to watch.:-/

[RPS13FREAK]

Damn, that layout looks awesome.

[A Spec Products]

hmmmmm... I'll be there just to see how cracked logan's front bumper is going to be from all of cones. Oh yeah I guess I could drive too, why not.

at least id break my FRONT bumper

youd break your REAR bumper cause you spin out into the cones

LOL

[yoko86]

ne more info on the address so i can mapquest this location

[94cc0rd]

google maps... el toro air force base irvine, ca...

[A Spec Products]

Go to:

http://www.google.com/maps

Then type in "El Toro Marine Corps Air Station"

Also, here is a link to printable directions:

http://www.gymkhanausa.com/Directions%20-%20El%20Toro.pdf

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

at least id break my FRONT bumper

youd break your REAR bumper cause you spin out into the cones

LOL
damn that's a heart breaker!
http://bahrainia.jeeran.com/million_hrt.jpgbut he only has 2 drift events under his belt, and he's getting better with evry dori! :2f2f: i still love you both though:love:

[azndoc]

What...... I spin out, nah son. I'm just setting you up for a "days of thunder" scene where you coming blasting through all that tire smoke yo. Make it happen. lol

[steve shadows]

How are they classing the cars...I know I should prolly just google...

[A Spec Products]

New info!

Open to the Public/Spectators! FUN RUN

During the lunch break 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Spectators can sign up that afternoon and drive their car on the course 2 runs for $5 BUCKS!

Come and try it! Helmet (SA) is required.

The fine print is that you're limited to 2 runs (one time only).

[kognition]

I def want to check this out. :2f2f:

New info!

Open to the Public/Spectators! FUN RUN

During the lunch break 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Spectators can sign up that afternoon and drive their car on the course 2 runs for $5 BUCKS!

Come and try it! Helmet (SA) is required.

The fine print is that you're limited to 2 runs (one time only).

[gotta240]

thats sucks.... for the drivers paying 125 bucks...

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

^^^^^ what? how can paying $125 to run all day "suck" when all the other people only get two runs and then wish they paid for the full day anyways?

[gotta240]

If they "wish" they had paid 125, they should have woke up extra early, teched their cars, etc. like the rest of us. I do see the other side of it though, and i suppose its a good way to get more people interested...


Anyone know if "ride-alongs" will be allowed.. Have a friend that wants to come but insists on getting a ride or two with me.

[ciGARRETTsRbad4u]

I would also like to know if ride alongs will be allowed. Does anyone know?

[A Spec Products]

I'm checking to see if ride alongs are allowed.

I will let you guys know.

And you can't compare 2 fun runs to a full day of driving.

[azndoc]

^^^ damn it I thought that actually was what I was going to do. OOPs

[A Spec Products]

For those registered!

There is a PRE TECH INSPECTION this weekend!

Save time on track day, get your tech done ahead of time!

Location:
Autobacs USA
12645 Beach Blvd.
Stanton, CA 90680

Date: This Sunday 25th
Time: From 10am to 3pm

http://www.autobacsusa.com/

[gotta240]

ride alongs?

[SwiftS14]

damn only 5 dollars to try it out, forsure im going. got my lawn chairs ready.

[gotta240]

Ride Alongs?

[yoko86]

For those registered!

There is a PRE TECH INSPECTION this weekend!

Save time on track day, get your tech done ahead of time!

Location:
Autobacs USA
12645 Beach Blvd.
Stanton, CA 90680

Date: This Sunday 25th
Time: From 10am to 3pm

http://www.autobacsusa.com/

This sunday @ the pit area ?

[A Spec Products]

Ride Alongs?

I'm going to guess no for ride alongs, unless maybe you are registered in the event.

[gotta240]

bummer. I'm registering, but I guess i have to tell the friend to stay home...

[A Spec Products]

bummer. I'm registering, but I guess i have to tell the friend to stay home...

Its in OC, not like its super far

Just have him roll out and bring the helmet in case

Since its first event, you never know, could be strict, could be lax

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

bring the friend in case you need an extra hand, and then if no rode alongs let him pay $5 and he can drive your car twice.

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

my spot up for sale for this event. cast on my foot so i can't drive.

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

someone go the spot already. but i will be out there in my chair supporting!

[gotta240]

It says online registration is closed... Am i assed out or can i still pay and drive?

[brainfood]

I'll be there, Transmission is still broken so I will be driving the Hondah FIT

[bryce with a y]

shits [email protected]

[A Spec Products]

Yeah, the event is full unfortunately :(

Buy nismornr's spot

[gotta240]

Its sold... Ehh, thats what i get for waiting.... For once an event that ISN'T 3 1/2 hours away! DOH.

thanks

[A Spec Products]

Its sold... Ehh, thats what i get for waiting.... For once an event that ISN'T 3 1/2 hours away! DOH.

thanks

Yeah, it filled up mad fast

Oh well, come out and check it out at least to get an idea...then maybe fun run at lunchtime

Then when event #2 comes around youll be ready to sign up!

See you guys there, I never did gymkhana b4 so hopefully I don't suck it hard

[steve shadows]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/RPSport/GymKhana/HPIM0957.jpg

[yoko86]

any more pix~?

[drift-it]

does that guy in the back rub?

[steve shadows]

any more pix~?

check thread in 'Chat' section

[A Spec Products]

For Immediate Press Release:

American Gymkhana Association (Torrance, CA) would like to thank it’s sponsors and all that came out to attended the kick off of the 1st inaugural event at El Toro fields in Irvine California, March 31st 2007. It was a groundbreaking event; "successful" is to say the least. With original expectations set at 30 to 40 participants and 300-600 spectators, we had 78 participants and over 1,800 spectators! The event drew in a good mix of auto enthusiast from all over the industry. OE’s like Mitsubishi came out with their 2008 New Lancer, Powerhouse tuners like Crawford Performance, RSR & XS came out with their cars. Professional drivers came out like Rally America’s Ken Block & Tanner Foust also Formula D pro drifters Dai Yoshihara, Chris Forsberg, Alex Pheiffer, Stephan Verdier, Samuel Hubinette and D1’s Toshiki Yoshioka. Many that came out felt the vibe and excitement of the good’ old days when import drag racing first came into the scene. IGN.com called it "one of the best grassroots events they ever attended".

As any sport evolves, even a very niche sport like drifting has found itself grown out of the budget of the common enthusiast as it has become mainstream. Gymkhana fills that gap and provides a race venue not just for rear wheel driver cars, but also for front wheel drives, all-wheel drives and even low house powered econ cars like the Honda Fit & Scion’s. American Gymkhana Association is not making a new sport, only reintroducing a sport that has been around for a while, well respected and rich in history to a new generation of drivers, and re-energized a market with parallel synergy from Autocrossing, Drifting and Rally interests consumer. Giving them one big playing field. Our courses are going to integrate things that American drivers are familiar with but a hybrid of all 3 sports.

American Gymkhana’s backbone is the strong support from manufactures that believe in the strength of grassroots, and it is people that participate in these events fashion the future of this industry. With the endorsements from some of the most respected companies in the industry: 5 Zigen, A Spec Products, Autobacs USA, BRIDE, Falken Tires, Meguiars, Pacific Rim, Tanabe, Toyo Tires and Works Bell. We are at the forefront of a NEW Motorsport trend in the US and would like to thank you for your support.

Because of popular demand we are in planning phase for the next event scheduled in mid June. Bigger and Better, American Gymkhana will be held in the same place (EL Toro in Irvine California) but will be adding a larger vendors area along with Japanese food vendors and Japanese festival games (obon) to integrate not just a Japanese inspired Motorsport but to bring the full JDM feel to the US.

If you have questions on how you can be involved in the next event please contact me at: [email protected]

Links on American Gymkhana coverage:

http://cars.ign.com/articles/777/777735p1.html

http://jeffslee.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=40

http://www.thespeedlounge.com/

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1234881

http://www.jtuned.com/content/templates/mrt.aspx?articleid=609&zoneid=3

http://www.xs-engineering.com/company.asp?filter=news&id=57


American Gymkhana video links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQS1sJbAkWU

http://www.crawfordperformance.com/news/ken_gymkhana.shtml