Ken Block's new hybrid autocross/drifting event -Gymkhana anyone??

BerkTechnology · 12-08-2010, 09:04 PM

There is a new timed competition out there that looks a little like those crazy Ken Block youtube videos. Ken Block is calling it Gymkhana Grid here in the US. They call it just plain old Gymkhana in the rest of the world but we have our own unique flavor that is a bit like a hybrid of heads up drag racing, autocross, and drifting.

There was one of us there at the event competing on the pro level, Michael Essa and his V10 powered 335i, he call it the GSR 350R. And this thing sounds freakin' insane with the sequential racing transmission and open exhaust V10 from an E60 M5.

Autocross guys, what do you think? Is this a sport for you?

Link to full article:
http://www.motoiq.com/magazine_articles/ar...a-speedway.aspx

Essa got knocked out in the semi finals from an uber quick Corolla AE86 powered by a turbo Honda S2000 motor but put on a fantastic show during the burnout. Essa won the burnout with a huge ass 3min long 3rd gear burnout that filled the tarmac with so much smoke you couldn't even see his headlights anymore.

Sarracino89 · 12-08-2010, 10:05 PM

I was at a preview at Hollywood Park a few months ago with my friend who won tickets to go see. Ken block was there as well Mr. Essa and his beast of a car. At the time, I was looking into getting a Japanese coupe to learn to drift, but after I saw him drifting his 3 series, I leaned over to my friend and jokingly said, I am gonna get a BMW now. We both laughed about it, until I bought a 1series two months ago

MarkR171 · 12-08-2010, 11:05 PM

This event proved Ken Block isn't as good (fast) a driver as his videos make it seem. Tanner Foust looked much better than him on the final "race." Ken Block even went on to blame his loss on the car and not having it set up for the event, as if Tanner's car was ideal for Ken's own event. Too much drifting for Ken while Tanner kept it clean and tidy.

To answer your question, not for me. I think I'd prefer the conventional auto-x.

jeremydgreat · 12-09-2010, 12:03 AM

All the Subaru Gymkhana cars (from the first and second videos) are at Crawford Performance if you ever find yourself near Oceanside, CA they are proud to show them off.

This car is particularly impressive to see in person:

BerkTechnology · 12-10-2010, 02:27 PM

Found a video of the 335i's burnout. Powered by an M5 V10 motor, sequential tranny, and Pectel ECU.

wkndracr · 12-14-2010, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkR171

This event proved Ken Block isn't as good (fast) a driver as his videos make it seem. Tanner Foust looked much better than him on the final "race." Ken Block even went on to blame his loss on the car and not having it set up for the event, as if Tanner's car was ideal for Ken's own event. Too much drifting for Ken while Tanner kept it clean and tidy.

To answer your question, not for me. I think I'd prefer the conventional auto-x.

"this video no longer available due to a copyright claim from DC Shoes"

LOL! I wonder if it would still be up if Ken won?

12-08-2010, 09:04 PM	#1
BerkTechnology Lieutenant Colonel 223 Rep 1,565 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (1)	Ken Block's new hybrid autocross/drifting event -Gymkhana anyone?? There is a new timed competition out there that looks a little like those crazy Ken Block youtube videos. Ken Block is calling it Gymkhana Grid here in the US. They call it just plain old Gymkhana in the rest of the world but we have our own unique flavor that is a bit like a hybrid of heads up drag racing, autocross, and drifting. There was one of us there at the event competing on the pro level, Michael Essa and his V10 powered 335i, he call it the GSR 350R. And this thing sounds freakin' insane with the sequential racing transmission and open exhaust V10 from an E60 M5. Autocross guys, what do you think? Is this a sport for you? Link to full article: http://www.motoiq.com/magazine_articles/ar...a-speedway.aspx Essa got knocked out in the semi finals from an uber quick Corolla AE86 powered by a turbo Honda S2000 motor but put on a fantastic show during the burnout. Essa won the burnout with a huge ass 3min long 3rd gear burnout that filled the tarmac with so much smoke you couldn't even see his headlights anymore.
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12-08-2010, 10:05 PM	#2
Sarracino89 Lieutenant 36 Rep 414 Posts Drives: 128i Black on Black Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 128i [0.00]	I was at a preview at Hollywood Park a few months ago with my friend who won tickets to go see. Ken block was there as well Mr. Essa and his beast of a car. At the time, I was looking into getting a Japanese coupe to learn to drift, but after I saw him drifting his 3 series, I leaned over to my friend and jokingly said, I am gonna get a BMW now. We both laughed about it, until I bought a 1series two months ago
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12-08-2010, 11:05 PM	#3
MarkR171 Lieutenant Colonel 102 Rep 1,552 Posts Drives: '19 M2C \| '20 100AE ND2 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Phx, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [0.00]	This event proved Ken Block isn't as good (fast) a driver as his videos make it seem. Tanner Foust looked much better than him on the final "race." Ken Block even went on to blame his loss on the car and not having it set up for the event, as if Tanner's car was ideal for Ken's own event. Too much drifting for Ken while Tanner kept it clean and tidy. To answer your question, not for me. I think I'd prefer the conventional auto-x. __________________ 2019 M2C - Alpine White - 6MT 2023 Supra 6MT - Deposit and Wait Last edited by MarkR171; 12-08-2010 at 11:14 PM..
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12-09-2010, 12:03 AM	#4
jeremydgreat Captain 76 Rep 676 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Diego, CA (Carlsbad to be exact) iTrader: (1)	All the Subaru Gymkhana cars (from the first and second videos) are at Crawford Performance if you ever find yourself near Oceanside, CA they are proud to show them off. This car is particularly impressive to see in person: __________________ 135i // M-Sports Package // RR Oil Catch Can // Black Kidneys // iCarbon Hood // Alum Pedals // KW v2 Coilovers // Vorshlag Camber Plates // Hotchkis Sway Bar // Wheel Studs. Best mod ever? Tires. 255's in front, 275's in back.
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12-10-2010, 02:27 PM	#5
BerkTechnology Lieutenant Colonel 223 Rep 1,565 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (1)	Found a video of the 335i's burnout. Powered by an M5 V10 motor, sequential tranny, and Pectel ECU.
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