Here we go again....

I think it was last year that I said i'm not going to do anymore race team support/maintenance/mechanic stuff. I guess I was wrong. Early in the year team owner Stephan Papadakis approached me to do some work on his new Scion drift car and his Honda Ridgeline Pro-Lite truck. The deal was pretty damn good so I went back on word. I mean I've know Stephan for a longtime now and he's always ran a good race program. Also, all the guys already involved on these projects are on top of their game. The first event was last weekend in Long beach. Here are a few pictures pre-Long beach.

The Pro-Lite truck is in the background... More on that later.

Frederick Aasbo@ Long beach Formula D

Testing at Willow Springs

Aryton Senna

We drove out to Encino today to watch the Documentary on Formula 1's greatest driver... Ever. Although I wasnt a huge fan of Formula 1 in the 80's and 90's, I did hear a lot of good things about Senna. I wish I had paid more attention to F1 back then since the current Formula 1 is soft lyrics. Only if they could some how persuade Valentino Rossi into driving F1. That would make it pretty exciting. Maybe? With the 2011 switch to Ducati he's working his way toward a Ferrari deal?

Anyways, heres trailer for Senna. If they end up bringing the film back to the states I suggest to see it. Good stuff.

(Today was the last day showing in LA)

Origami... Folding table

Not exactly Origami, but half the meaning... Ori = folding.

I was kind of jonesing to build something fun, functional and aesthetically pleasing (to me). This is what i ended up with. Made this one for Michelle. My take on the folding leg tables my grand parents and parents had growing up.

Materials include- Butchers block, golden oak, aluminum and stainless steel.

Each hinge was hand machined aluminum and stainless steel hardware was used.

A spring and ball bearing locking mechanism helps lock the legs in both open and closed positions.

In its closed state, it can be stored under the bed, vertically between bookshelves... Anywhere I guess.

Laser Beams and combustion

Over the last couple of years I took a few classes at ATEP to learn some new techniques. Learned quite a bit from the instructors there as well as some students. I'll probably be posting old projects I did sooner or later.

Here is one I did on the laser cutting machine. Its just packaging I came up with for spark plugs. I thought a bomb would portray the function of what spark plugs actually do... Make air and fuel combust. The instructor, Haryn Deleon taught this class along with using various 3D printers and CNC machines. She also has her own Laser Cutting Shop in San Pedro.

You can never stop learning new shit

Zen Garage t shirts in stock now!

Got in a few shirts from the Zen Garage exhibit at JANM (Japanese American National Museum). The exhibit featured works of Shinya Kimura (Chabott Engineering), Eric Nakamura (Giant Robot), David Choe and Len Higa (Oni Motorworks). Each of the artist logo is printed on the shirts as well. Eric and I got together to design the shirt. I think it has a good vibe to it.

Got a small supply left in the Oni Motorworks store ----->

Get them while they last... Or if you're in Little Tokyo, you can get them at the JANM store.

Stand Up

Jensen Oda of HRD LCK, full spread ad courtesy of Tropical Blends. Congrats Buddy! Man, I used to give Jensen hell about going to a stand up paddle board (He's a good surfer without the paddle too)... Until he made me try it one day when I was back in Hawaii. I failed at it pretty bad. I gotta give it up to those guys. Seems like a lot of people are getting into it. Gerry Lopez has nice picture in the magazine as well. Go out and buy it. Standup paddle Magazine.

This is a good one... Puffy cheeks and all

Hahaha Jensen burning Reyn. What a Jerk! (Above)

Even funnier! Dougie boy snaking Jensen. (Below)

Makes me miss home!

A few short films

Heres a couple of shorts that were playing at the Japanese American National Museum during the Zen Garage opening.
Eric Nakamura with help from Oscar Rios and music by Goh Nakamura put this one together for the Famicom Scion Xb.


This one is solid. Super inspirational film on Shinya.

Henrik Hansen did this one.

Zen Garage at JANM

Some pictures just minutes before the exhibit opened to the public. Although I carried my camera the whole night, I failed to take pictures of all the great things that happened that night. Eric (Giant Robot) and Shinya and Ayumi (Chabott Engineering) took some really nice pictures and some are posted on their websites. If you havent seen them already please check them out!

I thought the exhibit had a really nice feel to it. Clement at JANM did a great job and work around the clock to make it all happen. Thanks a million Clement!

Shinya Kimuras Spike. I cant say how much detail went into this motorcycle. A true art piece. But, not just art! He races Spike Bonneville and El mirage. Incredible.

I found this really cool. Anyone could draw/write on a chalk board as well as a work bench where you could build/play with building blocks and such.

Shinya 3x! Film on Shinya by Henrick Hansen, Spike and Modeater.

These guys were the last to leave but with good reason! The ended up passing Return of the Quack on their first time playing it!

Happy New Year!

2011, Year of the rabbit!

Have a safe and happy new year!

Tonight!

I know its a bit late but if you're in the area please join us! A lot of good stuff to look at. Shinya Kimura/Chabott Engineering, David Choe, Giant Robot/Eric Nakamura and I will have art/works at the exhibit.

A good way to end the year.

Happy hoildays !

Pixel Pushers show recap

A fun night indeed. Got to meet some really nice people and I got to see friends from the LA area which i dont see enough!

Eric/Giant Robot/Scion did such a good job on executing the concept. An art show, yes. But one thats interactive allowing show goers to play with the art (pachinko machines, car/video games, projector art and mini arcades). ALL the artist had really neat work.

It was really cool seeing everyone having fun with all the games.

The music for the night and the game (Return of the Quack) was created by this. Yes Gameboys.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

Parker-Jean

Congratulations to Jensen and Crystal on the new addition to their family! See you guys in December!

On another note this guy likes to make me miss home with pictures like these... Usually ill get them once every two weeks. Thanks guy.

Giant Robot + Scion Present: Pixel Pushers

Centering around the Famicom inspired custom Scion art car, which will project the Giant Robot produced video game, Return of the Quack, Giant Robot’s Eric Nakamura curates an exhibition featuring not only video game inspired art, but a bank of retro custom pachinko machines in a pachinko parlor-like installation, an interactive environment, by a renown digital

conceptualist artist, 8-bit sculptures, projected digital visuals, and 4 mini game consoles.

Heres a preview of the Scion/Giant Robot Xb that we built.

Work from some of the artist

Here are some links to check out for more info and pictures.

Scion Art Flickr

Facebook.com/scion art

Return of the Quack Page

Garageland

Had the honor of having a write up in the latest Giant Robot magazine (been a fan since 1999). Eric and Martin are the masterminds behind the magazine/stores/restaurant. Super talented and smart guys. I like the way they think and see things. As I listed The Clash as one of my favorite bands. They named the article Garageland... Perfect. A favorite Clash track.

In the feature, theres a section called Project Blackbook. In it, one of the questions are proudest moment. With the magazines on the stands now... I can easily say this is one of them.

This is the cover... Support independent magazines. Especially any of the ones that have inspired you one time or another.

It also comes with this rad video game

Thanks Eric!

Laguna Seca USGP recap

Courtesy of Alpinestars, we were invited to the Laguna Seca Moto GP last July. Here is a video of some of the guest that were invited. An interesting take on design and art and how it correlates to functionality and motorsports.



Also, Thanks to Vespa for loaning us our rides

New project

Ended up getting another project... Should be fun as well as a lot of work. 1988 Hawk GT, a.k.a NT-650, a.k.a RC31. Cant wait to start digging into it. It came with a CBR F2 front end and a VFR rear wheel with a bunch of other goodies.
These bikes have a cult following, especially since it as only offered in the states for 3 years. The frame design is rad. Pretty much the same style frame as an RC30, RVF750, NC30 and MC28 NSR250... So yeah for its time, it has a lot of racing technology into it. Its going to be such a fun bike.

Cant wait to do this again. Circa 1994. My first RC31. HRP sweeper

My second one. Circa 1995. This one was dialed in. probably the best handling bike ive owned. HRP off camber. I think this is the year I won the Lightweight SS/450cc/twins class. CJ Remington and I won the Endurance race series in the same class that same year.

1995. Same year as above I also borrowed Paul Umholtz RS125 for half the season... And I think I got 2nd in the formula 3 class series.

Fun times. Now I just need time to work on it.

Anyone got a Fox twin clicker rear shock?

This Sunday!

If you're in the San Diego area, check out Motor Union. 5&ADime and Crooks & Castles putting it together. Going to have good vibe and a nice mix of automobiles.

Although its the 1st annual Motor Union... The same bunch put on The Daily Driver show last year with an unreal turn out. For a good cause too.