I’ve been eagerly awaiting the full length cut of this story featuring Magnus Walker. It did not disappoint in the slightest. The cinematography is gorgeous, the story is concise, and Magnus as a focal point is just downright interesting. I think it is pretty damn safe to say that I would get along with this dude. WELL. Bravo to all involved in producing this. I think it is outstanding.Read more about Magnus over at Driving Line.
For years now, I’ve always seen photos of the mystically bearded man standing right up against the wall at Long Beach as drift cars blast, smash, and crash right by him. His unflinching courage and never-back-down attitude always had me wondering… “WHO IS THIS MAN?!?” Now, thanks to Will, Skylar, Josh, and Hert… we no longer have to guess. He is indelibly awesome, and has easily solidified himself as a part of American driftlore.
Sometimes you have to set things you love free, in hopes that they return to you in that textbook ‘it was meant to be’ fashion. Fly free, sweet beard… fly free.
The past three weeks have been a whirlwind of chaos and awesome. Round 2 of Formula Drift has come and gone… and with it came some SERIOUS life memories. At one point I think we had 13 people staying at my house. Every night it seemed like someone new. While I am glad things have returned to normal… I can honestly say it has left me slightly depressed! So many good times, I don’t even know where to begin. Race week started a bit early… when my good friends Will Roegge and Joshua Herron made an S.O.S. call to me. Their 1974 Volkswagen van had broken down a few hours south of Atlanta in LaGrange. The ‘Westy’ is their home-on-the-road during primary photography for their cross-country documentary, “KEEP DRIFTING FUN”.
After procuring Tyler’s trailer at midnight, Wes and Lieze and I rocketed southbound for a rescue mission. Halfway there we got a call that the van started… so we met up with them on the highway just to be safe.
The Westy wasn’t running well at all… so with cue from Eugene, we took it to Barry Palmer Auto for a diagnostic eval from an air-cooled guru. The van’s motor had no compression, and was in need of a transplant.
I picked up a new roof spoiler from paint at Jeff’s Auto Restoration to replace the one that flew off in-tow last year.
My tow-hooks came back from KILLIN’ EM. Fresh hit of satin black to hide the ol’ red. Thanks Scott!!!
Picked up a few miscellaneous parts for the car. Water temp sensor adapter from TRM and a new cabin AC filter. I also snagged a new OE radiator, spark plugs, and wiper blades (not pictured).
I re-worked the wiring for the back of my gauges… including some quick-disconnects for easier maintenance.
I got frisky with The Destroyer™ and pulled the front end apart.
So I could bake the lower light housings and hit the reflectors yellow. While the grill was off, I had Jeff hit the chrome bits with paint to match the body color… and I re-wrapped the Chevy emblem with black vinyl. I also installed a 3000K HID kit from DDM Tuning.
We adopted an awesome (outside) cat. Lieze named him Meow Meow.
I had Pho for the first time.
I gave the e46 a much-needed wash before taking her to the track…
and the next thing I knew I was being bombarded with water balloons by kids in the neighborhood.
Luckily my friends Drew Fishbein and Ross Fairfield were there to catch the action for their site OMGDRIFT!
Then Formula Drift came crashing back into my life full-force for FD Pro Am. I put my game face beard on for an amazing weekend… which I will leave for another post.
The day after FD was a Southeast Drift event at Turner (more on this later). Tons of FD dudes came out to shred with us local-folk.
Then the new 2.0L motor for the Westy arrived via freight.
We took the van back to Palmer Auto where Barry and Mikey took the reigns from there to get the van back running in tip-top shape. The larger motor with mechanical lifters will make the rest of Will and Josh’s voyage on the high-seas of FUN much better.
Slowly… all my house guests began departing to their corners of the globe… leaving behind some amazing memories and awesome times. Will and Josh were the last to return to the road in the Westy… headed north to Jersey by way of Charlotte, Richmond, Baltimore and Philly. With everyone gone, and my house back it’s quiet state, I’m left to reflect on how lucky I am. Not only has this crazy motorsport taken me places I never thought possible… it has also introduced me to some of the most creative, talented, and overall BADASS DUDES on the planet. And for that… I am truly honored and extremely grateful.
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