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12 August 2010

It was a very early start on Sunday and it was particularly chilly as we headed out to Queensland Raceway for the 2010 King of Drift. Heading out to the track our peaceful early morning drive was abruptly turned into a very unpleasant experience when we were involved in a 7 car nose to tail on the freeway. The car that caused the pile up came to a complete stop from 100km/h because a bird flew in front of them. The ensuing carnage rendered my Prado undriveable and had to be left on the side of the road.

One of my fellow competitors was also involved in the carnage, but luckily his car was still drivable, so moving the Prado to the side of the freeway and locking the doors, we jumped into his car and headed out to the track.

Early morning practice felt great, the high pressure of 40psi in the tyres combined with dropping down to a 235 tyre, the combination was working perfectly with the car pumping out tyre smoke on the high speed entry of turn 6 coming on to the main straight.

In the qualifying runs I put down some strong performances against some of my top rivals including Dan Kenneally in the Skyvia Ute and Eugene Arensden in the Tokage Soarer. We switched back to the 275 tyre for the next round in a search for a bit more grip to ensure strong lines through the clipping points and not just a big smoke show. However, in the end this decision worked against us with there being just a shade too much grip and ultimately kept us out of the top four.

By no means was this the end of the day for us, with two more fresh sets of tyres we decided to do what we do best and put on a great show for the crowd hanging off the pit wall. So going into the Expression Session and the Big Entry comp, we really wound it up and gave new meaning to running the tyres ‘down to the wire’ with the Zed on song and pumping out smoke for the crowd.

On track was only half the show, with our pit garage becoming quite a spectacle for the day. We had the Motul Nismo R34 GT-R on display along with a very tidy S15 and the crew from Monster Energy rolled out their Monster Truck, keeping the tunes pumping and handing out drinks to the very appreciative crowd.

We had a sensational day at the track and as always, it is the team that makes it such a great day. My sincere thanks to the team from A1 Supercheap Tyres for your support and even changing tyres with levers at the track! The team from Bullet keeping the car absolutely powering, it didn’t skip a beat all day and of course the crew from Monster for bringing out the truck and spending the afternoon with us.

We are currently preparing the car for the next round of Stadium Drift at Stanthorpe this Sunday 15th August and I can’t wait to get back out there!

Rob

04 July 2010

With an extremely busy week of preparation in the lead up to King of Drift, our workshop team at Bullet Cars have been putting in some very long hours. Our new shipment of parts arrived from Nismo, including our brand new 380RS engine. Also in the mix of new parts is a Nismo dash, Nismo harness, Nismo braided brake lines, Nismo swaybars and a Nismo GT LSD Carbon.

To fit the harnesses, much of the factory fitted interior had to be removed and once they got going, the team at Bullet proceed to strip close to 100kg of weight from the car. To continue the process of lightening, they will also be replacing the rear hatch with a fibreglass version that they will hand make in house.

The improvements were clearly evident when Rob took to the track on Friday night. Displaying impressive form with high speed and plenty of angle, Rob proceeded to take first place in qualifying coming up in the first round of the finals against Dan Kenneally in his Skyvia Ute. With two strong battles against Dan, Rob scored the points to head into a final against Nick Coulson in his R32 Skyline. 

In two very strong battles against Nick, Rob again collected the points keeping the Zed right on the clipping points consistently through the runs. It was a great victory and solid preparation for the lead up to King of Drift, held this weekend on Sunday the 8th of August at Queensland Raceway.

We will have a large promotional display at the track and it will be a great day of competition, so we certainly hope that you can join us!

Rob

 



 
Rob and Nick Colson putting on a show for the crowd 

26 July 2010

Big news today, our VQ35HR 380RS Engine has arrived!!!

Because too much is never enough, the guys at Bullet Supercars will be adding a Rotrex Supercharger! 

19 July 2010

Stadium Drift made its way back to the Gold Coast for One Nite Stand at Parklands. With plenty of work done during the week by the guys at Bullet Cars, we were ready to go hard on the track. 

With temperatures dropping as the sun set, the battles were heating up with a bit of paint being traded and some very strong runs. 

Consistency was key and everything just worked - we pushed through the battles qualifying first and at the end of the night, came away with the win. 

This was perfect timing with the car well sorted and King of Drift just around the corner. Make sure you have marked Saturday 8th August in your diary for one of the biggest drift events of the year at Queensland Raceway! 

I'd really like to thank all of my friends, supporters and sponsors it was great to see the turn out on Saturday and I really appreciate it! 

Rob

We had the Go Pro Camera on the car for a few runs and you can check out the battles against Eugene Arendsen and Steve Mountford from the day. 

Rob Whyte vs Steve Mountford

Rob Whyte vs Eugene Arensden

14 July 2010

Today our team owner Hiro sent me an email with the latest copy of Motul Motorsport News that is produced by Motul France. We were absolutely stoked to see our team featured!

If you are on the Gold Coast this weekend, make sure you head to Parklands on Saturday for the next round of Stadium Drift! 

Hope to see you there! 

Rob

If you want to check out the whole issue, you can download it here: 

Motul Motorsport News

6 July 2010

Here is a preview of my new helmet being prepared by Antman Helmet Design. Massive thanks to Monster Energy, Revolution Racegear and Bell Helmets! I can't wait to see it finished! 

30 June 2010

The new supercharged VQ35 is in and here are some of the photos from its first photoshoot in the new livery.  

Rob

21 June 2010

After three years of abuse, the VQ35 finally said enough is enough.

Here is the hole in the side of the block and the resulting mess of destroyed engine internals.  So with the stickers just finished on the car at Signwayz, we had to push the 350z onto the trailer with a great deal of effort. We then dropped the car to Tom and the crew at Bullet Supercars who are looking after the engine transplant.

All things going to plan, we will be competing again this weekend!

The guys at Bullet wanted to show us how it could look with a supercharged V8!

Time for a new Nismo Coppermix Clutch too, this one lasted a year of competition with the 380HP supercharged engine. 

19 June 2010

Here are the very first pics of the Monster Motul Nismo 350z taken with my trusty phone. 

We'll do a proper photoshoot once the new engine is in!

Rob

10 June 2010

Last Friday night at Archerfield had an impressive turn out with some of Queensland's top drivers on track. The Zed was feeling great and I managed to really wind it up. A good change to the circuit was the new clipping point on the first entry, which ended up making all the difference on the final result. Being able to keep a high speed through the first half of the track meant that I was able to keep the car right on their doors. It was great to take the win on the night against such a strong field. 

After taking the win and heading out to do some tandem circles with Danny, I was taking a spectators on hot laps and it was at that point things went bad, with the poor old VQ35 finally going bang. 

After three years of serious abuse, it had a great run, but now there is a dirty great big hole in the side of the block and no, it won't buff out.  So now we have to pull out all the stops to find a new engine!  Luckily Paul at Option 1 had a one, so we arranged to pick it up and the team at Bullet Cars will get it back together again. 

Now I can't tell you too much yet, but I have an engine in a crate that has just left Japan that will replace the standard VQ35. So keep an eye out, because we have something very special coming. 

Rob

Thanks to Daniel Zosky for the photos.

26  May 2010

Friday and Saturday the 21 and 22 on May 2010 are two days that will go down in Australian motorsport history. The World Time Attack Challenge saw some of the fastest Time Attack cars on the planet descend on Eastern Creek in Sydney.

With a field including the Sierra Sierra Evo, R-Magic RX-7, Hi Octane GT-R, PanSpeed RX-7, Cyber Evo and the Tomei Cusco WRX, this was a competition unlike anything that had been seen in Australia before. Adding to the international spotlight was famed Japanese driver Tarzan Yamada, who ultimately took out the competition with a track record time of 1:30:587 in the Cyber Evo.

The Pro Class Winners were;

1. Tarzan Yamada CyberEVO 1:30.587
2. David Empringham Sierra Sierra 1:31.8840
3. Tarzan Yamada Tomei/Cusco 1:31.9010

I was invited to take part in the Tectaloy Drift Challenge alongside a field of Australia's top drifters and even Japanese D1 drivers Takahiro Ueno and Toshiki Yoshioka.

In one of the most entertaining but unfortunate events of the drift challenge, I managed to strip a tyre off the 350z during a run. It flew past the car and forced me off the track. The tyre then rolled across the track to  land at my  feet - and you can see it all on the video below!

This was a spectacular event and we were proud to be involved and our sincere thanks must go to Ian Baker and the team from Superlap who worked tirelessly to bring this event together. We  can hardly wait for the next one! 

Rob 

Pics: Craig Coomans

And a few shots from Time Attack... 

 

19 May 2010

We have a massive announcement today, Team Motul Nismo Australia are very excited to welcome Monster Energy to the team! 

7 May 2010

Stadium Drift Pro Tour - Round 2  Sat April 24

It was a sensational day of drift, with a  line up of drivers & cars unmatched in Australia. 

The opinion of all who attended Round 1 of the Pro Tour in Tamworth, that it was the best event to date. However with 46 cars entered, this was without doubt the toughest most competitive event we have seen. A fantastic crowd made for a great atmosphere with  driving was extremely impressive. 

Sadly, I didn't make the top 4, but my congratulations  must go to 'Huge' Eugene Arensden taking the win with some impressive driving. 

But that has just pushed me to focus on Round 3 and getting back on the podium! 

Rob

 

22 April 2010

Feature in the Gold Coast Bulletin! 

           

21 April 2010

Rob Whyte won the Friday night drift battle at Archerfield in impressive form against a field of 9 competitors. The Daihatsu Jet Car was pretty spectacular too! It was a great practice session for the upcoming Stadium Drift Pro Tour Round Two at Gold Coast Parklands this weekend.  

Also check out the on-car footage from Rob when he was battling against 'Drift Kid' Nick Coulson.  Video

23 March 2010

Orange TPMS Announced As New Sponsor

The 350z has a new member to the team keeping an eye on one of the most important parts of any competitive drift car. Orange TPMS is a wireless, real-time tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system and are proud to be supporting Rob in his attack on the 2010 Stadium Drift Series. 

From the in-cabin LED display, Rob can see at a glance the temp and pressure in all four tyres, with high and low pressure alarms offering an early warning system. 

You can find out more about Orange TPMS by clicking on the Product Page. 

Here is a picture of the Orange TPMS Sensor installed

             

Orange TPMS Kit 

           

The new logos on the Zed!

            

08 March 2010

The stars aligned and the Gold Coast shone for one day in the midst of the some of the heaviest rainfall on record in Queensland. Bright and early on Saturday morning, the sun was shining and just a centimetre from the edge of the Parklands drift track were vast oceans of mud. This was not so good for the drivers and even worse for the crew keeping the track clean, but the photographers on track got some great shots of the drivers launching rooster tails of mud into the air!

An impressive field lined up for the event including Team Motul Nismo driver Rob Whyte and Drift Australia Competitor Eugene Arendsen. The event format followed a ‘round-robin’ style, rather than the traditional knockout, allowing all entrants more track time and more action for the spectators. In practice, Rob Whyte went up against Leighton Smith in the closest battle we have ever caught on camera. The two cars got within millimetres of each other, but without contact, demonstrating the precision of the drivers.

After the first four heats, Eugene Arendsen was in first position with 95 points and Rob Whyte was in second place with 89 points. In the semi-finals, Eugene knocked out Stephen Mountfort and Rob took out Josh Boettcher to progress to a head to head final, with the Toyota Soarer taking on the Supercharged 350z.

In the final battle, Rob piloted the 350z around the course in impressive form, edging out Eugene to take the top spot. With the first round of the Stadium only weeks away, the season is shaping up well for Rob Whyte and Team Motul Nismo in their quest to take out the Stadium Drift Pro Tour for 2010.

Catch the 1st Round of the Pro Tour in Tamworth on the 21st and 22nd of March.

03 March 2010

This Sunday the 7th of March, Team Motul Nismo will be heading to Parklands on the Gold Coast to take part in Super Sunday. With 3 car battles, tandem runs and a chance to really tear it up, you can expect a great display from the Pro Tour Drivers. 

For more information, check out the Stadium Drift website. 

See you there!

                             

22 February 2010

The 2010 Motul Nismo 350z for Forza Motorsport

A Brisbane based drift supporter has created a digital version of the 350z for the Xbox game Forza Motorsport. It is a terrific replica and even the modifications have been kept in line with the original build. Our thanks to forum member Atroso for the great work. 

19 February 2010

Tonight, Team Motul Nismo will be taking the 350z to Archerfield to compete in our first comp with the new colours. We will be taking our trusty Go Pro camera, so keep an eye out early next week for some video! 

If you are in Brisbane and want to attend, the track will be open from 5pm at 63 Colbard Street West, Archerfield. Entry is $15 for adults & $5 for kids. 

See you there! 

Rob

15 February 2010

Team Motul Nismo made the trek from Brisbane to Bathurst to drift as part of a display at the Bathurst 12 Hour event. Held on the legendary Mt Panorama circuit, considered hallowed turf to V8 Supercar fans, the 12 Hour provides an endurance race considered one of the toughest in the Australian racing calendar. With Motul and BMC Sponsored driver Steve Cramp competing in the pink Donut King HSV, it was a great chance for Rob to let loose on the famous track. 

Images courtesy of Craig Coomans

05 February 2010

The Bayside Blue 350Z is no more! In the fastest paint and panel turn around I have ever seen, the new bodykit is painted and fitted, all the panel damage has been repaired and is ready for the new graphics! Thanks to A&J Performance on Moss Street in Slacks Creek for the great work and very fast turn around. 

Check out the progress here.

01 February 2010

aThe build of the 2010 Motul Nismo 350Z has commenced. To follow the progress click on the 350Z tab or just click here!

27 January 2010 

The 350Z is in for a few changes over the off season, but is going to have to be ready to roll out a bit earlier than expected. Rob has been invited to perform a drift display at the Bathurst 12 Hour Race held at Mt Panorama. 12 - 14 February 2010.

For details on the event, visit http://www.bathurst12hour.com.au/home.asp

16 December 2009 

Rob Whyte takes out the NSW Pro Drift Championship

Early Friday morning, the Zed was strapped to a transporter for the nine hour trek. The destination was Oakburn Raceway in Tamworth. Home of the Golden Guitar, the NSW Pro Drift Championships held on the 12 December brought together drivers from around the country and fresh from his win at King of Drift, Motul Nismo Team Driver Rob Whyte was ready for the challenge.

Rob has been displaying strong form on a range of circuits, from the tight technical circuits of Archerfield and Parklands, to the high speed, high horsepower straights of Queensland Raceway. Driving his 400hp supercharged 350 Zed, Rob looked strong right from his first run at Tamworth. Even the hot conditions were no problem for the highly strung Zed, running all Motul fluids. Rob powered through the rounds with an impressive display of driving on the reverse circuit. The new track configuration proved to be a strength for Rob and he wasted no time in progressing to the top of the field.

After a day of battles against a field of some of the top drifters in Australia, Rob emerged as the winner and was crowned the NSW Pro Drift Champion, rounding out a fantastic year for Rob and Team Motul Nismo. 

01 December 2009 

Rob Whyte Crowned the King of Drift

Two days, four track layouts and one King of Drift. After taking the lead on the first day of competition at Parklands on the Gold Coast, Motul Nismo driver Rob Whyte managed to go into the final day of competition with an 11 point lead over nearest rival Josh Boetcher.

With the high speed layout of Queensland Raceway, the new supercharger setup on the Motul Nismo 350z proved unstoppable. With heated battles through the day and more than a little paint exchanged, it was through to a top four shootout where Josh Boetcher, Matt O'Brien, Justin Fanki and Rob Whyte were fighting for the win. In a valiant effort, Rob's consistent driving and impressive display ensured that he would take the top position and was crowned the King of Drift.

Stadium Drift was first launched on the Gold Coast by Raceline in late 2003 and has grown over the past six years from small one-off events to an organization with a membership of more than 200 active drifters, running approximately twenty events per year.  Keep an eye out for Rob in the Motul Nismo 350z in the Stadium Drift series in 2010!