Woods Racing

5ive Point Oh…Snap!

Bannon — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:07:29 +0000

So things are gearing up for the race season this year, and with this early spring like weather we’re having, there’s a lot going on. Maybe you can tell for my lack of blogging, but it has been busy…and for this I won’t complain!
.
I’ve been spending some time away from my shop and working over at the Technika Industries shop. As I mentioned in a previous post, I’m helping them out with their #44 GT Sprint 2008 Mustang. We’ve removed the 3v 4.6 and are in the process of installing a 2012 spec Coyote crate 5.0L motor fresh out of the box from Ford Racing.
.
This will give this already dialed in car a needed bump in HP and torque, not saying that the 308HP 3v was bad, but hey, let’s face it, 420 or so naturally aspirated is much better.
.

.
Of course, tackling this project there is a lot of research and guess work…it’s not like the older fox body mustangs where everyone and their brother has swapped in anything you can dream of…there is a lot of slow going decisions to be made. Hydraulic this, electric that, fuel system configuration options and the list goes on. Luckily though, generally everything bolts up and plugs in, but like Fort Knox…you need to find the code first.
.

.
Although merging 2 different year pieces can be trying at times, we are having a great time doing it. Both Louis and I are learning a lot and of course, I’ll be with him at the track so building this car and knowing every piece will have an advantage when it comes to pit work on track days. The more you know the car, the quicker you can fix it.
.

.
Louis and I have a great relationship in and out of the shop, and with our mutual love for Mustangs and of course, racing, it’s pretty natural that I ended up on this project with them. I jumped at the chance as not so many folks have done this and I don’t regret a minute of it. I love working on race cars and this Mustang is a prime example of what I like to work on. Clean, properly built cars is where it’s at…and as the WR way is…we gon’ make it better.
.

.
We’re going to be spending a lot of time up at ICAR in Mirabel with the “twins”. The 44 and 36 car, both ’08 Black Mustang GT’s and it’s gonna make for one heck of a good time. Track days there are fun..it’s almost the other hand of racing as I know it. From it’s hectic stress induced drift, drag or other cup style racing, this sprint racing is lapping, buddy racing, so no slamming fenders, bumping doors and no 20 second pit stops. We go out, learn the track, the car and have a good time. It’s almost a perfect world as far as high performance / endurance racing goes. This is not to say that there is no racing, as the year goes on, there will be Challenge and Cup races which will turn up the steam and test both skills as drivers and mechanics…and what do we say about that?
.

.

There is still much to do to get this car off the lift, onto the dyno and then onto the track, but I’m pretty sure we got it cased now. The fuel system through us through a loop (see what I did thar?) and thanks to Spec Clutch, they helped us solve a couple issues in a timely fashion. Hopefully from here on out, there won’t be any more hiccups and we can get this thing rolling.
.

.
We’re super excited to start and I’m really looking forward to a summer filled with Sprint racing with my buddy. After all…that’s what it is all about…

WR/CS To Back Seguin Racing in ’12 Pro-Stock

Bannon — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:51:56 +0000

WR/CS to Back Dave Seguin Racing in 2012 Pro-Stock

DSR moves to Pro-stock with continued support

Friday Feb 17 2012 – St.Lazare Que.

After three successful seasons in the mini-stock series at Cornwall Motor Speedway Dave Seguin and team 7x is returning to the dirt track in 2012 by means of the Pro-Stock Dirt series. This upgrade in series brings new challenges to the team as well as continued support from Bannon Woods, owner of Woods Racing and Canada Synthetics.

.
Since 2009, CanadaSynthetics.ca has provided Amsoil lubricants and fluids for the 1993 Nissan 240sx and will start the support process for the teams Pro-Stock Pontiac Grand Prix.

Woods Racing will provide parts and technical support for Dave and the team.
.
Seguin welcomed Bannon Woods back to the negotiating table to discuss a deal for the duration of the season which includes on and off track assistance, marketing avenues, lubricants and parts support.
..
“Since 2009 Dave and his team have represented Woods Racing and CanadaSynthetics both on and off the race track, they have improved our image, and teamed up together we have created a recognizable force within the dirt circuit. Dave’s move to Pro-Stock brings a whole new level of racing, a natural upgrade for a talented driver and we are more than proud to be behind him every step of the way.”
-Bannon Woods

“We are very happy to have Bannon and his crew back on board this year, it’s going to be full of new challenges but we are confident and thankful for their continued support. The last 3 years working together has been fun and exciting and we can’t wait to represent them in the 7x Pontiac in 2012.”

-Dave Seguin

For more information, feel free to contact:

Dave Seguin –Dave Seguin Racing

Bannon Woods –Woods Racing, Canada Synthetics

Toyota Speedway at Irwindale Closes

Bannon — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:40:59 +0000

Some bad news for us this week…started out as rumours, then ownership changes, then TS@IC putting out an official statement:
.
“Irwindale Speedway announcement: 2012 season Irwindale, Calif. (February 13, 2012, 1:30PM ) – - The management of Irwindale Speedway today announced that the 2012 racing season has been cancelled.”
.
And that literally, is all she wrote.
.

.
Comes as a …sorta, but not really, but kinda surprise, looks like they lost the Nascar contract and just couldn’t hang on any longer.
.
It’s a bit of a blow to So-Cal with the closing of Stock car races also at the Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino. And really, it’s a blow to racing in general.
.
Us, teams, tracks, everyone is racing relies on sponsors, and without em, times get hard, we know this as well as anyone what with our debut in FD coming up. It just amazes me that it can happen so quickly, shut em down and lock em up.
.
This particular track held, and still does hold a special place in my speed-demon heart. Upon our advancement from HTL to Formula Drift, we were invited to Irwindale for the title fight at “The House Of Drift” for an invitational. This was the first FD event that I attended, and had a great time with Mats and Kerri down there. We were really looking forward to competing there.
.
From up high on a California mountain, you can see the smoke from the guys practicing prior to the 2011 championship event:
.

.

.
I kind of felt an attachment to this track and along with many people in the racing world, am sad to see it go.
.
But hey, who knows, it’s a great facility and I can’t imagine it being vacant for too long, let’s just hope someone steps up and takes over so we can see the grandstands filled with race fans like I did that weekend.
.

Up to speed..almost…

Bannon — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:49:46 +0000

I got a few minutes here, and I’m glad I do…it’s not so much that I have time to write up a blog (which I love!) but more that I get a chance to sit down, and really thank you guys.
.
As I said in my last post, things have been busy in my personal life (all good things!) and I haven’t had as much time as I wanted to update everyone on what’s up at the Woods Racing / Canada Synthetics camp. Well, as days turned to months with only a few blogs in between, the notes have been coming in. Twitter, email, Facebook, on site comments…you name it, you’ve taken the time to actually notice that I’ve been slack on my posts and…hey…”Where ya been Woods?”
.
I cannot in words, express my gratitude and describe how good this makes us feel here. I’m over joyed that you notice, read and pay attention to what we do here and follow along with everything we do and give me feedback accordingly, it’s just simply awesome.
.
So from the bottom of our GoFast hearts…thank you…thank you so much.
.
So let’s say we git’down’ta’bizness eh?
.
Where are we, what we doin, how fast are we goin. Well, in a nutshell, right here, a lot and well, it’s Feb so we ain’t going that fast…let me explain.
.
The 2012 Mats Baribeau Formula Drift Team, I’ll start here.
.
As the season approaches, the car is being handled right now by Sims Customs Metal Fabrication.
.
We put Simon in charge of fabricating the new frame for the JZX90 and I’ll tell ya, this guy is good. I’ve seen his work on the Dave Seguin Racing 7x car (which I’ll get to later) and he really came through in a pinch when we had trouble after Icar. he was also the brains and hands behind the roll cage from day 1 in the Drift-zilla.
.
He has got the front end off and the engine out (in the meantime it’ll have some preventative maintenance done) and the start of the tube frame.
.

.

.
This when it’s all done, is going to make life a lot easier at the track when it comes to repairs, adjustments, access…etc. It’s something that needed to be done before the season starts and I thank Simon for taking the time out of his busy schedule to accommodate us so quick, as he always does.
.
Once we get the car back here to the shop, a whole ton of Japanese wiring will come out, along with some weight and a brand spankin’ new harness will be put in. It’s gonna be a race car folks! And of course, I’ll have a lot more pics and what not when it’s actually here and within lens shooting distance.
.
So, onto Dave …
.
If you haven’t already heard, this kid is movin…and only up. The 7x Race Team sold the WR/CS sponsored Nissan and jumped up a class to Pro Stock. And if you haven’t seen pics yet, take a gander and lock your eyes on this beauty:
.

.
I can’t wait to get some oil in this Dirt terror and do some testing and help Dave snatch a few checkered flags.
.
Since Day 1 I’ve been happy to support Dave and his crew. We pride ourselves in partnering with drivers that do…not only on the track, but everyday. Dave is good people and he and his family deserve it.
.
I’ll be posting more on this guy later on in the season…so stay tuned for that.
.
And me??? What am I doin?
.
Well, besides my…kitchen…
.

.
Which currently looks like a war zone, I’m giving a hand to Louis over at Technika Industries.
.
TI is home to a pair of bad-arse Mustangs that I absolutely love. This year, the 44 car is getting a big upgrade by means of a Coyote 5.0, spec 2012.
.
He called on us to help with the swap over and I..well..went runnin’, I’m not gonna lie. I’ve been itchin’ to do this swap and have considered it for my blow’d up WR04, so, hey, we’ll see how it goes!
.
I’m gonna have some pics up soon, but in the meantime, here’s a peek:
.

.
ahhhh….I love the smell of crate engines in the morning…..
.
.
The pretty much wraps it up, but before I go post this, there is something I want to touch on and answer the bunch’a'time asked question for ya.
.
Last year, my biggest hit blog, in views, feedback, (and job oppurtunities) was released about this time.
.
Detroit: To Hell and Back With Pride

Some of you are wondering whatever came of my plans and my post blog trip to Detroit. Well, to answer, the timing just wasn’t there. With the Drift circuit taking off like it did, and work at the shop stacked up, the California trip to FD and buying a new house and all…it just wasn’t in the cards.

I had located a security group, had a guide, interviews and media crews all setup to make a really good documentary, but it just couldn’t happen. I was gonna be at the plant opening in Warren Mich. where they are making the Chevy Volt, was gonna meet tooling companies, exec’s…all kinds, but unfortunately, FOR NOW, it just didn’t pan out. I will do my best to make this happen, but with FD an all this year coming, I’m not so sure…it’s doesn’t even look like I’ll be able to get to the Indy 500 with my sis…but, it is what it is, and I love my life and my job so I won’t complain…I’ll just have to work a bit harder.

Speaking of the makings of that blog, the Superbowl commercial last year that triggered it last year, about the Chrysler 200, still reigns as champ. What do you guys think about this years car ads? I wasn’t really struck by any of em…or maybe I’m just to in love with Detroit…who knows.

.
So, there ya have it. That’s where we are, what we’re doing, and ..well..again, it’s Feb so we’re not going that fast, but you catch the…(wait for it…) DRIFT!
.
So thanks again guys, again, I love your feedback and good job on keepin me square with my blog writing duties.

We’re still here!

Bannon — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:01:44 +0000

It’s been awhile since I wrote up on here…since well before the holidays anyhow, but not for any particular reason other than being busy outside the shop.
.
When we get late into December, throughout the holidays and into Jan/Feb, needless to say, it’s slightly quieter here at Woods Racing. Quebec is a very winter based community and we still make the best of the ice and snow even though we can’t get out on the drag or drift track. It does seem that the folks around here lock up the race cars, and bring out the snowmobiles in our natural quest for speed…unfortunately for me, I sold mine last year and never got around to getting another one. I sure do miss it though…
.

.
And as for the on track shenanigans that we normally do on the lake…well, not much luck there either…between weather conditions, ice conditions and well…a strong eyeballing from the Canadian Shores and Fisheries department, that hasn’t worked out either. Been kind of a bust all winter.
.
I mean, in one sense, I won’t complain…the lack of snow has made things a tad easier around here…in fact…our bad boy ’77 F-150 winter plow truck has only been out a couple times..the 351 C.I Detroit Iron motor…just kinda waits…patiently..
.

.
So what have I been doing to make this blog so vacant?
.
Well..I bought a new (well, new to me) house out here in Hudson and this is where I’m writing to you from right now…
.
It’s an old Hudson cottage with a build date of 1910, (nope, no ghosts here!) and as you know, I modify everything I own, so out came the kitchen and I traded in my torque wrench for a drywall knife.
.
Now…I’m the first to admit…I’m no prince of plaster, in fact, I’ve come to realize that I don’t do that well with wood at all. I mean heck, you can’t weld it…WHAT DO?
.

.
So this is what has been keeping me all tied up lately…I’ve still been working at the shop here and there, but taking a few weeks to get my house in order is kind of a priority…I mean hey, the Daytona 500 is coming!
.
Some of you are wondering what in the who in the hey is going on with Drift-zilla and FD, and things are going in the direction they should be, but stay tuned, because I’m in the process of creating a new page on here dedicated to that…got some cool news coming up!
.
So before I go grab my hammer and …well…scratch my head in confusion…I want to thank you all for your emails and notes…I’m glad to see people pay attention here to my blog and that when I don’t update it is missed…you guys are the best!
.
Catch ya later!

Bannon Woods Named Crew Chief for GITN Drift

Bannon — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:50:13 +0000

Bannon Woods Named Crew Chief for GITN Drift Team

2012 Team roster released as preparation for Formula Drift 2012 gets underway

Dec. 12 2011 – Brockville Ontario

In a bid for a successful 2012 Formula Drift season, Mats Baribeau has finalized the roster and named Bannon Woods as Crew Chief and head of marketing for the Gold in the Net Drift team.

After 2 successful seasons working with the team and a move to Formula Drift, Woods will move from title sponsor to team member and will head organization of pit, car, crew as well as marketing.

The GITN JZX90 Toyota Mark II will continue to be maintained and prepped at the Woods Racing / Canada Synthetics speed shop in St.Lazare Quebec under the direction of Woods and his crew. Woods brings with him Randy Tontsch also from St. Lazare who will help in mechanics and car/pit operations.

“I’m happy and excited to stay on with Mats and the team as we move into the 2012 FD season. We’ve worked so well together in the past 2 years and I find that it’s natural thing for us to welcome this new experience together. Starting at DMCC Pro-am, to Pro, to Hold the Line and now onto Formula Drift the coming season will bring a new chapter in our racing novels and I thank him and Formula D for giving us this chance to represent Canada in the upcoming season.”

- Bannon Woods

Kerri Lee Griffin will step into the Business Manager role and will handle on-site PR as well as scheduling, budgets and sponsor services. Kerri brings a race management experience over from The Canadian Rally Championship series where she did double-duty also as a navigator for the PCR rally team. With her previous involvement in the race scene she is sure to bring a needed hand and mind to the GITN Drift internal operations.

“Racing has always been a passion of mine. I am looking forward to the challenges that the 2012 GITN Formula Drift season will bring to me in this new exciting role and I thank Mats and the crew for giving me a chance to do so.”

– Kerri Lee Griffin

The remainder of the 2011 GITN team will stay unchanged and The Gold in the Net 2012 Formula Drift team roster is as follows:

Mats Baribeau – Driver

Bannon Woods – Crew Chief

Randy Tontsch – Pit Mechanic

Kerri Lee Griffin – Business Manager

Norm Baribeau – Operations and Spotter

Chantal Baribeau – Operations
.
For more information, questions or comments please contact:

Kerri Lee Griffin – Kerri@goldinthenet.com

Bannon Woods – Bannon@woodsracing.ca

Mats Baribeau – mats@goldinthenet.com

Racing: The Glory and the Darkness

Bannon — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:06:11 +0000

We do amazing things in this industry. What we do between man and machine, defying science, breaking barriers and going faster and faster is an astonishing feat. Our addiction, our obsession, our dependance to speed is unmatched by any another duty and we celebrate our accomplishments arrogantly. We stand tall on the podium, cheer in the pits and laud back at the shop. But every once in a while, that bitch we call racing, strikes down to remind us that we are neither Gods, Kings nor invincible. Every so often we have a sharp warning and in often cases deathly admonition that no matter what we do, no matter how safe we make these race cars and the faster we go…she’s there waiting, with her sword. And when she strikes ,her outburst sends shockwaves.
.
I write this post with sadness. Yesterday we lost two of motorsports champions. At age 38, Rick Huseman, and at age 33 Dan Wheldon.
.
Rick, the 2010 Lucas Oil Off-Road Pro-4 champ died along side his brother when his plane crashed near Barstow California and Dan, an Indy racing league champ and 2 time Indy 500 winner passed on from unrecoverable injuries received from a horrific crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
.

.
October 16th, along with Feb. 18th, May 1st, Oct. 31st and so many other dates will forever scar the racing industry as dates where racers, family members and co-workers lost their lives.
.
I normally write my blog posts with pride, with an accomplishment or understanding of a job well done. Some cool thing we managed to do, or another top 3 we finished. Today, I put all that aside and remember our friends. So quickly are they gone, and it seems that it makes the rest of the things we do so trivial. The truth however is, the success that we live is written in blood. It’s a reality that we try not to admit, but it’s there. It’s the progress that these former champions chiseled in stone that allow us to become better, safer and wiser.
.

.
We have close ties to the IndyCar world. Many friends and family involved in the series and it really hits home when something like this happens. I watched my friends cry on TV while the balance of the Las Vegas race field completed a 5 lap session in honour of Wheldon. I spoke to them on the phone, read the hurt in emails, facebook and twitter and could only support them from across the continent here in Montreal. It’s not an easy thing for anybody, especially the family and crew who were so close to him. Dan leaves behind his wife Susie, and two young boys Oliver and Sebastian.
.
The first time I met Dan was at the 2008 Detroit Grand Prix, he finished 20th there I believe in the #10 Target car after hitting the barrier. This was the first Indy race I went to after my sister started working for the series. I met him at pre-race on the track and ironically, he was the only one of the drivers I spoke to there despite being inches from every driver in the field. And in his always polite fashion, he thanked me for coming all this way to watch a silly race.
.
The last time I saw him, was this past year at the 100th running celebration of the Indy 500. He won that race and I watched him with pride as he kissed the bricks. It’s nice to remember that with my two fondest memories out of all the races I’ve attended, he has been a part of them.
.

.
That Indy 500 race will forever be cherished in my memory. Not only the race, but the entire week. My father, buddy Louis and I, along with friends from Indianapolis had so much fun that week. We were spoiled with whatever we wanted and her friends, now our friends welcomed us with open arms. With my sister living in Indianapolis, and us so far away, in times like this I find comfort in knowing she has such great friends close by and ready to support her at the drop of a pin in times like this.
.

.

.

.
Kelly, Susan, Holli, Nick, Heidi, Jack and Tommy, Thank you. You’re always in the right place at the right time and we can’t appreciate it more.
.
————————————————————————————————————————-
.
This isn’t the first time writing about death in racing unfortunately.
.
Hero’s From Our Past
.
This above post is more Nascar related, but explains my thoughts and feelings as a kid when some of my racing hero’s passed on. It’s tough when you find out that the people you look up to and admire are suddenly gone. Leaves you wondering and confused.
.
Now that I’m older, run a racing based company and am a lot more involved in the scene I try to look at these events differently. And as I wrote here in The Incredible, Inevitable Wall things like this are bound to happen. Causing death though is the question that remains.
.
We have to learn from these tough days and keep going. So many lives have been saved thanks to a few. Safety barriers, Hanz devices, suppression systems…the advancement of roll cages, response crews and in field medical centers are all things we’ve learned from incidents. And as much as some people disagree, we won’t stop racing, we will continue to advance in the sport and will strive to make our cars safer. I’m positive that Dale, or Alan, or Greg aren’t looking down on us and wishing we would quit. Like Dan and Rick, they were Champions…and last time I checked, Champions don’t give up. Racing is what we do, and building safe cars is how we do it. We just have to make em better and better and better and better.
.

.
Every single time I send Mats his car and he leaves the pit area, I run a mini-panic in my head. Did I do it all? Did I miss anything? Did I tighten? Did I secure….
.
Yes, no, yes and Yes. Why? Because I’ve learned. As with the rest of the industry, through every tragedy comes an advancement.
.

.
What we have to do and what we will do is race in the honour of the Hero’s of our past. We will be proud that we were lucky enough to meet these Champions, watch these men and women race and work, study the past events and continue to succeed in what we do…because at Woods Racing anyway, we won’t have it any other way.
.
I want to send my thoughts to the families and crew, friends and co-workers of these two fine men. We are all better people of having them one way or another in our lives and the industry thanks you. Racing is something special that is outside the boundaries of “normal life”. And for that we are grateful that those put themselves on the line to give us a show.
.
Rest in peace my friends, and we promise to keep going.
.

The Learning Curve of Formula Drift

Bannon — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:44:59 +0000

Prelude to this article can be found here: Formula Drift, Irwindale California
.
Well, my first experience at a pro drift event is over. It’s certainly not my last though.It’s gonna be a wild 2012 I imagine.
.
I’ve spent a few days here in California and I’m taking a lot of info back to Canada with me. I must admit though, it was kind of a strange center I was in. I was present, not working in the pits, not working on a car, not there “as a fan” in attendance, but as a student…on the stepping stone to being a pro formula drift mechanic. My years of racing, wrenching and watching cars fly around a track, none of em has been like this. Drifting has so many variables not present in other forms of auto-sport that it’s a challenge just to keep record. You can see bits’n'pieces but in general, it defies everything that I’ve built for other teams, my teams and the weekend hobbyist.
.
We build drag cars to squat and go straight, lapping cars to hug curves and rally cars to take a beating. Drifting, doesn’t do any of this, but kinda does all of that…surrounded by smoke, another car tapping your door and a judge panel to impress. It’s almost like it’s the “grey area” of racing.
.
Some of these guys sure got it down though. Factory backed and corporate sponsorships pepper the pit area and as we’ve seen for example, the Falken green’n'teal are quite the force to be reckoned with.
.
Us privateer’s, it’s going to be uphill for sure, we expect that though and we’re ok with it, just gotta keep doing what we do and never give up.
.

.
Although it’s slightly intimidating watching these mutli-crew teams with the big race trailers and tools abound pull in and setup, we understand that we have to start somewhere…and somewhere starts in 2012. We’re gonna work hard this winter and prepare for the worst.
.
On race day, there was 25,000 people at the track, thousands more watching on TV and the FD web cast…for a competition this size, the eyeball reach is huge. And it’s only growing. The fan base is only second to Nascar and when they’re stomping their feet in the stands screaming “ONE MORE TIME!!!” it takes a minute to realize that they be yelling that about us next year.
.

.
This particular race, being the finals, the best of the best came out to play. The championship was on the line and the teams were ready. This was good for me since I could watch the crews prepare, setup, pit and race. Learned a lot about suspension, transmission and the general play by plays that happen during an event. There is so much that goes on that my head is spinning with visions of race fuel, adjustable control arms and tire pressure.
.
What I was really glad to learn, was what we think we need for next year as far as supplies, tools and equipment. I’m confident in the car and I will give Mats a good one, but it takes more than that. It’s rough out there and stuff is gonna break. I’m the one who has to fix it in 5 minutes so like jolly ol’ St Nick…I’m making a list and checking it 2wice.
.

.
Once they were on their way to the top 4, I really started paying attention to the judges. Soaked in what they were looking for from the lead driver and chase car. This is more Mats area, but by knowing what they want, will help me set up the car to make it do what he wants it to. A big team effort comes into play no doubt. I’m already pretty good at reading Mats’ mind and we connect on a solid Driver–>Crew Chief level so we’re one step ahead already.
.
As far as crews and drivers go, I’m closer with Mats than I have ever been with a driver I’ve worked for. We know each others habits, likes, dislikes, pet peeves and annoyances. He knows that I need at least 1 and 1/4 coffee in the morning before he bugs me, and I know he has an over-active digestive system if he drinks too much orange juice. Seriously.
.
These little things coupled with our determination will take us where we need to go. None of us is as smart as all of us and like Henry Ford said – “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”
.

.
With all that said, I’m really glad I stuck around California for a couple more days. I know if I would have headed right back to the shop I would’ve just worked, but a couple days to tool around this awesome state, I can start to put things into perspective. When I need to think, organize and work out things in my head…I drive around. And this is what I’ve been doing. Driving. Hit up Long Beach yesterday, checked out the ocean, had some drinks and dinner at a great local brewery and relaxed while taking things in. With the racing scene being as potent as it is here, the sites are just as good and I’m glad I had a chance to check it all out. I got one more day here and I’m a make the best of it and it’s time to get to work as soon as I get back.
.
Stick with us folks, we’re headed to the top and we’re putting the right bricks in place. We’re doing our homework and learning. We’re gonna rock the tracks next year and I’m thankful to have all of you aboard.
.
But as for now like Erin said…”Take notes, Take names, and next year…TAKE EM OUT!
.

.

Formula Drift – Irwindale California

Bannon — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 07:42:48 +0000

This world of drifting, this …vehicular ballet of motor racing is something very different in the speed induced world we live in. I mean, yes, there’s engines, qualifying, racing and winners, but the whole show of it is so different from anything I’ve ever worked in.
.
It’s so cut throat, so instant ending and of course being a judged sport there are so many variables. Entry speed, angle, drift, smoke your scrutinized on it all.
.
Toyota Speedway at Irwindale California is playing host to Formula Drift’s round 7 finals, the title fight, and from what weve seen on the track during practice and qualifying, this is shaping up to be quite the battle. The track is really grip and as Eric O’Sullivan put it, anything you do wrong here will be amplified.
.

.
This track is considered the “House of Drift”, the mecca of the drift world and I agree, it’s really quite something.
.
Watching these cars rip this place up shows us that not only are we playing with the big boys, but have a lot to learn as well. This is why we’re here though, to absorb, soak in the ways of the pro’s…cause after all, we’re one of em now too.
.
We’re a much smaller team, smaller budget, fresh out of a pro-am podium and all kinds of eagerness. We’re doing it right though. I spent a lot of time watching team members, the roles they play in the hot pits and back at the truck pits. Spied on em while they did their thing and picked up pointers. We spoke a lot about parts, preparedness, tools and sponsors. Timing, travel and money. Everything has changed, all but our go get’em attitude.
.

.
During this upcoming week, I was wondering if I was going to be intimidated, but it’s actually the quite opposite. We’re good at what we do, and obviously the brass at FD agree, otherwise we wouldn’t be here. We gotta take this one step at a time, and we’re putting the game plan together…and it looks pretty sweet.
.
The race is on tomorrow, and this is where I’m going to learn a lot. There’s gonna be a lot to watch, keep track of and lot’s to figure out. I’m excited to get started and am pretty confident that I can give Mats a car that he can go out to put on an awesome show. We just gotta take the time to do it right.
.
More updates coming tomorrow!
.

Baribeau to Compete in Formula Drift in 2012

Bannon — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 03:03:07 +0000

Podium in Hold the Line Series Earns Team FD License

St.Lazare Quebec – Oct. 3 2011

With a successful season completed and a 2^nd place finish at Formula Drift’s Pro-am series Hold the Line, the team is headed south full time to compete in the Formula Drift pro series contests.

The podium finish coupled with the dedication and steady performance of the team has earned the CanadaSynthetics.ca / Gold in the Net Drift team a spot on the 2012 FD roster.

Mats Baribeau and Bannon Woods will be attending round 7 in Irwindale California on Oct 7^th and 8^th but due to logistics and time constraints the teams JZX90 Toyota Mark II will not be in the Pro Am All Stars Invitational race for said weekend.

Mats Baribeau will headline as lead driver and Bannon Woods of Woods Racing/Canada Synthetics will stay on the team register. Details of sponsorship and mechanical/advisory participation will be announced at a later date.

Hold the line is Formula Drift’s official North Eastern licensing series and has awarded 5 FD licenses out of the 22 registered Pro-am drivers and teams left in the standings.

Although the schedule has not been released, FD will run a minimum of 7 rounds across the United States in 2012. Formula Drift has created the first ever drifting world championship; brought together 32 drivers, 17 past and present championship, from 12 nations, representing 12 series and the first drifting championship to be aired on national cable & syndicated globally with a dedicated series of shows.

“We are very excited and thank the FD crew for giving us a chance to compete at this level. We look forward to representing Montreal, Brockville and the rest of Canada in the coming 2012 season. We would also like to thank the fans who have stuck by us and can’t wait to put on a good show for everybody next year.”

-Bannon Woods

For more information please feel free to contact the following:

Bannon Woods – Woods Racing, Canada Synthetics

Mats Baribeau – Gold in the Net Ontario – Mats Baribeau.com