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The J-Turn: Episode 10

On this episode of The J-Turn, I find out what it takes to be a rally co-driver.  With the help of Scion Racing Rally driver Andrew Comrie-Picard and his co-driver Jeremy Wimpey, I learn the basics of recce, how to write pace-notes, and how and when to call them.  Quickly, it’s obvious that being a good co-driver means being many things at once– a navigator, a rule-enforcer, a time-keeper, and a pace notes reader, to name a few, and is one of the most demanding roles a racer can play.

To show me the ropes, the team uses Scion’s new xD rally car, which debuted earlier this year at the Sno*Drift Rally on January 25th.  Powered by a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE that’s fed by a GReddy turbo, the xD has received several upgrades this year including a boost in horsepower, a dog engagement transmission, a new suspension, and better weight distribution.

Vehicle Make:  Scion
Vehicle Model: xD
Model Year:      2013
Series:               Rally America
Engine:              1.8L 2ZR-FE, GReddy Turbo
Horsepower:     265 HP
Torque:              265 ft-lbs
Weight:              2,455 lbs
Transmission:  5 Speed Syncro
Drivetrain:         FWD
Tires:                 BFGoodrich G-force (195x70x15)
Wheels:            Rays TE37
Brakes:             Brembo
Suspension:    Tein Coilovers
Body:                Five Axis
0-60 mph:        4.3 sec (est.)
1/4 mile:           13.4 @ 110 MPH (est.)

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On this episode of The J-Turn, I get schooled on counter-terrorism driving tactics in the Executive Protection course at the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.  Under the instruction of Darren Law, I spend two days learning how to ram blockades, take out other vehicles, avoid accidents, and escape life-threatening situations using a variety of driving maneuvers.  At the end of the course, Darren puts my knowledge to the test in a simulated shootout; check out the video to find out whether I escape unscathed.

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The J-Turn: Episode 8

On this episode of The J-Turn, I head to Washington state for my first foray into rally driving at Dirt Fish Rally School.  There, Don Wooten teaches me the fundamentals of rally car control in the school’s 2007 Subaru WRX STI, whose 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine produces 300+ horsepower.

From the skidpad to the slalom and The Boneyard, I try my hand at every course and, by the end of the day, declare myself ready for The Wedge. Situated as a full rally stage, The Wedge offers real rally driving, and making one mistake can equate to wrapping your car around a tree.  Find out what happens when I head out onto the challenging circuit and see how effectively I’m able to apply my newfound rally knowledge.

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The J-Turn – Episode 6

This week on The J-Turn, I flat-foot John Hennessey’s modified 2013 Chevy Camaro ZL1 at the Texas Mile.  See if I’m able to reach John’s predicted top speed and whether Patrick O’Gorman can break the standing mile record in Hennessey’s camo-wrapped Ford GT.

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The J-Turn: Episode 7

This week on The J-Turn, I head to Buttonwillow Raceway Park to prepare for my upcoming Chump Race at Daytona, where I’ll face 223 other competitors.  With the help of Motor Trend contributor and race car driver, Randy Pobst, and Motor Trend’s vehicle coordinator, Scott Mortara, I get schooled on how to handle traffic on the track and learn the intricacies of passing and being passed.

After discussing the envelope of awareness, the classic clean pass, the draft pass, and the late apex pass, the three of us hit the track in separate cars to simulate a real race.  Find out whether the 2013 Subaru WRX STI SE, the 2013 Subaru BRZ, or the 2013 Mini Cooper S Coupe make it out of the race in one piece.

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The J-Turn – Episode 5

This week on The J-Turn, I get on a dirt bike for the very first time and set out to conquer my fear of what, on this terrain, is nearly inevitable: falling off.  Find out how I handle the mountains and trails, and watch me take my first intentional and unintentional spills!

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Epic Drives – Episode 15

On this Episode of Epic Drives, Arthur St. Antoine and I bring Maranello’s all-wheel drive super sled to the Big Island!