TURNING EIGHT IT HAS BEEN EIGHT YEARS SINCE WE LAUNCHED THE FIRST ISSUE OF DSPORT magazine. Despite our best efforts, there always seems to be one element of the magazine that just makes it to the printer seconds before the issue goes on press. While we’re proud of the success that DSPORT has earned along the way, we still believe that there are tremendous opportunities for DSPORT in the future. The key to our success will be serving our readers. If you believe that there’s something we could add, delete or tweak to improve your DSPORT experience, let us know.

Cover Car: GYMKHANA, not GYMKATA “His name, Ken Block. His title, internet stunt driving sensation. His assignment, a secret mission from Ford Motor Company. His only weapon, himself and that’s all that he needs.”

Ken Block’s “Subaru STI GYMKHANA Practice” and “GYMKHANA 2 THE INFOMERCIAL” videos on YouTube.com have generated over 25 million views. The unique combination of driving skill, cinematography and quality editing found in these productions resulted in some of the most entertaining automobile-based videos in the world. While everyone assumed that part three would feature another Subaru, they were wrong. Instead, a speciallyprepared Ford Fiesta GYMKHANA competition vehicle will share the starring role in the next Ken Block GYMKHANA video. Not a Fiesta enthusiast? Well, neither am I. Fortunately, the GYMKHANA-prepped Fiesta that graces the cover shares little in common with the production car except for the shell and the name. While I doubt that DSPORT readers will be running to their local Ford dealerships to purchase a Fiesta, you can bet that the branding exercise will influence some of our readership to support the Ford brand when buying a tow vehicle or pickup. Some might also speculate that Ford has bigger plans for the future. What if there are future plans to deliver a new platform that would actually get 370Z, EVO X and STI owners looking at the blue oval? After all, the new EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine is a twin-turbo, direct-injection engine that produces 365 horsepower out of the box. Put that engine in a 3,000-pound, AWD platform with a proper suspension setup and good looks; then Ford would have a contender.

GYMKATA

In 1985, three-time world gymnastics champion Kurt Thomas starred in the motion-picture GYMKATA. The movie trailer voice over said it all: “His name? Kurt Thomas. His title? Three-time world gymnastics champion. His assignment? A secret mission for the United States Government. His only weapon? Himself. And that’s all that he needs. Combine the discipline, timing and power of gymnastics with the explosive force of Karate and the new all-powerful martial art is born…GYMKATA.” The voice over continues, “When gymnastics and Karate are fused, the combustion becomes an explosion.” The movie literally detonated any hopes for Kurt Thomas’ acting career.

GYMKHANA GRID

There is a new motorsport event on the horizon called GYMKHANA GRID. This motorsport combines the nail-biting vehicle acrobats of professional drifting events with the timed competitive element of SCCA Pro-solo autocross. The public debut of GYMKHANA GRID will be on December 3rd and 4th at Irwindale Speedway when GYMKHANA GRID presents the Ken Block Invitational. If the event can deliver half the excitement captured in Ken Block’s GYMKHANA videos, it may have a real future and eventually rival Formula D for attendance. If the event is on par with a typical SCCA autocross session, it will deliver little spectator entertainment and you might just be better served reserving GYMKATA on Netflix. We’ll be there lending our support and we hope for a winner.



Michael Ferrara