05.07.2012
Well, made the first trip to Spring Moves in Englishtown trailering the car. Not a bad shakedown event but the car was down on power in the upper RPMS which really hurt, especially since we're running a new 275/40/18 sized tires on some 18x10 inch rims. The extra grip is amazing but now the car needs another 100 hp. I should have some pics up soon, for now check out these videos, we have appearances in both. 

03.06.2012
Found this sweet video from last season to start getting pumped about this year. We have a couple small appearences near the middle and end.

Freedom Moves 2011 from Chris Szczypala on Vimeo.

02.27.2012
What a difference a fresh coat of paint makes! The used 8.8 we rebuilt looks better than new. The LCA relocation brackets have been cut off the old rear, sanded down, painted and are ready to go as well. Managed to custom fabricate the front and rear tow straps so now we can get rocking on reassembly, bending the custom rear brake lines for they hyrdo e-brake, and attaching the front and rear bumpers with the DZUS fasteners.

02.20.2012
Making good progress on the rebuild, Tyson and I have finished fabricating a template for the new dual rear caliper setup. I'm hoping to get the brake line tubing this week and start working on bending the lines.

Got the rear sanded down and ready for paint too, excited to get everything back together since the season is coming up quickly!

01.26.2012
I've taken a minute to update the Events section with the tenative schedule for this season. As additional events are scheduled I'll be adding them to the page.

Progress continues on the car for this year:

  • Single piece driveshaft from our newest sponsor, The Axle Exchange.
  • A/C system is gone
  • Steeda bump steer kit has arrived and is awaiting install.
  • Additional rear Brembo rear calipers are waiting to be installed.
  • New lightweight battery has been installed along with a custom mount.
  • Front 1.5 inch wheel spacers ready to go for some serious angle.
  • Modification to the front strut towers is complete for -3 degrees of camber.
  • Battery/Alternator cut-off switch has been wired up to the cowl.
  • Replaced broken strut from wall damage last year.
  • Rebuild of 8.8 is complete with new axle housing (replacing the one bent from damage last year), seals, and fluid.

12.13.2011
The car has entered the garage as we've started the next winter build, getting everything ready for the 2012 season. Lots of upgrades are in store as we prepare to compete in the 3rd season of XDC.

Plans include: Single piece aluminum driveshaft, remove a/c system, Steeda bump steer kit, custom e-brake configuration including ASD hydro unit connected to 2 additional rear calipers via custom bracket, lightweight battery, front wheel spacers and suspension modification for additional angle, modified strut towers for increased negative camber, front and rear tow hooks, and battery/alternator cut-off switch.

Before the season ended, however, we were able to attend our first Drift Nirvana event at Summit Point, West Virginia. They have a great track configuration which makes for plenty of run time and some good tandem competition. Unfortunately about half way through the day things got a little agressive, couple that with very little run-off and I ended up hitting a wall hard enough to break the center joint of the stock 2 piece driveshaft as well as tweak the axle tube on the 8.8 rear.