Archives » 2008 » January

The 1960s Japanese animated series Speed Racer is becoming a live-action film under the direction of Andy and Larry Wachowski, creators of The Matrix trilogy. The Speed Racer movie focuses on Speed (Emile Hirsch) and his battle to become the greatest driver while saving the family business from rival Royalton Industries. The Speed Racer movie is scheduled for release on May 9, 2008.

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Wheel spacers move the wheel out away from the hub widening the stance of a car. Wheel spacers are used to fit low offset aftermarket wheels, accommodate large brake caliper upgrades, make wheels look flush on a wide body kit, and even increase drift angle. If you are running stock length arms, up to a 1/8 inch spacer can be used without changing studs to give you a little more drift angle.

The two main types of wheel spacers are the cheap shim type ($15/pair) and the expensive hubcentric type ($135/pair) that bolts onto the existing hub and then the wheels bolt to the new spacers.

Wheel spacers can lower a car’s roll center and increase lateral stability. Some people say that wheel spacers are ghetto and unsafe but as long as you follow manufacture recommendations, there is little threat of malfunction. Some pro drifters use wheel spacers competitively so even in high performance situations wheel spacers can work.

Tsukuba Circuit is a legendary Japanese race track located in Shimotsuma, a neighboring city of Tsukuba, Japan.

Established February 15, 1941, Tsukuba Circuit is part of a larger complex named the Japan Auto Sports Center. In addition to the 1.29 mile (2,070 meter) Tsukuba Circuit 2000 course, Course 1000 contains a Gymkhana track (total length of 1039 m). Tsukuba Circuit is host to automotive events like D1 Grand Prix, the all Japan motorcycle and touring car championships, and even a retirement ceremony for Keiichi Tsuchiya.

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