Quick update...

Well I've just been sooo busy with things lately I have neglected the blog, and not really had much time to update. But expect alot more very very soon! As everyone is aware WRC Ireland took place last weekend, Unfortunatly I didn't get to see every stage of it as I would have liked to, infact, seen none, but was a great programme on TV this week, some great coverage of what seemed like a very difficult, challenging rally for the world's best! The only driver I got to catch up with was a meeting with Fumio Nutahara, from the Yokohama Advan Japan team! Driving the Mitsubishi Lancer...

Was a good encounter, and enjoyed my time meeting Nutahara San. I have been told by Nutahara that I have to return to Yokohama Headquarters once again, pretty soon haha!

Well speaking of that, I will be flying back to Tokyo next month, its likely to be a crazy busy trip as always, but it is only for a short time, so it will be ok. Im in the middle of planning the busy schedule right now! Plenty of business to take care of, and hopefully can have some adventures too along the way. Eitherway im sure i'll write all about it here...more soon!

Busy times...

It's been VERY busy times recently, and well it has even taken a few days to update things here. After a busy few weeks I was off to Liverpool, UK for business trip and to bring something back to Ireland. What is it? Well you will have to wait a little while to I reveal it here, but its worth it! On the way I took some pics...

Leaving from Belfast's 'George Best' airport...

Arrived at Liverpool's 'John Lennon' airport...

So much culture and positive vibe here, I like Liverpool city...

After a long drive across England, into Wales, I arrived at the port, to catch the ferry home to Ireland, but what did I bring back? You'll find out soon enough...

Actually, what I brought back is something I have been working towards for years now. But I want it to be 100% complete before I reveal it here. Some people already know, but those are the closest people to me! It has been VERY busy times, some good, some bad, some frustrating, very stressful and annoying, but its almost done! I have been waiting a while to post this blog to thank those who have helped make things possible throughout this year, and especially the last few months (you know who you all are).

So now that I have got over the most difficult time (I hope) of 2007, I can actually do some relaxing and thinking, and have been reflecting on alot of things over the last few days. I think I'm a very lucky guy, though maybe I dont feel it or maybe realise it at times, it just takes a little moment, to reflect and appreciate those things that are most important in life! I think every now and then we should do that, even for 1 minute, alone...reflect! It also makes me think how we never really know how the crazy road of life will go! Up, down, left,right, stop, slow, fast, crossroads etc...its constantly changing, and of course there's always a few speed bumps or potholes in there to stir things up a bit, but the moral of the story is to work towards making things better, slowly, but never forget to be happy for what you have got. This path in life has worked out this way for a reason! Every now and then in this journey on the road of life you find a treasure, even when you're not looking for a treasure! So hang onto it, or him, or her, and appreciate how special they really are! Goodnight!

Off to the East Coast...

Well every so often the tuning shop 'ECC' opens it's doors to the public for a 'Rolling Road' aka DYNO Day! Click here for last report Today I got to check out the latest on display, and getting tested on the dyno! It's not so often I get to check out the local tuning scene now, as most of my work and involvement is in the Japanese Market, or USA! So this was a good lesson and experience for me, since im back here now. The standard and level of tuning has increased dramatically, but still has a LONG way to go! Some great cars are being built, to a very high level of tuning, but the research and development I feel is still needed, especially in fine tune setup and ECU Mapping! Several cars were down on BHP from today's dyno results. Of course there are MANY reasons for this, but a few of the main things seem to be Mapping, incorrect/cheap choice and set up of modifications, and of course general dyno room conditions/leaks etc will be a factor. Its in these areas of tuning I feel Ireland especially is behind. The sooner more and more tuners are trained to specific mapping, be it by HKS, Greddy, Apexi etc, or custom mapping, the sooner I think these tuned cars will perform to their maximum. Anyway, Here are some photos from the day. It was good to meet up with some new and old faces, even if for a short time!

ECC, great local tuner of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo

and old school Mitsubishi too...

Some projects in development...

Back to the dyno, Integra performed well...

Mini was CRAZY...Supercharged Honda K20!!

Stunning JZX100 Chaser showed up too...

This R33 Skyline put out over 400bhp today...

Leaving for home, nice photo this...

LDK video...

Lemon Drop Kick - 11:40

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Hey, check it out...Lemon Drop Kick launched the video for their song '11:40' How cool is this?! Great news for the guys, rocking it up with Justin on drums. Check out Miyako too on vocals..looking great! I predict big things for LDK as they start playing more and more shows and making it to Japan...Check them out! http://www.myspace.com/lemondropkick

Quality...

Here is an interesting video for you all. The manufacturing process of RAYS Engineering wheels in Japan! This is what you are paying for! In my eyes, its well worth it! Stick to good quality first time round and you won't be out more money in the long term...enjoy!

Moral of the story...Don't buy cheap or fakes...

This is what happens...