Are you Still Hungry?
What a journey we have experienced from start to finish with Project Lamb. It was amazing to see where it came from and what it has become now, but let’s not say it’s finished yet. The heavy lifting for sure is done, but next week there will be more! I was finally behind the camera to capture how I felt about this amazing project ahh, am I excited to share this with you.
Well, we are in line with an appetite and having a blast with our best friends. In our last article “Dio Mio, Is this “Gucci”?” we looked at what makes our patty worth the wait. Let’s see what crispy bun and condiments will encapsulate this freedom patty next. Are you ready to cook with me?
The next part of this meal is something we take for granted, the bread. Bread is so abundant, that we see it as something simple to make, but it’s actually a mixture of complex substances coming together. Bread is made with these main ingredients Flour, Water, Yeast (or another rising agent), and sometimes some seasoning along with patience, and elbow grease. When it’s done right the subtle flavours and texture can really make or break it. Let’s see how this bread is made.
THE FLOUR - BRAKES
The brakes of “Project Lamb” needed a full refresh, starting from the head of the system with the master cylinder. The braking system for his kit car was cannibalized from one of the more common performance cars of the period. In the 80s, that would’ve been a “fast Ford”, the Ford Sierra Cosworth. The front brakes have 4 pistons and a single piston at the rear. The master cylinder was taken from an Mk6 Escort. After being pulled apart it was rebuilt using hardware from RacingLines. Braided Stainless steel hoses from RacingLines were also used as an upgrade from the rubber hoses that were previously used. All of these are available from SDRR Hydraulic & Industrial Spares Inc. Crossing the ability to stop off the list with the new remanufactured braking system. We move on to the water in the recipe.
THE WATER - SUSPENSION
The most gains in driving pleasure can be felt through the suspension. This project was unique, it needed to sit low enough to still garner street credibility, but it also needed to survive the roads we have here in Barbados. The coilovers on the car were dead and this gave the opportunity to change the suspension of the car to something more interesting than just a static stance. The decision was made to put the car on airbags. This technology has come a long way from the early days of only allowing persons to let their car sit all the way down on its belly in the car park. It’s adaptable with the toggle of a button while driving, allowing the car to get over potholes or speed bumps, and it’s soft enough to make a comfortable ride while giving adequate driver feedback. The air compressor was added in the frunk of the car, and this is controlled either remotely or in the car itself.
PATIENCE
Having little patience will for sure ruin the bread. The wiring of the car takes time. A project looking physically finished with wheels brakes, engine, and plumbing will still be unusable if the wiring loom isn’t complete. It was time to go through the interior of the car and look at the entire chassis wiring solution of the car. This will help integrate the new systems added as well.
Elbow Grease - The body
We are almost there, Project Lamb’s transformations continue with the changes that they need. This kit included the 25th-anniversary side skirts and the rear facia, this was replaced with the standard rear fascia which was preferred. I quite like the normal look as well. The entire body needed some work apart from this change.
All the panels that needed work on them were pulled off the chassis and prepped for paint, and it was at this point a decision had to be made whether the car would remain in yellow, or be painted a color much more interesting. The previous owner painted everything on the car yellow, all the trim pieces, all the panels, all the vents, I am pretty sure someone took the paint away from him before he painted the engine yellow too.
This bun is ready for the oven, where it can be cooked to perfection. The color for project Lamb was inspired by a trustworthy pet, it’s the same colour as his coat, what a lucky dog, to be immortalised this way. He is a good boy.
Review
What a journey we have experienced from start to finish with Project Lamb. It was amazing to see where it came from and what it has become now, but let’s not say it’s finished yet. The heavy lifting for sure is done, but next week there will be more! I was finally behind the camera to capture how I felt about this amazing project ahh, am I excited to share this with you.
We raised some questions from the start of this series though, and I would like to discuss more. Is it really a Lamborghini? No, it doesn’t carry the VIN to say it’s a Countach, it doesn’t have a flat plane V12 motor, and it doesn’t smell like cocaine. well, I didn’t sniff the seats. With that established, I think it carries the spirit of what Lamborghini really wanted to do when the company was established. It shows a can-do attitude, it shows that cars don’t have to be soulless and most of all, it’s still way over the top as a kit car. Lamborghinis weren’t meant to be cars that were unattainable, in the past they were cars people leaned into because they had a love for the art, or the design, or the combination of both. I believe these kit cars are in a league of their own, they give the ability to see this design in a scenario that would be unbelievable.
Hope you enjoy your Gap burger! Until next time!
Happy Motoring!
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Dio Mio, Is this "Gucci"?
On that day you have a really small meal that tastes amazing, for sure, and you wear your evening attire, and it’s an amazing occasion, photos are taken and you head back home, but let’s be honest, nothing beats the taste of a Gap Burger after you’ve had 5 beers and a few shots of rum. It’s greasy, it’s sloppy and it’s brash. All the photos are horrible and that’s the memory you keep with you forever. We all want that greasy gap burger for real. Burger Boys through and through.
If you wanted to run some Italian guy that’s really into Italian-designed cars up a wall, where would you start? He would definitely feel flattered knowing that you loved the exterior design of the car so much you’d copy it, but when he looks at it internally he’s gonna lose his mind if he knew it wasn’t all spaghetti and meatballs in there. It’s not fine dining, it’s not sophisticated, like a fine Armani suit, or a Louis Vuitton bag, it is not “Gucci”.
To be honest, that’s the issue I personally have with the discussion of “PuRiTy” where we hear over the internet that some cars should not be tampered with in particular ways, and this is why I am happy to have an engaging look at “Project Lamb”. Put simply my argument goes this way, we spend the majority of our time eating normal food, and a fine dining experience isn’t something that happens every day, it’s special, reserved for once in a blue moon, if not it runs the risk of losing its aura.
On that day you have a really small meal that tastes amazing, for sure, and you wear your evening attire, and it’s an amazing occasion, photos are taken and you head back home, but let’s be honest, nothing beats the taste of a Gap Burger after you’ve had 5 beers and a few shots of rum. It’s greasy, it’s sloppy and it’s brash. All the photos are horrible and that’s the memory you keep with you forever. We all want that greasy gap burger for real. Burger Boys through and through.
How Do We Make Our Gap Burger?
- THE PATTY
“We want displacement and raw power.”
The sophistication of fine Italian food is seen in the construction of the Lamborghinis flat plane V12. It has been central to the design of many Lamborghinis since the Miura. It’s slow-cooked, refined, seasoned, and done to perfection. Yeah, we don’t want that around these parts, we want displacement and raw power. Throw the meat on the grill in the form of a Chevy small block, 5.7 liters of raw power stroked out to 6.2 liters and making 481 units of pure, and unadulterated democracy to its crank. It’s almost the most basic of V8s, bulletproof and consistent. Part Availability is much higher if anything ever goes wrong with it, and aftermarket support is endless. These engines were used in Racing, family cars, minivans, trucks, and boats, the basic patty. In Project Lamb, its engine was replaced with a crate engine that was ready to go. Edelbrock provided the electronics along with it, to convert it from carburation to electronic fuel injection (EFI). This was made incredibly easy with the kit, it’s a plug-and-play kit replacing the inlet manifold with provision for port injection and fuel rails and delivery along with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
Once you’ve cooked your patty, you have to add the cheese, and that cheese is the EFI system, this overall system brings the engine into the 21st Century. The small block was mated to a gearbox from Renault. The UN1-16 gearbox can be found in cars like the Lotus Espirit. The shifter was a little dated though, and needed some ingenuity using some parts from the a Suzuki for the shifter assembly.
The cooling system was built around the new engine set up as well. A dual aluminum radiator set up was placed at each vent just behind the passenger doors, they were mounted up with brackets and fans attached to them. Racingline hoses replaced the old hoses and a new filler tank was added at the top of the system so it can be bled easily. These radiators are so far doing a good job keeping engine bay temps down coupled with their fans. Coolant temperature sensors would then be run to the Edelbrock ECU, where it can be managed.
With, air, spark, and fuel sorted with the engine it will run. All of this being managed with the new electronic management unit meant that the powertrain of the car would work and deliver its power to the gearbox. In our next “Project Lamb” update, we will take a look at what this Gap Burger patty would go in to make it the full package.
Aren’t you hungry?
Happy Motoring!
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Project Lamb
Yes, by the way, if you’re asking if it's a kit car you’d be right. No, if you think that just because it's a kit car it loses all validity and purpose of discussion, let’s get that out of the way to start. I think the fact that this is a kit means a lot more than if it was a real Countach, and at the end of this series of articles I am hoping you would feel the same way too.
As a Bajan, I attest to the fact that if there was a really interesting car ever made in the world, there’s probably one in Barbados. This little gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is home to some incredible car enthusiasts.
Does anyone remember when the screenshot of this image went viral in all the car groups in Barbados a few years ago? Everyone claimed they knew the person that made it, and a ton of discussion was started about where it came from, if it was real, and basically who had the sauce on this iconic machine. Well, along with SDRR Hydraulic & Industrial Spares Inc. Sleeper Forest was given the opportunity to serve up the much-desired sauce on this very spicy topic.
Yes, by the way, if you’re asking if it's a kit car you’d be right. No, if you think that just because it's a kit car it loses all validity and purpose of discussion, let’s get that out of the way to start. I think the fact that this is a kit means a lot more than if it was a real Countach, and at the end of this series of articles I am hoping you would feel the same way too.
The Dream
All great projects start with a dream, in fact, the brand Lamborghini started with a dream when the owner of a Ferrari was not given the dream car he wanted. So he built it himself. This is my first point of argument regarding this car being a kit car, and why that matters. Kit cars are made with similar if not the same passion as the original car it’s based on. There are many levels that are ultimately determined by budget at which to pursue replicas but at the end of the day, the joy spans from building, and driving. We have examples in California where resto-mod cars are being recreated by Singer Vehicle Design, which specializes in Porsche.
Let’s take a look at this car here though. The kit was created by a UK company called Mirage. Legend has it that it was made through very nefarious means. A Countach was rented and all the panels were copied and molds were made of them, the Countach was then returned after the deed was done. This means that the standard of replication was incredibly high. I am sure the designer of the Countach was rubbing his ears all weekend when that happened, however, this cannot be confirmed. The production of this clone was definitely different from what was standard at the point of time, where a Pontiac Fiero was used as a donor car, it was extended and random panels slapped on it, and it was shipped off as an “Umborghini Countach”
This specific kit was imported to Barbados in 1996 by Evolution Cars in Six Roads. Specializing in Moke conversions, specifically the Suzuki Maruti moke and the fiberglass-bodied mokes. They even had one that was dubbed the Limoke as it was a stretched version. This Kit utilizes Lambo OEM parts, and in definite Lambo fashion, those parts came from other car companies. As you can see…. A Lamborghini is a kit car itself, assembled in Italy. Indicators and headlights from Fiat, locks from Mercedes, you get the idea. Knowing this goes a long way when building or repairing the kit. When the Kit was fully assembled it was presented to its first owner, he would drive it once or twice and then it sat. He sadly took ill and passed away eventually. The car was in storage for many years until it was found again, and the opportunity to restore it came up.
The powerplant of this kit car used an American 350 cubit small block V8. It was carbureted. This was mated to a Renault UN15 gearbox, something you would find in a Lotus Espirit, another rear-mid-engined car. After its maiden voyage with new ownership, it was clear this car was going to need some work and lots of it. It was definitely no Lamborghini. The suspension was shagged! And with windows that don’t go down more than a crack air-conditioning was imperative. The small block V8 left much to be desired to feel like a supercar, shifting gears felt like stirring soup and with those ultra-wide tires, steering was going to need some kind of mechanical assistance.
These fundamental points needed to be addressed if this car had any hope of being anything enjoyable to drive. Now that we have introduced you to “Project Lamb”, we will finally go in-depth, on how this project was reimagined, into someone’s dream car. The next article is coming soon, so stay tuned! Happy Motoring!
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This Corn fed Evo isn't lacking in Power
Highly boosted engines are not ideal when using pump gas. This is why, having a healthy diet is important to this build. This engine is making upwards of 38 psi of boost, and this is made possible by good old corn juice.
This month, I wanted to make an effort to find more project cars, I am dubbing it “Project Car Awareness”. I am looking for those that were being built for a while, and really deserve to be followed up to find out what’s been going on with them. I reached out to “EVOSOCIETY” here in Barbados and they put me on the trail of this interesting EVO 8. If you have an interesting project, send Sleeper Forest a message in our form down below! We look forward to hearing from you.
Being Vegan is the latest dietary trend these days. Recently here in Barbados, we have been hyper alerted to things that damage the environment as well. Being Eco-friendly is all the rage. So it goes without saying that you should put your project car on a diet, a vegan diet. This Corn fed EVO 8 isn’t lacking in power on it’s healthy diet of corn juice.
Kyle and Jabarry
I met up with Jabarry “Prince” (in blue), and Kyle (in red) to talk about Jabarry’s project. He’s been working on it for the better part of 2 years now, and it’s been a long process of building to get the car to where it’s at now. He’s part of a local racing team here called “PK RACING” and he’s been building the car to specialize in Drag Racing.
The Workshop
Jabarry has built a space to work on the car at home, and his machine finds its way home and on jack stands when it’s time to start working on it. When I came by he was doing some work on the factory inlet manifold, he was exchanging it for a PRO Series intake, housing a larger throttle body, and a more free flowing design.
The first thing I like to do is really take in a workshop, it’s such a great place to photograph contrasts of textures. Shiny chrome tools covered in oil, and what would’ve been clean toolboxes, covered in dust from use. It tells the story of a home project, taking time after work and a few hours on weekends to squeeze that time with your machine.
factory inlet
Friends are a large aspect of home projects, as well. Jabarry has been part of PK Racing for a long time, and other than it being a racing team, it’s really a group of friends who really love cars. They would have grown up together, and eventually wanted to make their own mark on Barbadian car culture. His friends know, when they see the light on, he’s working and they’ll pass by and see how he’s doing.
Kyle helps offer up the new manifold.
the 4g63
Why are EVOs so good? Obviously,because their engines have the correct orientation, that’s why. Fight me in the comments section. Mitsubishi has built one of the most legendary engines. This is a fact. Over the years, they have been working on different ways they could really deliver the most this platform has to offer to the surface it’s used on. On paper this engine sounds pretty mundane. It’s a 4 cylinder turbo, with a 2 Liter capacity.
What’s amazing about it, is that it gets the job done. Jabarry has rebuilt the motor in this EVO, exchanging many of the internal factory parts for forged aftermarket parts. EVOs really come alive when you throw copious amounts of boost at them. They just take it all and throws the power out at you.
Highly boosted engines are not ideal when using pump gas. This is why, having a healthy diet is important to this build. This engine is making upwards of 38 psi of boost, and this is made possible by good old corn juice.
Ethanol is an organic fuel. It can be obtained from cane, corn and other plants. What we know as race fuel, is derived from corn. Ethanol allows an engine to run far more advanced timing than gasoline. Its overall energy density being lower than gasoline means you will have to flow a lot more fuel into the engine, this means changing the fuel pump, injectors and the regulators.
Using ethanol though, really improves the performance of your engine, its cooler, has a much higher octane than gasoline and burns much cleaner. Downside to ethanol means, he will have to refill almost every pass on the drag strip, but it grows on trees right?
Looking Ahead
This project has been setting some crazy times on our 8th mile at Bushy Park Raceway, it’s well into the six second range. Building the engine is definitely important when it comes to a drag car, but some time can be shaved off using some better suspension, and coil overs are definitely planned for the near future with this car.
He’s been running the factory diffs, and driveshafts on the car, and according to some, they say he’s on borrowed time with this aspect of the car due the change in power the car is making, but he’s willing to run them until something happens, then he’ll know he's really surpassed what the car is capable of.
This car is an ongoing project. I’m excited to see what else happens with it. I really appreciate the welcome from PK Racing, and allowing me to take a look at this pretty unique build.
Until next time, Happy Motoring, and don’t forget to eat your greens.
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It's called OEM+ right?
Each of us can only say what we feel when it comes to the solution of that question. Some may want their car to be on steroids, nursing a bottle of nitrous-oxide and more juiced up than the Russian Olympic Team, and others love a car that breaks everyday, (I swear that’s not what FORD stands for). At the end of the day, we all need a hit, because driving is our passion.
What does driving mean to you? If you can’t answer that question you probably don’t belong here. As an enthusiast, we can answer that question, but we know it’s a trick because there’s no single answer to it. Each of us can only say what we feel when it comes to the solution of that question. Some may want their car to be on steroids, nursing a bottle of nitrous-oxide and more juiced up than the Russian Olympic Team, and others love a car that breaks everyday, (I swear that’s not what FORD stands for). At the end of the day, we all need a hit, because driving is our passion.
Duane’s Honda back in 2018
Consuming this hit; now, this is where the passion starts, some of us are like addicts, and just like in a world of addictions, there’s the high functioning addicts, those who make it into an art-form. The real connoisseurs, make it sure it’s the purest, the cleanest and of course make sure it doesn’t interfere with other aspects of your life. Work Hard, Play Hard. Duane’s EG hatch, is his passion. He’s a real connoisseur. It’s been a little while since we left off with his project car. It’s driving now and I had the pleasure of heading out for a shoot with him. This is his rendition of Honda’s EG hatch. He’s built his Honda around what he loves to do, and that’s drive.
cruising on the roads 2019
Duane’s has still been dialing this car in, it takes a while because its a process, but so far he has had no regrets with the build. Project cars are never really finished to be honest. His car is a weekend warrior, it usually sits in the garage, till the weather is good, and the mood is right, when you can drive and just escape the stress of the week, or simply to enjoy the hard work put into building the car.
A JDM purist.
Honda maybe the most iconic Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) brands on the planet. This is something we’ve definitely covered before though, usually when it comes to Honda, it’s a whole subculture behind those who modify them. Calling out of Osaka prefecture in Japan, the Honda community there has been seen as the home of JDM car culture, and especially Honda’s subculture birthplace. It may be shocking but, most of the JDM culture we see today, is really a bastardized version of what this influence really meant.
Duane’s car screams 90’s JDM overtures. His RPF1s aren’t cambered out of usefulness, and his modest Osaka JDM rear wing politely fixes the OEM solution. These rims are extremely light, it helps save weight, and obviously, fitment is everything when it comes to filing the wheel arch, these are quite pleasing. The wider tire definitely gives way more grip.
The inside is where the magic happens though. He’s very carefully, kept the interior pristine, its the OEM Honda EG hatch set up, just sporting a few gauges and a MOMO wheel. His AEM wide-band looks like it came out of Honda factory like that. I love the way everything really feels like a 90’s era project. His car was actually an automatic before the swap, but he’s kept the standard dash cluster for now, with the idea of switching it to the cluster from an S2000. In my opinion small things like that, makes the car a bit more interesting, it tells it’s story really.
a view from the office
A basic set up is far more driver oriented.
Duane’s Honda, is by no means a Russian Olympian, it’s not juiced up, but it offers a particular driving experience that was craved for back in the era of the 90’s. He’s swapped the factory D series for in favor of the Integra Type R’s B18C. Technically, this makes his EG Hatch a Type R Honda? I’m probably starting a huge fire by saying that. Swapping the Engine was really easy, but he took on the extra task, of adding air conditioning to the car, and in Barbados, it really is worth it. A few weeks of planning and fabrication and adaptation of some pipes and hoses and he was was well on his way to luxury. The B18C in this car, makes around 180hp, which means he gets about 150 hp to the wheels. It’s a modest amount, but it does the job on this ultra light chassis. It’s really around the perfect performance to weight for a fun B road killer.
Cooled by mishimoto
B roads in Barbados
Where would you say is the perfect road in Barbados? Our roads usually spark debate, but don’t forget that we have some of the best tarmac rally stages in the Caribbean. When we talk about B Roads though, we mean those that are out of the way, not really connected to the highways, somewhere in the back country.
Barbados may have one of the most dense road networks in the world. On the upside of this, it means some roads maybe grow into obsolescence not by choice but simple pragmatism. Leaving them pretty lonely and pretty important for a weekend warrior. So instead of taking that left, you usually take when you know the road, how about you take the right and find out where that road leads you, because some of the best roads maybe sitting under your nose.
A good weekend bash, coming to an end, it’s always a good time to check in on the family, and see how they are faring, because we know the week is ahead, it’s a shame weekends don’t last forever. Maybe the fact we don’t always have the chance to drive for the sake of it, makes the ritual a lot more mystic.
RESPONSIBILITIES
I’m extremely pumped to have had the chance to shoot this JDM gem. It’s a new year with Sleeper Forest, and there’s so much to look forward to this year! New opportunities and new projects always bring new and exciting content to the website.
This is Alex and I’m signing off for now, happy motoring everyone!
A JDM Pony Car
For me it feels like the GT Celica doesn't get enough love, its bigger brother the GT 4 left some really, really huge shoes for it to fill.
The term “Pony Car” is thrown around in reference to the Ford Mustang, but it really became a classification of its own. An unlikely brand, Toyota, decided to pick a spot in this class of vehicle and create a cheap, compact sports car for the masses. This car was not big on power, neither was it big on weight, it was just enough all around for the driving experience, and over the years it’s varying evolutions has stayed true to this principle.
This JDM “Pony Car” is known as the Toyota Celica, or “Celica”, as British or Aussies would call it. It’s name derived from its Latin root meaning Celestial. Going through the history of this car though would take a long time, as the line was established in 1970, with its clear similarities to the fastback Mustang being quite evident. Going into the 90’s however, the Celica over its 5 generations, was really coming into its own, with the offshoot of the Supra Mk 3 and MK 4 being derived from its earlier chassis's as well.
A 90's restomod
This particular Celica didn't always look the way it does now, in fact, the car is actually a full restoration. It'll probably be up for debate in the comment section of the article, saying that buying a Celica GT is a waste of time. For me it feels like the GT Celica doesn't get enough love, its bigger brother the GT 4 left some really, really huge shoes for it to fill.
The GT isn’t a turbocharged car, it isn’t 4WD, and it isn't amazingly fast, but it’s special in a lot of respects. Toyota brought their expertise to this car as well when it was being developed, and although it may be considered down on power, it's really high on fun.
It utilizes the same powerplant found in the Toyota MR 2 and an older version of the same motor found in the JDM Toyota Altezza. It's naturally aspirated 3SGE engine behaves more like a 4AGE with a lower torque band but the power is still high up in the rev range. It's a momentum car. Fortune favors the brave when you want to get the most out of this car.
The Celica GT's chassis also benefits from the GT4, although the rear subframe is a bit different, it's wheel arches and layout is basically the same as its homologation variant meaning it feels like well balanced and well put together car. Changing the standard 15-inch road going wheels with larger 16-inch wheels really set it off.
Looking ahead
JDM cars are having a hard time in many ways attaining a Classic status, and it seems like some of them have to work twice as hard as many other cars from other regions. What's contributing to the value of JDM cars though, are actually what's going toward their detriment, it's really an oxymoron in it's greatest form. Modders have taken every clean slate and written all over it. JDM cars have been praised for being fun to mod, and fun to change, to the point that finding some models like this Celica in it's purest form unmolested is next to impossible.
JDM cars are also subject to fads. The internet moves in cycles, finding one model after the other where all models are used up and it's on to the next one. So the next time you see those 10 mm spacers on E-bay, or you see that "Cold Air Induction" mod coming your way, don't do it. Enjoy what you have, or mod your car in a more tasteful way, because you may be sitting on the next gold mine.
Happy Motoring! - Alex.
Additional Images
Predators on the Prowl
Picture yourself rolling with 5 heavily Modified Mitsubishi Lancers, sure one can start to break necks, but 5 whips out phones. We had a run in with Saber aka "Wrap God" a few weekends ago so we were acquainted with the idea behind Street Predatorz.
I went for a prowl with some Predatorz, I can't think of a cooler way to spend an afternoon! It really helped me to understand the desire to "Stance" a car. It's not about you alone, it's about your community, and I think these guys have the concept and execution in order. This side of Car Culture is about making a statement.
Jevon Lashley- J707 - Night Fury, Hugh Sealy- T4148 - Saber aka Wrap God, Joel Leacock - SA 2734 - Ghost, Danny Lashley - Viper - XK 501, Jabari Batson - Wolf - G 1070
Picture yourself rolling with 5 heavily Modified Mitsubishi Lancers, sure one can start to break necks, but 5 whips out phones. We had a run in with Saber aka "Wrap God" a few weekends ago so we were acquainted with the idea behind Street Predatorz. Actually being on a drive with them is a totally different experience. It's a goal of my inner 10 year old. I can check that off the list. Thanks guys! I can die a happy man!
Street Predatorz as a group was formed August 21, 2012 and it started with 2 members. Jevon Lashley the Driver of Fury and Jason Gamble. They shared a mutual love for this late model Mitsubishi Lancer. Over time the group grew rapidly. They stand at 28 members at the time of writing. They are persons who recognized the potential of this car and wanted to express that vision. They really have come a long way.
This group has been spearheading not just car modification but community. It's amazing how much they stick together it's not just about the car, it's about the culture you want to build behind them, and this bleeds out from their interactions with others to how they welcomed me into the group to photograph their cars.
James Skinner "Besocial"
That afternoon, I was behind the scenes of a video highlighting the cars and group. This was sponsored through Automotive Art, one of the leading brands in the Caribbean who deal with a wide range of car products, from aftermarket accessories to materials needed to rebuild or repair aspects of the car itself.
“It’s a bunch of friends who love cars!”
As a group, Street Predatorz has been turning the right heads and going in the right direction with how they meet and build the awareness of the group. We all know project cars are never ever finished, so don't believe the person who says "It's Finished", that's a lie! Street Predatorz are here as a facility for those who also own Lancers to help exchange ideas and give input on the direction to take with either the aesthetics of your car or performance.
They hosted their first Mitsubishi Owners Day, MOD, at Sky Mall in Haggatt Hall earlier this year which was a major success as it was well received by the community here on the island. Intentions are to host a bigger even better one. They are also looking to partner with brands in order to get this done. Reaching outside their immediate group, they are looking for ways to give back to the community as well through charitable events.
Without exception though, this group has faced and may face challenges in the future. Lancers are a dying breed and are slowly rising on the endangered list. Mitsubishi has not announced a new model or reiteration of the Lancer line of cars. This may prove a little problematic in terms of aftermarket support, but this works two ways, because these cars once well maintained will become a rarity, and a gem on the roads when you see them.
Alpha predators change and adapt to their environments, this is what keeps them at the top of their game and like alpha predators these guys will find a way to keep on changing and growing. So look out on the streets and make way when you see these cars coming.These guys are on a mission!
Until next time! Happy Motoring! - Alex
Enjoy the Gallery Below
Welcome to the Barbados Auto Racing League
Today, BARL has years of events and activities different disciplines of racing under its belt, but where did it all start from? I had the chance to finally dig deeper into this racing league's history with the help of Stefan Hinds, the chairman of the league.
What are the ingredients for great racing? It usually starts with a bunch of friends who love cars. When we look at racing leagues, they share similar humble beginnings. The Barbados Auto Racing League, or BARL as we will refer to it from now on, is no exception to this.
BARL's Track Attack track-day event was the perfect place to meet and catch up with it's members. This event was actually a very important as it marks a turning point for the league in terms of its activity. Seeing old and new members coming out to have a fun time and knock off some rust that maybe would've built up over the years was an awesome experience. Some of the members haven't even driven on the now redesigned Bushy Park Raceway.
Today, BARL has years of events and activities different disciplines of racing under its belt, but where did it all start from? I had the chance to finally dig deeper into this racing league's history with the help of Stefan Hinds, the chairman of the league.
Stefan Hinds
When was BARL Formed?
- BARL was formed during 1996 by John “Tiny” Harrison, Tiny recognized the need to bring some structure to the Sunday afternoon Bushy Park race offs between the weekend warrior races i.e.Grass Roots Racers are the core of BARL’s membership. Tiny basically put his reputation at risk supporting this group of “Renegades” as we were often dubbed.
What Set BARL apart from other racing leagues?
- Sunday afternoon at Bushy Park was the most primitive form of Motorsport on the Island and most enjoyed by local fans, no other form of Motor sport generated the Hype, Energy, Enthusiasm and Passion as this Grass Roots Racing.
Who were the founding members of barl?
- The original committee consisted of Tiny, Coochies, Mohamed Bhana, Neil Corbin, Geoffrey Ullyett, Freddie Mapp Escort Specialist, later joined by Stuart Snaggs, Jeff Bovelle and Sluggy a driver.
Where did you guys meet formally?
- Club meetings were initially held at Muffler Center in White Park Road, the business owned by
Stuart.
What did course maintenance involve?
- Track clearing was the responsibility of the committee and a few dedicated drivers, some of the early racers were, Stanley Watkins, Nigel “Teets” Goodman, Snow Cone Man, Bingy, PA, Bull Cow, Doc Mohamad and Geoffrey Ullyett to name a few of the diverse group of drivers in BARL’s pool, Watkins would drive his tractor and swipe to the track and along with the volunteers we attempted to clean the infield as much as possible, but it was basically a lottery when car went off track as you could hit a tree, to stone boulders to abandoned cars, eventually as the club grew Ms.Wendy Williams took on the role of track maintenance and we owe her a great deal of gratitude for her part in the club’s development.
How did you manage your first events?
- The small committee did a herculean job to pull off the early race meets, with very limited hands, there were at times three cars being timed by one person, lifetime member “Country” was the unofficial Race Director, he was responsible for the grid positions of the cars based solely on his judgement/experience of the specific cars, and was also the starter. There were no radios only flags in the beginning but then as we grew Radios were lend by Structural Systems and Gales Hatchery, Fire extinguishers were loaned by a small local supply company who would only charge for any discharged units, with no electricity it was a task keeping the Marshalls and committee refreshed during the day.
Accomplishments & PLans for the future?
- The main groups were groups were 1 and 2, and as we grew and the membership expanded, groups 3 and 4 were formed, BARL was the host country for the Barbados Leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship until 2013 with the redevelopment of the circuit, BARL has not raced at the redeveloped facility, with its last race meet being June 2013 BARL has since 2013 entered into a MOU with the Bondurant School of High Performance Racing to host a school for the region and has set the groundwork for USA/Caribbean Racing Series, BARL hopes to get back to racing and continuing these projects when its get its access agreement issues resolved with the BMF.
Thanks Stefan, for the break down about what the league is all about, and the struggles you guys went through to what you so far been able to accomplish. Me, personally am a huge fan of bringing motorsport to a stage where persons with a passion and love for it are able to compete and have fun, the basis of it being competitive. It gives the opportunity for drivers to move up through the ranks, and develop their racing careers.
Danny Croney
Danny Croney is a great example of this. How someone can really move up the ranks from amateur to professional champion at the top of their class. We will be covering this in more detail in the near future, so stay tuned!
Until then, Happy Motoring! - Alex
Check out the gallery below!
Wrap God
Car wrapping is growing in popularity worldwide, and with companies like Autoderm we have access to this exclusive club. We covered a matte black Civic which rolled out of his shop a few months ago. You can check it out here! Daniel the owner of Autoderm is always trying new things, to push his boundaries and create one of a kind cars.
There's nothing like owning your own car. The feeling of freedom and responsibility are overwhelming, as well as the urge to customize it and make it unique. Some people tend to take it too far but we found a car that has found that great balance. Hugh and his 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer called "Saber". Hugh is one of the members of a car group here in Barbados called the Street Predatorz.
Street Predatorz is a prolific and growing group in Barbados. They are a Mitsubishi owners club, majorly made up of 2008 Lancers, but few earlier models are trickling into the group. They are car enthusiasts driven by the desire to modify their cars whether it's looks or performance or both.
Joining the group means you are ready to start working on your car and take positive steps in order to make your dream a reality. Each car in the group has a name taken from the Apex predators in the animal kingdom, hence the name Saber after the saber tooth tiger.
Hugh's car is beautifully wrapped.
Car wrapping is growing in popularity worldwide, and with companies like Autoderm we have access to this exclusive club. We covered a matte black Civic which rolled out of his shop a few months ago. You can check it out here! Daniel the owner of Autoderm is always trying new things, to push his boundaries and create one of a kind cars.
As a result of this Car culture benefits from these new upstart services, and with car groups competing with each other to make neck breaking rides on the streets Daniels innovative spirit goes hand in hand.
This is exactly what Hugh did. He had a goal to make a one of a kind car in the island and oh boy did he make something that's off the wall and innovative, it's actually very nostalgic of our younger days playing need for speed underground. Teaming up with Autoderm they drafted the design and Daniel went to work, applying his skill overnight and finishing with this spectacular vehicle.
This is Saber, it's a one of a kind piece of self expression.
Hugh's car started as a blank canvas. He's added a long list of modifications to the car, here's the list :
- Full Wrap
- Megan Exhaust
- DC air intake and piping
- Custom Body Kit
- Custom lights
- Tein Sport Racing lowering Springs.
The car is a work in progress as are all cars, I don't think you ever say you're finished building a vehicle. Small bits like changing the door handle colours still have to be ironed out but so far it's really amazing.
What I really love about this car is how it shows a clear distinction to the approach of car modification in the island. We shot this car in old Bridgetown, the traditional side of things, but this car is everything but traditional with the custom wrap, it's stance and cosmetic modifications. Times are changing here on the streets of our small island, and it's looking like a change in the right direction when it comes to car modification.
We want to say a huge thank you to Hugh, Big C and the Street Predators for letting us get up close and personal with these awesome rides.
-Maurice and Alex
