Mod Report Volume 3 by subimods.com

REPORT REPORT REPORT mod mod mod

Managing

Contributing

Postal

UNLEASH THE FULL POTENTIAL

Your Subaru is built for performance don’t let a weak clutch hold it back. Whether you’re driving to work, hitting the canyons, or tearing up the track, Action Clutch gives you stronger, smoother shifts and more power to the ground so you can drive harder and longer without worry If you just need a little extra bite for daily driving, our Stage 1 (Street OEM+) is perfect Want something stronger for aggressive drives? Stage 1 HD (Street HD) gives you more power holding capacity Need a clutch that has a longer life-span? Stage 2 (Endurance) is built tough for high durability And if you’re all about max power and fast shifts on the track, Stage 3 (Track-Tuned) delivers raceready performance you can trust.

DriftingInto Success:

“Odi” Bakchis and Feal Suspension

Many of us may unknowingly witness the development of greatness and future success through the simple actions and reactions of our fellow human beings during everyday life. In the automotive world, especially through the work of inventive and creative enthusiasts, we may live to see the development of innovative solutions born out of necessity, experimentation, or purely to solve a problem through personal experience. Glancing at the diversity of motorsports we can easily capture a few luminary figures who have built successful careers through pure physical talent and skill, but have also conquered another world through their own unique entrepreneurial energy and desire to inject change into a fast moving industry that is always starved for innovative movers.

Youthful Ingenuity and Feal Suspension

One of these individuals has always moved their best by drifting through extreme challenges in a very cerebral activity that originated from well-orchestrated, skillfully developed techniques which are unlike any other humanmanipulated, motorized sport on earth. His evolution from motorsports enthusiast to competitor to premiere provider of performance parts has set him apart as one of the most driven transitory influencers and developers in the automotive aftermarket. Professional drift car driver and high performance entrepreneur Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis has been an adventure seeker and dynamic thinker since a very early age. Bakchis immigrated from Lithuania at 8 years old and quickly began creating an identity and passionate persona that would feed his future and shape his destiny. Like many young thrill junkies he was drawn to motorcycle racing and began to compete in motocross events in the state of California. During this formative time, Bakchis began experimenting and developing a suspension system for motorcycles which soon led his entrepreneurial mind to launching a company to share these innovations with the world. In 2007 Bakchis founded Feal Suspension, an aftermarket performance company based in Wrightwood, California whose primary focus is on the tuning and servicing of dampers - which includes coilovers, struts, and shock absorbers with a wide range of offerings for vehicle brands across the performance automotive marketplace. Since their launch and beginnings with coilovers in the Subaru space almost 20 years ago, Feal has not exclusively continued its concentration on sales and distribution of coilover kits as what would be commonly expected, but has become a major innovator in maintaining, improving, and enhancing damper performance through testing, evaluation, and focused field review.

Discovering Drifting and Bakchis Motorsports

As per a quote on his LinkedIn page, Bakchis confirmed, "I have enjoyed growing Feal Suspension, INC. since 2007 and Bakchis Motorsports LLC since 2011. My passion is business development, product development, and brand marketing.” As expected from his true enthusiast and creative entrepreneurial spirit, Bakchis was driven to expand the overall impact of Feal’s development offerings and spread out product use as practitioners. “I spend a lot of my time competing in the premiere drifting series in the world, Formula Drift.”, the quote added. “I love working in the automotive industry and motorsports!", he exclaimed, clearly confirming that his mind is never still and always pursuing something new and that can be leveraged as a tool for innovative development to better an entire genre of sport in addition to influencing a new generation of driver and enthusiast. By 2009, after trying drifting and deciding on his next, serious pursuit, by the following year, Odi earned his professional drifting license. In 2011, he jumped in the deep end again and launched Bakchis Motorsports, the professional drifting segment of his career which produced a myriad of successful results over the years to come. Being awarded the 2011 Formula Drift “Rookie of the Year" quickly transformed him into the obvious champion of the future by the end of that season. Bakchis won his first Formula Drift in May 2015 at Road Atlanta, but quickly followed up with finishing second at the Formula Drift World Championship while clearly marking the history books since that year by finishing 3rd overall in 2017, 2019, and 2021, 2nd overall in the Formula Drift USA championship in 2023, and by capturing Top 5 driver overall in Formula Drift USA seven times since the 2014 season.

Products, Innovation, and the Future

In the past 18 years, it can be honestly confirmed that Bakchis has built an impressive resume of accomplishments and is steadily on track for much more moving into the future. Learning about the broad stroke of offerings Feal Suspension gives the performance driver further solidifies their position in the marketplace, but most importantly, for the Subaru community, Bakchis and his team have a specific concentration of products in place to enhance and improve the stance for the favorite platforms of these dedicated drivers. For example, their 441 Series Coilover with High Flow Precision Dampening and Radial Bearing is an amazing upgrade option for those drivers of the Subaru WRX, the STI, or the BRZ. Again, as the Bakchis story and passionate pursuits have confirmed, these products were developed with decades of tuning experience and testing which does not simply include shock Dyno analysis, but to align with how the company was born, an actual evaluation from professional drivers in real-life situations producing data in the field under challenging scenarios. Their activity and impactful presence in motorsports, specifically throughout Rally, Drift, Road Racing, and AutoX, holds up their products continually with an impressive and truthful reputation for quality and trail tested endurance to solidify their value to the serious enthusiast and modifier. As a company and knowledge base, Feal Suspension offers the enthusiast a plethora of information, including technical sheets and articles covering everything from Damping Adjustment, Coilover Ride Height and Droop Set Up, to Suspension Tuning and Modifications, and the Feal 2-Way Technology Advantage - just to name a few, proving that real world experience and smart innovation can be the perfect recipe for success.

Monitoring your health is important, why should you treat your car any different

Justin Veilleux and his 2018 WRX

WORDS: Bryon Turcotte

Inspiration in Western Mass

A few months ago, we noticed an extremely attractive and well buffed Blue Pearl 2019 Subaru WRX strategically parked in an isolated spot at a nearby business. Car lover or not, you would have had to look twice just to appreciate the lines and shape that made it unique. After the car was seen several more times around town we quickly got to know the owner, 33 year old Justin Veilleux of Westfield, MA. When two or more car buffs meet, conversations begin to roll. We knew we had to learn more about what led him to his WRX.

Subaru has a very dedicated, committed, and faithful following which stretches over platforms, models, and genres within its vast community. Here in New England, Subaru vehicles along with their dedicated fans can be found everywhere. When we find them, going from a handshake to an inspirational chat to a feeling of extreme pride is a very rewarding experience, so we felt it was important to share these experiences and build on some inspiration within the community.

Inspiration in Western Mass

Justin grew up in the sleepy town of Agawam, MA across the Connecticut River from the city of Springfield. He was excited by any kind of performance car he saw whether in person or in photos. "I remember my dad bringing home Car and Driver magazines for me," Justin explained. When he became a driver himself, he began craving all that feeds the true enthusiast's heart. "While growing up, my group of friends and I were always tooling around with cars", Justin said. He soon felt the first bite of a classic Subaru which would sit in his memory for years to follow.

"I

remember when I was about 13 years old...my friend's older brother had a Rally Blue "Blob Eye" WRX with a big wing. I absolutely loved that car", he said. "It was fast and sounded aggressive with those turbo noises...but as I got older I realized how well the Subaru WRX/STi models hold their value. By the time I was 16 it seemed like an impossible reach to ever own one."

Coming Back Full Circle

Justin remembered his earlier days, seeing that old "Blob Eye" in his mind. "I went looking for a Subaru...and low and behold...I saw my current [2019 Subaru] WRX for sale", he confirmed with excitement. "Finally after all those years, what seemed to be an impossible car to own, was now mine!" It is a fantastic reward to finally fulfill your dreams. "Since owning my WRX I have made some cosmetic mods, but the best has been my Axle Back Exhaust.", Justin confirmed. "My ending goal...would be to have it tuned to Stage1+. We all know how getting off that stock tune makes a difference." Justin can now stand back, take in all the good energy, and plan more for the future.

Future Possibilities

Learning about Justin's story and seeing that his modification journey has just begun would be inspiring to any enthusiast. It truly shows what an amazing canvas he has to express his performance creativity. Are you and your 2015+ Subaru WRX on a modification path like Justin? Take a good look at the following 10 products you may want to investigate for your upcoming modification.

[TUNINGMENU]

> Motul Master Oil Change Kit with 5W-30 X-clean EFE Oil

This is a great product choice available from Subimods for the enthusiast who always keeps the maintenance and care for their investment top of mind. Motul's Master Oil Change Kit is an essential purchase for 20152021 Subaru WRX owners who want an oil based on pure quality. This kit includes 6L of SAE 5W-30 Motul 8100 Synthetic Engine Oil, a Subaru OEM Oil Filter, and an OEM Crush Gasket. Motul provides 100% synthetic engine oil formulated, developed and tested to meet strict, technical requirements of high performance gasoline engines.

> Molded Innovations Rear Brake Light

Version 3 with DRL Bar

Exterior upgrades punctuate a style profile for both car and driver. Adding a stylish, customized braking signal can be an exciting change for your 2015+ WRX / STI when Molded Innovations is part of the equation. This product eliminates clunky installs by providing a true plug and play wiring harness for easy setup. Features including eight high-intensity LEDs, a Dual Brake Feature Mode where the driver can switch between a solid brake or a "flash then solid" hyper blink, and the separate DRL Bar which illuminates when the running lights are activated allows the driver to personalize their brake light functions at arms length.

Shop Justin’s wish list here

> BC Racing BR Series Coilovers

A quality suspension upgrade requires a product with both innovation and ease of installation built in. The engineers at BC Racing have created a solution to serve the needs of both the street driver and track performer. Their BR Series Coilovers for Subaru vehicles were built with 30 levels of dampening adjustment, allowing each driver to fine-tune compression, rebound, and separately adjust ride height via easily accessible adjustment knobs. BC Racing's patented lower locking ring keeps the setting solid Also, shock travel is not sacrificed if the car is lowered due to dual-height adjustment capabilities.

> Perrin Super Shifter Stop

Achieving an amazing driving experience in your 2015+ WRX will require the addition of some upgrades to begin to make a noticeable difference. The Super Shifter Stop from Perrin will provide the driver with instant shifting improvements by removing loose and sloppy feel both horizontally and vertically in 1st and 2nd gear shift gates. The Super Shifter Stop reduces nearly 1” of factory transmission play to only 0.12” of horizontal movement and sloppy vertical movement from 0.70" to 0.20" allowing the driver to fully and accurately connect to their vehicle's shifting functions. Installs easily without special tools.

> COBB AccessPORT V3

Every enthusiast wants to gain a deeper, detailed understanding of their car's functions, the performance of their engine, and how it can be fine tuned to heighten its output. The COBB AccessPORT V3 is a flexible, in-cabin mountable, ECU flashing device that allows real time monitoring of up to six parameters including boost pressure, air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, and others through the OBD2 portal under the dashboard. COBB's high resolution screen allows easy setups from configuring street or racing gauge clusters to allowing modifiers the ability to unlock hidden power by applying more aggressive calibrations.

> Spec-D Optic Style Sequential LED Tail Lights

Nothing pops against a nighttime backdrop more than impressively stunning aftermarket lights. One modification to a 2015-2021 WRX that would enhance and confirm an enthusiasts level of style and personality, would be the addition of Spec-D Optic Style Sequential LED Tail Lights to replace the vehicle's factory lighting. This product combines an array of extremely bright LEDs with fiber optic strips improving the vehicle's lighting capabilities, enhancing appearance, minimizing power usage all while providing high efficiency, and an increased level of safety for all situations. Spec-D's Tail Lights are direct replacements requiring no customization.

> Fumoto Position Adjustable Quick Drain Valve with Lever Clip

Modifications on your vehicle should never be looked at purely for either their enhancements to performance or style. Some modifications should be applied to help an enthusiast function smarter instead of working harder. The team at Fumoto designed their SX-series Quick Drain Valve to eliminate mess while making oil changes quick and efficient. After installing this factory drain plug replacement, the Fumoto valve can be opened simply by lifting, turning 90 degrees, then rotating 360° to choose a specific oil flow direction making drainage neat and convenient.

> GrimmSpeed License Plate Relocation Kit

One part of an exterior modification for your WRX might include a better position for the license plate, an item needed on every street legal vehicle. The License Plate Relocation Kit from GrimmSpeed allows the enthusiast to move this important component without causing an obstruction to the FMIC or risking an inappropriate installation alternative. GrimmSpeed's InfiniteAdjust design provides the most creative of owners a number of mounting position and angular adjustment options so the license plate can be mounted exactly where the driver wishes. Laser cut and built from powder coated 5052 aluminum ensures stability and confident fitment.

> ACT Heavy Duty Performance Street Disc Clutch Kit with Flywheel

Whether it be an update of performance for the street, or enhancements for the track, choosing an appropriate clutch is key to optimum endurance and efficiency. The ACT Heavy Duty Performance Street Disc Clutch Kit provides drivers of the 20062024 WRX a number of key components including a Heavy Duty Pressure Plate, Performance Street Sprung Disc, XACT Streetlite Flywheel, Pilot Bearing, Release (throwout) Bearing, and Alignment tool. This product features an exclusive diaphragm design with increased clamp load giving the driver moderate pedal feel and support to ensure smooth high RPM reliability.

> IAG Performance V3 Street Series Air / Oil Separator (AOS)

The IAG Air Oil Separator is a very sophisticated component and self-contained unit equipped with a set of features smartly designed to efficiently address Subaru's blow-by issue whether you are a daily driver or a weekend performer. Designed with ports used for venting each valve cover and for the crank case itself, this product eliminates excessive buildup of pressure in the crankcase while providing better oil separation, a larger drainage port, higher capacity, and smartly designed allowing the entire unit to be uniformly heated by coolant to increase efficiency. IAG has made certain that this can be easily installed with a near OE fit.

Living Dreams

Sometimes looking at the cost and time investment of a modification can be discouraging and uninspiring to say the least. These truths were not a stranger to Ron as he followed his dreams of creating his vision. While working hard each day, Ron’s time arrived. He was able to invest in his dream, begin to experience his vision with the vehicle of his choicethe 2021 Subaru WRX STI - and finally bring that dream into reality. “I’ve always loved the VA”, Ron said. “With the STIs no longer being produced, I decided to go with the last year.”

working passion

Ron V and the 2021 STI

ron V. started his journey like many other car enthusiasts. His heart was moved by the tight community behind the world of automotive performance, speed, and style. Earlier in life, Ron’s growing love for cars and the community was amplified by his close relationship with his brother.

“A big influence for me was my brother Jesus” Ron said. “Growing up he and I would play “Need for Speed” and talk about how - when we were able to afford itwe would create those types of cars in real life.” He will later realize how important dreams can be.

Embracing The Power

Ron’s 2021 STI modification includes a significant list of parts and accessories which makes this car an aggressive performer and an impressive piece of technology. Ron’s engine modifications include a Cobb Nexgen Stage 2 + Flex Fuel Package, Cobb EBCS, Cobb Bypass Valve, Cobb AOS, Cobb Turbo Blanket, Cobb Front Mount, Cobb 20g Turbo, Cobb TI Catback, Cobb Fuse Box Cover, and a Cobb Alternator Cover. The drivetrain was also modified with Group N Motor and Transmission Mounts, a Cobb Shifter Kit, a Cobb Pitch Stop, a set of Rear Diff Bushings, and a Crossmember Bushing Kit. The STi is also being tuned via a Cobb Accessport with their OTS Mapping.

Building Character Through Appearance

Large modification projects obviously involve a lot of moving parts which include serious commitments of time, money and resources. By leveraging the knowledge of a large community of Subaru modifiers, Ron experienced a positive build. “My favorite part of modifying my car has to be giving it character”, he said. The exterior modification on his car included an APR Aero Kit, APR Brake Ducts, Molded Innovations rear brake light, Molded Innovations Tail Lights, Carbon Fiber Mirror Covers, OEM Vortex Generator, and an APR License Plate Backing. Jumping inside the vehicle to view the interior modifications, we immediately see a Molded Innovations Steering Wheel, and a Cobb Shift Knob.

Staying Grounded

When asked what his favorite modification was on the car, Ron confirms, “The suspension”, which was manufactured by HKS. “The overall suspension on the car is amazing! From handling to the way the car sits with the wheels.” The suspension got a full overhaul including HKS Hipermax S Coilovers, VOODOO 13 Rear Control Arms, and a plethora of Cobb Suspension Components, these include a 26MM Front Sway Bar, 24mm Rear Sway Bar along with Upgraded Endlinks and Rear Sway Bar Brackets. Ron also opted to do the Cobb Front Lower Control Arm Kit with their upgraded Tie Rod / Ball Joint Kit!

Crossing

the Finish Line - Someday

Finally to round out the modifications to Ron's STI, a performance braking system was added. This system includes Hawk Ceramic Front and Rear Brake Pads, DBA XD Drilled Rotors, Rotora Front and Rear Brake Lines, Radium Master Cylinder Brace, and Motul RBF600 Brake Fluid. With all these upgrades in place, he was able to witness the car's capabilities on the track during the 2023 Staggered event in Thompson, Connecticut. “Putting the build together and seeing it perform, was pretty amazing!”, Ron said. As we clearly see the results of his modification project, we should all be able to agree that choosing the 2021 Subaru WRX STI was the right choice.

Over two decades ago, five individuals from the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club (NASIOC), who at the time were I-Club members, made a simple goal to gather, hop in their beloved Subaru vehicles, and embark on a spirited motor tour of the Tri-State region, namely, Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

They also thought it would be amazing to use their collective power to give back to the community and contribute to the needs of others. The original idea gave birth to an amazing first journey in 2002 which helped those directly aligned with the tragic events and losses grown out of the 9/11 attacks. The first drive raised $1,500 for The NYS World Trade Center Relief Fund and launched a spirit of giving that continued for the upcoming decades.

From the beginning of this initiative, 48hrs of Tristate has raised significant funding for a number of impactful organizations, including over $50,000 for The American Cancer Society, and totals of additional hundreds of thousands for the Amaryllis Lazada Cancer Fund, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Make-a-Wish, all organizations who do their best to support children and families everywhere who suffer from diseases like childhood cancer and other life threatening medical conditions.

Twenty years after that first drive, 48hrs of Tristate collected over $100,000 for Make-a-Wish then, bringing in $150,000 the following year which continued the spirit of giving through the hearts of over 100-plus involved enthusiasts.

One thing that the Subaru tribe loves more than anything is fellowship for a great cause

Each year, the organizers of "The 48hrs of Tristate Annual Charity Drive" host a visible and physical display of giving and compassion by gathering Subaru owners from across the country of all types, levels of following, and assorted sectors of enthusiast genres, to roll across approximately 1,100 miles of paved territory over 3 full days to raise money and awareness for one of the nation's most notable causes.

This year will mark the 24th consecutive year that this gathering will be using the unique and spirited individualism of the Subaru tribe to bring happiness and dreams to families who deserve all the support, grace, and generosity that can be built up and placed around their lives.

The beneficiary of this amazing event, Make-A-Wish New Jersey, an amazing foundation and charity that has been positively gifting and truly making wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions since 1983.

According to the Make-A-Wish website, the Monroe Township-based chapter has granted more than 11,000 wishes impacting children and their families located in every county, town and municipality around the state of New Jersey.

Continuing this year, the organizers at 48hrs of Tristate will act as another positive channel for needed funds to reach these children and help block any chance of lost hope from their lives. They have joined the supportive collective that is passionate about wishes that need to be granted.

the 2025 journey between Thursday, January 16th and Sunday, January 19th continued its long history of traditional support for Make-aWish for another year with solid assistance from a number of sponsors, including ITA.Lifestyles, Kartboy, the National Auto Sport Association, and Johnston's Subaru.

Two decades of 48hrs of Tristate have also been supported by a number of other generous organizations including Vermont Sports Car, EFI Logics, Mach V Motorsports, COBB, and many more. Subaru of America Headquarters served as the launching point for the drive while also sponsoring the annual Friday Morning Breakfast, a welcomed event before the drivers started this long journey together. A great group of people from diverse backgrounds, levels of experience, and car styles find themselves becoming one united band of brothers and sisters.

In addition to their role as an event sponsor, Subimods sent two members of their team, Chuck Mayer and Ryan Stanson, to contribute their time and effort to this important journey. They drove and experienced the route in their modified 2022 Subaru WRX, a well-known vehicle throughout the vast Subaru community.

Starting off with the group on that cold Thursday evening proved to be a night filled with excitement and passionate enthusiasts behind the wheels of their favorite cars.

The group met first for a dinner hosted by Subaru of America in Camden, New Jersey, then they continued onward Friday morning from the state's Make a Wish headquarters in Monroe Township to officially launch a journey which covered three states.

For the past 20 years, 24th Annual 48hrs of TriState has been creating these moments baked in with generosity and sweetly polished off with camaraderie, fellowship, and the aim of promoting a pure happening for both humanity and giving, two things that all members of the Subaru tribe take to heart. Every year, this event builds on the spirit of the one before which is difficult to feel unless you were one of the participants on the road for the common cause. An amazing display of assorted Subaru platforms and years, along with their drivers from all walks of life sharing in a moment in front of a majestic backdrop is truly inspiring.

The group moved over the wet, seasoned roadways with the confidence that comes ingrained in the Subaru driver knowing that any journey is more exciting with some challenges attached. Again, as the event's website confirmed, "There are all different folks who attend the trip, young adults, families, retirees, you name it, if they enjoy Subarus they are there…It is truly an amazing way folks bond together!"

If you would like more information regarding how you can take part in future events organized by The 48hrs of Tristate Annual Charity Drive or make a donation to The Make-A-Wish Foundation, please visit their individual websites, or scan the QR code to learn more.

Read full article here

FORMULA CARBON

FIBER HOOD SCOOP FOR 2022+ WRX

The Formula Carbon Fiber Hood Scoop is a completely revolutionary product in the hood scoop space, gone are the days of just simply replacing the factory scoop with a new material. The Formula hood scoop goes above and beyond bridging the gap between OEM+ and aftermarket carbon fiber hood options.

BUCKY BUCKY LASEK LASEK

Influencer and Driver

WORDS: Bryon Turcotte PHOTOS: Dave Swift and Ryan Stanson

A Fearless Beginning

There are many celebrities and professional athletes that do their share of cross-over activities. A rare and special few actually excel in multiple worlds to the degree of leaving impactful marks, contributing positively to the associated industry, and becoming multifaceted philanthropists. One individual member of the motorsports and extreme sport community that has become iconic and victorious at many levels in and outside the world of motorsports is Bucky Lasek, a passionate and influential character who has been jumping from genre to genre for close to 35 years. The Baltimore-born Lasek always loved skateboarding and by the age of 12 he pushed himself to become a very successful amateur for the next two years of his life.

Building Up Steam

Growing through this world of adrenaline and extreme sport enthusiasm, Lasek stepped off his board and strapped himself behind the wheel of a Subaru sponsored vehicle to experience the world of motorsports. Subaru Rally Team USA picked Lasek and two others to drive at the Global RallyCross Championship in 2012. “I ended up getting ready to race in some tarmac Grand Am series back in the day in some Porsches. That's when Travis Pastrana left the seat open at Subaru. My agent at the time was the same agent as Ken Block, Travis Pastrana, and Dave Mira. Knowing that I was into car racing...my agent reached out to me and asked me if I wanted to go test for the seat with Subaru”, Lasek said proudly.

From Boards to Cars

Quickly gaining sponsorship by Powell Peralta in 1987, Lasek sharpened his skills alongside legend Tony Hawk while becoming a well-known and fearless practitioner of intricate tricks and aerial maneuvers. He quickly became one of the most recognized personalities in the skateboarding world bringing home a staggering 14 XGame medals and becoming a recognizable brand with Lasek Skateboards and wanting more. “I think my love for cars kind of stemmed from hot wheels and modifying hot wheels at a young age”, Lasek explained. “I kind of grew into just loving cars from that and from there it turned into a driving passion. I did my first track day, then it was game over.”

The Spirit Of Competition

“When I tested for the seat I ended up being pretty fast and got it, becoming a factory Subaru driver. From there going from tarmac to dirt and doing rally schools, just learning the technique of loose surface driving I realized, driving a Subaru there's just nothing else like it.”, he said. For the years to come, Lasek began to get the feel for competitive motorsports and kept moving forward with his racing career branding his own team, Lasek Rallysport building an impressive stable of boxer-fueled Subarus that opened eyes wide throughout the community. His undying love for the Impreza 22B pointed him towards other cars with the emblem we love, namely his amazing modification of his GC8 Subaru Widebody STI.

A life and career filled with so many inspiring twists, turns, and experiences is bound to make any enthusiast drool with envy. His love for cars and driving has taken him down a wide road filled with opportunities beyond most of our coolest dreams. “I've done a lot of cool things related to cars aside from meeting some of my best friends in life”, Lasek confirmed. “I would say racing Rallycross is probably one of the raddest things I've done as far as driving. The ups and downs, the team, being a part of Vermont Sports Car and Subaru, you can't put a price on that.”

Inspiring the Subaru Tribe

Asking Lasek about what he likes about the Subaru community is a loaded question, but has an answer he is glad to give. “Subaru has one of the best if not the best enthusiast community I've ever seen”, he proclaims. “They're very respectful, everyone is compassionate about the brand and supportive to one another. They have a heartful passion and their actions always impact the community in a positive way”, he said. When we asked Lasek what he liked most about modifying cars, he did not hesitate to fall back into his childhood spirit. “Well, I think it gives you an outlet to express yourself”, he explained. “Everyone has a story, everyone has a goal in mind and a style that they like. Modifying cars… it is a way of relating my vision to someone else's vision. We get this camaraderie going in a community which supports that. That's why I enjoy going to SubieFest events so much, meeting the enthusiasts and people who also share the same passion as I do”, he said with gratitude.

The Spirit Of The Spirit Of Competition Competition

w“hen I tested for the seat I ended up being pretty fast and got it, becoming a factory Subaru driver.

From there going from tarmac to dirt and doing rally schools, just learning the technique of loose surface driving I realized, driving a Subaru there's just nothing else like it.”, he said. For the years to come, Lasek began to get the feel for competitive motorsports and kept moving forward with his racing career branding his own team, Lasek Rallysport building an impressive stable of boxer-fueled Subarus that opened eyes wide throughout the community.

His undying love for the Impreza 22B pointed him towards other cars with the emblem we love, namely his amazing modification of his GC8 Subaru Widebody STI. A life and career filled with so many inspiring twists, turns, and experiences is bound to make any enthusiast drool with envy. His love for cars and driving has taken him down a wide road filled with opportunities beyond most of our coolest dreams. “I've done a lot of cool things related to cars aside from meeting some of my best friends in life”, Lasek confirmed. “I would say racing Rallycross is probably one of the raddest things I've done as far as driving. The ups and downs, the team, being a part of Vermont Sports Car and Subaru, you can't put a price on that.”

Project Brat

The modification gene runs strong through the Lasek family as clearly shown through the photo evidence of his daughter's 1984 Subaru Project Brat. Paris Lasek began to breathe life back into this classic platform through a serious rescue project launched several years ago along her father's side. The impressive restoration and modification was documented in detail through Bucky's popular BuckYeah YouTube channel.

got flex fuel?

Overtake is setting a new benchmark in Subaru aftermarket performance. Designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, every product is crafted with precision and passion. From Micro Carbon Cabin Filters for superior air quality to MaxxMatch Touch-Up Paint for flawless OEM-matched repairs, Overtake delivers innovation and performance where it matters most. Elevate your Subaru —because true performance starts here.

s we continue moving into 2025, it is

bringing the automotive enthusiast community together through their favorite brands, platforms, and motorsport genres. These events overflow with prideproving that making memories and lasting friendships through the love of performance is what drives the enthusiast spirit.

LOCKCITYDRIFT2025

LCD Season Opener - March 22, 2025

LCD Grassroots Shoot Out - May 02, 2025

LCD Street Series 1 - May 16, 2025

LCD Street Series 2 - June 15, 2025

LCD Street Series 3 - July 06, 2025

LCD Street Series 4 - September 12, 2025

LCD Falls Finest - November 22, 2025

LCD Nutcracker Bash - December 06, 2025

LCD Spring Session - April 26, 2025

SUBIEFEST2025

Wicked Big Meet - Stafford Motor Speedway Stafford Springs, CT - June 8, 2025

Subiefest California - Santa Anita Park Arcadia, CA - August 2, 2025

BoxerFest - York Fairgrounds York, PA - September 14, 2025

Subiefest Midwest - Route 66 Raceway

IL - September 27, 2025

Subiefest Texas - Lone Star Park Dallas, TX - October 11, 2025

Subiefest Florida - Orlando Speed World Orlando, FL - December 13, 2025

LCD Night Of the Living Shred - October 31–November 01, 2025

LCD Mayhem Weekend - May 16-17, 2025

LCD June Jam Session - June 27–28, 2025

LCD Night Stage Inv - July 25–27, 2025

LCD Heatwave - August 08–09, 2025

LCD Back to School - September 12–13, 2025

GRIDLIFE2025

EVENTS SUBIE

SubieEvents, LLC. was launched 15 years ago to serve as an amazing support system for the unique, creative spirit that fuels the Subaru community. Their team hosts several events throughout the year where brand enthusiasm grows while inspiring creativity and expression through all levels of performance. SubieEvents will host six individual events in 2025 at various venues around the nation. If you have ever had the opportunity to attend one of these events, you have witnessed thousands of Subaru vehicles and their dedicated owners gathering for one day of inspiration and a collaboration of ideas where young and old can discover and learn about Subaru dedication. Here is the SubieEvents schedule for the 2025 season:

SubieEvents have established themselves not only as a national gathering for fun and fellowship, but they stand alone for hosting highly anticipated sponsored car shows with multiple vehicle classes and hundreds of participants from around the county. SubieEvents General Manager Khanh Duong said, “Being able to come together and share our passion and watch our community grow is a dream come true, and for that we couldn’t be more thankful.” To learn more about SubieEvents, scan this QR code and make a plan to attend.

the team at Grid Life brings an impressive collection of automotive enthusiast and motorsport festivals in concert with club racing events to assorted locations around the United States each year.

These events have proven to be an inspiring movement for the newest generation of enthusiasts breeding intense love for a diverse selection of brands, platforms, and passions held dear by these dedicated individuals.

Grid Life’s nine weekend-long events host a combination of on-track competitions across multiple motorsport disciplines which exposes and celebrates a full range of true education, appreciation, and support for car culture and the passions expressed by its membership around the globe. Grid Life has one of the world's most dedicated, inspired, and youngest passionfilled followings to ever branch from the larger motorsports community. Grid Life events attract a constantly growing crowd of young car enthusiasts who not only stay, camp, and observe over a weekend of festivities, but also contribute as drivers.

Grid Life attendees are offered assorted motorsport experiences, including the "TrackBattle" competitive track time series for advanced and expert drivers, the "Touring Cup", promoting clean racing and a variety of cars with 15 min races running four races a weekend, the "Rush SR" wheel-to-wheel sprint racing series, and "Grid Life Drift", where the world's most talented gather for a non-competitive drift event to further promote this premiere motorsport. To learn more about Grid Life Events, scan this QR code and make a plan to attend.

CITY DRIFT LOCK

Lock City Drift of Somers, CT has developed beyond more than a group of experienced drift drivers who want to share their love for the sport and hang out on the weekends. Mike Lynch, head of the Lock City Drift team, works hard to spread his intense passion for motorsports while educating and supporting those enthusiasts who want to learn and succeed.

Their love for cars and motorsports was the needed fuel to launch Lock City Drift and keep the dream and feelings of victory alive. The Lock City Drift website proudly states, “Lock City Drift is a community-driven grassroots drifting organization dedicated to fueling the passion for drifting in the North East”. The Lock City Drift sessions are held exclusively at the historic

Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Thompson Connecticut to serve the most experienced drift veterans who need to sharpen their skills, perfect their technique and prepare for competition and train inexperienced drift drivers needing to learn from the more seasoned enthusiasts and ensure that safety and proper execution is the primary target as they take a new journey in motorsports.

Lock City Drift has an ultimate goal to encourage and inspire a community while setting a tone of support, experience, and camaraderie through the activities they design. Lynch knows how valuable Lock City Drift events are to enthusiasts - bringing their interest to a new level.

"The Lock City Drift staff and the community help people move in the right direction...", Lynch says proudly, "The speed, adrenaline and art of being able to have a notable ‘driving style’ that the community can see, and appreciate."

burning burning questions questions

Will the Subaru Tribe Embrace Sports Car Electrification?

The average consumer can clearly see that the automotive industry is changing dramatically every day. Since the Toyota Prius first rolled off the assembly line in Japan in 1997 and became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle, automotive consumers around the world have slowly transitioned from skeptical to overwhelmingly accepting as they are bombarded by the world media with reporting of environmental concerns, updated government regulations, and the evils of gas-fueled motoring. Of course, we are speaking about the average car buyer, not the soul-invested, sports car enthusiast. These folks are the ultimate individuals. Most, more times than not, are looked at by this industry as intense, seriously focused, passionate and/or just simply obsessed.

Consumer Vs. Enthusiast

As we all know, the automotive enthusiast's world is much different. First, it is a unique community filled with passionate, like-minded individuals who not only love their specific car style, but they live for the idea of being a part of something greater - a powerful tribe. They have happily created a world where they have the freedom to express themselves uniquely through a car which logically becomes a personality extension of themselves. Like many creatives, they are very dedicated to their art, but in turn, they can be very resistant to change, and possibly, the idea of change if it affects how they create their art and express their individualism. Whether these statements are completely accurate or assumed, there is no doubt that the injection of the electric vehicle into the true enthusiast world will spawn some important thoughts, conversation and debate.

Subaru WRX STI EV in 2028?

In the May 2023 issue of Car and Driver magazine, Senior Editor Joey Capparella reported that Subaru is "working on some sort of electrified version of the top WRX, which could mean a hybrid or battery-electric powertrain." He continued to write, "This likely won't arrive until the current generation of the gas-powered WRX runs its course. That model may last until late in the decade, so we're in for a long wait." To examine the reality of this news, a reader must agree that four to five years is not a long time to create anticipation, excitement, and even criticism. Between the word on the street through enthusiast blogs, assorted articles, forum rumors, and tidbits from Subaru, all who live in this world will begin to form opinions of the potential and yet promised outcome over this half decade.

Points to Consider

Growing from this news, there are a few points that every consumer, Subaru fan, or die-hard enthusiast must consider as they throw their thoughts into the ring to begin discussion and/or debate. The future WRX may prove to be another cherished Subaru sports car that is not only stylish - but also environmentally conscious. With a rumored top speed of 160 mph, it would also be a model that may obviously combine exceptional quickness and agility - all while emitting zero emissions. In addition, the promised fast-charging 2028 WRX EV has a rumored motoring range of 300 miles plus on a single charge applied during one of its now expected quick pit stops. Performance-on-electric power combined with Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive system could nicely deliver a perfect driving experience that both the eco-thoughtful consumer and the dedicated Subaru motor head enthusiast keenly desire. Do we really care?

The recent news of this well-loved model Subaru becoming an EV - the electrified version of a hard-core enthusiast's favorite - may or may not be a herald cry to those dedicated individuals. Some may just shrug and say, "It's just another manufacturer pushing out an electric vehicle." On the other hand, there may be positive and outright exciting responses which pushes the EV world to another level of success because of the always winning combination of performance, style, and environmental intelligence., Will true loyalists remain dedicated to their brand as rumors indicating that the cost of the 2028 Subaru WRX STI EV could be around $50,000? Again, at the end of the day, since the performance sector of our tribe has been so inspired, motivated, and driven by the potential and possibilities behind the gas-powered Subaru, will the injection of EV technology really sway us away to drive on the other side?

Collecting opinions about this subject based on real experience may be the only way to reach the heart of the true enthusiast. Veteran enthusiast, mechanic, and driver, Chuck M. shared insight that could give the Subaru community something meaty to digest as the thought of EV performance and modification steps confidently onto the wider stage.

An Expert’s An Expert’s Opinion Opinion

Whatareyourfeelingsaboutthecoveted SubaruWRXgoingelectric?

I believe the general Subaru community will never fully accept an EV WRX. Subaru has worked towards EV vehicles to keep up with the movement of the times. In conjunction with Toyota, Subaru has generated new EV and hybrid vehicles that have been increasing in sales. However, if the WRX is only offered as a full EV with no flat-four option, I believe this will be a hard sell for the average sports car or rally enthusiast.

Willthisnewcarprovetobethereported"gamechanger"asmanyindustrywriterspredict?

A game changer, yes. How could it not? It brings new, updated technology into play, which is always the key to growth. It truly depends on the customer and what they view as a game changer. I look at it this way, CVT is a game changer in the automatic transmission world but there will never be anything like the thrill of driving the backroads, shifting gears, and being put back in your seat when that turbo spools. Let's not forget to mention the price, I think it'll be priced out of the market too. The last generation WRX was expensive and sold well , but an EV would likely be overpriced for the target audience, whoever that may be. If Subaru wants to develop an EV sports car, they should certainly have a try at it. To me, it just shouldn't be the WRX.

Ifyouhadtosayonepositivethingaboutthe electrificationoftheWRXwhatwoulditbe?

If I'm being honest, my initial opinion about moving the WRX to an EV platform is more negative than positive. The Subartu WRX is an iconic sports car that has caught the grasp of millions of people from young to old. It has won everything from rally championships to class wins at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring and who can forget those Gymkhana videos! Part of the draw towards the WRX is not only the styling, performance, and handling but also the distinct sound of the turbocharged flat-four. We have all heard of manufacturers piping in sound through the speakers, and who wants that? That rumble feeling in your chest as you rip through gears is gone. Ask yourself one question, why did you buy a WRX? Q A Q A Q A Q A

This is a tough question, as you may be able to tell from previous answers, I may be a little biased. After having driven an EV for some time, there is nothing like the instantaneous acceleration which for most is mind-blowing. I feel that the ease of getting into a vehicle and being able to have this type of gratification is perfect for the non-traditional enthusiast. The quiet morning drives can be peaceful at times and if I had to choose one I would prefer to step into an EV WRX than any other EV option on the market. This can be the car of the future if EV is going to force its way as a presence in the car world. If it must be the car to keep the iconic WRX alive, in my book I would choose that over losing it completely.

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