The SkyLife

Introducing: The Meanest Looking Custom Built Skyline R34 GTR 1/7th Scale Remote Control RC Car

2022-12-21T22:01:00.003-05:00

Passion, It's the thing that drives us to achieve. The push we feel to dare to dream something, ideal, and then manifest that vision into reality. For anyone who's ever fallen head over heels into an engine bay, or body work, or getting your car track ready, YOU KNOW that feeling that drives you to customize and make things as you feel they should be. Your intuition is second to none.

RC Car Skyline GTR R34 Custom Built Remote Control Car

This GTR is no different from any of the other incredible cars featured on this site (just look around; there's red ones, blue ones, silver ones, white ones, black ones) - except for one, small, detail. - It's 1/7th the size! You wouldn't be able to fit inside it, but it still rips around like a GTR should, and is a whole lot of fun to drive I'm sure, and the customization on this build is phenomenal.

Nissan Skyline GTR RC Car Rear End

Spotted on the RC sub, user XJuggernaut101 shared their build story with us of how this beast came to be. with a hand cut 5mm carbon fiber splitter up front. A 1/7 Protoform Skyline shell sporting a Sneaky peak diffuser and CF wing sides.

R34 Skyline GTR Remote Control Car

What keeps this thing stuck to the road is the 4 GRP X-Tech tires in XM5 compound. The car sits lower down. All the carbon fiber work was custom by Juggernaut and their own design.

RC Car Custom Carbon Fiber Underbody Front End

RC Car Custom Carbon Fiber Underbody Rear

Powering this beast is the Castle Creations MMX8s, 1520 1260kv motor, Tekin T-360 servo.

Inside Electronics Powering RC Car

Ford Focus RS Owners take to the boards decry Head Gasket Failures

2017-09-21T00:12:00.000-04:00

Around last February, some Ford Focus RS owners started reporting head gasket failures in their new cars under a myriad of circumstances, stock or tuned/modified. Some being denied warranty coverage for one reason or another. The discussion over on the Focus RS forums is now presently 114 pages deep and 10 comments wide per page, people are not happy with the response they're getting from Ford and they're letting it be known.

The Focus RS pictured above from the Ford site touts a 2.3L EcoBoost engine with a 6 speed manual transmission, jam packed with all kinds of features and tech, on paper it all looks very good. But it seems that a suspect commonly occurring crack in the engine is raining all over the parade as customers report symptoms of misfires, a coolant smell in the exhaust, lowering coolant levels and white smoke from the exhaust.

As of yet there does not seem to be a clear consensus on the issues' cause exactly, manufacturing defect or assembly issue possibly, If you have a similar situation with your Ford Focus RS, you should consider adding your name to the list as well and keeping up on the thread. There is no recall or anything like that issued by Ford - for now.

700 HP Wide Body Nissan GTR Slammed on Air Ride Suspension

2017-09-02T19:58:00.002-04:00

If you've ever been to Montreal - aside from the general condition of the roads, the perpetual state of construction and the on-going Festival des Cones - you might have noticed a giant orange just off the highway...

The Orange Julep! Often the meeting place for car enthusiasts to gather, if you pass by on any given night between 5-8 PM you're likely to see sports cars, muscle cars, imports and exotics and motorcycles and speed bikes - depending on which day of the week it is, and how nice the weather is.

On many occasions, I've been to meetups at the Orange with my own Skyline GTR, so when I noticed this wide-body, slammed Nissan GTR, I had to stop and speak with the driver, about the specs.

Nissan GTR 20" x 10.5" Wheels

The driver explained, this Nissan GTR is on Air Ride Suspension with 20" x 10.5" front wheels and 20" x 11.5" rear wheels. Pushing 700 HP out of the motor with a Cobb intake, BDS Exhaust, an uprated fuel pump and an ECUTek chip

Nissan GTR 20" x 11.5" Wheels

Related Story: 230 WHP Turbo Honda Civic Autocross at The Orange Julep Meet

Carbon Fiber hood and Diffuser on Wide Body White Nissan GTR

Photos from The Rocky Mountain Road in a Rented Dodge Challenger

2017-06-18T23:43:00.001-04:00

When you're travelling, once in a while you get lucky with the a nice hotel room, but better then that is when the rental car company hooks you up with one of these, for your the duration of your stay, in the Rocky Mountains.

This wine red 2016 Dodge Challenger looks mint posted up in these mountains. There's really nothing quite like driving through the mountain pass on those long winding roads, changing elevation and dramatic scenery.

Montreal Water Levels flooding, Flow Rate for Carillon Dam at unprecedented levels

2017-05-07T23:15:00.000-04:00

Flooding around Montreal and the surrounding areas has been the worst it's ever been, and it's about to get worse. In a notice posted around 6:30pm Sunday night, officials are advising that the water level is expected to rise another 20 cm (8 inches) over the next few days, largely because the Carillon dam has opened it's flood gates entirely to ease the pressure on the dam.

The last time something like this happened, the April 21, 2008 Montreal Gazette reported that water levels rose 25 cm when all 14 gates were opened and the daily flow rate was 6,060 cubic meters per second.

Map of Ottawa River Carillon Dam

The Current Flow Rate: The Ottawa river is the main source of water flowing from the West around Montreal. The rate of flow for May 8th 2017 could exceed 8,500 m3/s (meters cubed, per second). Exceeding the highest daily maximums ever recorded. People should prepare for flooding on an unprecedented scale.

May 2017 Carillon Dam Flow Rates

The chart above shows the average daily outflows for the Carillon dam since May 1st, 2017, along with a linear trend-line, suggesting if the trend continues, we could see flow rates over 9,000 cubic meters per second as of tomorrow.

Update May 8, 2017: The flow rate of the dam was 8,793 m3/s yesterday and reached 8,900 today, which is markedly close to the trend-line. Officials are now saying the peak is near and by Wednesday the water should recede.

Historically,the chart below shows the daily maximums and minimums for the dam. As you can see, the highest ever recorded was 8,190 m3/s in 1976 and before that 8,105 m3/s in 1974. Now, as of May 6, 2017 the daily average flow rate was 8,121, just 0.85% away from the record high. As they open the 14th gate at Carillon surely the flow rate will reach the highest levels ever, as too will the water levels in the surrounding areas of greater Montreal.

Daily Maximum and Minimum Flow Rates for Carillon Dam

For some context historically, the last chart below shows the annual daily average flow rates by month for the dam. As you can see, May and April are typically the highest months of the year, as you would expect in Spring time. It's really May of 1974 and April of 1976 that had the highest points.

Carillon Dam Flow Rates by Month per Year

Data was obtained May 8th, 2017 from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board website.

Watch This Unbelievable Advertisment for this 1996 Suzuki Vitara #BuyMyVitara

2017-04-28T14:08:00.000-04:00

When it comes time to sell your car, the average person would just toss an add up on Craigslist or Kijiji and be done with it (Read up on what to watch out for with our Second Hand Car Buyers Guide). But this 1996 Suzuki Vitara owner, has gone above and beyond to demonstrate the joy and adventure this car has seen, really creating a persona for the car that likens back to the time of the original Jurassic Park movies... maybe that's because they come from similar years... regardless of age though, this advertisement video the owner has made to help sell the Vitara is beyond exceptional. Take a look at the video below: #BuyMyVitara

Fantastic scenery, adventure and cunning, show this incredible piece of machinery careening through scenes of mud, dirt, jungle, forest and then on top of a mountain overlooking a serious waterfall... In the desert miles from civilization, racing against a cheetah, and then... Running with the dinosaurs? evading a T-Rex as it makes a velociraptor into lunch?

Heading into a sky-high dust storm where he finds the Mad Max crew and races against that Mad Max GT Coupe...

How to Contest a Ticket and who's at fault in an Accident

2016-08-09T23:04:00.002-04:00

How to Contest a Ticket and who's at fault in an Accident.

What do you do, when you find yourself standing in the middle of an intersection, your car smashed, and a bunch of gawkers pointing and blaming you for something that - as far as you know - wasn't your fault? Then, imagine the police arrive, and side with the "presumptive innocent" party because a couple random people on the street said so?
Read more »

Mad Max / Death Proof inspired Toyota Celica 1977 Rebuild w/ Supercharger Engine Upgrade Built by n0el

2016-07-31T16:29:00.000-04:00

It's build projects like this 1977 Toyota Celica from n0el that are the heart and soul of what mod-culture is all about. The passion to do something different, exciting, and a little bit crazy, all encompassed within this, nearly 4 decade old Japanese sports car. After connecting with n0el about sharing his build story here, you'll see this guy has clearly wiped the slate clean on the subject of how-to do "JDM Muscle" the right way.

Mad Max Fury Road Toyota Celica 1977 SuperCharged

He built this thing using a mix of parts from other JDM cars, imports and various Toyota Supra, Corolla suspension and engine parts, with Mini Cooper S Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors paired to Mazda RX-7 FC Brake Calipers, a Tercel booster with a Nissan Silvia S13 Brake Master Cylinder. Kudos n0el, this Mad Max / Death Proof inspired Celica has turned out to be a real work of art, receiving praise from internet forums and car junkies all around the world this past week. The above photo was created by a fan of the car, photo-shopping n0el's Celica into the Max Max Fury Road poster. Just awesome!

1977 Stock Original Toyota Celica

n0el: Love it or hate it, I took a perfectly good car and made it into something I enjoy (on most days) driving and looking at.

So I bought this 1977 Toyota Celica back in late 2009. Big fan of Japanese classics but they were rare here in Hawaii. So I took advantage of being stationed in Texas and bought one and took it back to Hawaii with me.

1UZFE 4.0 V8 (Lexus LS400) w/ a Supra MK3 W5x gearbox.

It took a while but I finally decided on a motor (2013) I wanted to swap in. A first generation 1UZFE 4.0 V8 out of a Lexus LS400. Mated to a Supra MK3 W5x gearbox.
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The Blackbird: A Shape-shifting Chameleon car from The Mill

2016-06-23T23:13:00.000-04:00

Imagine a car with chameleon like abilities - this is it. A visual effects solution for automotive advertising, for a problem most manufacturers likely didn't even realize existed. This is very clever idea that frankly, we all should've thought up sooner! The technology required to do this has been around, it just took someone thinking side-ways to put it all together into something useful.

The Mill's Blackbird car that can be any car it wants to

As The Mill explains in their video below, they have created a fully adjustable "car" which can be made to handle similarly enough to any road going vehicle, including adjustable wheelbase and suspension.
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The British Car Show - What Year is This?

2016-05-29T16:50:00.000-04:00

Every year, a small town located West of the Island of Montreal hosts an Annual British Car Show, which sees all kinds of antique and uniquely special truly British cars rolling up to show and display their best.

Located in a primarily French-speaking part of Canada, this olde English town has many ties back to Great Britain, as such, so to do many of the vehicles.

Take a look at a couple of the photos snapped today, there were some very well looked after examples abound, like the beautiful Orange MGB from the British Motor Company pictured above. Or this stunning classic Jaguar.

Click on Read More to see the rest of these great cars:
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How Hard is it to Sell a Nissan Skyline GTR?

2015-11-18T01:57:00.000-05:00

How much can I expect to get when selling my car? What if my car is special, like really special, imported, drive on the wrong side shift with my left hand kind of special. A Nissan Skyline GTR - How Hard is it to sell a unique car like that?
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The Lemon Jeep Grand Cherokee Song

2015-11-11T22:09:00.000-05:00

So this guy named Teg, from Australia, bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2013 for $60K, and since purchase has had a plethora of issues and had to be towed a number of times. He no longer trusts it to transport his family, and has basically been given the shaft from Fiat Chrysler Australia, so he does what any angry person would reasonably do when given a lemon - make lemonade!

A few of the lyrics from the song:

"I had a master plan I spent 60 grand on a grand cherokee to transport the fam, I thought a new car would be safe with a baby on the way and it just wasn't the case, after 15 faults 3 times it was towed... I made a mistake I bought a Jeep... Chrysler makes money out of bullying the consumer..."

6 Months ago I predicted Furious 7 would be the 4th Highest Grossing Movie of All Time, 5 Months before it's release date and Today, it's true.

2015-05-21T00:43:00.004-04:00

6 Months ago, I wrote down an open prediction about how I thought the future success of the movie 'Furious 7' would go, titled: Furious 7 Will be Lucky # 7 as The Highest Grossing Movie Release in the Franchise Series - Because: Paul Walker. At the time, we were still 5 months before the release of the movie, which only just premiered in theaters April 3, 2015. After the article was posted here on The SkyLife news blog I posted a link to the article on a public forum site, partially to provide verifiable proof of my claim through an independent third party site, and partly because I was curious to know what other fans of the movie franchise would think of my wild prediction.
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Furious 7 Will be Lucky # 7 as The Highest Grossing Movie Release in the Franchise Series - Because: Paul Walker

2014-11-02T01:13:00.001-04:00

Just as promised, by one of the longest running and most successful action-car-movie franchises in history, we have seen the release of the official trailer for Furious 7 today, slated to hit theaters and IMAX everywhere on April 3rd 2015. This will be one of the highest grossing releases of all time for the Fast & Furious franchise, and may possibly even smash several other records. Everyone can already "feel" that it's going to be a hit, but we can show you through recent Search Trend Analysis that there is a tsunami approaching, and the swell is starting to build a Synergy Effect - This will be, Lucky Number Seven.Read more »

Lamborghini Driving Experience at the Race Track

2014-08-10T23:28:00.000-04:00

This video clip comes from a local Volvo fan who had the chance recently, to have the real deal Lamborghini driving experience at the race track, Autodrome st. Eustache. Taking the car up to speeds in excess of 180 km/hr, it was his first time driving the All Wheel Drive Lambo doing 3 laps around the track.
The drivers were given the choice between an Audi R8, a Ferrari or this Lamborghini, once the drivers selected their car, they were given a brief introduction to the track and safety guidelines, as well as shifting using the paddle system.
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Nissan Oil Pump Replacement Solution for Skyline GTR Engine RB26DETT

2014-08-09T00:14:00.001-04:00

Here is a novel solution to the Nissan Skyline Oil Pump Problem from Supertec Racing, based on the Spline drive oil pump from the Toyota Supra 2JZ-GTE motor, these guys have built a set of gears that will work with pretty much any RB oil pump out there. Including the Tomei, Jun, N1 77mm and OE Nissan 81mm oil pumps.

Supertec mentioned having supplied seven sets of these gears so far to customers that have been running them now for a few months, using them in drag racing engines like the RB26 and RB30 where some engines are producing in excess of 900 BHP and revving to 10k RPM as well as using launch control - zero issues have been reported yet.

You'll recall the big killer of the stock oil pump on the Skyline is precisely hard rev limiter slams on the narrow contact patch - it's easy to see how a spline drive would solve this problem very effectively when considering, that with the splines you pretty much get contact of all splines equally distributing the force and you have the oil film between the splines as a damper as well. In most cases there are no issues with alignment during installation, you fit the pump to the block just like you would with an oem pump.
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FUNNY: Toyota Sienna (2015) Swagger Wagon Ft. BUSTA RHYMES

2014-08-07T01:50:00.000-04:00

Busta Rhymes Features in Toyota Sienna 2015 Minivan Commercial

If you need a good laugh today take a look at the latest Toyota commercial, designed to promote the Toyota Sienna - I think?? ... Not exactly sure what this does for the Sienna, but this Swagger Wagon clip Featuring Busta Rhymes?? (seriously) is worth a chuckle or two.

Props Toyota, for making everyone - yet again - question what you were thinking...

SPOTTED: Gulf Racing Ford GT40 on Highway

2014-07-27T23:26:00.004-04:00

I was rolling down the highway when suddenly this Gulf Racing Ford GT40 ripped past me. The car is definitely full of genuine Ford GT power, but I think most likely the paint is a replica of the original Gulf Racing Ford GT40. These cars are a real thing of beauty to see in person, especially going flat out on the highway! Check out this story from when we got Really up Close with a Beautiful Ford GT from The Art Collection.
Read more »

700 WHP Mitsubishi Evo

2014-07-22T01:20:00.001-04:00

Now here's a prime example of passion driving dedication to produce a build of exquisite caliber and quality. From a story that no doubt, many of you can relate to in your own way of striving to complete a goal in the face of adversity, along with that oh so familiar feeling of wanting, Just a little more power... Take a minute to check out the story behind Jay Dao's Mitsubishi Evo and enjoy while you momentarily live vicariously through the thought of what, 700 wheel horse power really feels like in an all wheel drive car, as light as that.

The All New Record Setting 2015 Subaru WRX STI on the Isle of Man TT Challenge Course Flat Out in a "Stock" Car

2014-06-28T16:47:00.000-04:00

The All New Subaru 2015 WRX STi in Blue with Gold BBS Wheels

Take a look at the all new Subaru 2015 WRX STi in this video where Subaru sets a new production car lap record around the infamous Isle of Man TT Challenge course. Subaru set a previous record at the Isle of Man back in 2011 but this year they're sitting on an all new chassis designed to be 40% stiffer and touted as being the best handling and best performing STi ever made.

2015 Subaru WRX STi Steering Wheel Drivers Cockpit

The interior looks phenomenal with a very clean fit and finish functionality balance, while on the outside rocking the gold BBS wheels with Direzza tires and stock Brembo brakes but with upgraded pads, which as you can see under heavy braking creates some serious heat, and a new 13:1 hydraulic steering rack. This video from Subaru shows all the exciting details:
There's a hand built 6 speed racing gear box in every STi which delivers power to drive-line, the drive-line itself is pretty awesome, featuring a mechanical helical style front differential, two center differentials, one electronic and one mechanical, and a torsion differential in the rear, all 4 of these diff's are controlled by one smart computer that sends torque and traction to wheels it see's fit to handle them.

Red Hot Brembo Brakes on the Subaru WRX STi

In just the warm-up lap the driver's heart rate went from a resting 114 bpm to 130+ bpm, respiratory rate 17 to 27 breaths per minute, as he experienced flat out forces of more than 1G breaking and turning into corners and travelling at speeds in excess of 200+ km/hr.

Race Driver inside Subaru WRX STi at Isle of Man TT

A mere 13:83 into the course, the "stock" (Except for a few safety improvements) Subaru WRX STi is flying down past the grand stand into one of the most dangerously renowned corners of the track at 161 miles per hour and the wheels are lifting off the ground. This course has a lot of history and if you're even the slightest bit curious for more, it'll be worth your while to watch this Documentary from Al Jazeera about the Isle of Man TT.

Subaru WRX STi in Classic Blue with Gold BBS Rims

On the straightest section of the track it reaches 168 miles per hour while catching air off a small jump, heart rate a steady 150 bpm with 34 breaths a minute. With this TT course he reckons you're on throttle about 80% of the time, it's a very fast course.

2015 Subaru WRX STi Speedometer and RPM Cluster

He completes the 37 mile course lap in 19:15:88 resetting the new production car lap record with an average speed of 117.510 miles per hour, a heart pounding 160 beats per minute and an overall just under 1% increase in skin temperature.

2015 Subaru WRX STi Inside the Car Isle of Man TT Record Lap

This all new 2015 Subaru WRX STi looks like it's really got some improved gains, how very exciting! Watch this video for a view of the record setting lap from inside the car:

American Driver of Lamborghini Huracan Prototype Road Rages on Photographer on Florida Highway

2014-05-04T18:29:00.000-04:00

Black Lamborghini Huracan Prototype Road Rage Video

In this video an American freelance photographer (Jason Thorgalsen) spotted this Lamborghini Huracan prototype driving on the highways around the Gulf Coast of Florida today, unfortunately the Lambo driver did not appreciate the independent press-coverage of being filmed while driving and called in an Audi A8 to aggressively cut-off and block Jason's car from following the Huracan off the highway.
The Lamborghini driver then approaches Jasons car and berates him, yelling at him while reaching inside his car and shoving the camera. The driver returned to the Lambo and took off while again the Audi A8 blocks Jason from following.

Lamborghini Huracan Flordia License Plate # AJC W17

This shameful display should remind manufacturers that the people who drive their bleeding egde cars become ambassador's to the brand both negatively and positively - perhaps why Ferrari is so exclusive with their brand, and they should remind these clowns that the public road-ways are no place for race car driver tactics and the highways are public property where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, if you're driving there, Jason Thorgalsen has every right to film and photograph you - even if you don't want to be filmed.

Audi A8 Flordia License Plate # AJ0 E25

Photo of Angry Road Rage
Driver of Lamborghini Huracan

Excerpt from the video where the aggressive Lamborghini Huracan driver confronts Jason:

Huracan Driver: "WTF's your problem man!?"

Jason: "I don't have an issue"

Huracan Driver: "WTF's your problem!?"

Jason: "I don't have an issue"

Huracan Driver: "WTF's your problem!?"

Photo of Audi A8 Driver
implicated to block Lamborghini Huracan

Jason: "Nothing"

Huracan Driver: "How come you're fuckin' sittin' there causin' all those wrecks out there?"

Jason: "I wasn't"

Huracan Driver: "Get tha fuck goin' now - you can sit there and tape me all the fuck you want - get tha fuck goin' now"

Corvette C7 Z06 up Close and Personal look at the Stunning Details

2014-04-24T23:42:00.001-04:00

Corvette C7 Z06 2014

Few people have managed to get this close to one of the brand new Corvette C7 Z06's and capture such stunning and detailed photos. We have "@jbh1126" to thank for this set of fantastic photos, just absolutely beautiful work! Thanks for sharing!

Corvette C7 Z06 Rear End during unloading

2014 Corvette C7 Z06 Interior Drivers Side Steering Wheel

Enjoy the Corvette close ups! This 'vette boasts 625 HP with 635 Torque, just amazing...

2014 Corvette C7 Z06 Vent

2014 Corvette C7 Z06 Engine Bay

2014 Corvette C7 Z06 Brake Calipers Rims Tires and Rotors

Stunning Infographic Comparison GIFs of Audi Porsche Mercedes Benz BMW and Ford

2014-03-22T23:33:00.000-04:00

Comparis GIF between Audi A4 and the Audi RS4

So, a few days ago a German sports car fan (from Germany) posted a couple of simple GIFs of some Audi's flashing back and forth between models, showing incredible detail in the differences - it was fantastic!

Comparison GIF between Mercedes Benz A-Class and A45 AMG

The Reddit community responded by demanding more and more, and so Nass44 delivered the below set of GIFs, to follow up on the already very, very cool infographic GIFs too!

GIF comparison of Audi A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, TT & R8

For any auto enthusiast these GIFs will keep your eyes glued to the smallest little details, watching them swap back and forth for hours. There are GIFs from all angles and of all types of Audi's, Porsche's, BMW's, Mercedes Benz's, Ford's, sports cars, hot hatchback's and SUV's.

Check out all the rest of these stunning GIF comparisons below;

Front side Comparison GIF between Porsche 911 Carrera and Porsche 911 Turbo S

VIDEO: Mighty Car Mods Feature Length Movies: Kei to the City and Turbos and Temples

2014-03-02T21:33:00.000-05:00

The two head to Japan where they browse through a used car lot, after checking out a stunning R32 GTR that was heavily modded, they settle on a "scrapped" all wheel drive turbo Daihatsu... from 1989.

They head to Up Garage to source some upgrades for the little kei car. Then its on to The 88's drift car builders yard where they get schooled in everything you ever wanted to know about drift culture, remember;

It's more important how the car functions, than how it looks! But the appearance is still considered one of the three important factors; the cars need to look good, it has to look good while driving it, and it has to have the power to win.

With this in mind, many of the cars do look quite rough, but that should be expected when you're throwing a machine like these around a track at breakneck speed, sideways.

This is a follow up to their previously released Turbos and Temples, another great video.

Subaru WRX STi Responds to BurNomination - The Burnout Nomination Game!

2014-02-20T21:27:00.000-05:00

You've heard of the latest internet trend NekNomination, well here's the Burnout Nomination version. Watch Legendary Montréal local mechanic/engine builder/JDM/Import car specialist/man of mystery and DMCC Drifting Judge - and all around nice guy - Haig, respond to being BurNominated and fulfilling the nomination with several awesome donuts around a lamp post in his Subaru WRX STi - that car likely isn't stock either! He passed the BurNomination forward to two others...

how far will BurNomination spread?

Haig became nominated as a result of the below nomination response, where this Nissan 240 laid down some serious rubber!

Burnout Nomination Nissan 240 BurNomination Response