Alpine aborde la tournée asiatique du Championnat du Monde FIA WEC avec la rage de vaincre

·         Après s’être imposée aux États-Unis, l’équipe Signatech Alpine Matmut n’a qu’un objectif pour les 6 Heures de Fuji : continuer à gagner, pour défendre le titre mondial LMP2 acquis en 2016. ·         Au Japon, l’Alpine A470 n°36 sera pilotée par Nicolas Lapierre, Gustavo Menezes et André Negrão, le trio vainqueur il y a un mois à Austin.

Après l’Europe et l’Amérique, le Championnat du Monde FIA WEC change de continent pour entamer son dernier tiers. À Fuji (Japon), puis à Shanghai (Chine) et Bahreïn, les trois courses balayant l’Orient seront décisives pour l’attribution des titres mondiaux. Troisième au Nürburgring, deuxième à Mexico et victorieuse à Austin, Signatech Alpine Matmut est indéniablement l’équipe LMP2 la plus en forme du moment. Également détentrice des pole positions au Mexique et aux États-Unis, l’Alpine A470 n°36 a marqué plus de points que tous ses adversaires lors de ces trois dernières courses. Au classement général, Alpine occupe la troisième place du Championnat du Monde avec 102 points, contre 130 pour le premier et 110 pour le deuxième. Sachant qu’il reste un maximum de 78 unités à marquer, tous les espoirs sont permis pour les Bleus ! Pour conserver le titre acquis l’an passé, l’équipe sait qu’elle doit viser l’excellence dans tous les domaines. Mécaniciens, ingénieurs et pilotes vont tout donner pour relever le défi. À Fuji, Alpine retrouvera un terrain de jeu qui lui a déjà bien réussi par le passé. En 2015, le trio Panciatici / Chatin / Capillaire avait décroché le tout premier podium de l’équipe en WEC, imités l’an passés par Lapierre / Menezes / Richelmi, alors sur la route du titre mondial. Le circuit de Fuji représente un challenge à part dans la saison. Avec sa très longue ligne droite, une première portion composée de virages rapides suivie de deux autres secteurs sinueux, il s’agit d’un véritable casse-tête… japonais pour les ingénieurs lors de la définition des réglages. De surcroit, la météo souvent imprévisible de l’archipel nippon peut venir semer le trouble. Lorsqu’il se met à pleuvoir, ce n’est jamais pour quelques gouttes ! Totalement soudé depuis sa constitution au Mexique, l’équipage composé de Nicolas Lapierre, Gustavo Menezes et André Negrão sera un des atouts de Signatech Alpine Matmut. Ils tenteront de maintenir leur invincibilité en qualifications pour optimiser leurs chances de victoire au départ des six heures de course. Les concurrents du FIA WEC prendront la piste vendredi, avec deux séances d’essais libres. Les qualifications se dérouleront samedi après-midi, après une troisième séance d’entrainements. Le départ des 6 Heures de Fuji sera donné dimanche à 11h00 heure locale (GMT+9), soit 4h00 heure française. Ils ont dit Bernard Ollivier, Directeur général-adjoint d’Alpine « Notre situation est assez simple : plus nous gagnons, plus nous devons continuer à gagner pour augmenter nos chances de conserver notre titre de 2016. Chaque course est donc essentielle – si ce n’est cruciale – dans cette optique. Toute l’équipe est ‘à bloc’, c’est formidable de sentir cette motivation sans limites pour faire gagner Alpine. Les pilotes, les mécaniciens et le management de l’équipe sont sur la même longueur d’ondes. Nous avons vu lors des dernières manches qu’aucun concurrent n’est invincible et nous jetons toutes nos forces dans la bataille. Je m’attends à une course très disputée sur ce circuit complexe, d’autant que la météo pourrait ajouter une touche de wasabi à la compétition. Les 6 Heures de Fuji constituent un rendez-vous d’autant plus important que le Japon a été, est et sera un pays très important pour Alpine. Avant l’ouverture des pré-réservations de l’A110 en 2018, j’irai à la rencontre de médias japonais pour leur parler de notre belle marque et accompagner ce futur lancement. » Philippe Sinault, Team principal Signatech Alpine Matmut « Nous allons attaquer la tournée asiatique avec l’ambition de rester sur la même dynamique. Nous sommes dans une position de chasseurs, avec deux cibles à atteindre. Il y a maintenant une troisième force dans la course au titre et cela forcera les leaders à prendre plus de risques. En gagnant à Austin, nous avons prouvé que nous sommes de retour à notre meilleur niveau. Au fil des courses, notre bibliothèque de connaissances de l’Alpine A470 et des pneus Dunlop s’est élargie et nous avons une bien meilleure capacité de réaction. Le défi de Fuji est différent de celui d’Austin. Le caractère varié du tracé fait qu’il n’y a pas de recette miracle en matière de réglages, mais nous avons toujours réussi à être performants sur ce circuit. La principale inconnue viendra de la météo, qui peut se déchainer fortement à cette période de l’année. Je suis d’autant plus optimiste que notre trio de pilotes fonctionne parfaitement. Nous avons amorcé un bon cycle et il faut en élargir le rayon pour que cela se poursuive jusqu’à Bahreïn. » Programme (GMT+9) VENDREDI 13 OCTOBRE 11h00 : essais libres 1 (90’) 15h30 : essais libres 2 (90’) SAMEDI 14 OCTOBRE 10h00 : essais libres 3 (60’) 14h30 : qualifications LMP1 / LMP2 (20’) DIMANCHE 15 OCTOBRE 11h00 : 6 Heures de Fuji  À suivre en direct sur le site, les apps et les réseaux sociaux du FIA WEC, ainsi qu’à la télévision avec les chaînes Eurosport, Motorsport.tv, L’Equipe (France), Sport1 (Allemagne), BT Sport (Grande-Bretagne), RTBF (Belgique), FOX Sports (Amériques)…

via service de presse 

SyncRIDE

La série SyncRIDE est une série de documentaires autour de la moto qui comporte 7 réalisateurs, 7 motardes et motards et 7 routes incroyables qui célèbrent la valeur de la moto dans nos vies. Enjoy !

Sunday, Ride with Alex Crookes

Alex Crookes, CTO of EatSleepRIDE has been riding for just over 20 years, and he just wants to do more. Every year he challenges himself to go farther, and push his technical limits. He explains, « The West Ozello trail may not be long, but it’s a challenging and fun ride for anyone that lives in Central Florida. » and it’s a ride that he enjoyed repeating several times, not just to get all the great shots for the film, but because it’s the kind of route that can be enjoyed over and again.

Saturday, Ride with Lanakila MacNaughton

Adri Law, fellow photographer and rider, tells Lanakila’s story – from high school to present day. The world of motorcycling is where Lanakila focused her vision, and became founder of both the Women’s Moto Photo Exhibit, but all the annual Dream Roll – a women’s only motorcycle camping weekend.

Lanakila MacNaughton captures her own evolution against the backdrop of Portland’s dramatic beauty, and playful footage of her vintage custom Harley winding along the way from dawn to dusk.

Friday, Ride with Josephine Flohr

Both Josephine Flohr and filmmaker Daniel Rintz have found their souls and their soulmates through adventure. Having met in the midst of solo travel, together they have conquered an incredible journey around the globe on their motorcycles.

This trip represents several days of riding north along the famous Garden Route to eventually conquer the difficult and breath-taking Sani Pass. Watch as they wind their way through challenging terrain to arrive to the top of the world.

Thursday, Ride with Michele Lupi

Life moves at high speeds for Editor-in-Chief of several prominent Italian style and design magazines. But on his bike, winding his way through the countryside between the two beautiful, historic towns of Varzi and Bobbio in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, is how this man of Milan regains calm. Even a recent accident couldn’t keep Michele Lupi from showing off his favourite escape.

Wednesday, Ride with James T

James T started riding upon returned home from his tour of duty in Iraq as part of the US Marine Corps. On the road with his Honda Goldwing, he finds the same serenity and focus that he also gets from practicing yoga and meditating. Here he takes us on a sentimental journey along the same route he used to travel with his family when he was a boy, visiting his grandparents.

Tuesday, Ride with Erik Buell

Erik Buell rides on the road to relax. He builds motorcycles so that everyone can enjoy a better ride. Professionally and personally, Erik Buell does everything for the love of being on a bike. Buell takes us out in his native Wisconsin on his own 1190SX Superbike to find the focus that only comes from the road.

Monday, Ride with The Moto Lady Alicia Mariah Elfving

The Monday ride on Highway 33 takes us through Los Padres National Forest in Ojai, California with The Moto Lady, Alicia Mariah Elfving. Her moto-motto is reflected in her ferocious approach to life: « Faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death. »- Hunter S. Thompson.

Une production EatSleepRIDE via virage8

Motors and Soul

La 4ème édition de Motors and Soul a été exceptionnelle. Une fréquentation record avec plus de 6800 visiteurs et 4000 véhicules venus de toute la France et de l’étranger. Un succès jamais vu pour ce festival incontournable des passionnés de l’art de vivre auto et moto de caractère, sous le signe de la convivialité et de l’authenticité.

Passion, partage et bonne humeur étaient les maîtres mots de tous : visiteurs, exposants, artistes, préparateurs moto, marques auto et moto, accessoiristes, coiffeurs-barbiers anglais, tatoueur venu spécialement de Gironde, artisans du cuir, bénévoles, jury du Concours de Style, conférencières et musiciens.

Durant ces deux jours des passerelles ont été mises à l’honneur entre les univers de l’auto et de la moto de caractère. Motors and Soul a proposé un programme varié et intense aux amoureux de belles mécaniques dans un lieu bucolique et prestigieux. La liste des festivités a permis de satisfaire tout un chacun : rides et balades à thèmes ont accompagné plus de 1200 participants, expositions de véhicules, essais moto, une piste Scrambler, un Dragster Rocket Car, deux conférences-voyages, un food-court entouré de food-trucks aux spécialités variées, deux concours de style mais aussi un village Lifestyle avec ses expositions photos, ses animations, ses concerts de Rock, de Jazz, de Blues et de Soul, et de nombreux clubs auto et moto réunis par la même passion.

Motors and Soul est un événement unique mettant tout en œuvre pour créer une ambiance chaleureuse où se côtoient propriétaires et amateurs d’autos et de motos de caractère de tous styles et de toutes marques… des plus jeunes aux plus grands.

Un film réalisé par David Vincent
Photo de titre par Guillaume Ducasse

Cet article fut publié pour la première fois sur virage8 le 2 octobre 2017

LOTAWANA

LOTAWANA

Todd Blubaugh stars in his first feature film by director Trevor Hawkins.

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WORDS & INTERVIEW Adam Fitzgerald

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Most know Todd Blubaugh as the ramblin’ man behind the lens of some of the most iconic motorcycle photography in the past decade. In 2016, while working on the feature story about Todd’s book, Too Far Gone (Issue 024), Todd shared with me something secret; he’d starred in a movie written and filmed by longtime friend and director Trevor Hawkins. The rough cut of the trailer elicited an emotional response that had me laying in wait for Todd to release it to the world. Nearly a year later, I got the call that Todd was ready to let the cat outta the bag.

Lotawana is based around Trevor Hawkins’ life growing up on the Missouri lake of the same name. It explores one possible future in the life of Forrest, a character based loosely on a mix of both Hawkins and Blubaugh, who lives on a boat on Lake Lotawana. The film is a visceral rollercoaster of beauty and pain begging the question ‘what makes a life worth struggling for?.’

I sat down with Hawkins and Blubaugh to discuss the concept, the bitter realities of indie filmmaking, and Todd’s newfound motorcycle stunt life.

Adam: Is Lotawana roughly based off of some personal things or is it completely fictional?

Trevor: I grew up at [Lake] Lotawana and I've lived there my whole life, and still do. I had a lot of wanderlust. The movie's kind of based around me when I was 25. I've done lots of traveling and sailing trips, all kinds of extended adventures and at one point I was going to sail around the world for a couple of years and I always had this dream of kind of living that alternative lifestyle, but if I wanted to be a filmmaker, I kind of needed a home base and a crew and a place to establish myself. I liked making films more than I liked the idea of living that alternative lifestyle and Lotawana is sort of this cathartic experience of letting that go. So in other words, the movie is kind of what I had dreamed for my life when I was younger, but just never pulled the trigger on because I loved doing film more than that. And Todd kind of has a lot of the same sentiments, but he's lived it a little bit more than I have.

Adam: So it's basically like one possible future that could've been?

Trevor: That's kind of just it. They're [the characters in the film] very idealistic in the worlds they want to build for themselves and they kind of create their own world. Then it crashes down and the whole movie's kind of a thought experiment to the viewer of whether they can rewrite their own rules of modern existence or will they find that society operates that way for a reason.

Adam: Todd, tell me a little about your character, Forrest. 

Todd: He's young. He's 25. I was playing like 10 years younger, 11 years younger, which was really easy for me to tap into because I did live that way. I still do in a way. I really haven't let go of that character in my life and I've actually had the world fall apart around me with a partnership in life. What I thought would be a long term go of a relationship, failed inside the structure that I had created, so it really wasn't that hard to be this optimistic life-loving naïve 25 year old kid and I think looking back, I may have done a few things differently just with the hindsight that I have now. But it's pretty much what every young boy who suffers from wanderlust is. That's the guy.

Adam: Trevor, was it hard to direct Todd acting as a character that was loosely based off of yourself?

Trevor: Actually it wasn't that difficult to remove myself from it because when I wrote it, I did have Todd in mind for the whole thing. He didn't even know that when I was writing it. When I first called him about doing the movie, I was like, “hey Todd I got this project and you're going to be the lead actor.” And he was like, “No!” He wouldn't act in it. He wanted to work on the production. He wanted to help shoot it, and I was like, “too bad, man. I wrote this part and it's kind of based on you.”

Todd: I learned a lot in the process and I'm not an actor and I do not claim to be, but I really appreciate those actors that do that all the time now. It's unnerving. It's a lot of doubt. That's what I had to deal with. And I feel like doubt has been a companion of mine for a very long time and I think that's why these bike trips are so good for me is because if you face it head on and there's no distractions and the world's moving by, I think you take bigger bites out of it. And acting is nothing but a bunch of doubtful decisions stacked on top of each other until you start to believe yourself a little bit.

Trevor: We would always shoot an improvised take as well, so every scene we would get it in the can as the way the script was written and then we would throw the script out the window and Nicola [the character of Everly] and Todd could do whatever they wanted. No rules, they could go wherever they want, say whatever they want, do whatever they want. And so it was just a complete natural blend of Todd's real life personality into this character of Forrest. I feel like it's hard to even know where Todd's life ends and Forrest's life begins. The only part that surprised me honestly was how well he did in like the serious scenes where you actually have to act. There's no faking sadness and loss and he just pulled that out of nowhere. He took it seriously and he freakin’ destroyed it.

Adam: I noticed there was some motorcycle stuff in the film. Todd, was that really you doing all your own stunts?

Todd: Yeah. I did all my own stunts and so did Nicola actually. And that was an XT 500 that I found on Craigslist in Kansas. Picked it up for just under $900 and Trevor and I went out and looked at it on one of my trips home and it was all there. It popped and snorted when we tried to start it, so I figured it was probably not junk. So, bought it, went back to California and then I came home a week before we started shooting and got the bike right, which didn't take a whole lot of work. It was when I had gone through it, I purchased an SR head and jug in case I had to go through the top end, I wanted to put an SR head on there. It's just what everybody does just for fun. There was a lot left on that bike that hadn't been taken care of. I adjusted the valves, cam chain, and the timing was totally chewed up, but once that got right, the bike ran like crazy. I ride it all the time. It's my favorite bike right now.

Adam: Was the motorcycle written into the film because of Todd, Trevor?

Trevor: Yeah, partially it was. This is kind of an interesting story. The motorcycle was always part of it, but it was never to the extent of what Todd could do. So obviously that power slide shot, Todd just slams into the frame. I didn't write that into the script because I didn't think I would be able to find a lead actor that could do that, but then once Todd was on board, we just went wild with everything and so there's a lot of ripping around that we were able to do just because Todd is like king motorcycle rider.

Todd: I'll say this, when we got the bike, it was totally clapped out. The front forks and the rear forks were totally shot, so everything we were doing was just knocking the factory tires left and right and we even exploded a rim and in one of the shots, you'll never notice, but there's four spokes sticking out the side and a flat tire. It was just falling apart left and right. Those shots that you are talking about, Trevor, were basically the day before we got the bike tuned up and then went out and had the time because you're still in that casting fiasco that we were just tuning and shooting basically. 

Trevor: There's a whole opening sequence in the movie of nothing but Todd riding the bike and it's kind of like he's going into town, but it's like this little montage detour that he takes through the woods and that's kind of how that power slide starts, is him going into the woods and that's kind of how that all starts and that wasn't in the script originally, but we had extra time while we were trying to find this actress. So Todd and I just went out and started having fun with the camera and we created a scene out of nowhere because of it and we did that a couple times actually.

Todd: Trevor was on a skateboard in that shot [laughs].

Adam: How long did it take to film Lotawana?

Todd: Long time. We started filming principle photography in February 1st of 2015 and then we had a hiatus where we stopped filming and we picked back up in the summer time and so Todd came into town I think either late July or early August and then we had this big casting fiasco with the original girl of the film, and so we had to emergency re-cast the female lead and the whole time we were doing this, Todd is just living in the Mammoth office.

Todd: I was sleeping on the floor of the office for like three months.

Adam: Was there any funding behind this from anybody helping to produce it?

Trevor: No. Half of it was paid through money that my wife and I had saved up and then we got a loan against our house to pay for the second half of it.

Adam: Wow, so this was a true passion project you poured everything into.

Trevor: We're still paying it off, so we're hoping that someone picks it up soon and we can at least pay that loan off [laughs].

 

More details on the film at lotawanamovie.com

Follow the film on Instagram @lotawanamovie

via ironandair.com