Ayrton set standards the rest of us can only dream about. His death doesn’t seem real. He was invincible and was going to keep on winning
Damon Hill
Ayrton Senna will take a corner faster than he had ever done before and trust that something in Ayrton Senna would bring him and the car around the corner – referring to the European Grand Prix in 1993
Emerson Fittipaldi
The life of Ayrton Senna was an example in dedication and the love of the sports few athletes have had at international level. The world has lost the greatest athlete in the history of motor racing and I have lost a great friend. Grand Prix racing will never be the same without Ayrton.
Erik Comas
Ayrton Senna saved my life
Frank Williams, 1994
His loss is impossible to quantify. Everyone who has ever met him in whatever capacity feels they have lost someone very special
He was ahead of the game, clearly belonged in a Grand Prix car. He was born for it if you like
Gerhard Berger, 1993
I tried to find weaknesses in Senna, but I couldn’t. He is 100 per cent in everything. I learned a lot from him, so for me it was a good three years. And I still like Senna. We had good fun, a good relationship.
Ayrton was the best friend I ever had in F1, closer to me than anybody else in the business. During my three years driving with him at McLaren, I came to realize that he was the best, one level higher than the rest of us.
At the end of the day, when you see the yellow helmet, you know you are in trouble
Jackie Stewart
Senna really is the best racing driver in the world, not only the fastest
He was probably the fastest champion I ever saw. He was always stretching the elastic. My goodness was he quick
James Hunt
The best driver in Grand Prix racing, the best driver in the world by a long way
Probably the greatest racing driver of all time
John Watson
He is the greatest Grand Prix driver at the minute
John Bisignano
There’s only one word that describes Ayrton’s style, and that is: fast. He would take the car beyond it’s design capabilities. He would brake later, fly into these corners where the car was just over the edge, and somehow, he could dance and dance with that car, to where it stayed on track.
Ron Dennis
Ayrton Senna was an extraordinary racing driver. His skills, craft, subtlety and courage were of such magnitude that he dwarfed his generation of drivers.
He was able to drive the car to the absolute limit of its mechanical ability, yet he still had the mental ability to take in what the car was doing and recorded it in microscopic detail. Together with a talented engineer, he could get the optimum performance out of the car
Rubens Barrichello
As I already said on TV, I want to dedicate this success to Ayrton. This is the place, I believe, where my life changed. After everything I have been through, from the problems on the car to the problems with myself, I think that Imola this year has seen another changing point… – in post-race press conference at Imola GP 1999. He finished 3rd.
When I first came round in the medical center after my accident, the first face I saw was Ayrton’s, with tears in his eyes. I had never seen that with Ayrton before. I just had the impression that he felt as if my accident was like one of his own. He helped me a lot with my career and I can’t find the words to describe his loss
ABOVE & BEYOND, one of the world’s most powerful songwriting and production trio in electronic music today, are about to explode with their new single “Blue Sky Action.” It’s set for release July 21 on Anjunabeats/Ultra Music.
Written by London, UK-based ABOVE & BEYOND–Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness and Paavo Siljamäki–with vocals from Alex Vargas, “Blue Sky Action” is a beautifully crafted big room anthem that marries instant hooks with a typically emotive lyric. It also represents a taste of their forthcoming new album (title TBA), due in early 2015.
“’Blue Sky Action’ is part inspired by the first half hour of the film ‘Wall-E,’ which for me was one of the most moving, romantic films of its generation,” says Tony McGuinness. “’Wall-E’ is the last man standing on an earth rendered uninhabitable by pollution and fierce sunlight. He owns every material thing imaginable, but something is missing; he’s lonely. When the clouds part unexpectedly his perspective changes, and he decides to risk everything for adventure and love. And so begins his blue sky getaway.”
ABOVE & BEYOND’s main stage Kinetic Field performance at Electric Daisy Carnival last month was equal parts moving and visually mesmerizing. August Brown of the Los Angeles Times (6/23/14) reviewed the trio’s live experience at EDC: “…Above & Beyond had perhaps the most purely tasteful major headline set of the weekend…over the years they’ve forged a sound that accomplishes all the legwork of big-field dance music but avoids most of its cliches. The group is doubly relevant today, having founded the essential label Anjunabeats and its deep-house offshoot Anjunadeep. But their real power is still onstage, with a set full of ebbs and flows that felt both hypnotic and dramatic, with none of the jarring drops or dumb buildups of so many contemporaries…their set had the hope and melancholy of a dance-music devotional.“
For those that didn’t get to experience the set in Las Vegas, ABOVE & BEYOND will return to the U.S. this year for two marquee dates. On Friday, August 1, the outfit will perform on Perry’s Stage at Lollapalooza at Grant Park in Chicago. Later in the fall they’ll return again for their sold out headlining show at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday, October 18, to be broadcast live, marking the 100th episode of their world renowned Group Therapy radio show. ABOVE & BEYOND are the first British electronic act to headline the famed venue and the show sold out in less than 12 hours.
ABOVE & BEYOND’s weekly radio show Group Therapy attracts 25 million listeners worldwide, regularly trending on Twitter and topping iTunes podcast charts.
Most STEVE AOKI’ fans know about his long-time friendship with “Breaking Bad” actor Aaron Paul. For “Free The Madness,” the next video off his NEON FUTURE I album due out August 12 on Dim Mak/Ultra Music, AOKI pays homage to his friend’s AMC award-winning cult classic TV show. He along with the song’s featured artist Machine Gun Kelly gear up in coverall protective gear and take to the desert in a camper as the show’s characters Walter White and Jesse Pinkman to bake up a batch of hard-hitting party hooks and beats.
“Free The Madness,” along with “Delirious (Boneless)” featuring LA rapper Kid Ink, are both available now with the pre-sale of NEON FUTURE I. Purchase now at:
Catch STEVE AOKI this summer at AOKI’S PLAYHOUSE at Pacha in Ibiza, where he is in the midst of his 18-date residency at the legendary club. Every week, AOKI will be joined by a colossal array of headline artists each week.
#NeonFuture
About STEVE AOKI:
STEVE AOKI is a Grammy-nominated international producer/DJ, electronic dance music entrepreneur, and founder of the trendsetting record label, events/lifestyle company, and apparel line Dim Mak. Since launching in 1996, Dim Mak has broken bands such as Bloc Party, The Bloody Beetroots, Klaxons, and The Gossip through deftly marketed single and full-length releases and now has nearly 500 releases to date. As a solo artist, AOKI has become a force of nature averaging over 250 tour dates per year. His most recent releases include: “Bring You To Life (Transcend)” with house producer Rune RK and vocalist RAS, the massive Linkin Park collaboration “A Light That Never Comes,” “Can’t Stop The Swag” his first foray into hardstyle with label mate Coone and of course, “Boneless,” his global chart topping collaboration with Chris Lake and Tujamo. “Rage The Night Away” with Waka Flocka Flame and “Delirious (Boneless),” a new version of “Boneless” featuring Kid Ink is out now and will appear on his second artist album NEON FUTURE I, scheduled for release August 12, 2014 via Ultra Music/Dim Mak. NEON FUTURE II will be released in early 2015.
The line-up for the 2014 CounterPoint Music & Arts Festival is highlighted by the first confirmed hometown performance for Atlanta’s own Outkast. The bill for the Georgia festival–set for Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27, 2014 at its new location, the beautiful Kingston Downs (less than an hour from downtown Atlanta)–will include more than 75 acts including Pretty Lights, Foster The People, STS9, J. Cole, Major Lazer, Krewella, and Big Gigantic, among others on four performance spaces.
The full 2014 CounterPoint Music & Arts Festival line-up is as follows:
Outkast; Pretty Lights; Foster the People; STS9; J. Cole; Major Lazer; Krewella; Big Gigantic; Flux Pavilion; Above & Beyond; Matt & Kim; Thievery Corporation; A-Trak; Janelle Monae; Wolfgang Gartner; Sleigh Bells; Boys Noize; Flosstradamus; Chance the Rapper; Griz; Shpongle; Phantogram; Moon Taxi; Run the Jewels (El-P & Killer Mike); Schoolboy Q; Papadosio; Rich Homie Quan; GTA; Tycho; St. Lucia; The Revivalists; YACHT; Minnesota; Ott; The Polish Ambassador; Thundercat; Poolside; Wild Cub; Rubblebucket; Kill Paris; Congorock; Rustie; Hucci; Cashmere Cat; Nosaj Thing; Dan Croll; xxyyxx; Mayhem; Green Lantern; Butch Clancy; Lance Herbstrong; Tourist; Ratking; Jonas Rathsman; Watch the Duck; Kap Slap; Basic Vacation; JMSN; Pegboard Nerds; The Floozies; Thriftworks; Deep Cotton; Five Knives; Infinity Shred; Real Magic; Roman GianArthur; Bagheera; Skrause; Shreddie Mercury; Martina McFlyy; Chris Bushnell; BLKKMorris; Panther God; Ployd; The Difference Machine.
This year, CounterPoint will debut its new 5000-acre site featuring gorgeous campgrounds, the Georgia Eats Food Court, bars throughout the festival site (including the Craft Brew Garden)*, the CounterPoint Cares Non Profit Center, carnival rides, the CounterPoint Arts Village, the official CounterPoint Merch Store, the CounterPoint Game Center, FREE water stations, and plenty of areas to relax and get shade. A variety of onsite activities and events around the festival weekend will be revealed in the coming months. In addition, daily shuttle service will be available from Atlanta (and other locations throughout the area), prices begin at $50, further details will be announced as the festival nears.
Three-day weekend tickets start at $180 and a variety of ticket and weekend packages are available for CounterPoint 2014, including 3-Day GA Tickets, 3 levels of VIP Packages, Luxury Camping Options (Glamping), Travel Packages (inclusive of lodging and day-to-day transport to and from the festival site) and parking passes. More information about tickets and layaway options can be found at http://www.counterpointfestival.com/.
Questions, comments or concerns regarding orders, please contact Front Gate Tickets or by phone, 888-512-SHOW (7469) 9:00 AM-9:00 PM (CT) Monday-Saturday.
*All bars are 21 years of age or older with valid ID.
Following the high profile fiery crash of the 2005 Carrera GT on December 30 at Hercules Street in Santa Clarita, which claimed the life of its latest owner, Roger Rodas and Paul Walker, the car has become the central focus of an ongoing debate. Major concerns has been directed to the safety standards of the car and the non-existence computerised safety feature, in this case electronic stability control that can detect stability lost and immediately correct it. The question that has been on everyone’s mind following the crash is ‘if the car was equipped with the electronic stability control, would they still be alive today?’
Within a week from the deadly crash, more details has emerged about the car as more stories come into light especially about the car’s previous troubled history and how the ill-fated Carrera has changed 6 owners with Rodas being its final owner before it was reduced to what looks like a rubble.
While the non-Porsche owners and drivers are coming together and debating about the car’s safety standards and questioning if mechanical error could have caused the car to trail off the road, Porsche owners and race cars enthusiast are also waking up in defence of the car’s credibility and the driving skills of both casualties onboard the 2005 Carrera GT that caught fire 60 seconds into the collision as noted from the nearby building’s CCTV camera. Some Porsche owners argues that the car is safe, a pleasure to drive and in fact, was one of the best cars ever produced by Porsche while others remains skeptical over the fact.
The previous owner, an IndyCar series race car driver, Graham Rahal, 24 who had the car for a year traded it for a brand new Ferrari in Florida and the same Ferrari dealer sold the car to Rodas. An avid super car collector himself, Rahal also notes that the car is incredibly hard to handle but that’s what makes it special. It demands you to obey and be discipline and that’s what race is all about. ‘Any super car collector would want to have this car in their list and he also stated that he would get the car again because it makes for a good investment,’ says Rahal who fitted the car with vivid black alloy wheels (the originals were the stock silver wheels) that gave the car an extra lift making it even more noticeable at any Southern California car events for its unique touch-up.
Before: Stock Silver Wheels
After: Black Alloy Wheels
“The carbon clutch, things like that are a challenge, whereas the 599 you hop in, off you go. It’s pretty simple,” he said. “But if I was insanely wealthy and could have 10 super cars, a Carrera GT would be one. I would have to be somewhat of a garage queen, because long-term, I think that is a fantastic investment. I think that the Porsche collectors would agree.”
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com
Some websites claims that Porsche has come out with an official statement regarding the crash involving the 2005 Carrera GT, which was ceased in production in 2005 following the enforcement of new air bags rule. In the statement, a spokes person named Calvin Kim extended the company’s condolences to both victim’s families further stating that they would assist police in the investigation and would offer their full co-operation. However, when and where was this official statement released is unknown as only limited websites released it. So it’s unclear if Porsche ever made a statement regarding the unfortunate incident.
Back in 2006, Porsche made a $4.5 million settlement to Ben Keaton and Corey Rudl who were killed after swerving off the track to avoid a slower-moving Ferrari that entered the track and collided with a wall that was built too close to the track at a speed of about 145 mph during a Ferrari Owners Club track day at the California Speedway. However, there were multiple occurrence that contributed to this crash including the track safety, the proceeding car, the negligence of the flag-man who despite the approaching Porsche gave the green light for the Ferrari to enter the track and Keaton’s failure in informing Rudl that the car had problems prior to testing it on the track.
Jay Leno, the ‘Late Night Show’ host who is also a renowned race car driver had a rough confrontation with the Carrera GT when he spun out of control at the Daytona International Speedway (claims may vary) in 2005. Speaking of the incident, Leno jokingly said that he did not do bad at all for a comedian while others claim that the moment of incident was described as ‘riding on an ice-track’.
Walter Röhrl, a German rally and auto race car driver claimed that the GT Carrera is the scariest car he has ever driven following a stunt on a wet track that made him loose control of the car. But this was before the car was released as Röhrl is also a test driver for Porsche. The incident was followed by many more specs control and upgrades done to the initial car that Röhrl first tested on the track under both weather condition, dry and wet. After testing it in slippery condition, he concluded that the Carrera GT needed more traction control. The test that was carried out in 2002 warranted that the 2005 Carrera GT would not be released until it was perfect.
With all these contradictions and more and using every other incident as comparison, the question to what caused the deadly crash that killed both Rodas and Walker remains unanswered as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the horrific crash. Fans across the world keeps flocking the crash site with flowers and condolence messages and it becomes even more painful as the days goes by. Hollywood has been shaken to its core with the untimely passing of the beloved actor who was the face of ‘The Fast and The Furious film franchise’ that everyone are left pretty speechless to date.
What we can hope for now is that sufficient data can be extracted from the car’s black box so the event leading to the unfaithful crash can give us all some closure although it would still be the hardest goodbye to a celebrity in recent times.
Watch a tribute made for Paul Walker consisting stunts and some of his best moments in the first 2 edition of ‘The Fast & Furious’ movies.
Since releasing Random Album Title in 2008, electronic music producer deadmau5’s rise to the upper echelons has been nothing but short of meteoric. This winter, he’ll release 5 years of mau5, a retrospective double album encompassing highlights from his most beloved back catalog alongside exclusive and new remixes from friends of mau5trap. Just in time for the holidays, 5 years of mau5 will be released November 24thvia mau5trap/Virgin EMI. Further details will be announced soon.
deadmau5 recently headlined a date at London’s iTunes festival, as well as making further headline festival appearances at both SW4 and Creamfields in August.
Joel Zimmerman, more commonly known as deadmau5 (pronounced ‘dead mouse’), is one of the world’s most respected electronic music producers of modern times. Enjoying international chart success with his singles “Professional Griefers,”“Sofi Needs A Ladder,”“Ghosts ‘n’Stuff”and “I Remember,” he has also released five critically acclaimed albums: while(1<2), > album title goes here <,4×4=12, For Lack Of A Better Name and Random Album Title. The multiple JUNO Award-winning and Grammy®-nominated artist performed at the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards as part of its first ever telecast performance highlighting electronic music. His ability to push the boundaries of his talent grows at an equal rate to his fan base, which counts almost nine million on his Facebook page. deadmau5 is also the #1 selling artist on online retailer Beatport. A major touring act, he has headlined iTunes Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, Budweiser Made In America, Sonar, Virgin Mobile FreeFest, Coachella, Ultra Music Festival, HARD Day of the Dead, and Creamfields, and sold out Rogers Centre in Toronto and PETCO Park in San Diego, as well as multiple consecutive nights at legendary venues like the Roseland Ballroom in NYC and the Palladium in Los Angeles. Plans for a major world tour in 2015 are in now the works. He appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone (summer double issue, 2012), marking him as the first electronic artist to do so.
There are people out there who still remembers how their Sunday afternoons were spent years ago. So intense was the sport’s that somehow its energy would whine up in your living room and impound your existence. Even just by being at home in your shorts and catching it on TV, it could still deliver an outburst of emotions, pure joy and adrenaline rush at the pleasure of speed. No argument would be able to settle the score in deciding which was the best era of Formula One. From the era of five-time-world-champion, Fangio to the times of Jim Clark, from the impartible rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda to the deadly and brooding battle between the McLaren’s pair, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna and right to the times of the Formula One king, Michael Schumacher; each moments had its strong and striking points and also the most utterly poignant. As vivid as the sport so are the pictures and here are some which takes your breath away – all the way from and around the circular tracks of Formula One and as far as 50 years ago and beyond with Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill’s first 3 images winning pole position of this illustrious Grand Prix memories.
1. The Homme Fatale
2. A Potent Recipe For Collision
..And the rest is history.
3. The Forefather Of McLaren F1 Team In His Pivotal Years, Here’s Bruce McLaren
The McLaren mastermind and his brilliant brain child.
4. Ok Damon, Remember It’s All About The G-Force
Damon Hill will always have a special place in our collective heart’s. The son of the legendary Graham Hill was one of those driver’s who could really excel under pressure. He proved it when he took the 1996 title home!
5. The 70s Primadona
The real man of Formula One and their exceptional wives who were always there not only to keep the husband’s in check but also as a form of encouragement. Here’s Barbro Peterson keeping Ronnie’s time check!
6. The Champion’s Hug
When 3-time-world-champion, Brazil’s Ayrton Senna and 5-time-world-champion, Argentina’s Fangio embraced each other in an emotional encounter, we cried!
7. Damon Hill; When Age Is Just A Number
He aged and we all know that but how did he aged so gracefully is something we will never understand. Damon Hill looks 10 times better now than he did during his hey-days. Agree?
8. It’s Just One Of Those James Hunt Getting Married Moments
When the F1 champion decided to get married and divorce, it became an affair that the world never forgot
9. The Formula One’s Casanova, François Cevert and French Supermodel, Brigete Bardot
And here’s Francois Cevert, the man who was or perhaps would have brought back France’s first championship title back home.
10. One Of Those Shcumacher’s Moody Days
He might have been one of the most controversial drivers of his time but than you don win 7 world titles by being anything less than dramatic and in Schumacher’s case; pompous.
11. Ice Cream To Chill Of The Girlfriend, Jim Clark and Sally Stokes
There was a time when there was always a lady behind a great man, even now the metaphor lives.
12. McLaren’s Technology Centre Or A Space Ship?
..yeap, wait until you see what’s inside of that thing!! You too would wish you had an office just like this!
13. Run Piquet, Run
Piquet has to do what Piquet has to do…
14. The Wonderful Jim Clark
The master of whisperer was not only a car genius, he was also one of the most humble drivers who was always grounded despite of his monstrous status in the scene
15. Even Champion’s Get Lonely Sometimes
Ayrton Senna looking exceptionally calm and serene during one of his races and legendary reign throughout the most iconic phases of Formula One history
Stay tuned for another 15 most iconic moments in Formula One sport’s coming up soon.
All pictures belong to their respective owners as indicated in the images or otherwise stated. We do not whole any copyright privileges to the photos or claim any ownership in any ways. Should any of the pictures belongs to any organisations or owners; do contact us so we can insert image privileges wherever its applicable.
Following the massive success of his latest release ‘Twisted’ and the widely popular #TwistedSelfie campaign to boot, Fedde Le Grand is back with the highly anticipated remix package for his hard-hitting, summer smash hit.
Featuring reworks from three standout names in dance music – Radio 1’s Danny Howard, Eptic and Tony Romera – this remix package will see both dance floors and festivals worldwide, once again, getting twisted with a triple header of distinct takes on the record. Out on August 12th via Fedde’s very own Flamingo Recordings, each purchase receipt sent in to twisted@feddelegrand.com will also be good for an exclusive bonus remix from London born DJ and producer Max Cartoux. Have a listen via Spotify and grab your copy of the Twisted EP package now:
Having already performed unforgettable sets at some of the world biggest festivals including Ultra Europe and Tomorrowland, Fedde Le Grand’s summer tour is gaining fierce momentum. With a number of dates still to come, be sure to catch him at a show near you this August.
Tour Dates
Tues Aug 12 – Olivia Valere, Marbella Wed Aug 13 – Du-El Fest, Dubrovnik Thurs Aug 14 – Aurora Club, Primosten Sat Aug 16 – Sziget Festival, Budapest Fri Aug 22 – Laguna, Ljubljana Sat Aug 23 – South West Four, London Fri Aug 29 – Encore Beach, Las Vegas Fri Aug 29 – Maya Beach Club, Scottsdale Sat Aug 30 – Imagine Music Festival, Atlanta Sat Aug 30 – Space, Miami Sun Aug 31 – Electric Zoo, New York Sun Aug 31 – Pacha, New York
Following Saturday’s deadly crash at Santa Clarita’s business park drive, the whole world has been reduced to tears as they mourn over the unfortunate passing of Hollywood star and the face of ‘The Fast And The Furious’ movie franchise, Paul Walker. But Walker wasn’t the only one who was killed in the ill-fated Porsche. Behind the wheel’s was Roger Rodas, a Pirelli World Challenge Championships driver, the CEO of ‘Always Evolving’, and Walker’s financial advisor. Little was made available about the man who was killed alongside the American heartthrob, but days following the tragic incident we have come to know Roger Rodas as an equally humble philanthropist. Roger Rodas and Paul Walker were more than just best buds, they were also business partners, had mutual interest towards race cars and ironically met through a conversation that started over a Porsche.
Roger Rodas was born on 31 October 1975, an El-Salvador native staying in Valencia, CA who didn’t take long to become a major fixture in California‘s financial and race circuit. Having completed his degree in finance with outstanding approbation, Rodas also earned numerous certifications and credentials from The Wharton School of Business. Being a financial expert definitely gave Rodas a head start in the game when he became the managing director of wealth management for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. His Rodas Group company were well known in the financial circles in California partly because of his connection with the investment firm Merrill Lynch and for being listed as ‘America’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisers’ each year from 2010 to 2012 on ‘Barron’s List Of America’s Top Financial Advisers.’
Being noted as one of the high rollers in the system did not change his humble nature in fact in only made him soar to greater heights. Amidst the gratifying reward his financial career brought, Rodas was also fascinated with high performance cars and the world of racing. Turning his dream to reality, Rodas started to commit to race cars and tracks spending much of his early racing career competing in the Porsche GT3 Cup race cars in the Porsche Owner’s Club and other neophyte race series. It was during this time in a race circuit when Rodas and Walker first met and their path intertwined. After spotting Rodas driving a Porsche GT3 that he used to own, Walker immediately approached Rodas and the two has been friends ever since bonding through their mutual interest in cars and racing. The friendship between the two was further secured when Rodas became Walker’s financial advisor in 2007.
In an article published by the Wealth Management, it stated that Rodas helped Walker to reorganise his financial portfolio and find a creative solution in maintaining and continuing his passion for cars and racing without having them become a financial liability. Maintaining and transporting his fleet alone required several full-time professionals, and Walker had been funding the operation out of his own pocket. Rodas suggested an alternative: that Walker create an integrated (joined) race shop that is bonded and insured and brings in income by also doing work for other drivers.
‘Paul said that what he saved in expenses covered all of his racing costs last year,’Rodas notes.
The two later co-founded Always Evolving, a high end dealership and race preparation company that focuses on specialty in car builds based in Valencia, which was led by Rodas as the CEO. Under his powerful wings, AE continued to evolve and prosper since the man himself was an avid car collector and not a stranger to the world of exotic cars. His own personal collection bragged a wide assortment of limited production Saleen and Shelby Mustangs. His collection soon became one of the major attraction of Always Evolving if not the heart and soul of the auto shop. Among the services offered by Always Evolving includes dealing and trading luxury and performance cars, offers performance car builds, full-service race preparation and team management.
Besides building a successful business empire, Roger was also active with various charities locally and in Latin America. He was of the board members of The Asomugha Foundation; a charity organisation that raises money to help orphans and widows in El Salvador. In 2010, Rodas helped Walker to establish his own charity foundation called – Reach Out Worldwide. Walker’s charity foundation was set up to send immediate help to disaster struck countries and the organisation has successfully demonstrated its abilities in deploying a team of medical experts, and highly trained personnel to countries that were struck by natural disasters such as earthquake, tsunami, typhoon and more. Walker personally led the delegation and offered his personal touch to the proceeding as seen in the pictures below. Some of his most prevailing moments were like flying to Chile, Haiti and also the Indonesian island where he pledge for the island’s beauty to be preserved and not destroyed. In other words, Reach Out Worldwide is a network of first responders who help in the wake of natural disasters.
With the successful partnership establishment between the two, Rodas further sealed the deal with the formation of AE Pirelli World Challenge Team where Walker was listed as one of the drivers, and Rodas as the principle leader of the race team. Even when he was juggling with so many things at once, his racing career was still one of his top priorities. He was moving up the ranks with impressive stealth rising through the division from Porsche-only series to the Pirelli Porsche Driver’s Cup Series. In 2012, he managed to take two first place finishes, six podiums, and finished second overall in the driver’s championship points. Both Rodas and Davis being novice in the series, Rodas finished 13 in GTS points, while Davis secured the 16th place, despite missing the races in St. Petersburg and Lime Rock. It is said that if only Rodas had competed in the races he had previously missed, it was almost certain that he would have been the series rookie of the year.
2013 saw Rodas moving into the World championship as he embraced his love and passion for racing as a professional driver. Rodas campaigned for a Ford Racing Boss 302S Mustang in the Pirelli World Challenge Sports car Championship Series and in 2013 Walker’s foundation, Reach Out Worldwide also became the title sponsor for the æ Pirelli World Challenge race team. Rodas teamed up with fellow racer, Erik Davis who is Autotopia‘s owner with a massive, near-legendary car collection in Los Angeles that he also supplies for movie and TV productions as his co-driver. Rodas drove car number #52 while Davis took over the sister car, number #75.
In June 2013, during an early morning practise at Long Beach California, Rodas’ car experienced an ABS malfunction in turn 1 on the 1.97 mile street circuit that sent him crashing into a wall, which caused an extensive damage to the right hand side of the car. Since the damage was beyond repair, AE teammate, race car driver and Hollywood actor, Paul Walker who recently purchased a similar Ford Mustang Boss 302S agreed to let Rodas use his car for the upcoming Toronto Grand Prix.
Since Walker’s car was still showroom-fresh, the AE team had to work through the night to prepare and ensure that the car would be ready and in its full spec for the Sunday’s qualifying race. When asked why he agreed to let Rodas drive his virgin Boss 302, Walker replied, “Reach Out is about helping people when they need it the most. This is Roger’s first Pirelli World Challenge race… how could I say no?”
When asked about his feelings on moving to the world series and the upcoming race, Rodas seems excited and confident about the race despite him having to swap cars at the very last minute.
“Making the step into professional racing is not easy, but I’m excited for tomorrow’s race. The Pirelli World Challenge fans have been overwhelmingly supportive as they stop by the pits, and I’ll get into the car tomorrow with that energy”Rodas said.
Toronto proved to be Rodas biggest victory to date. His extraordinary succession on the track was extremely impressive as he was noted as one of the most aspiring driver to compete in the Toronto GP. Rodas’ highest finish was fifth at Toronto, impressive since the GTS class had such veteran drivers and season champs such as Lawson Ashenbach, Jack Baldwin and Peter Cunningham. Rodas already showed his world-class driver’s worth and as stated by commentator;
In 10 starts, Rodas had a best finish of fifth place at Toronto in July and finished 13th in the class standings, one spot behind the top rookie, Jim Taggart.
and
“Roger Rodas, of El Salvador, finished an impressive, season-best fifth in the No. 52 Always Evolving Performance Ford Mustang Boss 302S.
Rodas took home two awards. As he started 10th, he took home the Sunoco Hard Charger Award with a gain of five spots. He also secured the Invisible Glass Clean Pass of the Race Award for a move on Tony Gaples, of Libertyville, IL, in the No. 11 Blackdog Speed Shop Chevrolet Camaro, on Lap 5″
2012 – Second place in Pirelli Porsche Driver’s Cup Series championship
2013 – Rookie season in Pirelli World Challenge GTS series driving a Ford Boss S
5th Place and Highest Finish for a rookie in Toronto
and more
Walker however had to observe a far more demanding work schedule so he spent most of his time racing on time attack-type events at Buttonwillow or other California tracks. In Dec 2010, Walker joined the Motorsports Enterprise Racing (Team MER) and competed in the 8th Annual 25-hour Endurance Automobile Race at Thunderhill Park in Willows with Roger Rodas, Carl Rydquist and Jeff Westphal as part of his team, driving a Mazda MX5. The annual 25-hour Endurance Automobile Race is the longest automobile endurance race in all of North America and truly puts the driver’s skills and patience to the test. Patrick Dempsey, American actor who is also known for his love and passion for racing also competed in the race. In the same race, Rodas also raced against another Mustang driver in the class, Roger Miller, who by sad coincidence unexpectedly died at the age of 44 last August 18 – Miller’s family owned the Utah Jazz and Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City.
Both men were public-spirited, they did not live ordinary lives, they lived every single day to the fullest of their abilities and used up every mile to the end of its capacity. Paul Walker especially left his Hollywood suit at home and in the race circuit, he was just Paul Walker, feeding the addiction and curbing the desire for speed and he did it while being in the safe surroundings of a race track. In the track where all these kindred spirits met, the object of their desires came to live and the apparatus didn’t only play a part to satisfy its owners, it also helped keep the charity program going. Their lives was one huge satellite tier that constantly transmitted and received energy so they could create a balance in life and in the surroundings.
Rodas was also instrumental in developing waste to energy power plants and wind farms in Central America; he was a visionary who always saw a potential in almost everything. He was a man with a huge appetite and passion for education, speed and living his life to the fullest. He applied the same relentless passion in coaching his family, the young ones, friends, clients, and those in need.
Prior to the deadly crash that occurred about 3:30 p.m. on Nov 30 at Hercules Street near Kelly Johnson Parkway in Valencia, Always Evolving, announced on its company’s website:
“Our next open house and car meet is November 30th from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have complimentary doughnuts and coffee. Please call ahead to confirm as we may need to cancel due to weather or track events. Please bring a new toy with you as this meet will be a charity toy drive! Thank you!”
Similarly, Reach Out Worldwide also made a similar announcement on their Facebook page;
Walker came alone to the charity event, which was held in support of typhoon Haiyan victims and a charity drive to collect toys for Christmas. It was almost towards the end of the event when cars were being backed up into the garage that the newly acquired 2005 Porsche Carrera GT started stalling. Rodas decided to take the car for a drive to check out the mechanical problem and Walker decided to jump in at the very last minute to help his friend troubleshoot the problem. A few friends at the event noted that it was something that both Rodas and Walker were used to doing.
Walker being the main host of the day left his event but signalled to friends that they would be back in 5 minutes. About 20 minutes later (citation needed), they heard a loud crash and immediately rushed to the scene. Rodas’ 8-year-old son was the first one to arrive at the crash site. He heard the sound and knew there has been an accident but he didn’t know it was his father till he arrived. Everyone tried hard to put out the fire but it was just too huge and spread rather quickly. One of Walker’s friend had to be restrained by the fire department personal since he didn’t want to budge from the fiery wreckage and even hit the authority in his attempt to escape and continue trying to rescue the casualties. An eye-witness who is also an employee of the AE Performance stated that he saw Walker trapped inside the car and that he was unconscious as there was absolutely no movement in the car or from him.
The two kindred spirits came together for their similar passion since both loved cars and had a huge heart in charity. Roger L. Rodas leaves a wife and two children while Paul William Walker leaves behind his 15 years daughter, Meadow Rain Walker. It is exceptionally sad that we have lost not one but two equally generous man whose contribution to the world can’t be replicated. Amidst of maintaining business, acting schedule, family, personal endeavours and more, both of them always found time for charity. Having said so, the world lost two men who lived life at such a high speed but still managed to obey the rules. The only irony is that they first met because of a Porsche and they died too in a Porsche.
RIP Roger Rodas (1975 – 2013) and Paul Walker (1973 – 2013)
About Always Evolving:
Always Evolving is a high end dealership and race preparation company that focuses on specialty car builds. Their clientele includes actors, athletes and other high profile individuals. The Always Evolving Pirelli World Change Team has partnered with the Asomugha Foundation and Reach Out Worldwide, which are two foundations that encourage their volunteers to harness their passions to help others. For more information about Always Evolving and it’s partners:
Founded in late 2010, Reach Out Worldwide is a rapid relief foundation that dispatches doctors, paramedics and heavy rescue professionals to disaster areas around the globe, providing rescue and recovery to those affected by natural disasters.
The Mission: Education is the springboard for innovation and growth. Educational opportunities for vulnerable populations, especially those in poverty, are limited. Our mission is to alleviate the consequences of poverty in vulnerable populations by creating the conditions and environment to support educational opportunities.
Following the unprecedented success of the trio of critically artist EPs, namely ‘100% No Modern Talking’, ‘Rage Valley’, and most recently, ‘Haunted House‘; which included the seminal hits, ‘Internet Friends’, ‘Bonfire’ and the summer anthem ‘LRAD’, now the time has come for Knife Party to unveil ‘Resistance’, the first single to be taken from their hugely anticipated debut album, ‘Abandon Ship’.
Electro House at its hardest, ‘Resistance’ is awash with that raw energy that has grown to define Knife Party’s releases but retains a fresh sense of purpose and direction. Precision- engineered for the clubs, it’s this energy combined with a series of fine-tuned instrumentals breakdowns and raucous, euphoric synth lines, that is sure to prove a major hit with both DJs and fans alike. ‘Resistance’ really is the ideal track to welcome Knife Party back into the fold and lays solid foundation for their inaugural LP later this year.
Now available exclusively at http://www.knifeparty.com following its debut play on Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1, ‘Resistance’ follows an extended, album-focused, studio hiatus that has seen the duo cultivate some of the most dynamic, innovative and outright exciting music of their career.
As performers, Knife Party’s rise to festival headliner status has been nothing short of meteoric, shortly after headlining their very own sold out show at the London Brixton Academy, the duo headlined Australia’s renowned Future Music Festival in March where they wowed fans with their spectacular and ground breaking 3D ‘Haunted House’ visual show before this summer achieving a career highlight when they were asked to close the main stage at Tomorrowland’s epic 10th anniversary
Following Saturday’s deadly crash at Santa Clarita’s business park drive, the whole world has been reduced to tears as they mourn over the unfortunate passing of Hollywood star and the face of ‘The Fast And The Furious’ movie franchise, Paul Walker. But Walker wasn’t the only one who was killed in the ill-fated Porsche. Behind the wheel’s was Roger Rodas, a Pirelli World Challenge Championships driver, the CEO of ‘Always Evolving’, and Walker’s financial advisor. Little was made available about the man who was killed alongside the American heartthrob, but days following the tragic incident we have come to know Roger Rodas as an equally humble philanthropist. Roger Rodas and Paul Walker were more than just best buds, they were also business partners, had mutual interest towards race cars and ironically met through a conversation that started over a Porsche.
Roger Rodas was born on 31 October 1975, an El-Salvador native staying in Valencia, CA who didn’t take long to become a major fixture in California‘s financial and race circuit. Having completed his degree in finance with outstanding approbation, Rodas also earned numerous certifications and credentials from The Wharton School of Business. Being a financial expert definitely gave Rodas a head start in the game when he became the managing director of wealth management for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. His Rodas Group company were well known in the financial circles in California partly because of his connection with the investment firm Merrill Lynch and for being listed as ‘America’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisers’ each year from 2010 to 2012 on ‘Barron’s List Of America’s Top Financial Advisers.’
Being noted as one of the high rollers in the system did not change his humble nature in fact in only made him soar to greater heights. Amidst the gratifying reward his financial career brought, Rodas was also fascinated with high performance cars and the world of racing. Turning his dream to reality, Rodas started to commit to race cars and tracks spending much of his early racing career competing in the Porsche GT3 Cup race cars in the Porsche Owner’s Club and other neophyte race series. It was during this time in a race circuit when Rodas and Walker first met and their path intertwined. After spotting Rodas driving a Porsche GT3 that he used to own, Walker immediately approached Rodas and the two has been friends ever since bonding through their mutual interest in cars and racing. The friendship between the two was further secured when Rodas became Walker’s financial advisor in 2007.
In an article published by the Wealth Management, it stated that Rodas helped Walker to reorganise his financial portfolio and find a creative solution in maintaining and continuing his passion for cars and racing without having them become a financial liability. Maintaining and transporting his fleet alone required several full-time professionals, and Walker had been funding the operation out of his own pocket. Rodas suggested an alternative: that Walker create an integrated (joined) race shop that is bonded and insured and brings in income by also doing work for other drivers.
‘Paul said that what he saved in expenses covered all of his racing costs last year,’Rodas notes.
The two later co-founded Always Evolving, a high end dealership and race preparation company that focuses on specialty in car builds based in Valencia, which was led by Rodas as the CEO. Under his powerful wings, AE continued to evolve and prosper since the man himself was an avid car collector and not a stranger to the world of exotic cars. His own personal collection bragged a wide assortment of limited production Saleen and Shelby Mustangs. His collection soon became one of the major attraction of Always Evolving if not the heart and soul of the auto shop. Among the services offered by Always Evolving includes dealing and trading luxury and performance cars, offers performance car builds, full-service race preparation and team management.
Besides building a successful business empire, Roger was also active with various charities locally and in Latin America. He was of the board members of The Asomugha Foundation; a charity organisation that raises money to help orphans and widows in El Salvador. In 2010, Rodas helped Walker to establish his own charity foundation called – Reach Out Worldwide. Walker’s charity foundation was set up to send immediate help to disaster struck countries and the organisation has successfully demonstrated its abilities in deploying a team of medical experts, and highly trained personnel to countries that were struck by natural disasters such as earthquake, tsunami, typhoon and more. Walker personally led the delegation and offered his personal touch to the proceeding as seen in the pictures below. Some of his most prevailing moments were like flying to Chile, Haiti and also the Indonesian island where he pledge for the island’s beauty to be preserved and not destroyed. In other words, Reach Out Worldwide is a network of first responders who help in the wake of natural disasters.
With the successful partnership establishment between the two, Rodas further sealed the deal with the formation of AE Pirelli World Challenge Team where Walker was listed as one of the drivers, and Rodas as the principle leader of the race team. Even when he was juggling with so many things at once, his racing career was still one of his top priorities. He was moving up the ranks with impressive stealth rising through the division from Porsche-only series to the Pirelli Porsche Driver’s Cup Series. In 2012, he managed to take two first place finishes, six podiums, and finished second overall in the driver’s championship points. Both Rodas and Davis being novice in the series, Rodas finished 13 in GTS points, while Davis secured the 16th place, despite missing the races in St. Petersburg and Lime Rock. It is said that if only Rodas had competed in the races he had previously missed, it was almost certain that he would have been the series rookie of the year.
2013 saw Rodas moving into the World championship as he embraced his love and passion for racing as a professional driver. Rodas campaigned for a Ford Racing Boss 302S Mustang in the Pirelli World Challenge Sports car Championship Series and in 2013 Walker’s foundation, Reach Out Worldwide also became the title sponsor for the æ Pirelli World Challenge race team. Rodas teamed up with fellow racer, Erik Davis who is Autotopia‘s owner with a massive, near-legendary car collection in Los Angeles that he also supplies for movie and TV productions as his co-driver. Rodas drove car number #52 while Davis took over the sister car, number #75.
In June 2013, during an early morning practise at Long Beach California, Rodas’ car experienced an ABS malfunction in turn 1 on the 1.97 mile street circuit that sent him crashing into a wall, which caused an extensive damage to the right hand side of the car. Since the damage was beyond repair, AE teammate, race car driver and Hollywood actor, Paul Walker who recently purchased a similar Ford Mustang Boss 302S agreed to let Rodas use his car for the upcoming Toronto Grand Prix.
Since Walker’s car was still showroom-fresh, the AE team had to work through the night to prepare and ensure that the car would be ready and in its full spec for the Sunday’s qualifying race. When asked why he agreed to let Rodas drive his virgin Boss 302, Walker replied, “Reach Out is about helping people when they need it the most. This is Roger’s first Pirelli World Challenge race… how could I say no?”
When asked about his feelings on moving to the world series and the upcoming race, Rodas seems excited and confident about the race despite him having to swap cars at the very last minute.
“Making the step into professional racing is not easy, but I’m excited for tomorrow’s race. The Pirelli World Challenge fans have been overwhelmingly supportive as they stop by the pits, and I’ll get into the car tomorrow with that energy”Rodas said.
Toronto proved to be Rodas biggest victory to date. His extraordinary succession on the track was extremely impressive as he was noted as one of the most aspiring driver to compete in the Toronto GP. Rodas’ highest finish was fifth at Toronto, impressive since the GTS class had such veteran drivers and season champs such as Lawson Ashenbach, Jack Baldwin and Peter Cunningham. Rodas already showed his world-class driver’s worth and as stated by commentator;
In 10 starts, Rodas had a best finish of fifth place at Toronto in July and finished 13th in the class standings, one spot behind the top rookie, Jim Taggart.
and
“Roger Rodas, of El Salvador, finished an impressive, season-best fifth in the No. 52 Always Evolving Performance Ford Mustang Boss 302S.
Rodas took home two awards. As he started 10th, he took home the Sunoco Hard Charger Award with a gain of five spots. He also secured the Invisible Glass Clean Pass of the Race Award for a move on Tony Gaples, of Libertyville, IL, in the No. 11 Blackdog Speed Shop Chevrolet Camaro, on Lap 5″
2012 – Second place in Pirelli Porsche Driver’s Cup Series championship
2013 – Rookie season in Pirelli World Challenge GTS series driving a Ford Boss S
5th Place and Highest Finish for a rookie in Toronto
and more
Walker however had to observe a far more demanding work schedule so he spent most of his time racing on time attack-type events at Buttonwillow or other California tracks. In Dec 2010, Walker joined the Motorsports Enterprise Racing (Team MER) and competed in the 8th Annual 25-hour Endurance Automobile Race at Thunderhill Park in Willows with Roger Rodas, Carl Rydquist and Jeff Westphal as part of his team, driving a Mazda MX5. The annual 25-hour Endurance Automobile Race is the longest automobile endurance race in all of North America and truly puts the driver’s skills and patience to the test. Patrick Dempsey, American actor who is also known for his love and passion for racing also competed in the race. In the same race, Rodas also raced against another Mustang driver in the class, Roger Miller, who by sad coincidence unexpectedly died at the age of 44 last August 18 – Miller’s family owned the Utah Jazz and Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City.
Both men were public-spirited, they did not live ordinary lives, they lived every single day to the fullest of their abilities and used up every mile to the end of its capacity. Paul Walker especially left his Hollywood suit at home and in the race circuit, he was just Paul Walker, feeding the addiction and curbing the desire for speed and he did it while being in the safe surroundings of a race track. In the track where all these kindred spirits met, the object of their desires came to live and the apparatus didn’t only play a part to satisfy its owners, it also helped keep the charity program going. Their lives was one huge satellite tier that constantly transmitted and received energy so they could create a balance in life and in the surroundings.
Rodas was also instrumental in developing waste to energy power plants and wind farms in Central America; he was a visionary who always saw a potential in almost everything. He was a man with a huge appetite and passion for education, speed and living his life to the fullest. He applied the same relentless passion in coaching his family, the young ones, friends, clients, and those in need.
Prior to the deadly crash that occurred about 3:30 p.m. on Nov 30 at Hercules Street near Kelly Johnson Parkway in Valencia, Always Evolving, announced on its company’s website:
“Our next open house and car meet is November 30th from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have complimentary doughnuts and coffee. Please call ahead to confirm as we may need to cancel due to weather or track events. Please bring a new toy with you as this meet will be a charity toy drive! Thank you!”
Similarly, Reach Out Worldwide also made a similar announcement on their Facebook page;
Walker came alone to the charity event, which was held in support of typhoon Haiyan victims and a charity drive to collect toys for Christmas. It was almost towards the end of the event when cars were being backed up into the garage that the newly acquired 2005 Porsche Carrera GT started stalling. Rodas decided to take the car for a drive to check out the mechanical problem and Walker decided to jump in at the very last minute to help his friend troubleshoot the problem. A few friends at the event noted that it was something that both Rodas and Walker were used to doing.
Walker being the main host of the day left his event but signalled to friends that they would be back in 5 minutes. About 20 minutes later (citation needed), they heard a loud crash and immediately rushed to the scene. Rodas’ 8-year-old son was the first one to arrive at the crash site. He heard the sound and knew there has been an accident but he didn’t know it was his father till he arrived. Everyone tried hard to put out the fire but it was just too huge and spread rather quickly. One of Walker’s friend had to be restrained by the fire department personal since he didn’t want to budge from the fiery wreckage and even hit the authority in his attempt to escape and continue trying to rescue the casualties. An eye-witness who is also an employee of the AE Performance stated that he saw Walker trapped inside the car and that he was unconscious as there was absolutely no movement in the car or from him.
The two kindred spirits came together for their similar passion since both loved cars and had a huge heart in charity. Roger L. Rodas leaves a wife and two children while Paul William Walker leaves behind his 15 years daughter, Meadow Rain Walker. It is exceptionally sad that we have lost not one but two equally generous man whose contribution to the world can’t be replicated. Amidst of maintaining business, acting schedule, family, personal endeavours and more, both of them always found time for charity. Having said so, the world lost two men who lived life at such a high speed but still managed to obey the rules. The only irony is that they first met because of a Porsche and they died too in a Porsche.
RIP Roger Rodas (1975 – 2013) and Paul Walker (1973 – 2013)
About Always Evolving:
Always Evolving is a high end dealership and race preparation company that focuses on specialty car builds. Their clientele includes actors, athletes and other high profile individuals. The Always Evolving Pirelli World Change Team has partnered with the Asomugha Foundation and Reach Out Worldwide, which are two foundations that encourage their volunteers to harness their passions to help others. For more information about Always Evolving and it’s partners:
Founded in late 2010, Reach Out Worldwide is a rapid relief foundation that dispatches doctors, paramedics and heavy rescue professionals to disaster areas around the globe, providing rescue and recovery to those affected by natural disasters.
The Mission: Education is the springboard for innovation and growth. Educational opportunities for vulnerable populations, especially those in poverty, are limited. Our mission is to alleviate the consequences of poverty in vulnerable populations by creating the conditions and environment to support educational opportunities.
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