It’s usually scorching hot in Malaysia, but as the Malaysian Grand Prix’s practise session kickstarted today on the 28 March 2014, the weather was warm minus the blistering humidity that was the case a couple of weeks ago. But the tropical country’s warm weather is almost similar to the humid texture that the drivers are accustomed too. Mild or scalding, both are considered as punishing conditions for the Formula One drivers and perhaps Nico Rosberg sums it up the best by saying – It’s crazy. The Malaysian Grand Prix, which takes place at the Sepang International circuit has always been a challenge and a win here is always special. The Malaysian Grand Prix has also witnessed many iconic moments that were documented within her glorious pits. Many would remember the 1999 race between Schumacher and his Ferrari team mate, Eddie Irvin which was the penultimate race of the season that saw the 7-time-world-champion breaking the 20 years draught for Ferrari on the Malaysian soil and others might remember the strange weather behaviours that almost always gets in the way of confidence, which would once again lead to some really mind blowing and controversial memories.
However, the real concern has always been the heat that almost always gets the better side of the racers. Last year (2013) the circus was treated to torrential weather condition, which saw some real time actions that has been missing from F1 with the yearly changes. Although the heat seems to be ruling at the end of Friday’s practise, the evening rain just after the session might just pay its due over the weekend. With reduced downforce, it’s going to be a tough leg for the drivers since both man and machine would face some demanding challenges.
NICO ROSBERG (MERCEDES)
First Practise:1:41.028
Second Practise:1:39.909
Although Nico Rosberg clocked in the fastest time for the practise session at the Malaysian Grand Prix today, the man of the hour does not rule out pursuing challenges. The track and the weather is already proving to be extremely heavy on the tyres and even the Mercedes’ driver admits that the decline rate is higher than expected and it would be the main focus throughout the weekend. Even today itself, there has been some prominent slidings on the track.
KIMI RAIKKONEN (FERRARI)
First Practise: 1:40.843
Second Practise: 1:39.944
Second place Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen had a far better luck on the Malaysian track compared to Melbourne and is extremely positive about the turn out that placed him as the second fastest for today’s session. However the Ferrari team will not be taking things for granted as they will be focusing on the Pirelli tyres and the car set-up to enhance the performance and prepare for better results during qualifying. Ferrari’s interest is also highly focussed on the rate of deterioration in the demanding heat but their driver – Raikkonen however is feeling very pleased about Friday’s session and will be spending his time in trying to improve on all areas for tomorrow.
SEBASTIAN VETTEL (RED BULL)
First Practise:1:41.523 Second Practise:1:39.970
Red Bull’s wonder boy and reigning champion, Sebastian Vettel placed himself at third place but doesn’t seem to be moved or even bothered by it and was happy about today’s positioning as it turns out. To the world champion, today’s practise session was – A decent day, sorting some software issues and Friday timing is not that important. That is all he had in mind, till tomorrow, wishing Vettel all the best on the software and programming issues.
LEWIS HAMILTON
First Practise:1:40.691 Second Practise:1:40.051
Hamilton coming in at 4th is oozing positivity and feeling determined in finding the grip, acquitting with the balance and getting intimate with the tyres and pushing for the chemistry so it would be in his favour. By Sunday the smiling Brit would be capturing the energy and would be infusing it into the race. Pressure is certain for the McLaren bred 29 year old Mercedes driver since he’s looking forward to achieve great results for Petronas home race. Hamilton will be pure concentration until race day that’s for sure.
FERNANDO ALONSO First Practise:1:41.923 Second Practise:1:40.103
Alonso coming at 5th in todays practise would be keeping his head in the game for tomorrow’s qualifying round since it would be the time when the real challenges would be lurched out. Right about now, everyone is focusing on the tyres in the humid weather and how far it will keep holding on. Alonso is looking forward to a better placement for tomorrow and once that is done, the game will truly begin for the maestro.
As for today’s practise, the teams will be head on in keeping a track on the tyres, programme and studying the chemistry between nature and science. On the other hand, Lotus will need to step up the game tomorrow as there’ll be huge pressure for both of its drivers; Pastor Maldonando and Romain Grosjean, who failed to clock in time. They’ll be keeping an eye on more than just the tyres as the cars had some serious issues that needs to be solved if there’s any hope for the two Lotus’ sterling boys. Today, both cars faced mapping issues earlier on and Pastor was hastily sent out over a subsequent turbo related problems. Romain managed to complete a few laps before his gearbox gave away from an ensuing wiring problems. No sleep for Lotus as they prepare to make a full comeback for the qualifying round tomorrow since today was not only bad, it was the worst for the legendary team.
It’s too early for any speculations but tomorrow’s weather will hopefully be in the favours of the tyres or else, there’ll be a number of sliding cars in this unforgiving heat.
Closing the final chapter on the emotive 3-part ‘Metamorphic’ EP series, Tritonal ensure they end on a high with the almighty ‘Seraphic’. Feeding off the energy of the recently previewed and highly acclaimed ‘Anchor’ – Chad and Dave have once again delivered a sound that is truly incredible. With the release of ‘Metamorphic III’ confirmed for September 15th – fans can now head to iTunes to pre-order the EP.
With ‘Satellite’ (ft. Jonathan Mendelsohn), ‘Anchor’ and now ‘Seraphic’ all ready to be unleashed, it’s become increasingly apparent that this new wave of Tritonal sound is here to stay. Completely flipping the energy and atmosphere from the previous two EPs, ‘Seraphic’ sees the pair collaborate with young Pittsburgh native Mr. Fijiwiji, exhibiting a glitchy yet euphoric ambiance to really display the versatility and creativity that this Texas twosome can achieve. Soft, warm synths rim alongside the beautifully crafted piano riffs as they slowly but surely drop into faintly frenetic dubs and wobbles. Stepping out of their comfort zone, Tritonal are confident that this change of pace will continue to please their faithful Tritonians as it resonates with the forever classic ‘Still With Me ft. Christina Soto’.
Metamorphic III’ completes the trilogy that has tracked Tritonal’s musical transition over the past nineteen months. Fast earning a reputation for delivering some of the most energetic and passionate sets in dance music, Tritonal are continuing to revolutionize and unify the electronic dance scene. With just a handful more dates remaining on their current tour, there’s still time left to join the Tritonian movement and catch them at the dates below:
See Tritonal On Tour
Sep 05 – Nocturnal Wonderland – San Bernadino
Sep 12 – Marquee – Las Vegas, NV
Sep 26 – Knitting Factory – Boise, ID
Sep 27 – Park City Live – Park City, UT
In 2014, Formula 1 came back with the biggest sets of rules changes in the modern F1 history, coming down hard on both drivers and constructors by ending the 8 years streak of the naturally-aspirated fuel-thirsty V8 engines which were used since 2006 by replacing it with the 1.6-litres V6 Turbos. Three races down the 19 races course, we can all agree that the 2014 season will be the hardest yet with defending champion’s, Red Bull facing the biggest heat of the competition. Ripped off from considerable points after Red Bull’s new comer, Daniel Ricciardo’s podium win was disqualified following Red Bull’s 100kgs fuel breech, Formula1’s most dominant team has been further push down the scoreboard marking the year’s debut as the worst start in Red Bull’s history.
While Red Bull takes it up with Renault for the inferior engines, which has been much of Red Bull’s setbacks this season, many other teams are also facing similar challenges that are effectively disturbing their performances and those with Renault’s engines has more repercussion to bare. Ferrari despite this season’s killer line up has so far failed to kill. Their best results so far came from from the 2-time-world-champion, Alonso who managed to squeeze in the top 5 position on two occasions while returning driver Kimi Raikkonen is still fighting for relevance. Elsewhere, three teams that could have made the most out of these new rules, McLaren, Lotus and Willimas who had lived through the Turbo era failed to impressed meanwhile the teams who grace the bottom of the list would once again be defending the position they were in since last year.
The sunny side of this season is definitely in Mercedes’ favour as the Silver Arrow’s twin-turbo winning combination of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton are on a 1-2 winning streak and a pace that would be hard to beat. Force India are the favourites this season for their latest exploits has cemented a well deserved respect in the scene. Rising to the occasion with aplomb with commanding performances, the rising star’s would be the main contenders this season – fierce and hungry with a livery that so far matches the attitude. While the travelling circus prepares to bring the carnival to China for the next race that would be taking place in Shanghai, we take a look back on the ladies and their conventional archetype that boils the blood of the Formula 1’s boys as they strive to tame this magnificent beast of velocity. We start with Red Bull’s star product, Sebastian Vettel’s Suzie, who is driving the defending champion out of the tracks, locking up on him and straight line attitude that has been hard to conquer.
So here we go, meet the ladies who drives the Formula 1 drivers crazy!
After enjoying unparalleled club success and peaking at #4 on the Beatport charts in March, iconic DJ/producer Eric Prydz is has now released brand new single ‘Liberate’.
Now based in Los Angeles, Prydz closed out 2013 with his spectacular ‘Epic 2.0‘ tour, taking in dates across New York, Chicago and LA, as well as the news that his Essential Mix for BBC Radio 1 was voted ‘Essential Mix Of The Year’ by the station’s listeners.
Carrying that momentum firmly into 2014, Prydz’ latest single ‘Liberate’ exudes the lush, melody-rich production style he’s become renowned for and confirms his status as one of the world’s leading dance music acts. Premiered by Zane Lowe as his ‘Hottest Record In The World’ on BBC Radio 1 and already on the playlist radars of fellow tastemakers Pete Tong and Annie Mac, ‘Liberate’ is looking every bit one of 2014’s big, dance floor anthems.
Awash with delicate notes and full-bodied, glistening synths, Prydz works his unique brand of classic, dance floor groove to the max amidst a series of euphoric crescendos, all underpinned by a soaring, strung-out vocal. Also set for an exclusive official video in the coming weeks, it packs all the ammunition required to make a serious impression on the charts.
With a hotly-anticipated new album scheduled for release later in the year, as well as a landmark ‘EPIC 3.0’ live show at New York’s Madison Square Garden on September 27th and summer performances at both Creamfields and SW4, expect ‘Liberate’ to play a significant part in what’s shaping up to be another extraordinary year for Eric Prydz.
The movie world especially has been left utterly devastated and heartbroken with the passing of 40-year-old Paul Walker who died tragically in a deadly car crash in which he was the passenger in Valencia last November 2013. Walker was in the middle of filming the 7th edition of the Fast & Furious series and was back in LA for a short break before returning to Atlanta when the tragedy claimed his life.
Paul Walker started his career in the entertainment industry at the age of 2 posing for Pampers advertisement. His mother, Cheryl a former model started bringing him along for casting and soon he was scoring more jobs than her with the 1986 mystery/horror movie, Monster In The Closet being his first acting stunt. He then appeared in a handful of dramas and a few chic flicks before landing his first leading role in the 1998 comedy, Meet The Deedles where he played Phil Deedles, a surfer boy turned ranger.
Following Meet The Deedles, he appeared in supporting role for a few more movies including Pleasentville alongside Reese Witherspoon and Toby Maguire, high school star quarterback in the 1999 Varsity Blue followed by She’s All That alongside Freddie Prinze Jr and Racheal Leigh in the same year. He then assumed the role of Caleb Mandrake for the fraternal-type crime/thriller, Skulls. Skulls ended Walker’s streak of trumpery role as his performance in Skulls caught the eye of Fast and Furious’ big brass ultimately landing him the role of Brian O’Conner.
The movie, which debuted in 2001 officially launched Paul Walker as a prominent actor and polished him to the shiny spectrum of Hollywood A-listers. The Fast and Furious endurance has spun over 6 sequels and spin-offs with the current one still in the midst of filming until the untimely death of its lead character.
The cast and crew of Fast and Furious were filming in Atlanta for the upcoming sequel, which is the franchise’s 7th edition when they took a break from filming to continue in December 2013. Walker came back to LA but unfortunately was involved in a deadly crash in Valencia that took the life of both passengers onboard the ill-fated 2005 Porsche Carrera GT his co-owned auto-mobil shop has recently acquired. Following his shocking departure, the filming and production of Fast & Furious 7 has been left in a stilted state of limbo.
As the movie world is still reeling with the shocking news, questions remain to who would replace Waker in the upcoming film or will it be previewed at all. Some newly emerged rumours has stated that some names are being considered to replace Walker. Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake and James Franco has all been connected in a string of endless tattles as the possible replacement for the movie/character while the official statement has never revealed the possibilities of a replacement or how Brian O’Conner’s character in the movie will end.
However in the latest rumours, it has been stated that Paul Walker’s almost identical younger brother, Cody Walker, 25 might stand-in for the character until the creator’s figure out how they will end the longest running protagonist’s role in the show. Walker’s brother Cody has had some previous experience in movies as a stuntman and is familiar with the process.
Cody might not be Paul Walker but there is a huge part of our beloved Paul Walker in him and the sentiment is far more clearer in Cody than any of the suggested names that has been circulating the web. Some of the most prominent resemblance is of course the eyes which is a deep set of azure and the height that would match Walker’s incredibly well.
So far nothing has been confirmed but the possibilities are there as the creators has met Cody and suggested the whole idea to him. Having Walker’s brother to portray him would be the right thing to do, we guess. The creators of the film franchise has clearly stated that they will keep updating fans on the movie’s progress as they do not mean to withheld any information regarding the updates. However in this grief-stricken phase, everyone needs time to recover from the tragedy. It has been a great lost to the family since Walker has been a part of this amazing production for almost 14 years and the cast and crew are utterly devastated with his shocking departure.
One of the most ironic thing that circulated the web in light of Walker’s death was a clip from the upcoming production where the characters gathers at a cemetery for Han’s (Sung Kang) and Giselle (Gal Gadot) mass, the camera moves in on Walker and Gibson where the below dialogue is exchanged:
Roman: Promise me Brian, No more funerals Brian: Just One More…
We are all sure the dialogue exchange was in reference to Owen Shaw’s (Luke Evans) character, but somehow, somewhere by tragic twist of fate, the very words led the scene to became such a travesty.
Hot on the heels of their last hit ‘Get Down’ on Doorn, Russian trio Swanky Tunes are back with another big room electro anthem, ‘Fire In Our Hearts’, due for release via Revealed Recordings on 12th May. A result of their collaboration with musician & fellow producer C. Todd Nielsen, it represents a solid addition to the trio’s impressive discography.
Swanky Tunes trademark electro rhythms and high energy style give the track plenty of dance floor credentials and with a wonderfully infectious pop vocal tying the track together, ‘Fire In Your Hearts’ is sure to make a big impression on listeners.
Benefiting from over 15 years of experience in the industry, the trio have gained increasing support over the past few months, releasing one hit after another to establish themselves as one of the most noteworthy Russian acts of the moment.
They boast releases on leading dance music labels Axtone, Spinnin’, Refune, Size and Doorn as well as massive collaborations like ‘Make Some Noise’ with Tiesto [Musical Freedom] and ‘No One Knows Who We Are,’ from Kaskade’s acclaimed ‘Atmosphere’ album. Backed by some of the biggest names in the game and having performed at Ultra 2013 and WMC in Miami this year, Swanky Tunes can look forward to playing at coveted festival Tomorrowworld in September and Russia’s legendary Fruit Vibrations this July.
Ahead of the release of his hugely anticipated forthcoming new album ‘Forget The World’, electro house maverick Afrojack has put together an exclusive trailer for fans to get stuck into. Kicking off with latest single ‘Ten Feet Tall’, a track still riding high in international club charts, the trailer goes on to preview all 12 album tracks, unveiling unique collaborations with the likes of Whiz Khalifa, iconic hip-hop star Snoop Dogg and legendary Police frontman Sting. Shot in black & white, all set against a mixed backdrop of extraordinary live gig footage and stunning panoramic cityscapes, it serves as an exciting taster of what fans can expect when ‘Forget The World’ hits the stores on May 19th.
Bud Light’s new ‘Cool Twist’ aluminum bottle took centre stage on Super Bowl Sunday with the debut of its self-titled TV advert, ‘Cool Twist’. While the ad marked the first time viewers saw the Cool Twist bottle, it also served as the world premiere of ‘Ten Feet Tall’, the forthcoming new single featuring Wrabel, from Grammy Award®-winning producer Afrojack.
During and after the airing of ‘Cool Twist’, up to 500,000 fans who use Shazam were able to access a download of ‘Ten Feet Tall’ courtesy of Bud Light ahead of its US release today, Monday 3rd February. An exclusive lyric video has also gone live on Vevo today to accompany the single.
“Afrojack has an uncanny ability to re-imagine the status quo, and that skill made him the ideal partner to help debut our new Bud Light Cool Twist reclosable bottle,” said Rob McCarthy, vice president at Bud Light. “Viewers who see – and hear – our spot will immediately know the Cool Twist bottle represents something new and unique for the industry.”
“The Super Bowl is one the biggest events of the year and its awesome my new single will be premiered here alongside Bud Light, I’m super pumped!” said Afrojack, who is set release his inaugural album in May via Island Records/PM:AM Recordings.
“Afrojack has proven time and time again that there is no limit to his musical reach,” said David Massey, president of Island Records. “There is no greater platform than the Super Bowl and we are excited to partner with Bud Light to launch Afrojack’s ground-breaking single ‘Ten Feet Tall,’ featuring Islands’ newest signing, Wrabel.”
About Bud Light
Introduced in 1982, Bud Light is a premium light lager with a superior drinkability that has made it the best-selling and most popular beer in the United States. Bud Light is brewed using a blend of premium aroma hop varieties, both American-grown and imported, and a combination of barley malts and rice. The light-bodied beer features a fresh, clean and subtle hop aroma, delicate malt sweetness and a crisp finish that delivers the ultimate refreshment.
About Afrojack
Grammy Award® winning DJ and producer, Afrojack, is one of most notable and iconic names in electronic dance music (EDM) today. At only 26 years old, he has made a large imprint on the music industry and is a key player in the worldwide explosion and popularity of EDM. In 2013, Forbes magazine crowned him as number 7 on the ‘World’s Highest Paid DJs’ list and this year, The Hollywood Reporter called him ‘a global icon’ set ‘to conquer the world.’ With a 3-year residency at The Wynn under his belt, 2014 will see Afrojack start a new chapter at Las Vegas hot spot and premier club, Hakkasan. This year will also see Afrojack return to Miami as headliner at Ultra Music Festival and give dedicated fans a first taste of his highly anticipated debut album set for release on Island Records this coming May.
Hard, Cloud 9 Adventures and The Bowery are proud to unveil the lineups for both Holy Ships! 2015 voyages, setting sail in January and February respectively on the beautiful MSC Divina. The bills and destinations are totally unique for each sailing, giving cruisers a once-in-a-lifetime getaway no matter which nautical adventure they have chosen.
Setting sail January 3-6, 2015, Holy Ship! boasts headliners Knife Party and Pretty Lights, Flume, Boys Noize, A-Trak, RL Grime and more. Meanwhile, the second voyage, embarking February 18-21 will include Skrillex, Fatboy Slim, Bauuer, DJ Snake, Basement Jaxx (DJ set), Ty Dolla $ign, DJ Mustard and many others.
The first cruise stops at a private island in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, which includes the infamous pirate ship that attendees fondly remember from the cruise’s inaugural run in 2012. In addition, cruisers will enjoy a Day At Sea; a first for HOLY SHIP!, with pool parties and artist performances all day long as the ship heads back to Miami. The February jaunt will also give cruisers a chance to explore the island paradise of Nassau, Bahamas in addition to another legendary private island party in beautiful Coco Cay, Bahamas.
HOLY SHIP!’s expansion to two sailings opens this experience up to even more fans. As the proven industry leader, HOLY SHIP! is where music fans go to see the world’s top DJs perform in an intimate setting among multiple venues on board the ship into the late hours over three consecutive days and nights. Beyond the music, the MSC Divina is a stunning luxury liner and home to HOLY SHIP!’s loving fan community, appropriately dubbed #SHIPFAM. Along with the stellar line-up of DJs and artists the event is known for, the voyage will also be marked by signature onboard activities, theme nights, and workshops with intimate artist involvement. You never know just who might show up.
Given the palpable excitement around the forthcoming trips, cabins on these sailings are in hot pursuit. Repeat cruisers received the opportunity to pre-book cabins, and new cruisers participated in a lottery, instantly filling the cabins for both treks. If you were not lucky enough to be a token holder, sign up on the wait list as cabins may become available in the coming weeks.
HOLY SHIP! heats up the high seas in 2015 with its biggest and best lineups yet.
Full Lineups:
JANUARY 3-6
KNIFE PARTY PRETTY LIGHTS FLUME BOYS NOIZE A-TRAK RL GRIME MAYA JANE COLES LAIDBACK LUKE DUKE DUMONT ARMAND VAN HELDEN RUDIMENTAL (DJ SET) WHAT SO NOT CLOCKWORK BUSY P GRIZ ANNIE MAC JUSTIN MARTIN DESTRUCTO ALEX METRIC DUSKY ODESZA OLIVER RUSTIE HENRY FONG GORGON CITY CYRIL HAHN SALVA JIMMY EDGAR CONGOROCK CRAZE FRIEND WITHIN BRANCHEZ SPANK ROCK DJ SLIINK SHIBA SAN SHARAM JEY SNAKEHIPS DJ FALCON KIDNAP KID HANNAH WANTS MOTEZ TEKI LATEX GINA TURNER\ WAX MOTIF APE DRUMS DOORLY MOTEZ DJEDJOTRONIC VANILLA ACE CORY ENEMY YOGI + MORE TBA
FEBRUARY 18‐21 SKRILLEX
FATBOY SLIM
BAAUER
DJ SNAKE
TOMMY TRASH
BASEMENT JAXX (DJ SET)
CLAUDE VONSTROKE
TY DOLLA $IGN
DJ MUSTARD
JACK BEATS
BUSY P
GREEN VELVET
SUB FOCUS
MAT ZO
BREAKBOT
BRODINSKI
DESTRUCTO
JUSTIN MARTIN
ALEX METRIC
GALANTIS
CAJMERE
TCHAMI
ARAABMUZIK
MARTIN BUTTRICH
LEE FOSS FEAT. ANABEL ENGLUND
SOUL CLAP
MERCER HUXLEY
THE M MACHINE
J. PHLIP
AC SLATER
KILL FRENZY
JUSTIN JAY
MILO & OTIS
VALENTINO KHAN
LOUISAHHH!!!
CURSES
BOSTON BUN
WAX MOTIF
KASTLE
ANNA LUNOE
CLUB CHEVAL
SHIFT K3Y
PANTEROS
666
SO ME
AMTRAC
DJ PONE
SWEATER BEATS
TOMMY KRUISE
POSSO
CUT SNAKE
+ MORE TBA
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.
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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