From WALL STREET to Drifting… the story of Nate Chen (Formula Drift)
Nate Chen currently a PROSPEC Driver in Formula Drift, gives us a look inside his journey in competitive motorsports. Now 29 years old and in his 4th year of competing in FD, this season, his NCR STEK Toyota 86 on KONIG Neoform’s did battle in the PROSPEC class.
Nate is a real example of how HARD WORK and DEDICATION can help you achieve your dreams. Finding that balance between what you NEED to get done, allowing for more of what you WANT to do. Wanna get into motorsports like Nate? Here’s how he did it….
From Go-Karts to Formula Drift Champion: Robert Thorne’s Unstoppable Journey
From Go-Karts to Formula Drift Champion: Robert Thorne’s Unstoppable Journey
An Unforgettable Beginning
At just eight years old, Robert Thorne ignited his passion for motorsports. His godfather’s purchase of the Okra Valley Raceway Park became the catalyst for a journey that would redefine racing excellence. Young Robert embraced go-karting, laying the foundation for a future that few could imagine.
Rising Through the Ranks
By 14, Robert’s ambition soared. Determined to transition into formula cars, he convinced his father to enter him into a global contest for a Formula BMW sponsorship. Competing against 100 of the world’s best young drivers in Spain, Robert emerged victorious. This triumph catapulted him into the world of professional racing back in the United States.
A Versatile Racing Maestro
Over the next 15 years, Robert became a force in various motorsports arenas. From touring cars to endurance races, his versatility knew no bounds. At 17, he competed in the grueling Daytona 24 Hours. Racing for illustrious brands like Audi, McLaren, and Volvo, his name became synonymous with speed, skill, and sheer determination.
Embracing the Drift
When the world paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert found a new challenge—drifting. In Edmond, Oklahoma, where drifting thrived despite global setbacks, he met Josh Love. With Josh’s mentorship, Robert delved into this electrifying sport. Together, they built a formidable car that would soon make waves in the drifting community.
Rookie Triumphs
Robert’s entry into Formula Drift was nothing short of spectacular. In his rookie year, he clinched the Pro-Am Championship. Not stopping there, he dominated the Pro Spec series, becoming the 2022 Pro Spec Champion. His meteoric rise turned heads and set a new standard for newcomers in the sport.
Engineering Excellence with “Pablo”
The quest for perfection led to the creation of his new car, affectionately named “Pablo.” This machine isn’t just a car; it’s a masterpiece of engineering. “It’s so badass—it’ll do anything you want at any time,” Robert boasts. With unmatched reliability and performance, Pablo embodies Robert’s relentless pursuit of greatness.
Words of Wisdom
For those aspiring to enter the world of motorsports, Robert offers invaluable advice: “Don’t move up too fast. Thrive where you’re comfortable before stepping up.” Having learned from his own experiences, he emphasizes the importance of patience and mastery at each level.
Join the Journey
Witness the next chapters of Robert Thorne’s incredible story. Follow him on social media at @Robert_Thorne8 and be part of a community that celebrates passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Experience the thrill. Embrace the journey. Robert Thorne is just getting started.
Carnatomy Spotlight: Travis Reeder’s E36 BMW “Banana”
If you’re a motorsport enthusiast, you’re in for a treat with the latest episode of Carnatomy. Travis Reeder, known for his precision drifting and crowd-pleasing style, takes us through a detailed breakdown of his striking E36 BMW, lovingly nicknamed “Banana.” This car is not just about looks but is packed with a blend of raw power, thoughtful modifications, and the personal touches that make it truly unique.
The Backstory: Keeping It Simple with the LS Swap
Reeder’s approach to his BMW is refreshingly straightforward—he’s all about balancing performance with simplicity. The car, originally an M3, has undergone a significant transformation, including the removal of the original S50 engine. In its place, Reeder opted for a basic but highly effective 5.3-liter LS engine. The engine setup produces around 360 horsepower at the wheels and 384 lb-ft of torque, enough to make the car both competitive and reliable in the drift scene.
According to Reeder, keeping things “as serviceable and factory as possible” was a priority. With a stock radiator and rotating assembly, along with custom-built headers and mounts, the LS swap brings a balance of power and ease of maintenance. His decision to stick to these basic components ensures that the car remains efficient and easy to work on—perfect for anyone trying to keep their drift car on the track and out of the shop.
A Fusion of Function and Aesthetics
While power is key, the E36 BMW Banana isn’t just about performance. Its aesthetic elements are a big part of its charm. Reeder proudly highlights his use of unique aftermarket wheels, including Konig Hypergrams and the new Konig MRK1 with AROCOVER, giving the car a distinct look while maintaining functionality. These wheels are lightweight, contributing to the car’s overall handling and performance while showcasing the unmistakable Konig style.
Another standout feature is the car’s vibrant Dakar Yellow paint job, a nod to its original M3 heritage. Travis stays true to the roots of the car while adding his flair, making “Banana” not just a beast on the track but also a visual head-turner.
Precision Drifting with Custom Handling
Handling is everything in drifting, and Reeder’s BMW is dialed in for maximum control. With SLG angle kits, coilovers, and a lightweight build (weighing in at around 2,600 pounds), this car is designed to perform under extreme conditions. Reeder’s attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of the car’s setup, from its fiberglass dash to its precision handbrake system. The lightweight build also helps reduce tire wear, keeping the car efficient and performance-ready during long sessions.
Reeder also experiments with a larger 380mm aluminum steering wheel, which slows down steering inputs and helps reduce the twitchiness that’s common in drift cars. This small but significant change improves control, allowing him to feel every nuance of the car’s movement, making adjustments on the fly during each drift.
The Bigger Picture: Travis Reeder’s Motorsport Journey
Reeder’s love for motorsports began in high school, and over the years, his passion has only grown stronger. His dedication has paid off, enabling him to build impressive drift cars like the Banana and travel the country to compete. In his own words, motorsports are about enjoying the process, driving with friends, and staying within your means. He encourages aspiring drivers to focus on seat time, not on building the perfect car from the get-go.
As Carnatomy wraps up this feature, it’s clear that Travis Reeder’s E36 BMW Banana is much more than a drift car—it’s a reflection of his journey in motorsports, combining practicality, performance, and style. If you’re attending an event like Gridlife or Laguna Seca, keep an eye out for Banana, and be sure to catch more of Reeder’s content as he continues to push boundaries on and off the track.
Stay tuned for more episodes of Carnatomy and follow along as we dive deeper into the builds that make the drift scene as exciting as it is today!
To learn more about Travis Reeder’s race program, Click HERE!
Experience the Track Side Toolbox Tour with Formula Drift Driver Taylor Hull
Get ready to step behind the scenes with Taylor Hull, the powerhouse driver of the Comp Cams Corvette, proudly rolling on Konig Wheels. Taylor takes you on an exclusive tour under the canopy, where precision meets performance. This is more than just a pit stop—it’s a masterclass in what it takes to stay ahead in the high-stakes world of Formula Drift.
Elevate Your Game: The Ultimate Pit Setup
Taylor invites you into a moment of transformation. The team is in the midst of upgrading their trailer setup, spares, and storage, pushing the boundaries of efficiency and performance. With every component laid out, it’s clear: this isn’t just about racing—it’s about mastering the art of preparation. From wires and valves to control arms and coilovers, each spare part is meticulously organized, ensuring that everything is within arm’s reach when it counts.
The Power of Spares: Ready for Anything
In the world of Formula Drift, unpredictability is the only certainty. Taylor’s team embodies this truth with a strategy built on redundancy and resilience. A spare transmission is being swapped back in after a successful rebuild, exemplifying the team’s commitment to keeping their machine in peak condition. It’s not just about having spares; it’s about having the right spares—like the quick-change rear differential and a stockpile of Konig Wheels and tires, ready to take on the rigors of the track.
Precision Tools for Precision Racing
The heart of the operation lies in the meticulously organized pit box. Every tool has its place, from screwdrivers and wrenches to sockets and catch-all drawers. In the heat of competition, there’s no time to waste, and this mobile workshop ensures that Taylor’s team is always prepared. Whether it’s a routine adjustment or a race-saving repair, the tools are ready, and the team knows exactly where to find them.
Fueled by Power: The Heart of the Beast
Taking a closer look at the car itself, Taylor reveals the power that propels his Corvette—an 1100-horsepower monster equipped with a Magnuson TVS2650 LS3/LSA supercharger. This isn’t just an engine; it’s a testament to engineering excellence, with every part upgraded for strength and durability. From titanium valves to a completely aftermarket build, this car is designed to dominate the track. And of course, it rolls on Konig Wheels, ensuring that all that power translates to precision and performance on the tarmac.
Konig Wheels: The Foundation of Performance
Taylor’s Corvette features a unique wheel setup, tailored for optimal performance. With a Heliogram 18×8.5 setup in the front and 18×10.5 in the back, these wheels are more than just functional—they’re a key part of the team’s strategy. The decision to convert the rear to a 5×114.3 bolt pattern speaks to the importance of versatility and consistency. With this setup, the team can quickly adapt to any situation, ensuring they’re always ready to race.
The Road Ahead: Bigger, Better, Faster
As Taylor wraps up the tour, he teases the next evolution in their setup. With a new trailer on the horizon, the team is gearing up for even greater efficiency and organization. It’s a continuous journey of improvement, a relentless pursuit of perfection that mirrors the spirit of Formula Drift itself.
Stay tuned for more insights and behind-the-scenes access as Taylor Hull and his team continue to push the limits of what’s possible on the track. Follow Taylor on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to keep up with their journey and witness firsthand the power and performance of Konig Wheels in action.
If you’re needing support to find the right setup to fit your car, we’re here to help. Feel free to contact our fit specialist or locate your nearest Konig dealer for support. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
On this podcast Rich and Daut are joined by Formula Drift pro driver Mike Power. Mike is a Long Island NY native. If you didn’t know we are based out of Long Island NY. This is Mike’s first year riding for Konig and we are thrilled to have him on the team. In this podcast Mike talks about his road to Formula Drift and how he was able to take his program to a professional level. Mike has also been able to experience first hand the car scenes on the east and west coast. Which one do you think he likes better? The answer might surprise you! Watch or listen to the whole episode now!
Thank you for Tuning in and please, if you like the podcast and what we’ve been doing here, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and we always put the full video interviews on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels)
(we’d love if you subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!
On this podcast Scott and Rich are joined by former Formula Drift driver Travis Reeder. Travis has spent the last 5 years with Formula Drift and is one of the best drivers in the game. He is a former Pro 1 driver, PROSPEC/Pro 2 Champion and has 1st place finishes under his belt. This week Travis broke the news that he will not competing in Formula Drift for the 2024 season. As every drivers worst fear, this is the reality of motorsports on a professional level.In this podcast the guys talk about some foreseen struggles that come with running a professional program and some reflection on what went well and what needs work. Travis has a champion mindset where he wants to be the best and compete with the best. He talks about how today the sport is changing and some sponsors don’t care so much about winning as they do about analytics, media and return on investment. We thank Travis for being apart of the Konig team for so long and even though he is not running for the 2024 season he still has our support and we look forward to him rejoining FD in 2025.
Thank you for Tuning in and please, if you like the podcast and what we’ve been doing here, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and we always put the full video interviews on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels)
(we’d love if you subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!
