If you love cars, then racing is the elixir of life. Having graduated from competition on foot and horseback, unless betting is involved, man has progressed to the arena of wheeled combat. Rest assured, cars weren't made to get groceries; they were created to beat other racers to the grocery store.
Among all the varying types, road racing is one of the few forms of automotive competition that combines passing, turning, stopping and head-to-head acceleration in one action packed event. Pedal to the floor, door-banging racing is the only definitive way to face off drivers and cars in demanding measurements of skill. It's through these games that we build our loyalties for our Nissans, Toyotas and Hondas. But, no matter which attribute of your ride you identify with most, road racing is sure boil your blood.
It was with great anticipation that we awaited Honda's 2006 Civic Si. More than a handful of years have passed since Honda has produced a two-door Civic Si that proved to be exhilarating to drive. Plus, the '06 marks the first release of a U.S. Si model with a limited-slip differential; that in itself speaks volumes about Honda's intentions with the car. Not that a 197-hp K-series engine, six-speed transmission, grippy seats, and 17-inch wheels don't say anything on their own.
Following a chance encounter at Buttonwillow Raceway with Glenn Oyoung, owner of automotive clothing manufacturer turn3 Creative, we took notice of the planned Motegi Racing/turn3 Creative/Crossfire Audio 2006 Civic Si build. Oyoung laid out the recipe for the project, which would be a fully built Civic Si racecar towed by a matching Honda Ridgeline.
Beginning with the tow vehicle, Oyoung knew that the Ridgeline would have to be able to turn heads and provide a comfortable, convenient place to hang out in the hot pits. Fitted with plenty of stereo equipment, courtesy of Crossfire Audio, the Ridgeline also features Brembo brakes, Honda Factory Performance upgrades, TIS wheels and a truly stealth Forza Motorsports XBOX-equipped stereo enclosure custom built into the cargo bed storage trunk. Capable of blasting heavily explicit rap tunes as it passes through the racetrack entrance gate, the Motegi Racing Ridgeline is always instantly recognized in the hot pits as the tow vehicle/base camp of choice.