Gymkhana and You

Gymkhana is a type of motor sport practiced in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom and South Africa. Similar to autocross, Gymkhana courses are often very complex and memorizing the course is a significant part of achieving a fast time. The governing body of Gymkhana in Japan is the Japan Auto Federation, a Japanese division of the FIA.

Gymkhana events are time/speed events (for our purposes here) in an automobile. There can be obstacles such as cones, tires, and barrels. The driver is expected to maneuver through the predetermined “track” performing many different driving techniques. What separates gymkhana from your traditional autocross event is that in gymkhana drivers are required to perform reversals, 180 degree spins, 360 degree spins, parking boxes, figure 8s and other advanced skills. Also drifting is encouraged where helpful/necessary. Really though, you can consider any event a Gymkhana which has a starting point, a finish line and some sort of “obstacle” to get through, around, or by, and is timed.

So to sum this up: it is where guys drive really fast cars, really fast, and do amazing stuff with them.

You may be asking your self, “What does this have to do with the Lat34 community?”

My answer is Ken Block.

Ken Block is the founder of DC Shoes and one of the top drivers in the Rally America series, he also has put out one of the single greatest driving videos I have ever seen.

To learn more about Gymkhana go to: www.gymkhanausa.com