GRID-LIFE x Chairslayer Foundation Partner for 2017

Chicago, IL – March 7, 2017 – #GRIDLIFE is proud to announce the Chairslayer Foundation as an official nonprofit partner for the 2017 #GRIDLIFE Season.

“Over the past few years Rob has become a great friend to everyone here at #GRIDLIFE, said Chris Stewart, Director of #GRIDLIFE. He is such an incredible soul and we are really excited to  work together this year to amplify his story through the chairslayer foundation.

Photo: Larry Chen

Photo: Larry Chen

Rob founded the Chairslayer foundation after a Motocross accident left him paralyzed. Prior to his accident Rob was a competitive BMX rider and a grassroots drifter, refusing to resign to a life of disability Rob with his skills as a metal fabricator built his custom 180sx with hand controls and got back in the driver's seat. Since he has become one of the most prolific grassroots drivers in the sport bringing his car and his story around the world inspiring others.

Photo: Luke Munnell

Photo: Luke Munnell

The Chairslayer foundations “Back in the Driver’s Seat” events get people with disabilities behind the wheel again, the Chairslayer Foundation’s capacity is multifaceted. From outreach visits with the recently injured to motivational speaking opportunities at schools, hospitals, and other organizations, the Chairslayer Foundation continues to broaden its reach and touch lives. We are ever-evolving, working alongside individuals and other foundations in an effort to provide purpose and hope for as many as we can reach, all while giving people an experience they’ll never forget.

Rob will be coming out to both #GRIDLIFE festivals this year with his 180sx for on track demos, ride alongs and fan interaction all weekend. At our Atlanta event Aug 25-27 The Chairslayer foundation will be doing a driving clinic for a new “Chairslayers” giving them the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a drift car and back in the driver's seat.

The #GRIDLIFE TrackBattle season kicks off with Round 1: April 8-9 at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH; Round 2: June 9-11 at Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, MI; Round 3: July 1-2 at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL;  Round 4: August 25-27 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA and returning to Gingerman Raceway Oct 7-8. Registration is now open for the first four rounds. Find out more about all the #GRIDLIFE TrackBattle events and festivals at www.grid.life.

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// VLOG 007

The final video from our U.K. trip and we get the car running and driving. Due to track scheduling we were not able to get on track but I will be back in march to teach Ben a few tricks.

// VLOG 006

Motor install and testing of the shifting system.

// VLOG 005

Tinder dates in the U.K. can go one of 2 ways.....

// VLOG 004

We take a look around Ben's nissan graveyard where he has a 180sx, an R32 GTR, a S15 Varietta, and a G35. It reminds me of my house back in canada lol. One step closer to having the car ready to drive.

// VLOG 003

Vlog #3 and I reveal the secrets to my hand controls....Take a look at what makes these controls tick and see the progress that has been made on Ben's car.

// VLOG 002

Day 2 of installing Ben's hand control system and we've learnt that we're actually in the presence of a real man of mystery. Watch the video to hear about James, the guy who cant tell us exactly what he does for work.

// VLOG 001

We have jumped over the pond to the U.K. to install Bens hand controls. Watch the below video to see our first day in this amazing country.

SEMA 2016

        SEMA is one of those events that usually knocks a few years off your life every time you attend. The shear amount of things to see at the event makes it a logistical nightmare if you don't plan out your stops. Of the 5 years I've been attending SEMA I have yet to actually see it all But one things for sure, you will be beat down and tired by the end of it. However after all the rolling around and talking for hours on end I can say its one of my favourite times of the year because everyone is in the same city at the same time. The show is fueled by passion for cars and a need to create cool new projects a products for the upcoming season. Since I spent a lot of time meeting with the companies that make this industry shine I wasn't able to capture many pictures so I'm only going to share the 4 pictures I managed to grab. 

       The Chairslayer Foundation is looking forward to 2017 and looking forward to the new opportunities that have presented themselves. A huge thanks to SEMA for always hosting a great event and to all the builders and companies that keep the aftermarket industry growing, we couldn't do it without you.