Element Tuning Time Attack STi 148 MPH Crash. Failed Spoiler

[FordV8Supercar]

0:53 Yep, that steering wheel will need repairs :(

[kdark54]

Just looking at this makes me claustrophobic

[synolimit]

im sure it was said but to much to read. any idea what broke? i know it might be hard to tell after the crash. also was the wing mounted to the truck or rear quarters? i know my trunk is spongy as hell from the rubber seal so a wing must make it bounce a lot more if mounted on it.

[synolimit]

@synolimit sorry, trunk*

[jhaze918]

holy shit man, glad your ok!!! im sure your heart SUNK when the steering wheel went loose

[Skv0ra]

Daaaamn. Glad you're ok!

[doublemcnasty]

Lol,I'm gonna put a roof diverter on my 04 STi now!

[djosbun]

I can't believe the force of that crash broke the steering wheel. I hope it didn't break by hitting your arm!

[elementtuning]

No when I pulled my arms and legs in, I'm 6"2 so my legs were pulled up against the steering wheel. The inside of my knee was pretty bruised up from impacting against the wheel and I guess it's better the steering wheel broke and not my leg.

[Heedlessone]

That crash went the best possible way it could have gone.

[PSI240SX]

wow, glad you are okay. I'm assuming you didn't notice the wing breaking?

[mellowdalyricist]

you notice how the driver crosses his arms when he is crashing... that is the proper way to crash ! but then the impact shocks him...

[chrismighton]

Wow, so there really is a reason for the gigantic spoilers on the back. It's not just a ricer thing :)

Glad you were ok.

[elementtuning]

Correct in 04-05 the wing was more about reducing lift and in 06 the diverter helped to direct air and split the wing element improving DF. Dig online and you will find the wind tunnel data.

[drewpat6282]

Obviously you know your Subarus. So the 04 wing doesn't do much by way of downforce? And the 06 does because of the roof diverter? Then could you achieve the same or near same df on an 04 with the 06 diverter installed?

[stevo1fresh]

you are a REALLY lucky guy you didnt die, crash looked bad but glad your ok!

[Subydude1991]

So you should email that steering wheel company because you could of had a nice hunk of aluminum in your head and it wouldn't of been put there by a surgeon.

[IamTheStev]

Saw you guys running a few weeks ago at VIR, sick car. What lap times does it put down these days?

[Miata822]

great vid. thanks for sharing. glad you're ok. that could have gone all kinds of worse...

[SICKJ0KER]

Aren't steering wheels meant to flex? Would you rather have a steel one that breaks your arms?

[lemansz]

first problem I see is that pees of garbage steering wheel. I spotted it in the first 5 seconds of the video. It fell apart on impact.

[bmw328isjay]

what a shit steering wheel

[McFly2015AD]

@bmw328isjay He did the right thing and let go of the wheel before impact or else the wheel will break your wrists. His knee hit the wheel and bent it. It's better to have the wheel break than have the wheel break your knee.

[Sp33dyD3m0n]

Sad day for that STI but all said and done, you handled it pretty well. Body work can be done, new motors can be built, but new bones cant be made. Glad to see you walking out of there.

[elementtuning]

You are both correct. Some are purely cosmetic and the factory STi wing reduces lift more than it creates downforce. The APR wing I had on there was aftermarket and produced a substantial amount of downforce.

[elementtuning]

Right the 04-05 STi factory wing reduced lift more than anything but on the 06 they added the roof diverter and that gave it around 140 lbs of DF but aftermarket wings can be 300 lbs to over 600 lbs at 140 mph like the Fulcrum Aero I now run.

[SCHIZOPHRENlC]

Actually, I show my friends this video all the time... whenever someone mentions that spoilers are purely cosmetic... I tell them to think again and reference this video. It really depends on which car and the circumstances of the spoiler.

[elementtuning]

Yes basically but you always have to lift there since you can't go near 150 mph in a Subaru through there. It wasn't so much that however, it was curbing the entry, lack of rear DF, and very high front DF upsetting the car's balance (had about 400 lbs rear DF which was lost with the wing and about 400 lbs front DF). I've lifted and curbed the entry into the uphill esses a thousand times before.

[SYLVIAtunerrb25dett]

Nice to see you Walked away unharmed. But let me guess , I havent read all post but , Rear wing broke off? Therefore not creating enough down force and causing car to lose traction rear grip ,Thus car became unstable when you lifted off the throttle ?

[abo3thman]

can u tell me the reason of that power slide ??

[diablo93ib]

without the spoiler the subaru sucks at handiling. These cars are ment only for the dirt

[carboneclipse3g]

well thats a cheap ass steering wheel

[elementtuning]

The Fulcrum Aeroworks wing we now run is top notch. It was custom made for us to be stronger to withstand 180+ MPH and ober 1000 lbs of DF.

[elementtuning]

Yeah I always check to make sure my wing is still on now entering that turn ;)

Yes Autopower was strong enough to do the trick.

[mbdulka]

Phil, bet the next time the wing comes off, you slow down :-)

That was an autopower 6-point bolt-in cage, right?

[sweetlikeADAM]

:(

[brianha42]

Hans has your back!

[scottmog]

Guess it wasnt a Momo LOL

[oobligosh94]

love how he just turns the engine off calmly

[GT4604]

This video made me sad. The instant it went sideways my mind raced with what I would be thinking and feeling real time.

I've been 155 in my STi... I'm gonna make sure those wing bolts are nice and tight.

[tnhomeboy]

Good safety equipment FTW! Cage and harness did the job. Glad you walked away.

[icecoldbrew92]

damn that was intense as fuck, at least ur ok tho

[HighCardWins]

Even fast street cars should have a cage. It could save your ass.

[sodikartracer]

also good thinng you tightened your belts right befor the crash

[elementtuning]

My old belts loosened up some during the first lap of the race but my new Sparco belts stay tight from the start now.

[frostyisag10]

@elementtuning wut went through your head as you knew u were screwed?! just wondering

[sodikartracer]

wtf? WHY did the steering wheel fail? thats unexeptable...

[elementtuning]

I guess it's better that failed than my leg breaking. I know some steering wheels are designed to fail before your wrists break but I'm just not sure in Sparco's case.

[elementtuning]

2 time Subiefest Pro Class champion, 2 time NASA Mid Atlantic TTU champion, 3 time Redline Time Attack winner, Summit Point lap record holder ......I could go on but I'm not sure you can read.

[carguytwinturboSTi]

learn how to drive tuff guy u sux at dat coner shit blam it on ur wing ok fag it go get a new sti bra

[quinten1231]

@carguytwinturboSTi We can all clearly see that ur the one who doesnt know shit about driving whatsoever... a simple video like this one already shows that he's a fucking good driver: 1- his racing lines were perfect, 2-calm driving (gearshifts, steering) 3-the moment he lost control he did all that was possible to save the car in this situation, there were no other options at that speed, AND 4-he let go of the steering wheel at the exact right moment keeping his arms close to body.

[SezFromMalygos]

wow downforce loss sucks there! but really cool to see proper equipment like hans and all that :)

nice footage though

[poserskaterboy]

you are really lucky that exposed metal on the steering wheel didn't catch your leg while it was whipping around

[abhir87]

horrific crash.

in my opinion you shouldn't have lifted off/

[muscle2tuner]

holy shit man. good you were prepared for a crash like this with the safety equipment , that hurt to watch. fast sti

[CompressorSurge]

Ouch! Glad to see you're ok. I loved that car.

[elementtuning]

Thanks for all the comments. I researched many options for a new wing and settled on a Fulcrum Aeroworks wing. It's really top notch and they did some custom work to reinforce the wing for us which should also make their production wings. Beefed up carbon work, double sheer mounts, taller airfoil shaped uprights, which all mount to a steel frame in the trunk.

[Chenstrapftw]

it broe the steerig wheel. 0_0 thats a hard hi. glad ur ok

[maximusprr]

Steering wheel fail not good.

I have a really bad accident doing about 105 steering wheel did bent but did not broke like yours.BTW i was a weekend club racer not anymore.

[slipNslidae86]

i dont wanna spend a grand for a hans but seeing that i know i should and make sure my seat is as good as i hope cause i bought it with the car

[samthepspuser]

haha :D 0:47 looks like you are trying to repair your car by pressing the handelbar to its normal shape!

but im glad nothing bad happend to you. its better to see a "i wrecked my XXX" than to see "R.I.P XXX"

[briansjacobs]

glad to see you were wearing a hans.

[highrisejustin]

dont you hate it when that happens?

[SCHIZOPHRENlC]

THAT WAS FUN!!!

[taylork057]

that was a hit!

I couldnt believe he got up and climbed out.

[shimmytsgk]

I am really glad you are ok... that looked crazy!

[J90lude]

I guess when that wing broke off it really made a difference. I do see the understeer tho...

[papasmurf2k3]

Amazing video, amazing camera. Glad you are ok man.

[zmanoside]

wow that sucks!!! I went 150 mph in my non-race car 05 STi (stage 2) on the streets the other day (back country road NO ONE around) and took video on my phone at the same time with the windows down the other day....I KNOW...not the brightest thing to do...anyways, I showed a professor of mine the video....and he sent me this link lol.

[tommyhopdrummerboy]

@zmanoside haha ur proffesor just called you a dumbass. lol

[muscle2tuner]

@tommyhopdrummerboy lol

[Riujinzero]

Wings are so underrated =/

[kproDZ]

glad your ok brotha!

[Kraziken0]

Hey Phil, Just found out about your crash. Glad you came out of this OK.

[Sneadster]

that was in a honda ELEMENT?! hah..

[ABeans07]

Wow glad you are okay! Why does the video look distorted like it underwater at times? I thought about getting a gopro but after seeing that =/

[snickernsx]

I saw this video before but never posted. Considering the extent of the damage, it was good to see you walking on the paddock the next day.... Good luck on your next beast of a vehicle hope to see you out there soon! -Xavier (silver nsx)

[IgnitionBurn]

Holy shit man. I'm glad your okay.

[BIGGGY305]

AWESOME DO IT AGAIN! jkin

[ncman09]

That crash looked scary. I am not sure if it is a requirement, but good to see you had a HANS device on. Hope all is well, and look forward to seeing the next car.

[fractur3]

Glad to see your okay man, I must say though I love the confusion on how and the hell your gonna get out of the car lol. So confused. And that was my favorite STi :(

[MikaOwns]

lol the steering wheel

[Renntag]

Brutal impact. Glad you are ok. You never know when something like this is going to happen.

[gorrilla19]

did you steal the car

[kmgopher]

@gorrilla19 he sure drives it like he stole it ^^

[gorrilla19]

how come you dont have a stereo in your car?

[sangerstud06]

My god... Glad you walked out of that one! A car can be replaced but a person definitely can't. I'm sure the next one will be even better anyway ;)

Wow I've been wanting one of those GoProHD's too... it seriously didn't even glitch for a split second!

[2015ww3]

Holy shit.

[guamjake]

hopefully hes sponsored

[johnb3453]

Phil, Glad you are ok! What are you going to replace it with?

[elementtuning]

@johnb3453

We have a new shell but I'm not 100% positive I will rebuild a 2006 STi into a race car. I may start fresh with a 2011 but we'll see.

[6StringedxBrewtality]

Damn ! I cant believe the car just spun around with the slightest tilt of the wheel. Guess a spoiler really helps. Id shit my pants if that happened at 148, good thing your ok.

[dorifto2nr]

Holy shit the steering wheel broke!! Good thing you walked away!!

[MstrShannon]

Glad to see you made it out okay, sad to see the car totaled like that. Carbon fiber maybe light but it isn't impenetrable! There is a lot of force on the car traveling that fast so I'm not terribly surprised the uprights tore out or whatever happened. Glad you're alive to tell the tale.

[OMGItsWeasel]

HANS device for the win!

glad youre in once peice, albeit bruised up.

good luck with the new build, maybe some higher grade fasteners on the aero next time?

[elementtuning]

@OMGItsWeasel

Unfortunately I can't post photos but part of the carbon structure that secures the airfoil to the aluminum uprights is what failed. The fasterners were great, they're still attached. LOL!

[OMGItsWeasel]

@elementtuning that silly carbon composite, when it fails, all hell breaks loose.

i hope your insides are ok, that steering wheel took a beating with what i assume was part of your body?

[Spazum888]

GoPro cameras are awesome.

sound isnt so great but it gets awesome images.

rollcage ftw

[SeverniiVeter]

ага прижимной силы не хватило)) свистун. нех без штурмана гонять

[gallardo86]

crazy, glad the driver walked.

[701sti]

yikes... glad your ok dood, see you soon

[charlieevoviii]

wow. roll cage and hans device save your ass. Get well and soon you will be back on the track again.

[Gspechybrids]

Staged advertisement for Hans safety devices?!

kidding....Glad you were able to walk away from this one!

[elementtuning]

Thanks for the support. We'll build better, stronger, and faster!

How about that video? GoPro Hero HD Motorsport didn't skip a beat!

[mynamesmiked]

@elementtuning Man ive gotta get a hd hero for my 69 mustang street/pro solo car, awesome vid.

[kmgopher]

@elementtuning now THAT is the right mind set ^^,

[cyborgxcz]

I guess this year will suck even more than last year. Well 3 weeks ago I busted my Z... driver error. I was driving Subaru for too long to forget how RWD react with wide tires on water. Anyway I think I will fix it. Glad you are OK Phil that was some quick stop from 148mph. Roman

[robiulahmed]

If you use your imagination and focus only at the rear view mirror, it looks like the driver is wearing one of those novelty giant dog's heads (like a mascot). You'll see this at 0:04 - 0:07, 0:12 - 0:15 and 0:26 - 0:27.

[burtoe]

glad to see you ok.

The audio sounds like a go pro. im assuming its the HD version

[SonicZoom]

Whew, glad you're OK!

Thanks for sharing!

[fidgetingfinch]

I'm glad you didn't hold onto the steering wheel the whole way through. At 0:37 it looks like it would have ripped your arms off if you had. Glad you're OK! Not many people can experience a crash like that and live to tell of it. Thank god for rollbars, harnesses, and hans. :)

[screamingdingo]

Whoa! What camera do you use? That was amazingly clear the whole way through.

[sgtpetey2000]

That should put a end to the big ass spoiler haters on STi's!

[Tomtheman70]

What kind of video recording hardware do you have in there? Normally when someone hits a wall doing 100+ mph the camera totally cuts out.

That being said, I'm glad you made it out okay, that was a nasty wreck.

[imprezal2345]

Damn you VIR!! Stop killing all the sweet race cars!

[aerxx]

<3 Hans. Glad you're ok. wow...

[evoxdc]

glad you're ok after all that.

[cozmo560]

glad you're ok, cars can be replaced people can not, heads up and best of luck in future, massive time attack event here in australia @ eastern creek raceway in may with some of the worlds best competing, hopefully it's a safe event. kudos.

[radiomantodd]

Jeebus thats quite a wreck. Glad Phil is ok.

[DirectLA]

Came here from the link on Jalopnik. Glad to see you are ok, that's a pretty intense crash.

[optoomistic]

id like to know what ben t that steering wheel

[section8eight]

Good Lord, so glad to see you walk away from that!

[dwkfym1]

ouch!! did your leg break the steering wheel? Glad to see you walked away. Were you checking your harness right before the crash??

Nice to see seat mounts, HANS, everything held up. I think rear crashes are the worsts way to hit anything save from hard side impacts..

[acuradan623]

wow glad to see you made it out alive....

[PrimeraG20]

is it me or is the chassis flexing right before the crash? or is it just the camera?

[anthonyberry4]

Holy Shit Phil......man i'm glad you're okay. I heard it was bad....but damn that is horrid. When your arm is better shake your roll cage guys hand and buy him a beer.

[haider87]

VERY HAPPY to see you crawling out of that suby! Nice cage and gear!

[Dingomad30]

Man thats a hard smack!!! I mean even the steering wheel was like fuck this i give up.

[ReaperXTC]

glad you're ok. what caused the spoiler to fail? props to the cage builder.

[Coy1750]

u son of a bitch u just wrecked my favorite car

[elementtuning]

@Coy1750

LOL! That one's priceless!

[keomacfarlane]

respect from scotland

[SheehanMotorRacing]

Wow Phil! Glad to see you get away with that one! Wings=good, walls=bad.

Yours was worse than mine the weekend before at Infineon Raceway. I lost it on oil at 94mph in the esses. That wall comes up pretty damned fast!

Send me photos.

Gary

[elementtuning]

@SheehanMotorRacing

Gary it's good to hear from you. Man this was a big hit and a week later I'm still sore. It feels like I rag dolled over a 80ft triple on my MX bike and absolutely slammed my body into the dirt. I've been there before! LOL!

Your incident reminds me of when I hit some coolant on track:

YouTube: "When Antifreeze Attacks"

You feel so helpless and out of control. I feel for you but I'm glad you're ok also.

[elementtuning]

Thanks again and don't worry we'll salvage what we can and rebuild a new car. We already have a new shell. Not letting me post a link sorry.

[Disaster646]

@elementtuning damn phil glad ur ok.. ur a great help in nasioc i've followed many of ur post about tuning tips. they have helped me a lot.. i've even asked a few questions before with a quick reply even tho i bet u get like 10000 pms a day..lol thanks again and hope to see another fast suby from u guys ripping ass..

[bergers5]

If your steering wheel didnt break like that, your legs probably would have...

[Ubergood]

the steering wheel was made in china...

[dwreus]

Wow! Glad you're ok man. Never thought a wing braking off can cause that much instability.

[dylani]

Damn Phil, breaks my heart seeing this. Glad you're ok.

Dylan

[Lupich]

Amazing. Thank God for that roll cage!

[DATMonsterZilla]

Glad to see you are ok Phil. I was at the track and missed you somewhere along the line. I'm going to miss seeing all of the changes this car goes through.

[chikinlikin]

glad you're ok. thanks for sharing.

[spidracer]

So glad you were unhurt. You'll be back on track in no time...

[terhhh87]

You might want to send this video to "HANS" and get some repair money :D

[terhhh87]

Also send that steering wheel to the manufacture. Lucky you hands were saved.

[gigem85]

Just noticed you reached up and tightened your shoulder belts shortly before the accident.

Still amazing you walked away. How was the wing mounted - to the frame or the body? I see too many Vettes with the wing bolted to the body instead of the frame.

[racedriver777]

anyway happy to see u walked away , im happy with the HANS device , it has done alot of good in reletively short time.

[racedriver777]

sorry it wasent to discredit anyone , but normally a pre corner lift is not too common unless u want a bit of oversteer.

[elementtuning]

Thanks for the support.

Most people lift there when going 148 MPH! LOL! Daytona Prototypes go through there at 165 mph and I'm in a Subaru doing 148 mph. Keep in mind I've been through this turn a million times and did nothing I haven't done a million times before.

[racedriver777]

well that total lift of throttle just before the corner didnt do any good neither.

[gigem85]

oh man. Glad you were able to walk away.

[blucivic1]

i was flagging at T5 and saw your wing go flying off...seconds later heard on the radio that you were on your side. glad you're ok.

[meclazine]

Ouch!

[Viperfet]

Is the Hydra OK???? LOL

[dodracir]

wow just before the 5th gear he adjust the seat belt. Take a look that was like a signal that he felt.

[vettedude418]

he saw the wing break off in the mirror

[odortiz]

that looked really painful. scary too.

[Wayneright]

wow, wow, wow... that was horrible. Glad to hear/see that you're ok.

[davids251]

gosh!!! phil you are lucky!!

glad you okay

[higB0x05]

Phil.. glad you are ok... i can get you racing again. I have a garage kept 2005 STI --low miles lots of mods (and i have every stock part too I can throw in :) -- chantilly va. come see it :)

[kbrew8991]

ouch, but thankfully your equipment did its job well

[alcoolaid]

holy crap! glad you made it out of there ok!

[wrx13oy]

ouch! glad you're ok