Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! - The Ford Focus Forum

**Ataru** · 08-25-2009, 08:24 PM

The Competitors

The Winner:

Ataru

Quote:

Each month I go through and decide a new theme for FOTM. When deciding on a theme, I usually try to pick different categories to give as many different cars a chance each month to participate. It just happens that out of 36 months of FOTM, I have been nominated for eight of them prior to winning this ninth FOTM competition.

July 2006
March 2007
August 2007
January 2008
September 2008
November 2008
February 2009
May 2009

After all those nominations, many with the highest total nominations for that month, you start to realize that people like your car, but not QUITE enough to put you on top....especially when you lose the voting stage 8 different times. Looking back at all the nominations, some losses were obvious, while others were tough to take. January 2008 had to be the toughest since my car is one of the few ZX5s on the forum, but an old member that many didn't know about (hell, I didn't even remember him!) came out of the woodworks and took a well deserved win.

Is my car super custom or fancy? No. Hell, it's probably one of the mildest modded Focuses on the site when you look at all the mods, and that probably has a lot to do with why I never won those eight other times. It's hard to get across to people what a car means to its owner. Where I have gone and what I have done because of Sonic makes him more valuable to me than any modification you can add to a car. Those who nominated me every month understood what my car means to me, but when the voting starts, some might not understand this, or find it important when they are deciding the best car of the group. Losing eight times is difficult when you are hoping that people see what the car means to its owner, but somewhere along the way the message gets lost...

The thing that matters is that I love all the things I have been able to do with Sonic. I've been able to hone my driving skill every year with tons of autocross competitions as well as track days but the fact that I had the opportunity to drive all over the country and met HUNDREDS of other super cool and enthusiastic Focus owners means the most. The Focus community means a lot to me. Hell, it's been a large portion of my life with 9 years of my 35 years on this planet being a part of Focaljet and 6 of those with Sonic in the garage.

Now, I want to thank everyone who voted for me this month. You know who you are, and I know who you are too.

Admin powers.

But I would especially like to thank:
170499
02AllBlackSVT
hotrodkris
OmniFocus
Ray
sleeperlove
Spatakula
tparker

All of these members voted for my car 5 or more times out of the 9 times I have been in the voting. Some of them might not have voted for me everytime, but every one of them knows without a doubt what Sonic means to me.

Especially Spatakula.

7 out of the 8 times he voted was for Sonic. Shawn and I were both in two different FOTM categories, and the only time he voted against Sonic was when he voted for his own car once. The other time he voted for Sonic and not his own car!

I know that there are others out there that know what Sonic means to me as well, and that is not forgotten either.

Thank you all.

Winning the August 2009 FOTM is bittersweet. First, I bought my car on August 21st, 2003, so this month marks the 6th birthday for Sonic. Second, August 2009 is when Sonic rolled over 150,000 miles on the odometer. And finally, August 23rd marked the last regular day of driving for Sonic for six months as he is now parked while my wife can't drive, and I drive her Tribute until she can drive again.

"Sonic" - 2003 SVT Focus ZX5 -151,000 Miles

Engine:
Amsoil Absolute Efficiency Air Filter
Focus Sport 8mm Blue Spark Plug Wires
VF Engineering Rear Engine Mount
Amsoil 7500 5W30 Synthetic Oil

Suspension:
H&R Race Springs
Koni Yellow Adjustable Front Struts
Tein Super Street Adjustable Rear Shocks
P-51 Rear Shock Shims
Auto-X-ZTS Adjustable 24mm Rear Sway Bar
Steeda Front Strut Tower Bar
Momo Corse REV Wheels (17x7 - 42mm) with 215/45ZR17 Kumho Ecsta ASX Tires (street)
Motegi TrakLite (16x7 - 45mm) with 215/45/ZR16 Kumho XS Tires (autocross) - Painted Red with white stripe and Sonic logo centercap
Centric Rotors with Hawk HPS Brake Pads

Interior:
Corbeau 4-Point Double Release Harness (autocross)
Steeda Tri-Ax/F Short Throw Shifter
Instrument Bezel and Stereo Bezel Painted Sonic Blue
Redline Tuning Dead Pedal
Redline Tuning SVT Floor Mats
Redline Tuning SVT Hatch Mat
Custom Video Camera Mount
XM Roady XT Satellite Radio
Custom SVT Wheel Cigarette Lighter Plug
iPod Dash Mount with Wired FM Transmitter
Lumar Window Tint - 30%

Exterior:
ST170 Headlights
1998 European Focus Grill
2006 Focus Street Appearance Package rear diffuser
2001 Special Edition Mustang Aluminum Fuel Door Painted Sonic Blue
Smoked Bumper Lights
Mazda 3 Rear Wiper
Bosch Icon Wiper Blades
"SVT" Third Brake Light cover
"HEDGHOG" License Plate
Black Brake Calipers
Antenna Delete
Build Number Decal on Bumper
Sonic the Hedgehog Decal on Hatch
Autocross Graphics by I-Zoom Graphics

**Redlight** · 08-25-2009, 08:27 PM

Congrats Jason! You deserve it buddy!

dave.

**SVT3658** · 08-25-2009, 08:29 PM

Congrats Jason! It's about time

**fastway40** · 08-25-2009, 08:48 PM

So what new mod will Sonic recieve considering the $25 FSWerks prize?

**Ataru** · 08-25-2009, 08:53 PM

Sonic is getting a replacement Koni Yellow strut for the blown one that he is riding on now.

When contacting Randy about the prize for this month, I knew I was in the voting, so I told him that I would decline the card if I won. I didn't want it to appear unfair to the other four since I'm an admin on here. It's up to Randy what happens with that card now.

**TwiBlue02** · 08-25-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ataru

Sonic is getting a replacement Koni Yellow strut for the blown one that he is riding on now.

When contacting Randy about the prize for this month, I knew I was in the voting, so I told him that I would decline the card if I won. I didn't want it to appear unfair to the other four since I'm an admin on here. It's up to Randy what happens with that card now.

Stand-up Citizen right there..Congrats!

**1svt4u2c** · 08-26-2009, 12:24 AM

Way to go Jason!

Congrats!

**02AllBlackSVT** · 08-26-2009, 01:11 AM

Wooo finally Jason, Sonic deserves it after everything hes been through. Congrats again man.

Andrew

**stilix** · 08-26-2009, 02:24 AM

congrats dude love your svt

**ZXTHR33** · 08-26-2009, 02:42 AM

Congrats on a close one!

And the way I see it is like this... Sonic has probably gotten more votes total than any other car on the site. If you add up every individual vote ever placed for Sonic, you've got an all-time winner on your hands.

**Ray** · 08-26-2009, 05:47 AM

About damned time. Sonic has always been one of my favorite cars here. Not over the top. A car i could drive everyday, and take to a track day.

**Spatakula** · 08-26-2009, 08:26 AM

About freaking time my man. Thanks for the shout out brotha!

Sonic is a true insperation and will always be one of my all time favorites.

-spatakula

**Phacade** · 08-26-2009, 09:33 AM

Good job Sonic! (oh and good job Jason too)

I could have sworn I too voted Sonic everytime he's been on the FOTM chopping block, but I suppose you winning is reward enough. Seriously, I'm happy for ya!

**Dev** · 08-26-2009, 10:30 AM

F I N A L L Y !!!!

Yay Jason!

Well deserved my friend!

**Davor** · 08-26-2009, 12:10 PM

Congrats, Jason. You and your SVT have been through so much vandalism over the years yet here you are showing us showroom condition car with 150K miles! You deserve it, buddy !

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 08-26-2009, 01:20 PM

Congratulations Jason

**OmniFocus** · 08-26-2009, 01:36 PM

About damn time!

**bigdaddyzx3** · 08-26-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OmniFocus

About damn time!

my thoughts exactly.

**getn2focus** · 08-26-2009, 02:08 PM

Great job Sonic.....and Jason!

Well deserved.

**pablo** · 08-26-2009, 04:00 PM

Congrats Jason!!!

Your car is the reason I got another Focus. [thanks for everything, bud]
You, and more importantly SONIC, deserve the victory.

Time to...

btw, wut ya gettin' with yer gift card?

**lowlifestyle** · 08-26-2009, 05:28 PM

Glad it finally happened, me and Leslie got your back. Bout friggin time!

**The_Onion** · 08-26-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

About damned time. Sonic has always been one of my favorite cars here. Not over the top. A car i could drive everyday, and take to a track day.

I second that.

**guitarseth** · 08-26-2009, 08:22 PM

Congrats, Jason! The darkened rolling picture is sick!

**170499** · 08-26-2009, 11:40 PM

Congratulations to the best Focus AND Owner on [FJ]. You deserved it all along. Thanks for everything you do for the forum and its members.

**faster_than_u** · 08-27-2009, 12:12 AM

Congrats on the win

08-25-2009, 08:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
Redlight Your friendly neighborhood douche pickle Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: s a n a n t o n i o Posts: 8,560	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Congrats Jason! You deserve it buddy! dave. __________________ This is my Focus. There are many like it but this one is mine. My Focus is my best friend, it is my life. I must master it as I master my life. Without me, my Focus is useless. Without my Focus, I am useless. I must race my Focus true. I must race faster than my enemy who is trying to beat me. I must beat him before he beats me. I will! Before God I swear this creed! So be it, until there is no enemy but, peace! Amen!

08-25-2009, 08:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
SVT3658 MS Paint PWNS ME! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Jax FL Posts: 3,206	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Congrats Jason! It's about time __________________ 2002 SVT Focus #3658 CD Silver with Red Inserts born on 7-30-2002 \| SVT3658 here, 02SilverSVT over there... *Join the SVT Owners Group!*

08-25-2009, 08:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
fastway40 TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 546	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! So what new mod will Sonic recieve considering the $25 FSWerks prize? __________________ *-Chase#40* 2000ZX3 *http://www.loopd.com/members/fastway40* Hey NW racers, check this site out - http://www.nwtrackdays.com/forum/index.php

08-25-2009, 08:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ataru Team Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Oklahom Posts: 13,520	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Sonic is getting a replacement Koni Yellow strut for the blown one that he is riding on now. When contacting Randy about the prize for this month, I knew I was in the voting, so I told him that I would decline the card if I won. I didn't want it to appear unfair to the other four since I'm an admin on here. It's up to Randy what happens with that card now. __________________ Owner of SONIC the HEDGEHOG - 2003 Sonic Blue SVT Focus ZX5 [FJ] focaljet - GUIDELINES - GALLERY - [FJ]WALLPAPER - STORE - SPONSORS - SEARCH - Any Questions?

08-26-2009, 12:24 AM	#7 (permalink)
1svt4u2c Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: York, PA Posts: 2,840	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Way to go Jason! Congrats! __________________ .._____ ............<--2003 SVT Focus /___l__\__ ........#2940 of 3985 l(o)____(o)l........Build Date 06/13/03

08-26-2009, 01:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
02AllBlackSVT My iPhone Shoots Roosters! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,301	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Wooo finally Jason, Sonic deserves it after everything hes been through. Congrats again man. Andrew __________________ 03 Infra-Red SVTf #2935 of 3985 - Built June 13, 2003 97 Integra GSR - Fully Built - It RUNS!!!! 09 GSXR600

08-26-2009, 02:24 AM	#9 (permalink)
stilix TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: azusa,ca Posts: 574	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! congrats dude love your svt

08-26-2009, 02:42 AM	#10 (permalink)
ZXTHR33 TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 368	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Congrats on a close one! And the way I see it is like this... Sonic has probably gotten more votes total than any other car on the site. If you add up every individual vote ever placed for Sonic, you've got an all-time winner on your hands. __________________ His: '05 Hyper Blue MINI Cooper S Hers: '03 Twilight Blue ZX3 -- (formerly Majikal's ride) SOLI DEO GLORIA

08-26-2009, 05:47 AM	#11 (permalink)
Ray Driver > Car Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: CT Posts: 28,121	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! About damned time. Sonic has always been one of my favorite cars here. Not over the top. A car i could drive everyday, and take to a track day. __________________ Vacuum Vulture Racing - I can fix your car with a hammer. Intelligence is largely at the mercy of self-control *Roadtrippin.org* \| CART

08-26-2009, 08:26 AM	#12 (permalink)
Spatakula Stoned Scorpion says, "GET OVER H.....OOhhh! Brownies!" Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Rälëigh, NC Posts: 10,689	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! About freaking time my man. Thanks for the shout out brotha! Sonic is a true insperation and will always be one of my all time favorites. -spatakula __________________ CAPS LOCK IS CRUISE CONTROL FOR COOL.

08-26-2009, 09:33 AM	#13 (permalink)
Phacade Team Sonic Racing Pit Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 2,217	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Good job Sonic! (oh and good job Jason too) I could have sworn I too voted Sonic everytime he's been on the FOTM chopping block, but I suppose you winning is reward enough. Seriously, I'm happy for ya! __________________ 2003 EAP SVT "Attila" - ST170 Headlights ■ Hofele grill ■ SAP rear defuser ■ Clear corners ■ Taylor 8.2mm plug wires ■ Saleen/Eibach suspension kit ■ Focus Central short shift ■ Steel Grey Rota Grids ■ Massive front strut bar ■ Euro rear wiper ■ Shorty antenna ■ SVT-logo Redline carpet kit ■ Powdercoated valve cover ■ Billet aluminum fuel door ■ K&N drop-in filter ■ Debadged ■ Euro HVAC ■ ...and then of course me (being a narcissist, I consider this to be the most important mod). ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Last edited by Phacade; 08-26-2009 at 09:43 AM.

08-26-2009, 10:30 AM	#14 (permalink)
Dev I'm sorry that I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet ma'am Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: (Devon)Citrus Heights, CA USA Posts: 31,187	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! F I N A L L Y !!!! Yay Jason! Well deserved my friend! __________________ RIP Nazar aka 'nazthug' 1983-2006 2001 CD Silver ZX3 - Iceman Intake, Focus Central UDP's, Magnaflow Exhaust, Focus Central Shifter, KW Cup Kit, Eibach Front and Rear swaybars. I need some focussport parts on here... If you don't order your stock replacement parts from Steve @ Tousley Ford you are a dumbass.

08-26-2009, 12:10 PM	#15 (permalink)
Davor Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,146	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Congrats, Jason. You and your SVT have been through so much vandalism over the years yet here you are showing us showroom condition car with 150K miles! You deserve it, buddy ! __________________ For Sale or Lifetime Rent 2001 Pitch Black ZX3. Click Here For Details !

08-26-2009, 01:20 PM	#16 (permalink)
FORDSVTPARTS Premier Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 8,236	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Congratulations Jason __________________ To order from me just call 1-800-328-9552 and ask for Steve or use one of the methods below. Now accepting online orders here http://www.tousleyfordparts.com You can also find us here http://forums.focaljet.com/tousley-ford/ 2002 Silver SVT #2952 , custom CAI , Stage 2 throttle body, VF rear mount, FRPP 9mm wires, EAP/MACH HID's, Borla exhaust, K-W springs, FRPP UDP, Screamin Demon coil, Tuned by Mike at Unique Tuning in S.C.

08-26-2009, 01:36 PM	#17 (permalink)
OmniFocus Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mowin' down the cones. (CA) Posts: 29,403	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! About damn time! __________________ Vacuum Vulture Racing: The masters of ape latexing.

08-26-2009, 02:08 PM	#19 (permalink)
getn2focus TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mid TN Posts: 561	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Great job Sonic.....and Jason! Well deserved. __________________ *Black 2003 SVTF* >>> E Prep Auto-X monster** What to do when you roll a rental car in an auto-x? "You quickly roll/tow/carry it onto a public road and THEN call the rental agency." -- GtnMaZumOn

08-26-2009, 04:00 PM	#20 (permalink)
pablo SVT > Kona Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: (Barry) Tulsa, OK USA Posts: 786	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Congrats Jason!!! Your car is the reason I got another Focus. [thanks for everything, bud] You, and more importantly *SONIC, deserve the victory. Time to... btw, wut ya gettin' with yer gift card? __________________ 2004 Infra-red SVTF with EAP - 1 of 62* All give some, but some give all. Thank you veterans for my FREEDOM. It's nice to be good, but it's best to be nice.

08-26-2009, 08:22 PM	#23 (permalink)
guitarseth Look under the curve... UNDER THE CURVE! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Wooster, OH Posts: 3,583	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Congrats, Jason! The darkened rolling picture is sick! __________________ French Blue 2003 ZX3 Power Premium MTX Mild Naturally Aspirated build - Modded for driving enjoyment My Car

08-26-2009, 11:40 PM	#24 (permalink)
170499 Torquey 2.3 Texan Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Amarillo, Texas Posts: 677	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Congratulations to the best Focus AND Owner on [FJ]. You deserved it all along. Thanks for everything you do for the forum and its members. __________________ 2005 2.3 Liter Sonic Blue SVT Mods: 2.3 Duratec Swap, Focus Sport CAI, MBRP Exhaust, Massive Strut Bar, Roush Struts, Progress Lowering Springs, SVT 5-Spoke Wheels w/ Kumho Ecsta ASXs, SVT Interior & Exterior Goodies, Roush Pedals, Flat Black Grills, 5%/15% Tint, Kenwood System

08-27-2009, 12:12 AM	#25 (permalink)
faster_than_u TEAM Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 731	Re: Winner of August FOTM: I <3 FocusSport - Ataru! Congrats on the win

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