Red Bull/RMR Drift Racer Rhys Mad Skills Millen Poised to leave His Mark on 2012
- 27 Jan 2012
Millen's legendary car control skills, which he's acquired through various motorsport outlets, has earned him the nickname "Mad Skills," he has been involved in the sport of Drifting since 2003, but has been driving in competition since 1990 in SCCA Rally. He currently drives a 2010 K&N supported Hyundai genesis Coupe 3.8 V6. Millen's 2011 race highlights include winning Formula D Las Vegas, second place at Formula D Irwindale, (despite having engine difficulties for two days), and finishing third overall in the Global RallyCross Series. He lists 2008 as his high water mark to date, a year which saw him blow three engines just days prior to round one of the Formula Drift Championship, forcing him to watch from the sidelines. Millen and Team RMR would then podium the next four out of the six remaining events with two firsts, clinching third in the Formula Drift Championship, and the title for the Tires.com Triple Crown Championship. That year Millen also set a new World Record in the Time Attack Division at the World Renowned Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, it was his 18th run up the peak. The final challenge for the 2008 season was the Red Bull Drifting World Championship, bringing together 32 of the top drivers from around the world to challenge for the title of "The Best in the World." When the engines were stilled, Millen stood tall on top of the podium, as he was crowned King of the World. Millen's day job sharpens his weekend race skills to an even finer edge, as he spends most days behind the wheel precision stunt driving for countless automotive car commercials totaling some 150 plus days per year. "My schedule is filled with some 200-plus days per year behind the wheel either racing or stunt driving for TV commercials and feature films," said Millen. Millen made the transition into Hollywood after landing the role of lead stunt driver of General Lee in the film "Dukes of Hazard." His performance landed him subsequent roles as lead stunt driver and stunt team drift coordinator in the "Fast and Furious 3 Tokyo Drift" movie. In addition to these movies Millen has work behind the wheel, can be viewed in the movies such as "Herbie Fully Loaded", "Red Line the movie" displaying his dynamic control talents in cars like the Ferrari Enzo and Porsche GT. most recently Millen has appeared in "Fast and Furious Four , "Indiana Jones Four" and "Fast and Furious Five." For the 2012 season Millen is looking to continue with the good results he left off with in the 2011 Formula D season, and to push for more podiums in the Global RallyCross Series and X Games. Also on his list of to-dos Millen says "I would love to win Baja 1000. To date I have only placed third in class. Also, the Pikes Peak overall title, and I'd like to expand into CORR racing." When asked how the K&N connection came about, team spokesperson Eric Cantore explained, "We have always sold and installed K&N products through our wholesale and retail shop at Rhys Millen Racing. We have also used K&N products in our race cars over the years. We meet up with Nester Cabrero at many of the events and wanted to start an official relationship with K&N. He put us into contact with Bob Harris, and as they say, the rest is history." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
