Formula Drift Season Preview.

"Fred (FreddsterExprs)" (freddsterexprs) 04/04/2014 at 09:50 • Filed to: Formula Drift, FD

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Stance is stupid! Drifting is not a sport! Teenage boys screwing around is what it is! It is a fad that will die, just like stanced cars, skateboarding and the internet.

Yes, I can already hear your flaming comments. But consider this: Stance goes way back to hot rod culture, and low riders were "nonfunctional" cars lowered for aesthetic reasons as well.

Cool looks have always been part of the drift culture, and to this day you will find super low Nissans at most grassroots drift events. Formula Drift is the opposite of grassroots with big companies and manufacturers sponsoring drivers, but still privateers and independent drivers manage to surprise and win behind the wheel of some of the most powerful and hard to drive cars in the racing universe. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

With season 11 kicking off in Long Beach on April 4 th and 5 th , it is time to preview who is competing and what else is interesting to know for people who plan to follow the championship.

The Competition

Formula D is best understood by simply watching it, and I guarantee you it is far easier to understand than American football. But I will try to sum it up as quickly as possible.

First, you have qualifying . The drivers run the track on their own and are judged by criteria like speed, angle, style and proximity to clipping points. The maximum score is 100 which was achieved once. All drivers get two runs, and only the better one is being rated. After 2 runs every one, the best 32 drivers are eligible for the main competition.

Formula D's main battle is organized in a K.O. style bracket system. The best qualifier takes on qualifier #32, and #2 on #31, and so on. Both drivers are on track at the same time, with one driver leading and trying to make a run as quick, smooth and smoky as possible, while the following driver's job is to follow as closely possible. The 3 Judges again judge speed, angle, style and proximity from both drivers. After Run 1, the roles reverse and the drivers switch from chasing to leading or from leading to chasing.

When the second run is complete, the judges decide which opponent had a significant advantage over the other and vote for him to move on. They can also call a "One More Time" when it was too close to determine a winner, and it all starts over again. A driver needs 2 votes from 3 judges for him to move on.

That's pretty much it, it all goes on until 2 drivers remain, and they go for a final battle to see who will get the biggest carbon fiber trophy.

As for championship standings: starting in 2013, FD added a tire manufacturer championship and a vehicle manufacturer championship to the usual drivers overall standings.

For the tire championship , all points of competitors using a certain tire brand are added up, and the brand with the most points wins in the end of the season. Very easy.

Now, as you will see below, most cars are engine swapped of some sort. A very popular choice among aspiring drift stars is an S-Chassis Nissan (S13 and S14 mainly) coupled with a reliable LS engine, often upgraded with a supercharger or turbo. But who would you give points to in a vehicle manufacturer championship ? Chevrolet for the engine, or Nissan for the chassis? I honestly wouldn't like to decide that.Therefore, only cars running an engine from the same brand or company are counted in for the manufacturer championship. A quick example: Daigo Saito will score points for Lexus, as his SC is running a 2JZ engine, an engine that is made by the same company. Charles Ng and his LS swapped Infiniti G37 are of course not scoring points for Infiniti or Chevrolet.

The Tracks

For as long as I can remember, FD was visiting 7 tracks a year. It stays like that for this year too, but an expansion is always a possibility considering the solid growth of media and fan interest.

Traditionally, the Long Beach GP marks the end of a long, smokeless offseason. The competition will see usage of the turns 9, 10 and 11, or the east end of the circuit, while the pit location remains. Also, a showcase of stanced/modified cars organized by Fatlace is part of the ritual. Thanks to the very close walls and the freshly finished cars, surprises are just as common as big wrecks that can affect the whole season. Just Ask McNamara.

The biggest party is held at Road Atlanta every year. The fans surround turn 10 (the S-curve after the long back straight, before the paddock) and drink as much beer as possible while the drifters battle it out in the horseshoe. In the past, exciting battles and rain showers have been part of the visit to Georgia, and if is one of the best events of the schedule.

Something unique to US drifting is the usage of ovals. It is a more or less logical decision considering the vast amount of oval tracks available for all sorts of stockcar racing. Homestead Miami Speedway is a new addition and replaces Palm Beach as the Florida round. It is still unclear how the track will look like and what part of it will be used.

From a state of the art oval that hosts the NASCAR finale every year, the sideways circuit travels to the east: Wall Speedway in New Jersey hosts the fourth event, and at this point, the championship contenders will start to filter out. The track itself is not used by NASCAR anymore, but the drifters try their best to impersonate the stockcar racers by riding one half of the banked curve before dropping down to the infield. It is my personal favorite track of the whole year. The layout makes for close competition, and there is just something cool about witnessing an oval being taken on full lock on purpose.

Now that the season comes to a close slowly, Evergreen Speedway is next. Again, the banking of the speedway is driven at incredible speeds before slowing down in full swing. A very fluid track, and the Washington State crowd really enjoys the action unfold.

Yet another oval is tackled in the penultimate event of the season. The huge Texas Motor Speedway offers its infield for the second time. Not the best course I would say, as it basically is a high speed chicane and a 180° turn. And it never looks packed thanks to the huge facilities in the background.

And then, it all is over. The season ends with a bang. Irwindale Speedway , called "The house of drift", will see a champion determined. Fast banking is followed by tight, technical corners, and as night falls, the always sold out venue will see drama and action. Unexpectedly strong drivers, mechanical failures and luck all forge the last carbon fiber trophies.

The Drivers

Because there were more than 50 drivers trying to qualify for the main show in 2013 events, I will outline the most interesting, well known participants and rookies/youngsters you should keep an eye on. Also car choices are sometimes not clear or final as most teams did not present the vehicle yet or are still in the process of building.

Daigo Saito | JPN | #1 | Achilles Tires Lexus SC

Daigo "The Ninja" Saito (or Diego Santos if you believe drunk reporters) brought a whole new level of close tandem drifting to FormulaD when he took the title in his rookie 2012 season. It was not that much of a surprise considering that he has a D1GP title under his belt and that his weapon of choice is a crazy Lexus SC. He bought the flood damaged car and replaced pretty much everything. The end result is an open top, 1200hp roadster that smokes Achilles Tires all day long. While single runs aren't his strong points, wheel to wheel duels is where he shines with the biggest win rate in the whole series. If he gets beaten, it either is by mechanical errors on his car or the other drivers drives the wheels of his car. Take a look at what probably was the best battle ever:

Fredric Aasbo | NOR | #151 | Papadakis/Scion Racing tC

He has one of the biggest fanbases, and his fans call him the Norwegian Hammer. It is because of his flamboyant driving style and how he made an impact in his Supra "Chucky" that was only held together by courage, will and tape. His ballsy driving secured him a works deal at Papadakis Racing who built him a RWD converted Scion tC with a 800hp fourcylinder. The car and Aasbo evolve every year, and while he hasn't won yet, he is a regular top 4 finisher. For this year, the car will receive an all new bodykit with signature Rocket Bunny overfenders and new colors. His time will come, maybe it is this year. He has got the talent, as evident in the video from above.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. | USA! USA! | #25 | Nitto/Monster Ford Mustang RTR

Ready to Rock! Vaughn is the Ken Block of FD. Monster is one of his main sponsors, he drives a Ford and he is commercially the probably best "selling" drifter. He is a veteran and started in an S13 like most of the drivers, but he soon switched to ' !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . It was rumored that he would build a 2015 Mustang, but he decided to run the old chassis instead.

After getting a championship in 2010, he was close to making it two, but in every season after he had one event where he lost all his chances thanks to mistakes like failing to qualify. Still, with his experience and a big budget/great team behind him, he will be one of the guys running for the overall victory.

Justin Pawlak | USA | #13 | Falken Tire Ford Mustang

Yeah, another Mustang going sideways. This Ford is sponsored by FDs biggest team and tire supplier, Falken. Justin Pawlak started his career in a RX-7 which was stolen at some point, and after moving to the blue oval, he racked up a few wins but never had a perfect season resulting in a title. I really don't know what else to write here, but Oppo user !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! who grew up in the same town as Justin does:

I guess Justin isn't the most PR guy so maybe there's not a lot out there on him, but his story is incredible and inspiring. One of the few guys who built and raced what he brought to become a pro. Winning Just Drift, swapping trannys in his FC Rx-7 in a parking lot to get on podiums. Moving to Oregon to replicate drifting in the rain and mountains like the Japanese just to get better. If he says he's going to do something he does it. He doesn't like the cameras, but he's an honest and real dude. He's a judge and big supporter of Just Drift and anything grassroots type racing. I'm surprised he's not more popular.

Chris Forsberg | USA | #64 | NOS/Hankook Nissan 370Z

Jalops should know this bearded guy by now. He was on Drift Garage, showing how to build a budget drifter, and he lend a certain editor his S13 which did not end well. "The Force" Forsberg is a veteran in the series, and has been driving Z-cars for quite a while now, and they all were running Nissan engines. For this year, he added nitrous to close the gap to the 1000hp turbo cars. After winning a championship in 2009 he was super close to win in 2013, but it wasn't enough – expect him to get revenge in 2014.

Mike Essa | USA | #101 | Bilstein BMW M3 E46

Mr. Essa had a great season last year. After years of driving BMWs that were not up to FD standards like a V10 E92 and a Z4, he decided to build an E46 M3. It was a simple and straightforward build with a Turbo inline 6. But the car worked. Since Long Beach he showed the potential and was a regular Top 4 finisher for the whole season. In the end, he managed to snatch the title while being a privateer with no major sponsor like Forsberg, For this year, the car was updated with a rear radiator setup and more power. Essas goal must be to defend the title, although it won't be easy at all.

Darren McNamara | IRE | #8 | Falken Tire Nissan S14

Another teal and blue driver is Darren McNamara from Ireland. After driving one of the best looking cars for years, a Saturn Sky by ASD, he switched to a V8 powered S-chassis when he wrecked the Sky on the Streets of Long Beach. He still doesn't seem to be as comfortable in the car as he was before, but I have no doubt that he will come back to the podium again. Also check out his sick rotary powered AE86 he created with Speedhunters.

Daijiro Yoshihara | JPN | #9 | Discount/Falken Tire Scion FR-S

It will be a new experience for Dai. For as long as I can think of, he was driving a badass LS swapped S13 with a full bodykit and the distinguish Discount Tire graphics. It made him champion in 2011, but the team decided it was time to switch to something new and started developing a FR-S build during the 2013 season. The result should be quite impressive as the car is said to have 1300hp. The horsepower war is officially on. It also will be one of many cars to wear a Rocket Bunny kit. Oh, and the livery was community designed by Forza 5 users, which can only be a good thing after what Falken ran in last years Petit Le Mans.

Conrad Grunewald | USA | #79 | Hankook Tire Chevy Camaro

At one point in FD History, the muscle car war was raging: Mustangs took on Challengers and Camaros. Dodge left, but there is at least still one Camaro left, and it also is wearing a full Hankook livery. Conrad Grunewald proved to be a good driver, but he is missing a bit of consistency. Maybe that's why he was a threat for single events only so far, but never managed to come close to championship. But it is good to have him in the series, at least he knows how to properly throw his car into a corner with the rear first:

Matt Field | USA | #777 | CX Racing/Nitto Tire Nissan S14

Matt Field really worked his way up in drifting. It all started in 2012 when he battled Daigo Saito and his insane Lexus SC so hard that the judges couldn't decide who the winner was. After 3 battles that night, the judges ruled for Saito, and the crowd went nuts and was disappointed as they felt Field deserved the win thanks to his great performance in a far less developed car. Since then, Matt had great 2013 season that included a podium finish - a great achievement for any privateer. For this year, he revised his trusted Nissan S14 to be more competitive and also moved into a new garage where he built a car for returning WTCC racer Charles Ng. I expect big things from Mr. Field, he will be a threat to the established guys.

Robbie Nishida | JPN | #31 | Achilles Tires Lexus SC300

Another 2JZ Lexus SC racing on Achilles Tires is driven by Robbie Nishida, but unlike Saito, he chose an older model. Robbie had a few great weekends last year and could match Saito for pace, but once again consistency was a miss. The good thing about teaming up with a driver as strong as Saito is that he can clearly transfer a lot of knowhow on car setup and driving itself. Will he be able to maybe even defeat the world's best drifter? Who knows, it is possible if he gives it 110% all the time.

Chelsea Denofa | USA | #88 | BC Racing BMW E46 Sedan

The second E46 going sideways in the series belongs to a young man called Chelsea Denofa. Denofa has been driving 4 door Bimmers in FD since 2012, and he managed to really impress with super smoky and stylish runs in his old E36. It all came to a stop when he crashed into Tyler McQuarrie/Tyler crashed into him. The chassis was totalled, but some parts were pulled out and transferred to a fresh E46 chassis. Being a privateer meant that mechanical trouble never was far away, and it was Chelsea's weak spot. Every so often his car lost power or didn't make the start. It was the only thing that stopped him from achieving podiums. More reliability was the goal for the build process of the 2014 car, and if he manages to sort it out, he surely can surprise the crowd. Also make sure to check out his video series " !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ".

Ryan Tuerck | USA | #62 | Retaks/Fifteen52 Scion FR-S

You probably know Ryan Tuerck. He gave the internet many fun videos, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! Gittin and Forsberg or !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! of him relaxing during the off season. Like many drifters, Ryan started off on two wheels: BMX and Motorbikes. Then, at some point, he saw Japanese drifting on a VHS cassette and got himself an S-Chassis. As of now, he is rocking a Scion FR-S that has been treated with a stroked 2JZ engine, good for at least 700hp, probably more. What to expect this year? Cool style, and Top 4 finishes. And fun videos.

Ken Gushi | JPN | #21 | Greddy Scion FR-S

If there is one driver that had a disappointing 2013 season, then it's Ken Gushi. We all thought that his fresh FR-S, wearing a cool blue/white Greddy USA livery, would be finally the car that could help him in his championship assault. But as always when you tune something to the max, problems appeared. He failed to qualify, or sometimes his car !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Strange, it isn't a Ferrari. Anyways, the troubled 4-banger is gone, and while that means no more WRC like Antilag sounds, the new 2JZ engine with 1200hp should be quite something. Optically, a new bodykit and livery complete the fresh start for "The Gush".

Charles NG | SGN | # | Maximum Attack Infiniti G37

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! to bring him back to drifting. For the last two years, Ng was racing a BMW 320TC for Engstler in the WTCC, and therefore is probably the only drifter who has competed in an FIA World Championship. His new car is built by Matt Field and his newly opened shop, and the partnership with Speedhunters does not only mean huge hashtags painted on the car, but also results in good, solid funding. The ever popular LS engine is also driving the G37, but it has been massaged with a twin turbo kit for more torque and power output. It is good to have Charles back, and it shows just how skilled the drivers have become.

The rest of the field

Forrest Wang is in for his second year, and he is back in his !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Fan favorite !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is also competing, and he is driving the official Jalop mobile: a Miata with an LS. Smokey! Dennis Mertzanis is working for Hyundai USA for a living, and therefore will bring a Coupé to the track. And Dean "Carnage" Kearney already made some carnage and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! in Long Beach.

The Media Coverage

The great thing about FD is that they really figured out their media exposure. First of all, there is the official Livestream ( !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ). Dailymotion is partnering with FD to bring you the best live drift stream possible. To find out when to tune in, visit the official FD page and select the event – a detailed time schedule can be found there.

Then there is the secondary media. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! a great source, and they are usually one of the best informed sites out there. From driver updates to discussions and analysis of controversial decisions, they cover everything.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is a similar blog, and additionally offers high quality photographs. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! also beautifully covers every event.

Short movies about the event are available from many different sources. Chelsea Denofa has his own " !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! " series on Vimeo, and Network A debuted its highly successful " !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! " format that features the best battle, driver interviews and some fun bits.

Got you hooked? Got questions? Want to tell me how stupid I am for promoting a stupid sport? Go let it out in the comment section.

All pictures belong to their rightful owners.

Eric Sean Delaney > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 12:39

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I went to FD Irwindale last year, and it was awesome. I'm surrounded by people who shoot FD all year, and I watch the live streams as often as I can, but like any motorsport, being there is awesome.

Spen One > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 12:41

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I had the opportunity to design the livery for Chelsea Denofa's car this year and I must say the car is looking solid!

IH8Tumblr > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 12:45

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FD is shooting itself in the foot every year and is on a decline.

This has nothing to do with drifting, it has to do with the idiots that run FD.

hotballs > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 12:54

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I really don't know what else to write here.

I guess Justin isn't the most PR guy so maybe there's not a lot out there on him, but his story is incredible and inspiring. One of the few guys who built and raced what he brought to become a pro. Winning Just Drift, swapping trannys in his FC Rx-7 in a parking lot to get on podiums. Moving to Oregon to replicate drifting in the rain and mountains like the Japanese just to get better. If he says he's going to do something he does it. He doesn't like the cameras, but he's an honest and real dude. He's a judge and big supporter of Just Drift and anything grassroots type racing. I'm surprised he's not more popular.

IH8Tumblr > IH8Tumblr 04/04/2014 at 12:54

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Also, this is exactly why drivers like Forsberg (!) and Powers either can't find title sponsors or left the series.

hotballs > IH8Tumblr 04/04/2014 at 12:55

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I also am jealous of these guys who get paid to slid sideways around tracks.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > hotballs 04/04/2014 at 12:56

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I really think he's a cool guy, and I love that he sticks to his FC chassis as a fun car, but yeah, he is not even close to Gittin in terms of building an image. Would you mind if I add your comment under my brief description of Justin Pawlak?

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > IH8Tumblr 04/04/2014 at 12:58

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What do you mean exactly? Do you mean the organisers of the FD series, or do you mean the people running in it? I think it is by far the best drift series on this planet.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Spen One 04/04/2014 at 12:58

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That's amazing! And I have to agree, his car looks kick ass. The battle scars just help the dynamic look.

heeltoehero > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 12:58

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Nobody was stretching tires on 32 Fords or building lowriders out of sports cars.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Eric Sean Delaney 04/04/2014 at 12:59

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I would love to check out an FD event sometime, preferably Wall Speedway or Irwindale, but there is literally one ocean between me and an FD event.

IH8Tumblr > hotballs 04/04/2014 at 13:01

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don't be. only the top TOP drivers (maybe 10) actually earn a living doing it. most of the field works full time in addition to their drifting "career." the money expended at that level is mind blowing. You'd think once you get a FD license its all roses and sponsor dollars but I can tell you that it is most definitely not. You are treated as cannon fodder.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > heeltoehero 04/04/2014 at 13:03

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That's certainly true, but the prejudice against Hot Rod culture was the same. And lowriders out of sportscars, well I am not a fan of it either. I am totally fine with cruisers or luxury cars being stanced, but seeing a scraping S2000 is the worst thing I can imagine.

NaturallyAspirated > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 13:06

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Great overview, thanks for posting.

I'm only like two hours away, but I'll be swapping struts on my Legacy instead of watching.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > NaturallyAspirated 04/04/2014 at 13:09

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My pleasure, glad I found some drift fans here.

Can't blame you, wrenching on my own car would also take priority in my schedule.

Anon > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 13:10

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Cool Eva Bro.

hotballs > IH8Tumblr 04/04/2014 at 13:14

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Yeah I know it's not like they're rolling in it, but it's still a cool job. And more attainable than say road racing in ALMS or GT3 in Europe or something.

hotballs > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 13:15

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Sure man go ahead! We grew up together same home town. I have tons of respect for him. He would work all night on his cars, engine would blow up 2 minutes later, he'd be back in there figuring it out. No sleep. Most driven person I know.

IH8Tumblr > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 13:26

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I mean the people in charge of the series.

lets look at some facts here:
You have judges who DONT FUCKING DRIVE. (eggert probably has the best drift resume now. LONG LIVE TANGELO AS A JUDGE!) they are too busy fiddling with a fucking dial and half the time. They aren't even paying attention unless its a top 15 driver.

they make changes like getting rid of the 3rd place battle for ??? reasons? that makes sense. lets take 2 drivers, who clearly are at the top of the event for the weekend and NOT let them battle. OK. cause I would way rather see JR stomp on some 350whp LS1 S13 that some proam kid built in his garage versus watch 2 dudes who are probably evenly matched go balls out for that extra point.

Did you know you can't even run a tire that hasn't paid FD for its use? for example lets say I use Yokohama tires. Yokohama isn't a sponsor of FD that means you can't use that tire.

the 1 pass and you are in the top 16 qualifying shit? what is this garbage? you now have guys who qualify 17-25th who score better than the top 5.

I could rant on this subject for hours. they are moving things backwards, not forwards. FD is too concerned with marketing $$$ not with making a better series. they fail to realize that when it is better series, the money will come in on its own.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > IH8Tumblr 04/04/2014 at 13:28

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You do realize they changed qualifying back to the traditional format this year....

Sky Blue > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 13:29

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"Yes, I can already hear your flaming comments. But consider this: Stance goes way back to hot rod culture, and low riders were "nonfunctional" cars lowered for aesthetic reasons as well."

...yeah, because the lowrider culture is still booming now isn't it?

Lowriders are still "nonfunctional". Stanced cars are just as dumb and will eventually go the way of the dinosaur. It's just a matter of who's going to go first. People, or the fad?

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > IH8Tumblr 04/04/2014 at 13:31

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Interesting. I agree on the judging, Angelo should have stays a judge as he sucks in competition anyways.

3rd place battle is a 50/50 thing: It can take away event momentum and excitment build up for the finale, but I agree, it usually is quite an interesting battle. I would not have changed it.

That tire use is proper bullshit. Btw that's a reason why Dunlop didn't come to the series (and the fact that they belong to the same company as Falken).

Qualifying was changed back to the top 16 lock free format if I recall correctly, and it certainly was changed for the better.

And your last paragraph is spot on. In fact, most if not all series don't realise that a good show (and I mean an authentic show by that!) attracts money like nothing else.

DayWooTang > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 13:34

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Thanks for the write up! I had no idea that FD was coming to Homestead , I live ten minutes away from that track so I will be there.

Also, Scion TC drift car???? WHY? Do they think people are that stupid?

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Sky Blue 04/04/2014 at 13:34

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Lowriding was simply replaced. By minitrucking, vanning and what not. And by the stance movement too. Just like drag racing was overtaken by drifting.

But the funny thing is that lowriders are now regarded as a part of automotive heritage and rarely get the hate. I bet the same thing will happen with "stupid stanced cars".

IH8Tumblr > hotballs 04/04/2014 at 13:37

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no dude you don't understand. its not that they aren't "rolling in it" its that they literally do not get paid any money. 95% of the field is out of pocket for every FD event.

and it is far less attainable than you think it is.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > DayWooTang 04/04/2014 at 13:38

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No problem, glad I could help. Super jealous that you will be there, please take pictures and report how the experience was here on oppo!

About the Scion: Crazy stuff, normally only AWD cars (converted to RWD) and RWD cars are allowed in the series, but Toyota claimed that there was a japanese AWD Toyota that uses the same platform and therefore a converted tC would be legal. Papadakis Racing threw out the whole floor and welded in a new one. A bizarre situation, I thought they would switch to an FR-S immediately , but apparently there are enough ZN6 cars on the grid.

CelrDwelr > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 13:41

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Just a dab of oppo...

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 13:44

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Stoked for this year. I feel Yoshihara and the crew have gotten over their setup issues and will be fighting for the championship this year. Also the rookie class looks a hell of a lot better then last year.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 04/04/2014 at 13:51

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What speaks for Yoshihara is the the long development time. He should be on top right away.

The rookie class could be interesting, last year was a total miss. Although 2012 was also bullshit with D1GP and FD Asia champion Saito being classified as a rookie.

hapakcm > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 14:08

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Actually this is a BRZ not a FR-S. Notice the fender trim

bfife22g35 > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 14:17

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I've been going to FD at Road Atlanta for the past few years. Always a good time. Definitely check it out if you're in the southeast

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > bfife22g35 04/04/2014 at 14:18

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I actually am in the south-east... of Germany.

Merlin34 > DayWooTang 04/04/2014 at 14:52

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Also, if you don't remember, tanner foust used an LS swapped scion Tc when he used to compete in FD, so it's nothing new.

Jonathon Klein > IH8Tumblr 04/04/2014 at 15:31

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They get to drive monster's sideways, yeah they don't get paid, but neither do I and I sit in a cubicle all fucking day. I will take their job over mine every single second of every single day I have left on this planet if I never have to do what I'm doing now ever again.

IH8Tumblr > Jonathon Klein 04/04/2014 at 15:49

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then do it?

get together 15k, slap a S13 LSx together, and go make it happen. rather than bitching about your life, go chase it.

you are also kind of missing the point that these people (the majority) don't make money. so they still have to work to pay the bills after driving these "monsters" on weekends.

Jonathon Klein > IH8Tumblr 04/04/2014 at 16:17

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I do, I'm not saying it's not expensive, any form of racing is. But it's probably better than most people have it. Look at it half full man, not so pessimistic. I bitch about my job because I hate it, but I'm writing and trying my hardest to get the fuck out of it.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 16:20

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Lowriders and non-functionally stanced cars are the worst. Cars that are set up for track or drift that have stance as part of increasing the cars ability are cool.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. 04/04/2014 at 16:26

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That is your opinion, which is totally fine. I like stanced cars if they are done right and if the lowered car is not a pure performance machine.

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aquila121 > Merlin34 04/04/2014 at 17:34

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Wasn't that a TRD Nascar V8 under the hood, not an LS engine?

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 18:15

0

As long as it's not compromising it's basic function it's pretty okay with me. Lowriders and hellaflush almost never are usable though

protodad > DayWooTang 04/04/2014 at 19:05

0

Also, the Tc engine is pretty damn stout and was handling the high horsepower requirements that FD had for quite some time. Only in recent years were guys swapping out the Tc engine for something more powerful. TANJELO started running an FRS and used his old Tc engine instead of swapping to the F20(22?)

Coty > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/04/2014 at 22:16

1

My guy right here. New Hampshire represent.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Coty 04/05/2014 at 02:44

0

Live free or die!

Coty > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/05/2014 at 07:41

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Him and Danny are where it's at. Thanks for the stream link, I missed it yesterday. No work shall get done at work today!

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Coty 04/05/2014 at 08:06

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If you want to rewatch the qualifying, it is available here:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1lvlbk_…

Happy not working!