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KAAZ USA Announcement about Hiromi Kajikuma and Team Allstars

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  • KAAZ USA Announcement about Hiromi Kajikuma and Team Allstars

    For immediate release

    Subject: Hiromi Kajikuma Driving Team Allstars Mazda MX-5 @ GT-LIVE

    KAAZ USA would like to state that Hiromi Kajikuma and Team Allstars have no relations in the upcoming event at GT-LIVE taking place in Virginia. Hiromi a driver that has competed under KAAZ USA is taking on this event with no affiliations or support by KAAZ USA. Although identified as a driver under the KAAZ name, she has ventured on her own in terms of driving for this up coming event.

    First and foremost, KAAZ USA and all its affiliates (TEAM KAAZ DRIFT TEAM / KAAZ TECHNICAL) would like to state that there officially are no relations between Team Allstars and or Bill Montgomery. Some may know that previously KAAZ USA / KAAZ Technical did aid and support in terms of minor vehicle maintenance and vehicle storage for some of the MX-5’s(in which now we regret) KAAZ USA has been involved in motorsports for quite some time now, and most do know that KAAZ USA willingly offers help anywhere we can to support all types of motorsports, teams, individuals etc. We have been nothing but kind and supportive to most within this industry, which leads to the previous approach by Team Allstar’s MX-5 program. Of course, we put our efforts and gave support wherever we can.

    About Hiromi Kajikuma
    Many may know that she has been previously driving under KAAZ TEAM for 2006 and 2007 in Formula Drift. We have been working with Hiromi Kajikuma since the early parts of 2005 helping her develop and build her driving career in the USA. A lot of time, money and support from all of our staff went into building foundation for her to compete on a professional level here in the U.S. This year was unfortunate for us in terms of budgets and sponsors; we are competing in Formula D 2008 out of our own pockets with no support from major companies. Unfortunately this lead to a delay in having Hiromi compete in Formula D this year, since our other driver Yasu Kondo was elected to pilot the TEAM KAAZ corolla, and even at that…our budget barely allowed us to compete this year in Formula D. Our whole concept behind electing Yasu Kondo was to select a driver in which can perform and possibly bring potential sponsors and support for 2009, and if in any case this situation was achieved, we planned to campaign both Hiromi and Yasu for Formula D 2009 as a 2 car team.

    News about Hiromi driving the MX-5 came to us in surprise, since no one contacted KAAZ USA to inform us of this situation, we had to read through this thread to find out that she was coming to drive at the GT-LIVE event. In simple characteristics of professionalism, we felt that there should have been some type of communication upon this situation directed to us. We have pushed so hard to prepare for 2009 with Hiromi in mind that this situation has now set us back a tad bit. Obviously we do not own Hiromi, she is free to drive for whomever she wants. We just offered our help as a stepping-stone for her career in the USA if she ever decides to fully push for one.

    Driving status of the future
    If Hiromi Kajikuma and Team Allstars plan to compete in the last Formula D event “The Final Fight” Scheduled to be held at Irwindale Speedway, KAAZ USA will terminate her status as a KAAZ USA or TEAM KAAZ driver. On relations to such act is due to reasoning of many situations. First and foremost Hiromi’s Formula D license was only obtained by KAAZ USA’s efforts. Financially and technically, we provided her our vehicle, financing and support and of course she brought her driving talents in order for her to obtain her Formula D professional License. She at the time was supported by KAAZ USA and represented her driving status as a KAAZ USA driver. If Hiromi Kajikuma or any of her support or affiliates other then KAAZ USA move forward with officially competing in any 2008 Formula D series events without approval or prior notification to KAAZ USA, her status of becoming involved for any future KAAZ USA or TEAM KAAZ interactions will be terminated. Such act is considered to be “Betrayal” to the KAAZ USA/TEAM KAAZ. If such situation does take place, we wished that Bill Montgomery and Team Allstars would have approached this subject more professionally instead of organizing and planning this whole tactic behind KAAZ USA’s back.
    Last edited by kaazlsd; 09-29-2008, 06:46 PM.

  • #2
    With so much drama in the l-b-c Its kinda hard bein..........

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by kaazlsd View Post
      For immediate release

      Subject: Hiromi Kajikuma Driving Team Allstars Mazda MX-5 @ GT-LIVE

      KAAZ USA would like to state that Hiromi Kajikuma and Team Allstars have no relations in the upcoming event at GT-LIVE taking place in Virginia. Hiromi a driver that has competed under KAAZ USA is taking on this event with no affiliations or support by KAAZ USA. Although identified as a driver under the KAAZ name, she has ventured on her own in terms of driving for this up coming event.

      First and foremost, KAAZ USA and all its affiliates (TEAM KAAZ DRIFT TEAM / KAAZ TECHNICAL) would like to state that there officially are no relations between Team Allstars and or Bill Montgomery. Some may know that previously KAAZ USA / KAAZ Technical did aid and support in terms of minor vehicle maintenance and vehicle storage for some of the MX-5’s(in which now we regret) KAAZ USA has been involved in motorsports for quite some time now, and most do know that KAAZ USA willingly offers help anywhere we can to support all types of motorsports, teams, individuals etc. We have been nothing but kind and supportive to most within this industry, which leads to the previous approach by Team Allstar’s MX-5 program. Of course, we put our efforts and gave support wherever we can.

      About Hiromi Kajikuma
      Many may know that she has been previously driving under KAAZ TEAM for 2006 and 2007 in Formula Drift. We have been working with Hiromi Kajikuma since the early parts of 2005 helping her develop and build her driving career in the USA. A lot of time, money and support from all of our staff went into building foundation for her to compete on a professional level here in the U.S. This year was unfortunate for us in terms of budgets and sponsors; we are competing in Formula D 2008 out of our own pockets with no support from major companies. Unfortunately this lead to a delay in having Hiromi compete in Formula D this year, since our other driver Yasu Kondo was elected to pilot the TEAM KAAZ corolla, and even at that…our budget barely allowed us to compete this year in Formula D. Our whole concept behind electing Yasu Kondo was to select a driver in which can perform and possibly bring potential sponsors and support for 2009, and if in any case this situation was achieved, we planned to campaign both Hiromi and Yasu for Formula D 2009 as a 2 car team.

      News about Hiromi driving the MX-5 came to us in surprise, since no one contacted KAAZ USA to inform us of this situation, we had to read through this thread to find out that she was coming to drive at the GT-LIVE event. In simple characteristics of professionalism, we felt that there should have been some type of communication upon this situation directed to us. We have pushed so hard to prepare for 2009 with Hiromi in mind that this situation has now set us back a tad bit. Obviously we do not own Hiromi, she is free to drive for whomever she wants. We just offered our help as a stepping-stone for her career in the USA if she ever decides to fully push for one.

      Driving status of the future
      If Hiromi Kajikuma and Team Allstars plan to compete in the last Formula D event “The Final Fight” Scheduled to be held at Irwindale Speedway, KAAZ USA will terminate her status as a KAAZ USA or TEAM KAAZ driver. On relations to such act is due to reasoning of many situations. First and foremost Hiromi’s Formula D license was only obtained by KAAZ USA’s efforts. Financially and technically, we provided her our vehicle, financing and support and of course she brought her driving talents in order for her to obtain her Formula D professional License. She at the time was supported by KAAZ USA and represented her driving status as a KAAZ USA driver. If Hiromi Kajikuma or any of her support or affiliates other then KAAZ USA move forward with officially competing in any 2008 Formula D series events without approval or prior notification to KAAZ USA, her status of becoming involved for any future KAAZ USA or TEAM KAAZ interactions will be terminated. Such act is considered to be “Betrayal” to the KAAZ USA/TEAM KAAZ. If such situation does take place, we wished that Bill Montgomery and Team Allstars would have approached this subject more professionally instead of organizing and planning this whole tactic behind KAAZ USA’s back.
      This is the kind of thing I meant in my post on the thread about allstars.

      Thank you for this information and best of luck for 09.

      Comment


      • #4
        now thats proof

        Comment


        • #5
          wasn't Lisa Klassen named as a KA'AZ USA driver before she joined the Allstars for her brief stint?

          Or did she join Allstars first, then switch to KA'AZ USA? speaking of which... what happened to her amazing drifting career?

          Comment


          • #6
            R.I.P. drifting. 2008 (or before)

            Comment


            • #7
              Hiromi is cool and all... But Yasu is just plain ridicules

              Comment


              • #8
                what did happen to that Lisa girl?

                with that whole big talk with her up and coming future drifting career which she just wanted to use it to get sponsors for her rally career?

                dream short lived?

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by azndoc View Post
                  what did happen to that Lisa girl?

                  with that whole big talk with her up and coming future drifting career which she just wanted to use it to get sponsors for her rally career?

                  dream short lived?
                  To everyone's questions about Lisa, We would like to stay on topic about this one issue however we will comment on Lisa to close any questions pending.

                  Lisa Klassen has support from TEAM KAAZ, however where she is taking her driving career is totally up to her. We do offer semi-sponsor support and product maintenance support for her at this time. If she so chooses to take drifting to the next level we will aid her in that journey as much as allowed. Currently she has been focusing more on Rally driving since that's her root motorsport.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Brian View Post
                    R.I.P. drifting. 2008 (or before)
                    but i don't want drifting to die. i wanna be a professional racing car driver.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Contracts should help to alleviate issues such as this. Are there none? I guess it's really none of my business.

                      Best of luck to everyone involved. KAAZ has always been very gracious to our team. Hiromi is one of my favorite drivers and has always been super cool to me at events. I hate to see problems between the two

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Support grassroots drifting! This pro crap is starting to look like the Government.

                        2001 please come back

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Tracy View Post
                          Contracts should help to alleviate issues such as this. Are there none? I guess it's really none of my business.

                          Best of luck to everyone involved. KAAZ has always been very gracious to our team. Hiromi is one of my favorite drivers and has always been super cool to me at events. I hate to see problems between the two
                          Hello Tracy!

                          Its good to hear from you, the whole situation is not so much of a problem between Hiromi and KAAZ. We have NO PROBLEM connecting our drivers and/or affiliate drivers to any interactions, if there is a team,company,event etc. in need of drivers, we'll do everything we can to source drivers for the particular situation(KAAZ drivers or not). Take for instance Drift Office and Barry Wong. Barry has been a long time KAAZ USA driver for quite some time, Drift Office approached KAAZ USA in professional and considerate manners to "ask" KAAZ USA for Barry to pilot their Formula D s13. Afterwards the whole situation worked out well for Barry Wong and Drift Office.Team KAAZ/KAAZ USA wanted Barry to receive more seat time on the off season and Drift Office also had a capable driver that they can place into their vehicle.

                          We do understand that in Hiromi's situation it may be hard for her to communicate and plan the whole situation out herself (in which she hasn't) This whole ordeal was planned and orchestrated by Bill at All-stars. Sure he has spoken about maybe using Hiromi for demo's and what not, but that situation was all small talk, with everything ending in "KAAZ/ALLSTARS" representation. (In basic terms, Team Allstars would use Hiromi to pilot their car however making sure KAAZ USA / TEAM KAAZ would represent Hiromi's driving) Sure if it was to benefit both parties we were ok in placing Hiromi into their MX-5. Things just got fishy when Bill did not contact us and instead used one of his "members" that spoke Japanese to contact Hiromi themselves. That is also fine, we can not regulate whom or what people can talk about or talk to. We just wished that this whole ordeal would have not been so "shady." Like stated above, were more then happy to put our drivers in seats as much as we can, if Bill or Team Allstars would simple give us a call or even email us to ask or inform us of their plans with Hiromi, that would have solved the whole situation and nothing would have been "shady". But for KAAZ USA/Team KAAZ to find out at the absolute last minute, and still with Bill beating around the bush and never letting us know exactly what was happening we see that as bad business or bad relationship characteristics. We have helped out numerous times for their effort, in taking some of their cars and even sending some of our staff to their "testing days". Our staff members would have to wake up early on their days off just to come help Team Allstars and Bill get their cars to the track (Some of the MX5's were stored at our technical facility). As many of you know, around racing...nothing is easy...except to the person whom does not get their hands on the activity, our contributions were all hands on.

                          Bottom line:

                          -Hiromi:
                          She can drive for whom she wants, however as a main threshold of her USA Career, we included her to all of our operations. All of our proposal's and next season plans still included her. Our S14 that we were and still are building included her as well. We paid and took care of all her Formula D licensing in the USA. We've been nothing but kind and supportive to her. We still see her as a good character however just sidetracked a little, if she choses to operate in a different path that is totally fine with us. We wish her the best of luck.

                          -Team Allstars and Bill Montgomery:
                          Its a shame that our relationship had to turn out in this direction, we have been in this industry for a very long time. For someone to take advantage of our kind and supportive ways is truly a shame, all we ask is simple: be professional and courteous, treat others as they treat you.

                          -Why this announcement was made:
                          Team KAAZ and KAAZ USA rarely provides internal information to the public. When lines are crossed and leaves opening for more negative situations to occur to ourselves or others, we allow information to be public. We're honest people and most of all a responsible business. Another reason is: if Hiromi does pilot the Team Allstars vehicles, in most cases she will still be identified as a KAAZ Driver since nothing was made official. We hope that all will go well in her venture to come however if something negative happens, it will reflect on Team KAAZ and KAAZ USA in a minor manner since she was our previous driver. If official interactions and information we're made, then we would feel a little at ease knowing that Team Allstars and Bill Montgomery are taking full responsibility. But that is unknown since there were and are no official communication between the two. Everything in sense is "shady" and done on a very hush-hush style manner form the other party.
                          Last edited by kaazlsd; 10-01-2008, 12:11 PM.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Edgar View Post
                            Support grassroots drifting! This pro crap is starting to look like the Government.

                            2001 please come back
                            Edgar, you know that we have and still will SUPPORT GRASSROOTS DRIFTING. We are heavy believers on that subject. Whenever your ready let us know!

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by kaazlsd View Post
                              Edgar, you know that we have and still will SUPPORT GRASSROOTS DRIFTING. We are heavy believers on that subject. Whenever your ready let us know!
                              YES!!!!! Great supporters of Kazz and you guys know that. I know you guys are there for the small guys and help to the most of your abilities.

                              Kazz 2009

                              Comment

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