XTREME DRIFT CIRCUIT, PRO-AM Series

[boxmod]

Hi Jason!

It kinda sucks that the finals were at Irwindale, but unfortunately, the series (and a majority of the talent pool of drivers) is based largely on the West Coast. NJ and ATL are great events, but 4 of the 7 events are within 400 miles of LA, and another event is within 1000 miles. Because of that, and because of the cooperative nature of the tracks out here (specifically Irwindale, accommodating the ProAm event on short notice), the event came together the way that it did. I still think that the East Coast has a LOT of talent, and the NOPI series really did a lot to help showcase that. Drivers like Matt Waldin, Brian Wilkerson, Bill Sherman, Dennis Mertezanis, Blake Fuller, and others all are fully capable of doing well in FD with the right team and support behind them. But unfortunately, the sponsorship and support is largely in California. I'm glad Matt was able to find some funding to run the entire season this year, and hope others can follow for 2010.

Jason - although your car may be enough to qualify for top 32 at some FD events the way it is, I think 400 lb-ft of torque is something of a magic number in FD for success. FD is becoming much more technical, and I think everybody is realizing that torque is really the key to winning, thus the large trend towards V8 motors. Drivers are realizing that pulling out of a slow corner and making a quick gap goes a long way in the eyes of the judges, and torque / forward grip is really the best way to do that. If you want to be serious and compete beyond top 32 at FD, I think you really need to upgrade the powerplant in your S13. I'm sure you already know this though

PS - Is it April yet?! I need me some drifting....

I'm picking up an LS1 sunday

[Slapshotnerd]

Hi Jason!

It kinda sucks that the finals were at Irwindale, but unfortunately, the series (and a majority of the talent pool of drivers) is based largely on the West Coast. NJ and ATL are great events, but 4 of the 7 events are within 400 miles of LA, and another event is within 1000 miles. Because of that, and because of the cooperative nature of the tracks out here (specifically Irwindale, accommodating the ProAm event on short notice), the event came together the way that it did. I still think that the East Coast has a LOT of talent, and the NOPI series really did a lot to help showcase that. Drivers like Matt Waldin, Brian Wilkerson, Bill Sherman, Dennis Mertezanis, Blake Fuller, and others all are fully capable of doing well in FD with the right team and support behind them. But unfortunately, the sponsorship and support is largely in California. I'm glad Matt was able to find some funding to run the entire season this year, and hope others can follow for 2010.

Jason - although your car may be enough to qualify for top 32 at some FD events the way it is, I think 400 lb-ft of torque is something of a magic number in FD for success. FD is becoming much more technical, and I think everybody is realizing that torque is really the key to winning, thus the large trend towards V8 motors. Drivers are realizing that pulling out of a slow corner and making a quick gap goes a long way in the eyes of the judges, and torque / forward grip is really the best way to do that. If you want to be serious and compete beyond top 32 at FD, I think you really need to upgrade the powerplant in your S13. I'm sure you already know this though

PS - Is it April yet?! I need me some drifting....

[B.Young]

Running NOPI had to be a blast. You have been at this longer than I have.

[boxmod]

Thats awsome that you want to help the local scene get recognized for its talent. Unfortunatly recognizing top amatur drifters on a national scale seems to be difficult unless you have time and money to travel, but thats where the sacrifice comes in to achieve your goals. I'm in the Phoenix area and I don't make much money, but I pull through to try and make every local event. I'm going to Cali more often in 2010 to get competition experience from the top amaturs there (funded by side jobs). If you ever make it out this way and need a rest stop for the night in the Phoenix area, my door is open to you. I live with my girl and a few friends. No drugs, but beer is good

I did the entire nopi2007 series on my own dime. it was a lot of fun and did get my name out and started my network. I've averaged 20 events every year in the local/regional sector man, dedication is all I got.

I've been out to phoenix before, might be back^

[B.Young]

Thats awsome that you want to help the local scene get recognized for its talent. Unfortunatly recognizing top amatur drifters on a national scale seems to be difficult unless you have time and money to travel, but thats where the sacrifice comes in to achieve your goals. I'm in the Phoenix area and I don't make much money, but I pull through to try and make every local event. I'm going to Cali more often in 2010 to get competition experience from the top amaturs there (funded by side jobs). If you ever make it out this way and need a rest stop for the night in the Phoenix area, my door is open to you. I live with my girl and a few friends. No drugs, but beer is good

[boxmod]

Irwindale is just seat time to get the feel of the bank. My first run there I just floored it, and did my best to hang on. myspace.com/BYDrifting As the day continued I had some engine issues, but I survived to the top 8 (barely).
It does suck to be so far away from these kind of events, but if your not tied down, just move to Cali, Vegas, or Phoenix where it is very possible to get ahead in drifting. Thats what I would do anyways. Good luck with next year, and I hope to see you drifting sometime.

I know and I've entertained the idea of moving west. Part of me wants to try to help the scene here by sticking it out and showing sponsors, and up n comming drivers that it is possible to be a success from Florida/SouthEast.

I'm not really 'tied down' either but man, I'd have to sell the car just to afford the move hahahaha.

I plan on seeing Cali this year at least once.

[B.Young]

Irwindale is just seat time to get the feel of the bank. My first run there I just floored it, and did my best to hang on. myspace.com/BYDrifting As the day continued I had some engine issues, but I survived to the top 8 (barely).
It does suck to be so far away from these kind of events, but if your not tied down, just move to Cali, Vegas, or Phoenix where it is very possible to get ahead in drifting. Thats what I would do anyways. Good luck with next year, and I hope to see you drifting sometime.

[boxmod]

damn, from that perspective the bank doesnt look as steep but whatever. I think your t28 on 10psi prolly is a little more go behind it and 17s vs my 18s, what tires did you run?

I dunno really though, bank speeds at Iwindale are in the 75-85 range right? Last time I was sideways at that speed I was BARELY keeping her out and it was on flats.

dont matter, the events gone and I couldn't have afforded it then anyways.

[D1 DRIFTER]

you could have done irwindale just fine... i did irwindale in a redtop with 10psi on a t28 and vlsd on 245/45/17 x 10's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-BvsDzQOaw

go for broke.

[boxmod]

I think you underestimated your self

I seen skilled drivers with less horsepower fully link irwindale, and I'm talking about NA short wheelbase corolla guys.

And plus you got a SR 240sx, you can squeeze out another hundred horsepower with ease. PFC, Injectors, Headwork... its a go

well as far as getting more hp, if you wanna donate the parts/money ok.

I have a enough experience in my car to know the torque isnt there in 3rd to keep them spinning much on flats at 80-ish let alone a huge bank. I could have stepped down the tire size to something less predictable, but that still leaves me with the $$$ trip from FL. I couldnt risk that much $$ to show up and my car not make it around the bank!

I don't know, I could throw excuses all day I guess but really, we were asked at FD Atlanta who would attend a west coast final. Everyone said without assistance no we wouldn't.

They said there might be a east coast at VIR but only top 8 (or so) would get a license but west coast at Phoenix would be top 16 (guaranteed).... so they dropped east all together and moved west further out.

I know its not always in controllable, but its hard enough making a name for yourself as a privateer, then add in FL, and your screwed hahaha. I've been kickin in the door for 4 years, I'm not stopping now.

[Bebop]

s13 with a redtop t25, FMIC, boost at 15psi. 230hp of awesome.

peep it>> http://www.vimeo.com/7352152

I think you underestimated your self

I seen skilled drivers with less horsepower fully link irwindale, and I'm talking about NA short wheelbase corolla guys.

And plus you got a SR 240sx, you can squeeze out another hundred horsepower with ease. PFC, Injectors, Headwork... its a go

[boxmod]

s13 with a redtop t25, FMIC, boost at 15psi. 230hp of awesome.

peep it>> http://www.vimeo.com/7352152

[Bebop]

what do you drive?

[boxmod]

bigger issue for me was the venue itself. My car 'as it sits' couldn't do irwindale bank, but the flats at phoenix I had no worries. I even had 2 seperate invites (1st HIN Tampa and 2nd FD Atlanta) but Irwindale was not going to happen with my car. This year, this year will be different.

[Justin Banner]

Racing cost money. Duh!

May have my seat problem covered. I'll know by the end of January.