What’s Next for NASCAR and Drifting in America?

Recently at Irwindale Speedway several of the biggest names in NASCAR participated in a charity event with potential implications for drifting that extend far beyond scope of the actual event that took place. The strong crowd showing at the Mopar D1 “All Star” charity event represents a new and exciting opportunity for the powers that be in NASCAR to tap into a new market.

Imagine drivers getting paid just for making the field. Sponsors getting their products shown on ESPN, SpeedTV, or Fox Sports. Stock car racing in the United States is huge, NASCAR could be just the shot in the arm that drifting needs.

At this point this is all just speculation, but rumors are flying around that a big announcement may be just around the corner, take a look at this email we recently received:

To my friends and colleagues,
As you may have already heard from our industry’s friends, I have resigned my position at D’s Club Inc. an organizer of D1 Grand prix in USA as of September 28, 2006.

By help of you and D1 organization I have had a greatest experiences and wonderful time here at D’s Club Inc and it is now time for me to step out of the organization and to proceed to organize a true USA series of Drifting “DRIFTCAR of America” that would dedicate and contribute in prosperity of American racing and aftermarket industry with my past experience and a vision.

I truly appreciate your help for achieving my position today and I hope that I can return the favor to you in my future project.

If there is anything that I can do to assist you, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Sincerely Yours,

Hideo Tomitaka

For those that do not know, Hideo was formally the vice president and director of U.S. operations of the D1 Grand Prix (D1GP). He was also involved in the coordination and execution of the recent Mopar Kasey Kahne charity event held out at Irwindale Speedway.

From a Los Angeles Times Article that we put up on August 11th:

The event was developed by Kahne, Jacob Agajanian of Motorsports Management International and Bob DeFazio, Irwindale Speedway’s general manager. Hideo Tomitaka, director of U.S. operations for the D1 GP drifting series, is providing cars and other support.

At this point, everything is pure speculation, but it is a well know fact that NASCAR has been searching for ways to extend it appeal beyond its current demographic. We will see how things look after this years SEMA show.

ADDENDUM 10/11/2006:
Some of my speculation was a bit off. When I included the Los Angeles Time excerpt to support my theory about possible shift behind the veil of secrecy, it made it appear that certain parties that I have since learned are not involved appear as if they were. The latest email that I have received is below:

September 28, 2006

To whom it may concern:

A sponsor package that we sent by e-mail on Monday September 25, 2006 regarding the 2007 Driftcar America season contained certain errors.

Please be advised that Driftcar America has not partnered with; or engaged, Motorsports Management International nor has Driftcar America retained the law firm of Agajanian, McFall, Weiss, Tetreault & Crist LLP as corporate counsel or the services of Cary Agajanian in any capacity.

While Driftcar America had (and continues to have) discussions with these parties; no agreements have been reached nor has any legal counsel been retained.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Driftcar America Inc.

Ashley Gracile
Chief Executive Officer

I spoke with Jacob Agajanian who helped put together the MOPAR event shortly afterwards and he added that “MMI is very interested in Drifting and had a blast putting on the Drift vs Grip event but has NO agreements with any drifting entity although they have been contacted by several industry insiders.”

Driftcar is not it, but hope may still be alive for a series with “substantial financial backing,” to appear in North America.