The D1 Business Model: Bad for Drifting in America

The D1 Business Model: Bad for Drifting in America

51 Comments »

1. “One needs to look no further then all of the amateur drivers who received licenses during the 2006 season to see that this is a weak point.”

   Absolutely. One doesn’t need a calculator to learn that competing in Formula D at all requires tens of thousands of dollars. To compete on the level of the Top 3 requires hundreds of thousands of dollars.

   Comment by David Padron — March 12, 2007 #

2. I agree.

   I wonder what Formula D has to say about this article? I wanna know what excuse they come up with.

   Formula D & D1GP, Not for the fans? Looks that way.

   Comment by C.B.Leslie — March 12, 2007 #

3. I want to make it clear that this article deals with drifting in the USA.

   There are fundamental differences for Drifting in Japan that allow the D1 model to work better.

   Comment by Geoffrey Chandler — March 12, 2007 #

4. Very well put.

   Comment by driftwood — March 12, 2007 #

5. “DriftCar America with promises of Fox Network Television appears to have fallen apart. ”

   Can I say….told ya so!!!

   Great Article!!!!!!

   A+++

   FD…. step your game up

   us fans want too see more drifting!!!!

   Comment by cam — March 12, 2007 #

6. So you think you know…..but you really dont. Who at Formula D or D1 did you interview to get this information?Did you interview a certain number of drivers to come up with this weird conclusion. Do you even know exactly how much is cost to buid a drift car, or enter into Formula D or D1? Dont you think that some of these up-and coming drivers are, yeah….spending lots of money, (no different from any other morosport) but also dreaming and yearning for their day with Rhys, Sam, or Tanner? Cmon Geoffrey, (can I call you Geoff) Formula D is putting alot down to place drifting into the homes, creating new stars out of all the drivers, and making this sport as credible and legit as they can. Lots of sacrafice involved, but then again….you probably dont know sacrafice and perserverance. Thats what it takes Geoff. Some of these drivers have havent even tasted the top 16 podium and some …not even 32, but you now what????? There still in it…..Yeah. Money would be good. But i really think that some of these drivers have drifting in their heart. Props to Driftlive for the number of hits, I love the site, but it’s people like you that “try” to discredit other peoples hard work and dreams……. Go to the Long Beach Event…… and enjoy yourself! Sup with the haterism? And why dont you do a “Real” case study next time…

   Comment by wtf — March 12, 2007 #

7. I hate to say it but all this talk gets me down….I liked it better when very few knew of drifting and I did’nt have to deal with all the dumb people who come to events just to see wrecks and to play with beach balls..It’s great for the drivers to make money at this but when it comes down to it the people who really love the “ART” of drifting have to deal with the mass amounts of consumer-ist morons at the events..But I guess anything to make a buck…Drift day,Just drift,DG trials,etc…Thats where the love is at!

   Comment by HEATHER — March 12, 2007 #

8. I know the drivers are not making money at this at the moment but obviously that is their long term goal…And every one elses.Which creates whole sea of consumer-ist morons at the events to look foward to….great..Hurray for exploiting something that came from another country…I guess that’s our history though..oh well.

   Comment by HEATHER — March 12, 2007 #

9. There may be issues with the way how some of the drift series take care of business but they are trying to provide an outlet that will allow these drivers to grow. If it wasn’t for Keiichi Tsuchiya’s dream of seeing drifting on a competition level, D1, Formula D, etc wouldn’t even exist. The only way the drifters would be able to show their talent would be on the streets. Drifting in the U.S. is still in it’s infancy so we just have to see how things go. Look at import drag racing in the 90s and the where it is now. Same situation. It’s just how motorsports is. If you’re not driving for Ferrari, your chances of winning a world championship are pretty slim. Sorry for all the typing, just hope that people will see that even though the multiple drift organizations out there, they’re are providing the drivers with a safe place to show their talent regardless if they are a works driver or not. Hey, the US is a democratic country and we thrive on competition.

   p.s. talking about be competitive with big buck works companies, did you notice that GM driver Rhys Millen and Mopar’s ace Sam Hubinette didn’t even qualify for Best 16 comp in D1GP round 8? I know that it was a shakedown for both cars but it shows that big company backing doesn’t necessarily guarantee victory.

   Comment by Drift X-treme — March 13, 2007 #

10. “you probably dont know sacrafice and perserverance.”

    Them’s fightin’ words. You shouldn’t say things about people you don’t know/ aren’t well acquainted with.

    Comment by C.B.Leslie — March 13, 2007 #

11. I just did though….. And…..

    Comment by wtf — March 13, 2007 #

12. “p.s. talking about be competitive with big buck works companies, did you notice that GM driver Rhys Millen and Mopar’s ace Sam Hubinette didn’t even qualify for Best 16 comp in D1GP round 8? I know that it was a shakedown for both cars but it shows that big company backing doesn’t necessarily guarantee victory. ”

    Are you seriously going to bring up that event, that whole weekend was staged for a japanese glorious victory.

    What about the next day, when they did qualify top 16 for America. And Dai and Chris.F were left out even though they clearly ran better lines (in most fans point of view).

    Comment by cam — March 13, 2007 #

13. Cameron, I think WTF is calling you out.

    You gonna take that?

    :)

    Comment by DriftLive.com — March 13, 2007 #

14. Hah. No, I Don’t have time to win arguments at the moment. I’m too busy. :D

    Comment by C.B.Leslie — March 13, 2007 #

15. My personal experience makes me FIRMLY believe that if you want it hard enough, and put in the due amount of work and effort, and you actually can drive even just pretty good, sponsors will come. You have to be active in a worthwhile way and present yourself as a valuable and respectable person of all the companies you represent. Don’t think its impossible, but don’t think its gonna just poof in your lap.

    Comment by Jason Jiovani — March 13, 2007 #

16. Are you seriously going to bring up that event, that whole weekend was staged for a japanese glorious victory.

    What about the next day, when they did qualify top 16 for America. And Dai and Chris.F were left out even though they clearly ran better lines (in most fans point of view).

    This may be somewhat true the judging in D1 is gotten more strict. I have a lot respect for the U.S. Drivers (go JR) but a good majority of them are quite slow. Remember that one of the aspects of judging for most drifting series involve speed. When a 185 hp Ae86 is running faster than a 600 hp mustang it also says a lot about the drivers.

    Anyways, even though they are sponsored by big companies guys like Rhys and Sam have dominated because they’ve got experience in various forms of motorsports. It doesn’t necessarily make them a lot better but it does help to understand the way a car moves.

    Who cares. Can’t wait for the season to start.

    Comment by Drift X-treme — March 13, 2007 #

17. “Are you seriously going to bring up that event, that whole weekend was staged for a Japanese glorious victory.”

    Once again Cam seems too sound very dumb..

    For one I hate to say it but most U.S drivers just don’t have the speed the Japanese do RIGHT NOW.

    Another point…how often do you see the U.S drivers tandem as close as the Japanese. Most of the time there is alot of distance between them..Once the U.S drivers get more speed and can close in more consistently then we will see some true competitive battles.

    Comment by HEATHER — March 14, 2007 #

18. Heather… were you at the event that weekend?

    If not, speak no more.

    Chris Forsberg, V Gitten, Dai, Rhys, and Sam are very able to beat japanese drivers in tandem

    All of them have but Dai, but seeing that Dai can Hang with all of them in FD I give him the benefit of the doubt.

    The World Championship day Sam Chris Dai and Rhys were all in the 99 range

    Vaughn Gittin-100

    Rhys Millen-99.93

    Samuel Hubinette-99.90

    Daijiro Yoshihara-99.90

    Ken Gushi-99.90

    Chris Forsberg-99.50

    Apparently in D1 as long as you run a line that vaguely resembles or looks like the one in the drivers meeting you will get a 99. That crap needs to stop!!!

    Another question, have you ever ran irwindale heather. If not speak no more.

    At the drivers meeting, they tell the drivers to have fast entry speed stay as close to the wall as possible with good angle. With that being said Rhys did have fast entry speed and smoked the whole bank but wasn’t very close to the wall. Sam’s first two qualifying runs were bad, a lot of steering correction and understeer, his last run was solid alright entry speed, close to the wall good angle but slow coming out of the first clipping point. Solid it was but IMO didnt deserve top 16 for that day or a 99.9 score. Dai had fast entry speed, pretty damn close to the wall for the whole bank and barley grazed the wall on the inner bank I think. Even though I dont think 90% of those drivers who got 99s deserved them, I do feel his run was top 16 worthy. Chris’s entry speed was good, not the fastest on the radar but he initiates a lot earlier and higher up on the bank then a lot of other drivers. He definitely ran better lines then both Sam and Rhys. And I’m not taking anything away from those 2 either, they are awesome drivers and if they were in the cars they competed there FD seasons in instead of these new machines there is no doubt it my mind they would have made it too the top 16.

    I think D1 should judge the throttle patterns before the initiation instead of the entry speed. Why give one competitor more points then a other competitor souly based on entry speed when the other competitor ran a better line while going balls out on the throttle as well….?

    On the contrary to that… Tengku Djan who basically ran a tandem type line qualifying and only score a 95 got into the top 16 basically because he was the best malaysian driver and Kuroi had engine trouble and couldn’t compete in the top 16. And with his nimble 86 that can run a tandem type line balls out illiminated Gitten due to his mistakes on the inner bank.

    And if you dont think that event was rigged for a glorious japanese victory. Why the hell did Nomuken not get panalized for hitting D’mac from the behind…..oh yea because he didnt spin out. You can hit another oponent from the rear totally aggravating his line but as long as he doesnt spin out you wont get penalized….. Its like beating a man close to death and not going to jail!!

    I know I’m off topic but if someone says I sound dumb I’m gonna put it in better detail for them hoping they can comprehend. D1 is kinda like the wwe of motorsports.

    Comment by cam — March 14, 2007 #

19. Spoken like a true american a**hole…Just cause you slam the throttle down does’nt make you good…It’s about technique….Maybe I should talk to your girl friend about your technique…if you have one nerdsville. You are a true slice of apple pie..You need to get laid.

    Comment by Heather — March 14, 2007 #

20. Oh yea…what the F is panalized? Are we talking about your trailer?

    Comment by Heather — March 14, 2007 #

21. Cam, why do you continue to bash D1? If it wasn’t for D1 there probably wouldn’t be Formula D and I remember watching I think the Option video from last year’s US vs. Japan and remember Keiichi saying something like he’s lenient on the US drivers. Now I’m not saying that those drivers didn’t deserve the points, but there is that possibiity Keiichi may have been lenient. Calling D1 the WWE of drift is a joke. Anyways, competition drifting isn’t just about the “tsuiso” runs, it comes down to the tandem. Whether it’s in Japan or the US, if you can’t tandem, you’re most likely not going to win. Just because you run a 100pt qualifying doesn’t mean you’re the best.

    Comment by Drift X-treme — March 14, 2007 #

22. one thing that alot of people dont understand about judging drifting is the point of view. if you ever get a chance to watch from the judges stand you will see that things look alot different than from the grandstand.

    as far as scoring for the last d1, just watch the option video, lol. as much as anyone would like to think, the japanese are still way better than the us drivers. the first thing that is judged at irwindale is whether the driver is full throttle from the start to the bank entry, then you are supposed to hold the high line around the bank (most of the us drivers including myself were generally 5-10 feet further from the wall then the japanese guys), then of course the clip off the bank about 1 foot, then they see entry speed (again the us drivers were about 10km slower than the japanese, except for tanners amazing speed), then the clip on the straight, then you have to follow the outside line of the inner bank OR have a higher entry speed and aim further into the inner bank (sort of the tandem line), then the last two clips. if you can do all off these things its a 100. minor corrections usually get a fraction of a point deduction, missed clips a re 3 pts i think, slow speed is 1 pt off, off line is usually 1pt off depending on where in the course. and of course driver impact can increase points. as a driver who made it to 32 but not 16 i was a little upset until i saw the video footage and could see much clearer why the judges made the decisions they did. trust me, they are very good at what they do.

    Comment by john — March 14, 2007 #

23. Heather… this is a drifting site

    I have every right to talk about drifting on here. You think my girl would appreciate me talking about drifting while I’m [edit]…. no so I come on here. I’m a driver, and a fan… I eat breath and sleep this crap. Some people eat breathe and sleep football, star wars, reptiles, birds, or even sonic boom patterns from all the earths cars. And honestly from the posts i see you make time after time I highly that your not a drift nerd you can say your self. Its funny how when I start getting all technical, throwing around termonology and numbers she’s goes into the sexual and nerd jokes. Didnt know that 7th grade girls were into drifting.

    And sorry I spelled one word wrong, if you replace the first a with e its spells penalized. Even a middle schooler can figure that one out. I vote for a ban on her IP.

    And Drift X-treme… believe it or not I love D1. I think on the japanese level “the events in japan” they are pretty damn professional. But every time they hit the US seems like something is never right. 06 with Darren getting cheated, 05 with the rumored japanese only drivers meeting after Vaughn won, and Taniguchi not showing up and Orido having “engine troubles” after the whole XDL fiasco.

    It seems very fixed, and its hard to tell when almost all the drivers are on the same skill level. Only real thing that sets Kazama, Nomuken, and Kumo and the rest of the top 10 from every season apart is the cars they run and the teams that are backing them. If you have a good driver and your car is reliable and your team is good and keeping it that way you will probably do good. In FD there are still big backs of skill between the top 16 and everyone, on the D1 level its quite not obviously, seeing that 70% of the drivers are scoring 99s and above and the ones that don’t make top 16 were only tenths away from making it (again… I don’t agree with this type of scoring).

    “Just because you run a 100pt qualifying doesn’t mean you’re the best”

    But it should mean your the best qualifier. And there’s no reason to have 8 number 1 qualifiers and 6 number 2s and 2 number 3s. Seems like D1 judges have week jaws. And when its like that, its real easy to tweak the judging a little bit. Give one competitor .1 point advantage over other drivers for the top 16. When there’s huge gaps in skill or just judging its harder to fix because apparently the fans know good runs from bad ones. But even though I say all this, I still find D1 very entertaining though. Its not totally like WWE, its not like there fake drifting like wrestlers fake beat each other up. D’s club is a entertainment company after all.

    The highest score in FD ever was Tanner fousts 99 point run at irwindale, and the judges were still like “if he got just a little closer to the wall we would give him the 100 he deserves” and the whole crowd just shrieked when Andy said that. Because he was like literally 3 or 4 inches away from the frigen wall!!! Even though they just saw the greatest qualifying run ever they still want more, they still push the bar. They just don’t kick up there feet and start giving everyone 100s and 99s qualifying.

    And its not like there’s a point cut off. The last dudes qualifying are getting like high 80s and still getting in.

    Whats more decisive

    Tanner Foust - 72mph - 99
    Sam Hubinette - 71mph - 97.75
    Ken Gushi - 72mph - 95.5
    Rhys Millen - 78mph - 95.08
    Vaughn Gittin Jr - 68mph - 94.75
    Daijiro Yoshihara - 72mph - 94
    Kenji Yamanaka - 63mph - 93
    Tyler McQuarrie - 78mph - 92
    Yukinobu Okubo - 65mph - 91.5
    Chris Forsberg - 67mph - 90.83
    Kazu Hayashida - 74mph - 90.67
    Rich Rutherford - 65mph - 90
    Hiro Sumida - 63mph - 90
    Casper Canul - 61mph - 90
    Mitsuru Haruguchi - 68mph - 89.5
    Ben Schwartz - 72mph - 88.83

    or

    Tanner Foust - 72mph - 100
    Sam Hubinette - 71mph - 100
    Ken Gushi - 72mph - 100
    Rhys Millen - 78mph - 100
    Vaughn Gittin Jr - 68mph - 100
    Daijiro Yoshihara - 72mph - 100
    Kenji Yamanaka - 63mph - 99.98
    Tyler McQuarrie - 78mph - 99.97
    Yukinobu Okubo - 65mph - 99.97
    Chris Forsberg - 67mph - 99.97
    Kazu Hayashida - 74mph - 99.95
    Rich Rutherford - 65mph - 99.94
    Hiro Sumida - 63mph - 99
    Casper Canul - 61mph - 99
    Mitsuru Haruguchi - 68mph - 99
    Ben Schwartz - 72mph - 98.9

    LMFAO

    its funny how anyone can sit up and call realistic, you don’t even see crap like that in the Olympics!!!! lmao!!!!

    There’s no way that all those drivers putting down legendary runs one after another!!!!

    I love D1, but that crap is ridicules.

    And to John, it just seemed like you didnt have enough power to get something going coming out of the big bank like the other corolla drivers did. You see how ueo and Hayashi kick the clutch and really rip right before they come out the big bank right along those 4 or 5 cones leading to the first clip. You just didnt seem to have that compare to them, you carried a lot of speed out of it and came in the inner oval very deep and close to the wall. I know its hard doing with with a shorter wheel base and skinny tires. I’m pretty sure you will be able to run line like they do now that you have you F20c1. I wont be surprised if you link the whole bank like Yoshioka does.

    Comment by cam — March 14, 2007 #

24. Oh yea and heather… you have reading comprehension of a true American child in the no child left behind act.

    I think D1 should judge the throttle patterns before the initiation instead of the entry speed. Why give one competitor more points then a other competitor souly based on entry speed when the other competitor ran a better line while going balls out on the throttle as well…?

    read that over and over until it gets through your thick skull.

    Comment by cam — March 14, 2007 #

25. I think that was very well said. hopefully one day formula D will realize that they should open the market to let the sport grow and get better sponsers.

    Comment by Joshua Guild — March 15, 2007 #

26. FINALLY…SOME HONESTY. I COMMEND YOU JOHN.

    Comment by HEATHER — March 15, 2007 #

27. NOT TO DOWN PLAY THE U.S DRIVERS BUT I SAT IN V.I.P AND SAW MAYBE TWO OF THE DRIVERS GET AS CLOSE TO THE WALL IN THE HAIRPIN AS TEZUKA,KOGUCHI,KAWABATA,KUROI….ETC. THE U.S DRIVERS ARE GOOD BUT NOT THERE YET….SPAMMY CAMMY…THAT’S YOUR GARBAGE PAIL KID NAME..LIKE IT? I FIGURE YOUR COMMENTS ARE LIKE SPAM…ALWAYS AROUND AND NOT WANTED.

    Comment by HEATHER — March 15, 2007 #

28. OH YEA…JOHN RUSAKOFF!! I THOUGHT YOU KICKED $SS…YOU’RE ENTRY ON THE HAIR PIN..HOLY SHIT DUDE..I THOUGHT YOU WERE GONNA HIT A COUPLE TIMES FROM WHERE I WAS SITTING..NICE THROTTLE CONTROL SIR! HOW IS THE S2K MOTOR WORKING OUT FOR YOU?

    Comment by HEATHER — March 15, 2007 #

29. It appears that this article has started a judging war. The main focus of my article is not really the judging of D1 or Formula D. Judging is subjective, and as such, fighting about it will not yield much. I do feel that the Top 16 bracket style competition format is problematic, and it could be changed to help even out event judging a bit. Maybe that will be my next article.

    I find D1 events to be entertaining, I also want to point out that the event you guys are arguing about was an “All Star� event. Drawing parallel to “All Star� events in other sports, usually it means that it is taken much less serious, and is mostly for the fans. I understand that many of the drivers may not take it that way, but it is possible that is how the folks at D1 look at it.

    The main focus of D1 events, besides entertaining the live crowd, is to produce option DVDs. According to the literature that they handed out in 2005, D1 moves hundreds of thousands of units of each of their options DVDs. This is pure speculation, but it seems possible that D1 makes quite a bit of money off of their DVDs. Taking that into account, D1 is now financially motivated to produce the most entertaining DVD possible. This is sometimes in conflict with having the best judging.

    I will go out on a limb here, but I’m will guess that a Pontiac Solstice, Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, or 1969 Chevy Camaro better represent “Americans� to a Japanese audience. (Remember Option Videos, like Weezer, are big in Japan) So if American 350Z driver A has the same run as American Mustang Driver B, who wins? If I were producing the DVD, it would be the Mustang whenever possible. Why? Because it will mean more units sold.

    This is why I didn’t call this article, D1: Bad for Drifting. I worked hard to point out that it is their business model and highly closed format are bad for the growth of American drifting, not their drifting or live events.

    In large part the top American drivers are more competitive at each years D1 due to Formula D. This is because Formula D provides a forum for competition that allows US drivers to sharpen their skills and tune their chassis. What my article hopes to call out, is the fact that the bottom 20 of the Top 32 drivers here in the US could benefit from more exposure, and stronger sponsorship backing.

    Imagine an “All Star� event with 32 American drivers with factory cars. I bet it would be a bit more exciting event.

    Comment by Geoffrey Chandler — March 15, 2007 #

30. Speaking from experience in dealing with D1, There is a lot of BS that happens behind the scenes.
    D1 comps were originally devised as a method to increase video option sales. nothing eles.
    That is why there are so many questionable calls in D1. If D1 truly cared about the sport then they would have a better program but it is not about integrity of drifting it’s about $$$.

    FD started off like a D1 clone however in the years that follow FD has grown, improved, and always been interested in legitimizing drifting to the rest of the motorsports world.
    Yes FD wants to make money, who can blame them, most of us get paid for going to work every day.

    John - well said
    Cam - well said
    heather - go home.

    Comment by tt boy — March 15, 2007 #

31. Sheesh..people over here sure get riled up easily huh! Young and full of hot sauce they are! It’s good to see that kind of passion.

    Although I think most of the people who have posted so far are missing the point of the article.

    Geoffery doesn’t have any qualms or problems with the way things are judged in either series or who should get more respect.

    He feels that Formula D and D1 are short changing their drivers but limiting the internet media from getting deeper coverage of their events.

    In regards to Formula D though I’ll have to respectfully disagree with you. Yes the reach of the internet is vast and is continuing to grow. Especially with online video networks like youtube and google video. However, you cannot discount Television’s reach either.

    The fact of the matter is TV coverage is just as if not more important than internet video coverage. So gaining that is paramount for Formula D and Nopi. Chances are ESPN is PAYING Formula D for Exclusive rights to coverage.

    ESPN is doing this because they feel that they can pull viewers to them by broadcasting drifting thus increasing ad revenue. However if someone can watch the whole thing in high quality on the internet through another website then it takes the value away from what they’re buying and then we’d have no television coverage whatsoever.

    If Drifting is to thrive I think it needs BOTH mediums. As it is now..I think is a pretty decent deal for both sides. I mean you can film everything at the event..everything thats going on driver interviews single runs all of that…you just can’t show the tandems. Considering what a network like ESPN is paying for exclusivity…I think that is pretty generous. The TV stations need to get value for their investments too.

    Just because we as websites cannot show the tandem battle video from Formula D doesn’t mean we’re dramatically limiting the potential online exposure for their sponsors…because there are so many other ways to “cover” the events.

    When it comes to D1 on the other hand I do agree with you. If D1 is going to run a US series with no televison partner and only allows their own DVD crew to film and print/internet to take stills and only some video then they are doing their US compeitiors a dis-service.

    In D1’s case I think it is in their best interest to allow as much internet video media as possible since they have no TV partner.

    Although maybe in the case of D1 they aren’t looking for their US series to be the top dog..but merely out there..using what they’ve already bulit to attract drivers and put butts in seats and sell DVD’s…after all running a series is a business first and foremost…and businesses are there to make money.

    Comment by Andy — March 15, 2007 #

32. Andy,

    I think you make some good points, but I will disagree that YouTube/MySpace/Etc distribution of tandem runs will hurt ESPN’s show.

    Take for example the Dave Chapelle Show or Family Guy, both shows became wildly popular due to exposure on the Internet.

    ESPN/Formula D needs to focus on growing their market, not trying to maintain exclusivity. Production quality and depth of programming are things that the Internet can’t compete with easily.

    In my opinion, cutting your potential audience off from tandem (arguably the most exciting element of drifting) is a mistake.

    Comment by Geoffrey Chandler — March 15, 2007 #

33. The thing is.

    If you knew that you could watch an entire Formula D round broken down into segments, what then would make you want to subscribe to ESPN or flip the channel to ESPN to watch it there?

    Most people wouldn’t bother if it was all right there for them online.

    That is how it would take value away from what ESPN is paying for.

    Sure there are some who would want the production quality of TV but thats not enough to bank on..if it was then sites like YouTube wouldn’t be as popular as they are today.

    Tandem runs are exciting and a big part of the show…but it’s still only PART…and internet media outlets such as this one can still cover so much more…and you guys have been doing a darn good job of it too.

    If everyone could watch every single thing that happens at a Formula D round from home and for free then Formula D and ESPN would be losing out on money.

    Another example…lets say there is a kid in Canada who is never gonig to have a FD round in his town or anywhere near by and he can’t fly out to see one in person…Formula D has no way to make money from that person…BUT if he is willing to turn on his TV to watch or go as far as to subscribe to ESPN if he doesn’t already have it then that is a way for Formula D to bring money to the series…but if he could watch it all for free online then they lose that.

    The more money a series can bring in the more they can make things better for everyone, fans and drivers.

    Dave Chapelle and Family Guy got popular because they’re hilarious…the internet helped them yes but on the internet you usually only got bits and pieces from the actual show..usually not the whole thing.

    Also for the record…Its getting harder and harder to find Family Guy clips on YouTube now.

    And Viacom (Company that owns Comedy Central) is suing YouTube for a BILLION dollars. Yes Billion with a B.

    And this is only one of the many lawsuits that YouTube has been hit with because of similar issues.

    Im sure that they’re can be possible middle grounds worked out between the internet media and ESPN…but in order for Formula D to keep the much needed and important TV deal…their broadcast partner needs to hold some significant form of exclusivity.

    Maybe you can be the first to lead such negotiations…I dont want to see a rift start to grow between two forms of media…that could be just as bad for drifting as splitting sponsors between a bunch of series.

    Comment by Andy — March 15, 2007 #

34. Drifting is still in a growth phase and so, any medium that can be used to increase the number of heads interested in seeing drifting is beneficial to drifting. If ESPN (or whomever) is interested in making a buck with drifting coverage it benefits them as much as anyone for there to be more drifting fans.

    As far as preference between mediums is concerned, I doubt many would prefer to watch a sport as visual as drifting in a 400×350 pixel window instead of a large screen TV. It’s the same reason why Netflix’ ‘Watch it Now’ feature lacks more than a few hundred titles; people would rather wait a day or two to watch their DVD on their TV than stream it instantly on their computer. And, how many people are realistically going to change their cable package for 7 hours (minus commercials) of Formula D?

    Comment by David Padron — March 15, 2007 #

35. You guys win…I lose..I suck. You’re cool. I’m dumb.You’re smart..I’m stupid. I have an opinion and I guess it’s not wanted around these parts..So I’ll just leave…One last thought. D1 drivers are still the best!!F all you rednecks! Boo yea!

    Comment by Heather — March 15, 2007 #

36. “I think that was very well said. hopefully one day formula D will realize that they should open the market to let the sport grow and get better sponsers.”

    You really dont know what your talking about…….must be a newbie.

    Comment by wtf — March 15, 2007 #

37. You should “ALL” (or maybe just you Geoffrey) call Jim and Ryan, and discuss Judging tactics with them……Or… Send them an email. D1’s judging will never change (at least not for the next E-Town event) but FD probably has better leverage in changing or incorporating everyone’s ideas. Some of you do have valid points, but it does nothing when you don’t act on it. C’mon Drift fans and Drivers…..Let em hear it!….You could make a difference! I’ll sure make the effort! Will you?

    Comment by wtf — March 15, 2007 #

38. And Heather…..were all winners….!!! C’mon…….SMILE :)

    That’s it!!! You can do it!!!!! :)

    I knew you can…

    Comment by wtf — March 15, 2007 #

39. I would like to say that Formula D has made it hard for non sponsored drivers to get in with all this license crap. At least D1 you have one chance before the event. And here is how lame Formula D can be. Cusco cages are not up to spec at their events, but has anyone looked at Hiromi’s AE86 cage or Yamamoto’s cage in the chaser? All Cusco cages which clearly is not acceptable in the Formula D rulebook. Do I have to be Japanese and my car RHD to be an exception to their rules. F all that!

    Comment by brownlove — March 20, 2007 #

40. The way I’ve seen it along with all the people I spend time around, the only quick way to see drifting is the internet. Yet they all wait for an hour or two on monday before Heroes comes on to be able to watch it from start to finish.

    Sure you can watch Heroes online afterwards on Youtube, heck you can even watch it on NBC’s site now. But the excitement of seeing it right when it comes on is great. And waiting an hour or 5 until its uploaded isn’t.

    If ESPN is going to be live broadcast like Nascar and whatnot, I know many people who would rather wait around for it to come on TV, and only go online to watch it again, or to catch it if they missed it.

    If someone were to miss the “Debut of Drifting on ESPN” or even some amazing tandem battles, they should be able to see them somewhere else. As it was said before many people have started watching shows on TV because they first saw them online. Now sharing entire coverage of the event with a website is a different story.

    Anyways, what I’m getting at is many people would watch it on TV first, only to see it on the internet later. Who wants to wait extra time to watch it online? When both mediums are free.

    Comment by L2D — March 20, 2007 #

41. And Heather, if you can’t convey your opinion WITHOUT CAPS, or you have to be childish about it all and involve sexual nerd jokes.

    Do indeed follow what you said, and go home.

    About the red neck comment, I’m sure thats why they are sexist.

    Comment by L2D — March 20, 2007 #

42. I am home B………..I………..T………C……..H!

    Comment by HEATHER — March 21, 2007 #

43. I would still watch Formula D on espn even if there were tandem battles on youtube. no doubt :)

    Comment by cfrost — March 21, 2007 #

44. @brownlove re: licensing

    it’s not too hard for non-sponsored drivers to get in on the licensing thing.. if you have a cage and are basically up to spec you can compete in pro am and take your best shot at getting a license :) I think it’s a good system….

    Comment by cfrost — March 21, 2007 #

45. As Drifting is a new sport, it only makes sense that the best coverage will come first from media that are more viral and closer to the fan base that televition of any ilk, be it ESPN, NBC, or especially G4.

    The Driftzone is the video podcast of Formula D and while it’s not perfect there is a lot of good stuff on it. From coverage from the events put up within a week, to live minute by minute coverage during the race, to tech tips, lots of driver interviews, coverage of test sessions, lots of stuff you dont get anywhere else, and will never get even on the ESPN coverage, when it finally happens.
    Like I said, its not perfect, but its pretty good and I recommend it.

    Comment by Cal — April 22, 2007 #

46. I would like to know why there is’nt any updates on D1gp? They already had round 1 and I don’t see any updates on this site! Are you guys banning D1 from Driftlive or what? This site must be sponsored by FD or something…I understand some people may not like the business side but some of us still would like coverage. They do have the best drifters in the world….I don’t care what anybody says..People are in denial. Whatever. Such BS with americans and their show off cocky style of drifting…LAME.Look at me my car is a loud V8 are’nt I cool. Gimme a break!

    Comment by HEATHER — April 23, 2007 #

47. 1. DriftLive.com is not sponsored by any drifting series.
    2. D1GP has never made it easy for us to cover their events.
    3. Nobody here speaks or reads Japanese, we have to wait for the English language version of the D1 site to be updated with results. That takes a long time usually.

    Comment by DriftLive.com — April 23, 2007 #

48. You guys could at least post this info…Looks like english to me?
    http://www.jdm-option.com/eng/d1gp_news/news.html#bn02

    Comment by HEATHER — April 24, 2007 #

49. I don’t understand this Fo-rine language…
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_D1_Grand_Prix_Season

    Comment by HEATHER — April 24, 2007 #

50. QUOTE
    “Such BS with americans and their show off cocky style of drifting…LAME.Look at me my car is a loud V8 are’nt I cool. Gimme a break! ”

    I’ll give y’all credit for bringing this form of motorsport to our shores - but, I gotta say, I ain’t got much truck for the prissy, whiney little ricers and their fine lines. Personally I’ll take a loud, visceral V8 that’s all over the place myself. Guess that won’t make me very popular around Heather and her JDM friends?

    Gulp!

    Comment by Flying Dutchman — May 8, 2007 #

51. Exhibit A- Meatloaf eating,Gas waisting,Big Gulp drinking,”everything that sucks” fan = Flying Fartman. I liked it better when Howard Stern did it….Oh yea..Car Crazy= Old man shite.I think you ran out of your Bengay buddy…My ricer car is available if you need a ride to the store..It’ll be like “Driving Mr.Laisy”

    Comment by heather — May 19, 2007 #

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