Drifting Geoffrey Chandler

Just Drift and the New Federal 595EVO

This past weekend I had the opportunity to head out the the Horse Thief Mile track at Willow Springs Raceway and see the new Federal Tires 595EVO in action. Just Drift! teamed up with their title sponsor Federal Tires and put on a great event to introduce their new street performance tire. In addition to Federal Tire CEO Shu Jam Ma, the Just Drift! team was on hand to show off the new tires, including Federal sponsored driver Henry Shelly, just back from the Formula D exhibition in Monterey Mexico.

If ever there was a test bed for both man and machine, it probably looks something like Willow Springs Raceway in August. The temperature gauge in my car said 104 Fahrenheit but the track temperatures were enough to make it uncomfortable to stand in one place for too long, lest your shoes start to get soft. Shade was a rare commodity, and even in the shade, you can’t really escape the heat. The test vehicles consisted of a number of SR20 equipped Nissan 240sx and a Turbo Mazda RX-7, sporting a number of different tire widths and diameters. The morning session was designed to give the drivers an opportunity to try out the new 595EVO and get comfortable.

Half way though the day, Federal Tires corralled us all into the Balcony for a nice air conditioned lunch that included bacon and delicious carrot cake. During lunch, the drivers were impressed with the new tires. The Federal 595EVO delivered strong grip and demonstrated consistent tread wear despite the harsh track conditions. According to MA, the new tires are the next generation of Federal’s 595 performance tire and boast improved handling, water evacuation and reduced road noise. The 595EVO is available in 20 sizes, ranging from 17 inches to 20 inches, 55-series through 30-series.

After lunch the Federal Tires Drift Team took the media out for hot laps. For many it was their first time in a race car, which always gets a smile. Once everyone had a chance to feel the new tires first hand, Federal CEO Shu Jam Ma took the time to discuss some of his intent to continue and increase support of grassroots motorspot here in the United States. He discussed Dai’s Drifting Academy and Just Drift as a pathways to introduce new talent to the sport of drifting and his intent to raise the visibility of Federal Tires in the sport. I for one look forward to trying out a set of 595EVOs on the Mustang. I’m sure it will make my commute to work all that more interesting.

If you are not from the Los Angeles area, maybe you recognize Willow Springs from it’s appearance in Top Gear. In case you have been living under a rock for the past couple of years, Just Drift! is a Southern California based drifting event organization. More information on Federal Tires can be found on their website www.federaltire.com.

Millen Takes Washington, Hubinette Takes Lead

The Boys are Back in Town:
Samuel Hubinette is back in a Viper and back in first place. Rhys Millen just took his second event win of the season. Rhys Millen and Samuel Hubinette have long dominated the Formula D Championship series, and it looks like they are interested in retaking their crown(s) after a “rebuilding” season in 2007. Collectively they have won 3 out of the 4 season run since 2004, and consistently find themselves on the podium. Tanner Foust is currently running second in points, followed closely by Daijiro Yoshihara

What Lies Ahead:
After another strong finish from Rhys at Washington, he has closed Samuel’s lead to 54 points, but with only 2 events remaining in the series, 54 points is a steep hill to climb. In his drifting career, Sam has only failed to make the top 16 a single time, during the 2007 season at Road Atlanta. The maximum number of points that Rhys could earn with two first place finishes is 216. A bit of quick math (216 - 54 = 162) reveals that not only does Rhys have to place well, he needs Sam to place poorly. Considering that Sam has only failed to make Top 16 a single time (Road Atlanta 2007), Rhys may need to try to grab a low qualifying spot at the next two events and try to take his destiny into his own hands. Considering his 14th spot at Washington, Rhys may already be thinking along these lines.

Let us not forget Tanner Foust and Daijiro Yoshihara. Both drivers have the necessary skills and well prepared vehicles. Tanner took the championship last year thanks in no small part to his strong qualifying record and rock solid consistency. Daijiro’s GTO has elevated his threat level, and may end up being a roadblock for teammate Rhys on his road to Championship #2.

1st - Rhys Millen
2nd - Samuel Hubinette
3rd - Robbie Nishida
4th - Tanner Foust

Finals:

• S. Hubinette vs R. Millen
• T. Foust vs R. Nishida

Final 4:

• S. Hubinette vs R. Nishida
• T. Foust vs R. Millen

Top 8:

• S. Hubinette vs R. Miki
• R. Nishida vs R. Tuerck
• T. Foust vs M. Takatori
• D. MacNamara vs R. Millen

Top 16:

• R. Miki vs C. Forsberg
• S. Hubinette vs K. Gushi
• R. Nishida vs J. Pawlak
• D. Yoshihara vs R. Tuerck
• D. MacNamara vs T. Angelo
• K. Hayashida vs R. Millen
• M. Takatori vs C. Grunewald
• T. Foust vs K. Mohan

Qualifying:

1. Samuel Hubinette
2. Tanner Foust
3. Kazu Hayashida
4. Robbie Nishida
5. Daijiro Yoshihara
6. Darren MacNamara
7. Michihiro Takatori
8. Ryuji Miki
9. Chris Forsberg
10. Conrad Grunewald
11. Tony Angelo
12. Ryan Tuerck
13. Justin Pawlak
14. Rhys Millen
15. Kyle Mohan
16. Ken Gushi

5th Gear goes Drifting

Remember a million years ago when Tiff Needle hit the D1GB, well I came across video of his time out on track over as Streetfire and figured I should share with the group. I always love seeing a driver from a different discipline take his first shot at drifting, it is always a humbling experience, and they walk away with new appreciation for the nuance and complexity of the sport.

More Team Orange and EDC at Silverstone

The closest I have ever come to Silverstone is behind the wheel of my F50 in Forza Motorsport 2, I would love an opportunity to attend a drift event there in person sometime. Pay special attention around 2:40 for mad 4-door Toyota straightaway drift.

Taka Aono: Out of the Corolla, into a 1JZ Wagon!!

Famous 86 drifter Taka Aono took his ultra swank 1JZ powered Cresida wagon for a spin on the ProAm drift course last weekend. I for one think that wagon drifting is the wave of the future and can’t wait to build one myself, but unlike Taka, I am thinking LS1 powered Fairmont.