The Team Orange guys. Kumakubo, Suenaga and Sumika played hosts to the G1Gp on the weekend of the Summer Drift Matsuri.
Powervehicles, Ems and Andy from scotland are based at the circuit and helped setup cars for attendees for some Attendees.
Andy chose to use the his JZX90 for the G1GP.
Andy chose to use the his JZX90 for the G1GP.
It was actually a good choice making for some close battles. Finished and qualified in 2nd.
Kumakubo provided some lines to follow during practice for the contestants. When he joined the track almost the whole 31 cars were on track trying to chase down the D1 boys. DeJager must have picked up the line as he top qualified.
Powervehicles are a direct link to the D1 scene supplying a lot of the competitors with cars for the weekend. People from America, Australia, Ireland, France, etc etc. Some of us living in Japan also attended to compete and I attended with for some coverage. I shot mainly video as Dino from Speedhunters was doing the main photography so these pics are just inbetween the action...
Rob's 240SX is a rare LHD version in Japan. Check it on Roadster Drift. It was also one of the cleanest drift cars at Ebisu.
He wasn't shy leaving it parked in everyone's camera shot.
Slowly learning the circuits including Nishi used for G1Gp.
And he found a home at Higashi circuit for relaxation.
He was fighting his way to 4th on the G1 day with some smooth driving and taking out some others trying too hard. But he almost slipped up against the French Stick.
Flying French-man JP is the editor of Autoworks Magazine. He provided some added nationalism on the day.
Look for the little man.
Some special cars at the track including this one. Christian Pickering from Australia using one of the last cars prepped by the D1 legend Kuroi.
This looks so cool with the frontal fenders, however it had a bit too much grip on the day.
When sharing a car, it's hard to know who is driving. two lights are a good idea.
Aussie Team - Drift Police. These guys were having fun in their Skyline and made it quite far in the comp.
I managed to hitch some rides during the matsuri. Some great skills displayed. A sticking hand brake ending Leigh's run in the G1 in a pretty dramatic way.
Traction control was definately OFF!
Leighton Fine was the winner of G1Gp. His lesser car had some advantages after all. Soft rear suspension suiting the Nishi entry over the hill. "The matsuri is somewhere you can practice a single corner over and over and over. I'm Loving It"
2 days of unlimited track time gives everyone time to go for it.
This is D1 driver, Koguchi-san. He was practicing rear facing entries up Higashi's main straight at over 160kph. Many ending in clouds of smoke and 360 degrees. But he was smiling a lot.
He wasn't the only one.
some nice cars in the Koguchi clan.
Many prefering to save their front bumpers.
Not a bad idea. Actually the entry to Higashi usually requires removal of a low bumper.
It's a shame because cars look shit like this.
This pristine 180 belonged to a lady driver. Colour is deeeeeeeep metallic green.
This girl was also practicing. Not attacking in a massive way, but learning entries. She was already good with power oversteer.
Everyone loves a hachi.
I love the levin coupe. I guess it is really just a Corolla. I guess there is a difference. A Corolla is not a drift car. A Hachi Rocku IS!
Alexi from Noriyaru took me for a spin to finish off some tyres. Thanks! But it just made me want to drive.
The US guys prepared this Special Beast.
But this is real JDM style.
Chris DeJager was doing some amazing rear entries. He Said... "It's not knuckles" baby as he explained the technique to get over 90 degrees.
Stay tuned for video.
I can recommend the Drift Matsuri. It's insane. But you need to bring a car. You don't want to just watch.
You need to be a part of it. Chase down a Champion, compare yourself, Practice and simply have fun.
Thanks for the pics Russ! Glad to finally get to meet you.
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