Dai Yoshihara
The number four is considered unlucky by the Japanese, so it's no wonder that it's been a curse for Dai. In the last two events, Dai and his GTO finished Fourth landing him for the season in spot number-you guessed it- four. Will his luck change in Round-pause for dramatics-4?
I love Vegas, but I don't think I love to drift in Vegas during the Summer. Rhys and I prepared to drive in crazy hot weather. But fortunately for all of us, freak storms, and nighttime competition meant the weekend wasn't that hot at all. Our other challenge: Vegas was another new track with a very difficult layout. Starting with a very high-speed entry and covered by concrete walls, the most difficult part was the main outside clipping zone; it was like transitioning towards the wall at a high speed-damn scary! I would say it was the most difficult Formula D track so far, and I was having a really hard time figuring out how to drive it. And all the adjustments the car needed kept me out of practice for most of the day on Friday...and they cancelled the second practice session because of the rain, so Saturday morning's practice session was the only time I had to learn the track. In the middle of the practice session, the fuel system broke! WTF?! My practice was over without having any solid runs, not even one good run.
My teammate Rhys's car was also having problems at the same time. The power steering belt was cut and we didn't have spare. With about an hour until the qualifying round would start, the whole team was kind of in panic mode; at that point, I became very anxious and paranoid. I wasn't even sure if they could fix my car, and I had no idea how I would do on a course I'd barely driven! Luckily, Rhys found the belt from a local parts shop and both cars came together at the last minute. Then, it was up to me to make it happen. After two runs, I qualified Seventh, overall. Yes, I know that isn't great, but considering how I felt before, it was a miracle. I was proud of myself for delivering in desperate times! Actually, I was happier than when I qualified First in New Jersey.
After the qualifying round, I regained confidence and began to feel more comfortable. Everyone made a mistake on their own throughout competition, which helped me move on to the finals. Maybe my confidence vibes hit them! The final round was myself against Toshiki Yoshioka, who-I think-was driving the fastest AE86 in the world. My plan was to go as fast as I could, but OMG he was fast! Too fast! He took off from the line, and seemed to pull away more and more after the first corner. The judges felt my angles were better, so I guess that's what gave us the "one more time" match. I kept my good angle in both of my lead runs, but he was on my ass, slightly tapping my bumper at one point! Following him, I just couldn't keep up. It was my defeat.
I got Second Place-my first podium finish with the Bridgestone GTO. Finally!!! And I couldn't have done it without my team, and some great mechanics that have a talent for working well under pressure (and heat)! ...Maybe now, I think I love to drift Vegas in the summer!
Bridgestone Tire
www.bridgestonetire.com
Pacific Rim
www.ilovedrifting.com
Rhys Millen Motors
www.store.rmrproducts.com