We still didn't give up. I knew I had the most committed staff in the entire series. John, Koji-san, Ben, and everyone else on the RS-R Scion team stayed up all of Friday night, swapping out the engine. I went home to sleep. As much as I wanted to help, I knew it was in our best interest that I have a good night's rest. Saturday's practice session felt awesome. I felt confident once again. And just then, on my first Qualifying run, the engine began to misfire on the bank and I ended up scoring only an 84.4.
I knew that if I didn't improve on my second run, I would miss the margin to qualify. I began to panic. I knew there was a problem with the engine again. I just hoped that I would luck out and maybe be able to pull off a miracle run once again. But my luck ran out. The engine missed once again on the bank and I straightened out and scored an 81, finishing 18th place. It was disappointing, but this is motorsport. It's like surfing; you have highs and lows, and even a good wave doesn't last that long. This just ended up being a bad wave for us.
Scion Racing
www.scionracing.com
RS-R
www.rs-r.com
XM Radio
www.xmradio.com
Dai Yoshihara
Dai's been in a position all season that no one would envy: fighting your boss. Campaigning Rhys' old GTO, Dai's been in a battle for Third against Rhys. Think Anakin Skywalker wielding Obi-Wan's lightsaber in the final duel on volcanic Mustafar... only less geeky.
Heading into Formula D's Round 7 event, I was in Fourth Place for the series ranking. It was virtually impossible for me to catch First or Second, but still possible to catch Third, if only I could out-drive the person who was currently in Third Place: Rhys, my boss.
During Friday's practice session, I hit the wall... hard! I thought I was done for the weekend. But my mechanics TJ and Tim worked on the GTO throughout the night, and were able to restore it to good running order. They fixed the car perfectly and I was a little too fired up during Qualifying, and tapped the wall slightly, but was still able to finish in Fifth Place, without further damage.
I went against Takatori in the Top 16 round, and right before our match, Rhys got knocked out. I felt bad for him, but began thinking that was my chance to claim the Third Place points spot! I tried my best, but got too much angle transitioning back on the infield, and couldn't take an ideal line. I was on Takatori's ass the whole time I followed him, so I thought I won. Unfortunately, the judges didn't see it that way, and my season was over. I felt sorry that I couldn't reward my mechanics, who worked so hard the night before because of my stupid mistake, with a better finish.
Despite a regrettable way of ending our final event, this has been a good season for us. Rhys finished Third overall in the points chase, and I finished Fourth. Driving for Rhys Millen was definitely a great opportunity. I used to think he was a diva, but he actually works really hard and I learned a lot from him this year. Now he is like my big brother with round eyes! I'm really thankful to him and our talented crew: TJ, Tim, Max and Eric, and all our sponsors. And a Doumo Arigato for everybody who supported me and came out to the events. I had a great season!
Bridgestone Tire
www.bridgestonetire.com
Pacific Rim
www.ilovedrifting.com
Rhys Millen Motors
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Chris Forsberg
For most of the season, Chris and his 350Z have been in Fifth. With over 50 active drivers in the Formula D series, that's pretty damn respectable. He's in the top tenth percentile. For those not so good with math, that translates to an "A" season.