Gas Whiter
No drifting tournament of champions would be complete without representation from New Zealand, the small volcanic rock nation southeast of Australia, the inhabitants of which have a reputation for modifying and sliding Japanese cars better than most. Gaz Whiter not only holds the 2008 D1NZ Champion crown, but also the 2006 and 2007 Runner Up titles; simply put, he's one to watch out for.
After months of fundraising and working our ass off, we were ready to head off to the USA for the Red Bull DWC. We arrived a week early to prep the car and see as much as we could of LA, which is another story in itself... Come race day, the first few laps were very important to us because we had only driven our car twice before in New Zealand, and also had never drifted on the stickier Toyo R1R tyres, which we can't get in NZ. The practice and qualifying days went well--the plan was not to push it too hard, so we would get the chance to do battle no matter what. After seeing so many cars eat the wall, this approach was the best for us. After driving with the others for a while, we found our car was very much up to the task of competing against the top-level cars, which gave us a huge confidence boost.
When it came time to battle, we were up against the American Chris Forsberg, whom we knew nothing about. In the first pass, I gave it everything, leaving no gap between us. In the lead pass, I had great speed and line, leaving Chris a long way behind. After the judges had incorporated their US taxes on our points, only one gave me the win and two called for a One More Time round! Our second run was very much the same, yet the win was given to Forsberg! Needless to say, we were a bit unsettled with the decision. We came too long a way to get our undies ripped off with a call like that! Even worse, after the event, we were approached by many international judges expressing their disapproval with the result.
Apart from the disappointment of a call, we had a great time in LA and Long Beach. The Red Bull event was well enjoyable, and the coordination of so many international drivers went more smoothly that many had expected, I think. If funds allow, we will be back to represent New Zealand in '09. Congratulations to Rhys Millen with a well deserved victory. Go Kiwi!
Tricky Tune
www.trickytune.co.nz
Darren Mcnamara
What was an unknown, characteristically Irish-sounding name only a year ago has now become household among drifting fans, as Ireland/SoCal transplant Darren McNamara has been killing entry speeds, cars, and opponents' best efforts since joining Formula D ranks after trumping European ProDrift competitors since the ripe young age of 15. Will one part D-Mac and 720 parts horsepower equal a recipe for success in Long Beach?
The Long Beach course featured a long straight into a huge right hander that demanded speed, but was also guarded by a wall that killed more than a few cars earlier on. With each practice run I increased my speed from mid- to high-nineties, then triple digits. The Sky was handling the best it had all season, which put me at ease heading into qualifying. I was determined to put on a good show and finish ahead of the rest of the European drivers; no doubt their plan was to outperform me. My first Qualifying run put me in Second Place with an entry speed of 101 mph. All the pressure was off and I was determined to go all-out in my second run. I knew my entry speed was going to be high as I kept throttle pedal on the 720 hp Saturn Sky nailed longer than usual. It rode the wall beautifully and I knew we had improved, jumping to Fifth overall with a 103mph entry speed--the joint fastest of the day.