On the subject of drifting, let's talk about the difficulties you faced this past '07 season.
The biggest problem I had in the '07 season was mechanical failure. We had transmissions breaking left and right. I also lacked seat time. I literally had no practice sessions last year. That's why I'm asking for a lot of practice this year. After all, practice makes perfect, right?
Not all the practice in the world is going to get me a Formula D license. Was there a reason for lack of seat time?
Well, for the most part, the car was always in the truck. It was hard to get the car in one place. Secondly, we couldn't find a venue where we could practice. I also blame myself for not requesting practice time.
What was going on with the transmissions?
There was nothing wrong with the Tremec transmissions; it was more of an engineering failure. We missed a few shims and that threw off the clearance of the input shaft. Every time I kicked the clutch, the transmission would shatter.
Did you ever have an on-track crash where you were like, "Oh shit, I can't believe I just walked out of that"?
No, but I did have an on-track crash at New Jersey where I thought to myself, "I can't believe I just did that." It was the slowest crash ever, but it was enough to total my car. I felt crushed.
Literally...what happened?
I got too close to the rail and my tail end hit, rotating my front around causing impact.
Do you have a favorite circuit?
It would be the Irwindale Speedway. It separates the boys from the men. Boys can get close to the walls, men actually tap the walls.
Which is precisely where Ken became a man?
[Laughs] Yes! I definitely manned-up at Irwindale.
What's the most difficult track on Formula D circuit?
I think the most difficult track is New Jersey. It's a slow track, but there are many ways to approach in a tandem battle. Different lines can be taken to win or lose a battle. Also, I crashed there. Bad memories.
Favorite competitor?
It has to be Daijiro Yoshihara. He is super fun to drive with. Dai's style is very fast and smooth. He is predictable, but not the kind where you can easily manipulate his driving. He does not play any dirty tricks and is a man about it. At the same time, he is very humble, which I think is a very important and highly respectable quality.
Anyone you fear?
Most feared are the ones who are inconsistent and unpredictable. You never know which way they will crash.
Besides drifting, are you involved in any other forms of motorsports?
For the past two years I've been getting myself involved with rally. I finished two rally events in 2006. Last year, I competed in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb race and managed to qualify third in our open class. During race day, however, we flew off the mountain at Engineer's Corner two miles into the race. I'm also a big fan of road-racing, and have been involved in Super Lap Battle-type events. I finished first in a Toyota 4AG challenge driving a Formula Atlantic-powered Corolla. I've also drove for a few teams in numerous circuit events. The disciplines in these forms of racing are completely unlike drifting, but I feel that racing in various genres can improve a driver's total package.
Your thoughts on the upcoming '08 season?
I have very high expectations for myself. With a brand new car and a new team I hope to perform to my fullest.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself in the seat of a Super GT 500 race car leading the pack behind me.
Well, I just so happen to own a former GT500 Supra I someday soon plan on building.
I told you that you're my best friend right, Carter? I heart you [Laughs].
Why couldn't that have come out of a model's mouth...Final question: Drifting being subjective, what is the perfect drift in your opinion?
The perfect drift would be one with high-speed initiation, no lift, full counter with steering wheel locked on one side, a wall of white smoke trailing the car, and no room for more than a sheet of paper between the bumper and the wall. That would be a run that would give me the chills.