Formula D Diaries - A Day In The Life Of A Drifter

2009 was the worst season I've ever had. I've finished in the top five since Formula D started, but I didn't even make it into the top 10 last year. I finished 11th. I really wanted to get back to where I was before, so I was anxious to start fresh. Now that I'm back in an S13, '10 will be my comeback season!

I've driven an S13 for the first three and a half years in Formula D, so I'm very familiar with it. The S-chassis is a very good platform for drifting and I feel like I'm going back to my roots. From my first practice session, the Falken Tire/Discount Tire S13 felt great and with seat time I should be able to drift it well.

My first run was OK during Qualifying at Formula D Long Beach, and I received a decent score. I tried to go more aggressive on my second run for a higher score, but I traced the wrong line at Turn 9 which made me mess up the rest of the run. I ended up qualifying 12th. I wasn't really happy about it, but at least I was in. After the second practice session, I was getting more comfortable with the S13 and I felt myself getting better.

For the Top 32 round, I went up against John Russakoff. Because he is a privateer, it's difficult for him to participate in all the Formula D rounds, but he is a really good driver and I knew he wasn't going to be easy to beat. We both had good runs and the judges called for a "One More Time". I was able to follow him a little bit closer than he was able to follow me, and I moved on.

In the Top 16 round, I went up against Tanner Foust. Our team knew his car was very fast, so we set the tire pressure 5 psi lower to try and gain some more traction. It worked and I was able to follow him, but I got too close right before the transition from Turn 9 to Turn 10 and had to correct a little . . . WTF!? When it was my turn to lead, I focused on making big angle and taking a good line rather than going fast-I knew he would keep up with me no matter how fast I ran. I did my best and I think I had a pretty good run, but the judges didn't pick me.

I ended up finishing in 12th place. It wasn't a great result, but at least it was better than last year. I'm getting more used to the car every time I drive it, so I will be able to do better next time. We still have six more rounds to go, so I'm super excited about the season. Hopefully, I will be back as a top-ranked driver soon!

Falken Tire
www.falkentire.com

Discount Tire
www.discounttire.com

KW Suspension
www.kw-suspension.com

Round 1 Results
Long Beach Podium

1. Vaughn Gittin, JR
2. Rhys Millen
3. Tanner Foust

Overall Standings
1. Gittin
2. Millen
3. Foust
4. Aasbo
5. Tuerck
6. Hubinette
7. Mordaunt
8. Dean
9. McNamara
10. Forsberg