A little late post on the blog since I had some crazy projects I’ve been working on which I’m really excited to share once its done the production stage! The first round of The 2016 Formula Drift kicked off in Long Beach, California last month. As I packed my bags with long pants and rain jackets I figured it would be pretty sunny and got down there so I unpacked those. First day upon arrival at the airport the weather wasn’t so great. First time in 11 years it has rained at Long Beach during a FD Event haha. But throughout the weekend the weather did get much better!
For those of you who don’t know what “drifting” is, it is a driving style using the throttle, brake, clutch, gear shifting and steering to keep the car in a state of oversteer while maneuvering turn to turn. And "FD” known as Formula Drift is the premier United States drifting series.
On my list I had a handful of drivers I wanted to come watch. Among my list these drivers were on my list: defending champion Fredric Aasbø, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Mike Whiddett, Charles Ng and Kenshiro Gushi.
On Practice / Qualifying day, I got a chance to interview a good friend of Drive Marketing Group, a FD Driver Ken Gushi. Below you’ll catch some BTS shots and a video Drive Marketing Group put together!
As this was my first FD event I was really pumped with my trackside passes nailing down some pans and tack sharp shots as they come in hot through the corners.
In my opinion, I think "Mad" Mike Whiddett is one of the fan favourites and definitely one of my favourites. His Rocket Bunny Mazda MX-5 Radbul Gen 2 is an absolute beast! Pushing 1200 horse power in a light weight car with its one of a kind livery it is crazy. During the Event I got to meet a videographer named Tommy Babiarz. Such a humble and talented person. Check out his video he did for Mike below! @Tommy lets work on a project soon bro!
Beautiful Liberty Walk Audi R8 built by LTMW.
Shooting in the rain is always hectic. Constantly getting rain on your glass as well as trying to keep your gear and bags dry. And changing lenses always sucks too. Long Beach is dubbed as one of the hardest track since there are many bumps and un even grounds which makes it very different compared to actual race tracks.
Denofa didn’t have a easy road to the podium. He knocked out Geoff Stoneback, #11 Vaugh Gitten Jr., #3 Chris Forsberg, #2 Ken Gushi and defeated defending champion The Norwegian's Hammer, Fredrick Aasbø. Congratulations is Denofa as well as Ken's first podium at Long Beach!
My first FD Event was a huge success. I'm happy to have met new friends as well as some Vancouverites. Can't wait to see you guys again! Till next time🏻. See ya at Orlando in June. ✌🏻