FORMULA D New Jersey June 14th, 2008

Words / Images: Jose Quintana

Round 3 of the 2008 season of Formula D began on June 14th at 12pm. In addition to the drifting, Formula D was the host of a huge Scion meeting and show, from box stock cars, to first page show pieces all were present. V95 RC Drift Team was also present and came equipped with a booth full of assorted bodies, and other goodies. They kept the drifting up all day and for the most part all had HPI Bodies. Even Henry Schelley, driver of the Federal Tires S13, got in on the drift action, drifting an HPI AE86.

    The most impressive thing of the event was the fact that all the pits were open to the public, and all drivers, for the most part, were out in the open, and easily accessible to fans, and press. After talking to many drivers two left a great impression on me, first being Rhys Millen, driver/owner of the Red Bull Pontiac Solstice, who openly introduced, and made himself available to questions and comments. Millen told me of Formula D’s youth, growth, increasing professionalism, and dedication to the sport. Being both team owner and a driver Millen’s responsibilities far exceed those of other drivers who merely show up and drive then go home. Millen is responsible for all aspects of his car/crew and his teammate, Dai Yoshihara driver of the Bridgestone Pontiac GTO, and personally answers to his sponsors.

    Secondly was the up and coming, yet professional, Joon Maeng driver of the Hankook S14, whose incredibly humility, and kindness was impressive. Unfortunately, during practice his engine blew, and after an overnight scramble to fix it, during practice the next day clutch problems forced him to not start. After talking about the weekends events Maeng told me of how in merely 2 days he had to be back in California to work at his mothers restaurant, and that later the same week he was working with a youth group. In 2004 Maeng started drifting, in 2006 he was awarded his drift license, in 2007 Maxxis came on board as a sponsor, and in 2008 Hankook came around with a full ride, a clear indication that with hard work and dedication anything is possible.

    Round 3 of Formula D seemed to be incredibly quick, and a bit technical, with drivers arguing about clipping points and entry points. With entry speeds in the 80’s the long slightly uphill left was an impressive starting point especially for the incredible raw horsepower on display. Following was a downhill 90 degree left adding a bit of technicality and leaving a few bumpers ripped off, which finally led into a medium right hander.

    Most of the larger more popular drivers seemed to be getting eliminated quickly with Gittin, Hubinette, and Forsberg all eliminated by the time the top 8 round had ended. Ending up in the top 4 were Dai Yoshihara (Bridgestone GTO), Tyler McQuarrie (HanKook GT2), Tanner Foust (Rockstar 350Z), and Rhys Millen (Red Bull Solstice). Millen and Yoshihara ended up battling for third with Millen’s incredible application of pressure and precision driving ending up on top, and for first place Foust and McQuarrie put on a great show with Foust’s extreme angels placing him on top and McQuarrie in second.

Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.
Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.
Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.
Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.
Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.
Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.	Use your arrow keys to move through the images.