FD Long Beach, Spectators Point of View
April 12, 2010 Feature Box, News, Uncategorized
As we sit in LAX, waiting for a re-routed flight due to the cancellation of our original passage, its a nice opportunity to report on what was without doubt the most disappointing drift event of my career to date. It has been well documented that neither of the Hankook, Dynamic Autosports cars made it to the grid so there’s no real need to go into too much detail on that matter. When you’ve been involved in motorsport as long as I have, you learn to expect the worst, prepare for the unimaginable and deal with the results. We had a horrendous run of luck in the week leading up to the event which culminated in both Robbies and my car sitting out the opening event of the year.
At this point I have to mention and applaud the commitment of both Jason and Adam in the Dynamic workshop for the all-night sessions that they put in to try and get us on the grid. Right up until the very last second, those guys were determined to get us going. These guys are amazing and I look forward to seeing them in Atlanta and keeping them busier than they were last Friday & Saturday at Long Beach.
The week before FD RD1 is always full of activities. Tuesday night we went to Rob Dyrdeks Fantasy Factory for the launch of the Monster Energy Mustang of Vaughn Gitten JR. It is so much better in real life than tv, and that world record sized skateboard that he built in Series 1 is absolutely huge.
On Thursday night, Formula Drift replaced the traditional car parade through down town with a Photography exhibition called ‘The Art of Formula Drift’. A gallery displayed images of the 2009 season and featured work or Lindberg, Will Roegge, Jose Martinez and some exclusive shots from Estevan Oriol. Free beer and drift car art installations is always going to be a winner, I hope that this becomes an annual event.
On Friday morning we traveled the 6 blocks to the Paddock still hoping for a last minute miracle on the Subaru. Unfortunately the worst was confirmed at about 9am and for the rest of the event we were in spectator mode. Luckily there was a decent traveling Irish contingent, and we were supporting Deane Kearney, James Deane and Darren McNamara from the stands.
All the guys made it into the Saturday Top32 event. The paddock was really busy from 10am onwards so even without competing, it was time to dress up like a driver, polish the Subaru and meet with Hankook guests and drift fans.
At lunch time, the whole crew enjoyed meeting some Hankook VIP at the corporate suite. Actor Paul Walker was there; a really nice guy who seems to be interested in getting out in Drift competitions soon. Watch this space.
After lunch it was time to take in the Twin Battle action. All of the Irish guys were on fire. Kearney was unlucky to draw Freddy Asbo, who was without doubt the underdog hero of the event. James Deane knocked out Darren with an amazing pass of the course but later fell to Tanner Foust in the great 8 and Freddy Asbo, who I previously battled in Prodrift Sweden, progressed to finish fourth in his Toyota Supra.
Following the event, we all agreed to rendez vous at our favourite Long Beach establishment. The Auld Dubliner has seen many a Prodrift invasion but Saturday night seemed to attract teams and drivers from all corners of the FD Paddock. Chris the barman made sure that we were all well watered before kicking us out at 2am.
It wont be too long before I’m back on a plane to the USA. Atlanta Rd2 is not too far away and after the disastrous week at Long Beach, I’m even more determined now to get behind the wheel and put this years car through its paces. Last year Atlanta was unkind to us with a DNQ. This year it must be our return to form and I’ve no doubt that the Hankook Dynamic team will be out in force, hungrier than ever for Formula Drift success.
