Vaughn Gittin Jr. 2010 Formula Drift Champion hires me to MC his “Smoke Shows” and we kicked it off right at The St Louis Auto Show, 4 days of awesome drift shows driving a Mustang RTR and his demo vehicle skinned to look like his comp car…

Tires burned, fans happy and good times…

Early AM flight from SFO to STL…

BB’s Blues…
Booze and Blues…

That’s JR being a creeper.. haha

Nope no snow in St Louis this trip, it was GOLDEN GIRLS!

Looks kids Big Ben, Parliament & the St Louis Arch…

There it is, officially!

Mean Green machine…

Skatecar, RTR-X, Demo car and Mustang RTR P1 + Optimus Slime Green… JR’s rig…

Don’t mess with the locals..

#AbbyGittin grams…

Photog pose needs work but the Fatlace sticker on the tripod is on point…

Ripping, blipping & grippin!

The shows got more & more packed each day…
about 1,500 people on avg per demo…

Late night fun…

There it is again…

Like it..

Scion showing off the iQ but no FR-S in sight…

I LOVE WAGONS!!!!!!
Caddilac CTS-V wagon yum!

Mustang RTR in sweet gunmetal grey…

Come outside & see the show…

Drove the demo car loud & proud on the street, funny sight pulling up next to ya huh?!

First ya see them &….

Now you don’t!

So much awesome in this pic…Classic, respect!

Support locals Drift STL.com
Bunch of rad drifters said whats up while there, thanks guys and gals, keep it moving, be respectful and hopefully Gateway opens and lets ya’ll drift!

Queing up, sorry British came on, they’re lined up for an autograph…

Grimey rad spot…

Crabby!

SMASH!

2013 Mustang…

Alright lets jump trucks!
HPI Racing 5sc RTR

This is a first, icey!
JR on Ice!

My father in law getting ready to ride shotgun…
Thanks for coming out and… not puking haha

Hitting the streets!

Wait a minute I’m riding shotgun?!?!

FINAL SHOW of the weekend…

We out!

Vaughn Gittin Jr. aka JR is NEVER not working, probably the hardest working dude in the drift world! A consummate thinker, worker and “do-gooder” for drifting in general of course building his driving prowess, his “brand”, the sport and just getting more people to learn, understand and expose people to drifting…
Thanks JR for the good times!
See ya soon buddy!

Myself, Chris of St Louis Auto Show, JR and “Square” Blair…

Oh yeah told ya I saw Nelly…

Thanks Scion and wow this car is just fresh!!!
So as the sign says, do so and witness “Behind the scenes of the 1st ever Scion FR-S commercial” the new Scion FR-S the car I call “The Game Changer”

When in the bay area I have to see some peeps, have some GREAT beers and food!

Car service and hang out sesh with Tyler “The Rock” McQuarrie…
(BTW, he is NOT on Scion program just a bay area homie)

Swung by Fatlace Paddock & RWB USA to see the homies…

Get to see the main man of Fatlace, Illest, Slammed Society, ALL THINGS fresh and living up to FATLACE’S slogan, COLLECT EVERYTHING! My birthday brother Mark Arcenal..

Just KAWS Henny, numerous bottles btw…

NBD…

Lunch is served, Pliny the Elder down and some double IPA after that yum!

Only one design has graced his head, The Rock McQuarrie…

Got to catch up with the LIFEBLASTERS fellas Geoff and Andrew but no pics of them just their stuff and the awesome late night Chinese food, which was an adventure in itself

She needs a hip replacement that amount of dancing she does!

J-Rod smash!

Agenda is CLEAR!
FR-S Launch commercial!

Site!

SIGHT!

Mount…

The Armageddon will be captured…
aka “The Russian Arm”

Can I borrow some cable…

These 2 guys are solid gentlemen and make things happen behind the scenes at Scion, Owen runs National Marketing & Communications and Scion VP Jack Hollis!

“Video Village” is where everybody reviews footage either live, taped, audio, etc…

The commercial director Simon chatting with Jack…

Here’s looking at you kid!

The new Pioneer Bespoke system that’s launching in the FR-S…

The driver behind the wheel of the FR-S in the commercial will be Ken Gushi, not just a drift driver anymore, now stunt driver and….

a hand model! He puts the man back in MANicure as he got a manicure for his hand close ups!

Myself, Gush & Jack…

LUNCH!

The Russian Arm operator catching some bites as he’s been working the camera from the rear seat! Talk about back seat driver, LITERALLY!

The spread was sick…

So much equipment, I love seeing the inner workings of commercials and productions of this magnitude…

This Firestorm Red FR-S does have the 1st ever TRD lowering springs on it, they’re prototype and DO NOT, I repeat do not come standard!

Another interior shot, while Gush’s helmet rides shotgun…
BTW, the floormats will NOT be tan like that, just some mats to keep it clean!

These are a few of my favorite things, cyclists were going up & down the road we’re on, it’s a VERY popular cycling road… I was jealous of them to be honest riding or maybe of Gushi because he’s driving regardless, I’ll keep blogging!

Bring your own signs just in case!

A moment to reflect on the magnitude of the Scion FR-S, my life and all life has to offer…

Screeching tires…

Simon with his weapon!

water trucks on hand to wet the road for aesthetics, not needed it rained the day before plenty

Gotta love craft services on site! Bangin lunch…

Gushi working it!

Owen & Simon scheeming on the copter shots!

Simon (Director), Gushi (Drifter) & Owen (Marketer)…

Simon rapping with the helicopter pilot…

Double your pleasure!

Spot the “T Pattern”… It’s repeated through the car…

“T Pattern” on the gauge cluster…

“T Pattern” on the dash…

“T Pattern” on the doors…

This badge WILL go down in history, I promise..
Notice the boxer pistons, the “86″ of course and check this out the 4 “holes” in 8 and 6 mimique the sideways action of a drift vehicle…

Storyboard…

Even coyotes like the new FR-S…

Tale of the tape, interior exterior…

Performing surgery on Capturing interior shots

So much going on…

The door opens wide, looks like they took it off from this angle but it’s there…

Helicopter and the nose camera…

Peek a boo…

Checking the footy!

Captain my captain, wish I could’ve taken a ride but had to ride off…

Yeehaw sky cowboys…

Adios muchachos…

2 devils in the night!

I’m out, thanks Scion for the good time, creating a rad car that I know people will love and just for the experience…
Until next time, Golden Gate bridge at 4am…

Beat ya sun!

Scion corporate did BLOG their own version of ‘Behind the scenes’ if you wanna see it, check it out HERE

There goes the neighborhood BLOODMASTERS!

CLICK HERE for the video, Bloodbath Part 1!

I had to head up see EVB & the homies at Discount Tire Direct to get them installed, say hello & check out their sweet office…

The new rubber…

TMTMTL EVB…

Did you know that Bruce Halle & Discount Tire has the most extensive collection of Tire Poster artwork in the WORLD!
Also, they own the only cut in half Daijiro Yoshihara Lexus IS hanging on their wall, NBD!

Speaking of Dai Yoshihara he has his own wheel line coming out, check em out!
SICK RIGHT?!?!

Did you know that Falken has some sick Off Road wheels?!?! I like the matte grey finish middle one!

Where’s my stapler?!
This was right after Christmas so Discount isn’t that lazy…

RUGGED, Like me… NOT (that just happened)

I’m kind of backing the off road look versus the 24″ look nowadays, hmmm…

There they are the Falken Wild Peak A/T a great option for you if you’re hittin the dirt, the snow, the elements…

Fast forward to this weekend, Falken set my son Parker, my friend Terry, his son Cooper & I up with tix to Supercross here in Phoenix…
Falken Tire sponsors Villopoto 2011 Supercross Champion…
RV2 also has some INCIPIO cases, peep em

Here’s Falken’s new commercial featuring JR, JTP, RV & the ALMS guys…

What’s up ladies!

This is Cole Seely #34, he competes in the Supercross Lites, he took 1st at Anaheim Round 1, and currently sits 2nd after 2 rounds of Lites competition,
BTW Cole has an S13, drifts and gets down, so does his bro & friends… RAD!
This is a video from last year when he was on the Illest program, Day in the life from 2011…

Good catching up, go get em buddy!

It’s GO TIME!

Parker gets hyped!

Hey look who showed up in AZ, Linhbergh & Thao, the latest couple to announce their relationship via Facebook…
They’re in town to run the P.F. Changs Half marathon, congrats kids!

Well, that’s as they say “how the cookie crumbles” or better yet How it gets HOUSED by PJ!
ARRRR!!!!

Here’s your answer if you live in the limited culture that we ALL do, YOU can be be one of the 1st 86, I don’t need to explain the significance of the #86 if you’re reading my blog, so anyways, Scion is offering the “hand raisers” a shot at owning pre-general public sale a chance to own the Scion FR-S before the masses….YOU CAN BE one of the 1st 86 Scion FR-S owners…

Check it out…

www.ScionFirst86.com

“Scion is thrilled to announce the Scion First 86 program that gives 86 lucky people the chance to be among the first to own the Scion FR-S.
Beginning on January 12th, 2012 at Noon (EST), anyone who wants a chance at purchasing the FR-S before it goes on sale to the general public has 8 hours and 6 minutes to submit their request at www.ScionFirst86.com. Scion will randomly select 86 people to receive the opportunity to own the FR-S first! There are already 20,000 hand raiser sign-ups. Check out www.ScionFirst86.com for more information and the program FAQ’s!”

Ken “Gush” Gushi next to his new steed… The Scion FR-S drift machine debuted Jan 9 2012

Here’s one of my pics from the exclusive FR-S reveal in LA you can see the previous BLOG here

Scion is also pleased to announce that the 2013 Scion FR-S will be the first model to feature the all new Pioneer BeSpoke connected infotainment audio system, powered by Zypr. The new BeSpoke system has cool new features that include locating friends on the map on your audio screen, reading and sending tweets via voice command, posting on Facebook, and listening to over 200 internet radio stations. There are so many advanced functions in this new system and we can¹t wait for you to try them out when the FR-S goes on sale this Spring.

2011 Formula Drift Champion Dai Yoshihara and could it be the 2012 Champion Ken Gushi piloting the 2012 Scion FR-S, we’ll see, round 1 of Formula Drift April 6-7 STREETS OF LONG BEACH!

Andy Yen & I arriving to a wet Kuala Lumpur

About an hour from the airport to the main city of KL, seeing some old school houses…
But no means is this the norm in KL…

Taxi sir..

BTW, I fit and carried on everything I needed from Thurs midday to Monday afternoon in THIS Incipio Weekender bag incl:
2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 7 t-shirts, 5 collared shirts, underwear, socks, toiletries, one pair of shoes, chargers, iPad, headphones, magazines, iPod & that’s for real!
INCIPIO WEEKENDER BAG can be seen HERE

3 days of set up, then qualifying on Saturday and “Game Day” on Sunday…

Ryan Sage, Co-Founder & I swung out to grab some sights and grub…

Prosperity Meal bro…

You are here, I was there…

That’s some nice literal tagging, I like Fixed huh?! Cool!

Then maybe another literal tag, The Freaks…
Sounds like a gang from The Warriors

I love making Ryan laugh, getting birded out!

Drivers Meeting! Pay attention Kiki!

1 too many r’s but still a cool gift from Mervyn Nakamura, he got it in Australia

CMYK in the graphic, rad…

Our nice hotel for the weekend…

The 4th tallest building(s) in the world…
KL Petronas Towers…

BTW our backdrop for this event is pretty rad, don’t ya think?
Merdeka Square

Hey lil buddy!

The Champ, The Technical Director and The Yen!

This dude Koh Kae from Thaialand rips sooo hard, he’s got a great attitude and pushes HARD!

Lil car parade action…

If you know Ryan, you will know how hillarious this pic is! It’s ALL TIME!

The PTT lubricnats team of Thailand is like a Man Band…

I’m not mad at this car, the graphics matching the wheels etc. Not a fan of the red & blues though…

The 2011 FD Asia Champion trophy, good choice of fingers btw

Going at it…

Big time slam…

Winning car of Daigo Saito…

Hello Orido…

Yeah Robbie

The Top 3 for the weekend and the 2011 FD Asia Champion Daigo…

Mister RE Amemiya

Our after party was at a rad bar called EST 1/2 of the place called EST.TATE…

One place is called EST and down the walk a low key door is called TATE…

Walk in & see this

Cool shirt huh…

There he is the nut literally Koh Kae, his family makes snack foods Koh Kae

Tengku Djan “Prince of Drift“, his beautiful wife Shan as they’re expecting a baby next year!

Thanks Marcus Lim for everything, Dai for being you buddy and Jason for your hard work…

Monday had a bit of time so hit China town..

Def NOT the newest Ken Block or DC shoes, yuck!

DEF NOT Chris Forsbergs NOS Energy Drink 350Z take note of the door plate, not “YSOHIARA” either…

MEGA MALL!

Bears!

Liked this sign display…

We arrive to Kuala Lumpur it was pouring, we stay and it’s nice, we lave and it’s pouring, we were blessed with some nice weather for sure!
Peace out KL, til next year!

Hello ARIZONA! HOME!

I was hired to MC the event aka “hypeman” at a very cool event!

Yep, the Scion FR-S version of the 2WD, some have called the ToyBaru, now deemed the Toyota GT-86 in Japan and Europe and the Subaru BR-Z chassis but in North America it will be the FR-S and it’s SICK!
I’m deeming this car the “Game Changer” I mean it’s RWD, almost 200hp, cool looking & should be priced respectfully….

So follow me to LA to see the Scion FR-S reveal…

Car service to & from the airport rips!

I showed up to the super rad venue and studio called MiLK Studios…
Setting up, I was impressed it looked rad!

VP of Scion Jack Holli doing a lil run through with some super sweet super rare booties..
Just kidding protecting the fresh painted ramp…
And there she is the Scion FR-S……..

Hit the hotel for a quick fresh up!
The Roosevelt

What up Hollywood…

HPI Racing’s own Andrew showing of Aasbo’s Scion drift machine, smaller version of course…

Check out already the Scion FR-S in HPI Racing version….

See he doesn’t always Chill, JacobWorks and Danny chills…

One of if not THE cleanest AE86 you’ll ever see…

LF-A and SW20, all these cars part of the FR-S DNA…

SUCH a SICK set up/display for real…

Scaled down Scion & Toyota line up…

Blurry party pic…

Place was packed!

Finally the reveal!

So a big white boy, 2 professional Formula Drift drivers one being a Champion and drivers girlfriend walk into a car reveal and the big whit boy takes the pic! Stereotypes don’t exist anymore, deal with it!

The Head HOONIGAN himself, SCOTTO!
Peep the new lid, who wants one?!?!?

Old friend Len and old known about friend Yukio…

Been knowing these dudes for years!
RJ & Mr. Miyoshi…

OK everybody left, now I can get a few snaps!

I’m just saying, one of THE coolest logos EVER, 86, boxer pistons and look at the 4 “holes” or think of them as tires drifting, BOOM!

Supposedly only like 10 CLEAN of these in the states!

Good dudes that helped make this event happen for everybody, Scion and even myself…
Thanks fellas, Brian of the event management company, Jack Hollis VP of Scion and Craig of Scion PR…

So here ya go, a FR-S that’s “HOOKED UP” mildly, rims, lowered, exhaust, brakes, clean huh?!??!

I’ve been attending since 97 or 98 I think, + I even met my wife at SEMA 12 years ago this SEMA!

Flying into Vegas from AZ you get to see the “mega bridge” and also the Hoover Dam where Megatron was held captive, haha

Ford & Ford Racing hired me for the week to MC, announce and heckle attendees to come experience ‘Ford Out Front’ which had the 4 different drivers that are part of the Octane Academy, Gittin Jr., Block, Deegan & Foust…

The 4 piece “man band” called Octane Academy, no musical instruments or singing here just loud pipes and attitude!

Here’s one of the members now, Ken Block a great friend over the years + Matt Tuccillo of MWRT…

Another long time homie over the years Bucky Lasek, my man!

There’s plenty of great SEMA coverage out there I just caught a few here & there…

ICON 4X4 makes sweet sweet cars including this old school Bronco with some modern hits…
LOVE!

Love the colors + the matte color under the hood, nice touch!

Mr. FATLACE and oh soo much more, Mark Arcenal, my birthday brother!

Jake & Andy drifting their imaginary cars into the drift-o-meter….

Here’s Block & Gittin hitting up the Drift-o-meter…

SO here it is,
The Official HOONIGAN Keg Launch Party of the brand…
PARTY dude!
Rented out the Kingpin Suite at The Palms, had a keg party and launched the brand the way a HOONIGAN would, at this point this pictures are evidence rather than coverage!
HOONIGAN facebook for more info!!!!!!

The gift bags all nicely arranged ready to be given out to the only 100 people invited or so…
REMEMBER this pic and see the aftermath!

Welcome to the ‘dorm room’… Your fraternal Hoonigan President Brian Scotto! My brother from another mother!

The latest brand is Hoonigan, where the cars are dangerous, the food is fuel and Ron is the best!

Too many epic people to mention in this party pic…

This would be the last time time beer pong was played on this table!
WRECKED!

Vaughn & Beard Life himself Hertrech aka BG!

Oh Linhbergh!

Matt getting NUTS!

Keg, dudes pole dancing, it got nuts!

Scotto, Josh Barnett & Vaughn Gittin Jr…

Oh it’s on!
Hoonigans know how to party!

Jenny I see your cast in the air, wave it like you just don’t care!

Interview with a Hoonigan vampire & Handsome James approving!

STRIKE!

That’s a WRAP!
Hoonigans, came saw & conquered, it’s OFFICIAL HOONIGAN IS ALIVE!!!!!!!
GET SOME!

HOONIGANS!

The gift bags had a limited edition tee, each numbered and marked with 11.1.11 the official date of launch!

BACK to SEMA!

Got to ride with my friend and VERY experienced pilot Tanner “GoldenChild” Foust I love this dude!

Here’s a video riding shotgun in the 600+ hp lil Ford Fiesta!

This day it was both Deegan & Foust putting on an AWD Fiesta demo, did a lil Gymkhana kind of race set up, impromptu…
Was fun!

Here’s Metal Mulisha General himself Brian Deegan…

See ya buddy, until next time. T. Foust…

Oh yeah cars…

Headed to the hotel, ran into Arcenal again and one of the legends as of recent Nakai-san of RWB infamy!
Now with RWB USA being announced he’s a BUSY MAN!
He’s seriously all time, GSD, DGAF legit!

Thank you HRE Wheels for the pre-party drinks in your suite, nice primer for the nights…

Up & comers, Corey Hosford, Nate Lil Tex Hamilton & Jeff Lane!

Yo is party dude, Kenji of Greddy, muah, Jasper, Yo, forgot her name sorry & ACP…

Tommy Milner & I, what up buddy! Good chat, lets get you sideways sooner than later…

The final day of SEMA…

Friday walking into the show I saw somebody who looked familiar as he was inspecting some paint samples at a booth, yep it was him…
I introduced myself to him and long story short I met, had a lengthy conversation about drifting, cars, North Idaho, design and some other odds & ends including animals throwing poop.

His name is Tinker Hatfield an icon in the shoe world, his impact on the footwear world and even the progression of modern shoes and fashion in general is overwhelming…
People aspire and have even been compelled to say “I want to be Tinker when I grow up”
I’ve admired Tinker from a distance and his work. As I grew up a lover of unique sneakers before it was a REAL cash cow, I admired cross trainers, Agassi’s, Flights, Air Max’s, Bo Jacksons but I admittedly NEVER owned a pair of Jordan’s but many unique Nike’s and have said that the Jordan V’s are my favorite because of the clear sole and lace lock, all the kids in my middle school basketball team had them, yet I didn’t play basketball so didn’t want to front!
Regardless I grew up with Nike’s on my feet and my favorite pair of Nike’s I probably have today are Air ZOOM Havens but in all black! But of course have others on ice…

Long story short I met Tinker Hatfield, nice guy, invited me to the campus and of course I invited he and his associates to attend anything I’m involved with especially a shotgun ride in a Formula DRIFT competition vehicles…
Thanks for your time and convo, it was my pleasure…
So come on Tinker, let’s get you sideways!

Back to the cars…

I’m a sucker for camo…

My man, Sean Smith Designs killed it with this one, he designed it for the Ring Bros…

Here she is RWB X HOONIGAN, EPIC! White yes, matte yes, wide yes, sexy yes, just AWESOME!!!!!!
Congrats on the whip, was seriously many peoples favorite of the show!!!!!!

The proud owner Brian Scotto, psyched on taking her home now…
So much he drove it in the snow, if you havent seen it, he drive it from the Bay Area to Vegas then back home to CA through SNOW!!!!!!

Rad booth…

Monsters Pikes Peak record holding ride in the sick GoPro booth…

Really liking the new Hyundai Veloster, Millen’s RallyCross ride is sick, like the roof scoop…

Ridic and awesome at the same time…

Roland Sands Designs aka Honey Badger doesn’t even give a …

Sick…right?!?!

VERY impressed with 2 companies I’ve worked with and respect, Scion X 686, the pictures don’t do it ANY justice it’s a MUST SEE in person!!!

That’s fabric with zippers wrapping the exterior…

Raw metal I’m a super sucker for then throw the engine in the rear, why not!

That’s a wrap on SEMA 2012, so much good stuff, the industry is alive & well!
Stoked on all the friends, family and fans I have in this world.
It’s very rewarding after all these years a kid from San Diego that grew up street racing has parlayed it into a an actual career…
Thanks to all and to all a “LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!!!!”

BUT right before SEMA I ventured to Jakarta, Indonesia AKA The Big Durian for the 1st ever Formula Drift Indonesia round of the SE Asia Formula Drift Championship….

Yep, I carry on even when I fly International, that way no chance of losing my sweet Incipio luggage…
Check the INCIPIO goods, Expat backpack, Weekender bag, f38 headphones, feather case on iPod and Kickstand case on the iPad…
INCIPIO’d OUT!
WWW.MyINCIPIO.com

First leg, well PHX to LAX then LAX to Hong Kong…

Next leg…
International = free beer & booze…
Caught up on a few documentaries & flicks…

Lonely island…

Touchdown in Jakarta 2pm on a Friday afternoon, head straight to the track…

VISA…

SCOOTERS ARE everywhere and the most popular form of transportation in Jakarta…

Marcus, the BOSS MAN for Formula Drift SE Asia, thanks for everything buddy!

Robbie “Bushido Blade” Nishida in the mix…

Ryan showing off Millions!

A large field of up & coming and very talented drivers…
SE Asia is a hot bed of talent…

The last we’d fortunately see of rain and it let loose!

“The CHAMP” Formula Drift 2011 Champion Dai Yoshihara is in the building!
Hooked him with a new Incipio iPhone 4 STEP case...

Scooters everywhere!

Our hotel view…

This is Cheryl Tay, she is a hustlin maniac in SE Asia…

The J Crew even in Japan, Robbie, Gushi & Daigo…

Ryan suited & booted!

Now Ryan getting BEATS!!!
Ryan and I spend the most time together around the world, working at FD events, Voiceover etc. He’s a good adventurous type to see the world with, he’s become a great friend and somebody I can have some great conversations with, thanks Ryan!

Track is HOT, literally & figuratively, it is SE ASIA!

Sunsets get me every time…
Especially in far off lands, I can’t believe drifting has taken me around the world! UNREAL!

Sunday morning school children working out…

Some of the crew…

Homeboy hooked up some shirts even for my son!
GANBATTE WEAR.com

It’s all OVER Daigo from Japan wins…
For more on track coverage that I can’t snap because I’m MC’ing CLICK HERE on the SPEEDHUNTERS.com site with Cheryl’s coverage…

Knock off tee’s make me laugh…

Congrats Achilles Radial for the podium sweep and look forward to seeing more of the Purple & green next year in FD USA…

19 years old! Youngest FD drivers to ever podium congrats buddy!
(correction Ken Gushi was 18 years old when he podiumed at Formula Drift Houston in June 2005- Thanks Jacob)
Dido Armando

Celebratory beers…

Now, homeward bound to catch Halloween with the family!!!

I was literally in Jakarta 58 hours and I was traveling longer than 60 hours, haha Oh well not complaining just facts!
Home for 12 hours for halloween then NEXT STOP Vegas for SEMA in the next blog post!

3-2-1 Let it rip!

My wife caught a cute lil monster!

Come with me and see my abbreviated weekend from Wednesday til Sunday night…
But also be sure to check out the coverage from all the websites…
Including
SPEEDHUNTERS
Wrecked Magazine
LifeBlasters.com
OMG Drift
Drifting.com
MotorMavens.com

Plus,
I have to show you this video by Larry Chen, he rips!
So creative and fun!
BTW, I was riding my bike with Matt Powers on my pegs giving a course description for livestream!

The long road from AZ to CA…

I got a new toy from GoPro, stoked I’ve never owned one before thanks GoPro!

Stunning sunset as I drive through rain entering the IE in CA…

Thursday went and had a great convo with my homie Peter aka nycparislondonhktokyola

Laced Peter with an INCIPIO NGP case of course…

Swung by the Alpinestars office, got laced for the banquet…

Track time on Thursday….

Just for a few things…

Ill TSX wagon huh?!?!? too bad FWD…

Had to do VO for a couple episodes of Formula Drift TV on Versus channel…

Dinner & some beers at a banging place called Lucky Baldwins, 2 locations one in Pasadena and one in Sierra Madre, I’d hit both locations this trip, haha Great beer selection!

Friday practice…

So much rubber shrapnel…

Will Roegge making movie pictures see, with the RED! somebody grab a burrito and shoot it slow mo!

The one & Only EO aka Estevan Oriol

Ryan watching the DriftStream making sure all is good…

This would be Tony Angelos last event being a Formula Drift judge…

Sunset on practice & qualifying day…

IT’S GAME DAY, SATURDAY for the Final Fight!

Final Drivers meeting

Awesome camera for a burrito toss!

Can’t wait to see it in use…

Before the gates opened…
These stands and the whole venue in hours will be packed, sold out and standing room only!

SPOILER ALERT!
You’re new 2011 Formula Drift Champion, Dai Yoshihara!

A gift from Mike Macare thanks buddy, you can see him waving in the background haha

Homeboy Heath of LUCKY 13 came out and experienced FD 1st hand for the 1st time, he’s a new fan!

My brother from another mother the HOONIGAN honcho… Scotto!

minutes after Dai was announced 2011 Champion…

I was honored to have the 1st interview with Dai moments after he won in front of the crowd and DriftStream, congrats buddy!

Obligatory, I’m closer than you pic…
I’ve held every single trophy in FD history yet don’t get to keep ANY of them haha

Dai the CHAMP!

rooftop party!

Sunday morning even after staying up til 4am, I was up at 7AM for the Tour de Formula Drift with the Lycra loving bike riders… including the winner of Irwindale Tyler McQuarrie…
30 miles with a hangover, homies and some burritos was a great way to reoup after an amazing event!
Pics by Rad1…

Old homies Chux and Rad1 Rodney Wills, we’re of TMR M’zine fame if ya don’t know, ya should!

Sunday night the FORMULA DRIFT Banquet 2011…
Look at how much fun our FD family is, I got everybody to do this for my blog and Jose got it too, rad huh?!?!
Except Olfert & Treebeard, I see you guys! You punks!

Jim Liaw FD President, 2011 Formula Drift Champion Dai Yoshihara and 4th overall in FD D Mac

J Brad the Falken Tires Motorsports Manager made a bet if he loses he has to do the “Cat Daddy” here he is paying up…

Blurry picture of the top 3 finishers, JTP, Dai & Forsberg…

I wanna but I dont, see these guys go toe to toe…
Stephen-sten versus Sergenstein!

House party at The Forsbergs, no evidence was taken just say it was epic…
We were joined by a gang of friends one of which X Games Gold Medalist Liam Doran
I laced him up with a new INCIPIO case for his iPhone 4 the Feather to be exact….

That’s a wrap on 2011 Formula Drift Championship, but the train doesn’t stop plenty more drifting action to follow, Vegas this weekend for a demo with Vaughn Gittin Jr. Indonesia, Malaysia and a quick break as the Middle East should be happening again!