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COVERAGE> Formula Drift Las Vegas Highlights

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

When it comes to Formula D Las Vegas, what can I say that hasn’t been already mentioned? It was hot. Damn hot. Too hot to be outside without air conditioning. I don’t understand how Las Vegas locals can handle the incredible heat over there, but they say they’re just used to it now. Getting used to it is one thing… but I wonder if they like it though?

Just like the gypsy camps in the days of old, this year’s Las Vegas round of Formula Drift brought thieves out of the woodwork. I was really surprised to find out that former Formula D judge (and current Tanaka Racing Corvette driver) Alex Pfeiffer‘s helmet was stolen. I suppose someone was a fan of Alex’s Hawaiian print helmet, which had the traditional Hawaiian plumeria flowers painted on one side. The only question I have about that is… Okay, thieves. Now that you have Alex’s helmet, what the hell are you going to do with it?

I wonder if the thieves will display Alex’s helmet in their garage secretly, admiring the airbrushed artwork..? I hope they don’t think it’s a good idea to use the helmet, as the insides will be covered in damp stains from Alex’s sweat, and most likely will smell like a mixture of tire smoke, cigarettes, and (let’s be honest here) beer. Hey thieves, are you really going to wear that helmet? That’s pretty gross, man. Wearing someone else’s helmet is like wearing someone else’s underwear or something… unless you actually like the idea of having someone else’s sweat pressed all up on your face. Either way, I’m pretty disappointed that someone would actually steal a helmet that belongs to a Formula Drift competitor. It’s the first time I’ve ever heard of that happening. Someone’s parents did a lousy job of raising them. Oh, brother.

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Speaking of brothers, there seems to be some innate drifting skill happening in the Tuerck family from New Hampshire. The brothers Tuerck are both pretty naturally talented when it comes to sports, and drifting is certainly no exception. It’s great to see how far Ryan Tuerck has come in so little time.

I remember when Ryan was competing in the Drift Showoff series as a grassroots driver back in 2005. Organized by Ken Miyoshi of Import Showoff/Nisei Showoff fame, Drift Showoff was a nationwide tour that invited grassroots drifters to compete against each other at the various stops of the tour. The very first time I had ever seen (or heard of) Ryan Tuerck was in 2005. At the time, I was traveling with Drift Showoff as the official voice of the Drift Showoff series; we had an event at FedEx Field in Baltimore Maryland where Ryan Tuerck was driving his personally owned RPS13 240SX… which, as current team owner/manager Gary Gardella puts it, “had all sorts of parts falling off of it.”

Fast forward just five years later, and Ryan Tuerck is now a recognized name in the Formula D Top 16. He no longer drives an RPS13 240SX in competition; he drives a high horsepower Pontiac Solstice now, which just debuted its new GM V8 LS series engine at FD Las Vegas. (Prior to that, Tuerck’s car was powered by the turbocharged 4 cylinder GM Ecotec motor that Gary enjoyed so much success with as a drag racer.) Ryan Tuerck and his drifting efforts are now backed by Gardella Racing, who enjoyed success as the most heavily sponsored team in the NHRA Sport Compact drag racing series.

Back before I had ever met Gary Gardella personally, I remember hearing people talk about him at the NHRA Sport Compact events. Back then, people told me that in the sport compact drag racing scene, he was the man to beat. He apparently had most of the top sponsorships on lockdown, and ran one of the most successful racing programs in the world of sport compact drag racing, with companies like General Motors and Mobil 1 backing him. I can’t wait to see what type of results Gary and Ryan can pull now that there’s a more torquey engine in their car. We’ll have to see at Sonoma!

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Okay, one really interesting tandem bout that happened in Las Vegas was the Top 32 Tsuisou fight between grassroots NB Mazda Miata driver Jeff Abbott and Dodge frontman Samuel Hubinette. Talk about intimidation, right?! Ever since Formula Drift started in 2004, Samuel has been pretty much on top, winning series championships and standing atop the podium on more occasions than I can count.

Jeff Abbott, on the other hand, is a grassroots driver and a rookie in the Formula D series. I first saw his car enter the series at Formula D Long Beach, and to be honest, I don’t remember seeing his Miata at any of the other events this year. Jeff probably didn’t have enough monetary support to travel to all the rounds, but he certainly is coming up!

At Las Vegas, Jeff qualified as Number 32the very last qualifier to make it into the tandem battles on Saturday. This means that he had to go up against the top qualifier – Samuel Hubinette. I could only imagine what would be going through my head if I was strapped into the cockpit of a small green Miata at the starting line, with a menacing Dodge Challenger poised for battle right beside me, engine rumbling and revving with an “I’m going to eat you alive” tone. Shoot… wouldn’t you be intimidated? If I had Hubinette chasing me all over the track, I know I’d be praying to God.

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Here’s a closer look at Jeff’s Miata, so that the people who sponsor him can get some return on their investment, and so that Jeff’s car can get a little more love from its supporters – Factory 83, Millenium Motorsports, Road Race Engineering, Falken, AEM, Wilwood, Torco, and PAC Auto Body. MotorMavens Crew believes in supporting the grassroots drivers, because our crew is very grassroots ourselves. We’re the spitting image of the term baller on a budget… so we’re definitely down to support those who really need uplifting.

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Wait. Is that All Star Bash driver Tommy Roberts urinating on his own car?

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

As I look at this photo, I can hear Harold Faltermeyer’s theme music from Top Gun in my head. Remember the song from that scene in the beginning of the movie, where the sun is coming up and the F14 Tomcats are being elevated onto the flight deck of the aircraft carrier? This sure looks like it fits the whole “Highway to the Danger Zone” theme.

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

The tandem battle between Conrad Grunewald and Pat Mordaunt certainly had more than a few people scratching their heads with a “WTF, are you serious?” look on their faces. When Conrad’s Chevy Camaro squared off against Pat Z33 350Z, Conrad took the lead on the first run. However, he must have gotten a bit too aggressive on his Camaro’s steering angle, because he spun out while Pat was chasing him! I’m sure that Conrad must have yelled quite a few choice words in exclamation when this happened, because on the next run, Pat would be leading. All Pat had to do at this point was complete the entire run without spinning out, and he would have been awarded the win… but he didn’t. He went off course, and the judges declared a One More Time run as everyone in the audience reacted like… Serious?! *facepalm*

Honestly, something like this is easier said than done. Hell, I’ve never driven in Formula D competition, so I don’t know what kind of nerves or feelings Pat might have been experiencing. Things are certainly easier when people are talking from the other side of the steering wheel. Needless to say, though… I think everyone was pretty shocked. Better luck next time, Patty Cakes.

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

One theory might be that the pre-grid presence of our Las Vegas MotorMavenette (her name is Michelle) might have given Conrad Grunewald’s Camaro a little bit of good luck. Check out those curves!

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Here’s a closer look at Michelle (since I know you’d be asking for it), rocking the MotorMavens umbrella as the sun goes down. Since we’re on the topic of umbrella girls, here’s a bonus photo of the Falken girls also! On the left is the Las Vegas local Megan Renae, and on the right is a Falken blast from the past… I know quite a few guys who are still shook on Melanie Tillbrook.

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

One of the top drivers in the Falken camp is undoubtedly Daijiro Yoshihara. Check out the camber differences in the wheels as Dai chases down Taka Aono‘s AE86. Dai’s S13 is actually set up sort of like an AE86 would be! Very cool!

Props to new MotorMavens contributor Farrel Dee for capturing this dope photo of Dai and Taka in tandem! I like how Taka’s AE86 and the background are completely blurred while Dai’s S13 is completely in focus, with the front wheels countersteered and spinning, while the rear wheel is locked up, tire spewing smoke from the fast e-brake entry! Great job, Farrel! (Oh… and umm… good job Dai!)

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

This AE86 is such an inspiring car, piloted by an inspiring driver. Taka Aono broke his leg last month. Literally, his bone was pretty much chopped in half when he crashed at Formula D Seattle. In case you didn’t hear the whole story, his AE86 hit the wall, and the front left wheel (and suspension) was pushed into the cockpit, pinning Taka’s leg in the pedal area and breaking his tibia. PAIN!!!

Most people would say, “F that (Forget that), I’m not going to Formula D Las Vegas. I’m gonna chill out right here and let my leg recuperate and get healthy again before I do any driving.”

Well, Taka Aono doesn’t think that way. He is so dedicated to the Formula Drift Series that he actually had some metal braces installed in his leg while his car was getting fixed at the body shop. Taka has never missed a Formula D event EVER. He was not about to let even something major (like a broken bone in his leg) stop him from drifting at Formula D Las Vegas. Taka is just crazy. That is some insane dedication though! Formula D better give him some sort of award or something at the year-end banquet. I don’t know anyone who’s down like that! Only Taka…

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Here’s something pretty crazy… Taka’s AE86 was parked in the paddock with a disabled person parking placard.

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Honestly, I don’t know how he did it… but Taka turned a disability into drift-ability, because he was driving just fine at Formula D, with the lights of Las Vegas blurred in the background! Taka is just amazing. Seriously!

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Here’s a pretty sick shot from star sniper Larry Chen. This here is the V-Leds S14, illuminated like crazy with LEDs everywhere! Lawrence and the Intec Racing crew certainly did a great job putting LEDs all over the place in this car! Hmmm… it kind of makes me want to try out LEDs in my own car, especially if they’re gonna be crazy bright like this!

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

When you look up killing it on dictionary.com, you see a photo of Fredric Aasbo and his JZA80 Supra. High revving, full throttle, big smoke, and great angle…? What’s not to love about his driving style?!

Our boy HerbrockOne got a chance to party in Vegas a little with Fredric’s crew. I couldn’t hang with them, so I had to go back up to my room. However, I did think it was funny when we were talking to Fredric’s sister Camilla… she called his car a Nissan Supra on accident when she was talking. Hehe! (I didn’t say anything, but I did notice! LOL)

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Here’s something crazy for you guys to notice. This is Fredric Aasbo’s fuel pump catching on fire! What!!! The crazy thing is, Larry Chen said that when it caught on fire, Aasbo’s whole crew leaned in to put the fire out right away! Crazy guys! Please use a halon fire extinguisher next time! (Crazy… I know they just reacted to the moment, but for real… these guys could have been seriously injured. I actually have a friend who had his face completely burned by an automotive fire. You don’t want that to happen to you.)

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Speaking of on fire, Tony Brakohiapa is really on fire right now. I’m so proud of this guy! Tuskegee Tony B has been focusing and pulling in results! It’s been a long time coming, too. Tony has been campaigning this same Ford Mustang since 2005 or 2006, but back then it had Saleen Mustang body cladding and it had the Team X livery, with Ralph Lauren model Tyson Beckford on the team. (I remember back in the day, seeing pics of Tyson with Tyra Banks in the hip hop magazine The Source. I’m talking way back, when Biggie wore the red and black lumberjack… with the hat to match. haha – serious though, the photo shoot that Notorious BIG talked about in the song actually was in the same issue)

Back to Tony B though, I really gotta congratulate him on his TOP 4 finish! That’s an amazing feat! Tony’s home track of Infineon Raceway is where Formula D’s next round will be… let’s go to Sonoma and see if Tony can close the deal and bring it home!

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

When it comes to closing deals, I think that there are hardly any people in the series that can compete with Vaughn Gittin Jr. JR has been getting stronger and stronger as a force in the Formula D series, with all sorts of sponsorship dough flowing in his direction! Ford, Falken, Need for Speed, DC Shoes, and now Monster Energy Drink?! People need to follow JR’s lead when it comes to getting sponsorships.

However, for now, here’s an amazing Larry Chen photo of JR following Charles Ng‘s lead into the track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Let’s shift gears for a moment and check out this capture of Mike Essa‘s GSR Autosports E92 BMW 3 series, leading Tyler McQuarrie‘s V8 powered 350Z roadster in the Vegas infield! Both of these drivers have amazing stories to tell from Las Vegas; I heard that Mike Essa was breaking in a newly built motor, because he actually blew his BMW M5 engine at the Hollywood Park Gymkhana event that happened in Los Angeles earlier in the month!

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Perhaps the most amazing story to tell would be from Tyler McQuarrie‘s own mouth. Tyler has been on a road to success all year, but he was really really doing an amazing job at Formula D Las Vegas. This is a driver who is focused and ready to go at all times! He certainly has come a long way. Old school Formula D heads might remember when he was driving the Jasper Performance JZA80 Supra at Formula D Houston! If you don’t know what I’m talking about, get a copy of the Drifting book.

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Aaaaaaaand the podium shot! Here’s Tyler standing high above everyone else, blocking his own face as Dai shoots his off first, and JR is still trying to make it work. Hahaha… it looks like Dai is getting a bird’s eye view of one of the Falken girls (damn, I keep forgetting her name, but I know she’s a San Diego Chargers cheerleader).

On the left is Ms Formula D (the one that you guys like to call Miss Formula Deez) Melyssa Grace, although she isn’t in her normal Formula D dress. I wonder if she forgot that she was supposed to be outfitted for the trophy ceremony?

I just noticed this right now… the Monster Energy girl on the right side is my good friend Mercedes Terrell, who now lives in Vegas! I didn’t even know Mercedes was working at the event, because I didn’t see her all day! I would have wanted to catch up with her! We used to book our flights and sit together all the time because we traveled together for the Drift Showoff series. Those were some fun times, especially at the Denver Airport when I kept pushing her to ask people how she could find the Mile High Club. LOL

Formula Drift Las Vegas Motor Speedway 2010 drifting

Formula D Las Vegas spelled a 1-2-3 victory for Team Falken… a pretty amazing feat! I was in an important business meeting during the time the podium ceremony was happening, so I didn’t even get a chance to see the podium stuff myself. This being said, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the drivers AND TEAMS who made it to the top of the podium!

Hope you guys liked my random thoughts and ramblings from the event! Make sure to click through to the MotorMavens Forum for more photos from FD Las Vegas, and make sure to POST YOUR OWN PHOTOS from the event in the forum too!

:: Antonio Alvendia

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23 Responses

  1. Sick write up!! Favourite shot is the one of Taka’s disabled parking pass. I would definitely make a point of permanently mounting that, if it were me. 😛
    Runner-up has gotta be the model beside Grunewald’s car…DAMN!

  2. Jeff Abbott

    Thanks for the great pics and all the love. It was a great time and wonderful experience. Everyone that I have met at Formula D has been cool and supportive. Its a great group to drive with. I had not been in my car since Long beach. I was blessed to do as well as I did. My team really hussled to get the car ready and make it to the event. If you are ever in a sport and need to cut weight, just go to vegas and wear a racing suit ;).. I plan to see all of you at Irwindale. Thanks again!!

  3. Leonard

    thanks Antonio for showing the Roadster some love .
    Abbott’s a great guy , new family for him , and his dedication ,and driving got him a chance to compete in FD. he hadnt driven since Long Beach. sponsors need to pay this man.
    you touched on alot of good subjects here.
    Pfeiffer losing his helmet? whats up with that.
    Brakhopia. nj
    i was shotgun in my buddy’s MSM roadster, going against Essa when he blew the coolant all over the lot.we took him . that car sounds amazing.

    Charles Ng. you go boy

    Michelle , whats up baby?

  4. Antonio, did you seriously just say this: “Hmmm… it kind of makes me want to try out LEDs in my own car, especially if they’re gonna be crazy bright like this!” haha

    Good stuff up in here from Begaaaaaaaaas!

  5. We didn’t blow a motor! It was an oil line that failed at the Gymkhana. Luckily i felt the oil on the tires and shut off the motor so it was fine. Still the same used 50k mile motor we started the season with. We did have a new electric power steering pump for this round.

  6. @MikeEssa: Really! OK! My bad, I guess I got some incorrect info! LOL thanks for setting me straight. Either way, glad you were able to save that engine! It’s $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. (But you already know that)

    @Chris Hecht: YES! I wanna try LEDs for my interior lights and reverse lights. Maybe brake lights too, depending on what the bulbs look like. (not underneath the car, lol)

  7. Justin Shreeve

    Always a pleasure reading your write-ups Antonio. Too bad you got in so late and Joe and I left so early! Would have been nice to hang out inside with AC. haha

  8. awesome,
    awesome,
    awesome!
    is it just me, or does anyone else think the vegas clipping points need some flashing V-LEDS? that track needs to BE vegas if its going to be in vegas… who cares if it looks like something from a NFS game! Charles and Deans cars looked killer sliding through the smoke -LEDs blazing.

    definitely cant wait for next year.

  9. S133P3R: DUDE that is an AWESOME idea. VLEDs on the clipping points?! Hella sick!

    Better yet, what if they had a big ass “arrow sign” like In n Out or the Welcome to Vegas sign! hahah sick

  10. @antonio
    Im talking like FREEMONT EXPERIENCE typeish or at least some downward arrows or something to liven up that track. it needs to look like a racetrack cuz to me, parking lots are parking lots- regardless of how you drive in them.

  11. Mike Kim

    Damn dude if it wasn’t so damn hot i woulda done more…interesting stuff tho man there….that sucks alex’s helmet got stolen…why would someone do that….

    Taka is crazy limping around and still qualifying….I’m gonna stop by the shop and get some pics for the forums…ill mine edited and posted in the forums too

  12. Pingback : MotorMavens!! « Savage Photography

  13. @S133P3R: I know what ur saying! That actually WOULD look really dope man!

    @Mike Kim: yeah man. I wonder what our readers think.

    If YOU were in Taka’s position, would you try to sit out one or two events and let your leg heal up?

    OR would you be THAT hardcore (like Taka) and drive on your busted leg, even if there’s a chance that it wouldn’t heal perfectly in the long run?

  14. Mike Kim

    He is seriously One hardcore dude.

    I don’t know if I would even be able walk to after such a short amount of time, he is really inspiring and motivational for what he’s accomplished after such a short amount of time

  15. @Antonio
    sorry, i get so every excited for drifting!!!

    re: taka
    whoa, that broken leg story is so crazy. I had no idea about the leg thing when i approached him in the top 32 / 16 break…. I was stoked he made it to tandems but i felt badwhen i asked that he had lost to Dai and i happened to be wearing my Dai t-shirt but he was still a good sport and autographed a rad poster of his AE86 for me.

  16. Antonio:
    Loves it! You are sooo poetic still “shook” on Melanie Till”brook” haha! Falken was fun and see we bring good luck Falken took that podium. See ya at SEMA!?

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