Nov 28 2009
CW S14 Silvia x SF Auto Show
I just got my S14 Silvia ready for this year’s SF Auto Show at the Moscone Center. It is currently on displayed there from Nov. 26 – Dec. 2nd.
Special Thanks for my Sponsors:
Archive for November, 2009
Nov 24 2009
Test Drifting @ ThunderDrift
I got a chance to test drift some different cars during the last Thunderdrift full track event over at Thunderhill raceway. A SR20DET powered RPS13, a LS1 Turbo Powered S14, and a stock G37. Out of all of the cars, I was actually most surprised about how well the stock G37 drifted. The factory setup the stock settings with mild understeer, but it can be called upon to smoothly rotate into stable and predictable drifts. Mid-drift the car feels serene, even when being aggressive with the throttle, it still held it’s composure. The chassis did not do anything scary, the car drives very predictably at the limits. This car was reminiscent of my Falken G35 where it was able to hold long, smooth drifts, but it seems that the new G37 has some suspension improvements that allows the car to perform at a more refined level.
Where the G37 felt like a refined, luxury drifter, Luke Lonberger’s LS1 V8 Turbo powered S14 felt like a crude import hot rod on the other end of the spectrum. This S14 chassis felt very light and nimble compared to the heavy G37. It rotated quick, but it lacked the refinement mid-drift to hold a steady line, especially during off camber, decelerating corners. The chassis felt less forgiving then the G37′s, but the extra power from the turbo LS1 motor more than made up for it. The motor was able rev out the powerband quickly even at part throttle, so frequent upshifts was necessary to keep the engine off its limiter. This car has a lot potential still, with proper gearing, some additional tire and suspension tuning, this car would be a competitive drift car.
The RPS13 is the pinnacle of drift cars, as it is the most commonly used drift chassis in the world. Jay Lapid of Graphtech Graphics hooked up this Camo S13 for about half a decade now and even competed this car in Formula D back in 2005-06. It’s been through many stages and has been recently resurrected and is going through refinement. This S13 chassis rotated very quick and was capable of big drift angles, but his lack of a solid engine tune held the car back from it’s full potential. It did run solid the whole event with Jay getting in a full day in with his car. Can’t wait till he get’s his car fully setup so we can get some good tandem drifting going on in the future.
Nov 19 2009
CW x HellaFlush III
I brought out my newly Garage Inc painted M3 out to the HellaFlush 3 meet, held at Blacktrax in Milpitas.
Since this is my daily, I wanted to keep the car all OEM style. I had the Garage Inc guys paint up the wheels and grills, and had the lights tinted as well. The stock wheels were spaced out for that flush fitment.
The meet brought out some pretty fresh cars. These FD’s are my friends’ from the MD-R Sac crew.
NorCal got some FF guys rockin’ good fitment wheels. It’s about time the Honda guys start catching on to what us rear-drive drift guys started up over 6 years ago.
Some guys now are getting pretty ridiculous with their fitments. This fitment is some gangster show car style. Only made possible from airbag suspension. I wouldn’t roll it like that unless you want your fenders all jacked up.
There are some old school cars getting down with the flush movement as well. The infamous Shakoten S30 Z from Motormavens.com came out to represent here too.
The Fatlace Porsche sittin’ hella flush on some bronze TE37′s. Those wheels look dope on anything.
There were vendors out at this event including the Fatlace booth where you can buy some gear, grab some Motormavens flyers and check out models showcasing their photos.
The Fatlace crew has built up a big following with these Hellaflush meets. I heard people traveling from all over the place including Hawaii & Seattle, just to come to check this event out. Can’t wait to see what’s up with the next one.
Nov 02 2009
A Nod to the Past and the Road that Lies Ahead
7 years is a long time for anything. Amazingly, that’s how long I’ve been with the Falken Tire Drift Team. Through that time, Falken and I have shared many ups and downs.
We started as a makeshift first entry into establishing drifting as a legitimate, viable, and, most of all, exciting N. American motorsport.
We weren’t sure what we had at the time – how could anyone know – but we knew we were pursuing our passion and felt strongly that we were right at the doorstep of something special. I’m a firm believer that you really can’t go wrong chasing after what you love. Make that a priority and everything else falls into place.
What followed the dedication and teamwork was indeed success. Falken Tire was right there with me, from pioneering the sport at new venues to podium finishes, the formula worked well and has been just as enthralling as drifting through corners at full throttle.
The low points make the highlights even more remarkable and forces you to truly appreciate having that dialed-in car, professional crew and being surrounded with all the little complementary pieces that come together at the right time.
So now as I reflect back on all the great highs and even the lows over the course of seven years, I’d like to thank all the incredible people that have been a part of the collection of snapshots permanently imprinted in my head.
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be shifting to the next challenge in my drifting career, pursuing my own program. Thank you to the fine folks at Falken Tire. I wish them continued success. Most importantly, I’d like to thank all my supporters – past, present and future. I’m looking forward to the next phase of my career and to the road ahead. I hope you’ll join me.
Sincerely,
Calvin Wan
