By now you guys have all heard about what went down during the tandem rounds at Long Beach, with many watching the happenings live on the new online feed.
As we kick off our photographic coverage of the event, I thought I'd start with a selection of photos from Friday's practice and qualifying sections.
Friday allowed to move around the track a bit, experimenting with different shooting locations. The final hairpin is a great place for dramatic shots, and I kind of regretting not shooting the tandem action from this spot. Anyways, here's Tommy Roberts pulling his S13 through the hairpin during practice.
The flake on Ian Fournier's R32 is sparkling nicely under that warm California sun. This car has really come alive after its off-season refresh.
Michihiro Takatori gets a feel for his new ride, the Drift Emporium supercharged S15. I'm digging the "Drift Car meets '70s street machine" look of this thing.
Here's Mike Essa's BMW sporting some battle damage after smacking the wall during practice. Hopefully the car will be straightened out again for Atlanta.
Fredric Aasbo kicking it out around turn nine. This guy is nuts!
Tony Brakohiapa's new P51-inspired livery looks pretty cool, no? This is actually a homage to the first all-African American fighter squadron from WW2.
Ryuji Miki looked good on Friday, but by the time Saturday afternoon came it seemed his car wasn't running too well. Maybe the old FD is getting a tired?
A certain Matt Powers initiates though turn nine on his way toward the Firestone Bridge.
Meanwhile Maaaaadd Miiiiikkkkeee gives the city of Long Beach an earful of rotary music.
Tyler McQuarrie in the heat of the moment.
Andrew Comrie Picard couldn't seem to get a hold of his Viper, spinning on almost every run. Definitely not an easy car to start drifting in…
Another shot of the drift Camaro. Even though Conrad Grunewald was eliminated in the Top 32,I think this car showed a lot of promise for an all-new chassis.
Local boy Kyle Mohan's purple machine was one of four RX8's competing in the event.
Forrest Wang seemed to be pretty comfy behind the wheel of his new Drift Emporium G35.
Ken Gushi heads out for the first of his two qualifying runs.
Dean Kearney had a solid showing in Long Beach, which was his second Formula Drift event.
While his fellow countrymen James Deane was absolutely on fire the whole weekend. More on this as we cover the tandem action.
Another first-timer was Dave Blunt, who came up through the pro-am system in his BMW E30
And on that note I'll finish with a shot of Washington's Roland Gallagher in his S13. You gotta have tons of respect for any privateer driver willing to
risk it all on the unforgiving Long Beach course…
OK, back tomorrow with a look at the Top 32.
-Mike Garrett