Formula Drift Rd. 4 at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington definitely had a different vibe than the first three events of this year. There were some big upsets, local heroes, and lots of crashes – some of them rather big. I'll start my look at the event with some photos from Friday and Saturday, prior to the start of tandem competition.

If there's one thing I've noticed about Formula D's annual visit to the Seattle area, it's that the "local flavor" here is stronger here than any other event on the schedule. The Northwest does it big, whether it's competition drift cars…

…or random street cars found in the parking lot. I spent a bit wandering around the lots outside the track, sampling the local cars for an upcoming post.

Round four marked Fredric Aasbo's return to the circuit, and he continued right where he left off, bringing the fight to FD's most established drivers. Here he is during practice on Saturday.

Before the pros headed out on the track, there was a small pro am competition featuring Northwest drivers like Kohei Nakamura in his gold S13.

The vuvuzela has invaded Evergreen Speedway. Here Drift Alliance video man Andy is serenading me with the beautiful instrument.

Local driver Victor Moore pulls some serious angle on the bank in his V8-powered S14.

Justin Pawlak gets crazy in the Stang during qualifying.

Meanwhile, Conrad Grunewald uses GM-power to obliterate his Hankooks.

This was the second event for Ryuji Miki's Lexus SC, but it seems the car still needs a bit of work – Miki was unable to qualify in Seattle.

Brian Wilkerson in the BMI/Snap-On four-rotor RX8 – making progress (and busting eardrums) every round.

Yep, the PNW is good at cars.

Ever wonder how Linhbergh gets those crazy shots? Like this.

Hopefully we'll be seeing Ian Fournier and his rad Skyline at more events before the season is up.

This event was one of the best of Michihiro Takatori's Formula Drift career. Here he is pulling through the end of the course during qualifying.

The flushness is alive and well in Washington.

Joon Maeng comes off the bank and towards the "power alley" during practice.

The Garage Autohero 510, always cool, and always low.

More of that Northwest style.

Finally, Mad Mike comes through the bank in what was by far his best FD event so far.

Stay tuned for much more from Formula Drift Rd.4

-Mike Garrett