Name: Candis Higa
Age: 26
Hometown: Kaneohe, Hawaii

So we met up one day with Candis Higa, girlfriend of current 2004 points leader Barry Wong and thought, 'hey it might be interesting to hear about drifting from a female perspective.' Up until this point, we've only been hearing drifting stories from drivers and visiting drivers; but we've always wondered what the spectators have been thinking. While not actually a spectator, Candis has been at the Drift Session since its earlier days and proven herself to be a real trooper out on the racetrack: always riding along, criticizing her Barry's driving, and helping to change tires.  

So Candis, what do you like about drifting?
What I like about drifting is the respect involved in this sport.  Respect is a very important word to me.  It also plays a very big role in this sport.  Its not about who’s the best, who’s car looks the best, or who’s got the nicest rims.  It’s the total opposite.  Its pretty funny.  Its more like whoever’s car is all bus’ got the meanest car…nah, but it’s a very fun sport.  But this isn't a sport that one can step into and out of just like that, you gotta put your full, whole-hearted effort into it.  Otherwise, you’ll just be kicking yourself in the ass.  I think this sport can teach a lot of people a thing or two.  It teaches people to be creative, and to find themselves pushing their own limits to places they never thought they could go.  It also teaches you to learn how to take criticism in a positive way, and use it to better yourself.

How good is your boyfriend Barry Wong?
I have to be honest; he knows I am his biggest critic of his driving.  That is why we work good together.  In the beginning I have to say he sucked big time.  (SORRY BABE). We would spin out constantly.  And I was like, 'eh.. how come none of the other cars ( Justin, Lance, Royce, Stan, Nasu etc.) were doing that?' They were all doing the “drift”.  Barry pushed himself hard, and there were times he really wanted to give up.  He was your normal GREASE MONKEY, did the Import car thing, did the Low Rider car, did the Air Bag the Tahoe thing.  So he was a pretty un-satisfied guy when it came to cars.  Trust me.. To be this guys girlfriend you practically have to always be on the go, and ready to listen to him when you see the light bulb flash on again above his head.  Until he started to drift, I don’t think I have ever seen that much confidence that he had in himself.  He has been through a lot in his life, and this has made him grow up a lot, believe it or not.  This sport has taught him how to exceed his limits, know his limits, but never be afraid to try something new.  For you people who know Barry he ain’t very creative but, surprisingly in drifting he thinks creative.  I think Barry is a very good drifter not only because he is my boyfriend but because I have seen how much he has accomplished from start to present.  And he is very humble, he  knows it doesn’t stop there; he still needs to learn a lot more.

Why aren't more girls out here at the track?
I think there aren’t too many girls out on the track because it's real hot out there.  But, I think the only girls who come down to the track are the ones who can get down and dirty.  Not saying that they can’t hang or anything, but can they hang all day?  But, if girls got to know the sport more, I think a lot more would come down and be more supportive.  A lot of these guys that drift have very supportive girlfriends too, and I give much props to them for being there in the hot sun.  But, come on now, are you going to tell me that there are that few girls that can hang?

What makes someone a good or popular drifter?
To be called or even known as a good and popular drifter you gotta have these pre-requisites:  respectful, humble, friendly, open to teach others, and not serious.  Listen up people:  The good drifters if you have noticed in this sport, are all goofs, and clowns.  These guys know how to have fun, and know how to be focused once they put their helmets on.  Key word, FOCUSED, not SERIOUS.  Respect is the ultimate.  This is where we separate the boys from the men.  Men don’t cry when they loose or make a mistake, or blame someone else.  We all know this sport is rough, expensive, and takes time to perfect.  So any accidents that occur is mostly likely 99.9 percent your fault.  Also, anyone who talks bad or puts down ones opinion about the judging is just a little boy with a sore thumb. RESPECT.  You cannot exceed in this sport if you don’t respect the sport and your peers.  You don’t win popularity by thinking you are the best.  Its all in the attitude and your performance.

What do you think about the car show scene?
Car show scene is so played out.  Been there many times, seen the same cars, different rims, same sounds, same car models.  Whats new?  The only new thing is the models are getting younger.  I’d say we are at about age 13 now?  Nah, much props to the car show scene, but, Barry and I needed something more.  A sport that could actually show something worth working hard to perfect.  I mean, yeah we may go to a show here and there.  But, not drop plans for it anymore.  Must come with age…….plus Barry would rather wrench on a car then to go stare at them.  Me?….whatever floats his boat, and as long as I don’t hear him yappin’ I’m fine…heheheheh…

Is the mentality of a drifter different from your regular import car enthusiast?
The mentality of a drifter is definitely different from a regular import car enthusiast.  Where the hell are you going to see a souped up Civic stop on the side of the freeway just to ask an Integra if he needs help, or a tow, or needs a tire to fix his car?  Oh hell no, nowhere in that community.  But, these drifters I tell you, they will stop anywhere to ask another if he needs help.  I could like have to pee really bad, and Barry would see another drifter and stop on the side and talk to see if he needed help.  Oh and these guys can talk for hours and hours about drifting.  Import racers, majority is all about competition.  Laugh when they see a stuck car on the side.  I know because Barry and I used to do it all the time; until my Civic got stolen.  Yup, those guys steal from each other too.  Drifters don’t steal from each other, they offer, or they ask for help or a part.  These guys are so cool, its unbelievable.

What about the girlfriends of drifters, are they any different from normal girlfriends?
The girlfriends of these drifters are troops man.  They stick it out hot or rainy, muggy or sunny.  All hashed out on the track, dirt all over them from the wind blowing, not eating all day till like 430pm. Yeah, I’d say they are different from your average girl.  No whining allowed at the track.  That is my rule.  I can’t stand girls that whine.  These girls are tough, but very patient.  You gotta be if you have a boyfriend who drifts.  But, we are lucky because the guys we are with have such good attitudes, and respect for the sport. That, and they treat us good too. They better.  Barry spends ALL his money on his 2 other girlfriends (his cars).  Nah, he’s a sweetie; he treats me good too.

You had a chance to watch some drifting on the mainland at the SEMA show; what do you think about drifting on the mainland?
Okay here’s the thing, I did see a event up in Las Vegas, and to tell you the truth it didn’t look too promising.  There were a few good but, very few.  I know there is a lot of controversy about the mainland vs. Hawaii.  But honestly Hawaii guys are more humble and have more passion for the sport.  Yeah, mainland guys have the money and the exposure, but the passion Hawaii guys have for the sport is not comparable.  I mean, trust me these guys are good.  They work hard to brush their skills up.  In the mainland you have so much free space and miles of practice places and locations to go.  Hawaii is limited, but we make do with what we have.  Imagine you give these guys the ample amount of space they needed to drift?  They would drift sh*t up.  These guys are the best. No matter what anyone, anywhere else says.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but I haven’t heard of a challenge come on with the Hawaii guys yet.  I have heard of the question being asked, but I only heard of excuses why not to come down.  All in all it is a fun sport, but its sad that these guys don’t get the exposure they should get. But that’s alright guys;  you guys are my drift heros.

Who do you think would win if there were a Hawaii vs. California challenge?
Who do I think would win if Cali vs. Hawaii?  Come on now… I don’t need to answer that question.  I know what's up,  and so does everyone else.  Use your imagination… 

What kind of advice would you give to someone just starting out in drifting?
My advice to someone starting out drifting is, to never give up, any and all advice given to you by your peers, take it into consideration and stride.  Use it in a positive way. Learn respect and research on the sport first before you go further.  Like I said respect for the sport comes with passion you have for it.  But, you will never exceed if you don’t have respect for the sport.  Be creative and try different techniques.  Play with your car and get to know your car real good. That baby will give you a good run, or a really bad one.  Get to know your peers too.  It helps to ask questions, and observe others way of drifting.  Most of all, have fun.