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It's the month of
April, and the Drift Session 2 format returned to our normal
stomping grounds as the short course lappers set up shop in the Skid
Pad, while beginner drivers journeyed down to Long Course Turn 1 for
practice. A full field of 30 beginners and 30 veteran drivers came
out to this month's DS2 along with their own personal entourages. It
was good to see so many beginners at a DS2 event, as more drivers
are learning that valuable practice time can be found at Long Course
Turn 1, away from the ruckus of the lapping drifters.
Thanks to an
experienced staff, the gates opened half an hour earlier than
scheduled, allowing early arrivals to pit and prep their vehicles.
Steadily, a stream of drivers and spectators flowed through the
gates of Hawaii Motorsports Center, filling up the infield with
dozens of modified vehicles.
After a quick drivers
meeting, the beginner drivers were led down to Long Course Turn 1
while the veteran drivers were let loose on the Road Course in the
Drift Session 2 Continuous Run Format. While lapping the short
course, drivers are allowed to enter and exit the track at will to
maximize run time, while being responsible enough to regulate
themselves and not let the track get too crowded at any one time.
The beginners were
put through a rigorous schedule for the first half of the day, as
they drifted back and forth through Long Course Turn 1, almost never
stopping to take a break. The straightaways leading up to and away
from the corner allowed the drivers to practice their choku dori
drifts in a wide open space, without the fear of slamming into the
guardrails that surround the Short Course straightaway.
Our veteran drivers
on the Short Course are all too familiar with the numerous
barricades and guardrails that surround the road course. Early on in
the day, Earl Huang attempted to clear the Sweeper in 3rd gear, but
couldn't hold it and went careening into and almost up and over the
sweeper tire barrier and guardrail. Before, Drift Session staff
members could get to the site of the crash, the rest of the Short
Course drivers had already blocked off the roadway and were helping
Earl retrieve his vehicle from the guardrails. After a quick checkup
by Fred Puleo the EMT, Earl was okay and quickly back in his vehicle
to lap once again.
Many new and
returning vehicles were notable at this DS2 event. Chris Kam and his
infamous Chevy "Kam-aro" returned to the Drift Session
with a newly installed V8 350. Chris claims 400 horsepower in his
machine and the high revving sound of his domestic engine could be
heard all over the track. Also returning to the track was Blaine
Sato in his early 80's 3-TC powered Corolla. Not to be outdone by
the many "Hachi-roku" loyalists at the Drift Session,
Blaine exhibits exceptionally fast and powerful drifting in his
vehicle of choice. Sherwin Udani also made it out to this month's
Drift Session. With the absence of Kyle Arai, Sherwin was the lone
FWD drifter at this month's event. But even with an unconventional
vehicle, Sherwin's perseverance has gained him respect amongst the
other drivers.
The monthly drift
competition started up at 1pm as veterans and beginners alike lined
up on the Long Course Turn 1 straightaway for battle. Each driver
would perform a single pass in an attempt to impress the judges
stationed on the outside of Turn 1. Also, new to this month's
competition was the introduction of the "chase" format for
the top 2 finishers.
As the competition
rolled on, many drivers had refined their technique from past months
based on the judging criteria. Speed was definitely king at this
competition as all of the top finishers came blazing into turn 1 at
the top of 3rd gear while following a good line and keeping their
wheels dangerously close to the edge of the roadway.
Halfway through the
competition, the event had to be stopped due to an emergency, as a
car on the Short Course had gone off track and into the high grass
surrounding the back straightaway. While the vehicle was stuck, the
grass under the car ignited from the heat and quickly started up a
small brush fire. Nearly all drivers descended to the downed vehicle
and helped to pull the vehicle to safety before the fire could do
significant damage. A quick call to the Kapolei Fire Department and
our friends with the Water Truck at the Oval Racetrack and the fire
was soon under control. Once again, back to the Drift Competition.
In the top 2, it was
brothers Shane and Steve Oliberos after amazing solo passes. Shane
executed a near flawless drift as his vehicle apexed Turn 1
perfectly while using lots of constant throttle. Not to be outdone
by his little brother, Steve made his pass at high speed, throwing
his vehicle outward to the right side of the roadway, with a quick
counter motion feint. The crowd covered their eyes as Steve's car
drifted sideways, under full throttle, tires smoking, and half of
his wheel hanging over the edge of the roadway. Miraculously, Steve
pulled his vehicle through the drift and tracked out to the outer
edge of the roadway while still maintaining full throttle.
As the two brothers
lined up for the chase, Shane opted to go first. Shane headed down
the track executing a feint motion drift to set up for the left
handed Turn 1. Steve did his best to follow, but a slight bobble on
the feint drift leaned the judges in Shane's favor. As the drivers
came around for the second pass, Steve was leading and Shane was
copying his every move. But right before the apex of Turn 1, Shane
lost control of his vehicle and spun, allowing Steve to pull through
the corner unchallenged. In the end it was Steve Oliberos in first,
with his brother Shane in second; a great finish to this month's
drift competition and the first month in which someone other than
Barry Wong reigned supreme.
After the drift
competition wrapped up, drivers collected their prizes generously
donated by Pearlridge Napa. The track was opened up again and the
drivers leisurely finished their day. As the day came to an end, the
staging lanes to the sweeper were opened up for the ever popular
"donut practice." Several veteran drivers went out to
practice and put on a show of their newest tricks. Also in the donut
practice was Shane Cookie who's well done 240sx was still kicking.
Barry Wong broke out the 'rodeo' ride as Steve and Shane Oliberos
performed their own variations of donuts with the doors open. Steve
and Braden Lee did a couple of nose to nose donuts for good measure
and to the delight of Kip Nakagawa, who was busy filming for an
upcoming issue of Green Bottle Productions.
All in all, it was a
great day for drifting in the state of Hawaii. A few minor dents and
scrapes aside, everyone went home safely and enjoyed our sport to
the fullest.
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