Roadcarvin

Main menu

  • Home
  • Articles
    • Magazine Sections
      • The Front Page
      • Blogs
      • Events
      • News and reviews
      • Photography Equipment
      • Photos - All-time popular
      • Photos - Latest additions
      • Photos - Recent popular
      • Recent popular pages
      • What's New
    • All-Time Popular Content
    • Recent Additions
    • Recent Popular Content
  • Motorcycle Equipment
    • Motorcycle Equipment Reviews and News
  • Photo Gallery
    • Browse the Photo Gallery
    • All-time popular photos
    • Recent additions
    • Recent popular photos
  • Polls
    • Roadcarvin Magazine Polls
  • Roadcarvin
    • Contact Us
    • Site map
    • About Roadcarvin Magazine
      • About us
      • Advertise on Roadcarvin
      • Photo Hot Linking Guide
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
Home Articles Magazine Sections Events

Drifting Over the Edge of Reason - 2009 Formula Drift @ Infineon

Formula Drift, Locked and Loaded-Session Six/Infineon Raceway

I was sitting in the Photo Room at Infineon Raceway, on the Thursday before the IRL race when one of the other shooters asked if I had heard about the drift competition that was going to take place at Turn 7 that weekend. I thought there might be a story in it and decided to see firsthand what the buzz was about. I overheard someone say there was a Scion with a “Phase 9” NASCAR spec Tundra engine…a Scion?, another car had a supercharged V-8 and yet another a twin turbo V-6. Little did I know I would get more than I bargained for.

Advertisements - Story Continues Below

Roadcarvin.com does not review or endorse the advertisers appearing above.

I drove up to the drag strip runoff and met with Formula Drift (www.formulad.com) PR man, John Pangilinan, who issued a set of photo credentials and vests to SMM for the event that was scheduled to begin on Friday, immediately after the IndyCar guys (and gal) had called it a day. He added that there was a must attend safety meeting that evening and now I understand why he made it sound so important.

Now for those of you who know nothing about drifting, it appears to consist mainly in stabbing the gas pedal, getting up to speed (real speed) turning the wheels to bring the rear end out into a slide or drift over a specified course, while you do your best to control and manipulate the laws of physics. You’re judged on speed, angle, line and style. Pretty simple eh? Wrong!

In Japan, drifting has been popular amongst street racers for over 20 years, at its peak developing into one of that country’s most attended professional auto sports. Its “fringe” nature appealed to American auto enthusiasts in the late 80’s and early 90’s, in particular the practice of drifting along winding mountain passes and canyon roads.
I wasn’t prepared for what I saw. Sure, most motor heads have seen drifting on TV but nothing can prepare you for the unbridled mayhem, the energy, the color, the noise, the smoke and the excitement of cars sliding twenty feet in front of you traveling at speeds of up to 95 mph while you stand jockeying for shots amongst fifteen other photographers sequestered in a little concrete photo fort on the edge of the track that consisted of six k-wall sections arranged into a three sided square.

There were times when I thought I had made a mistake going out there in the first place but once you were there, there was no turning back until the competition was over and the course was declared “cold” once again. After a short time of riding on the edge of sanity and better judgment, nothing could have made me leave and two evenings of breathing tire smoke just wasn’t enough. I loved it!

Pangilinan said that interest the sport has been growing steadily in the U.S. and the future appears bright, based upon the increased number of entries, the availability of sponsorship and the number of devoted fans who attend their events. Bright indeed…the stands were packed in and around Turn 7 to see Stephen Verdier and his Subaru Impreza WRX STi celebrate their win.


For more drifting images, visit the Press Democrat.

Photography by J.R. Andres and Deborah A. Hepper.

‹ Ben Thompson Crash at AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Race InfineonupTrack Days ›
Author: John Andres /// submitted on January 10, 2010 - 9:33pm.
Filed Under
  • Formula Drift
  • Infineon Raceway
  • Motorsports
  • Scion
  • Subaru WRX STi
  • Add new comment

Related features

  • 2009 NASCAR - Infineon Raceway - Citizen Kahne
  • 2008 Pinks All Out - Sonoma
  • Friday Qualifying - 2008 Fram-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon
  • 2008 Infineon NHRA Drag Racing - Thunder at Infineon
  • 2009 Infineon Raceway AFM Race - Crystal Platt - Turn 10 Crash

Current Poll

Recent Comments

way to go harley you… I am not agree with you... I… Buell Motorcycles.… May be the biggest flop in… I'm just no fan of it, no… New 2011 Vivid Black FXDWG… trade in…

About the author

John Andres's picture

Author Name
John R. Andres

Website URL
http://www.speedwaymotorsportsmagazine.com/

Author Bio

Speedway Motorsports Magazine Editor-in-Chief, John R. Andres, began his photographic career as a Detroit motorsports journalist over fourty years ago, providing images and articles to the midwest automotive press. Since that time, he has continued to cover the racing scene, traveling across the country to attend INDYCAR Series, NHRA and NASCAR events. John is a Professional Member of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association, the National Press Photographers Association, General Member of the American Society of Media Photographers and the Professional Photographers of America.

View full user profile

Feeds and Subscriptions

Syndicate content
more

Featured Photo

2008 MotoGP - Marco Melandri - Friday Practice

Marco Melandri riding his Ducati through turn 6 in Friday practice.

Latest Photo

2011 IMS - Harley Girls
Harley-Davison girls at the 2011 IMS show in San Mateo, California.

Subscribe by e-mail

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Add to Google
Locations of visitors to this page

What's New

Our latest articles

2011 IMS - Harley Girls

2011-2012 International Motorcycle Show Schedule

The Progressive International Motorcycle Shows kicks off the season this weekend in San Mateo, California November 18th - 20th.

Read the rest »
CargoLoc 84060 Motorcycle/ATV Cargo Net 15 inch by 15 inch by 6 hooks

Must-have gear: Bungee cargo net with adjustable ABS plastic hooks

I've used these on my bikes for years. I keep a couple under the seat, in the storage compartment of the rear cowl.

Most cheap ...

Read the rest »
Captain America - 1942 Harley Davidson WLA Liberator

Captain America Rides A 1942 Harley Davidson WLA Liberator

TWO AMERICAN ICONS REUNITE TO SALUTE THE FORCES OF GOOD Harley-Davidson® and Marvel Studio’s Captain America Join Forces to Defend Freedom

On July 22, Marvel Studios releases ...

Read the rest »
More new stuff »

Popular Articles

What other people are reading right now

2008 Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary V-rod

2008 Harley-Davidson - 105th Anniversary Models

To celebrate the Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary 14 serialized models featuring an exclusive Anniversary package will be built. Harley-Davidson has been celebrating Anniversaries by building motorcycles with special features as well as throwing big parties for a long time. This Anniversary coincides with the 25th - Silver Anniversary of H.O.G Harley ...

Read the rest »
ASV C/5 Levers - Clutch  Lever

ASV C/5 Levers - Product Review

Riding a motorcycle is an enjoyable activity, and the pleasure can be enhanced when the motorcycle's controls are adjusted to fit the rider. While most modern motorcycles come equipped with adjustable levers, the range of adjustment may not match the rider's preferences. In addition, the stock levers may not ...

Read the rest »
2009 Buell 1125R - Racing Red - Right Front

2009 Buell 1125CR and 1125R - First Impressions

Track day road test impressions of the 2009 Buell 1125CR and 1125R We rode the 2009 Buell 1125R and 1125CR models at the Buell Inside Pass Track Day at Infineon Raceway. Though our main focus was on the track riding sessions (and the track itself), we learned enough about the ...

Read the rest »
More popular articles »
Many photos on this site were taken with a Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 50D, or other other Canon digital cameras.

Site Map

Use (accessing site content) indicates acceptance of our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use - Roadcarvin Info and Credits

Roadcarvin™ Magazine Contents Copyright © 2005-2013 Michael Curry's Exodus Development, and 3D Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication or reproduction prohibited.