The first Round of the 2010 G1 Grand Prix ended up with a pretty unexpected surprise for the three top finishes. Andrew Gray, Chris DeJager and Alexi Smith were all given D1 Licenses allowing them to compete in the D1 Street Legal championship. These guys couldn't rub the grin off their faces for the rest of the night! But let's check more of the atmosphere behind the G1 and some more action…

Shane's 180SX was one car I couldn't keep my eyes off, sporting a very typical Kansai gangster look that you don't see much up in the Kanto or Tohoku areas of Japan. The massively flared rear arches and deep dish wheels remind me of some of the legendary Rocket Bunny cars TRA Kyoto have built in the past, one of which we will be seeing very soon! I really love teasing you guys! He he

With the morning practice over it was a quick stop for a lunch break and last final touches to the cars before the judged solo and tsuiso runs began.

Since Chris's move to Japan he has managed to rack up 1000 km on his dedicated S14 drifter. Since the car stays at Ebisu the whole time that means 1000 km of drift-only mileage. Now that is very cool!

Here is Chris and JC from the French tuning mag AutoWorks sticking the G1-GP banner Kumakubo had made up.

Kumakubo's ride for the day…

…but unfortunately there was no show going on back here! 

Like the Rocket Bunny S-chassis cars Shane's RPS13 runs truck wheels for a very unique look.

For someone that drifts just for fun Andrew Sutherland was looking real hot out at the G1 and during the whole of the Drift Matsuri.

The rear end of his JZX90 was progressively looking more battered throughout the weekend.

Here is how everyone placed on the judged solo runs.

A shot of Emily in her 180SX during her battle run against Shane.

Battle of the Skylines with Stewart and Nathan against each other in the Best 16. Nathan took the win on this round.

Andy staying glued to Shane in the Best 8. Andy moved on to the semi final after a series of close runs.

Beau "Mr. Jangles" Best against Chirs in the Best 16. The morning practice session was actually the first time Beau went out on Minami so he definitely gets plenty of kudos for that. Chris moved on to the Best 8 and managed to beat Matt who was sharing the 180SX with Shane.

RB20DET battle here with Stewart in the Cefiro against Nathan in his HCR32.

As JC and I were freezing when the weather started to turn for the worst (it actually began to snow for a minute or two!!) Kumakubo & Suenaga took their judging duties into the little booth in the stands. Both were so impressed by the performance of the top drivers that Kumakubo called up the D1 Corporation and asked if they had any objections if he handed out three D1 Licenses. 

Usual D1 proceedings call for the two finalists to park up and pose in front of the judges. 

The final battle against Andy and Chris was a great show of skills but it was ultimately Andy that took the win after Chris made a mistake on his leading run.

The post-competition celebrations started off with the prize giving session where everyone got something to bring back home. 

Jay Duca won the Best Crash award and was presented with toe-rope from Suenaga!

Ebisu staff kindly set up a BBQ for us all to enjoy with way more meat than even a hungry bunch of gaijin drifters could ever manage to eat through! 

Round 2 of the 2010 G1-GP is scheduled for the Friday before the Summer Drift Matsuri on the 20th of August. Andy and the guys at Team Orange really hope to have more drifters from the US and Europe come along with the usual big Australian participation and take part in what is quickly becoming an event not worth missing. For more info drop Andy a mail.

-Dino Dalle Carbonare