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
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
10th picture for desktops please
No. 13th picture
Awesome coverage so far Mike, cant wait to see the rest from SpeedHunters team.
Just a question for ya, my self and a friend of mine were wondering what you were using the radio popper on your camera for on Saturday, I was one of the big guys taking photos beside you in the crow's nest.
YO!you have to get Kikolay a blog/post here!hes like the hometown hero up here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO NIKOLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IFnot,all the NW west guys.it would be soooooooooooo cool.
yea,hopefully the NW guys can finish off the west coast part of the season....
hahahahaha Check out Linhberg!!!!
Linhbergh, PLEASE show that shot
That WRX is clean nice shots.
Rad. I was blown away by the level of skill and aggression shown by Aasbo! That man NEEDS to be sponsored!!! If he had the opportunity I think he could be a major threat to some of the top drivers/ teams! Also, Joon Maeng has to be one of the nicest people I have ever met. Ever.
was there, Aasbo vs Gittin battle was insane!
ouai cool
Desktop for Fredric Aasabo please, drifting supra's are awesome
that purple r32 is amazing
Nice Mad Mike picture!!!
Desktops of Aasbo w/bumper flexxing, or Ian Fournier's R32 smoking it up? The smoke coming off the rear side window seam is perfectly caught!!
the pics of people jumping off stuff is starting to get lame..
Lol half of the "local cars" were from Canada
we do it hard in PNW! ian fournier trent stromkin nikolay konstiov(sp) roland gallagher victor moore. these guys show some huge hope for the PNW
awesome work mike
desktop of first pic please.....i heart Nikolay:-)
nice cars all of them
Great Pics as always, Cant wait for the Team NFS update!
Lihnberg in Hotpants.
yeoww
Who wears short shorts! Hahah
Good coverage Mike.
Desktop of that shot of Nikolay please?
"Ever wonder how Linhbergh gets those crazy shots? Like this."
I thought it was the shorts!
Awesome photos Mike! Is it possible for me to get some high res versions? Let me know!
Nice pics!
Wallpaper of Assbo pls
lihnbergh as a desktop
hahaha
I love seeing the B.C. folks on this site. The Drift Union in their distinct purple cars. Trent Stromkins in his retina obliterating 86 and the rest of the Drift Safari folks, Ian Fournier and Kohei Nakamura. Great post.
IM piiiiiiiiiiiiiiised that I had to miss FD Seattle
stupid wedding
i wanted to bring my GTR so bad
kax_604 - They are from Canada but evergreen is their "local" track that they do events at.