Time to continue the drifting coverage from Saturday's D1 final round in Fuji with this second selection of images. Everyone knows of the power-war that is currently taking place in D1, and fast tracks like Fuji are the perfect venues to really notice how some teams are really lagging behind. Entry speeds are as important as how well the car can pick up speed on corner exits as the rear tires are ignited. With Matsui going for a T51R boosted 2JZ in his Silvia and the Droo-P guys getting rid of the 3S in Matsukawa's Soarer in favor of a 2JZ, it shows that everyone is really trying to keep up. The result may not be something that has much of a link to the real origins of drifting, but on a closed race track, with a field of pro drivers it certainly does make for good entertainment. Check out the smoke-trail the little monkey-man driving the Skyline in the opening picture is leaving behind!

As ever, before the morning practice gets going, I always try to walk the pits to have a look at the cars up close and get some shots while there aren't many people around. Minowa's JZX90 was one of 2010's best looking rides, showing off one mean stance and a very unique paint scheme.

I don't know if it's just me but Fujinaka's tri-rotor FD seems to get louder and louder! This time it was also wearing a new front aero treatment with TCP Magic front fenders and carbon hood. And speaking of TCP Magic, I wonder what is going on with that 4-rotor FD they built for Yoshioka? One more car to look forward to in 2011!

Wow, cool Team Orange RPS13! More to come on this!

And while on the subject of cool rides, this is Sakuma's street driven 180SX…

…wearing full GP Sports aero. Love the red on black motif he has going.

How tough does this HiAce look! I really have to find a few of these big vans to feature as this is one scene that couldn't be more JDM! Anyone want to see more coverage of the vanning culture?

Back out on track I tried to cover as many angles of the main judged corner as possible, which meant I pretty much walked non-stop for two days. My feet are still aching.

Saito's JZX100 looks as aggressive as his driving style, which is also always right on the limit. Thanks to the 850 HP on tap (see, the power keeps rising), the big Toyota sedan was getting some of the fastest entries out of all the other drivers.

RB26 vs 2JZ, the battle of the straight sixes as Tezuka and Orido meet in the Best 8. Tezuka was on fire this weekend, and his BNR32 not only sounded amazing but was right up there with Saito in the smoke department. Orido, despite his many mistakes, continues to be the crowd's favorite.

Oojima on full lock.

Kunnyz hard on the throttle!

Now here is one car that I can't wait to see in action next year, the Kazama Auto GSE21 Lexus IS. This is the car D1 Street Legal driver Nishio Kinya will be using to step up to GP level.

He did enter at Fuji, but mechanical trouble forced him out during the Friday practice session. The 2JZ-powered IS runs Kazama Auto's widebody Luxor kit that debuted earlier this year at TAS.

I couldn't keep my eyes off this WTCC-look Pro Team BMW M3 on display in the paddock…

…as it was running a very nice set of 20-inch Yokohama RS-D in matte black. I can really picture these fitted to the wife's 335i! 

Another WTCC-look M3, this time running no spoiler but an Ericsson trunk lid. 

Here is one guard dog you don't want to screw around with LOL

Not sure what to make of this RE-Amemiya RX8 covered in Kinnikuman manga graphics. They sure love their itasha's lately!

Tesla Japan dropped by the event to show off the Roadster. I've been seeing a few of these around Tokyo…

…and it was definitely getting tons of looks. Something interesting is that the base Roadster sells for $157,000 in Japan but is eligible for a clean energy rebate, which shaves just under $40,000 off the price! Definitely a good incentive for those looking for a different kind of premium sports car.

Next up from Fuji will be a look at more action from Sunday's Exhibition round as well as the HKS Drag meet that was held at the same time as the Best 16 action. Back soon!

D1 Grand Prix

D1 Round 7 – Fuji

-Dino Dalle Carbonare