In The Pits: Manabu Orido Of RsR
In a surprise move, famed D1 judge and old-school drift phenomenon Manabu Orido stepped down from his duties as a D1 official and entered the ring to go up against the young bucks. Will he be able to hang with the new generation of drifting?
SS: We heard that you quit being a D1 judge to compete. Why was that?
Manabu Orido: I like driving. I am a driver.
SS: Do you think you'll be judged any more strictly because of your experience as a judge?
MO: Maybe.
SS: Do you feel there's more pressure on you to perform well given your racing history?
MO: No, no, I just enjoy myself.
SS: Do you have something to prove by competing now?
MO: Yes, I'd like to show my skills to everyone. Fifteen years ago, I was the first Japanese champion.
SS: How does the car you're using now compare to the one you used back then?
MO: It's lighter, with more power. If we do things, like change the suspension geometry, I think maybe it will be a good car.
SS: Who do you look forward to racing against?
MO: No one.
SS: Really?
MO: Yes, there's no one in particular.
SS: Who do you think are the best drivers, either Japanese or American?
MO: Rhys Millen and Sam Hubinette; Nobuteru Taniguchi and Youichi Imamura.
SS: If competing doesn't work out, do you think you'll ever go back to being a judge?
MO: I don't know. I like driving, so we'll see how it goes.
Shortly after this interview, during the D1 main event, Orido-san unfortunately could not advance past qualifying sessions because he went too hot with the RS*R JZA80, damaging the driver's side beyond repair. Regardless, both his Japanese and American peers, not to mention the fans, exploded with applause, giving plenty of credit and respect to one of drifting's true pioneers. Perhaps future outings will ultimately land Orido a chance to step onto the winner's podium.
In The Pits: Ryuji Miki Of Orc/Top Secret
Last year, Ryuji Miki gained huge respect by piloting the Top Secret S15 to victory, securing himself as the D1 Champion. Even with such a successful drift car, the team suddenly switched to a newer chassis with the Z33, built by Top Secret and heavily backed by ORC (Ogura Racing Clutch). By dropping the surefire formula to gold, can Mikicontinue to maintain his championship status with a new car?
Super Street: Why did you change from the S15 to the Z33?
Ryuji Miki: Our sponsor changed. [I] went from a Top Secret driver to an ORC driver. It's only because the team changed.
SS: Is that all?
RM: Well, ORC is a bigger company too. That's part of the reason for the switch.
SS: Do you like the new car, or do you prefer the old car?
RM: Really they're both good. They both have their strong points, and from now on I'm looking forward to driving (the new car). I'll work to make it into a winner.
SS: What are the new car's strong points?
RM: The acceleration. Once the power comes on it's absolutely terrific.
SS: What are some problems you're having now with the new car compared with the old?
RM: The settings for the acceleration are difficult. We're working to make it a first class car. Something with strength, able to hit speeds, like a Silvia.
SS: Did you have to change your driving style to adapt to the new car?
RM: Well, if you compare it to the Silvia, it's pretty heavy. Really, that's about it.
SS: In addition to driving the Z33, will you be driving the S15 for any exhibitions?
RM: No, no, this is going to be my car all the time.
SS: What will you do with the old car?
RM: I'm not using it any longer. It's a different team's car now and I doubt anybody will bedriving it.
SS: Do you think they'll give it away to us?
RM: (Laughs) I don't know.
(Interviews conducted and translated by Ryan Soelberg)