Formula D Finals - The Drifters

As the Top 16 turned into eight, it was plain to see that some of the drivers were getting anxious to make a solid run in the hazy conditions. Several cars decided to bump and grind like it was a high school prom, leaving bumper covers on the track like a set of wet panties. Chris Forsberg ran a little wild by colliding into the side of Ryan Tuerck's Pontiac Solstice, resulting in his NOS 350Z to lose a front end and also a bent control arm. Tanner Foust and Justin Pawlak also showed evidence of carnage when they crashed into each other, both losing their rear bumpers. Pawlak's performance overall was good enough to earn him a third-place finish, his first time placing at a Formula D event. As Pawlak's team hoisted him in the air in celebration, I felt like I was watching a Hollywoodized feel-good sports movie staring Denzel Washington as a hard-ass coach of an unlikely bunch of rag-tag misfits who miraculously win the championship despite all of the obstacles and setbacks. In reality it was a third-place finish, but still an accomplishment for the young driver. Tanner finished second, but won the overall season title while Vaughn Gittin Jr. scored the top spot with a perfect 100-point run. By now it was late in the night and I could barely walk because Vans slip-ons just aren't cut out for all day walking. On the walk back through the congested parking lot, I couldn't help but fall back into my dream of sliding out the rear end of my car with the utmost finesse while leaving the trailing drivers in my smoke. But once I sat inside of the car, turned on the engine and heard the beauty of silence, my exhaustion thanked me for having such an ordinary car that doesn't do much of anything besides getting me from point A to B.

For complete 2008 Formula D results/standings, please visit www.formulad.com.