Being at a D1GP is an honor in itself. Since the event was created by and for Video Option, Option 2 Video, and Drift Tengoku, they are very selective of who is allowed to cover it. But with the graciousness of Takeshi Hidesato, we are able to bring this tantalizing treat to you. (And if you want to see the complete video, visit www.v-opt.co.jp to pick up a copy of your own.) The presence of greatness could be felt with top drivers on hand such as Nobuteru Taniguchi and his HKS S15 Silvia (Vanity Fair, December 2002); Ken Nomura and the Blitz four-door R34 Skyline; and Yoiche Imamura in the A'PEXi FD3S RX-7. Of course, that feeling could also be mistaken for severe exhaustion from waking up so early. Drifting is extremely abusive to the vehicle, so each driving crew set up the pit area with spare wheels, suspension pieces, trannies, and even motors. Throughout the day, we watched car after car rip up the Nikko track. They either got eliminated or excelled to the finals. It wasn't uncommon to see many drivers leave bumpers or various suspension pieces lying on the track. In all great battles, there must be some casualties. The ones that weren't strong enough to go on were sent back to the pit area. Those who survived remained in the competition, which consists of two cars tandem drifting. In the case of indecisiveness amongst the judging panel, the two cars go for as many rounds as it takes for the decision to be made. One thing to remember when you see these cars is that they have to be streetable. That means top manufacturers and tuners such as Advan, Ogura Clutch, Cusco, Signal, Top Secret, Trust, and JIC have to be able to drive their cars to the local ramen restaurant without getting hassled by the fuzz. By the end of the night and with all the smoke cleared, the icy cold temperatures started to kick in during the award ceremonies for both Round 7 and the entire 2002 D1 series. Watching the big checks get handed out while winners got drenched with freezing cold water reminded me of, well, nothing actually-but it was quite a spectacle. Yeah, it's a shame you can't see it in person. Or can you? Don't be so gullible. Of course you can. Video Options is going to have exhibition rounds in the U.S. in February and August of 2003. The first event will take place at Willow Springs and the second location is still being negotiated at the time of this writing. So, prepare yourselves. Brush up on your Japanese if you have to because the top drivers are going to be here.
Sadly enough, like all good things, our trip to Japan had to come to an end. But before I set sail, I'd like to give extra special thanks to Satoshi Yamaguchi and Naruhito Abe from Blitz Japan and to Takeshi Hidesato from Video Option for their hospitality and keeping us from getting into some major trouble. After another nine hours on the plane, I'm still not sure what's more amazing-watching everyone sleep on the subway and waking up right at their stop, or the fact that, in two years, we still haven't figured out how to work the air conditioner in the hotel room. I guess we'll find out next year, after 10 more random bag checks at the airport.