1991 Nissan 240SX - Sponsor This Car!

SS: What was the experience like for you out here? I know Seattle actually has a pretty decent drift scene, but what was it like coming out here and seeing how serious a lot of people in Southern California and the surrounding areas are?
NK: To me the one thing that stood out the most was how welcome we were. We all have this one thing in common that kind of unites us. As far as going down there it really took a lot of organization. But when I did come down it was kind of a "wow" experience. I used to watch this stuff on TV, on tapes and on DVDs and whatnot. I was sitting in the line-up and I remembered seeing all these photos in the magazines of people lining up at D1 and Formula D, and I pictured being in this lineup myself and was like "wow... really... am I really doing this!?" It was by far one of the most rewarding experiences ever and the fact that the Formula D staff deemed me fit to be able to compete professionally is unbelievable. I really want to thank them for their choice. You know sometimes I doubt myself.

SS: We're all our own worst critic! So I heard you had a little run in with the wall, what was going through your mind when that was happening?
NK: (Laughs) I didn't want to hurt my car! The first thing I thought about was my taillights because they cost a lot! I started screaming in my car, it was not a cool experience! (Laughing) But throughout the day, I was watching how fast people were coming into the infield and my opponent came in a little too fast, he scraped the wall all the way around and I didn't really feel like doing that! So when I noticed I was coming in a little too fast I panicked and instead of staying on the gas I stepped on the brakes and that's the worst possible thing you could ever do! (laughs) If I would have spun it I would have been just fine but it's okay, it was just a little boo-boo! I got it all fixed and it's ready to go.

SS: Speaking of that, how's the rebuild coming along? What are your changes for the upcoming year?
NK: We're redoing the rollcage up to the Formula D standards for the 2010 rulebook. Then we're upgrading the turbos and I'm going to be running a water/methanol injection kit as well. And maybe running a different wheel setup. In the photos I have those Mag Blue TE37 rims and I'm basically gonna' be running those instead of running what I did at Irwindale. So it's going to look as sharp on the track as it does when it's parked. I'm hoping I can go a little lower too without screwing up my suspension geometry too much. It's understandable why a lot of cars are at the ride height they're at because that's where the suspension works for you. But when you drop it down really low, it looks cool but your suspension doesn't do anything. It's more of a race-oriented environment yet you still have the kid in you that wants to show off and look cool.

SS: It's all about looking cool! What are your plans for the drift season for 2010?
NK: Due to budget I'm only able to do four Formula D events. Starting here I'm going to do Evergreen then down to Sonoma then Las Vegas and finally down to LA/Irwindale. I wanted to go to Long Beach but it just didn't work out as far as getting the car ready in time. I just don't want to rush it because I've rushed things a few times and it doesn't work out too well.

SS: Better to do it right the first time!
NK: Exactly. I just want to make sure I do good and maybe get some recognition. My biggest thing is I hope I can get picked up for a sponsor for tires at least. I work for Discount Tire Company so I'm actually talking to a few people over here and seeing if they can do anything for me. The less I have to spend the better I can concentrate on driving. I'm not much of a car guy, I just drive and put wheels on cars and make them look cool! (laughs)