One question we get asked a lot regarding FF Battle is how we go about selecting our contestants. Truth be told we don’t really have any guidelines to our selection process, we simply invite cars we like and think make a good match for the event. Sometimes they happen to friends or friends-of-friends, sometimes they contact us asking to compete and sometimes, in the case of Henry Ng, it’s a random event.
At the end of last year whilst perusing our reader’s rides inbox, I stumbled upon what appeared to be a pretty serious Integra Type R. The mods list wasn’t mind-blowing, but compared to our usual run-of-the-mill submissions, it was in a league of its own. Things got more interesting when I got to the attached images, which contained photos of the car where it truly belonged—on a racetrack.
Peaking my interest I decided to get in touch with the car’s owner and asked him a few questions about FF Battle. As it turned out he had read about the first two events and thought it was a great contest, so I asked him if he might be interested in competing. To my surprise, Henry was totally down, and some six months later he drove his Type R over 2500 miles to compete and had the time of his life in the process. The following is his story.
I was asked to write a story about my experience on my road trip to FF Battle 3. I didn’t know where to start because so many great things happened. I believe Super Street is starting something really great here by bringing forth an event with this kind of nature; hopefully this event will blow up in the future! When you have a group of true enthusiasts with the biggest hearts gathered for an event with a common interest that they are most passionate about... you just can’t go wrong with this combo!
You should not hesitate to apply for this event next year if you have a common interest as we do, you will not regret it. They are not looking for professional racers, but for casual tuners! Thankfully my car made it through in one piece; just make sure you cover all the maintenance and inspection before you make your trip! I would like to personally thank Sean Klingelhoefer from Super Street again for doing such a great job and making this all possible. If not, I wouldn’t have such an epic story to tell for years to come!—Henry
(This is the condensed version; for Henry’s full story, go to superstreetonline.com)
Day 1 – Toronto, Ontario to Detroit, Michigan
Distance Traveled: 414 km (257 mi)
Drive Duration: 3.5 hours
Got off work, rushed through dinner and tried to get started on the trip but I actually didn’t make it onto the highway until 8:50 p.m. which was way behind schedule. Luckily, the drive to Detroit didn’t take that long. I got to the border at midnight and arrived at the hotel at 1 a.m. A quick tip for people looking to drive long distance, bring a pair of gloves with some padding to drive with. The thickness will help absorb the vibration from your wheel so that your hands won’t be numb by the end of the day.
Highlight of the night—crossing the border three different officers asked me where I was going. When I answered with “Driving to LA” they all gave me the same blank look for three seconds and followed with a “why?” The drive tonight seemed quick or maybe I was just telling myself it was easy so I can start getting comfortable with the long drives, because I already know that today’s ride was only the tip of the iceberg. Tomorrow the real journey begins!