Formula D Drift - Dai Yoshihara

When I found out that I'd be crashing in the same room as Dai Yoshihara (I was assed out of a room and begged the Pac Rim team for a spot on the floor), I was elated. Not many people get a chance to see a pro drifter in their skivvies, let alone go for a ride along at a drift event. What would he be like? Is he a neat freak? Does he snore or is he more of a teeth grinder? (Both annoy me in equal doses.) Does he clean up any "stray" hairs after using the shower? These sorts of things can make or break the deal for bunking up with someone. We're talking Dai for crying out loud!

I discovered immediately that having Dai as a roommate was a gift from the gods. He is impeccably clean, just like the way he drives. Every article of clothing is neatly folded before he goes to sleep, he carries enough hair styling product to put my collection to shame, and he doesn't make a peep during the night. I thought he might need a set of earplugs to drain out my snoring but to my own amazement, Dai told me that I didn't snore at all. Then he told me he had been using his own ear plugs. Just out of pure coincidence, this weekend turned out to be one of Dai's biggest podium finishes in his Formula D career. And to think, it was a year ago this time when Dai had one of his worst performances (according to the man himself) and at the same track of all places. A victory would surely be the sweetest comeback and a redemption worthwhile.

Top 16
It seemed, from Friday's open practice and non-seeded qualifying sessions, that every driver in attendance was on top of their game, coming off a slight slump from the last round in West Virginia. Hiro Sumida in the Falken/Discount Tire IS 350 seems to have become a lot more comfortable with his 2JZ power, swinging around the track with ease and popping off exhaust caps on every exit, but took a quick exit when he spun out against Tanner Foust in the AEM 350Z. Dai initiated his winning streak first with Ken Gushi, who actually had an 8-6 advantage in the first set, but a "one more time" prompt from the judges placed them back into action with Dai coming out on top and into the Top 8. Robby Unser, Jr. qualified for his first ever Top 16 spot, but had trouble keeping the car from spinning out against JIC's Kenji Yamanaka.