Drift Tengoku — September 2004 · Page 182

Build bonds with drifting and barbecue! “We're planning a C35-only meet at Tsukuba's gymkhana course. Of course, everyone loves drifting. Please come cover it!” Drift Tengoku couldn't ignore a call like that. More than ten cars were expected! When did the C35 become so popular? On arrival we were even more surprised: 19 cars had gathered . These owners met online, and this was their fourth gathering. The C35 Laurel is also on our…

…radar as a future standard drift car. But used examples are still expensive—around ¥2 million, depending on grade—and information and parts remain scarce. To share what little information exists, the group has built friendships online and through regular meetings, creating a valuable exchange.

Almost all members love drifting. They aren't all experts, but cars from automatics and naturally aspirated models to turbo-upgraded examples were driven around the cone course at each owner's pace. There were absolute beginners too, enjoying full-throttle driving even with understeer, without the hazards of an unsuitable venue…

…having fun. We like this atmosphere! Even without chasing technique, slide the car and play to relieve stress.

At lunch, barbecue sparked lively conversation, and guest Toya was bombarded with questions. They plan to keep exchanging information online and holding regular meets, so C35 owners and prospective buyers nationwide should take a look. Drift Tengoku welcomes tips about interesting meets and driving events like this.

We'll cover as many useful events for readers as possible, so keep the information coming!

Four months since graduating university, I finally took the plunge and made big changes to my JZX90 Cresta Tourer V! I want everyone to know how cool Crestas are. Modified and slammed, it looks great!

Drift cars should express individuality. — Kiryu, Gunma, “90…” [name damaged]. A gathering with friends I used to struggle and drive alongside turned into a … contest. They ignored inexperienced me and talked only to famous or skilled people.

So much for female friendship! — Chiba, Maru-chan [one clause damaged]. One day I found my car in a multistory car park … . — Yonago, “My Proud S14.” … my battered Silvia still has no plans for a comeback. … has returned, so perhaps we'll all go cruising again…

…finally, a D1 driver from our Aizu area! We'll come support you, so do your best, 610! — Fukushima, “…” [name/location damaged]. Lately I'm hooked on time attacks at the local circuit, but my suspension still has extreme camber.

Can I set a good time like this? — Sendai, “Dori-Guri.” To “I Love Drift Tengoku” of Koriyama from August's message column: if you want driving friends, visit circuits like Ebisu or SS Park and you'll make them straight away. I might even be there! — Fukushima, “Back …” [name damaged]

I took my car for inspection recently. … it passed! Another two years of driving! — Sendai, “Legal Tune …” [details/name damaged]. … has HKS Works, … has Office Works, and I have Alto Works! — Miwa, Ibaraki, Neko-hachi . Since starting with an S13, … crash record … how far will it go?

Sorry, …, for crashing every time. — Yokohama [count/names damaged]. Recently a … drove in the rain among drift cars. I enjoyed … .

Please return! — Anonymous . The number of D1 drivers I like has grown. My younger brother called me an idiot for liking too many!

Why can't I? That's my business! — Shiwa, Iwate, “Stand! Bow! …” [name damaged].

I bought an 180SX in January and intended to drive quietly until the snow melted, but snow drifting was unexpectedly fun. Now I can't wait for snow! — Hokkaido [name/location damaged]. To the …-plate 90 Mark II driver: thanks for …; next time teach me to drift! — Saitama, “White 4WD” [plate and verb damaged].

A girl used to practice alone in a champagne-gold 180SX at … in Nagasaki, but I haven't seen her lately. What happened? I'd like to talk if we meet again. — Nagasaki

She was beautiful, cheerful and kind, becoming my …, but … . I guess I'll have to make my 180SX my sweetheart instead. — “…” . I finally fitted a GT wing to my Silvia!

It feels like more people …; someone say hello! — Ibaraki, “Blue S15 …” [name/location damaged]. I watched Waratte Iitomo on July 12 and Hiromi appeared. A bouquet came from Ogura Clutch, written out in Roman letters rather than ORC.

I think ORC is the better-known name. — Saitama, “…”

I hate men who are all talk! If you've got complaints, drift your Silvia! … You'll get your comeuppance someday! Don't underestimate women or cars. … break up with me!

To A, the all-talk drifter . A friend and I bought a Skyline R32 Type M as a second car for ¥60,000. We'd like to … but parts are too scarce in Hokkaido! — Hokkaido, “Corolla” .

If March 1 is Cefiro Day and March 3 Laurel Day, January 3 should be S13 Day! Somebody organize it! — Kanagawa [name/location damaged]. I finally bought the … fully adjustable coilovers I wanted.

Even at the lowest setting, it only looks like lowering springs … [product and conclusion damaged]. — Yamagata. I finally got it inspected after six months, but it wouldn't build boost and went straight into repair. I want to get back to the mountains! — Gunma, “Now in an S14.” I finally got the 180SX I've wanted since junior high, although I don't have a license yet.

Tinkering is fun! Once licensed, I'll go practice drifting at Mobara Circuit! — Asahi, Chiba, “Chokudori Squadron”

The second drift-parking show aired on July 4. Sean came from America for revenge and started with a 550-centimeter gap, nailing it neatly. I think America will win this time. — Saitama, “Tornado KT…” [name damaged]. Last night there were lots of spectators at … . Even my one-corner-level drifting got cheers. I got excited and, predictably, spun! — Utsunomiya, “Cefiro”