Round 1 Pro-Am Recap. (pictures coming soon)
Look how far we’ve come. When we first decided to throw locals out on the 5/8ths, we could barely gaggle together half a dozen drivers. Fast forward a few years, and we have a full fledged progam with more than 20 5/8ths competitors for round 1, and its looking to be closer to 25+ cars for round 2.
These drivers will be competing for points throughout the season in hopes of earning a Formula D Pro licence. We do have some licenced drivers competing alongside, they too are in the running for the championship but will not effect the chances of other drivers getting FD liceneces. The top 4 UNSEATED drivers at the end of the year will recive the title for FD pro Driver, and go on to represent us in 2014.
Practice time we saw drivers in shakedown mode, some making their first drives on the 5/8ths in months. Unfortunately we saw a few drivers shake things a bit too loose, falling victim to mechanical failure before qualifying. Roland Gallagher was primed and ready for his return to Pro-Am Ranks, however fell victim to a broken Rocker Arm.
One driver that we were all very excited and anxious to see return to evergreen was Trent Stromkins. He’s been supporting evergreen for a long time and has had his car under the knife for what seemed like forever. Trent Finally got the 1UZ corolla finished, but met an unfortate ending when he crashed into the wall during practice on Saturday.
To the other drivers that met the wall round 1 as well, we wish you good luck on repairs and recovery; Ket Voang. Erich Hagen, Matt Vankirk, Mike Phillips, and Jim Xiong all took a bite of big ol’ white and blue.
I’ve been with evergreen drift since the start and I personally have seen pretty much every single drift crash; I can honestly say this one was the worst. Trent is an extremely talented and capeable driver. We have nothing but upmost respect and the highest wishes and hopes of recovery for you Trent.
Top 16 was set and we saw some new drivers in the field here as well. We’d like to welcome to the EVD family Matthew Coffman , Scott Pham, and Aaron Day!
And how’s this for a blast from the past. Gleb Antonov bringing back the Baby blue Dolphin (circa 2009’)
Donnie Jones has some new colors this season! Goin from gold to a nice vibrant energetic yellow!
Another driver we hav’nt seen since FD last year, Dave Nedelcu, the lone ranger in the mustang, ran very strong on Saturday as well, already super comfortable with the wall. Had an AMAZING chase on the bank creeping up on Aaron Day, but over rotated coming into the infield giving the win to Day.
As we worked our way through the Pro-Am Procession, the sun was dropping which meant the cars really coming alive at night. Completely distracting here J Scott Pham throws out Disco mode for his top 16 battle against Cameron Moore.
Kyle Pollard was out in show debuting his “other” car, a missle turned 5/8ths competitor, deemed the “black knight”. Kyle fell victim to a bad water pump/ blown head gasket.
Working our way towards the finals. The battles get closer and closer, Great runs in top 8 by Aaron Day and Erich Hagen! Day washes a bit too far off line giving the advance to Erich.
Ket Voang was staged up against Kory Keezer in top 8. Charged hard to get some clean air but too much speed sent him into the wall, giving the win to Keezer. Ket also hadn’t driven since FD last year, but was looking strong on his test day the previous wedensday. Props to the guys at Passing Lane Performance for getting it together in time for competition, we know Ket will bounce back from this one as well.
With the night almost over we had worked our way into Final Four. Immedietly following Kets run-in with the wall, Erich Hagen took a hit in his battle against Michael. Erich still seems excited and happy with his new setup, switching from the CA18 and going with JZ power this season with the help of NissanParts. Again, just like with the other drivers, we know he’s gonna bouce back and make a strong showing at round 2.
The Battle for 3rd paired Kory Keezer up with Cameron Moore. The loser automatically getting 3rd with Hagen being crashed out, and the winner going on to battle Michael for 1st. Cameron has been spending a lot of time in the seat during the offseason, and that time has payed off, looking really stong in the 3rd place battle here.
Cameron with JZ power and a stellar new Livery, was riding nice and high on his lead run with Keezer. Straightened out on the infield as Keezer stayed on his toes. Cameron held his own on the Chase as well but could not close the gap on Keezer, and Kory progressed onto the Final Battle. Still a Podium Finish and Great start of the Season for Cameron Moore and Gang
Final Battle. Nissan VS Mazda! Both LS powered and dancing on Falken Tires. Keezer the Seated Pro and Michael the Seasoned Athlete as well. With one winking headlight Keezer mimicked Michaels line on the first run, it seemed that Tweak had an advantage with keezer not being able to close the gap.
But on the final Run. Tweak having the setup for success but drops the ball and straightnes out on the infield behind Keezer. Securing his spot in second and bringing an end to a long amazing night.
Results:
1st. Kory Keezer
2nd. Michael Tweak Klingele & Erich Hagen (please read info here http://evergreendrift.com/blog/please-read-announcement-regarding-round-1-mistakes)
3rd. Cameron Moore
4th. Matt Vankirk
Overall A Success! Round one had insane weather, gnarly Crashes, and lots of other factors working against us. We finished in time and overall felt that the event was a BLAST!!!
We look forward to seeing you all at round 2!
-Mat Risher.
