Video Coverage | Hellaflush Kansai Pt. II

Night Import: Video by Charles Zee Zayas | Words by William Lee

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Many of you guys enjoyed the video coverage of Hellaflush Kansai Pt. 1 done by our contributor in Japan, Charles Zee Zayas. Here is the second part of the coverage, showing more cars and other things that went on at the event. Enjoy!

HFKJ 2 from "The Punctured Way" Zee on Vimeo.

Event Coverage | Formula Drift Long Beach 2012 - Part 2

Night Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Hope everyone enjoyed Part 1 yesterday, because if you did, the enjoyment will continue on with today's coverage, Part 2 of Formula Drift. I think I should rename it to Slammed Society Showcase (Name of Car Show hosted by Fatlace) because that's one of the two sections I only covered from the event because of not having media access. Either way, in Part 2 today, you'll be seeing majority of the cars that participated in Fatlace's show along with some of the drifting cars that didn't make it to the Top 32.

If you are a blogger or just go to events to snap some shots, you always expect to see something new every year. That's pretty much how I felt during late January because the most common phrase I heard was, "Just wait and see...". I didn't expect TOO much when I went to Formula D 3 days ago because to be honest, although there are a good amount of cars that participate in Slammed Society, most of them are the ones I've seen at meets or other events. For this year though, there were a lot of new rides and the ones I've seen before came out with a different look.

Event Coverage | Formula Drift Long Beach 2012 - Part 1

Night Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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It's been my 3rd year now going to Formula Drift and I couldn't be any happier continuing that streak! The sound of roaring engines, smell of burning tires, and seeing smoke from every angle is what makes Formula Drift so dam fun! Personally, this is an event I always look forward to attending because along with drifting, there is a car show hosted by Fatlace right next to the track. After watching the professional drifters ripping it up, another source of entertainment is there. If you haven't been to any of the Formula Drift rounds, then let me tell you right now; go to their website, purchase a ticket, and GO! If the event isn't hosted where you live, then reserve a plane ticket to attend one that's near you because it will be worth it.

There was far more than expected in this year's Formula Drift at Long Beach. Cars were even more powerful, some drifters changed to different chassis, and new drifters participated such as the professional drifter in Japan, Daigo Saito, which I'll talk more about later on. With all these excitements being known months before the actual event, I was really looking forward to go on the track and see the action up-close. Unfortunately, what I dearly wanted didn't happen. Every year, all the staffs and I got accepted as Media, meaning a full track access and entering other sections of the event; however, there were new regulations that needed to be met for this year's event and my blog didn't satisfy or meet the requirements. I felt horrible for all our contributing photographers because they did apply as well but got denied. The fault is definitely on me because I've been MIA for quite a long time and as a result, the number of visitors for my blog did slightly diminish. Now, knowing that we got declined, I was expecting to see some high-end photographers at Formula D yesterday who worked for, of course, blogs/sites with good stats. Long story short, I was very x100 disappointed. I don't need to see a coverage to judge because by knowing few of the guys out there on the track, I knew my blog had better stats and other things that did make NI better. I'm not being cocky right now but saying the truth. O well~ I guess I just need to accept it and move on. Once again, sorry to all NI contributors and especially, my apology to all NI fans for not being able to get track access and get drifting shots. (ㅜㅜ)
With that being said, all you'll see in my coverage throughout this week will be the pit/vendor area and car show section. You won't be disappointed, so make sure to re-visit my blog after you read through Part 1 today :)

Event Coverage | So You Think You Can STANCE? by It's JDM yO!

Night Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Gawd dam it's been a long ass time since I updated my blog. I did attend a few meets, but didn't cover them because for this year, it's mostly going to be a chillaxing time with the homies rather than making myself busy with my camera like I did last year. Fyi, it has nothing to do with me being cocky because some of you guys think my blog gained popularity in some way and I'm using that as a backup source to slack off, but seriously, I missed out on all the good times just because of being busy covering events, going to companies, doing interviews, etc. last year. Don't get me wrong, I met a lot of people and the friendship is still there, but this year will be a time period to get to know them even more and have fun! One downside of being active last year though, is not being able to resist covering an event because I love shooting! So I was pretty dam excited to attend yesterday's It's JDM yO!'s competition event to meet some friends and hoping to see some cars that didn't come out last year. I did plan on going early but because of partying till like 3~4am almost every other day, I woke up at 12pm, got my ass ready in about 10 minutes, and rushed to the event with my messed up tC. The cover photo is when the competition was about to begin and the first runner-up was Milt's Z from Low N Slow. The story will continue so read along~

Random NightLife | Fatlace presents HELLAOCCUPYLITTLETOKYO

Night Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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I have so many photos to share with you guys this week, but I'll try to pace myself and the blog so that things can go smoothly as much as possible...Nawwwww~~~ I'll get to the AutoCon coverage pretty soon because I know some of you are waiting for it (^-^)v But before I get to that, I want to share a small coverage I did on Fatlace's 'occupy' meet today. I'm sure many of you SoCal guys know Fatlace opened up an Illest Boutique store in Little Tokyo. There were car meets at the HQ several times now and every single one had an overwhelming turnout. This meet though, was a bit different and pretty hilarious when you hear how it happend. Check it out.

Hello Guys & Gals! So in light of all the current events that’s been happening around the world with the whole #OCCUPY movement. Also with occupyLA just 1 City block away from IllestBoutique. I thought about a totally funny random scenario of what if we did that with cars?… Occupy a full city block square block of all modified cars… I laughed, Vince laughed & everyone I told got a nice kick about it… *10 minutes later* Lets do it!!!!

Literally taking every single parking spot surrounding the building was Fatlace's idea and sure enough (according to those who attended since 4:30am!) it was a success. I was exhausted after AutoCon on Saturday and really didn't want to wake up and go to the meet at 5:30am, so I overslept a bit and headed out later on.

Event Coverage | Formula Drift Round 7 - Title Fight (Pt. II)

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Drifting is such an awesome automotive sport people tend to look down upon. I should say it was popular back in the days when drifters from D1GP Japan came down to the states, but it seems like the popularity is growing back slowly, especially after hearing so many people attending Seattle's Formula D event, which eventually sold out. I didn't even imagine Saturday's event was going to have the biggest crowd out of all the FD events held at Irwindale. The main event, Top 16, started at 8pm and that's when the stands were usually filled with spectators, but it was already packed at around 5pm when the Top 32 was competing. Today, I'm going to share the rest of Fatlace's Slammed Society Showcase and a few drifting shots I took from the VIP stands. Our photographer, Jay Ebue, was in the track taking shots, so those photos/coverage will be shared within this week.

Event Coverage | Formula Drift Round 7 - Title Fight (Pt. I)

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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I had a kick ass time at Irwindale on Friday during Formula D practice and qualifying rounds and was expecting much more on Saturday. As expected, let's just say out of all the Formula D events I've been to, yesterday's final round were THE BEST! The competition amongst the drifters were so intense and the amount of spectators overcrowding Irwindale Speedway couldn't get any bigger. Matter of fact, yesterday's event had the biggest crowd ever from all the previous final rounds held at Irwindale Speedway. You'll be seeing some crowd photos throughout this coverage, so sit tight and enjoy my story from how it started till the end.

Well first off, I was planned to show my ride in Fatlace's Car Show section with 1013mm, but because of some sudden plans I had to attend, that was cancelled and I decided to apply for Scion D-VIP, which is only for those who own Scions and once accepted, have access to certain places at the event and  a separate parking lot. Luckily, I got chosen from the 50 who got in, so things went pretty smoothly.

Event Coverage | Hellaflush Japan at Fuji Speedway (Pt. I)

Night-Import: Photography by Zee-Zayas | Words by William Lee

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The highly anticipated event we were waiting for coverage on is finally being shared with the help of our photographer Zee-Zayas in Japan. Hellaflush is a very well-known event here in the United States and for the first time ever, Fatlace decided to go worldwide, organizing and hosting one in Japan @ Fuji Speedway. 

Without any doubt, I can say this particular style all started from Japan and inspired many around the world. I'm one of those guys who started with the Hellaflush scene and appreciated every single part of it. Personally, it wasn't just a style, but art. Many of you hellaflush haters just hate the fact that this style was not meant for a car to be functional, but that is totally absurd and false because it's only a part of it that applies to such a statement. I can write about this for days and I'll still be unsatisfied because of all this hate that's going around, but because this post is a coverage and Zee-Zayas and I want to show you guys how the Japanese do it, let's get on with the photos. Zee transferred these photos from his Ipad, so the quality might not be so good, but I want to thank him for traveling and covering this event for my blog.

Event Coverage | Wekfest Los Angeles 2011 (Pt. II)

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Woke up around 4am today staring at the wall thinking about various things. Then I catch myself laying my fingers on top of the laptop keyboard. For a hour or so, I had no idea what the hell I was doing and thinking. I'm speculating it's because of the massive amount of sexy cars I saw at Wekfest last Sunday and I had to stop with Part 1 yesterday. Let's continue on with the event!

Event Coverage | Wekfest Los Angeles 2011 (Pt. I)

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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What a long weekend! I would say out of all the events I've been to this year, yesterday's Wekfest Los Angeles was probably one of the most tiring but convivial events. Those who live out of California might be clueless on why people get hyped up when this event comes around and you'll find the answer within this coverage, but to summarize it in a simple and straight-forward way, cars you don't see at meets or sometimes major events come to Wekfest. I don't know the actual history of it, but I do know it's an event created by an aftermarket sales store in NorCal called Weksos.
Now another question might be floating in your heads after realizing Wekfest did happen this year at NorCal. Well Weksos decided to collaborate with Fatlace after the NorCal Wekfest to do another show, but this time, in SoCal.
I was bummed missing out on the NorCal one, but luckily, we were able to share DJ Murdok's Wekfest coverage on our site. After hearing Weksos opening up a show in SoCal, I cleared out all my schedules and other 'planned-to-attend' meets and events just to attend SoCal's Wekfest and let's just say it was definitely worth it.

Special Coverage | Fatlace Open House at San Mateo

Night-Import: Photography and Words by Andy Nguyen

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This past Sunday, I was able to make it over to the Fatlace open house at their paddock in San Mateo. I had heard about this event when I was living in SoCal and was looking forward to it ever since I moved up to San Francisco bay a few months ago. This particular open house was different than others I’ve been to in past in that it was also a clearance sale for Fatlace. The sale started at 9am which I was planning to get to early but ended up sleeping through my alarm so I didn’t get up until about 8am. Editor Kain Chau was also visiting the bay area with some friends so we met up and headed over to the Paddock.

By the time we arrived at the paddock, the line was pretty long. Well actually, it didn’t look that long but the wait was about 2 hours until we were able to get inside the warehouse to do our shopping. Even though we waited for quite a while, there as surprisingly quite a bit of merchandise left for use to rummage through. At $10 dollars for tees and $20 for hoodies, it was a pretty substantial discount.
While Kain waited in line, I took the opportunity to go around and take pictures of the cars that showed up. There weren’t many in the morning but as the day progressed, more cars rolled up and found parking either on the street adjacent to Fatlace or on the streets of the neighborhood surrounding it.

Event Coverage | Hellaflush VIII (Pt. II)

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Don't you just love beach weather? How about checking out some sick cars as well? BOOM! There you have it, Hellaflush hosted by Fatlace.
I know for some of you guys who attended didn't enjoy the event because of the cops, but overall, I think this years Hellaflush was much better.
Hope Part 1 was enjoyable because Part 2 is about to begin!

Event Coverage | Hellaflush VIII (Pt. I)

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Everyone knows Southern California is the heart of automotive meets and events. I can name a few major ones and for sure, Hellaflush is one of the many that will always be in my 'top of the list' events to attend.
Fatlace is the organization that created this meet and every year, the amount of cars and spectators came to a point where it was almost out of control. I'm not trying to over-exaggerate myself and to those who have been to a Hellaflush meet knows what I'm talking about.
Last year's event had a turnout of almost 700 cars and although 50~60% were worth taking a look at, the numbers of spectators and cars were overflowing Venice Beach.

Hellaflush V was my first car event, which happened last year, and since then, my love for cars grew tremendously. To be honest, I'm more of a hellaflush guy, but respect every modification style that exists today. I do notice, however, that a lot of people don't get the point of slamming a car. Some people prefer functionality and say that's what a car was made for, but some of you guys need to understand that 'hellaflush' is a style. I know a lot of automotive enthusiasts, especially JDM car owners saying "my car is....." or "I modified my car like this because in Japan..." and it's the same for 'hellaflush'. This style started in Japan before some of you guys were born. All in all, as much as you guys respect 'function', I don't see a point why 'form' should be hated on.

Anyways, let's start! Hellaflush VIII will be separated into two coverage's so read along or just scroll down checking out the pics.

Event Coverage: Formula Drift | RD1 Streets of Long Beach (Pt. VI)

Night-Import: Photography by Andy Nguyen

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It's finally here! 'Our' final coverage on Formula D will end with Andy Nguyen's coverage inside the track area. I took a glimpse t all the photos and as always, it was dam impressive.
Formula D Round 1 is probably one of the biggest events within the Championship rounds and an opportunity to see who will be drifting for the year. As always, the skills of these drifters improve every year and the upgraded engine in these beasts always amazes us.
If you read our Part III coverage, I told you guys about the issue Andy was facing and unfortunately, the shots from the Top 32 qualifying rounds were saved but only 9 or so from the actual day of the event. Well at least we get to share some photos taken by Andy so let's start this off!

Event Coverage: Formula Drift | RD1 Streets of Long Beach (Pt. V)

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

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This will finally be my last coverage on Formula D, but still a few more to share done by our photographer Andy Nguyen. As mentioned on our previous coverages, there were tons of sick cars at the Fatlace:Slammed Society Car Show area and I was saving the best for last. Starting it off, you guys are looking at Fatlace's project Q45. It's first debut was at Wekfest in NorCal and the second appearance here at Streets of Long Beach Formula D. The Q is running on Air Runner, AME XG-23 wheels, and the aggressive looking K-Break Cima bodykit. Great job by Wraptivo on the Matte White and Black look.

Event Coverage: Formula Drift | RD1 Streets of Long Beach (Pt. IV)

Night-Import: Photography by Nick Schultz

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While Andy and I were busy doing our own thing, photographer Nick Schultz was walking around the main area taking photos of models, displayed cars, and the crowd. I'm sure you guys will like this coverage because Nick does an exceptional job in taking photos of models. All you models reading this coverage should hit him up!

Event Coverage: Formula Drift | RD1 Streets of Long Beach (Pt. III)

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

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We're back with our coverage on Formula D and I have to share some depressing news with you guys. Andy Nguyen, our photographer who had media access, lost some of his own photos while transferring the data to his laptop :(
But let's keep our hopes up!!!! Who knows~ a miracle might happen and probably all the photos got transferred.
After showing you guys a 'preview' of what went on in the Slammed Society Car Show area, I want to share some photos from the actual opening of the main area where all the vendors/sponsors/drivers were located, which you also saw a preview from Part I.

Event Coverage: Formula Drift | RD1 Streets of Long Beach (Pt. II)

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

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By the time I took out my camera to shoot at the Fatlace:Slammed Society Car Show area, the top 32 qualified drifters were practicing and the air was filled with tire smoke (look at the cover photo!). But for some reason, I loved it! I was missing an actual drifting event after last year's Formula D at Irwindale Speedway.
What was important for our site though, was to bring our fans coverage on all the areas of Formula D, which is why our photographers had to separate and be responsible for what they had to do. In my case, I took care of the Car Show area hosted by Fatlace.
I might've missed some cars, so don't get all crazy if you don't see your ride on our coverage. We still love you! (not in a gay way).

Event Coverage: Formula Drift | RD1 Streets of Long Beach (Pt. I)

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

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We've been waiting for long time and it finally begins. The excitement and adrenaline rushing through our veins can be felt once again by watching the top drifters competing against each other.
Formula D Championships officially started yesterday with Round 1 at the Streets of Long Beach and it couldn't get any better. The stands were overcrowded with drifting fans and the top 32 drifters put on a hell of a show. Sounds of V8 engines were echoing across Long Beach and even with the skies filled with tire smoke and rubber pieces falling like rain, everyone seemed to have fun, especially for those who were fans of drifting for a long time.
Night-Import photographers, Andy Nguyen, Nick Schultz, and I, walked around the whole stadium taking photos and we're more than excited to share our coverages . Andy Nguyen was in the track area most of the time and with his baller equipment's, he did an awesome job capturing the intense and dangerous moments so stay tuned!
But to start off, I'll share some photos that were taken in the morning before the event started, so let's do this!

Special Coverage: Fatlace 'illest' Grand Opening

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

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I do check the 'Slammed Society' section on Fatlace's website, but not updated with what goes around with their shops and other business. One of my friends told me about their store opening in Little Tokyo of Los Angeles, CA, so I came out of work for a few minutes to see what was going on.

For those who don't really know about Fatlace (and to those who asked questions on our Facebook fan page), here's some information listed on their website:

"At first glance, Fatlace is your typical shop with dope beats, comfy sneaks and kids from car meets but stay a while and discover the details that set this place apart from your usual street boutique. Chill with the crew, grab some free candy and enjoy the exquisiteness that is Japantown. You can also check out our online store where we carry all of our latest product."

And obviously, these guys LOVE slammed rides: Slammed Society.