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: 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!