Drift Australia

[m3gtr]

DRF13, im glad to hear you are pioneering the professional side of drift in Australia and i really do hope your keeping your drivers ego and PR skills in check because if theres anything as important as skills its PR. If your drivers have an arrogant conceited attitude itll be to the detriment of your team and the sports public image.

sounds like youve got that in check. What they say to the media and the public through them is vitally important.

gotta walk the walk.

keep it up. hopefully your hard work will improve the image of the sport.

[DRF13]

Thanks m3gtr

Sometimes its easy for people to lose sight of the objective of forwarding the sport,

Threads such as these are interesting and offer insight into the communities opinions

Some very valid points and interesting suggestions put across here

Edited June 16, 2007 by DRF13

[DRIFTER]

i hope some of you guys that haven't been to DA event for a while can come to Eastern Creek in a couple of weeks and let us know what you think.

[Iron Chef]

i was SMSing like crazy to win that lap in your car daz, ah well. was a great day and ill be there at easton creek for the next drift event

:laughing-smiley-014: So Chris is going to win then??

m3gtr - Bearing in mind that many of the DA drivers have gone from the odd practice day (and street drift session) to competing in state then national championships in the space of two or three years, I think most have coped admirably with the sharp increase in expectations placed on them by sponsors and everyone else.

Many of the issues that frustrate you are simply differences between Australian and Japanese cultures - in Japan there is a great emphasis placed on honour and respect for your opponent that just doesn't happen here, which is a shame. The flip side to those qualities is that it is unheard of for a Japanese driver to question a judge's decision - with no-one holding them accountable, D1 judges are effectively a law unto themselves.

Jack Monkhouse is a great example of the sport's future as far as professionalsm is concerned - as an ARC competitor, he has already spent plenty of time in front of a mic and camera, and it shows. He interviews really well, and with more practice the other drivers will get to that level. Kat's another one very much in tune with keeping sponsors and fans' needs in mind at all times. She's a good ambassador for the sport.

There are lots of fantastic things happening behind the scenes at DA that never make the TV footage - the drivers ham it up for the cameras, but there is also a good camaraderie between the drivers and the DA staff too. Like Nathan said, the best way to experience this is to go to an event and see for yourself.

[STATUS]

Rhys Millen has won 2 Formula D championships in a GTO. Sam Hubinette won another in a Viper.

but neither have won head to head against the jap D1 drivers..... oh yeah ryhs did his championship winning in an aussie built car the V8 Monaro (GTO) now he is in a soltice.... he is also a top bloke who has helped us enormously.

[STATUS]

I don't come on here very often [the proof of this is my old account being deleted since last time lol]

but I just wanted to say

It seems people don't think Drift is popular? On the tracks we run on, it's their 2nd biggest yearly event, beaten only by the V8's. People don't think its family orientated? I can tell you it is, kids love it! They are always coming up in the pits and getting posters, wanting pics, checking out the cars. At Drift Australia events there is hardly any drunkenly and/or anti social behavior.

I run a 3 car team in the Drift Australia series, and I can tell you that our sponsors are more than happy with the exposure that we give them and look forward to bigger and better things next year. The other exciting thing is Drifts growth overseas, not just Japan and the US, but in Europe as well. I see so many pics from Drift events these days where most of the cars are BMW's and other Euro cars, its awesome! More events pop up all the time. Darren McNamara is I beleive, one of the top drivers in the world, and he is from Ireland. He is now doing really well in the US Formula D series. People from all countries can compete in Drift.

I'm also not sure about the comments on Drifters not wearing race suits etc, perhaps people haven't ventured out to a Drift Austalia event for a while? My team strives to be as competitive and professional as we possibly can be, and its my job to make that happen.

We have TV coverage for the Drift Australia series on Channel 9, SBS, and Fox, and my team has also featured on Channel 7 and Channel 10 in 2007.

I am more than happy with where the sport is going.

One of my drivers, Leighton Fine signs a poster for a young fan VVVVVVVVVV

Well put Darren.. i think many of the knockers have not been to a recent DA event, we love each round and evn though we are on a super small budget we try and turn it on and the fans seem to love DA and the show more than ever... yes we do need to keep fresh and relevant and if that means our fans want us in taxi's we will turn up in taxis but until then we continue dong what we love.. competing.. socialising and signing autographs.

[dead32]

where would someone wanting to help the sport along apply?... i personaly hope australia takes it to d1 level, son of rajab knows we have the talent,money is a major issue that prevents the sport from growing, id love to help out in anyway possible at any nsw event.

[m3gtr]

i personaly hope australia takes it to d1 level, son of rajab knows we have the talent,

ummmm...i dont think so to be honest...

on another note...,

what everyone on this bloody forum keeps forgetting is that drift ORIGINATED from japan.

your taking the bloody sport and claiming its your own!

And next time i hear a bloody aussie mutter the words " yeah, then we'll be able to take it to the Japs." ( as i did hear on a DA telecast that i got from the web ) im going to come down there and take care of the situation.

simple as that.

not only is racism and bigotry prevalent in the sport theres TOO MUCH BLOODY EGO.

No one can admit to the sports true weaknesses...NOT ONE person.

Ive made them clear as daylight having observed and understood from there and now from here and yet no on eis willing or got the guts to take the heat for it.

Typical.

[STATUS]

i personaly hope australia takes it to d1 level, son of rajab knows we have the talent

not quite give us another 5 years

[PALADN]

I have been to a DA event and i was most impressed with the order of events of the weekend. I would have to say I have a issues with runaway budgets that provide a car that can drift with anyone behind the wheel. It will be interesting to see what DA does about this issue if anything. Drifting in Victoria will be changing next year not so much the prices but what events will be held in vic next year. We have a massive year planned with 4 days currently booked and more to come.

If anyone has suggestions on how to increase the coverage and pop of the sport in vic send me a PM because we are always open to hear from anyone that has an idea ;-)

Drifting in AU is an interesting thing and as said in the original post the need to worry about the grass roots which is what we are trying to do atm.

my 2 cents anyway.

[scathing]

And next time i hear a bloody aussie mutter the words " yeah, then we'll be able to take it to the Japs." ( as i did hear on a DA telecast that i got from the web ) im going to come down there and take care of the situation.

not only is racism and bigotry prevalent in the sport theres TOO MUCH BLOODY EGO.

Uh........what?

We'd like to "take it to the Japs" because they're the best. The Aussies are still acknowledging that the Japanese are still the best drifters around with that statement. Where's the bigotry? Is it racism if you say people from a certain race are superior to you in something? Technically yes, but its not derogatroy. If I say black guys all have huge wangs, I wonder how many of them I'm going to offend?

And ego is probably one of the most important traits in a competitor. If you don't know that you can win and go out there and give it 100% with that sublime self confidence, you're not going to win in a close competition. Sure, the top tier sportspeople (like in F1, or whatever football code you follow) will try and play down their arrogance since its bad PR, but if you look they all back themselves as Number 1. Travelling at 320km/hr+ down a straight to pass someone under brakes going into a hairpin doesn't leave much room for hesitation.

Just because you're not racing F1 or competing in a telecast level doesn't mean you can't have the mindset.

Edited June 18, 2007 by scathing

[m3gtr]

Uh........what?

We'd like to "take it to the Japs" because they're the best. The Aussies are still acknowledging that the Japanese are still the best drifters around with that statement. Where's the bigotry? Is it racism if you say people from a certain race are superior to you in something? Technically yes, but its not derogatroy. If I say black guys all have huge wangs, I wonder how many of them I'm going to offend?

And ego is probably one of the most important traits in a competitor. If you don't know that you can win and go out there and give it 100% with that sublime self confidence, you're not going to win in a close competition. Sure, the top tier sportspeople (like in F1, or whatever football code you follow) will try and play down their arrogance since its bad PR, but if you look they all back themselves as Number 1. Travelling at 320km/hr+ down a straight to pass someone under brakes going into a hairpin doesn't leave much room for hesitation.

Just because you're not racing F1 or competing in a telecast level doesn't mean you can't have the mindset.

scathing i never said having self confidence equates to arrogance. The words are completely different. A healthy ego is important. Spouting off is detrimental to a healthy ego. Knowing you can go out there and do the job and do it well is great, fine and dandy but some peoples hard work gets flushed the minute they open their traps... A few lessons in public speaking or the close eye of a manager would bode well for many competitiors in the sport/..

maybe australians at large think its okay to be a total wanker infron of the camera just as big brother is in V8 supercars..maybe people think you need to be that way to be successful..to get ahead, to rattle the opposition.

Total feckin bollocks.

Your more likely to totally disarm your opponent by not giving off the slightest hint of ignorance and arrogance. That would do the head in on many an aussie competitor.

Look at lewis hamilton. The guy is just 22, yet he holds his tongue, lets his skill do the talking and is amiable, polite, well presented all of which is a wet dream for any PR agent. anyway, what difference does it make whether youre racing in F1,DA,GT,V8 or down at the pub drinking with friends, buying groceries or filling up on gas..

were talking civilities here..everyday, run of the mill civilities.

Finally and by no means least, the word "Jap" really gets under my skin. Its the equivalent of gook or nip or any other derogatory name for people of asian descent as far as im concerned. It should never be used, period. terrible way to refer to someone in my opinion and that was on television!

[m3gtr]

Uh........what?

We'd like to "take it to the Japs" because they're the best.

So you admit that even yourself cant find a better way to say that so as not sound like a bigot and a racist?

Charming and eloquent aren't you? Quite the way with words.

[m3gtr]

I have been to a DA event and i was most impressed with the order of events of the weekend. I would have to say I have a issues with runaway budgets that provide a car that can drift with anyone behind the wheel. It will be interesting to see what DA does about this issue if anything. Drifting in Victoria will be changing next year not so much the prices but what events will be held in vic next year. We have a massive year planned with 4 days currently booked and more to come.

If anyone has suggestions on how to increase the coverage and pop of the sport in vic send me a PM because we are always open to hear from anyone that has an idea ;-)

Drifting in AU is an interesting thing and as said in the original post the need to worry about the grass roots which is what we are trying to do atm.

my 2 cents anyway.

the fact that you are on here gives me reassurance and im glad you are saying this. I think you will find plenty of advice on here if you read between the lines by the way...sometimes its tough though to keep your emotions in check..

[1400r]

^ some one needs a chill pill

calling some a Jap to me is the same as calling me a Aussie its simply shortning the word

its ok if you dont like it but dont jump down peoples throats about it as there's plenty of worse things to be called

whens the last time you attended a event?

ever thought its the big dollar sponsors fault for sponsoring the loud mouths and not giving the guys who stay quiet a go

look at Mr Fine if it wasnt for Afro another quiet guy he'd still be driving he's very outclassed sprinter

so blame the big dollar companys for stroking these guys ego's and making things worse

remember any publicity in some peoples books is good publicity

[m3gtr]

^ some one needs a chill pill

calling some a Jap to me is the same as calling me a Aussie its simply shortning the word

its ok if you dont like it but dont jump down peoples throats about it as there's plenty of worse things to be called

whens the last time you attended a event?

ever thought its the big dollar sponsors fault for sponsoring the loud mouths and not giving the guys who stay quiet a go

look at Mr Fine if it wasnt for Afro another quiet guy he'd still be driving he's very outclassed sprinter

so blame the big dollar companys for stroking these guys ego's and making things worse

remember any publicity in some peoples books is good publicity

The last time i went to an event was here in Japan. i suppose it doesnt count.

Sponsors have little or no say in what driver says publicly except for when it is about their company.

I do NOT agree with you though on Jap being the same as aussie. Honestly and i will not go on about this point after this post, is that during the wars Japanese people were called japs in a very derogatory way. Aussie has never had a negative stigma attached to it and in this day and age, to use that term, is an endearment but to use "jap" is purely insensitive. Have you read any good history books lately?

im glad to see you can admit there are "loudmouths" within the sport. Would you go so far as to say that this is a problem for DA's image or is it acceptable behaviour?

Edited June 18, 2007 by m3gtr

[scathing]

Finally and by no means least, the word "Jap" really gets under my skin. Its the equivalent of gook or nip or any other derogatory name for people of asian descent as far as im concerned. It should never be used, period. terrible way to refer to someone in my opinion and that was on television!

I had this conversation with someone on another forum a few months back. "As far as you're concerned" does not necessarily equal reality, I'm afraid to say. Its merely your opinion. And you could be wrong.

"Jap" is a quite obvious truncation of "Japanese". "Aussie" is an abbreviation of Australian, but if someone called us that I can't see them going apeshit over it. We refer to all Americans as Yanks, which would deeply offend members of the South that fought the Yankees in their civil war. When you hear some ethnic people refer to anglo saxon males as "skips" or when you hear Jeremy Clarskon and James may refer to us as the "colonials" its pretty racist, but nary a bad word is said. Lets not even get into Russell Peters' popularity, as an Indian comedian making some pretty racist comments. You don't see people blowing up when its reverse racism and other races are having a go at white people (as an aside I'm Asian, so its not some "white power" thing either). Its racism and its hypocritical.

Since the country's name is more closely pronounced as "Nippon" or "Nihon"...refering to them as "Japanese" rather than "Nipponese" / "Nihonese" could just as easily be construed as pushing Western imperialism upon the Asian nation by propagating the deliberate mispronounciation of their name. Doesn't that sound racist too? Where's your bleeding heart against the geographers of the world?

Racism is a matter of context and intent. Were the commentators trying to put the Nipponese down with their comments? I don't have the full context since I didn't see the telecast, but from what you quoted it sounds quite the opposite. The comments sound like healthy competition (not superiority, since they're acknowledging that they're the challenger and the Nihonese are the champions), and the term used to refer to their competitor follows the Australian cultural tradition of abbreviating words. It wasn't used in a pejorative manner (like the way soldiers used Gook, Nip, Chink, etc during the war to refer to people they were trying to kill, and were trying to kill them).

You say it gets under your skin, and its racist as far as you're concerned. Yet I didn't even pick it up as being potentially racist until someone (and a non-Asian at that) brought it up, and I'd forgotten about it until you mentioned it again. Sounds like you're the one obsessed with race. To me, they're just people who happen to live on a different island.

[scathing]

So you admit that even yourself cant find a better way to say that so as not sound like a bigot and a racist?

Its not bigoted and racist, since the derisive context is not there.

Charming and eloquent aren't you? Quite the way with words.

What can I say? I was rendered dumb when my brain had to step down to match the inanity of your words, and it took a while before I could step back up to normal brain function.

[scathing]

I do NOT agree with you though on Jap being the same as aussie. Honestly and i will not go on about this point after this post, is that during the wars Japanese people were called japs in a very derogatory way.

Were you rescued off an island in the South Pacific last week or something? I've got a news flash for you, we're not in a war and we haven't been in one for over half a century. People not getting over things is why racism occurs. Soon after the war, Aussies refused to buy Japanese made goods because of the mentality. The fact that the Corolla has outsold the Commodore shows that some of us have moved on, and aren't being racist about it.

I'd go out on a limb and say that anyone posting in this thread wouldn't have participated in said war, where they may have once used the word in a racist context while trying to shoot someone calling them a "white devil" (which, of course, is not racist since its being said by an Asian).

Edited June 18, 2007 by scathing

[ish]

Omg! m3gtr you have ranted so much about your personal views I feel your close to getting this thread closed because you simply can’t handle others opinions! which is a shame

You have put up fantastic points for and against on all facets of Drifting but there is no need to get so pissed off…. It’s only a discussion

I strongly suggest you pull back on the victimization angle you’re going down now about history because we are all friends here who understand history and it has nothing to do with Drifting!!!