Weeknd Report

Formula Drift Atlanta took place this weekend at the world famous Road Atlanta track in Braselton, GA. For myself, this meant one more weekend being alone and waiting for Yukio to come home. Normally, a few days apart is not a big deal, but we have been apart for a little over two weeks now, so I was really excited for Sunday morning to roll around. There was horrible weather this weekend at the track, and my Facebook feed was flooded with complaints that Formula Drift needed to get their shit together because the livestream was down. Honestly, it isn’t their fault; they aren’t am internet/cable company or technicians. It was just annoying and sad to see lots of entitled people complaining as if they paid for this bonus that is provided free. I get it, we want to watch some of our friends and teams compete, but seriously, if you’re going to talk shit and complain, tag names directly or blame the correct source of the problem. Another thing I saw that made me roll my eyes was some kid from the PNW calling Formula Drift drivers “pussies” for doing shakedowns since the track had some wet spots. He even went as far as to compare the skills of Formula 1 drivers to the skills of Formula Drift, that one made me laugh big time. It’s not like this rookie cut it for this season anyways or has competed throughout the ENTIRE series in the type of cars that the top 16 drivers have. Don’t knock it until you’ve been in their shoes, or at least be Nico Rosberg to run your mouth. Personally, I didn’t watch the event, I wished all the Garrett drivers well, but went on my day. Terrible Drift Bunny, I know.

Speaking of F1, who else is stoked that Mercedes wins again? Personally, I am a Rosberg fan, but still thrilled that Hamilton took it. Anyone in the LA area doing something fun for F1 Monaco? My boyfriend and I want to eventually do F1 parties. He is a Kimi fan, so Ferrari fans, I suppose you are welcome to hang out LOL.

The fun doesn’t stop as this weekend we are heading to Pomona for NHRA which is a perfect since I am in the process of writing my Female Friday spotlight on a drag racer. Funny enough, drag racing and time attack are the newest motorsports I have been going to more than drifting this season and am really starting to enjoy it. NHRA is fun, but it seems a bit old school for my taste, Import Faceoff is what I am getting into. I’ve never been a fan of Hondas, typical grassroot fangirl, I was all about Nissans. Close minded on my part, I have been enjoying being around other cars on the strip more and more. Hopefully this season, with or without my partner in crime, I’ll be able to watch another World Challenge event or maybe even photograph it. Yukio is turning me into a race nerd!

I am starting to really love my new job, and especially the fact that I have weekends off. It has been really interesting working in Los Angeles, specifically the “west side”. I worked for a shitty property management company that had me out of two buildings; one on Ocean Ave in Santa Monica, and the other in the fancy part of Brentwood. Eventually, I stayed in Brentwood which was more enjoyable because the other office girl became my friend. Ironically, she went to school with Walker Wilkerson, small world! My weekends were Monday and Tuesday which blew big time. One thing I noticed about working on this side of LA is the type of people that throve here. You have your wannabe kardashians, real housewives, bored with too much money, or starving actor one gig on 3^rd street promenade away from hitting it big. Although there is an artificial vibe, it is fun, I feel like I am working in another planet so to speak. When you find people who are genuine, or out of state transplants, it is like finding a plastic toy in the cereal box. I live in the South Bay side of Los Angeles, specifically where we live is very close to the beach, so it is a laid back vibe. That is one of the things I like about this city, it is a huge melting pot of people, cultures, and things to do.

I guess you can say I feel at home here finally, I have bled out the last of Moorpark from my system. Although I miss my itty bitty doggie, that is just a 45 minute quick fix I have somewhat gotten over. Last month I even changed my number to a 310 area code, just felt right.

There is never really a dull moment for too long in my new life lately, I have my ups and my downs too, but accepting that has become something that has come with time. I am working my ass off to make sure I keep a consistent forward pace with my relationship, career, and journey in development as a photographer and writer in motorsports. Hopefully there are few people out there who read this and find some sort of relation in situations and are inspired to keep on keepin’ on.

xoxo Drift Bunny

Track Life

Last week was Formula Drift; we went to Press day on Tuesday and attended both qualifying and the main event. I decided to sit out shooting on Friday and enjoy the event as a spectator while hanging out with Yukio which was a really nice change of pace. It's different shooting specific drivers and not shooting everyone, but it was a good experience none the less, it will only help sharpen me as a photographer.

Fun fact: we just got internet access in our apartment, it has been about 3.5 months.
No complaints here, I moved in with a bachelor who travels constantly so I understood why it was the way it was. The good news is, I got to see my chookio more and more since he could do a little work from home. I was still day dreaming about all the fun we had over the weekend I almost forgot to look forward to the Grand Prix up this weekend. Our schedule is a little hectic for the next week; Grand Prix, IDRC (drag racing), and Las Vegas for the SEMA exhibitor summit from Monday to Wednesday. It was so refreshing to see something other than drifting, which don't get me wrong, that is where it all began for me, but my motorsport interest has matured into other reaches of the Industry and I was mostly looking forward to seeing the Prototypes compete in the Tudor Challenge/ALMS race. The Grand Prix involves a ton of walking around, but it is so worth it, especially if you are there to absorb and learn about several types of racing. Yukio's company sponsors some cars in World Challenge and Prototype; for some reason, the WC teams did not compete, but the two Sky Active Mazda cars did. Quite honestly, they got chewed up, but that's okay! That just leaves so much opportunity for growth after development.

Hearing what ALMS and World Challenge cars sound like up close and in person was like hearing the motorsport angels sing; Ferrari, Cadillac, Porsche, Audi, BMW... So Incredible! When the bunch of ALMS cars accelerated after the hairpin it was like all 9 years of drifting excitement was bubbled up into those few seconds of glorious roaring. Ferrari was so loud, you could here that driver spool up over the bunch of 6 other machines; one of the most amazing sounds to hear in person. Our friends Cuban, Kevin, and Travis were with us too, talking good shit and making even better jokes, I couldn't ask for a better experience than laughing and watching some amazing racing.

At the end of the evening, Motegi has their "Super Drift" Challenge where 16 drivers from the series compete instead of the usual demo they put on. I feel like that was a good move in terms of showing what Formula Drift is really like and will bring in a load of new faces for Irwindale or perhaps out of state events.
Yukio had to shoot photos and do all the social media stuff in the photographer pit both nights, so last night, I hung out with my new friend Ari in the spotter tower to which I found out was a suite for spectators too! Of course, it's not free and I could imagine it costs a pretty penny to be there... When the competition began, chooks came up and watched with us and we all had fun despite the chilly weather. Everyone did a great job showcasing what the series is about, and just from hearing the comments from new faces, this league is only going to continue it's rapid growth.

After the excitement, we finished with dinner at our favorite ramen spot in Gardena. Super authentic, and one of the best tasting hot meals for when it is cold.

Today is IDRC in Fontana, Import drag racing. I was going to go with Yukio again, but there was one problem; laundry. We need some fresh laundry for Vegas, and in the midst of the racing excitement, it kept getting put off. So I decided last night to stay back, clean our apartment, and make sure we have clean clothes for our trip. I guess that's love, right? I want to be supportive in more ways than cheering for my boyfriend's sponsored drivers, so hopefully cleaning today will do the trick (I know it does).

I am excited to leave tomorrow and spend a little time with my lovey out of state even though this is a work trip, but he will be traveling internationally and all over the US soon. We are trying to spend a good amount of time together before he is gone for basically 6 weeks. This is one of the aspects of my relationship I am going to have to learn to deal with in a positive manner, since we have basically been together since October. Time apart is good, but it will be a good challenge.

Well, it is time to watch a few of my favorite shows then start cleaning up a bit. Viva Las Vegas in the AM!

xo Drift Bunny  

Scribble, scribble, dot, dot.

I get asked a lot about this whole Drift Bunny project and what my agenda really is behind it. Truth of the matter is, I really do this whole thing because I love it and have such a passion for bringing these events to life. I have friends and family that aren't into any sort of motorsports and telling them all about the day or weekend adventures is always fun, especially because I get to somewhat experience it all over again. When I was in high school I had this one history teacher who would always take his time and ask everyone what they did over the weekend; if there was a drift event my hand would be up before he could finish his sentence. Simply telling classmates, friends, and family wasn't enough especially since my adventures kept getting more and more exciting and complex. My favorite part of any adventure I write about will always have to be when I am working on the track and am few feet away from these absolute monsters roaring past me and leaving behind their musky yet sharp smell of burning rubber... Oh! Just gives me goosebumps reliving those moments.

One of my favorite parts of each and every event is seeing all my friends and familiar friends that I have been lucky to make over the past years being around this chaotic playground. Formula D Long Beach feels so comparable to the first day of school, those same jitters and excitement from not seeing your friends after a few month hiatus, just anxious to see everyone's new monsters dance through the turns and hairpins. One of the best events to cover and experience all around. Some familiar faces aren't always in the Drifting side of things, they're working in the vendor village, have a show car in their own area, or some of them happen to be the pretty faces that make men melt; the models. Whatever they do, making the rounds around the general paddock with the diverse friends constantly makes me smile and happy to be in such an interesting industry with even more interesting characters.


Wouldn't you know? That's just for the pro league. Although I started off with Nightshifts and Formula D, JustDrift will always be like a second home for me. Willow Springs is where the raw talent and love for the sport is cultivated and nurtured, grassroot style. Beat to hell 240s, 86s, FC's and so on whine and wiz by with their stock motors and coilovers spinning often but returning promptly to the start line to try again. It's really an addictive taste that isn't difficult to acquire, but addictive once you have it; spectating, riding along, or driving, drifting is such a potent fun at any level. Top Drift is a lot of fun, especially in the recent seasons since more and more pro license hopefuls come out to journey themselves for a professional license. It really is grassroot days on steroids and twice exciting, just as down to earth.

The waking up early and driving through the mountains and desert that feels as if I'm traveling through Mars and is usually one of the best parts of the day before the track. Its usually cold and windy in the beginning of the season however weather and any other grievance seems to fade when everyone starts driving and especially when ride alongs are given out; that will always be my favorite part of any event, planned or not. There is something about driving with someone that is so magical and memorable each time without fail, I believe it is because every driver has their own unique style to their art, each personality seems to be painted a bit through their driving, just like every writer or photographer has their own personal touch to whatever it is they bring to life. In a way, it feels like I am able to get to know that person somewhat regardless if they are shy and not speak.

I could very well go on and on and on about how exciting every experience has been and try and make it dance in your mind, but you and I would most likely be here all day and night, but I promise I won't keep you hostage that long. Since Formula D Texas is in two weeks, and I have to wait to start doing what I do best, writing is my outlet for that excitement. The best part about Drifting is that I grew up throughout the whole experience; 15 to 22 years old. It never dulls, never becomes routine, and never becomes a jaded chore. Hopefully this little entry explains where I come from to a degree, because it will never be understood unless you go out and experience the monsters and magic for yourself.

xo Drift Bunny

Throwback: Formula D Long Beach 2013

Here's a little throwback to earlier this season; round 1 FD Long Beach for those of you who missed my coverage on everythingdrift.com

TopDrift Round 3

The wait is over! Here is my coverage from TopDrift Round 3! My laptop's lack of ability to convert files from RAW to Jpeg have finally convinced me to get Lightroom and Photoshop since it took FOREVER to edit these pretties.
This event was so much fun but also difficult since my baby Rebel xti decided to have a stroke. Big thank you to David Karey from AMDrift.com for taking a look at it and Will Nourse for loaning me his Canon 5D and 70-200 lens until Kenny from Motormavens arrived, then I rocked the trusty yet tricky 28-200 :) Thank you boys! 
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PATIENCE! XOXO