It’s been way too long since I’ve last shot drifting as well as been to Stratotech Park. The small circuit was originally built for both karts and motorcycles, but was also a hit for both track days and drifting with its tight and technical layout as well as elevation changes. The track however was sold and closed off for motorsports use way back in 2013 so that was the end of that story…until recently that is.
To make a long story short, our motorcycle friends found their way back to the iconic track for both racing and track days, so that only mean a matter of time before the rest of them joined them. Next thing you know, I’m being invited along with the RA Motorsports team to help crew for our friend Eric at the Spec-D Grassroots Bash, set to be held at none other than Stratotech Park. Hell yes.
Set to be a two day event of nothing but drifting, I knew that this was going to be a good one. Sadly (and perhaps unsurprizingly), it was incredibly cold on the morning of my arrival with majority of the track being wet as well. Eventually the track started to dry up and boy, were we in for a treat. In case you haven’t seen it on my Instagram, Brandon Strong was in attendance with his incredible looking RPS13 and absolutely DESTROYED turn one with constant reverse entries over and over again. Watching that was without a doubt the highlight of the event for me.
Now despite being a Honda and grip driving guy myself, drifting is actually what got me into the JDM scene to begin with. It was events like D1GP, Drift Showoff, The Big X, and the Signal Auto team that really caught my attention with not only skilled driving behind the wheel, but damn good looking cars doing it as well. It goes without saying that it felt good to be around the scene once again.
Stay safe everyone.
-brandon.