Scion Racing Drift Teams Media Preview 2013
You know something is coming when Scion Racing starts throwing epic parties like this for the media. FormulaDRIFT officially kicks off their 2013 season today, but before that we were able to attend a couple media previews to get some early insight on the drivers and their new drift cars.
Last week we were trackside for Drift Day at Irwindale Speedway and got some laps in with Ken Gushi and Fredric Aasbo. And a few days ago we were bar-side at Smog Shoppe in the Arts District of Los Angeles, CA partying it up with the Scion Racing Drift Teams!
As you enter the half indoor, half outdoor venue, your eyes can't help but focus on the main attraction: the three Scion Racing cars from each team.
With spotlights on each one, first up is Ken's GReddy Performance X Scion Racing Drift FR-S with a fresh new Rocket Bunny aero kit and livery designed by JONSIBAL DESIGNWORKS.
In the middle, with a little bit of wall rash from the track is Fredric's Hankook USA Drift Scion tC build by Papadakis Racing with the front end facelift of the 2014 Scion tC.
And last but not least, Tony Angelo's brand spanking new TAngelo Racing Scion FR-S, also with a Rocket Bunny aero kit.
There are the obvious visual upgrades done to Ken's FR-S, but GReddy Racing has also went in and added about 50-hp more to it. More power and being a seasoned veteran, Ken is looking to improve on his top 10 finish in the standings from last years FormulaDRIFT.
Visual changes primarily for Fredric and his 2nd Generation Scion tC as well, which is now dominantly branded by Hankook USA. Fredric has been moving up in the standings every year since his Rookie of the Year season, and that trend doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon.
Much like Ken the year before, Tony will now step into a Scion FR-S after previously competing in a 1st Generation Scion tC. Tony's FR-S is styling a camo pattern livery as well as showing his support to the U.S. Air Force. On the inside, the FR-S has been turbochanged by R/T Tuning. Tony is poised to take his new toy and finish near the top along with his fellow driftmates this upcoming season.
Okay enough about the cars, we will see them all season long. Now about the party and man, does Scion Racing know how to throw a party!
Open bar and a variety of gourmet appetizers. There was no need to be shy at this event, waiters and waitresses constantly walking around bringing plates straight to you to try everything. There were steak skewers, mini fish tacos, mini beef sliders, mac & cheese, and carne asada fries! Yum!
It seemed like all areas of the media and the industry were in attendance partying it up. The FRS86 crew were there, as Ken's guests of course.
Even fellow DaYUUM contributor DJ Skitz was on the 1's n 2's providing a kickback, audio and visually appealing atmosphere for the night.
Well I mainly covered the cars and the general happenings of the event before heading out a little early. Nilo (@dayuumnilo13) on the other hand arrived later on and worked the crowd. I will leave it to him to share his thoughts:
Through the years I've been lucky enough to have been invited to Scion Corporate gatherings year after year. I've meet so many great people at Scion which have become good friends. This year's Scion Racing media preview was held at the Smog Shoppe in Los Angeles a very unique, cool and eclectic venue to show everyone the 2013 Scion drift cars for the Formula Drift series. The atmosphere at these events are always so chill and relaxing, nothing stuffy and over corporate. It's very comfortable and welcoming, like going to an old friend's party. Great place, dope music, awesome food and always the hospitality the always come to expect from Scion.
The styling and designs of the cars looked great and we had a chance to get first hand experience of their performance on the track a few days before this night and man what a rush. I look forward to seeing how they do this year in the series especially the FR-S. We wish the best of luck to Scion Racing during the season. Thanks again and much appreciated. "What Moves You" Peace
Nilo
Thank you again Scion Racing, and good luck this up coming season!
-This JustIn (@justdayuum)