dirt racer
01-28-2008, 12:06 AM
http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/3616/40/
The sport of drifting is popular in the islands.
On Sunday, Hawaii fans got a chance to see some of Hawaii's best drifters compete against world class drivers at Aloha Stadium.
But Sunday's event will also be the last at least for a while.
Behind the wheel of this car is one of the best drifters in the nation.
In a sport dominated by men, local girl Verena Mei is one of the top American female drivers and was featured in movies like "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift."
"I get to go up against all these guys, you know, a lot of people just look at me and say you're just this friendly little girl, you don't have it in you, but once I'm in my car, is a completely different story," said top American female drifter Verena Mei.
Standing at just 5 feet 2 inches, her love of drifting started in 2004. And Sunday, she's taking her passion to the track.
"I think when people see me drift they notice that I'm extra aggressive, a lot of times, I have one of the fastest entry speeds. I do not like to lift off the gas. You know, it makes for a good show," Mei said.
A good show that will come to a screeching halt after Sunday.
It's the final drifting event at Aloha Stadium and in Hawaii.
Stadium authorities allowed drivers to use this parking lot only temporarily.
"Ever since I was in high school, we always had some kind of racing venue, at Hawaii Raceway Park and maybe at Barber's Point. But we tried it here at Aloha Stadium. We need some kind of race track for the race fans today (Sunday), so hopefully they can find a venue," said Mililani Resident Craig Suzuki.
"It's great to be out here. To see all the fans and see all the support, all that the sport of drifting here has, and it's really a shame, that there is no outlet. I just look forward to hopefully having a track open for drifting," Mei said.
But with no venues available. Local drivers have no place to race. They are hoping down the road that will change.
"I want to buy a car, but I no more money to buy a car, and no more license...but once I get them I'll be out here," said Wahiawa resident Lokahi Inocelda.
"Even if this is the last scheduled event, I don't think its the end of it, I think its the start of it," Suzuki said.
Drifting professionals are working hard to find another location in Hawaii but so far no luck.
Last Updated ( Sunday, January 27, 2008 09:24 PM )
The sport of drifting is popular in the islands.
On Sunday, Hawaii fans got a chance to see some of Hawaii's best drifters compete against world class drivers at Aloha Stadium.
But Sunday's event will also be the last at least for a while.
Behind the wheel of this car is one of the best drifters in the nation.
In a sport dominated by men, local girl Verena Mei is one of the top American female drivers and was featured in movies like "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift."
"I get to go up against all these guys, you know, a lot of people just look at me and say you're just this friendly little girl, you don't have it in you, but once I'm in my car, is a completely different story," said top American female drifter Verena Mei.
Standing at just 5 feet 2 inches, her love of drifting started in 2004. And Sunday, she's taking her passion to the track.
"I think when people see me drift they notice that I'm extra aggressive, a lot of times, I have one of the fastest entry speeds. I do not like to lift off the gas. You know, it makes for a good show," Mei said.
A good show that will come to a screeching halt after Sunday.
It's the final drifting event at Aloha Stadium and in Hawaii.
Stadium authorities allowed drivers to use this parking lot only temporarily.
"Ever since I was in high school, we always had some kind of racing venue, at Hawaii Raceway Park and maybe at Barber's Point. But we tried it here at Aloha Stadium. We need some kind of race track for the race fans today (Sunday), so hopefully they can find a venue," said Mililani Resident Craig Suzuki.
"It's great to be out here. To see all the fans and see all the support, all that the sport of drifting here has, and it's really a shame, that there is no outlet. I just look forward to hopefully having a track open for drifting," Mei said.
But with no venues available. Local drivers have no place to race. They are hoping down the road that will change.
"I want to buy a car, but I no more money to buy a car, and no more license...but once I get them I'll be out here," said Wahiawa resident Lokahi Inocelda.
"Even if this is the last scheduled event, I don't think its the end of it, I think its the start of it," Suzuki said.
Drifting professionals are working hard to find another location in Hawaii but so far no luck.
Last Updated ( Sunday, January 27, 2008 09:24 PM )