I would like to look at reality here..

[satanshatch]

In all honesty I would like an answer. Not in anyway trying to be a dick or rain on anyones parade etc. I mean I really wish all parties involved the best of luck. Its been a topic of frequent discussion and I personally am courious. SO.. On to the preposed post/question at hand..

Matt (or Enjuku/Owners),

I've noticed, and Certianly admired all the new upgrades with the facility, new two car rig and trailor, etc.. I'm wondering. As a business man my self and starting a new company you have to come from nothing to something. This Im aware of. Believe me I am. You have to spend money to make money.

Seeing all the new upgrades One would think that Enjuku has been around the block and back in the New and still infantile drift craze in the US.

Has Enjuku ever won any MAJOR drift event ? If so which.

How much track time has been spent preparing for the upcoming season ? Practice makes perfect. ;)

Does Enjuku feel they are on the same level as other Cali/Major drivers out there ?

Its obvious that you must qualify even before D1. Ego's aside (I know its hard to ask) theres alot riding on a potentionally short D1 season for both Matt and Rob if they do not qualify. Not to mention they will be competing against each other !

Im sure Enjuku takes this pertty seriously or I would hope so. Im just courious as to what training is going into all of this if any at all. You cant expect to jump into a 350+ HP car and do like its nothing.

Give us some insite Matt as to what you and Rob are doing for training. Mentally and physically. What you expect to happen or how you expect to do.

Again I wish you both the best of luck. Im always down for home town heros.

[marksaccord95]

this is exactly what i was talkin about at bennigans last night.....

[steve]

there not doing D1 mike there doing Formula Drift

[steve]

am i the ony one thats sick of this?

two driver from tampa got picked to be a team and take fl to the next level

[satanshatch]

Formula Drift, D1, Rancho Kukamonga Drift contest...

Anything OTHER than a bunch of kids sliding their daily drivers at OGP.

Im betting on HUGE egos getting crushed. Does that leave Fl's would be Heros to continue to play Hero to locals at OGP ? Stay tuned ...

[steve]

i'm not saying anything else
in on page one

[Blueboost]

So was that supposed to be a positive or negative thread?

Sounds like

http://cache.tias.com/stores/tnc/pictures/interview610b.jpg

[Matt Vassallo]

Hopefully I can answer some of these questions,

Regarding you asking about the level that I am at, I can tell you that I did not come to the conclusion that I was ready to be a pro driver on my own accord.

I was invited to D1GP this last February by Ricky over @ D1GP personally. I was also invited by Moto P from Drift Association to represent Drifting in the United States because I was ranked as one of the Top Four drivers on the East coast of the US as of last September. I also scored 83/100 points in the Homestead D1Drivers search, enough to Tie a Falken car that was also competing. However since I was not a fully sponsored driver, nor did D1 really have a way to determine a tie breaker, they took the Falken car. I don't blame them, we weren't ready at the time to travel to CA and all that, and the car wasn't nearly competitive. The fact that I made it to the finals and stayed competitive with the 219 hp car that I had was a feat to say in it's own. Every other car that got into the finals had clutch type lsd, stiffer coilovers, 280+ hp, full suit and roll cage, etc.

I also had the opportunity and was invited, all expenses paid by Drift Association over in California, to go to Bristol Motorspeedway for a Drifting Demonstration. I drove with three other pro-driver's Tony Schultz, Erik Jacobs (both of team Toyo), and Ben Schwartz (Motorsports Dynamics, Falken Tire). I was still un sponsored at the time and simply driving for Enjuku Racing. However the car was a little bit more competitive, and in a very tight area I more than held my own with the demos. It was at this time that C&R Racing saw us, and felt that we had what it takes to get to the next level, and they signed on as a sponsor.

The ER FD2004 and ER FD2005 both have 400 horsepower output, I have been driving a car with similar output since DDAY3. I've also driven it at Hialeah speedway, Ocala a few more times at a private event or what not, and at other facilities that Enjuku Racing has been private testing out as of recent.

In going to SEMA 2004, I met with many companies of whom I’d been contacting via phone or internet alone. Finally being able to put a name to a face and a voice really goes the distance in establishing a relationship with those companies. After meeting Kumho tires, and getting to know the guys over in the motorsports department, we thought that while Kumho has a really large portion of the autocross and road race market that SCCA has, it would only make sense to get them involved in the SCCA sanctioned drifting that would take place in 2005, with Formula D. As you can see, things are going quite well with this relationship, and I spent an evening this past week meeting with Team Kumho and Miracle Motorsports for dinner, as we discussed motorsports, drifting, and life in general down at Sebring before the coveted 12 hour race.
Lets see here


Has Enjuku ever won any MAJOR drift event ? If so which.
There has never been a major drift event competition to come to FL. Enjuku Racing did not see a need to go out of state in 2004 in order to compete.

How much track time has been spent preparing for the upcoming season ? Practice makes perfect.
I have about 20 hours driving time logged on my chassis. Rob has about 1 hour logged on his chassis.

Does Enjuku feel they are on the same level as other Cali/Major drivers out there ?
This is a tough question. When I was driving with Ben Schwartz, Erik Jacobs, and Tony Schultz up in Bristol, TN, I personally feel I was in between those drivers in terms of skill. My car still wasn’t as prepared as it could have been, but I was managing. This year the cars will be much more competitive, but so will everyone else’s. If you’re asking If I feel I’m at a competitive level for Formula D, then the answer is yes.

Its obvious that you must qualify even before D1. Ego's aside (I know its hard to ask) theres alot riding on a potentionally short D1 season for both Matt and Rob if they do not qualify. Not to mention they will be competing against each other !
I’m not sure I understand what you mean. There is no D1 series in the USA.

Give us some insite Matt as to what you and Rob are doing for training. Mentally and physically. What you expect to happen or how you expect to do.
As far as training goes, I’ve been driving this same setup for about the last year or so, possibly more. I’ve been driving sideways for the last seven years. Yes. Seven years. I turned 15, bought my 300ZX, and have been driving in the rain sideways ever since. I learned how to drive sideways before I knew it was called drifting; my dad taught me how in the Albertson’s parking lot right by my house. I’m also the chief builder on both chassis, so I have a very good understanding on what exactly the cars are capable of doing.


Hope I answered your questions.

Matt

[satanshatch]

awesome !!!!!!!!!!!

[Funk]

yah, i hope you get used to 90mph sideways matt
thats the only thing im thinking of
you and rob both dont have any highspeed under your belt
but i know you both should take it up quickly

[Matt Vassallo]

Yeah cause homestead wasn't 95mph entry speeds or anything ;-)

[MattL111]

Who cares who does/spends/accomplishes what, i think what Matt and Rob are doing is great, and I dont believe any egos are going to be crushed, if the team does badly, then they will know what needs to be done for next season. Both Matt and Rob are fully capable of learning. No one goes and wins their first time running with the big dogs. It takes more experience. Personally I am looking forward to Florida getting some recognition for having a team, and getting Enjuku some major publicity, they deserve it.

[Pineapple]

East coast represent!

[Miles]

i'm sure they'd win every event if they gave me a job

*cough*

[Roberto Fleming]

Im tired of seeing such opinionated, bitter people on this board. Sure, im not a pro yet, but no better way to learn then run Formula D for a season in an exceptionally prepared vehicle. I might not be good enough to win anything this season, but Im going to do what i can, and learn along the way.

Im grateful to have this position, and I hope I will improve and represent for the east coast enthusiasts. I hope to see other local drivers at some of the larger events this year.

BTW, Mike if you and Mark feel that we're not qualified to do this, then please, tell us who Enjuku should choose for their drivers.

[marksaccord95]

its not about who should be driving.

my whole thing is i think enjuku might have went a little over board on getting 2 completely built cars, a full rig, etc when the team hasnt even been to a real drift event yet

and the whole 'top 4 drivers on the east coast' stuff doesnt really work, there were cars from central to south florida and that was about it, also drivers and driver skill has changed A LOT sense that event.

[Tammah]

its called having confidence. whats sooo wrong with enjuku putting money into something thats a good investment....so what if they haven't had the practice yet....one of the cars isn't even built yet. they'll have time for practice. and anyway, its up to enjuku to spend their money the way they want. both matt and rob are very capable of handling things by themselves.
honestly, do you guys have anything else to do then rag on enjuku and its drivers?

[Philly Blunt]

Since i dont know anything about each individual driver i cant say anything bad but i do know matt seems to be really a good driver from what i can see i saw a clip of him with another white 240 driving side by side with what look to be high entry speeds and seemed controled very nicely, i like the style matt has and i think the enjuku team will move up and they will move up quick. I mean there getting in good with all the sponsors and stuff wich can only help get the enjuku name out in the public. I believe more shops could be up in the ranks too if they went to the extent that enjuku does at getting there name out there like paying for adds everywhere and submiting to magazines, its just how enjuku approches it. Its the way they do buisness, and being a official retailer of alot of different high end motorsport product manufactures gives them an edge that most shops around the florida are cant provide.

All in all i hope to see florida recognized as a top leader in the worlds fastest growing motorsport in the world and to actually say hey i used to talk to that guy on aim or chill with him at local drift events really gives you a good feeling. So best of luck to enjuku and i hope your progress will be a great sucess.

[Mike]

draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaama






i say lets all just be quiet, wish them luck, take some shots of whiskey and rock out sideways...


well thats what im doing!!!!!

[Durdan]

heres the thing...

sure it may seem that they went over board, but theres a method to their madness. after having a long talk with my PR guy, i have come to the conclusion that this is whats needed in order to grab big sponsors. it doesnt matter if youre D1 quality or not, hell, it doesnt even matter if you never win.... all that matters is media presence. if you can show your prospective sponsor that you can open up a market for them and grab attention for them, then youre already doing them a favor. enjuku has that presence. they exude professionalism when they arrive at an event and im sure that media coverage is only a step away. i personally wish all the best to the team this year and hope that i, myself, will be able to take similar strides in the near future....

[_Charles_]

When I first started drifting (DDAY4), I had alot to learn. every time I went back to Ocala (DDAY5 + Private Event) I learned even more. I learned what it takes, and what I was/am doing wrong. I still am not that good (I lack consistentcy), but you know what, I'm getting better. The people I hate most are 'sideline' judges. The people I admire most are those willing to 'guide' others.

With that thought, I expect Enjuku to do so-so at there first event or 2, but after they get accustom to the pace of Formula D, I expect them to excel, and to get much better throughout the year, maybe even placing in the top 3.

Why did Enjuku get the sponsorships? Becuase they should the willingness to put forward the effort. Sponsors don't car as much about drivers as they do about coverage. Enjuku offered them coverage. Who will NOT be talking about the Enjuku Twins and Tow Rig? Hello?

As far as my honest, and true feelings.... I'm still upset that Jay Levan was left out. I feel Jay Levan is probably one of the best drivers in the Southeast, hands down. If you put him in a fully configured drift machine, I think he'd amaze everybody.

But seeing as how I do not have a say in Enjuku's decision (and it's there decision), I can only hope the best in the future for Jay.

As far as the 'sucessfulness' of Enjuku's drift venture (as it pertains to their business), Enjuku has won a new customer in me, and I've dropped about $1500 with them in the past 1-2 months. I think there 'free' track side tire mounting sealed the deal.

Now, for all you sideline drifters....Have you registered for DDAY6 yet, because I do not want to see it cancelled.

Charles

[mendozasport]

chales and everyone with the POSITIVE feed back is correct.....they are the only ones to go and do it...they will NOT because there vision was to get sponsored and make formula d , that is acomplished as of now , rob and matt both have great skills, have in mind it is not easy to drift any vehicule and like charles said consistency is key, lets watch and learn from there eforts in trying to excell in this sport


enjuku has been i think one of the only after market parts retailer that heard our crys two years ago when we had to wait month for parts and it would take years to biuld our cars, now the cry is out for more tracks , more seat time........wich dg trails is ofering and no one takes......before we critizes some one or a entety for there views on future accomplishments and grabing the bull from the horns, lets support them .
if you have nothing good to say dont say anything for a buisness to be in buisness for so long i do think they know what they are doing........charles i think we'll see each other at the next private event.....

[Funk]

i like drifting but ocala isnt fun

seat time is seat time.. or something similar..
but 90$ can buy lots of beer.. and thats..

yah ok. enjukus going to show your motherr whats up
if not, like i said
i will personally punch them in the face
thats no lie

[Roberto Fleming]

Faith.

There is faith in Enjuku, faith in the cars, and faith in the drivers. You think that these huge egos will be crushed, what huge egos? Personally im scared of all this, scared of having a car that will not fail. why? because if the car isnt the problem, then there is no excuse if I fail. Im scared that Ill be way outclassed by guys who've been pro for the last year or two. Lets not even get into Japan, which has been doing this for longer than we've been doing import drag.

Yet, I goto a shop every weekend to work on a car, that IMHO, seems to be better built than most other vehicles Ive seen competing. Im surrounded by a team and owners that are pleasant, respectable, and work well together. And then theres me. As the days fly by, and we're down to 3 weeks before NJ, I get more scared. Then, that fear subsides, and I look forward to it. Im not in this to win right now, Im in this to become a great driver. And I will, I have no doubt in my mind.

So let the naysayers continue to be from the sidelines, it honestly matters little in the long run. I no longer fear failing....i cant wait to get started learning.

[MattL111]

is that the "ego" that was referred to earlier? Sounds to me like theyve got the right attitude about this whole thing

[Funk]

leggo my ego

[hachibill]

i'm tring to go out there with alot less then Enjuku and i know i have what it takes to drive in formual D with the best. so if you say i don't have what it takes, your probably right, but its not going to stop me from tring and hopefully proving everyone wrong, and for all the haters out there, its all just jealousy. instead of hatin, try and get something of your own going so you have someting to back your words up with. or not get in everyone elses buisness. if it doesn't concern you, why bother. good luck Rob and MAtt.

[ryojikaji143]

Good luck to all who try! If you got the balls to try that is an accomplishment in itself. Good for you guys for getting some attention from sponsors. I was at DDay this past saturday in Portland. I was kickin ass, full counter, no spin, very consistant, good speed, and I chained the whole course almost every run. But did I get any attention? Hell no! It's harder than you all might think. Anyway, you guys will kick ass because you know you can and you have the backing to do it. I have noticed that drifting well is just as much about confidence as it is skill. Take it to the next level, I'll be watching.

[satanshatch]

Well let’s get a few things straight right off the back. The FIRST thing I said in my post was "IM NOT BASHING ENJUKU !" Why would I bash a local company who’s doing all they can to make a name for them selves?

Yes ALOT of money has been spent, and again I said, "You have to make money to spend money" What they do with THEIR money is THEIR business.
Do I personally feel you need to roll up in a quarter of a mil rig? No. I think a Clean Semi Flashy car and skills on the track speak for them selves. Enjuku will bring both in this case.

I mentioned Ego’s.. Yes. Rob and Matt you both have them. With good reason. Yes. I don’t know about the situation with Jay. I wont go into that.
What happened happened. I simply asked if you were prepared to go out and possibly lose in the first round. Ask any athlete who’s trained and prepped for a big game. I’m sure they are focused on winning as would I, but in the back of your mind you have to LOOK AT REALITY IF IT HAPPENS.

Matt answered me. I think its good to think about what you will do IF you lose, or what you could have done better. I’m not here to tell YOU (Matt or Rob) what you need to do better or at all. It will speak for it self when you get out there and represent Florida.

I asked a few honest questions and Matt answered me. And they were good answers to boot! I was TOTALLY impressed. What’s the harm in asking about a company we are all encouraged purchase from to on TR? If I spend money with someone I wanna know who I’m buying from... Don’t you?

If you take offence to someone asking about a company you're supposed to be representing then maybe either you should take a little time out to learn the companies history, or back them by answering the questions like Matt did.

I honestly do appreciate Matt and his answers. I think I have a little better understanding of Enjuku and where they are headed and what to look for in the season to come.

[satanshatch]

:yumyum:

[steve]

then maybe you should of called the company instead of postting shit on here
it's there business what they do and how they do it

so what if they bought a truck TO HAUL THERE EQUIPEMENT ALL ACROSS THE USA
do you want them to pay some one else to take and possibley damage the goods?
have you thought mybe they will be sleeping in the rig?

[steve]

mike what to you think Enjuku should do?

[satanshatch]

mike what to you think Enjuku should do?

WOW.. I love it when people get all defensive. :lol: Why the sudden defence Steve ?

The post was never about what "Mike" thinks. Was it ? No. Was I bashing Enjuku ? No. I asked a few questions and Immediatly everyone OTHER THAN MATT (thank you again Matt) wants to piss bitch and moan.

Seeing Matt ALWAYS posts on TR and touts Enjuku and their products, why not share my question ? Whats the harm in that ? Again Matt answered the questions, I learned a few things about Enjuku and their team I didnt know about.

[Matt Vassallo]

Mike,

If you want to turn this thread into an Ask Team Enjuku a question, I have no problems with it at all. I have no problem answering any questions that I'm able to, so that the rest of Florida can see where we're at!

[satanshatch]

My questions were answered, as I already expressed.

[mendozasport]

matt i got a question then.........is the success that titan motor sports in orlando what team enjuku trying to reflect?? they did something very similar to the iniciative that this team has taken...last minute rig and car...(being asembled while on the road)..and that car had a deput time of 12flat on street tires...back i think is five years now....
i wish you guys the best of luck and to my knowledge 95% of the teams that came from florida are sucesful somwhere right now......

[Matt Vassallo]

The success of Titan is a perfect example of how taking it to the next level, and taking chances can net impressive gains and success. In a perfect world, we would love our motorsports program to be similar to what theirs did for business.

[mranlet]

Good luck to Enjuku and Matt and Rob.

It's always good to see locals coming up in the world.

[JJFreshyZC]

I think Matt's response speaks for itself. A good head on his shoulders will take him a long way. I know I dont post too much in here but I like to keep up on things and I read a lot of posts. It is great to see locals making it happen and I agree that you have to look the part to move ahead and I think Enjuku is doing the right thing to show they have what it takes.

Jay

[allh0pelost]

from what i can get of this thread, i'm sure enjuku is not going in there with an "ego" that's going to be crushed. even if they get crushed, it'll just force them to adapt and step up to the next level. and that's what this is all about isn't it? and there's nothing wrong with spending a little (or a lot) of money to prepare for competition that may be bigger than you.

good luck from me. i hope u guys progress all the way w00t.

[box240mod]

all i know is that if i was in there place, i'd be crapping myself- not because i wouldn't win my first/second/etc events, not because everyone is watching me, but because i now i have to go into a turn at 100mph and turn that ho sideways while having another driver close enough to spit on. if that doesnt give a rookie the shakes, nothing would.

there is nothing different from dday to formulaD other than speed.... sure speed changes a lot (angles/techniques) but rob and matt with both adapt very well. its just like the first turn u ever drifted for real, you were like damn that was lucky, i got it right once... then its comboing, then its faster, then its like no effort drifting. they will learn it all again +more speed. they will be competitive soon enough.

too bad you guys cant do like a exhibition at this weekends StPete GP.