Bill and Taylor on their way!

[SpottedMango]

It's a little past 11 right now and Bill and Taylor are trying to gather up everything they can remember and are about to head out to the Houston Formula D Feeder Series. Let us all wish both of them the best of luck this weekend! For those that are not familiar with the feeder series, a driver basically have to qualify during the feeder series in order to run in the actual Formula D Series.

Both of these guys have WORKED their ASSES off in order to get where they are. Let everyone chime in and show them the support we have here in the Tampa area. Mark from Florida Racing will have full coverage and I am sure, just as always, plenty of pictures from the event and the road trip. I wish I was able to go on the road trip, but I have the shop to look after till the weekend. I will be out there with them on Friday through the weekend to cheer them on.

What I am MOST amazed about is the fact that about a week and a half ago, Taylor DID NOT have a running car. He didn't have a motor, he didn't have suspension, he didn't have brakes, he didn't......have anything besides his BAD ASS chasis. Within a week and a half period, not only did he put a COMPLETE car together after hours (6pm till whenever), but he was able to make 340hp at the wheels. Now, they have a 14 hour drive ahead of them.

I must say, I truely believe that the Nissan community all have something in commmon. A lot of you know my history, but with all that shit aside, shops around the Tampa Bay area were able to do what they can in order to get both of these guy's cars up and running. Driven Concepts with ZFever on Taylor's car, and Driven Concepts/XAT/and CFP on Bill's car. Besides the local shops, active people in the car community, some in which I had differences in the past, also overlooked their/our differences and came together. Scott with Entholpy tune for Taylor, again was able to put down 340rwhp, Marksaccord/Mattback/Mike (Advance Tire)/Charles (Fever)/and others that I don't remember. Everyone lent a hand in making it happen for both of these guys!

[Ronald Mcdonald]

Can't wait to hear/see how they do!


Good luck guys!

[Mr Takara]

goodluck guys..have a safe trip and enjoy yourselves out there..i will be waiting for pics=)

[Mars_302]

Make us proud guys

[Chin]

I will be leaving for houston with Ian on friday. I just watched all of them leave a few minutes ago. All are very tired and drained. No one was on their top game the last few days (including me) Ive been helping both get thier cars ready for the feeder, all for the joy of watching them do what they do best. Not only did they work on their cars until god knows what time, but now they have to drive basicly 17 hours straight to their "final desination" Hopefully have enough time to have a good nights rest only to drive full days on friday and sunday. I will be there front row to help them get though it! (and taking lots of pictures)

[spoonfed]

wow sounds like you guys have been busting your asses good luck! I know you guys will do great! can't wait to see the pics of taylors new car in action! heres to old school no ants drivers :beer:

[Scott]

Just talked to my brother (Mark) and they did not get out on the road until 1:30 a.m. when they had planned to leave at 10:00 ! I guess everyone but him and Taylor were late. :tard:

They are just now at the Florida border with a hella long way to go. :lol:

[Mike]

Good luck to you guys!

[suaknee]

Best wishes to all of them.

[satanshatch]

930 ish I spoke to Taylor they are in Battleship something or other Alabama. Taylor is driving, He told me he slept a while last night. I had to ask if Mark was being Timmah he said actually not. He did tell me the car kept coming loose and they kept ratcheting it down. ** EDIT **Car almost fell off the trailor. I was misinformed. :eek:

For those of you who know Taylor and I've known him now for years this is how this kids life is, but all seems to work out in the end. I know Bill and Taylor will do well.

I'm excited for the both of them. I'm even more impressed as Ian mentioned to see a few shops and people put differences aside and make something like this happen. Pretty Kick ass..

~ Mike

[SpottedMango]

Oh...you tire blew up, rims are all messed up, we are putting the spare on it right now. There's also some sort of knocking around 75mph - Quoted from Mark.........about my truck.

The car didn't fall off of the trailor, but VERY close to it, they were able to catch it before it did at a gas station when they were filling up. Besides that, everything's cake, about 5~6 more hours away from the destination.

[Jordan T]

good luck bill/taylor!!!

[rexaholic7]

kick some ass mofuckas!!

[Xiwei]

good luck to you all, come back and make us proud bill

[Adalaxy]

i only know of these guys through TR but..

kick some ass mofuckas!!

^^ what this guy said




.

[Scott]

I am willing to bet this trip will cure them of ever doing it again. :lol:

[Scott]

Just talked to Mark, they made it in about 5:30 p.m..

[RoadRacer]

Both are very capable of making the leap to the next level. :thumbup:

[SpottedMango]

Sitting at TPA right now, waiting for our flight over to Houston. Was told Bill's doing OK, but Taylor's still getting use to his brand new setup. Weather has been shitty, hope everything will be better tomorrow!

[satanshatch]

Good.. I hope Taylor gets used to it quick, No time for being spooked. Keep us updated Ian...

[SpottedMango]

After getting checked into the hotel at around 1am, we just got up and are getting ready to head out to the event. It's 830am, going to get some breakfast at La Quinta Inn, I will have some pictures posted up later today. When we got here, both Mark and Taylor looked to be totally beat from energy. Fingers crossed, it's crunch time, do or die, now or never, hahaha......

[satanshatch]

I've called you a few times Ian. Call me. Crossing fingers.

[Scott]

Just talked to Mark.

Taylor unfortunatley did not qualify so they are heading back to the hotel now to get some rest and drive out early tomorrow morning to some event in Louisana .

[SpottedMango]

Well, after a full day of drifting, there's not too much good news. Besides the temperature being probably below 35 degrees with the wind chill factor, it was glommmmmy and also wet.

Both Taylor and Bill were not able to qualify for Formula D, Bill did get an invite to the San Diego Invitational Feeder Series. Both of our boys did great, but the talent that showed up were just better.

I think this event very well put both Taylor and Bill into perspective on their abilities to enter as 'pro' drivers. From what I saw, it would have given me the oppertunity to learn and see other different drivers and their skills. I have seen both Taylor and Bill in action, both on the streets and also on the track. I think it's safe to say that Bill's one of the best in the Central Florida area, followed by Taylor, who I believe is just as capable if he was able to drive and learn his newly built car. The competition that showed up here at Houston were very skilled and the level of drifting was very appearent.

Only if there were more events such as this closer to home, in FL. It's hard to improve when you are one of the best in the area with no one to compete with and share skills. I think with more practice and more interaction with drivers with skill alike and beyond, both Bill and Taylor can and will become pros.

[charmmy-kitty]

Bill and Taylor, I am just glad you two were able to have the opportunity to try out. That was amazing!! I wish atleast one of you would have been qualified, but look at all the people who saw how amazing you two were. Well, to end my note, I think you guys are really amazing drivers and alot of us only to hope to be that good one day. I hope someone has videos for me and Andy to watch.....we can't wait!!!

[spoonfed]

yeah vids would be hot!

[rwdrift]

Congrats to Hachi Bill for the invitation!!! How did the other FL drivers match up?

[SpottedMango]

I wanted to add, only 1 person got a full Formula D driver's license, and 2 got the invitation to the San Diego event, Bill was one of them. I am no professional, so all I can give are my opinions. I personally thought that there were at least a couple of other drivers that were quiet good, but were not able to place. Ter-Tech did AWSOME and I must say, has to be one of the best that was at the event. From what I heard was that they used too much ebrake. Which ever way, they made EVERYONE look.....ummm.....not so good. Politics maybe? Not sure. There were also teams out there that were fully backed by HUGE companies. Team Lexus was present with their IS300, but were not able to do anything to impress anyone.

[young gun]

pics?

[slidewayz240sx]

videos?:)

[Jordan T]

media?

[hachibill]

well i just got home and i must say i am exhausted. but i would do it all over again. as for not qualifiing i need to put it into perspective for you all to understand. i actually did absolutelt awsome, way better than i could have aver hoped to do with the exstenuating circumstances. i was beat by 2 people, both of which were in formula d last year but didn't have any points, one was a n/a ka s13 and the other a 20v corolla. i think the rain was the dertermining factor. plus i had no idea what the judges are actually looking for. but now i have a clear vision of what i have to do. the simple fact that i was beat by seasoned pro's and i actually got noticed for being a nobody and coming from nowhere is outstanding. but as everything it was a learning process. and i learned what i have to do next time. the other person that was invited to go to the san diego event was andy sap, also a seasoed formula d driver. i do know now i have what it takes to be a professional drifter. the judges were impressed by my raw talent and driving skill, all i havet o do now is learn the rules and what they are looking for and i'm set.


but i wouldn't have gotten as far as i have with out the help of alot of people!!!! this is still the begining for me and i have no plansd of ever giving up!!!!! i would like to thank everyone who did alot for me to help get little ol me to this awsome event; Ian from Driven concepts (couldn't have done it without you!!!) my boss casey at XAT racing, thanks for all your support!!!, Ken and everyone at Enjuku racing for constatly helping out!, Mattback for the use of his van and towing my POS half way accross the country, and also for laurence for riding along and haveing a good time and helping out in a tight pinch! ALL my budies at TER-TEch, you all have no idea how nice these guys are and will do anything to help the drifting communtiy,,,, these guys are so effing fun to hang out with its not even funny!!!!!! thanks to my pal matt chin for flying out and enduring the cold to take pics of me and taylor!! and to my family and girl friend for believeing in me and helping me stay focused when shit goes down!!!! and i'm sure there are some i haven't thought of at this time, but i'm really brain fried so please forgive me!!!! now its time for the 5 S's shit,shower,shave,sex,and sleep,,, in that order !!! hahahahahahah

[hachibill]

let me also just say that the judges tell you what they want to see, the line they want you to take and how close to the clipping points they want you to be, its not just getting a car sideways on a track. you have to be very precise with your every move. the skill level was very high, which means that the simple fact i got noticed proves tons about how good i actually can be if i try hard enough. i felt like i failed right after they said my name, but after i looked at things differently i think i did great. there's always a next tiime.

thank you again to everyone!!!

[paul kersey]

i know how much you wanted it bill, so i know youre bummed out.
but were all proud of you and love you. glad to see youre in good spirits about it.

[Matt Vassallo]

its really this simple.

line.


bill i'm proud of you.

[RoadRacer]

Great job Bill it seems like you learned a lot from this.

[tak]

If this was the first time, I see nothing but success.

Skill != Placement

It is kinda like putting a 202 IQ person into a physics class with no prior education in it. They are extremely capable, but raw ability wont cut it until they get a better understanding of their surroundings, then they are unstoppable.

[hachibill]

^+eleventy billion!!! couldn't have said it any better!!!!

[Scott]

Mark has a ton of video and pics.. I am sure after he gets some rest he will have them up.

[Mars_302]

Bill, I got gas money for you if you goto California

[hachibill]

on another note, taylor did great for no seat time and actually had a better entry than i did. balls out!!!!!!! and thanks to timmah for helping us drive and standing out in the cold to get great footage. looking back i should have had more fun, but instead i stressed myself out. next time will be alot better. come on talyor, its off to san diego for me and hopefully atlanta for you.

[hachibill]

and thanks for all the kind words!!! love you Germ!!!!!

[marksaccord95]

but i wouldn't have gotten as far as i have with out the help of alot of people!!!! this is still the begining for me and i have no plansd of ever giving up!!!!! i would like to thank everyone who did alot for me to help get little ol me to this awsome event; Ian from Driven concepts (couldn't have done it without you!!!) my boss casey at XAT racing, thanks for all your support!!!, Ken and everyone at Enjuku racing for constatly helping out!, Mattback for the use of his van and towing my POS half way accross the country, and also for laurence for riding along and haveing a good time and helping out in a tight pinch! ALL my budies at TER-TEch, you all have no idea how nice these guys are and will do anything to help the drifting communtiy,,,, these guys are so effing fun to hang out with its not even funny!!!!!! thanks to my pal matt chin for flying out and enduring the cold to take pics of me and taylor!! and to my family and girl friend for believeing in me and helping me stay focused when shit goes down!!!! and i'm sure there are some i haven't thought of at this time, but i'm really brain fried so please forgive me!!!! now its time for the 5 S's shit,shower,shave,sex,and sleep,,, in that order !!! hahahahahahah


thanks for the mention bill! guess i didnt take any pics or vids of your car either!

[marksaccord95]

just got home, left at 430pm YESTERDAY

[PoppaSmurf]

so whos in for cali?

[NeedCAforS13]

I found afew pics on houston imports...
http://www.houston-imports.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

http://mattchow.smugmug.com/photos/56775666-O.jpg

this guy's from florida too right?
http://mattchow.smugmug.com/photos/56775668-O.jpg

http://mattchow.smugmug.com/photos/56775672-O.jpg

http://gallery.liang-shi.net/d/1278-1/IMG_6209.jpg

and I've only found 2 pics of my car, both were kinda far away... post up if you have some! I want to see how Sean looked.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/TeamACCA/Picture167Medium.jpg

-Sean

[SpottedMango]

http://www.hi-upload.com/uploaded1/FormulaD2.JPG

http://www.hi-upload.com/uploaded1/FormulaD3.JPG

http://www.hi-upload.com/uploaded1/FormulaD11.JPG

[SpottedMango]

http://www.hi-upload.com/pics/fd/07.jpg

[SpottedMango]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/ThisGuy83/Formula%20D%20feb18/DSC04891Medium.jpg

http://photobucket.com/albums/b312/ThisGuy83/Formula%20D%20feb18/?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/ThisGuy83/Formula%20D%20feb18/DSC04900Medium.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/ThisGuy83/Formula%20D%20feb18/DSC04903Medium.jpg

[ag04]

wow, nice pics, is there footage??

ag04

[SpottedMango]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/ThisGuy83/Formula%20D%20feb18/DSC04957Medium.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/ThisGuy83/Formula%20D%20feb18/DSC04959Medium.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/ThisGuy83/Formula%20D%20feb18/DSC04966Medium.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/ThisGuy83/Formula%20D%20feb18/DSC05031Medium.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/ThisGuy83/Formula%20D%20feb18/DSC05032Medium.jpg

[SpottedMango]

marksaccord has plenty of footage, but they just arrived back into Tampa not that long ago, I'd think a couple of day.

[Chin]

Here are my pictures these are the pictures while I was a frozen asian like the ones at the bodies at mosi....

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/Chin180sx/DSC_2177.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/Chin180sx/DSC_2164.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/Chin180sx/DSC_2160.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/Chin180sx/DSC_2153.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/Chin180sx/DSC_2133.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/Chin180sx/DSC_2122.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/Chin180sx/DSC_2098.jpg

[ryojikaji143]

Nice pics. I know how you guys feel about the rain. Where I live it rained for the entire month of January! No matter what the result, you walked away with experience. Bill, catch me on AIM, I have lots of questions. Congrats to everyone for surviving and I hope to see you in SD.


-Matt-Panic!

[icantdrift]

i heard from Sam (from Tiger Racing up here in Atlanta) that the lot was rather bumpy to go along with the wet conditions. still looks like it was a ton of fun... still pissed i missed it :(.

congrats to bill for the invite.

[marksaccord95]

ill have my pics up later today or tomorrow

[slidewayz240sx]

Dang steering angle. I thought that was your car for a second Andy.

[hachibill]

on another note, taylor did great for no seat time and actually had a better entry than i did. balls out!!!!!!! and thanks to timmah for helping us drive and standing out in the cold to get great footage. looking back i should have had more fun, but instead i stressed myself out. next time will be alot better. come on talyor, its off to san diego for me and hopefully atlanta for you.



well mark if you would have read all my post's you would have seen where i mentioned you. and didn't i say in my original post that if i didn't mention you to not get all huffed up because i was tired.

[marksaccord95]

sorry, little irritable when i got home this morning.

[paul kersey]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/TeamACCA/Picture168Medium.jpg

[S13_01]

man that must of been frustrating to be drifting in the rain and trying to go in front of formula d judges, i havent really gotten to know you bill or taylor but i have heard alot of awesome stuff and seen some of your drifting bill.... i bet you guys gave em hell out there... and now that you guys know what your dealing with i bet cali will be a hell of a better shot
-Nick

[NeedCAforS13]

(in response to s13 01's question: ) Sean Love was driving my s12 200sx hatch.

[S13_01]

Sean Love was driving my s12 (200sx hatch).

thats an awesome car... old school 200's rock:D

[hondasux]

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/Chin180sx/DSC_2164.jpg

WOW!!!! looks like taylor caught some air under HIS passenger side wheel