We all love cars.  Why would you be reading a motorsports based website if that’s not the case, right?  But in fact I think we all equally appreciate the people involved in motorsports, as well, and can easily recognize the greatness that they bring to the event.  Drivers, riders, mechanics, and even the media.  All talented people in their own right and each doing their part to bring the the things we enjoy into our lives.  All of these people strive to do their very best and even better their very best, each time they head to the track with credential in hand.

Formula Drift is one of the largest gatherings of talented individuals I’ve ever seen.  And it happens every time the organization puts on this high speed, feast for the senses.  Amazing drivers show off their skillful precision driving.  Event Staff, mechanics and crew demonstrate their readiness to jump any hurdle, and the media show us time and again that there will always be a new or interesting way of looking at a car going sideways with furious noise and a trail of tire smoke.

Aren’t we lucky?  Lucky to live in a time when the cars are faster, the challenges greater, and the technology exists to show us these things we enjoy in such an amazing way.  We are lucky.

Here are some of my favorite people watching moments from a most incredible and enjoyable final round of Formula Drift, 2013.  Be sure to check out the full gallery at the end of this post.

Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Dai Yoshihara
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Indy Car driver J.R. Hildebrand easing his way into the role of Formula Drift driver.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Lifeblasters Andrew Bohan getting the shot.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Matt Powers
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Mike Essa gets a congratulatory kiss from his wife on the top step of the podium.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Daigo Saito
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Mike Essa

 

Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Chris Forsberg
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Ryan Tuerck
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
The always lovely Erica Nagashima
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Tyler McQuarrie shooting the shooter.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Robby Nishida hoists his son during pre-race introductions.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Larry Chen taking time to have dinner in a fast paced weekend.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Matt Powers
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Conrad looking focused.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Alex Wong and possibly Camden Thrasher taking a breather.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Larry Chen getting the shot of Danny George.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Dai gives Chris Forsberg a thumbs up.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Michael Essa, out with an engine failure, feels the pressure.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Michael Essa
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Ken Gushi clearing his head before hitting the track.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Taka Aono works on his car before heading into battle.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Matt Field takes time for a snack.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Chris Forsberg
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Tyler McQuarrie surveys the damage from his final round tangle with the Irwindale wall.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
The crowd loves the smoke.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Formula Drift officials give details of the day at the drivers meeting.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Matt Field takes in the drivers meeting.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
KDF filmmaker, and king of the Ginger-beards, Joshua Herron
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Fredric Aasbo getting focused.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Odie Backchis straps in.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Vaughn Gittin, Jr.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Steve.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Bil and Luke

Formula Drift Final: Irwindale

Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Pride and Joy of Calgary, AB, Alex Lee.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Alex Lee’s very pretty pit crew, Shelby Crackston
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Tyler McQuarrie is all smiles.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Speedhunter Larry Chen and his 400mm.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Former Formula Drift Champion, Daigo Saito.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Formula Drift Champion, Mike Essa.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Tandem of Die founder, and co-producer of the short film “Stuck”, Joe Ayala.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
John Pangilinan
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Danny George rattling the cage.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Kyle Mohan
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Matt Powers flashes a grin.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Chelsea DeNofa
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Yukio Taira with “Big Steve”
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Getting the evening sun shot.
Formula Drift Final: Irwindale
Cory Hosford

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