Vd – As VegasDrift gears up for the third season of VegasProAm, Robert Strohmeyer prepares his “bastard child” for it’s first season. Robert has helped out with the Vegas scene since his arrival with driver instruction as well as videos of earlier VegasProAms. Fill us in about your history with drifting.

RS – It mainly started in late 2003 after being stationed in Florida at Eglin AFB. There was a big rain storm when I was on leave in Virginia and my Miata that I was going to drive down to Florida was wrecked two days before I moved my stuff to Florida. My friend I met in tech school was stationed at Eglin a month before me, so after I showed up he already had heard of this shop called MPHAutomod. When I walked into the shop, soon to be Professional Drifter Ben Schwartz and the owners of the shop where all watching JDM Insider 2 siting in bucket seats on the floor. Once I watched the whole video with them that first day I went back to the dorms found a white 1993 SE coupe on ebay and bought it. It was in Virginia so I had an old high school friend drive it down from Virginia. The next two years where filled with nothing but traveling by truck and trailer to events all around the east coast, mid west, Texas and California. A highlight for me was traveling up to RS-R Drift festival at Chicago in 2004 and placing 4^th at the time it was my 4^th event ever.  A bunch of other military stuff happened between 06-09.  I met Nick and the main members of VegasDrift at the first powdered drift night at FastLap in early 09.

Vd – Tell us about “Bastard Child” and it’s predecessor, “High Hopes”.(Check Rob’s build thread here.)

RS – Well, after being in the Vegas and west coast FD scene for a few years, I got sick and tired of not driving. I’ve talked about driving again to other people in the scene. After working at this past FD Irwindale event with the VegasDrift crew, I had just about had enough with not driving. I went out and bought “High Hopes” just in time for the “Best of Vegas” event on the inside road course at LVMS. Bastard Child comes in for the simple fact of being fiscally cheaper for me to buy a shell with a cage in it then putting a cage in High Hopes.  Bastard Child will be a full ProAm build with around 300hp and pretty much everything you can do suspension wise except aftermarket LCAs. Vd – Being a race car instructor has to be fun job, what steps did you take to get there?

RS – Well, I guess it came down to the ol’ “who you know.”  I knew a few people that worked there and I was called by one of them when Exotics Racing was looking for another instructor. I interviewed for the job and started the next day. It’s nice to drive exotic cars but the real experience is an abundance of track time. I now have over 12,000 on track miles as an instructor, which is pretty crazy to think about. Its also cool because quite a few celebrities stop by. Recently Mickie Frial, a so-cal drifter hopped in a 458 with me and turned some fast laps. Vd – What advice would you give to someone that wants to start drifting?

RS – While everyone gives the stock answer of “practice makes perfect” and have fun yadda yadda. I will say to anyone that wants to start….THINK about it first. What do you plan to accomplish by starting? Will it be hobby or are you going to try and make something of it? For many people it will start as a hobby and as they progress they start taking bigger steps. But really think about it first. For me, it has become a 9 year obsession that has caused great moments in my life but has also demanded the high sacrifices. Vd- Are there any sponsors or people you would like to thank or mention?

RS – I’d like to thank the current crew signed up for the 2012 VDPA season, Crew Chief-Danny Libonati, Spotter-Marlon Tecson, PR/Art Director- Jovany Martinez. DDS performance for letting me use the shop and their tools when I didn’t have the right tools/space to get the job done. I’d like to thank Eladio at H1 Performance for helping the team out with chassis tuning during the season. I’d also like to thank Nick, Wes, Ace, Ray, Mando, Robert, Danillo, Aj, Jc, and anyone in the VegasDrift crew that I didn’t mention. You guys are great and it has meant a lot to me being apart of these events! I also have a few prospective sponsors in mix, which I hope to add at a later date but wanted to acknowledge them with a thanks as well (you know who you are).

Photo Credit

Larry Chen – Drift Fotos

Joel Cada – Third 3ye Photography

Brenton Ho – Brentonho.com

Import Racer

Vd – Bobby has been involved in the Vegas scene for some time now. Give us a background of yourself and how you started drifting.

BG – What is up Vegasdrift peeps, it’s BOBBYG!  As some of you guys know I am part of the LIMITBREAK family and drove a seafoam green s13(R.I.P. Bessy). I just recently moved back from Socal and got to experience the drift life out there, it was cool but nothings better than home. How i got into drifting was, well I was always trying to slide stuff lol, when I was a kid I would drift my little plastic tricycle and with the remote control cars I would take the tires off so they would slide, I just didn’t know it was called drifting ahah, but what really got me into drifting was going to illegals and watching the drag racing and was honestly bored. Then I saw some FD footage on TV and was hooked. After that I got a 240sx and here I am 4 240′s later lol!

Vd – We’re glad to hear your Ok!! Tell us about the recent hit and run.

BG – The hit and run….man I was so pissed, can’t believe people now a days. I’m just thankful for making it out ok. It was just a normal Friday, just got paid and driving home from work on the 15 south merging to the 95 north and BOOOWW. I got hit really hard in the left rear corner and it sends me flying. Honestly what saved me from spinning around was counter steering. After I hit the wall, I saw the guy slow down with his hazards on and then just kept driving like nothing happened. They still have yet to catch him.

Vd – That’s unreal….Do you have any plans for the new chassis?

BG – The plans for the new chassis are to get some new coils. I want to get the chassis stitch welded but right now it’s not the time since this is my drift/daily car. What my biggest plan is to make it to a lot more Vegasdrift events, it’s been too long since I drove at a VD event.

Vd – Where do you see the sport of drifting in 5 years from now?

BG -Drifting is growing by the second, everyone and their moms are doing it. In 5 years I would like to see the sport getting its respect that it should have and be on the TV, being able to watch it like it’s a regular sport, having local drift clinics for the guys getting into drifting would also be nice.

Vd – Grid or Forza?

BG – I’m not really a gamer but I am a proud owner of grid, haven’t played Forza yet. Grid is pretty dam close to real life.

Vd – What advice could you lend to someone that wants to get into drifting?

BG – The new people getting into drifting DON’T DO IT!!!! Ahah just playin, just gotta the have patience. The key I think is to just get out on the track and get seat time, and take in as much advice as you can and put it to use driving. Starting out you really don’t need much, everyone thinks that you have to get on that baller level like all the baller guys. You just need decent suspension, tires, and the motor, man that should not be a issue I think you can drift anything that has the ability. Check out my 2nd 240sx, all it had was dualcam, lowering springs and exhaust and it got down.

Vd – Thanks for the interview Bobby, Anyone you would like to shout out or thank?

BG – I want to first of thank WES and NICK for picking me to do a VD Check-Up and also everyone for the help and the events being put up, Vegasdrift, Justdrift, U-Drift and etc. My family for supporting me through all the work I’m doing when I need help with my car and letting me use their car. MY BIGGEST SHOUT out is to my crew LIMITBREAK, we all look out for each other, oh yea check out our tumblr page its Lemonbreadhouse.Tumblr.com. There are many more people to thank to many to list, so if I missed you I apologize but just know I’m thankful for all you. To everyone BOBBYG is out. Don’t be afraid to come over and say whats up if you see us around, we’re friendly. Happy Holidays and Happy New Years to all. Live life to the fullest!!

Photo Credit

-Everything Drift
-CW Photography

Vd – Edwin Aguilar is a local drifter and has been in the game for a few years now. He is also a member of the local crew, “Limit Break.” Tell us about yourself and the spark of interest that got you into drifting.

EA – For me, it all started back when Initial D was all the hype. I was really into it, dropping 30 bucks a day on playing the arcade game and than coming home and watching the anime online. I was a major geek. LOL But, the real turning point that really inspired me into drifting was when I went to D1GP when it came to Vegas a couple years back, that really opened my eyes and basically inspired me into getting my personal “drift car.” That’s when I got my first S13 and started street drifting and that’s when I found about VD and the rest is history.

Vd – Ok, Limit Break is nothing new to the local scene. Who is LB and what’s it all about?

EA – Well, we were once known as the Akagi RedSuns, but we decided to lay low and change up the name.. JK lol LB is basically a bunch of dudes that are into the same hobby and enjoy anything that is car affiliated, just your average Joes that are trying to have some fun with the skills they possess. We started out being really deep into street drifting, going out almost every night to different spots around town to chase the adrenaline rush. Be it if we only did one donut or stayed out there for hours it was always the same rush, we were all out there just to have fun and hopefully not get caught in the process. Then we figured it was getting a little risky on the streets and decided to tone it down on the street and start heading to the track whenever a event would take place, that is when we would try to sharpen our skills on the track the most we could per event. LB tends to push each other to try and surpass our own personal limits. Like Royce Phung says we are all on a step ladder and we are all trying to reach the top! Everyone is down to earth dudes, family basically. So next time you see us on the track come up and ask for a ride! We all get pumped when the crowd is enjoying the drifting action. Or if you see us on the street give us a wave hello!!

Vd – What mods have you done to your S13?

EA – Sadly nothing really to special going on with my car lmao. It has the basic SR swap with S15 T28, 550CC injectors, Mild street tune off of a SAFC, front mount intercooler, Koyo Rad, and the motor list can go on and on but hearing that would bore everyone lol.  On the chassis/suspension side it has: Ksport coilovers, PBM RUCAS and Toe Rods Gen.2, Custom powerbrace made by Jesse Hanna, 300ZX brakes and 5 Lug swap, and a good ol’ welded diff, CUSCO 6 pt roll cage. At one point the car had a body kit but that got thrashed so now its stock body FTW! I’m sure there’s a couple more things but now I feel like im just ranting about my bucket lol.  All and all the car is a lot of fun for being a daily driver and a weekend track go’er, but sadly the motor started knocking and now it is pulled out of the car and new replacement is going in but I think a total revamp of the car is past due! Vehicle is now in transformation mode, So stay tuned!!

Vd – Do you see yourself competing in the future?

EA – Yes, that is a for sure thing on the agenda! It seems like every time a new VPA would start, my car would go and take a dump on me causing me to be to not be able to compete, but with this revamp of the car I am trying to shoot for next year of ProAm and be ready once competition time is coming around. So see you guys at VegasProAM 2012!

Vd – If “flash mob” riots broke out in Vegas, would LB go looting for tires?

EA – hahaha knowing us we would most likely be a part of the flash mob! But free tires would be nice though!!

Vd – What advice would you give to someone that wants to start drifting?

EA – Don’t worry about the looks of your car in the beginning, just grab yourself a good running car and some decent coils and a welded diff and get out there and have some fun! When it all comes down to it all that really matters is SEAT TIME. You’re going to mess up in the beginning but just keep at it and before you know it driving a car straight is going to be rather boring haha

Vd – Well Edwin , thanks for the interview and keep us posted on your build. Is there anyone you would like to thank or shout out?

EA – First and foremost I would like to thank my mom and pop, Ashley for putting up with all my car nonsense and not letting it get between us haha, and definitely the band of brothers that I have “Limit Break” for always pushing each other to exceed our expectations, Mike Bolanos for all the advice he gives when I’m out on the track, all the photographers that are out at the events making our cars look good! (KidYosh, Larry Chen, ThirdEye Photography, 4Reel Productions.) Udrift! for having a weekly venue and last but certainly not least the VD staff(Nick D, Wes, Ray, Ace, Tommy, Danilo, Robert, and the list goes on and on) for putting up all the effort they always do when an event is going on, without you guys it would have been almost impossible to have organized events out here, cant thank you guys enough!! And to anyone else that I might have forgot I apologize but I am having a massive brain fart, but much thanks. Over and out!

Photo Credit
Larry Chen – driftfotos.com
Kid Yosh Photography – Kidyosh.com
Joel Cada – Third Eye Photography

Vd – Robert Chin, VD track staff and knowledgeable wrencher, has been a part of the local drift scene many years now and was one of the 2010 VegasProAm judges. Alright Rob,  tell us about your S-13 hatch. We know it was in hibernation mode for minute, but now that beast is fully operational.

RC – Running, not running… Its all the same right?? Actually the motor had recently experienced catastrophic failure after detonation melted down the sparkplugs and burned a hole on one of the pistons. Other than that, it runs great! We were out at a PCA track day that weekend, running the car hard for the first time since finishing up the car. The car had been running great all day, prior to the event’s last session. Currently the motor is as DDS performance for a rebuild but an engine swap may be in this car’s future. It should be back in action soon, but unfortunately I don’t have much time to get it running as quickly as I would like.  This car is actually my first 240sx that I had purchased back in 2005 (I think), completely stock, and fairly beat up. At the time I assumed the car would simply get beat up and thrown away. Never would I have imagined I would still own this car, or that it would look or function the way it does today. This car has been through the more common powerplant choices for these cars. Stock motor, KA-T and now SR20 (KA-T was, by far, my favorite).  This car has definitely been one of the the most involved projects I have undertaken. For the most part, the car is self/community built. I have been very fortunate to know many tremendous people whose hard work and dedication were invaluable in the development of this 240sx. I definitely couldn’t have done it without them.  Click Here to view Robert’s build thread!

Vd – What are you plans for VPA Round 3?

RC – The engine problems have unfortunately ended this season for me. I had originally planned on running the first three rounds of the series.

Vd – Do you think it pays off to learn the ropes with a stock KA.

RC – Absolutely, it is where myself and many others 240sx owners I know have started. In general, I feel that the experience gained from driving and drifting lower power (maybe slower) cars is invaluable to a driver. There is something to be learned from driving all different types of cars and setups. It seems like in recent years there has been a trend in beginners moving away from these less modified, less powerful cars. It is truly a shame. It used to be that, among grassroots drivers, High powered dedicated track cars were more of the exception than the rule. The best advice I can give any novice driver is: Start small and simple, work your way up, and have fun!

Vd – What are your views on Japanese pros versus American pros?

RC – At this point, I feel the only difference is purely in driving style. Both Japanese and Americans drivers are tremendously talented. Anyone that thinks otherwise is fooling themselves.

Vd – What is the best local strip club you’ve been to?

RC – I’d have to say Treasures takes the cake and definitely can offer a quality experience. At the end of the day, it depends on what you want but many of the other ones are either too crowded, too dumpy, or have less (if any) good looking girls. Some places what will remain unnamed are just flat out terrible. Beware of these places!

Vd – You’ve witnessed the local scene since it’s infancy. Tell us how far the scene has come.

RC – Its phenomenal! As many “old guys” can tell you, Vegas used to have next to nothing. It used to be almost exclusively street drifting and Thursday night meets with maybe the occasional event once a year. For the longest time, local drivers were forced to travel out of state to see any track time. While part of me gets a bit of a nostalgic feeling thinking about the old days (and some potentially reckless behavior), the new local drift scene is amazing and an excellent opportunity for any aspiring local driver!

Vd – Tell us about your career goals outside of drifting?

RC – Currently, I’m working on my professional degree at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine (shadow lane campus). In a few years here I will be a licensed and practicing dentist. While its been quite tough, it has also been greatly rewarding. Never before would I have thought that I would be doing some of the things I am now, it’s pretty unbelievable. You never really know someone until you’ve seen the inside of their mouth!

Vd – Thanks for the interview Robert. Is there anyone you would like to thank or shout?

RC – My friends and family as well as everyone that has helped me out and been there for me over the years, the VegasDrift crew, the guys at DDS performance, Paladin Advanced Automotive, and Socal Speedshop (I’m sure there’s more). Also don’t forget, Cfinch and Joel!
Photo Credit

Joel Cada  – Third Eye Photography

Vd – With this being his second VegasProAm season, Brandon is far from new to competitions. Ok, tell us about yourself and how you got into drifting.

BW – As embarrassing as it is to say I was a victim of Initial D. I gained an interest in the AE86 and drifting after first watching the show. Having previously owned a Mitsubishi Cordia and a Honda Civic I was caught up pretty heavy at the time in the VW scene driving a 1985 GTi. In 2001 a friend of mine saw an AE86 GTS for sale close to where I lived and told me about it. I bought it the next day for $400. I fell in love immediately with RWD. My attitude quickly went from JDM Initial D fantasy to a harsh reality that drifting is not easy, especially with an open diff and stock 15 year-old suspension. After years of autocross and automotive immaturity I stumbled across what would become some of my best friends who were also drift enthusiasts. By this time (2007) Utah’s first organized drift event was held. Over the years of owning a corolla I had turbocharged and subsequently blown up a stock 4ag, swapped a 4agze and also blew it up and then bought another corolla with a good running stock blue-top. It was with this car that I learned to drift. Looking back I can’t imagine any better platform to learn the basics of drifting. Corollas are SOOOO hard to drift! They make almost any other car seem easy. The following year I was cursed with buying an s13 and turning my back on the AE86, at least for drifting, I still have love for the corolla. Since owning an s13 I have been through 4 chassis’, 6 KA24E, 1 CA18DET and an SR20DET. In 2008 GT Live came to Utah and I qualified 9th which earned me an invite to the Red Bull FD licencing event in Long Beach. With no roll cage or safety equipment I had to pass. But I was hooked on competition level drifting. Ever since then I’ve been attending Vegas Drift events.

BW – 2010 was a very fun year for me despite much disappointment and failure. My particular SR20 engine setup was very unreliable. I had oiling problems (replacing crank and bearings twice that season) and I was continuously replacing bad turbos with other cheap unreliable turbos. The car made 350hp but wouldn’t run without smoking or soaking the MAF in oil. Round 1 I drove my turbo corolla and qualaified 7th but with no safety gear I couldn’t compete. Round 2 I broke my transmission on the line for my 1st qualaifying run. I did place 2nd behind Odi at round 3 and drove to the podium with a rod knock haha. Round 4 was by far the most fun. The course was much faster than we were used to and the Pro-Am drivers really stepped up the level of driving. At the end of that event (at which I placed very low in the tandem comp) I was surprised to be awarded the Wild Card invitation to the Pro-Am Nationals at Irwindale. I still joke that the Wild Card was really the pity card in my case because I had done so poorly that season. The judges told me it was because I had shown improvement over the season and they believed my car was holding me back. Nevertheless I prepared my car and attended the event. I broke a transmission in practice (2nd time that season) but thankfully George Kilada had a spare. During qualifying my MAF was getting soaked in oil and causing my car to cut out. Then to top it off I lost an intercooler coupler and in an instant my weekend and my season were over.

BW – After being mechanically cursed in the 2010 season I decided to invest time and money into a reliable high-torque powerplant. No it’s not a V8. Toyota’s 1JZ seemed a good fit for me not only because of it’s ability to make reliable power but also a nearly indestructible transmission which broke last round. So far I am pleased with it’s 381hp. It is a very smooth powerband and the sound of that engine is very unique and very sexy. It seems thought that the mechanical curse has followed me into this season since the 1JZ starved for fuel at this last round and melted 2 pistons. At this very moment it is in pieces and being rebuilt with some CP pistons and ARP hardware thanks to Driftmotion.com who is sponsoring our team this year. The transmission is being fitted with Marlon Crawler parts to strengthen it’s few weaknesses. As far as other modifications on my s13, I have modified knuckles and steering rack combined with MAX inner tie rods and z32 outers for increased angle.

BW – I must say that tandem run was one of the funnest I’ve had in a competition. Keeping in mind I had just dealt with extinguishing a fire under the hood of my car after my qualifying run, I was still high on adrenaline. I spoke with Gary to tell him that I had lost first gear and would be starting in 2nd so I may need him to adjust his speed to compensate for my handicap. The first run with me leading felt good but every time I looked back Gary was right on me. With such tough competition I felt like I needed to really get close and stick to him to get the win. I remembered that Gary had specifically asked me to not hit his car since he lives in Hawaii and keeps his car in Las Vegas making it difficult to repair. When we launched, I tried to get a good start due to lack of first gear and I ended up taking off too fast. By the first initiation we were side by side. I initiated behind Gary and by the middle of the corner had caught up and we made contact (still very sorry Gary). As a result I spun out. Just for fun I cut through the 2nd turn to catch up and finish the run in tandem. It was very fun driving with Gary. His rear wheel left a nice half moon mark on my passenger door.

BW – Trackside Drift is an organization that hosts local drift events in Utah. As the founder I can say that I get less seat time hosting an event than all the participants. There is so much work and stress that goes into hosting an event it makes me appreciate that much more the effort that Nick and the Vegas Drift staff put into these events. I would like to thank Vegas Drift for all the work they do providing us a venue to drift on a competitive level. Make sure not to take for granted what they do for us as drivers. It is an awesome series. In Utah we have had some struggles in our drift community. We lost a long-time drift site but have continued to hold events at Miller Motorsports Park. This year Trackside Drift has teamed up with LapBattle.com to create a more affordable drift series. We would love to see some Vegas drifters come up and make an appearance. Check out DriftUtah.com and LapBattle.com.

BW – The best advice I can give to anybody new to drifting is…

First: Don’t try to make your car more powerful to start out. True drifting isn’t about power. It is about skill. Power just makes a better show.

Second: Coilovers and a welded diff are all you need for most cars to learn how to drift. Just get behind the wheel and go to events. Many people tell me they are afraid to look dumb in front of everyone while learning. We’ve all been there. Just get out and do it.

Third: For lot’s of people drifting is a lifestyle. It is more that just fun on the weekend. Make friends with other drifters. Attend all the meets and events you can. Even if you don’t drive, the drift community is made up of some good people. I have made a lot of good friends just by attending events.

BW – Check out www.D-Spare.com or add Dspare drift parts on facebook. That is a site we started to sell used parts to help fund our drift team. Buy stuff! Thanks to Driftmotion.com for their help. They had all the parts in stock we needed to rebuild the 1JZ and it was in the mail the day after we got back from blowing the engine. Thanks to Derrick Lopez for changing my transmission in 45 min at Irwindale last season and building my roll cage. Thanks to my wife Amber for being supportive of my passion over the years. She went with me to my first Vegas Drift event at Nellis in 2009 shortly after we had met. Thanks to my awesome team Jose Mendez and Joe Baclawski. Thanks to all the other drivers and teams that support our team by bringing us your tires for mounting and helping with tools and parts whenever needed.

Photo Credit

Kid Yosh Photography – Kidyosh.com
Third Ey3 Photography – http://gallery.third3ye.net/