Vd – With VPA 2011 being Mark’s first season of competition, he has earned a spot in the “Top 16″ for the first two rounds.  Mark, we know you’ve been in the scene for a while, give us a brief history of how you got into drifting.

MT – Well before drifting I was into autocross. I’ve autocrossed my 1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S and 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo. I’ve always known about drifting and wanted to try it but I never had enough money to buy extra tires and pay the entry fee to do a VD event. Most of you know my older brother, Marlon Tecson, and his “rootbeer” AE86, he also got into drifting after doing autocross and roadracing. One night during the weekly Thursday car meets a friend of mine told me about this place called U-Drift that just recently opened at the speedway and I just had to go check it out. I was there during the middle of December and pretty much have been drifting non-stop since then.

Vd – Tell us about the experience so far with your first competition season.

MT – My experience so far has been amazing. I have a great time drifting with all the drivers competing in the 2011 season. I’ve also learned that it doesn’t really matter what you have done to your car, although it helps, but how much seat time you get and just listening to the judges to be able to drive the line they want to see. One of the most important things I have learned is just have FUN!

Vd – What upgrades and mods have you done on your S-13? What was the build process?

MT – My car is pretty basic compared to some of the cars that are running this year. The usual SR20DET swap, welded diff, coilovers, links, and etc. No upgrades really except for a fuel pump, front mount intercooler, turbo elbow, downpipe, and custom exhaust. My motor is still running on the factory T25 turbo with stock wastegate. No boost controller or anything also. My build is pretty simple; I got the car a little over a year ago and just little by little I got the parts I have on it now. Even with it caged and all the vinyls and what not, I still do daily drive the car once in a while, though I try not to so much anymore because its such a cop magnet now.

Vd – What’s it like working at a 7 day a week drift park?

MT – Working at U-Drift is awesome. I pretty much have unlimited seat time. Whether I am drifting my car or instructing in one of our U-Drift rental cars; I still am getting practice in every day that I’m working. I’m constantly driving and learning every day. Not to mention crazy out of the blue drift sessions when Mike Bolanos and Jesse Hanna roll through during some late nights! I am extremely lucky to be working at U-Drift, especially since I am competing in VPA 2011, I get to practice and practice and practice.

Vd – What other hobbies and interests are you involved in if your not getting seat time?

MT – I literally eat, sleep, and drift 24/7 haha. But if I’m not drifting I’m either hanging out with my girlfriend, friends, watching tv or movies. Spending time listening to music, facebook, youtube, car forums, watching drift videos, nothing out of the ordinary. I am rarely NOT drifting though so I don’t have much time to get into other hobbies.

Vd – Thanks for the interview Mark. Are there any sponsors or people you would like to mention?

MT – There are a number of people I’d like to thank. My girlfriend, who is my number one supporter and is always pushing me to do my best and just have fun. My older brother Marlon, for being part of my crew doing events, being my spotter and helping me set up my car. My boss and co-workers at U-DRIFT, without them I wouldn’t be competing at all this year. Brennan at 702 Graphics, for sponsoring me for round 2. Eladio Rodriguez at H1Performance for the excellent alignment. Mike and Dino at X13 Fabrication for helping me with some wiring and welding work. My parents, sisters, brother, and friends for supporting me! I’d also like to thank all of you guys behind the scenes. Nick, Mike, Ray, Tommy, Wes, Ace, and the rest of the VD Staff! You guys are awesome!

Photo Credit

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

Vd – After VPA rd 2 we were able to catch up with Mike “BOMAC” Bolanos, a seasoned driver/instructor and judge for the VegasProAm series. Mike, what are your thoughts on the series after the first two rounds?

MB – First of all, I would like to say my greetings to all the VD members and supporters. Thanks for always supporting your grassroots drift community. Moving on to the 1st Vd Check-Up question. So, what exactly is in my thoughts towards the VPA series??? I’m very excited! This year definitely has a lot of flavors in the menu. From the local support and from our friends from CA, AZ, CO, NM, UT, and etc. I can’t disregard last years success but this season is definitely a positive movement towards FD standards and the newer breed of drivers are very good. I would say that 2011 is a good year for Vegas so far.

Vd – Coming from the judges booth, which was the closest and hardest battle to “make the call” on from Round 2?

MB – Without a doubt, semi-finals battle (top 4) between George Marstonovic (AZ) and Brandon Patterson (CA). As I remember before the OMT, non of the judges agreed to one winner. Judge #1 scored George, Judge #2 Brandon, and Judge #3 OMT. I was really blown away on how these drivers performed this round compared to all previous rounds in the VPA series since 2010. Of course each event has its own story, but the last round was definitely ranked #1 in my books. Its like watching FD or D1 live, except I was actually a part of judging these excellent drivers. The most exciting VPA Top 16 by far!!

Vd – Give us an update on your S-13.

MB – The update is… it’s still the same car! haha. I know I have mentioned before that I was planning on building a new chassis in hopes of participating couple rounds in FD. Lets just say that the hope met it’s demise and will be sticking to grassroots until further notice… maybe join VPA 2012. Don’t quote me on that! On the real, my s13 coupe was revived. I was able to get the rear end damage somewhat straightened out (good enough) and a make over on the front end and new paint. Car came out really good I wasn’t expecting that kind of result, i’m really happy with it. Took longer than expected (1 year) my last event with that car was May 28th, 29th 2010 for the VegasDrift/Justdrift Balcony event. Thanks to my Dad’s S13 hatch I was able to continue driving while the coupe project was in the works.

Vd – What’s your take on the wave of V8 swaps?

MB – Wave? more like a tornado with the means of destruction. I can’t hate on them, I would love to own one and would be nice to actually compete with power like that. Great power comes with great responsibility! You better have deep pockets for tires! haha. It does make the level of drifting go up a notch. Less motor issues with a lot more efficient horses to count on. Definitely different from your common drifting laws. I bet it’s really fun to drift one, but for now I can only imagine that feeling.

Vd – Being an old 86 driver, what are your thoughts on drifting with low HP?

MB – My thoughts haven’t change a bit. from a 4AGE powered corolla, S13 with single bangers or KA DOHC and etc. I think if you can give your self a chance to learn from a low hp cars you get to experience a lot more. Nothing wrong with low HP cars as longs as you can have fun with it.

Vd – Do you think the experience of judging has giving you something to apply to your driving?

MB – Most definitely! It’s different when you concentrate on setting the standards on the track that you are judging on. Drifting is a motor sport art, it is really important that you follow what the judges want. Sometimes when you are out there, you have to imagine how good you can look from the judges stand point. It’s like impressing your dads gf, no matter how clean you look if you are sloppy you don’t get any points.

Vd – What is your favorite 80′s band and movie?

MB – 80′s band? a lot, I’m pretty versatile with my music selection, from jazz, r&b, hip-hop, soul, and alternative. Up to this point I still believe that the 80′s towards the mid 90′s were the best years of music. For my best movie, it has to be “TOPGUN” I cant tell you how many times I’ve watched that movie and never ever got tired of it. You always want to play the best guy in a movie… in this case, who is your iceman?

Vd – Thanks for the interview Mike! We will see you at round 3 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Is there anyone you would like to mention or thank?

MB – Thanks Wes! And Thank you VegasDrift and Staff. As I always say and remind myself, I’m very proud to be a part of this organization. Drifting has been a passion for me ever since the 1st day I kicked the clutch of my corolla. To the OG people, new breeds, and future stars Thank you! You guys are a big part of VD’s success.

To Family and close friends who have always been there, Thanks for all the support!

To Justdrift for helping me out since I started being a regular driver and an instructor.

Thank you:
Maxxis Tires
Replay HD
AIT RACING
HPS
UDrift
BCE Designs
J’Spec
The Shop
Brian Camacho

Photo Credit

Larry Chen – Driftfotos.com
‘Sa Jamil Hogan “KidYosh” – Kidyosh.com
Joal Cada – Third Eye Photography

Vd – We’re here with Eugene “Driftaholic” Remishevskiy, tell us about yourself and what got you into drifting.

ER – Well to start I am 28 years young, 6’1″ in height, muscular built and very handsome, I enjoy long walks on the beach and romantic candlelit dinner, OH SHIT!, wrong site! LMAO!

Originally I am from Russia, raised in the U.S. and have been around cars all my life thanks to my dad. I always loved cars and have had many “nice cars” and then it all changed one beautiful day in August when I attended the Formula Drift Las Vegas in 2009. Since then, drifting has become my hobby, addiction, obsession and main subject in marriage counseling lol no I am serious tho…. I purchased an 89 Nissan 240SX from a guy in AZ, some of you may know him, Mike Burns, it was a drift ready car with a roll cage, sr20 and a suspension. Since I knew zero about drifting, all I wanted to do was learn how to drift and this car was a perfect start. A lot of stuff broke and I was forced to do most of the work myself, at that time I knew no difference in KA vs Sr20 all I knew my car had a turbo lol. Long story short, that car was a great jump start into drifting and I knew what I wanted and didnt want in the car that I would build for myself…

Vd – Tell us about your S13 and the work put into it.

ER – I got the green S13 as a total stripped shell from Traverse. He had an extra one laying around lol. I started from stitch welding the whole chassis, making some oversize tubs, and adding a rollcage and dimple die gussets. I knew nothing about welding I just got a TIG and started making a mess. (that’s how you learn… just do it). I used most of the parts from my old car, cheap ksport suspension , engine and transmission, I had a bigger turbo ecu and injectors. I made it look pretty with a body kit 40mm front and 50mm rear overs and to top it off, a bright green paint job done in my garage. I took the car out for a Vegasdrift event and had a major problem with oil disappearing… car was running with no power and on the second event my motor blew……RIP!   All I wanted to do is drift and in the course of one year I became a mechanic, painter ,welder, designer, engineer and a slave to my car lol I was tired and wanted something reliable so I can actually have fun with my hobby and focus on getting better at driving. The choice was really easy to make LS1 with T56 six speed tranny Monster six puck racing clutch and light weight flywheel. I used well known Sikky kit which included oil pan, engine mounts, tranny mount and headers. I got a Nascar radiator to make sure I wont have overheating problems not realizing that the size of it was to fit in a dump truck lol….. well some how I made it work. Also got an oil cooler and so far no cooling issues. (Click here to view Eugene’s Build Thread)

Vd – Congratulations on being the #1 qualifier (score of 89) and winning Retaks’ “Insane Entry” award for VegasProAm round 1. Tell us about the experience with your first drifting competition.

ER – First of all, I was feeling sick and scared for a whole month before the competition!!!! Calling my brother ( William ) and Travers and bothering them with ” OMG I am so scared, what am I doing, I am going to suck, maybe I should start competing next year. ” and all sorts of worrying. Once the day came and the practice started I was just having fun. I was running random used tires for practice so my runs were not really consistent. In the last hour of practice I put a set of new tires and damn what a difference. I was trying to get more consistent, asking VD staff for help, thank you Bomac for your help that day. Qualifying started and I was a worried wreck again, lol, waiting in the line for my turn felt like eternity and I got a “0″ for hitting a cone. Waiting for my second run I almost threw up got in the car and my favorite song came up by Ying Yang Twins “Salt shaker” and I was in my zone…….. yea right!!!!!! The song was pretty good but I still had no idea what the hell I was doing. Started from second gear straight into third and initiation was super fast, no E-brake just a clutch kick in third gear. I thought for sure I was spinning but instead I got the “Insane Entry” award thanks to Ying Yang Twins…LOL! Finished up with some left foot braking and lots of smoke and I truly surprised myself. ( I had no idea I can do all that ) Event was great! I love Vegasdrift and Drifting!!! I think its really keeping me and lots of guys like me out of TROUBLE.

Vd – Which should come first in a build; suspension, power or dry dock until it’s all finished?

ER – I would say suspension!!! When I started my build, I had a little bit of everything but if I would choose one, it would definitely be suspension, look at my brother William and his 240sx stock KA and coils. He gets more drive time than me cuz I am too busy changing tires.

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

ER – Reliability is the key. Less time you spend fixing stuff the more time you are driving. Being consistent is very important! That’s how you can get better but if your car is not 100% all the time, it’s hard being consistent and keeping focus on driving. So don’t complicate things just make it work good and drive.

Vd – What are your thoughts on the Las Vegas drifting scene?

ER – I have been in the car scene all my life. Russia, Florida, California and Vegas and let me say that I am glad to see a car scene where people actually use their cars and not just build them and just stand around them. Now the fact that we can do it all legal, that’s what’s amazing and once again thank you Vegasdrift for making it all happen. I love the people in the scene who help each other by actually helping and doing work and also the critics that talk shit and motivate you even more to do it your way lol.

Vd – Alright Eugene, once again congrats on the Retaks entry award, we’ll see you at VegasProAm round 2. Is there anyone you would like to thank or mention?

ER – Where do I start, well first let me thank my number one sponsor, my beautiful wife Laila! Without her approval, none of this would of ever happen. My brother William for helping and listening and agreeing with my weird ideas, Travers for teaching me the right way to do things cuz in Russia we just use a hammer to make things fit. Angel, who is my best critic so got to give him credit, thanks man! Karpo, my Armenian buddy for helping me a lot at the Rd1, now he wants to drift his 4dr G35, that will be cool! Everlast Welders for supplying amazing machines for mad Russian fabrications, Kyle DDS for putting up with me coming to the shop twice a day every day my car was in the shop. Rueben, Martin, Blane, Matthew ( Williams friend ), Matt that sold me LS1, Matt the hillbilly kid, Dave for taking awesome pictures, HeybroitsRay, Griffin, Josh and of course Vegasdrift staff, you guys always making it happen for us, Thank you guys.

Photo Credit

Joel Cada ——>Third 3ye Photography

Gage Grizovic

Vegasdrift kicked off it’s ProAm season on April 23rd at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring Lot. A total of 30 local and out of state drivers, from California, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and even Hawaii went Door to Door for a chance at winning one of three Formula Drift licenses.

(Formula Drift and Japanese D1 driver) Ernie Fixmer, (FD licensed) Mike Bolanos, and (FD licensed) Tommy Suell explain line criteria.

First place went to part-time actor and former Formula Drift license holder Andy Hateley. Second place was awarded to Josh Guild. Tony Cisneros came in third giving him 86 points total for round 1.

(From the left, J. Guild, A. Hateley, T. Cisneros)

Josh Guild(red s14) and Andy Hateley(Blue 350) battle for first place. Guild stated “The intank walbro died on the last tandem battle of the day but it still was a great day.”

Tony Cisneros was able to secure third place after a close battle with U-Drift instructor Mark Tecson

And #1 qualifier and winner of the Retaks “Insane Entry” award was Eugene Remishevskiy!

Click on the Bracket to view full size.

#29 Joel Mondragon from Arizona leads the way in his 2003 350z as former Formula Drift license holder Andy Hateley gives chase!

(From left to right) Robert Chin, Danilo Nagrampa and Nick Dizon share a laugh about the time Danilo ate an entire Party size submarine sandwich with chips and a drink.

#40 Gary Ganotisi of Hawaii leads in a tandem battle against California driver #23 Brandon Patterson. Gary is a long time supporter of VegasDrift and owns and operates a paint and body shop in Hawaii called “JS4KIX”

Jim Guthrie in his 96 RX-7 came out from New Mexico

Ace Alcaraz, veteran VegasDrift staff member and Baydestrian, works behind the scenes at the starting grid.

Zachery Hitchcox from Team Verzus in his 93 S13

2010 VegasProAm contender Brandon Wicknick came out from Utah and made it into the “Top 16″

Mark Tecson came in 4th place and is an instructor over at U-Drift. U-Drift is a 7 day a week drift clinic!

Hey I thought that was a spittoon…not a cooler.

VegasProAm Judge Ernie Fixmer(Orange Dstroyr Hat) rules in favor of the victorious horseplay.

VegasProAm Round 1 points

VegasDrift would like to thank all of the round 1 participants and sponsors.
* 702 Graphics
* AIT Racing
* Baker Precision
* Belle 1 Racing Communications
* Brian Crower
* CP-Carrillo
* Dstroyr
* Emergency Hookers
* Formula Drift
* Godspeed Project
* HPS Silicone Hoses
* RETAKS Backpacks
* Sparco USA
* U-Drift

SEE YOU AT ROUND 2 ON JUNE 11 @ THE LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photo Credit
Joel Cada – Third Eye Photography
Kid Yosh – www.kidyosh.com
Jon Chase – DSTROYR

Vd – Ok Traverse, tell us about yourself and what motivated you to start drifting.

TH – My name is Traverse Hilsabeck, I’m 27 years old, been here in Vegas for 17 years originally from Lakewood, California. Ive always been into a lot of motor sports and extreme sports like skateboarding, dirt biking, drag racing, ATVs, mini bikes, street bikes, and off road racing. But as i got older and my body kept breaking i decided to go back to what i always enjoyed best was building and driving cars. I got my first 240sx coupe when i was 18 and fell in love with the S- chassis since day one. I learned to drift in un-paved roads and dirt lots with my underpowered car and all my off road experience helped with the sliding around. When I finally got over my off road phase I had enough money to finally build me a nice street worthy drift car. And the madness began….. This was the first car I did VD events in. I believe it was VD 13. After a year I sold my chassis to Eugene and bought the Black and Yellow shell with plans to run the 2010 VD pro-am. The building process took pretty much the whole year leaving me out of drift commission for almost a year. But the overall results were well worth it and everyone will see me out this year for sure.

Vd – We know your S13 hatch was in dry dock for a while, and had some serious upgrades. Tell us about it.

TH – Ya the build process took me longer than expected due to me always wanting to make it better and was trying to do it all right the first time. Also being around Forrest really motivated me to make my car super reliable and simplified by building it for purpose and style. But patience was well worth it and the car shows in the quality and reliability. I’m currently have a stock SR20 red top block with an upgraded Cosworth head gasket and ARP studs. Gt3076 turbo with a ram horn Fullrace style manifold with Tial 38mm waste gate, with a custom mid mount intercooler and piping. The exhaust goes out of custom down pipe to 3″ Tanabe G-force Medallion exhaust. Drawing in the air threw a Greddy polished intake manifold mixing fuel with Nismo 740cc injectors mounted in a billet Circuit Sports fuel rail. Everything is kept in line with a Apexi Power FC D Jetro and tuning done by Insane Speed. Making about 360hp at the wheels now with the current setup and reliable as ever. All custom aluminum catch cans and reserviors made to harness the fluids, power steering cooler, oil filter relocation and oil cooler, custom bubbler setup and Koyo radiator, with dual electric fans. everything has been done in AN fittings and black braided nomex hose to keep it simple and easy. Greddy rs blow off valve and 4 inch custom intake with K&N filter. The chassis was reinforced with full roll cage and chassis gussets from front to back along with front and rear bash beams. full suspension setup with all Megan V2 links all around, JIC coil overs, urethane and solid bushings, Get Nuts steering knuckles, Custom rack spacers and rack relocation to get maximum angle and smoke. Definitely a lot done and too much to list. (Click HERE to see Traverse’s build thread)

Vd – Which should come first in a build, suspension or power? Please elaborate.

TH – Honestly its a combination of both for me. A stock SR is plenty of power for me to have fun in it but if it doesn’t have the suspension to hold it on the ground u spend more time spinning in circles then drifting. My first street car I built was a stock sr with coil overs, RUCA’s, Toe links, Tension rods, and Tien tie rods. The car was the most fun to learn in and reliable to beat up every time I took it to the track. And then had to drive it home and around like most of the guys do here in Vegas. But power isn’t everything. A well balanced car with suspension is far more important especially if u want your Angle and Style to be consistent. Steering modifications are becoming a must these days to be competitive and knowing what you need to do to achieve MORE ANGLE. Becoming comfortable with your car is also important and once its feels solid adding power is always easier to learn than learning the feel of a car.

Vd – So VegasProAm is awarding 3 Formula Drift licenses for the 2011 season. We know your competing in VegasProAm this year. Do you have plans on competing in any other ProAms?

TH – I wanted to try to do the top drift series as well as Vegasdrift if funding allows me. I would even like to make a few west coast Xdc’s if the dates don’t coincide. Funding is also a concern being a privateer money is only limited to make things happen but i do what ever it take to get out there. My main focus of the year is to run Vegas Drift pro-am and to hopefully do well to get one of those license. Its a goal to shoot for this year but the most important thing is to keep getting better and overall HAVE FUN!! Hopefully my driving can take me to where I want to go in this sport which is to make a living doing what I love drifting!!!!

Vd – If you weren’t drifting a 240 what other car would you choose? Why?

TH – I really want a R32 four door Skyline with an rb26 with about 500whp. I always like the long four door and still sticking to the Nissan roots. The RB motors have always been a favorite of mine and might even be a future motor swap. Just getting a hold of an r32 is not the easiest of task.

Vd – As far as diffs go, welded or 2 way?

TH – I like welded and that’s what i currently have now on my car. Reason being CHEAP and EASY to fix and replace. You don’t have to buy expensive oil and it doesn’t make weird noise’s unless its broke. Then you just replace it cause its so cheap to do. the cost effectiveness is just to great to waste time with 2-ways especially when you just beat the hell out of it.

Vd – What are your thoughts on the Las Vegas drifting scene?

TH – The scene here in Vegas is always growing and getting better. The quality of cars and builds coming out of Vegas are starting to show. Thanks to the Vegas drift crew for keeping the scene alive threw all the hard times and giving most of us a place to stay out of trouble with our cars. The drift scene still is a smaller community and everyone here seem to mostly be good people and i am glad to be part of Vegas Drift.

Vd – Well Traverse, good luck this season at all the ProAms. Is there anyone you would like to thank or mention?

TH – Yes i would like to thank my parents Ken and Sherilyn and my brother Trent and his wife Ashleigh for all the financial help and support. Along with the rest of my family that puts up with my craziness. Too all my friends that have always helped me get the car done and out to events. Thanks to Forrest for all the inspiration and help along with Garret for painting, Jesse, Ray, Ben, Aj, Brotha Phil, Eugene and William, for all the help and support. To Nick and Wes for making Vegasdrift scene what its is and for giving me the opportunity to do this interview. Anyone else that has helped along the way everything is always appreciated.

Photo Credit
Larry Chen —->www.driftfotos.com
CW Photography
Jason Sudds
RB Photo