By:  Antonio Alvendia

The Pacific Northwest has a really strong grassroots drifting scene, and the Evergreen Pro Am really stood up to the hype, or lack thereof. That’s right, I said lack – I don’t think these Pro Am drivers get enough attention.

Pro Am drivers are the unsung heroes of professional drifting. Most of these guys don’t have any sponsors to help with travel or car building expenses. Many don’t even have much coveted tire sponsorships. However, they persistently and repeatedly show up time and time again to all the track events, paying their dues and showing what they’re made of.

It just so happens that the Evergreen Pro Am drivers impressed me; not just because of their hard work and dedication to drifting, but because their cars have style… and it’s the cars that get me hyped. I think I’ve seen enough stripped out ghetto built, busted up drift cars to last a lifetime. So let’s shine a light on the cars and drivers of the Evergreen Pro Am. This is real drifting! click here to continue

While in Washington last year, during the 2008 season for Formula Drift, Tommy Suell experienced multiple catastrophic engine failures with his sr20det powered AE86 corolla. Fortunately, the grassroots community in WA/Canada made us realize how awesome the Northwest Drifting Community is. The “Comrades” the name by which a number of different drift groups in the northwest area identify themselves, had come to our aide during our drifting adventure in the Pacific Northwest. Some of these individuals have even driven out of their home country to pursue the sport they love!

One year and few motors later, we had the opportunity to catch up with one of our Pro-Am Comrades from Canada, Trent Stromkins.

VD: Well Trent, how long did it take to get from where you live to Evergreen Speedway?
TS: Well I live in Vancouver, Canada and it takes us roughly 1.5 hrs from our house, past the border, and to Evergreen. (continue reading…)