Formula D Round 1: Streets of Long Beach

Words and Photos by Gilbert

The Formula D Season kicks off its first event on the Streets of Long Beach. Traditionally the weekend before the Long Beach Grand Prix and this year continues to do so.  Unfortunately for myself, I couldn’t get track-access so I didn’t get to go up close to the drifting action to shoot the coverage, but I still did my usual thing covering all the lovely ladies working the show.  Although there wasn’t exactly a model lounge, it kinda makes things a bit interesting to find models spread throughout the venue.  Although, I apologize for completely missing the JDM Sport booth, I heard there was a large group of models chilling over there.  Also, I need to give a big Shoutout to Freddie of Autofashion x TrendyVape for giving me a spot to camp out and put my gear down when I needed a break. Also, be sure to check out TrendyVape when you’re down in San Diego for your Vaping needs!

My E-Vic wrapped with the custom Hello Kitty print from TrendyVape. Super trendy.

Freddie helping customers with their first fills

Ashley Clark at the OMG Drift Booth

Julie Mai and Brittani Paige were at the NOS Booth

Raquel Estrella

Amanda Kerr & Ashley Clark

Falken Tires

Hankook Tires, Erica Nagashima

Nikita Esco at the Mishimoto Booth

Big Abe

Holly Lee

Didn’t catch her name…

Hayle Cayaga

Arley Elizabeth

Ken Gushi

April Yi for Achilles Radial

Ngan Vo

Deena Kacie Bayles

Sorry, I didn’t catch her name

Brittani Paige

Erica Ocampo

Gina Darling and Beckie Joon were on the scene for Roll Models

Michelle Yee at Motegi Wheels

Janey B

K1 Speed Models

Sorry, I didn’t get the names of the models at Silk Road Auto, if anyone can fill me in, comment below!

Danielle Lo

Natalia Marie for NOS Energy Drink

Julie Mai for NOS Energy Drink

Sandra Wong for Nitto tires, which turned into a mini photoshoot.

Later in the day, I spotted a big crowd gathered together in the walkway, so I headed over for a look thinking there might’ve been a fight or something, turns out it was a couple of kids in a dance battle.

Then throughout the day, there was more silliness from the models

Formula D Round 7: Title Fight, Irwindale, CA Part 1

Words and photos by Gilbert.

For the finals of the Formula D 2012 Season, Irwindale Raceway was the battleground in which Rhys Millen, Daigo Saito and many other professional drifters were seeking the top prize for the year.  The event was in conjunction with Slammed Society car show in the vendor area and definitely drew some major crowds.  It was a sold out show bringing many different kinds of enthusiasts in to attendance along with many of the top companies today.  I’ll have to divide up the coverage as there was a lot going on as well as shooting with a couple different themes in mind.

Our very own Steve was showing his GT-R in the SpoCom Booth with some fresh new wheels.

I also spotted fellow photographer/contributor for Its JDM Yo!!! Keith “Keychain” showing his ride in the Slammed Society Showcase

Noticed Kevin from Autofashion giving his FR-S a good wipedown in the morning.

Had a little fun with Big Abe at the NOS VIP Suite. Letting Abe build his own burger resulted in this:

So now we get to the Its JDM Yo!!! Pointing Hand version 2.0

That’s all for now, Part 2 coming.