Import Tuner Interview with 2009 Miss FD, Miki Taka

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Import Tuner – May, 2010
Words and Photography By Carter Jung

With another season of Formula D almost upon us, what better way to kick off a new year of drift than to discuss the subject with a fine female? But who, might you ask? What girl could hold a decent conversation about the best tandem battle of ’09, judging criteria, their favorite drifter, let alone cars in general? Well, how about last year’s Miss Formula D, Miki Taka.

Genuinely JDM as Gundam, pixilated pr0n or a S15 Silvia, this Nagoya, Japan born bundle of kawaii can talk drift like one of the boys. And why wouldn’t she? She played host to seven rounds of FD across the nation and she’s more bi than a fixie. That’s right, not only is Miki into cars like the rest of the boys, she digs girls. Us? We’re just diggin’ her.

The last time you were in 2NR, we had you as a guest in Formula D Diaries where you talked about all the lessons learned from each round-which had the most impact?
The greatest lesson I would take from the entire season was to just have fun, be myself, and make the most of every moment and opportunity.

Any embarrassing moments you’d like to share?
Right before the awards ceremony for Round 2 in Atlanta, I was caught off-guard and rushed to the stage where I totally wiped out in front of a huge crowd! I got up afterwards and bowed. [laughs]

The bow was a nice touch. [laughter] What was your favorite round of FD?
That’s a hard one. There were aspects of every show that I really enjoyed. If I have to choose only one it would be Vegas . . . but what happens there stays there, right? [laughter] Seriously though, I enjoyed Vegas because it was where I really had a chance to hang out with the FD staff and drivers. I had been acquainted with most of them before, but it was there where I really got to know them. And being a Blackjack fan, the tournament was fun.

Speed, line, angle and overall impression are the judging criteria for drift. Which do you think is the most important?
I’d have to say that overall impression would be my choice as the most important. Sometimes it’s the ‘ooh’ impression left on the judges that can differentiate a good run from an awesome one.

If there was one, which two drivers would win the ‘Miss FD Best Battle of 2009’ award?
There were a lot of great ones but my favorite was between Ryan Tuerck and Katsuhiro Ueo in Las Vegas. They literally went toe-to-toe when Tuerck’s rear tire hit Ueo’s front tire, causing Tuerck to go airborne creating the infamous ‘bunny hop’. You can see the video on my website or on Formula D’s YouTube channel.

Who would win the ‘Miss FD Crash of 2009′ award?
Hmm . . . I don’t know that anyone would want to win for crashing, so I’ll go with Vaughn Gittin, Jr. for getting close as hell without crashing. I remember at Evergreen Speedway for Round 5, Vaughn just barely grazed his rear bumper against the wall of the track. For him to have touched the wall so lightly with the back of his car, without completely jacking it up, really impressed me!

Your favorite competition car?
My fave body style is the Nissan 350Z. Tyler McQuarrie, Robbie Nishida and Chris Forsberg all compete in one and Chris’ 350Z helped him win the 2009 champion, so I’d have to go with the Z33.

Did you partake in any ride-alongs?
Absolutely! There was no way I could let this season go by and pass up a ride-along.

Who was it with?
My first ride-along was with Ross Petty at Las Vegas. What made it especially cool was Ross had just installed the underbody lights on his car and the ride-along was at night. The second was at the Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, WA, with Justin Pawlak. The film crew got footage of that one, which was funny, because you could see how surprised I was when we took off! Drifting around the track is like a rollercoaster ride-a total adrenaline rush!

For more great images and the rest of the interview visit IMPORT TUNER

Formula DRIFT Charity Blackjack Tournament

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During the Formula DRIFT Round 4: All In event in Las Vegas the ID Agency helped coordinate the first annual Formula DRIFT Charity Blackjack Tournament. The tournament was held at the Aliante Hotel and Casino, the official hotel of Formula DRIFT Round 4, and called for drivers, sponsors, friends, and media members to make donations for entry that would go towards a good cause. 36 players joined the tournament including Formula DRIFT drivers champion Tanner Foust, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Chris Forsberg, and Ross Petty, Miss FD Miki Taka, judge Tony Angelo, the voice of Formula D, Jarod DeAnda, and of course a couple staff members and friends.

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Generous sponsors donated prizes that would were awarded to the winners including XBOX 360, copies of Forza 2 video game, Puma gift cards, a Meister watch, Oakley sunglasses, Rogue Status Apparel, Attic apparel, and a 2-night stay at the Aliante.

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After 3 rounds of competition the final table consisted of 6 players. Steve Choi, staff member of Formula DRIFT, walked away with the 1st place spot and his choice from the prize pool and elected to take the XBOX 360 and Forza 2 video game. 2nd place went to Formula DRIFT driver of the NOS Energy / Maxxis Tire Nissan 350Z and current points leader, Chris Forsberg who chose the PUMA giftcards and also received a Rogue Status apparel package. 3rd place went to ID Agency’s John Pangilinan, who received a Meister watch and Forza 2 game. Overall it was a very successful event for everyone including Formula DRIFT, Aliante, and of course the charity.

More Pics after the jump
Continue reading Formula DRIFT Charity Blackjack Tournament

FD Returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for RD 4: All In

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For Immediate Release

June 30, 2009

Formula DRIFT Returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Round 4: All In;
Professional and Amateur Drifters to compete at the 2-day event on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11

Long Beach, Calif. – June 30, 2009 – Formula DRIFT will return to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Round 4: All In on July 10-11. Featured events will include the Formula DRIFT Pro Championship and Pro Am competition.

Formula DRIFT returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Friday, July 10 will serve as a preview day with both Pro Am and the Formula DRIFT Pro Championship practice, qualifying, and driver autograph signing. Saturday, July 11 is the main event and will feature both the Pro Am Top 8 competition and Formula DRIFT Pro Championship Top 32 competition. The Top 32 format is new for the 2009 season and features more action and excitement than ever before. Gates open at 4:00 PM on both days with action continuing throughout the evening.

The Pro Am competition will feature the top drifters from the region and those hopeful to become a Formula DRIFT professional driver. Registration is still open and drivers can still register for this event. More information on registration can be found on www.formuladrift.com

Along with the on-track activities the vendor village and team pits will be open and fans can meet the drivers during the autograph session at 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, July 10. 2009 Miss Formula DRIFT Miki Taka will be in attendance for the event as well. Additionally, the JTuned.com Auto Gallery car show will take place on Saturday and fans can see some of Las Vegas’ hottest show cars. For drag racing fans the Wicked HP E.T. Bracket Series will be holding an event on the drag strip. And to add to the excitement of the event weekend, DJ Dynamixx will be providing music throughout the midway and a Bikini Jam will be held following the Formula DRIFT trophy ceremony hosted by Miss Las Vegas Drift Nationals, Jessica Barton.

To kick-off the event weekend, Formula DRIFT will be holding a free “Meet and Greet” with competition cars on display and drivers there on Thursday, July 9th from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with driver autographs from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the Town Square Mall located at 6639 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Formula DRIFT will also be holding the first ever charity blackjack tournament at Aliante Hotel and Casino on Thursday night. Participants will compete for prizes, while all the proceeds will go to charity. More information will be disclosed at a later date.

Tickets are still available for this event and start at $24 online and 2-day ticket packages are available. Tickets can be purchased via the Formula DRIFT website at www.formuladrift.com

Round 4: All In – Schedule of Events
(as of 6.29.09)

Friday, July 10, 2009
4:00 PM – Gates Open to the Public
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – FD Pro Am Qualifying
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Formula DRIFT Autograph Signing
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Formula DRIFT Open Practice
9:00 PM – 11:30 PM – Formula DRIFT Qualifying
12:00 AM – 1:00 AM – Formula DRIFT Open Practice

Saturday, July 11, 2009
4:00 PM – Gates Open to the Public
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – FD Pro Am: Top 8 Competition
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Formula DRIFT Competition: Round of 32
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM – Half-Time Break
9:30 PM – Opening Ceremonies
10:00 PM – Formula DRIFT Competition: Round of 16 to Finals

FD Introduces Miss Formula DRIFT 2009, Miki Taka

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Formula DRIFT Introduces Miss Formula DRIFT 2009, Miki Taka

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Long Beach, Calif. – June 16, 2009 – Formula DRIFT introduces the 2009 Miss Formula DRIFT, Miki Taka. Taka is an experienced model, TV host, and DJ has been chosen as the official spokesmodel for Formula DRIFT and will be at the remaining 4 events of the season.

Originally from Nagoya, Japan, Taka is a Japanese-American that currently resides in Columbus, OH. She is pursuing her degree in Criminal Law, while establishing herself as an import model with Prestigious Models. She has been featured in other events including NHRA, Goodguys, Hot Import Nights, Professional Bull Riders Tour (PBR), Tuaca Body Art Ball and now adds to her resume the title of Miss Formula DRIFT.

“Being chosen as Miss Formula DRIFT is a real honor,” says Miki Taka, 2009 Miss Formula DRIFT. “I am a huge fan of motorsports and look forward to this experience of a lifetime.”

Aside from modeling Taka has appeared in numerous television and film productions such as on VERSUS, Driftstyle on SPEED, and on Nickelodeon, where she interviewed celebrities. Taka is also a featured DJ at the hottest clubs around the country.

Miki is an avid automotive enthusiast and can be found wrenching on her own personal cars, a Lexus IS300 and Acura Integra.

“Miki is the perfect fit to be the 2009 Miss Formula DRIFT,” says Ryan Sage, vice-president of marketing and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “Her passion for cars and motorsports makes her a great representative for the series.”

Fans can meet Miss Formula DRIFT all season long during the events with her next appearance at Round 4: All In at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV on July 10-11.