Drifting supporters petition against city-wide ban

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Hundreds of people showed up to watch what may have been Atlanta’s last drifting event on Sunday.

Drifting is when drivers take turns quickly and slide sideways.

Traditionally, there are six drifting events annually in the parking lot in front of Turner field.

Recently, following noise complaints, Atlanta’s City Council outlawed the sport within 1000 feet of residences.

Supporters feel like they have been unfairly targeted.

“This is where the amateurs come and practice and compete,” Kelly Lewis said.

“This is our home turf this is what we do, people have football, people have baseball, we have drifting and this is what we do,” Chris Ward said.

Ward is a professional driver who started out in Atlanta.

A number of people worry the city’s ban will lead to drifting on the streets.

“That’s one of the things that I do fear is that the kids will take it to the street, it’s something that I’m really fighting against,” Lewis said.

Drifting supporters started a petition and are optimistic that Atlanta’s mayor will veto the city council’s vote.

Strong Start to 2012 Formula Drift Season for Driver Aurimas Bakchis

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For immediate release – The 2012 Formula Drift pro championship kicked off at Round 1 in Long Beach, California on April 6 and April 7 and proved to be a success for driver Aurimas Bakchis (Odi) and the Team M7 Japan Nexen Tire Nissan S14.  Bakchis placed 15th in Round 1, further demonstrating that his 2011 “Rookie of the Year” title was well deserved.

Entering the season as the driver for Team M7 Japan, Bakchis debuted a new motor for his Nissan 240SX S14 chassis, upgraded suspension, and a new look.  With a field of 60 drivers qualification scores were tight; Bakchis ranked 30th after Friday’s qualifying round and was paired with Vaughn Gittin Jr. for the Top 32 tandem competition.

Gittin straightened during the first run of the Top 32 tandem round and Bakchis then led a strong, aggressive run that moved Bakchis on to the Top 16 main event.  Bakchis was paired with Ken Gushi for the Top 16 tandem competition.  Gushi led the first run and then failed to follow Bakchis on the second run in what was determined to be a false start by Bakchis.  After an exciting lead run by Bakchis, Gushi moved on to the next round and Bakchis finished the event tied for 15th place with Toshiki Yoshioka.

Round 1 was both exciting and successful for Bakchis, providing a strong start to the 2012 season.  The season promises to be exciting for Bakchis and his team as they prepare to head to the east coast for the next three rounds of Formula Drift.  Bakchis will be completing the season with the help of sponsors including M7 Japan, Nexen Tires, Feal Suspension, 702 Graphics, Clutch Masters, Torco, Drive M7 Energy Drink, Dstroyr, Battle Version, Swift Springs, EBC Brakes, Top Line, XXR Wheels, Sikky Manufacturing, and CBM Motorsports.