Drift Tengoku — October 2013

Hello, editors. I read Drift Tengoku every month. The title of my email was ‘What’s wrong with drift cars?’ Women really seem to dislike them. They say modified cars are too flashy, and I cannot understand why! Of course my drift car has a differential, roll cage, straight-through exhaust, and so on. But I’m 26 and currently trying to find a partner. Even when I meet someone I like, she seems to lose interest as soon as she sees my car. Yet many women do not mind modified sedans or minivans. Why are people who drift singled out? I drive safely and courteously on public roads and only drive on the circuit…

…even though I only drive on circuits, why do people have to look down on me? It makes me very sad. Editor, is this just the reality? / ‘Four-Country Marriage-Seeking Guy’ / ★ Yes, that is the reality! Street racers used to be popular, but now doing this can delay marriage. But remember: even if people see this hobby as rebellious, a man who keeps pursuing what he loves can be attractive in other ways. At least he is more manly than someone who drifts half-heartedly! Try dating without making drifting your whole identity. For example, if you really like an adult-film actress, you don’t tell every woman you meet about it, right? Think of it that way…

Would everyone at Drift Tengoku support me? Otherwise I may lose heart. Please send a sticker for my car. The attached picture is a radio-controlled car, but I hope to recreate it as a real car someday. / Masa, Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. ★ Students and people without much money—what do you think when you see students at track events? Resolve and passion can overcome that. Nobody is rich! Entries are actually declining every year. When people say young people are losing interest in cars, that may just reflect their own circle. They may not be part of a community of passionate car fans. Whether your dream of building a real drift car comes true depends on you!

It was really painful while I was dating someone, almost like looking for another man while already in a relationship—pretty serious, I know. I went a little over budget, but I do not regret it. People around me say, ‘They’re twins!’ or seem tired of hearing about it. Still, driving the car you truly want is best. They really are twins! The naturally aspirated car will soon be scrapped and used for parts for the turbo car. Our team still gets together now and then…

★ That comparison—being with someone but looking for another man—was funny. It really does sound that way. Maybe Shimacchi is now looking for someone who resembles her ‘late’ car! But owning two cars is not ideal; it is hard to give them equal affection. I think you should properly say goodbye to your previous car and carry its DNA into the next one.

Ahhh! I want to drive hard in a super-low car! / t·t, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture. ★ ‘Skilled and crazy’ is the root of drifting! But pursuing an extreme lowered style in the real world is harder than you imagine, so be prepared. People do not always talk about the hard work. Nothing compares to the heartbreak of damaging aero parts you just painted…