The D1 Grand Prix series is up to it’s typical “screw you Drifting world, we are better” attitude and has told all of their drivers that they are not allowed to participate at the Redbull World Challenge. In a matter that seemed to be going on behind private doors until today when Formula D posted a full card of people who were offered spots for this event and D1 had a big DECLINED on the list.
D1GP D1GP Japan 1 of 6 invitations D1 requested DECLINED
D1GP D1GP Japan 2 of 6 invitations D1 requested DECLINED
D1GP D1GP Japan 3 of 6 invitations D1 requested DECLINED
D1GP D1GP Japan 4 of 6 invitations D1 requested DECLINED
D1GP D1GP Japan 5 of 6 invitations D1 requested DECLINED
D1GP D1GP Japan 6 of 6 invitations D1 requested DECLINED
Nob Taniguchi D1GP Japan 2001 Champ DECLINED – Prior engagement, race
Youichi Imamura D1GP Japan 2003 Champ DECLINED – D1 Not allow
Yasuyaki Kazama D1GP/MSC Japan 2005 Champ DECLINED – Scheduling Conflict
Nobushige Kumakubo D1GP Japan 2006 Champ DECLINED – Dubai Demo
Manabu Max Orido D1GP/MSC Japan D1 Judge, MSC Judge, Super GT driver DECLINED – Hired by Chevy for WTCC race in Macau
So it looks like our World Drift Championship will be short of Japanese talent but not short of talent from anywhere else in the world? It is funny how every organization in the world can come together and be excited about an event with the exception of D1. We really just wish D1 would get off it’s high horse and let their talent participate. Formula D and fellow organizations gladly attended their All Star and Vs. the World events in the past. As it appears D1 is just having it’s typical attitude we still keep hearing rumors about this “2009 D1 season” here in America. With the track record of D1 in the United States I think we are going to refrain on booking flights until the week of the event assuming it’s not on a Formula D weekend again.
As good as the talent of the drivers is in D1… The management is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Complete idiots. It is a shame that the drivers are not allowed to come out and play with the rest of the world.
D1 2009 USA series????? REALLY????? I fucking doubt it. Even it it does happen all the Americans should give them the long finger and say no.
In my experience D1 USA is run like a grassroots event that is masked in a money facade. Drivers meeting? “i dont know like 11ish”… “hey at least we have a course map”
Practice?…. “Sure here is like a 2 hour block go at it”….”Only the J’s can start here… yall have to start over there”
It seems like more priority is placed on filming for video’s than actually running an event that matters and is fun for the drivers and spectators..
Yea I was at Etown and it did seem that way.
Matt – you hit the monkey on the head! D1 has never been about a legitimate competition. It’s primary objective is to sell videos. That is all they really care about, because that is where they make all the money.
oh well those others that declined have legit reasons though especially those with races like nob. saito and ueo are participating though