2006 D1 Grand Prix Round One

Competition drifting in the United States reached a huge landmark last year as the non-championship season ended with D1's first American winner. With Round One opening at Irwindale Speedway, all of the Japanese competitors geared up for the championship made the trek to compete in the first round of competition Stateside. High hopes were placed on the American drivers once again to stand their ground at the House of Drift but Japan delivered better than ever. Much like last year's performance, Kazama in the bright green S15 drifted his way into the victory circle after a tandem bout with Team Orange's Kumakubo in the RWD Impreza WRX. The only Americans to make it to the tandem battles were Team Falken's Gittin Jr. and Team Mopar's Samuel Hubinette. Facing each other in the first tandem round left only Hubinette to travel onward. Hubinette would have his chance, but lost out to Kumakubo in the semi finals.

Look towards the June issue of Modified for more in-depth coverage and photos including new cars, driver changes and surprises for the 2006 D1 season!

By Jason Siu

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