Witnessing Drift Driving in Person for the First Time

It was amazing to witness professional, even legendary, drift driving in person for the very first time. The energy, the sound, the smell of tires burning—it was all so much more intense than I had imagined.

Another highlight was seeing Sung Kang in person, even though he was pretty far away. I happened to catch his lunchtime and watched him signing autographs for fans over the fence. I had secretly hoped to talk to him, but he didn’t seem available for one-on-one conversations. Still, I managed to spot him from about 15 meters away. I shouted, “Sung!” as loud as I could. He turned, glanced in my direction, and gave a quick wave. I doubt he realized it was me, but at least he saw a crazy Asian ajumma waving enthusiastically from the crowd.

Even though I couldn’t get any closer, I did get to watch a real movie shoot happening on site. Later, I heard Sung speaking to fans over the loudspeaker, sharing his gratitude and explaining how car culture played such an important role in helping him connect with Hollywood. That was inspiring to hear.

Now, here’s my honest confession: as an environmentalist, I don’t think drift driving is the most sustainable hobby. But growing up in Japan, surrounded by car enthusiasts, reading Shakotan Boogie as my favorite manga, and living in the heart of the 80s motorsport boom—this experience brought me back to that nostalgic era.

I wasn’t as lucky as last year when I got to chat with Sung in Los Angeles and even take a few photos together. But I don’t see this trip as a failure at all. I had a fantastic time in New Jersey, and I truly hope he comes back to the East Coast again soon.