Haven’t done an Encounter post in quite some time now. I usually reserve them for random cars that I come across that seem worth sharing with everyone. This particular car fit the bill almost perfectly.
Author: Sean
Auto, photography, and Japan enthusiast
Video: Escort EVO 9 – Sugo Sportsland
In the most recent post about my trip to Sugo I mentioned shooting a little video before I had the opportunity to photograph Escorts EVO 9 – well, here is that video!
Close-Up: Tohoku Supremacy – The Takumi Project ESCORT EVO 9
Last week, Escort founder and owner Hiroshi Shiobara invited me out to Sugo Sportsland the Saturday before the Attack event to get a closer look at the team’s rebuilt Evo and to get a closer look into their test program. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to see their process in person, I would gladly make the drive to Sendai Saturday morning.
Feature: New Beginnings – The Team NDF S2000
Coming out of a two year hiatus, Justin Yoo returns to CVR for the NDF Attack Challenge hosted by VTEC Club and is met with surprising success.
The Narita Exchange: Episode 22 – Spicy Vinaregret
Spicy Vinaregret – October 21, 2019 Kristian and I sit down again in Unit B to go over some question submissions from the hotline and Instagram. Join us as we discuss in detail what it’s […]
The Narita Exchange: Episode 21 – Motivation In Mexico
Motivation In Mexico – SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 Recorded in the living room of a vineyard chateau on the Baja Peninsula, episode 21 of NDFX features personality powerhouses Justin Yoo, Kristian Wong, and Duane Bada. Join […]
Feature: Amir Bentatou – The RS Future K20 NSX
There is no doubt that the shear excitement of driving a purpose-built race car on the edge is enough for any driver to justify the money and work that gets put into building it. Although, surprisingly there are very few people that understand the actual amount of work that goes into building a race car; Amir Bentatou is not one of those people.
Gallery: Yoshiaki Itagaki – The Arios F16 SPL FD3S
There are a select few cars that, despite my frequency in traveling to Japan, always seem to elude me. Most of the time it’s due to a geographical hardship, as I’m often in the same parts of the country time and time again.
The Narita Exchange: Episode 20 – Flying Lizards In Japan
Flying Lizards In Japan – August 13, 2019 On Episode 20 of NDFX, we get introspective on the things we should be grateful for, talk about what you like and dislike about Japan, write anime […]
The Narita Exchange: Life And New Girl – July 31, 2019
Life and New Girl – July 31, 2019 Kristian and I are back in Unit B answering questions you sent in last week. Join us as we get deep into life and what drives our […]
Encounter: Tooru Nozaki – Autopolis Driven FD3S
Seeing as he lives all the way down in Kyushu, I consider myself lucky to have caught Nozaki and his FD at Fuji during Seven’s Day. I didn’t get the opportunity to see him at Autopolis Super Lap and was excited to see the build up close.
Event: Seven’s Day Fuji – Rotary Spirit 2019 V.2
As the day wore on, and my duties track-side came to a close, I was afforded more time to spend wandering around the sea of RX-7’s on the other side of the grandstands.
Event: Seven’s Day Fuji – Rotary Spirit 2019 V.1
Rotary Spirit was created in 2018 in an attempt to host the most comprehensive Seven’s Day meeting throughout all of Japan. This year marked the second annual event, and I happened to be at Fuji Speedway when the festivities were going down.
The Narita Exchange: Willem Drees – July 16, 2019
Willem Drees – July 16, 2019 FF record holder, Japanese fashion sensation, and creative powerhouse Will Drees stops by Unit B for a chat. Join us as we discuss the importance of family history, balancing […]
Feature: The Temple of Buddha – Golden Bathurst R-3 FD3S
This 1995 Mazda RX-7, owned by someone choosing only to be referred to as ‘The Temple of Buddha’ (or something like that I don’t actually know), is so far off the grid that I normally operate on that when I saw it at Fuji the other week, I had to take a closer look.
Video: Rotary Spirit Seven’s Day Meeting – Fuji Speedway
While I was photographing a race at Fuji Speedway, I took some time to record a walk-through of the Seven’s Day event that was going on in the event paddock.
Close-Up: Yukimitsu Hara FD3S – CSG FD3S Attack Build
It’s been quite some time now since Hara-san of Car Shop Glow has been behind the wheel of his own car, but it looks like the years of not competing have finally begun to take their toll.
The Narita Exchange: Sleepy Duane – Q&A Feat. Duane Bada – June 26, 2019
Sleepy Duane – Q&A Feat. Duane Bada – June 26, 2019 Kristian and I are joined by R Compound owner, Daune Bada, in a late night/early morning cast where we discuss priorities in life, addressing […]
Product Spotlight: Daytona OS II – NDF Signature Racing Glove
Over the past few months we have been working with Stand 21, the prestigious motor sports racewear company headquartered in Eastern France, in developing a signature race glove for Dogfight.
The Narita Exchange: Q&A Featuring Kristian and Karl – June 10, 2019
Special episode – Q&A feat. kristian and Karl osaki – june 10, 2019 Another show hosted around Instagram’s Q&A feature with special guests Kristian Wong and Karl Osaki. Join us as we answer your questions […]
Feature: Garage G-Force – The Evolution of the Yamazaki IX
A prominent influence in the Mitsubishi tuning domain, Garage G-Force has spent the last decade fighting to solidify a name for themselves as the number-one Evolution tuning company in Japan. That fight, however, hasn’t been easy.
Shop News: Dogfight Japan Bodyworks – GT Carbon End Plates
A few months ago we introduced the idea of producing a line of carbon goods under NDF Japan Bodyworks that would help expand our current carbon line of goods.
Locale: Tomiyoshi Race Car Engineering – Izumi, Kagoshima
With the possibility of snowfall around Mt. Aso over the weekend, the likelihood of Autopolis Super Lap being cancelled loomed over me as I boarded my Solaseed Air flight to Aso-Kumamoto Airport.
Encounter: Dual Purpose – Goodride S15
The title sponsor of this year’s Attack Tsukuba event was Goodride Tires; a company that has it’s hand in a variety of motor sports, but up until recently was most known for it’s involvement in drifting.
News: Kunihiko Bando Announces 2019 WTAC Bid
The past 2019 season of Attack marked Kunihiko Bando’s achievement of his long sought 53 second lap around TC2000 (53.680). This, in and of itself is a remarkable achievement, however it also comes along with the promise of more.
Encounter: N-One Racing Nissan 380RS
Tajima Hirotsugu embodies the traditional spirit of a motoring enthusiast. With his first venture to the circuit taking place back in the late 1990’s, he’s been driving in time attack for the better part of 20 years.
Feature: Military Standard – Philip Robles Time Attack EG6
Without a doubt, Philip Robles has become a household name in the time attack scene around the Southwestern US. Having competed in a wide variety of sanctioned events throughout Arizona and California over the past several years, he has solidified his place among motor sport’s most dedicated drivers.
Feature: Hiroshi Shimada – Southern Style CT9A
In the heart of Winter this year, I made the trek down to Kyushu to attend Autopolis Superlap. Unbeknownst to me (because it happened when I was in-flight from Tokyo to Kumamoto) the event had been cancelled due to excessive snowfall in the area. For the past week, the likelihood of the event taking place was always brought into question.
Feature: Advancing Passion – Takanori Seyama’s GTR32
Takanori Seyama has never been one to turn away from a challenge; choosing to define himself by his hard work and willingness to sail through uncharted waters on his own. His hard work has proven itself in the fabrication of his GTR32, which has crowned itself among the fastest Skyline’s in Japan.
Feature: The Global Offensive – JDM Yard At TC2000
As per the norm, Tsukuba Circuit was rented out by various hosts the day before the main event of Attack Tsukuba, allowing for the Attack competitors a chance to test and tune car settings. In this case, Sato-san from Unlimited Works hosted the first half of the day, and Takeo Fukazumi from Zummy Racing Family took on the afternoon.
Encounter: Young Blood – The Boost Up FD3S
Every once in awhile a car comes around that emanates a youthful disposition throughout the paddock. A somewhat adolescent, not yet fully refined look alludes to the driver being in more of an exploratory phase of driving; a stark contrast to those that have been driving for decades.
Feature: Northern Exposure – The GNR Racing EK9
The evolution of time attack builds in Japan is, for me, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the sport. The dedication of the teams and the drivers to improve performance each season typically results in a year over year change in the appearance of the cars. Especially given the fact that most of the Attack competitors are ghosts on social media in comparison, it’s always a surprise to see what they unveil at the start of each season.
The Narita Exchange: Philip Robles Live At Chuckwalla – March 9, 2019
Listen in during the live podcast event during VTEC Club’s 2019 season opener at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway featuring our very special guest, Philip Robles. Phil made the drive from his home in Tempe to talk […]
Feature: Dogfight Japan Bodyworks GTR33
Masao has been hard at work over the past few months putting his skills to the test on his son’s project car. The design that Tani had in mind for this GTR33 would take on a more subtle approach to body tuning than the work that Masao is typically used to being commissioned for. A look that would pull focus to the cars original body lines while still retaining a very street-able appearance. Reserved as a car to occasionally enjoy weekend drives and a general feel of car-life, the Skyline was purchased without the circuit in mind. A purpose that is reflected in the final outcome of the build.
Editorial: Celebrating Community – A Tribute to Kazuyuki Takahashi
Having always been a very task-oriented person, I often times find myself gravitating more towards the desire of completing a project or event as opposed to the act of simply participating in it. It wasn’t until the past few years in my life that I was taught to be mindful of the present, or, ‘enjoy the ride’ so they say. While the wording of that saying may come off as childish and a bit pedestrian, there is merit to being able to live in the moment. I’ve learned that checking in with yourself existentially every once in awhile can be beneficial.
Event: Attack Championship 2019 – Tsukuba Stage V.1
It takes a dedicated enthusiast to consider time attack a spectator sport; and trust me, I don’t say that lightly. I’ve spent almost a good portion of my life promoting the sport, the last thing I want to do is discredit my own work. That’s not my sole opinion though, it is simply a statement that is rooted in factuality. Unlike other mediums in motor sport, time attack is more of an intrinsic, individual type of racing when compared to wheel to wheel events. It’s something you’d rather be doing than watching. At the top levels, the tracks are somewhat deserted in order to give the driver a clear shot in getting the fastest lap possible – having no traffic is essential.
Video: Attack Tsukuba 2019 – Test Day Pit Walk
Friday morning a few other track hosts held open events for those entrants that wanted to do some testing the day before the Attack event on Saturday. Many of the top tier teams took advantage of the time, as did the overseas competitors. Since this day was a little more relaxed, I took some video around the paddock and pit.
Event: NDF Attack Challenge – March 10, 2019
If you happen to follow our Facebook or Instagram page, you may have noticed a few images promoting an upcoming event we’re headlining with the organizers of VTEC Club. NDF Attack Challenge is our take on emulating a Japanese style of time attack that is not often found in the States. Naturally, with the countries being almost polar opposites of one another (in both size, demographic, and culture), there are some very notable differences between the execution of the two; the most striking difference being that of classing.
Encounter: Out Of The Blue – Yuma Koide’s EK9
It may be obvious to most people, but after surrounding myself with Japan’s fastest time attack cars, I often times need to remind myself that there are several cars not built to an extreme that are very noteworthy. In fact, sometimes its the cars that are very tastefully modified that stand out the most; as is the case with Yuma Koide’s EK9. While the bright blue exterior is quick to catch the eye of a passerby, it’s what you don’t see that keeps you staring.
Encounter: Timeless Attack – A Pair Of RGN FC3S
As time goes by, it becomes more and more infrequent that we see a large amount of second generation RX-7s out and about at the circuit. No doubt the popularity of the FC chassis plays a large part in why we still see them at all, but for a car whose newest model would now be a good 27 years old, it is getting more and more rare to spot them at events. Despite their age, however, there remains a large aftermarket support for FC3S, as the style and engine seem to transcend time itself in an attempt to stay relevant in motor sports.