CPR Exclusive: The Man Behind Drift Muscle Philippines

Photos from Toni Arakaki

Whenever something big happens in the Automotive Industry, there’s always someone behind the scheme of things. And for Drift Muscle Philippines, the man responsible for bringing this from Japan into our local shores is none other than our very own Pinoy-Japanese drifter – Toni “Half-Breeds” Arakaki.

We’ve done an exclusive interview with him to find out more about how he met Drift King Keiichi Tsuchiya and Tokyo Auto Salon and Option Magazine founder Daijoro Inada, and he tells us how they became his mentors. We also ask him about the difference between drifting in Japan and the Philippines, and what we can expect to see at Drift Muscle Philippines this coming December 7-8 at the Quirino Grandstand.

So read on to find out more. Enjoy!

CPR: How did you become friends with Keiichi Tsuchiya and Daijiro Inada? Who are they, and tell us about their significance to the motoring world?

Toni: I first started my journey through Japan’s drift scene a long time ago but it was 5 years ago where I decided to really gun for it.

Keiichi Tsuchiya and Daijiro Inada, who are they? Well, basically these two guys are the reason why there is drifting as it is known today globally. They created and founded D1 Grand Prix the first professional drift series here in Japan, and globally 13 years ago; but when they parted ways with the D1 Corporation, and they formed a new series which started 3 years ago and is called The Drift Muscle Series.

I idolized Tsuchiya as a race driver and as the father of Drifting, and being an Ambassador of his series internationally is like a dream. They are still my mentors in every aspect in this industry but hopefully with hard work maybe one day I could make a name out of myself as well. I would want to be both succesful as a driver and event organizer, just like my mentors.

Toni’s Nissan S14 Silvia competition drift car in Japan on the lower left portion of the photo sporting a CustomPinoyRides.com sticker! Represent yo!

CPR: Tell us a little bit about Drift Muscle Japan, and how you were able to bring it to the Philippines?

Toni: Drift Muscle Japan started and was created 3 years ago when Tsuchiya and Inada parted ways with the D1 Corporation. I was there from the beginning and obtained my license with a lot of hard work.

Bringing it to the Philippines wasn’t easy. I remember when I left Manila some 5 years ago, I told my friends that I would bring Japanese Drifting to Manila one day, and I kept a hold of my word and it took me 5 years to fulfill it. I am pretty sure out of 60 who attended my farewell party, no one took me seriously, but I still kept my word and I eventually backed it up.

The interior of Toni’s Nissan S14 Silvia Competition Drift Car in Japan. As you can see, it’s right hand drive! Check out the CustomPinoyRides.com sticker on the dashboard!

It was a grueling three years at the Drift Muscle Series Japan. First thing I had to do was show that I can drift at that level! I won’t lie, these guys are good, and most of the drivers I compete with are drivers I just see in DVD’s or videos while growing up. I still see myself as an average drifter here in Japan since the level is so high, but one thing I do know about Japanese culture is that the Japanese are keen on perfection, so no matter what they do, they would give everything they got to perform their duty, task, or job.

It wasn’t until the early months of 2013 where rumors of Drift Muscle Philippines were heard, yes I have been pushing for this right from the beginning of the year, and finally sealed it around summer time with the help Ladder Events’ Jonathan Chio and Autocraft Drift’s Audel Sison.

CPR: What can we expect to see at Drift Muscle Philippines?

Toni: Expect to see Japanese standard drifting. A lot of changes need to be made for the level to rise, and it will take time! Japanese style of drifting as we all know is the best in the world. Yes, drifting has evolved through the years with the horsepower wars, but one can see a drifter’s technique and ability on a low to middle horsepower car to make it fair and square.

Toni Arakaki (R) with Drift Muscle Top Driver Kenji Kiguchi (L), who will also be coming to Manila for Drift Muscle Philippines.

CPR: How does the Philippines compare in terms of talent and automotive technology to those from the drifting capital of the world – Japan? Do you think that with Drift Muscle Philippines, that gap in technology and talent will somehow be minimized?

Toni: The Filipinos have the passion to improve and raise the bar. I think anywhere we go the passion for drifting is the same. I won’t lie, and I will be blunt regarding the gap. There is still a huge gap between Japan and the Philippines in the world of drifting. And we are hoping that by bringing in the Drift Muscle Series to Manila, it would raise the level thru time, after all what better way to learn drifting than learning from the creator himself?

CPR: Any last words, or people/sponsors you’d like to thank?

Toni: Don’t ever give up on your dream since you never know where it would take you one day! If you dream, dream big and go for it.

For the participating drivers next week, this is your chance to showcase your talent to the Drift King himself, but as a reminder, follow what the judges want and do what they say and it’ll be a piece of cake.

I would like to thank everyone who helped out to make this event possible and also I would like to thank my personal sponsors who has continously supported my career as a driver, 99k-Corp, Rota Wheels, Repsol Oils, B2bCarshow, Ultra Racing, Masiv, Stivo Concepts, Tomo Designs, D-Max.

CPR: Thank you Toni! So there you have it guys! Don’t forget to check out Drift Muscle Philippines 2013 this coming December 7-8 at Quirino Grandstand. Be there, or be square!

Related Stuff:
– Keiichi Tsuchiya and Daijiro Inada invites you to Drift Muscle Philippines (video)
– Keiichi Tsuchiya Exclusive Invitation to Drift Muscle Philippines (video)
– Drift Muscle Top Driver Kenji Kiguchi’s Invitation to Drift Muscle Philippines (video)