Photos from Toni Arakaki
Our very own Pinoy-Japanese Drifter Toni Arakaki is set to compete in Round 4 of the Drift Muscle this coming October 10th, 2011, to be held at the legendary Suzuka Circuit. Talk about a jam-packed weekend as the F1 Japanese GP will also be held at Suzuka from the 7th to the 9th! Motorsports fans dwelling there for the weekend until the Monday Holiday are sure to get their money’s worth, with Drift Muscle being the climax of the adrenaline-filled streak of events.
After a the disappointment in Round 3, where Arakaki was not able to compete due to some logistics trouble, he’s back with a vengeance for Round 4. We interview Toni to find out more. Read on to find out…
CPR: Despite the disappointment in Round 3, how do you feel now that Round 4 is sure to go?
TA: Round 3 at Nikko was a total disappointment due to some trouble with our logistics! I am very excited for round 4 at Suzuka Twin circuit!
CPR: It’s great to hear that you’re excited and pumped up. Does the pressure get to you? Especially since you’re the first and only Filipino to compete in The Drift Muscle?
TA: I have tremendous pressure on me since I am the first Filipino to ever compete in Japan on this level and obtaining a license for next season is on the line as well! I am excited to see drivers Naoki Nakamura of team burst DMax, Yokoi from DMax, Kiguchi from team heat and to all the D1 drivers competing! The level is high so I need to bring a superb performance! I am the lone entrant from Okinawa which acquires a ferry ride of two days to ship the car and a plane ride of two hours for me, so talk about money eating from my behalf just to join this series! Being the lone entrant from a different island draws attention thus making the pressure of my performance extremely high but like they say “You only get one shot to show your worth”and this is the big break I’ve been waiting for!
CPR: Can you tell us a little bit about your car and your gear? Modifications and all and to compete with the regulations of Drift Muscle? And tell us about the graphics on your car!
TA: Sure! Here’s a rundown.
Pyrotect Helmet Snell SA2010, Sparco “Sprint”Racing Suits FIA 8856-2000, Sparco “Slalom”Racing Shoes FIA 8856-2000, Sparco “Land”Racing Gloves FIA 8856-2000, Sparco Balaclava FIA 8856-2000.
Boost at 0.9 stock T28 turbine, final gear at 4.6, Cusco oil catch tank, Mission oil catch tank.
KTS LSD oil catch tank
The Kanji writing means “Warrior”. The graphics is an old painting representing Mt. Fuji. It’s a painting from the Edo period, showing Mt. Fuji at its center. It also shows two tiny boats trying to overcome the huge wave on its path, thus showing the strength and perseverance of the Japanese race or in other terms, the “Bushido Way”. This is why I decided to put the Kanji “Bushi” on my Vinyls.
CPR: Any last words or anyone you’d like to thank?
TA: Gotta represent my team, my island pride and my mother land! Thanks to my sponsors Rota Wheels, B&M Okinawa, Kids Kampus, Pyrotect, Stage 21 To my friends FederationD of Malaysia, Proper Styles, NK Racing, It’s Save the Roots, Team Hinga and of course Custom Pinoy Rides….
