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Driver Info
Name: Marco Santos Age: 27 Vehicle: Infiniti G35 Team: Team Tyco
Marco is arguably the best drifter in Eastern Canada, and is among the best in the country. He has helped establish what drifting is today in the East, and is forever looking for ways to improve and promote the scene. After an absence from competition in 2005, he is back in 2006 to take the Championship. He is the man to beat.
There’s not much to say about a guy that makes it to 3 out of 4 rounds and still wins the DM Championship title! Representing Drift Alliance this season, look forward to an even better driver than what he was last season. A very skilled, consistent young driver that has only begun to show what he is capable of.
This is the guy that shows everyone how to be a true competitor. With stock power in his 240sx, Kendrick was able to fight for the podium during every round. Kendrick finished 5th overall for the season, only one point behind Ben Alden, who battled all season with Kendrick in their own n/a competition. With more experience under his belt and maybe more horses, Kendrick should spice up the competition even more.
Some will call him Mr. Controversy, but aside from all of that, the important thing is, Haig’s a great driver with a lot of talent, executing amazing drifts that make you jump out of your seat! Finishing second overall, behind Ryan Tuerck, Haig has found his motivation for the coming season… winning the 2006 Championship!
Name: Kevin Grenier Age: 22 Vehicle: S14 240sx Team: Mayonaka Dorifuta Team
If you look up the definition of “determination”, Kevin’s picture should be beside it! After the first round in 2005, Kevin let everyone know that he didn’t enter the competition to simply look cool, he showed everyone what a true competitor he really is. If it wasn’t for his crash during the second round, we all know he would have been a top 8 driver! He finished 9th overall last year, but don’t be surprised if he makes it on the podium on a regular basis this year.
Name: Ben Alden Age: 30 Vehicle: AE86 Team: East Coast Drifters
Ben is practically the North American godfather of the AE86. When you see him throwing his Corolla into the curves you know this guy has tons of experience. Ben has over 5 years of experience drifting in Japan, where it all began. He is one of the best AE86 drivers you will ever see! With one of the most underpowered cars in competition, he managed to finish first and second place throughout the 4 rounds, allowing him to grab 4th overall in 2005, despite the fact he only participated in 3 of 4 rounds! Ben will make an even bigger impact this year with his more powerful AE86.
After a tough beginning in 2005, J-F proved to everyone that practice is the key to success. He improved his skills, and got better scores round after round, finally finishing 4th during the final round, which netted him 8th overall for the season. If he keeps it up, he’ll be one to watch in 2006!
Name: Robin Almasi Age: 25 Vehicle: S14 240sx "GTR" Team: Almasi Drift Team
If there’s a car you want to see and hear in action, it’s Robin’s RB26DETT-powered 240SX. While still getting used to his car in 2005, he is ready to show everyone what his 240GTR can really do. With his car properly setup, and his skills well developed for 2006, he should put on an amazing show. With 500whp at his disposal, he’ll be the driver nobody will want to run against!
Name: Phil Bouchard-Ruel Age: 23 Vehicle: S13 240sx Team: OnderGround Drift Team
We could call Phil “Mr. 3rd place” after finishing 3rd during 3 DM rounds in 2005, and for his 3rd place on the final points standings! His outstanding driving and the exhaust flames that got him his nickname, Flaming Phil, always get the crowd going. It’s an appropriate nickname for the guy who finished the 2005 season on fire by winning the driver elimination during the Canada vs. USA event. We expect to see him on the podium more and more in 2006.
After fighting with his completely stock FC3S in 2005, Steve is not planning to just to show up at the competition this season. This skilled driver will be ready for a serious competition with a better setup on his RX7. If you haven’t heard about him yet, get ready because you will very soon!
This is Dany’s first year as a drifter, but he will have Vincent St-Pierre and Greig Basdeo to coach him and show him the ropes. If his enthusiasm and his personality carry over to the track, we should expect a nice surprise this summer.
Greig has participated in the past in Drift Mania events, and during his time on-track he demonstrated his precise driving skills and his persistance. For Greig, creating the Taitari Drift Team is the first step towards capturing the Championship.
Name: Vincent St Pierre Age: 24 Vehicle: AE86 Team: Taiatari Drift Team
Vincent qualified for every Drift Mania event last year. On top of his drifting experience, he also has experience in rally driving, as well as expertise in the snow. He is determined to make a name for himself in drifting, and as an experienced driver, he is sure to make his mark in the series.
Name: Michel "The Rock" Durocher Age: Vehicle: S14 240sx Team: OnderGround Drift Team
Onderground Design did the right thing assigning Mike the Rock, not only for his drifting skills but also for his showmanship. Mike’s looking forward to the 2006 season after crashing his S14 in the 3rd round last year. Up until the crash it was his best performance of the season, and he can’t wait for the opportunity to get back into action. A fresh start in 2006 will give him the confidence to aim for the podium.
Name: Tyler Hall Age: 32 Vehicle: S13 240sx Team: Team Tyco
Tyler is new to the drifting scene, but he is far from being new to sliding cars around on cue. As a stunt driver and stunt man, Tyler is used to getting sideways and taking calculated risks behind the wheel, scene after scene. But don't be fooled by his Hollywood background, he is known for nailing his driving scenes on the first take, and with Marco by his side on Team Tyco, he will be a handful.
