Formula Drift Hype: Daigo Saito Conquers The Gauntlet At New Jersey (Quick Result)
Miss Formula Drift over the weekend? Then you missed the series’ return to “The Wall” AKA Wall Speedway in New Jersey. Wall was notorious for its suspension-crushing transition that carried cars from the significantly angled bank to its completely flat infield. Note the “was” in the previous sentence. This year Formula Drift elected to adopt a new course layout for Wall which is equally challenging but more forgiving on the drift machines.
So who mastered the Wall? Well, Daigo “The Ninja” Saito obviously! Daigo took down Taka Aono, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Fredric Aasbo, and Darren McNamara before facing his nemesis Justin “JTP” Pawlak in the final. Justin didn’t quite have enough to take down the Ninja and Saito claimed victory. Chris Forsberg took down McNamara for the last spot on the podium.
Saito’s win not only kept him first place in the points but Vaughn’s early exit only increased Daigo’s point lead that much more going into Round 5. Vaughn Gittin and Mike Essa (second and third respectively) are still very much alive in the championship fight. In fact with three rounds left many drivers are still mathematically alive. If Daigo wants to repeat as champion he will need to make sure his ninja sword is especially sharp!
RESULTS:
1st: Daigo Saito
2nd: Justin Pawlak
3rd: Chris Forsberg