Team Need For Speed - Drift is comprised of Formula Drift drivers: Mad Mike Whiddett and Matt Powers. The two drivers bring a unique perspective on professional drifting and equally unique drift machines. Mike's performance at the Red Bull World Drifting Championships caught my attention as a filmmaker; the note of the quad rotor Mad Bull Mazda FD RX7 is one I won't soon forget. Matt's fourth place finish at Formula D Irwindale 2009 also comes to mind - as I watched him transform from Pro AM/grassroots sensation to Formula Drift competitor.
It was important to me, to capture the similarities and differences between the two drivers. An entertainer and an artist, both with loads of style and coming to drifting from an action sports background: Mike as a FMX rider and Matt as a surfer.
"What would JTP do?" Matt breaks down what other drivers he looks up to in Formula Drift.
Instead of producing a short film on the events of Long Beach and Atlanta - here is an inside look into the drivers and their influences.
Also ride in car with Matt Powers as he tries backwards entries at Road Atlanta. His reaction to a ride into the pea gravel is hilarious.
Mad Mike explains where the style for his Bad Bull RX8 comes from and his drift car style influences.
He also give his take on Formula Drift compared to other drifting series around the world.
BTW thanks to Rob Bullough for yet another fantastic music score.
Turn it up to 11, this is Team Need For Speed - Drift... Deal with it.
-Will Roegge