Photography: Bill Fan, Darian Duchan, & Synth19
Words: Ilia Smolov & Simba Nyemba (Edited by Synth19/Ginash G)
Most people that stopped by AutoMass heard the event advertised as a “Drift event and car show”. In my opinion….AutoMass was ALL car show, but in the best way possible. Not only did some of Chicago’s best show cars make it to the festivities on Sunday, but even the drifting portion of the event highlighted the “car show” aspect of drifting, which to me is a point missed by many people in the US. The show cars parked at AutoMass had enough style and creativity to compete with any other city in the US, with great Evos, Hondas, VIP cars, vans, BMWs, and everything else imaginable. My personal favorite was the black S30 owned by Christine. This car was as close to a perfect Datsun as I have ever seen. It’s pristine condition and perfect choices in parts had me floored, and best of all the car was home built! To me (and most people in Japan), drifting is as much a rolling car show as it is a motor sport. In my eyes; building the flashiest, wildest drift car possible is a huge aspect of the game, and to see so many great looking cars at AutoMass made me personally very happy. Anyone can take an S13, install some sport max and an LS1, and drift around a course. Building something that could be confused for a show car and making it fly is much more difficult, and I loved the variety and great look of many of the cars. That was a huge part of what made AutoMass’ drift portion of the event so cool to me- it wasn’t a “real” drift even per se, it was a chance for guys from the Midwest to bring their drift cars and show them to the crowd, in the coolest way possible. -Ilia
The show organizers were at Toyota Park around 5am with the drift cars starting to trickle in around 8am or so. Here is a photo of Dave from Touge Factory during the drivers meeting. This universal symbol for white power doubles up as a tandem train signal at Automass.
Josh’s getting ready for his first run of the day. LHD-coverted 180sx on 18×9.5″/19×11″ Weds Kranze Cerberus II.
Speaking of Dave, here is his Rocketbunny LS1 powered S13 on stance coilovers.
Another group getting ready for their run.
Tim Turkalov showing that a stock KA can down and dirty.
Ilia’s FC… probably the lowest car at the event in “end of season” condition… expect it to be shiny and new in the spring… and in a similar condition by the fall.
Not sure who this is, but I like how the front bumper is holding on to dear life in this slide. Somebody tag him… oh wait.. this isn’t facebook.
Daelen Snow’s 350z from Minnesota.
Brad shooting the tandem train. Junkhouse and company were getting 6+ cars deep mirroring each other through the course clouding up the course.
Tandeming Ilia, AJ in his e30, and Leigh in his MK3 Supra.
This is Victor Spadaro’s BRZ. I’m impressed that a BRZ registered and came all the way down from South Dakota!
Justin’s BTRcc built Genesis on Stance coils.
One of the many notable cars of the day belonging to Jake Possemato fresh out of the paint booth. The car formerly owned by Mr. Chob went through a transformation and now dons a pearly yellow paint job with Works 9 aero and red chrome vinyl- definitely an AutoMass favorite. Jake, who is still a fairly new drifter put out some great runs going for crazy angle on his entry despite the fresh paint job.
Fred Kaneko’s flat pearl white FC on Work Equips.
One of the more seasoned drivers at Automass, Josh… but what is his secret?
…Obstructed vision is the secret to his success.
Building a cool looking cars equates to multiple pics from multiple photogs.
Factory fresh stock FR-S driven by Phil Stubkjaer of Grip Gambler.
Unfortunately one of the tandem runs got a tad rowdy.
Rocket Bunny again….
Kelly Palfi with BN aero, s14 kouki wing
Maybe the best looking Z31’s in the country owned by Brian Kolar of Grip Gambler. This beast has roughly 400 HP.
Paul Choi’s Miata on Stance coils.
Sparkled-up Car and helmet!
Michael Chrysty making some tweaks/adjustments to his 325.
Smoke show from the pits. Bill with a few lens’ weighing more then the Miata posted above.
Fisher’s rocket bunny s14 from early in the day. During a ride-along later in the afternoon, a lucky passenger was able to experience a 4th gear rolling burnout that resulted in blowing a rear tire, ripping his rear fender and side skirt off, and shooting them 40 feet in the air.
Scott’s LS1 s13.5 on Weds Kranze
Wrapping up today’s coverage with Kevin’s MR2. Part 4 tomorrow!
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