Drifting: Did you know Daigo Saito before 2012?

I am not a huge drift fan. I watch some of the videos from the old D1 days and I have an appreciation for the level of skill, commitment and bravery required to hurl high-power machines into corners at frightening speeds. The drivers are good, very good and Japan is accepted as the home for professional drifters.

So when USA’s version of D1, Formula D, ‘drafted’ Japanese ace Daigo Saito to compete in the series, apparently they were fully aware of what they were getting. Prior to 2012, I can recall seeing a clip with a rather scary, full throttle, entry and jump (the car in the air off its four wheels) at one of Japan’s many circuits. It was Daigo Saito at work, machine and driver acting in bold unison, in full battle mode, the 1000+ hp machine spitting furious anger! The sounds from that machine were simply ridiculous!

That was my introduction. Daigo Saito  went to the USA in 2012 and burned the house down! He taught them a lesson or two and to watch him and machine in action is to see a master at work. And he always has this nonchalant attitude behind the wheel, cucumber couldn’t begin to describe his cool.

The link below provides information about his machine and the videos bring you up to speed (if you are new) or reminds you of his artistry (if you know him). But, did you know the name Daigo Saito before 2012?

http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/03/builds-daigo-saitos-1200hp-sc430-drift-car/

Daigo Saito – Long Beach

Daigo Saito – Year in Review

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer