After the first Birthday Bash in November 2014, I didn't really think there was a way that Wolfpack Drift Club could outdo themselves for future events. But sure enough, the 2nd Annual Birthday Bash proved me incorrect. We came to this one with a plan. With a mindset. With a certain vibe to keep the day in check.
Unlike the previous year, the event was kept much more private, and if you knew - you knew. With my move across the country, this had me a bit nervous for planning purposes but the 'pack didn't let me down and I spent all week leading up to the Bash getting the Z ready to slide!
The whole weekend prior to the Bash, we spent entire days and late nights in the shop preparing both my car and Nick's. I think I got a total of about 5 hours of sleep that weekend. It had finally come time for the Z to get it's Tomei 2-Way and 3.9 Final Drive gear pumpkin transplant. Things didn't go incredibly smooth and we ran into some hiccups (like the oil drain plug socket I had to run out to Home Depot 10 minutes before they closed on Saturday night so we could finish up the job), but that install taught me a lot about the car and myself.
Well, we arrived bright and early to the track - and then had to wait for the gates to be unlocked! Once in the pit area, we all got ourselves situated, cars unloaded, tools out. . .
. . .meanwhile some of the crew pulled out the grill, set-up the stereo and laid out snacks for everyone!
Speaking of snacks - Go ahead and snag a Snickers, take a Wolfpack lighter and Bushido sticker while you're at it!
First things, first - We had to set out to the track and get some of the mandatory shots we wanted for the day. Like I said, we came with a game-plan. Thanks to Joe for graciously letting us use his truck as a chase/follow vehicle!
'Billshido' in his natural habitat, letting Flako know where he'll be posted up in the infield to get some video footage.
The fact that this year's event was kept much more under wraps, meant more seat time for everyone and even less pressure. All anyone watching for the day wanted, was to see the drivers go out and enjoy themselves - if making progression in skill was a by-product, then that just makes the Bash that much better!
Next up, it was time for mama's first ever ride in the hatch!
Needless to say, she thoroughly enjoyed it.
Then it was pretty much free-range for everyone to go out when they felt like it! Juan laid down some SOLID runs that day, and kept inching closer to the wall. Seeing how much improvement he's made in just the course of a year gives me so much hope, and feeling for potential of what 2016 might encompass.
Never a dull moment when riding shotgun in Juan's hatch!
Kyle brought out his recently V8-transplanted hatch, and was taking folks out for thrill rides too. Looked like he was having a great time, and it was a good opportunity to hone-in and do some setup tweaking.
Having the track be so empty actually meant that the only problem of the day was letting your car cool down between hot laps!
It also meant that it was good opportunity to check out T-Nasty's kicks.
Wait, here comes Dylan! - if you didn't already hear him coming first!
Felix had his coupe with him, and even with an automatic mission he was putting some of my runs to shame!
Joe's father was in charge of cooking up the burgers and brats. They were delicious, and just what we needed - Thanks man!
Down-time between driving meant soaking up good moments with friends and family.
Did someone say food?
Wolfpack Fam! After some fusebox adjustments, it was time to get back out and kill some cones!
Show that bank who's boss, Camsauce!
It's pretty insane to see the difference Kyle has made in just a year too. Looking back to the first Bash, his car was a different color, had a different motor, and now his runs are near flawless.
Every event I attend, folks seem to gravitate to Nick's car and/or the Wolfpack tent. So now I make it a thing to get this typical shot at every track day with the 'pack!
Hey, that helmet and visor sure do look cool! Gilberto got to do some ride-alongs with Felix - Hopefully we'll see him out next year with his Type-X?
Wait. . . Dylan, something doesn't seem right! . . .
Oh, never mind - We're good - Just killing those poor tires and putting on a show!
ϟ S M O K E C I R C L E ! ϟ
But for real, I was shocked and really impressed with what Felix was able to make this car do!
I had to steal this photo from Billshido, because there was no way that I was gonna end this post without an epic group shot (this will have to be another tradition). I'm still incredibly proud and honored to be a part of something that's really so special. Not sure many people understand it when we say that this really is a Wolfpack Family! HUGE, GIGANTIC, HUMONGOUS, INCREDIBLE, ENDLESS THANK YOU TO MELODY, BILL AND NICK FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN! Way to end 2015 on the right note, and set-up 2016 for a killer year!
武士道 - B U S H I D O!
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