The Yokomo Drift Meeting was held on May 1, 2016, at G-Circuit in Samukawa, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the Entry, Sports, Expert, D1, and World classes all featured, it was a lively event with over 60 participants.
To ensure fairness for all drivers, the layout for this event consisted of a reverse version of the standard track with a few extra modifications. It was a challenging course that required a shallow start and flipping the car while maintaining speed; when executed well, however, it produced a level of intensity that would bring a smile to anyone's face, highlighting the true appeal of drifting. The key to success was how quickly one could grasp the nuances of the new layout and improve the precision of their driving.
The Entry and Sports classes used a roulette-style judging system, while the Expert, D1, and World classes were evaluated based on single-run judging. Furthermore, this event utilized the YDS (Yokomo Drift System)—also used at the recent FEMCA Pre-Asian Championship at Yatabe Arena—which provided accurate and fair mechanical assessment rather than relying solely on the judges' subjectivity. Mastering the YDS was the key to earning high scores in the single-run rounds.
With many skilled drivers in attendance, including those from the local team FREAKS, competitors remained on edge even after their own runs were finished. Many watched their peers with a mix of genuine enjoyment and serious focus, resulting in a high-level competition that kept the judges on the edge of their seats.
Given that the event took place in the middle of Golden Week, it drew many families and young drifters. It was particularly impressive to see so many energetic runs and talented drivers who hint at an upcoming generational shift.
Sponsors
Concours d'Elegance
| Overall Results |
Entry Class
Sports Class
Expert Class
D1 Class
World Class
