Meet the Aussie Drifter Living Every Car Enthusiast's Dream in Japan
Yesterday, as I guided my wife through my old neighborhood, a glimpse of an SN95 Mustang sparked a wave of nostalgia. It's this specific generation that has left an indelible mark on my automotive memories, partly because of a hauntingly powerful Kenne Bell Cobra video I saw almost two decades ago.
From Humble Beginnings to YouTube Sensations
I've been a voracious consumer of YouTube content since its inception, creating playlists as early as 2007. I've witnessed the evolution of content creators, viral trends, and even participated in this digital ecosystem. One of my most successful videos has amassed nearly 800,000 views, and I eagerly await the day when something surpasses the million-view milestone. It's been a fascinating journey, closely following automotive icons like Misha Charoudin through his transformation from Boosted Boris to today.
Forget Tokyo Drift: Meet Andrew Date
The world of Japanese drifting has always been exhilarating, with legends like Nobuteru Taniguchi, Tetsuya Hibino, and Manabu Orido capturing the spotlight. As someone who has cherished RX-7 content since Mad Mike's iconic show in Auckland, my interest has recently peaked with more FC-related videos. This passion led me to discover Andrew Date, a captivating drifter perfecting his art in Japan.
Andrew's skills caught my attention in a mesmerizing video where he drifted a Turbo II on Ebisu's Touge course. His content became a beacon of inspiration just when I doubted my car's drifting potential. Andrew, a 31-year-old Australian, moved to Japan to pursue his passion for drifting, and after two years of following his journey, I reached out to learn more about his story.
A Legacy of Racing in the Blood
Chatting with Andrew revealed a deep-rooted automotive lineage. He reminisced about his father, a dedicated motorsports mechanic who built a variety of race cars. This early exposure kindled Andrew's fascination with rotary engines. He recalls, “Warming up engines in the pit brought tears to my eyes from the fumes, yet it thrilled me!”
Like many modern enthusiasts, Andrew immersed himself in racing games like Gran Turismo and Forza, eventually discovering Sim Drifting through Live for Speed and rFactor. His first live drifting experience at a local track at age twelve left an indelible mark. Laughing, he shared, “Drifting back then was raw and unpolished, but undeniably fun!”
The Hachiroku Journey Begins
For Andrew's 14th birthday, his dad gifted him a DVD featuring D1 USA drivers, sparking a lifelong obsession. Seeing a humble 180-hp Corolla compete against a 600-hp JZX left a lasting impression. “From that moment, I was hooked,” he confessed. It wasn't long before Andrew, now licensed, acquired his first Hachiroku—a lightweight, naturally-aspirated AE86. Over 14 years, Andrew honed his skills with various AE86s, S-chassis cars, and even an R32 GTS-T.
Why Japan? The Ultimate Drift Playground
Andrew's move to Japan was driven by the unparalleled accessibility of drift circuits, a stark contrast to Australia. “Here, I have several circuits within a two-hour drive. It's a drifter's paradise,” he explained. Andrew's extensive experience in circuits like Mobara, Nikko, Tsukuba, and Ebisu provides him ample opportunity to refine his techniques and savor the thrill of Japanese drifting culture.
Andrew's simplicity in car setups stands out. His FC, with a modest HKS T04e turbo and 0.6 bars of boost on a 10-year-old engine, demonstrates that skill often trumps high-end modifications. His builds, like the FC3S, inspire hope amid fellow drifters contemplating the feasibility of their setups.
The Iconic FD RX-7: A Dream Fulfilled
When asked why he transitioned to the FD RX-7, Andrew's answer was simple: “I just think they’re so cool.” Despite financial constraints, he seized the opportunity to purchase his dream car, an FD RX-7—an acquisition he now deems priceless. Andrew's commitment to finding the perfect parts, from Wisefab kits to Just Engineering setups, showcases his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Building his 13B engine primarily with Mazda components, Andrew explained, “Attention to detail is crucial for rotary engines.” His half-Bridgeport setup, enhanced by Injector Dynamics injectors and a Pulsar G40-900 turbo, yields an impressive 430 horsepower on 14 psi of boost.
Competing with the Best in Japan
Andrew’s competitive journey, from a street-registered S13 in Australia to triumphing at Mobara’s 7s Day, is nothing short of remarkable. Winning against seasoned Japanese drivers with sequential gearboxes and semi-slick tires is a testament to his dedication and skill. Currently, Andrew aspires to become a D1 Lights driver, having already qualified third in a Divisional event.
Success didn't come without challenges. Andrew faced devastating engine failures due to a persistent ignition timing issue, costing him two years and significant finances. His perseverance through these trials underscores the resilience needed in motorsports.
Andrew's latest addition, an RX-8, hints at more exciting content on the horizon. As he ventures into building his Parts Export business, his journey promises to inspire and educate upcoming drifters. For those contemplating the drift world, Andrew offers sage advice: “Choose a car you love, be realistic about its use, and embrace the journey—it'll be worth every penny and challenge.”
With that said, I’m off to plan my next trip to Japan! The drifting world eagerly awaits new enthusiasts driven by Andrew’s inspiring story.