We would like to think that if Meatwad were to drive a race car of any kind it would be a drift machine. Perhaps an AE86, more likely a Starion. The truth is we desperately need more characters in motorsport - cartoon or not. The one place on four wheels where there is absolutely no shortage of characters is drifting. Driving rain stopped neither fans nor drifters at the D1GP World Finals at Irwindale Speedway this past Saturday. Team Orange driver Tanaka put everybody else back on the trailer to take the win for the event itself, while teammate Kumakubo collected the D1GP World Series Drifting points series Champion title. Both drivers piloted specially prepared rear-drive Subaru Imprezas to great angle and maximum tire-evaporating effect.

Unlike other more circular forms of motorsport the rain did not stop this vehicular battle from proceeding. Many ponchos were sold and umbrella girls were cold at the asphalt bowl of echoing individual throttle bodies. Wet surfaces did bring some wall contact and a few drivers getting knocked out of the program before they could get in. Halfway through eliminations the skies opened once more but no matter to Tanaka. One by one the worthy competitors fell at his hands. Even Carl would have dug it. – Mike Bumbeck

Related:
Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: Kumakubo and Tanaka Endorse Antonio's Drifting Book [Internal]

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