D1GP Allstar: Can’t get enough of “One More Time”
posted by Pete on December 27th, 2006
Article by: Pete Ulatan & Elaine Le
Special thanks to the D1GP staff for displaying yet another memorable weekend at Irwindale Speedway!
December 16-17 2006 hosted an electrifying stadium packed venue known as the D1GP. However this D1GP was different from the rest. Why? Because the competitors of this roster were truly international in scope. For the first time ever, the D1GP All-star showcased the drivers from Europe, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand competing against Japan and USA’s best!
Calvin Wan G35 (photo by: Pete Ulatan)
However before that competition could commence, December 16 hosted an intense atmosphere as the combatants sought to win the final round in a wet, muggy and cold terrain. Nevertheless the storm in Southern California couldn’t stop the fearless competitors from going balls out on the high speed course. This day also was energized from the drama-packed pressure on Nobushige Kumakubo who bolstered 96 points and Ken Normura with 93 points. The two point leaders had to duke it out on this rainy day to determine the 2006 Series Championship!
However it was Kumakubo who took the championship during the point spread! Meanwhile his Team Orange teammate, Kazuhiro Tanaka took the D1 victory for Round 8! December 16 2006 marked a series victory for the Team Orange.
On December 17th, the rain broke and the sun shined. On this day, Nomuken vowed to avenge his loss and win the All Star race. But the fellows from the D1 UK , D1 New Zealand and D1 Malaysia and US all-stars had other plans. For it was them who stood in the way of Nomuken gaining his rightful prize.
Djan Tengu and Darren MacNamara (photo by: Adrian Valentin)
During the series battle, the stunning upset occurred. Djan Tengku (Prince of Malayisa) driving a Hachi Roku faced last years all star champ, Vaughn Gitten Jr in the Falken Mustang. The prince would not be doubted as he drifted his way onto victory over the Muscle Machine! The stun crowed watched as JR was out skilled by the Malaysian!!
Other impressive driving was shown by Darren MacNamara from Ireland. The Irishman lived up to the Irish fighting sprit defeating the likes of Samuel Hubinette! However it was Nokumen who would not be doubted from his victory, eliminating MacNamara in the Best 8.
Also in the best 8 Djan the Prince battled legendary D1 Star Yoichi Imamura! But for a hasty entry speed, Djan managed to bump Imamura off his apex and caused for a sudden death (ONE MORE TIME) round. - it was here the US fans saw Imamura eliminate the Prince!
Nomuken (photo by: Adrian Valentin)
In the final round, Ken Normura battled the Masao Suenga in the Greddy FD3s. The Blitz Skyline however proved to be too much for Suenga as Nomuken reached his goals and claimed his throne to victory!!
Additional Photos by: Pete Ulatan
