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Full Name: Jonathan Martin
Nick name: Marty
Age: 25
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Web Site: http://jonathanmartin.hopto.org
# of Years in motor sports: 7
Automobile: 1996 Mazda Miata / 1994 Miata Daily Driver

Modifications
Suspension: Koni Coilovers, Beatrush Braces, Racing Beat Sway Bars
Engine: Built NA (Head and Block decked), LINK ECU, 99 Miata Cams, Port and Polish, Racing Beat Header, R-Speed Intake
Interior/Cosmetic: Momo seats, Hard Dog Rollcage, Momo Steering wheel, KG works vintage Mazda shifter, AWD gauges
Exterior/Cosmetic: Flat black paint KG works vintage Mazda badge, Edles Tuning Chaparral Wheels, Toyo tires
Any sponsors? R-Speed (http://www.rspeed.net) NoPro (http://www.nopro.co.jp) AMCO Japan , KG Works (http://www.kgworks.co.jp) , AWD/Artworks Dewa (http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~AWD)

When and how did you get into drifting and/or other motor sports?
My father used to race Formula cars in England. He exposed me to motorsports. I started with RC Cars when I was 8, moved to Go-Karts around age 12 to 14, then Autocross and track events (99-04), and now drifting(’03-present).

What was the first car you used for drifting?
When I was living in Connecticut, I had an ’86 Honda Accord Fastback, which I’d take out in the snow using sidebrake slides, but for actual drifting, I first used my daily driver Miata

How did it work out for you?
The Miata is a tricky car, short wheelbase and underpowered. It took some time for me to get the courage to hang out the rear end for a long time without it snapping back.

What was your most practiced technique?
Power over

What is it now?
Feint!

Where are you looking to improve?
Long, fast, sidebrake slides

What types of events have you participated in?
Texas Drift, DG Trials, SEDA drift days, SCCA autocross, Miata club focus days at Motorsport Ranch (http://www.motorsportranch.com)

What type of events have you competed in?
SCCA Autocross, Formula D

What do you find challenging?
Getting to events without a trailer or tow vehicle. Wait till next year!!!! And drifting an underpowered car

Who are your influences?
Definitely, my Dad. I have learned so much about driving from him, it’s priceless.

What modifications would you like to have in the future?
Supercharger

What are your future plans in drifting?
To run the whole Formula D series next season, not just 3 events. Get a tow vehicle, OR Get a sponsored ride

Your thoughts on the future of drifting?
Drifting is going mainstream, everyone accept it!! I think it’s a good thing. Right now drifting is, excuse the bad pun, skating on thin ice in some areas. Lot owners don’t want us holding events on their lots. We did one Texas Drift event last year at a lot I won’t mention the name, and after the event the owner said we could not come back. Nothing happened at this event, just some cone killing. And, this lot holds autocrosses just about every weekend! Going mainstream will give drifting more respect, and in turn will produce more events, and maybe another series.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?
I’m married to the greatest woman ever, my wife Sonja. She has put up with car parts laying in the living room for months, staying out in the hot Texas, and now Atlanta sun at events, feeding all my friends that come over to work on cars, spending lots of money on car parts, the list goes on and on. Thank you Sonja, I love you!