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Full Name: John Wagner
Age: 30
Residence: Pittsburgh, PA
Web Site: http://www.United-Drift.com
# of Years in motor sports: 5
Automobile: 1993 Nissan 240sx
Modifications
Suspension: Ground Control coilovers, Koni struts (everything else is stock and needs replaced along with my ghettto coilovers)
Engine: Red top SR20DET (stock), Blitz FMIC, Blitz BOV, Apex'i intake, Turbo XS boost controller, Greddy oil pan
Interior/Cosmetic: Sparco Evo seat, Sparco steering wheel, Sabelt 5 point harness, Nismo shiftknob, Domination Chassis custom rollcage, pilot short shifter, Nismo motor and transmission mounts
Exterior/Cosmetic: Stock
Any sponsors? http://www.humanproduction.com (Tattoo Studio), http://www.deceptionmotorsports.com (import video mag)
When and how did you get into drifting and/or other motor sports?
I got into drifting in 2002. I was into autocross and a friend of mine that I autocrossed with showed me some Option videos and Initial D. I attended the first Hyperfest in June 2002 as a spectator. From that point on I knew I needed to drift. I still had no RWD car so I had to wait a bit until I finally got to try it. Eventually, I started borrowing my friends 240sx and practiced drifting with him in empty parking lots. I finally got to drift in my first contest in May 2003 at Beaverun held by DG Trials. I had no idea how to drift on a track because all I ever practiced was drifting in a parking lot. Matt Petty gave me my first crash course and told me a couple different ways to initiate the drift. I ended up taking third in the contest. Thanks Matt.
What was the first car you used for drifting?
The first car I ever tried to drift was my 1985 S12 Nissan 200sx. I picked it up in late 2002. I tried to drift it for a couple months and then realized that it wasn't good to drift. I still have it and drive it everyday as my daily driver. When it snows it gets to drift again.
How did it work out for you?
It was so hard to drift. It was completely stock, no LSD, worn out everything and had no e brake. I had to go really fast and clutch kick, and then hope for the best. Sometimes I drifted, sometimes I wouldn't. I sometimes go back to the roads I used to try to drift that car on and wonder why I did such a thing.
What was your most practiced technique?
Weight transfer drift & clutch kick.
What is it now?
I try to use everything now but I probably use feint the most.
Where are you looking to improve?
I'm looking to improve my car a lot. I rushed to get it done so I could drift this year. I also look to improve my driving by trying to be more consistent and drifting faster with more angle.
What types of events have you participated in?
I've done DG Trial events, US Drift events and a few local events.
What type of events have you competed in?
DG Trials, US Drift, Beaverun drift days
What do you find challenging?
I found it challenging to drift another persons car that wasn't mine. I also find it challenging to drift on many different brands and sizes of tires.
Who are your influences?
People that like to drift fast and get close to stuff while doing it. People that have style to their drift. I'm constantly influenced by new people every time I drift. To name some names, Vaughn Gittin Jr, Matt Martin, James Evans, Fedor Andreev, Tadashi Ikegami, Peter Chhuom, Chris Forsberg, Rhys Millen, Nate Backner and Marc Rozzo.
What modifications would you like to have in the future?
I'd like to upgrade my suspension with real coilovers. I'd also like to get rid of my HICAS rear subframe so I can get adjustable rear suspension components. I would also like to upgrade my turbo and build up my motor a bit. After I get the car performing like I want, I'd also like to add an Origin bodykit and a new paint job. It would also be nice to have a steady flow of fresh tires to destroy.
What are your future plans in drifting?
I plan to keep drifting for years to come. I'd like to be able to drift in the Formula D series at some point, hopefully next year. Even if I never make it to Formula D, I'll still continue to do it as much as possible whenever and wherever I can.
What are your thoughts on the future of drifting?
Drifting is only going to get bigger and bigger. I like to compare the growth of drifting to the growth of skateboarding. Right now drifting in the US is where skateboarding was in the eighties. It's the cool thing to do and everyone wants to do it. I think it will go through the same ups and downs as far as popularity. In the end the same people that are truly involved now will still be involved in the future.