The Full Tilt Poker Mazda Nitto Drift Team makes the Big Top 16 Show in Seattle!

The Full Tilt Poker Mazda Nitto Drift Team rebounded from Wall, New Jersey and qualified in the Big Top 16 Show at Seattle Washington.   “Our last event in New Jersey was a heart-breaker.  All we knew was that the whole team was fired up to make sure that would never happen again.  We made several controlled changes to the car that would make it easier for Joon to pilot the car in qualifying and tandem.  Joon simply was killing it in qualifying and tandem!” Said Ron Bergenholtz Team Manager of the Full Tilt Poker Mazda Nitto Drift Team.

Joon Maeng would qualify the Full Tilt Poker Mazda Nitto RX8 mid pack to the number 14 spot with a 76.8.  He would have to face Michael Essa in the GSR Autosports Nitto V10 BMW for the first round of Top 32.  “It was an honor to have Michael Essa in the first round.  He is a Top-Notch driver and a stand-up guy.  Both he and I will give the 10,000 fans in the stands a good show.  May the best man win.” Said Joon Maeng pilot of the Full Tilt Poker Mazda Nitto RX8.

Joon Maeng would come out victorious over Michael Essa and propel the Full Tilt Poker Mazda Nitto RX8 to the big Top 16 show.  The Mazdatrix turbocharged 3 rotor would out-power the BMW V10 right at the start of the bank and leave Michael Essa in the smoke.  Joon would have no problem following and kept a tight gap between his Mazda RX8 and the BMW.  “I must admit, it felt great to make it back into the Top16.  Joon did a spectacular job against Essa.  He showed amazing control on track.  Joon will feel really good in the Opening Ceremonies of Top 16 when he greets his fans.” Said Ed Bergenholtz Chief of Data Analysis for the Full Tilt Poker Mazda Nitto Drift Team.

With the elimination of Michael Essa in Top 32, Joon Maeng would have to face #2 qualifier Ryan Tuerk and the Mobil 1 Pontiac Solstice.  This would be no easy task for Joon Maeng, as Ryan Tuerk has been known on track to be blisteringly fast and nimble.  Joon Maeng would follow Ryan on the first run and amazingly keep up with the little Pontiac.  Joon kept the gap close and Ryan would not run away from Full Tilt Poker Mazda Nitto RX8.  “I was a little worried that, that little Pontiac would run away from us.  Ryan is fast as hell, but our Mazda kept the gap close.  I was confident after that Joon could eliminate Ryan Tuerk.” Said Ron Bergenholtz Team Manager of the Full Tilt Poker Mazda Nitto Drift Team.

Despite the amazing run by Joon Maeng following Ryan Tuerk, the Mazda RX8 would experience driveline failure in the differential case before the next run.  Joon would drive valiantly on the lead lap and unfortunately could not keep the Mazda RX8 in drift.  Ryan Tuerk would eliminate Joon in Top 16.  “I know we had a great chance to advance to the Great 8.  Not too many cars out there can keep up with that Pontiac Solstice, and we did.  Unfortunately, a mechanical issue kept us from advancing.   We’ll go home, make repairs and prevent the particular part from breaking again.  I know success is just around the corner.  Joon should see the podium soon!” Said Ron Bergenholtz Team Manager of the Full Tilt Poker Mazda Nitto Drift Team.