Flying the Federal and D-Max colors, Naoki Nakamura did what he always seems to do best: win. He showed his championship form by capturing the overall D1 Street Legal Series championship -- one of the most well-known and well-attended racing events in Japan -- against a grid of top drifting talents across the country in the final standings.
A short but intense rain storm took place in the second stage at Ebisu circuit. For those first-time drivers, this additional slip factor was proving a real challenge as they were struggling to get to grips with the first corner in the early practice session.
However, with Nakamura, in a Nissan S15, behind the wheel of the Team D-Max vehicle, featuring 580 hp and super tractive Federal 595 RS-R tires in size 235/40R17 front and 265/35R18 rear, it was never boring. His lead to the first corner was a symphony of power.
In the fourth race, Naoki looked determined at Nihonkai Maze Circuit, where his highly tuned S15 had great angles and speed through every corner, and moved him to first place in the competition.
Asked his opinion about tires, jubilant Naoki felt he’d proven a point with his performance. “Although we drifted a lot less composed at very beginning of this year, it was in a way another boost of motivation that kept me moving forward. Subsequently, we're extremely proud of what we've accomplished.
"The competition was fierce, and I enjoyed the different challenge each of my competitors gave me. Federal 595RS-R street legal competition tire has done a beautiful job both in terms of speed and consistency. I ran almost as fast at the end of the run as I did at the start.
"The tires are lasting and performing much longer than I expected," he said. "The winning doesn’t come without the support of Federal who delivered very quickly and high quality tires for my car. ”
The new season will begin April 17, 2010, at Bihoku Highland Circuit, Okayama.
