By no means am I a long-term alumni in the drifting community in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve never driven a single track day in my life, and my first spectated event wasn’t until ’09 – or was it ’10? I have an awful memory. Point is, I haven’t been around THAT long. (Talk to Matt Panic for 30 minutes and no matter who you are, he’ll make you feel new to the scene.) I have been around to experience many changes and trends in the scene and I still consider myself an active member of it. The biggest shake up, in my opinion, was the loss of Pacific Grand Prix Motorsports Park. A go-kart track turned drift circuit, PGP was the ideal spot for drivers and spectators alike. The small, narrow course was loads of fun for drivers and the staff was very friendly and welcoming to the sport. The events that now-Formula D driver Rob Primo organized were invite-only, offering the best show for the spectators. Didn’t get an invite to drive? That’s fine, just swing by on a weekday and practice to your hearts content.
Due to some legal issues and a few noise complaints, PGP is now unable to host anything larger than a go-kart on their track and that was a huge bummer for everyone locally. With a couple oval tracks, and the daunting bank and lengthy wait times at Evergreen Speedway being the only legit options for local drivers to slide, the community needed something new. Something small and fun for everyone. Pat’s Acres Racing Complex was the answer.
Located about 25 minutes south of Portland, PARC is the new place-to-be for local drivers who are looking to come out and slide whatever the hell it is that they drive.
That’s definitely the vibe at least: “Run what you’ve brung.”
Portland does seem to have quite the fascination with Cressidas. Maybe it’s the fact that you can slide in comfort, with 3 of your friends occupying the available seats.
BMWs are a popular choice as well. In fact, I’m pretty sure there are events I’ve been to at PARC where there are more non-Nissans than Nissans, which is RARE for a drift event.
But fear not, little fanboys, there were plenty of S-chassis to go around at this event. And yes, most of them were red.
Not all of them were red though, and some of them even tandemed!
Though I must say, the fan favorite at these events has got to be these two guys: Matt Panic and Paul Harrison.
Matt drives the Celica and Paul is the pilot of the Corolla. Both BEAMS 3S-GE powered and both born in the ’70’s. The barky 4-cylinders driving these two cars put down just enough power to allow these two pre-historic machines to tandem together in such an awesome way.
Matt and Paul are 2/3 of ShaDynasty – an awesome team name with multiple meanings and some strict rules. Cars must be a Toyota younger than 1976, and the drivers must not be a current pro license holder. ShaDynasty’s motto is “Bros before pros”.
I’ve got to say my favorite car from this event was Joshua Nelson’s Ford Mustang, complete with Attack On Titan livery. My inner anime nerd couldn’t help but geek out super hard over this thing.
Some more S-chassis goodness.
And this boat was sailing along without the assistance of a turbo. An N/A 2JZ? BLASPHEMOUS.
This The event also saw Vegas Pro-AM alumni Tanner Baer having a good time out in his turbo Miata. Though he seized his motor on the drive home, he said he had a blast and plans to be back soon. Tanner recently relocated closer to the Portland area and I’m looking forward to seeing him out at PARC more often!
As this was my first event actually taking photos, Joe Ayala and Landin Williams quickly taught me that I need to be mindful of the positioning of other media while on track. Thanks guys!
Red is slowly becoming one of my favorite colors.
Matt even set up a little forum meet for a few of his Celica friends.
Despite John Danyal almost hitting me, this was probably one of the funnest events I’ve been to. Spectating is one thing, riding in a drift car is another, but being completely surrounded by screaming wastegates, squeeling tires, and being enveloped in tire smoke is just the best feeling. I hope to be able to capture it up close and personal more often and I hope to see every single one of you driving or watching at PARC sometime in the near future.
What this community needs is people going out and having a fucking blast at a drift event – driver and spectator alike. With every year that passes, the dream of making it big as a pro seems farther and farther away and I think more and more people are realizing that’s exactly what drifting is about: having fun. I’m so excited to see big grassroots events like All-Star Bash, Final Bout, and Drift Union Invitational getting more and more exposure. The people need to see that Formula Drift isn’t the only way you can partake. We need tracks like PARC and communities like the one we have in the PNW to help people realize that you can drive ANYTHING out to an event, have a great time, kill some tires, hi-five your friends, and drive home with a giant smile on your face. Sorry to get all weird and preachy. Your regularly scheduled programming of 1,000HP, twin-turbo V8s and mental Bro-AM builds will now continue as usual.
Great article,.. I love shooting at this track, I shot FD Seattle last year its was awesome, but there’s something about this place.