What was an unknown, characteristically Irish-sounding name only a year ago, has now become household among drifting fans, as Ireland/SoCal transplant Darren McNamara has been killing entry speeds, cars, and opponents' best efforts since joining Formula D ranks after trumping European ProDrift competitors since the ripe young age of 15.

My name is Darren McNamara, people call me "D-MAC". I'm 23 years old, I'm from Ireland and I am a professional Drifter and Racecar driver. I'm currently contracted to drive for Falken Tire Corporation in the States and have been with them 2 years now, driving in the US FormulaD Championship. I started my US carrier in 2006 in Irwindale, CA. where I had qualified for the D1 WORLD Championship invitational, I finished 5th overall and surprised a lot of people... My first year of driving in the US FormulaD series I competed in my own car in Falken colors and won the coveted "Rookie of the Year" title ahead of former World Champion Mike Riuji, with 2 events remaining and with twice as many points as second place! This year 2008 I was asked to drive a custom built and brand new Saturn SKY, complete with a racing 6.7L V8 producing over 700BHP! This year was spent developing this new car in preparation for the 2009 season, however even in this new undeveloped platform I succeeded in obtaining several Top16's and even a Top8! I even got the Falken Tires Saturn Sky sponsored by Sears Auto Centre second highest qualifier in it's First outing in Long Beach, CA.

In many Japanese drifting events, each car's performance is very similar, leaving the main difference between each competitor their technique and driving skills. This event was a challenge for me, not only to see how my driving compared to the others', but also how my SR20 engine could compete against other big-power American engines. Seeing the big American drift cars attack the course at such high speeds showed me how big-scaled American drifting is, compared to Japan. But I wasn't intimidated. This event fired up my Kyushu danji bushido spirit, and got me wanting to challenge the best! If I could have one request, it would be to drive against Rhys, Tanner and Sam--they are the biggest competition!

Many have said my best runs during the competition were against Daijiro. I competed with him only once, in 2002, the year I became D1GP champion. He was challenging then, but I could see how much his driving has grown since coming to America. The way he takes his lines and his speed seems to catch the audience's heart! Overall, I was amazed at the skill of the US drifters... I want to ask how they are so good without any places to practice like touges and street races. As for other international drivers, I don't have much experience competing against them, but I can see they understand their cars' characteristics and capabilities very well. Their performance is quite unconventional, compared to Japan style, and very aggressive. They will catch on fast.

As international drivers, we all faced a similar challenge: the time and ability to adjust our cars for the track was very limited. Even with our best parts brought from home, we didn't always have the resources the US-based drivers did, many of whom had their shop's full staff on hand to assist. I would be honored to compete in next year's event, if it is being held. But I would ask fellow Japanese drifters to accompany me, to make the competition even stronger! I'll be looking forward to next year.

Just like the Soltice, in my opinion, the Saturn Sky makes a great drift car. But, I feel about it like I do about it's Pontiac counter-part, not a fan. Sure looks good here though.