Bigger, Better, Badder
DRAG Sport, the first magazine dedicated to import racing and Performance.

No one magazine can be all things to all people. We have created DRAG Sport to appeal to the racers and hard-core performance enthusiasts that have the need for speed. For those who crave horsepower and modern drag racing, DRAG Sport will deliver the best recipes to build combinations that perform.

BIGGER The industries leading tuners, reporters and experts along with the producers of IDRC Championship Drag racing are proud to announce the launch of DRAG Sport. Measuring 14.5”x11”, this large tabloid format provides nearly twice the page size of a conventional magazine. Bigger pages mean bigger pictures and the complete story.

BETTER There is no magazine on the market today that truly delivers the information, news and entertainment to import and sport compact enthusiasts that eat, live and breathe performance. DRAG Sport will fill that void. Delivering the only COMPLETE race coverage along with features on cars that have earned the right to be in the BIGGEST import and sport compact magazine in the world.

BADDER If you are looking for cars that have more invested in Bondo, body kits and paint than in performance, don’t buy DRAG Sport. If you want to find out the best combinations to win on the strip or in a stoplight confrontation, then you need DRAG Sport.

DRAG Sport Exclusives CONTROLLED TARGETED DISTRIBUTION: Only 50,000 copies of the first issue will be printed. How do you get your copy? DRAG Sport ships directly to the top tuning shops around the United States, nearly 800 shops in all. Each shop receives 35 copies of every issue. Additionally, thousands of copies are distributed at IDRC events and select youth-oriented events such as X-games. You can also get DRAG Sport delivered to your door by becoming a member of the IDRC.

MULTIPLE COVERS: Every issue of DRAG Sport will have multiple covers. Why? The answer is simple. DRAG Sport is the racer’s magazine. We just produce the stories and take pictures of what racers and performance enthusiasts want to see. Two covers provide additional feedback. In turn, we receive more input to establish our ultimate direction. For issue one, look for both the cover of Ally with the AEM DRAG Civic and the cover with both Ally and Stephan Papadakis with the AEM DRAG Civic. At an introductory cover price of just $3.95, you may want to collect both.

NO POLITICS: Every industry in the world is full of them, but we don’t play favorites. If the NHRA, NDRA or IDRA throws a great event and records are broken, we’ll get the story on the event to our readers. If a company that does not advertise in DRAG Sport makes a part that works, we will let you know. Our job is to provide the editorial facts, not propaganda. Educate, inform and entertain our readers. That is our mission.

The Editors: Dave Buschur (Mitsubishi Performance Editor), Michael Ferrara (Tech Editor), Axels Fuentes Gonzales (Puerto Rico Insider), Eric Hsu (Tuning Editor), Eddie Kim (Bolt-on performance editor), Jackie Ling (East Coast Insider), Ron Lummus (Chassis Tech Editor), Jim Mederer (Rotary Performance Editor), Stephan Papadakis (Racer’s Perspectives Column) and Jack Sacchette (VW Air-Cooled Performance Editor)

Issue #1 Table of Contents:

IDRC Mid-Season Review Who hot & who’s not? Racer’s egos put in check by the points chase

For more information, please visit www.dragsport.com. Become an IDRC member and receive a free subscription to DRAG Sport.

For more information, please contact the IDRC: Import Drag Racing Circuit, Inc.
21405 Brookhurst Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
714.593.0280
714.593.0281 Fax
www.importdrag.com
info@importdrag.com

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How did you get started?

CV: I was scouted.

How has modeling changed you or your lifestyle?

CV: HaHa....my life didn't really change. I'm still the same person and I still have to do laundry and cook.....my job opportunities have changed, and that's is a positive thing.

<What do you hope to accomplish with your modeling career?

CV: This is just a side thing I'm doing while I'm in school. I'm studying digital design/animation and a group I'm working with SZX.US is putting out a calendar for 2003. p> How are the people in the industry treated you so far?

CV: They've been nice..I'm pretty selective with who I work with.

Any models or people that you've looked up to or just admired since you started modeling?

CV: Not anyone in particular but I've always loved the girls with an innocent and seductive look.

Do you have [any] comments on some of the bad [press that] they say about models...particularly import models?

CV: If I start concerning myself with what people think, I'll fail, because it's impossible to please everybody. If I have to try and make everyone happy I might as well quit.

Do you feel that there are any special features that make you stand out from the typical import model?

CV: Physically...probably my tattoo (I don’t like it anymore btw) and mentally I'm pretty weird. People always tell me I don't think like a normal girl and I've even been told [that] I'm not normal by [my] family. *shrug*

Future goals. Upcoming projects?

CV: [My] short-term goal is to get my degree and get out of Washington!!!

Any last words to your fans or anyone you want to give thanks to?

CV: Thanks to my all of my fans for the love and support!! I love getting fan mail and I ALWAYS reply so feel free to write....and to my friends....thanks to those who were always there like y'all promised!!!

Want to know and see more pictures check out www.mscelesteonline.com and coming soon www.szx.us.

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When I saw the venue I was astounded that nobody had ever thought of holding an import show at this place. The waterfront was so bright from the sun that our photographer had troubles from over exposing the shots. Nevertheless, our photos came out. Well ... most of them. I don't think I need to get into the show cars because anybody in VanCity who went to the iREV and Showoff in the past couple of months have seen them.

In one area of the venue there was a network of computers all set up for Counter Strike geeks. Right beside the nerds was a bright red Porsche Carerra and on the other side was a nice orange Lotus. Ironically, the all-star cast of models were across from the CS geeks.

Natasha Yi, Rowena Galam, Hannah, Mia Guzman, Diana Le, and Nikki Lupian were on hand to sign stuff for their adoring fans. We didn't stay around long enough for the "car wash" event with the ladies so what went down is beyond me. The event was held outdoors as well so a little sunshine would've been good too. The main stage was being held down by DJ Flip Out from The Beat 94.5 spinnin' on the wheels of steel which gave the show its groove. Garage Five had a big spot to themselves representin' that big bad green dragger and their other imports. Vader Speed and Sound was there along with Revolution. Those guys had some phat rides. Too bad we didn't get a photo of the cars. Why? Blame the sun.

Some major sponsors came out to represent the scene like, PASMag, Pirelli, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Coors Lite, Ralphs Radio Fusion, Imvasion, Importelite.com, X-box, BMG, The Beat 94.5, and a crap load of others. I was too busy staring at the models in booty shorts flying left and right. Anyways, be on the look out for an even better show next year.

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However, the question still remains, what is the best way to build up a show worthy, speed enhanced daily driven rice rocket?

Now if money were no object, we would all be driving daily an 11 second race car that could pump out 150 decibels of booming bass (yes, that is a lot of bass) and have a body work that even lowriders would respect. But since we all have numerous bills to pay (cell phone, credit cards, school tuition), money is an object. Where should the money be spent? On show or go? Is it possible to have the best of both worlds?

Yes, it is possible to have the best of both worlds. Here is a more effective way of spending your hard earned money.

To enhance your need for speed, do not underestimate the power gains and affordability of simple bolt on performance. Those items include, intakes, camshafts, adjustable cam gears, spark plug wires, headers, and exhausts. When used in combination, these easily affordable items can generate the desired increase in horsepower.

Taking a more costly route to improving performance would include motor transplants. With many Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas you have the capability of being able to swap out their wimpy stock motors for larger, more powerful motors from other cars. In the case of Nissan and Toyota, many of the motors swapped come turbocharged from the factory.

Now where should money be spent on looks? Surprisingly, body enhancements are more affordable than people think. Bolt on front bumper lips, side skirts, and rear bumper lips will not only save you some money that can be put to good use for other more important parts. But they will save you the agony of having to leave your car at the body shop for a long duration of time. The body pieces can be painted and installed on your car in a matter of days. A wing can be added to complete the look of the car for only a couple hundred dollars more if desired and can be installed at the same time as the body pieces.

For the interior, do not fall into the trap of re-upholstering your stock seats and then replacing them later on with racing seats. The prices of racing seats has dropped significantly over the last 2 years making them extremely affordable due to the increased demand and number of companies producing their own seats. They also come in a variety of colors to visibly improve the look of your interior and complimenting with the exterior of the car if you have a custom paint job.

Now what good is a car that goes fast and looks good if it does not have a bumping sound system? Here is where many money saving tips should be applied to first time car builders on a budget. The most basic sound system that will sound good and score points with judges at most any competition will consist of the following things. A nice head unit, door speakers, two power amplifiers (one for the door speakers and one for the subwoofers), and a subwoofer box with two 12-inch subwoofers. There have been many cars that have gotten magazine coverage without having a custom trunk or three televisions in the car.

With your car nearly complete, it is time to buy it some new socks and shoes (suspension and rims). Lowering springs will suffice if you are on an extremely tight budget. Although, coilovers would be better buy due the height adjustability factor.

Although it would be nice to have 19-inch rims to roll on, tires alone for those size wheels are still a little too pricey. 17-inch rims are the best size to go with and the most common size wheel manufactured. Also, tires for 17-inch rims will not cost you an arm and a leg and possibly some other important body parts as well.

Now you might be wondering, why was a lot of motor work and bodywork not mentioned in this article? Here is why. They fall under the category of where money is spent on things that look nice, but not often necessary.

First, having a fully built, 250 plus horsepower, turbocharged motor that has 11-second quarter mile capabilities is a nice thing to have. But it is of no use to most people that face daily road conditions like bumper-to-bumper traffic, or weather conditions such as snow and rain.

Second, wide body kits and fender flares are nice, but remember, wider bodywork means wider rims. Wider rims mean wider tires. Wider rims and tires mean higher prices. And remember, tires do not last forever. They need to be consistently replaced. Is it worth the cost?

Third, where is a television and game system such as PS2 more useful? In the car or in the home? You are totally wrong if you chose the car. Say you go to 8 shows a year. At 6 hours a show, that is 48 hours you will spend a year at events. That equals to two complete days. The other 363 days of the year, the car is parked at home or in a parking lot while you go eat or watch a movie.

Finally, after much struggle and heart ache your car looks good, sounds good, and is able to keep up with some of your friends rides. Is there still room for improvement? Obviously. But that will all come in due time when your budget permits. Remember, these are just suggestions and not the law on how to build up a car. Hope they have been helpful and good luck (you will definitely need it!).

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Women who attend import events usually fall into one of the 4 following stereotypical categories.

1. You are there as a model either for a manufacturer, promotions group, or a car club.
2. You are the girlfriend of an auto enthusiast who has his car on display at that particular event.
3. You are there to support your friend who is modeling at the event or just keep her company because her boyfriend is paying more attention to his car and the competition than her.
4. You are there to display your car at the event.

How do you go about displaying your car? Well, first you have to have a car. Second, you are going to have to make a few sacrifices and changes to your lifestyle. Being involved in the import scene, no matter how much or how little, takes a big commitment. Third, ask, learn, and then create. You undoubtedly will probably have a whole lot of questions about how to fix up your car and how you go about getting your car into the various import events. But that is ok. Asking questions will allow you to learn and better educate yourself about the do’s and don'ts of the import scene. With the newfound knowledge you have acquired, you can then be better prepared to go and begin fixing up your car.

What proof is there that it is possible for a female to be not only involved but also competitive in this male dominated industry? Here are a couple of examples of some well known female owned import cars that you may or may not have known about.

The most well known female enthusiast would be Lisa Kubo. With her 9 second Honda Civic hatchback, she has proven time and time again that women can not only be competitive, but also win. Quick pop quiz, do you remember her racecar’s original color when she first began? If you do, you are an old skool import enthusiast.

Have you ever seen a 1991 white Mazda Miata convertible in the Enkei Wheels advertisements? That is another female owned import vehicle. That little pocket rocket is supercharged and squeezes (a.k.a. use of Nitrous Oxide [NOS]). It also has won several awards and has been featured in a few magazines.

This article would not be complete without mentioning Charlotte “Mommy” De Vera (Yes, she is the mother of RJ De Vera). Her Honda Odyssey mini van was a one of a kind classic import vehicle that was ever entered in competition. It was slammed to the ground with a complete body kit and fender flares (long before fender flares and wide body kits ever became popular), had a turbo charged motor, and an immaculate paint job. From time to time, she could be seen in her mini van racing down the 1320 (a.k.a. quarter mile drag strip). That is right, she raced her mini van!

Do you remember the Pioneer Electronics ad with the 1996 Silver Honda Accord Coupe up on a hydraulic lift in a mechanics garage with a bunch of subwoofers covering the underside of the car? Yes, this is another awesome import vehicle owned by a female. In addition to the clean body kit, stylish rims, and booming sound system, that Accord also sported a turbo charged motor. Her car also has a piece of bodywork that became a trend that is still currently used. On the lower portion of the rear quarter panel, near the door and in front of the rear wheel, you can see a Toyota MR2 style side vent has been molded in.

So these are examples of a few females who have built a show winning vehicle and/or race competitively. If you ever get a chance to attend a show and any of these cars are there on display, those women would be glad to answer any questions you may have about how they got involved in the import industry.

Remember, the final choice is up to you. You do not have to make your car look as wild and crazy as some of the import cars that have been created over the years. Going JDM on your car is a simple and clean way of adding some style to your car without going overboard. Sometimes the smallest additions to your car (lowering it on rims, clear turn signals, simple vinyl graphics, sound system) can have a major impact on the look and overall driving comfort ability of the vehicle.

Women can build up a quality import vehicle that they can drive daily, a vehicle that their parents will be ok with, and still be proud put it on display at an import event. Beware guys, the girls are coming to play, and they are not going to play nicely. They are here to whoop some ass!

This article is the first in a series of articles that will be authored to hopefully encourage women to go out and become more apart of the import scene through participation with their cars. Suggestions for future articles about what topics should be discussed to better educate women about the import scene are highly welcome. Just send them to Autobot RX7.

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Says AEM Chief Engineer John Concialdi, “The Matrix XRS and Corolla S are incredibly well engineered, exciting offerings into the entry-level sport compact market. The Matrix XRS shares the same engine and wheel hub design as the Celica GT-S—which is an awesome car—so it already has a performance edge that is augmented by our products. The Corolla S is more sedate in terms of its execution, which is why our Air Induction Systems, Tru-Powerä Pulleys and Big Rotors will be such a welcome addition to the vehicle for enthusiasts looking to increase power and stopping performance.”

AEM Air Induction Systems are manufactured and assembled in the USA and are dyno-proven to outperform every intake system on the market. Every AEM intake system includes mandrel-bent, 6061 aluminum piping with TIG-welded fittings and brackets, a proprietary filter with a built-in air horn that increases horsepower across the rpm band, complete installation hardware, comprehensive installation instructions, license plate frame and AEM decals. All AEM systems are either C.A.R.B. exempt or pending C.A.R.B. exemption and carry a lifetime warranty*. AEM’s air induction systems are available powdercoated in red, blue, silver and clear with AEM’s Maintenance-Free polished finish.

AEM Tru-Powerä Pulley Systems reduce the amount of power required to drive the engine’s accessories to create additional horsepower at the wheels. AEM Tru-Powerä pulley systems for the Matrix XRS and Corolla S include a 6061 T-6 billet-aluminum pulley for the alternator, properly sized replacement belt, installation instructions and AEM decals. AEM Tru-Powerä pulley kits are available anodized in red, blue or silver with laser-etched graphics.

AEM also developed its front and rear Big Rotor Brake Systems for the Matrix XRS and Corolla S. AEM’s Big Rotor systems utilize the factory caliper via a relocation bracket, which changes the moment arm for increased brake torque without an increase in pedal effort. Combined with the cooling properties of a larger-diameter rotor, owners will experience fade-free braking at a very affordable price.

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With the historical Nisei Week festivities serving as the backdrop for the event, some the cars on display also reflected this cultural exchange. One of those cars happened to be the Nissan Silvia S15 racecar on display in the Signal Auto booth. This car is most notably remembered from the International Auto Salon event and has been seen in a few magazines since that time. Too bad Nissan has no plans of bringing the Silvia under the 240 name to our shores any time soon.

Not to be outdone, Blitz USA had two shimmering silver Nissan Skyline GTR V-Spec R33’s on display in its booth. Blitz of course added several of their performance products to these vehicles including air filter, exhaust, and gauges. Mind you that these Skylines are smog legal, registered, and most importantly, can be purchased and driven legally here in the U.S. courtesy of Motorex in Gardena, CA.

Many of the vendors that came out had booths that contained impressive vehicles as well. Legend Motorsport had a C class Mercedes Benz slammed on 19’s. Access Magazine had the yellow wide body Honda Prelude from Team Techna along with the baby blue wide body Honda Accord V6 from Team Decepticons. The Honda Accord was also sporting its recently acquired custom fabricated single turbo kit. Velox wheels had a bright orange Acura Integra from Team Speed Addicts sporting an OEM Type R conversion.

Other vendors on hand included more manufacturers, the web community that provide you with all your online coverage and promotion teams that provide you with the best in after dark entertainment. They included, of course Apartment107.com, Goldensilk.com, Import Culture, and 935 Draggers. Legend Entertainment was spinning live music all day in the TYC booth. Eternal Events, Events Company, Spots Production, and One Love Promotions were also out working the event.

Teams on hand in competition came from all over the state of California; from San Diego to the Bay Area (northern California). Speed Addicts came down all the way from northern California to compete. Team Techna, Team Hybrid, Art N’ Motion, Team Insight, Team Flux, Team Famous, and Team High Intenzity were all out in force from all over southern California. Team Power Ban and 935 Draggers also made the short trip up from San Diego to represent and compete.

For those of you who did not attend the show, this car was a sight to see. Mickey, the former owner of the red Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4, which he recently sold, came out to display his new pocket rocket, and you would not believe what it was. Remind you; it was referred to as a pocket rocket and not a rice rocket. Mickey brought out an old school, Ford Roadster. With a carbureted motor, skinny front wheels and monster rear wheels, open engine compartment and topless cabin, it was sight to see. It oddly enough sported a custom speaker box in the rear.

Now what would Nisei Week and potentially any car show be without mentioning something about the models in attendance. Nisei Week has its own spokes models called the Nisei Week court. Two of the girls on the court this year even happened to be twin sisters (hi Jamie and Dawn)! Big thanks to the Nisei Week committee for allowing the Nisei Week court to take some time out to stroll through the show. And even bigger thanks to the ladies of the Nisei Week court for coming through and taking time out for some pictures.

Some of the Import Models on hand were Joyce who was signing autographs in the FinestWomen.com booth. Dee of SimplyDee.com was there signing a new calendar. Miss Import Showoff was there of course signing autographs in the Import Showoff tent. Mel Lani was at the 749 promotions booth and Wendy Delgado, an official starter girl for the IDRC, was in their booth signing autographs.

The Nisei Week Showoff was filled with great fun, great people, nice cars, good food, and was trouble free the whole day. The cool weather was a great relief from the heat wave California had been suffering from lately too. To see if there is a showoff coming to your neighborhood, check out www.ShowoffCafe.com.

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As I pulled up to the place the first thing I saw was 3 representatives from Wings West walking in with this hot blonde chick. I was thinking to myself: “oh man they’re going to be disappointed.” Turns out they brought 2 of their cars along with them. I pull into the parking lot and I almost dropped a brick. There were about 300 imports all parked together, it was a purifying experience. I hadn’t seen that many imports my entire time in Germany, and I’ve been here for a year. I then parked and proceeded to the entrance.

I walk through and what do I see? 3 S2000’s and an NSX. I haven’t seen an S2000 in over a year let alone an NSX!! I looked around and thought to myself, what have I been doing? Where have I been? I should be in Belgium every weekend!! Mugen, Spoon Sports, Wing’s West, Veilside, just to name a few of the sponsors at the show. The turnout was awesome, about 100 cars in the show and a whole lotta spectators.

Turns out that this was just a pre-show before the big show in September, which I will be attending for sure. Maybe you’ll hear from me then. It was well worth the 3 ½ hour drive. Oh yeah and by the way, Belgian waffles in Belgium are the bomb. I ate a stack the size of my head!!

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In recent years, the European automotive industry has shed their "luxury only" image to attract a younger and much larger audience. New European Tuner Challenge events are planned to attract automotive aficionados with modified specialty European vehicles.

Neowerkes plans to hold bi-annual events at various locations through out Southern California and migrating nationwide. This past Neowerkes event on August 11th was just an appetizer for bigger and better things to come.

Neowerkes is an organization fueled by the interests of all fellow enthusiasts. They will continue to make progress in producing exciting and fun events for everyone in the near future.

For more info and pics log onto Neowerks Show Coverage.

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If any of you have been on apartment107 since the beginning of time, you might have remembered my review on Cha for Tea, a local boba store known to many Asian Garden Mall goers and UCI students. Even back then the craving was on.

But now more than ever, boba has become a part of our lives, (especially mine). As I ventured throughout Westminster in search of a place to chill at, I came across Tastea in Westminster. With a staff of cute gurls making you a bunch of tapioca balls, Tastea not only is cheaper than Cha for Tea, but the urban vibe of the store keeps people coming back.

With late hours everyday, Tastea is open late for your drinking pleasures. So tell them that apartment107.com sent you so I can get some props, j/k.

Reasons to go to Tastea

Sunset Peach

Store Hours
Sunday - Thursday 10:00AM-11:00PM
Friday - Saturday 10:00AM-12:00AM
Address
10189 Westminster Ave.
Garden Grove, CA 92843

Quoc's Note: Tastea will be opening a new location soon on the CSUF campus. Job applications are availible.

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