stuwk1

I gave in.

Before you hit the back button or scroll down just to see pictures, take a minute to hear my story and share the passion for this amazing retarded sport we all love. Grab some popcorn and sit back for the tears and joys of this journey.

My name is Stu Kelly I am 21 and have been drifting for 3 years and building this car for 4...in those three years I have met some great friends, and had some awesome rivalries along the way.
When I was younger I was involved in go-cart racing and often used "drifting" to win races, but at the time I really didn't know what it was. From then on I did some research about the sport and went to a few events and was

My car of choice was a 1988 Mazda Rx7 Turbo II which had already had an upgraded turbo, standalone, and a few other mods but the motor was blown up. I went with an Rx7, to be Different than the 240sx crowd, and I was personally interested in learning the rotary.




Since this was the first time ever rebuilding a rotary, or for that matter any engine at all. I had general knowledge but was totally new to any in-depth automotive system. Since I was so new I figured I would have someone else build my motor the first time around.
Hit up a local FD driver ( who was also in with rx7's and rotaries) , Mike Feiock or "t2 Mike" to rebuild the motor for me .The motor was getting a street-port as well as series 5 irons, and N/A high compression rotors for the perfect boost build.


Got the motor in the car, fumbled around with this Microtech standalone, registered for my first event! $150
While attempting to start and tune I managed to lock myself out of the Microtech ECU that was made in AUS. (It actually has a theft deterrent deal that I activated)


Mailed the Microtech to AUS to get wiped clean and a new base tune installed. At this point I had already missed the event I registered for.

Kept in it, got the microtech back and was so excited to finally go tune. Despite my tuner (also Mike Feiock) noticing a few noob mistakes, we were able to get a solid base tune, and man did the car felt great. At the time this was the fastest thing I had ever driven I was the happiest kid around.

First event!
Drove 10 hours (because Chicago traffic) to Midwest No Star Bash 2012 an event in Shawano Wisconsin at USAIR a super crazy rollercoaster go-cart track.

This was the very first time ever drifting this car and I was super stoked on how it went. We started off on a skid-pad with a pass or "keep trying" to be able to drive the big track(s) so I was nervous as dicks. Heres some video of my first time driving this car.
Car had great power just had to learn how to apply my carting skills to having three pedals and a 2000lb vehicle.
Finally graduated from the skid-pad after a few more runs and onto the big track we went!
The track felt super natural and that car was starting to feel great. It made for a great event and high hopes for the future!


The next dream was to drive a Midwest Drift Union Pro-AM Event. To do this I needed a roll cage.


Roll cage installed, and I was onto my first Pro-Am Event. Midwest Drift union 2012 Round 3.
Did horrible at this event. I went from feeling good to feeling bad. Don't even have videos. Was a joke. E-Fan ran down battery. Car kept dying idling in grid. Had to push start. Was the very last car to do qualifying runs.
Nerve level- Insane
Was not in a good mental state, didn't make top 16.
At the end of 2012 Mike Feiock convinced me to head down to St.Louis to drive Gateway International- the big boy track. This was my first time driving third gear. I was super nervous but it actually turned out to be an awesome event. I really learned my car that day and I think that event partially made me what I am today.
My first run "linking the course"

Felt super good confidence restored. Was excited going into 2013!