1993 Falken Drift Team Mazda FD RX7
Lent by Redline Restorations, Bridgeport Connecticut
Competed in the inaugural season of Formula Drift.
Built by Tony Angelo and Chris Forsberg (3-Time Formula Drift Champion).
A pivotal car in the Falken Drift Team history.
The Mazda RX-7 has been an icon in drift culture ever since the pastime first emerged from the mountain roads of Japan. In the late 80s, sportscars were plentiful in Japan, but a few were a cut above the rest when it came to certain applications. Alongside the Toyota Corolla AE86 and Nissan Silvia S13, FC RX-7s were well-balanced, front engine, rear-wheel drive cars, which helped place them at the forefront of the development of drifting.
The RX-7s aptitude for drift only improved with the latest generation referred to as the FD RX-7. Its lower center of gravity encouraged confident rotation, while its more powerful, high-revving 13B rotary engine provided copious amounts of low-end torque for snappy acceleration and a long and steady powerband. This allowed drivers to dig into high angle corners with more throttle and limited the need for frequent shifting.
However, this is not just any RX-7. This car was essential in establishing drift as a legitimate and popular motorsport in America. Coming off the heels of D1 Gran Prix, the desire for a US-based drift series was strong and enthusiasts Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage were hungry to be involved with the sport. They founded Formula Drift, rounded up some of the best drivers and sponsors they could find, and hosted their inaugural season in 2004. The format of the races was derivative of what had already been seen in other drifting series, so standout drivers and cars were necessary for the success of the competition. This RX-7 is one of those standouts.
Built by driver Tony Angelo and now, three-time Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg, this car that has come to be known as the Falken RX-7, utilized the company’s famous teal and blue paint scheme. Since Falken was already well-represented in motorsports, the immediately recognizable livery quickly gathered attention in the paddock and on the internet. Having Falken as a premiere sponsor meant the company was taking Formula Drift seriously and that others should do the same. This helped legitimize it as a respectable racing series.
After its retirement as a racecar, the Falken RX-7 would go on to live many different lives as a demo car, a YouTuber’s amateur competition car, and a rap/hip hop star appearing in Travis Scott’s JACKBOYS music videos. Shortly after, it was acquired by Colton Amster of Redline Restorations and painstakingly restored to its former glory. How the car currently sits is period correct and accurate to how it would have looked while competing in the Formula Drift circuit — minus some zip ties holding it together. It is a wonderful piece of history representing the journey of drift in America.
Specifications
Engine: Modified Mazda 13B Rotary
Horsepower: ~ 600 hp
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Manual