CHACHI!!

Chachi tearin' it up!

Here is an interview with Carlito Diaz AKA Chachi, the guitarist of NYHC band Against The Grain,
and as you will learn below, an accomplisjed drift racer as well!
 

Wasteland (WL):  Explain "Drifting"-

Chachi (C):  Drifting consisting of bringing a rear wheel drive car to its extreme level of grip and maintaining control on the very edge of losing control. Its like balancing on the edge of a knife. You want to reach a limit where the rear wheels will start to lose grip but not to the point where they lose complete traction or you will spin. This is done by controlling throttle input and steering. You reach an over-steer situation and then counter-steer while powering out without spinning or losing angle.

WL: How long have you been into car racing / drifting?

C:  I've been in drag racing and autocross since 1998 and drifting since 1999 when I picked up a video at a Japanese bookstore but have been participating for about 4 years, basically since they started events at Raceway Park in Englishtown.



WL:  What kind of car are you racing (drifting?) these days?

C:  I use the ever popular 240SX. Its cheap, parts are abundant at junkyards and it has a huge aftermarket. The popularity of drifting has given rise to the price but I often hear of people getting them free or next to nothing from people who just think its a beat up old car.

WL: Does hardcore music influence your driving style?

C: Hell yes! I cant drive the same way listening to country, drifting is extreme and you need some extreme soundtrack to keep things crazy.

WL:   What drift competitions have you won so far?

C: I've placed first in a couple of small local events but due to some politics I haven't been able to do bigger events. I don't know where I will stand competition-wise for 2007 since most of what my team does is exhibition style driving. I would like to do bigger competitive events soon because when we do demos, there is no restricting lines to follow, no clipping points etc. so competition driving would make an overall better driver.

WL:   I saw you in the (Herald or Clifton Journal? Can't remember) - that was a cool interview - how did it feel to get some recognition in your home town?

C:  It was actually really strange because I received a phone call from California that I didn't want to answer. I called back and it was a PR place that notified me about someone wanting to get in touch with me. It turned out to be a local paper. It was quick and I wasn't even notified about it going to print or anything, my mother just happened to come across it.

WL:  Do you have any sponsors?

C:  My main sponsor is Dunlop Tires. They provide me with their DZ101 tires which are excellent for drifting. Awesome wear and smoking traits. American Tire Distributors provides the "Drifz" wheels to go with those tires. HDi provided the Intercooling and electrical systems, Invidia/Jetworld provided the exhaust system, Blinglights.com provided the lighting, F1spec.com provided my seats, Andy's Autosports provided the Bloodline body kit, my friend Stan at Vinyl Shoppe provided the cut vinyl, the list goes on, but everyone plays a part in making it possible for me to get out there and do my thing efficiently.

WL:  Are you still playing guitar?

C:  I would like to think so, but its hard to get everyone together to play. I dont really pick it up much here at home, but when I do it's like riding a bike, I havent forgotten. I may be a little rusty and my fingers will get raw, but I love playing the guitar.

WL:   Is it true you are fan of the oldschool Euro thrash band Helloween ?

C:  Actually yes... I was attending summer school and I met this German kid who lent me a tape of Keeper of the Seven Keys. I started listening to it while I did my paper route and I got hooked. I still like em now, its a guilty pleasure!

WL:  Thanks for the interview man! Where can people find out more info on Drifting, you, and ATG?

C:  No problem, for info on our team, we can be found at www.driftbrigade.com  and there is a link to our Myspace there. Against the Grain info can be found on www.factionzero.com  and our Myspace www.myspace.com/atghardcore  and info of me at www.myspace.com/chachipower  check it out!

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