Fanga Dan brings the noise

He’s BACK! Fanga Dan Woolhouse has started the season a new man with a re-freshed out look, new colours and a whole bucket load of driving swagger. With the Silver base colour making the car stand out, a new Castrol look and some Juice Polishes shine, the FDC Motorsport machine had heads turned from the moment arrived in its new purpose built transporter.

Since starting his drift career back in the very first D1NZ events, Fanga Dan has always been something of an enigma. He is without a doubt a driver who can simply put a car in places it should not go, at a speed that doesn’t make sense. With a focused demeanor now very evident, he is that guy who no one will want to battle as the season goes on.

Fridays practice day saw Fanga identified early by many of the team spotters and drivers as the man to watch, dialing in impressive angle and speed and not afraid to find the point of no return early. The team may have fought this car on its recent Australian trip, but it is now a machine of malice that goes where pointed and turns in effortlessly before the LS2 powerplant destroys the rear tires.

Lining up in P3 based on last seasons finishing order for qualifying, the Castrol Edge machine was solid in qualifying, with Fanga a little disappointed to not grab a top spot and settling into 5th place perhaps due to holding back just a little in order not to show his hand to early.

A first up battle with Shane Van Gisbergen in the top 32 would turn out to be one of the highlights of the event for all, the battle that is Holden vs Ford evoking emotion not seen often at D1NZ events as the 2 big cars were thrown into the judged section almost side by side. Van Gisbergen impressed all present with his first ever battle chase that would have made any veteran drifter proud, and was then put under pressure by Fanga who managed to earn a tough .5 point advantage. Many wanting a one more time just to see the 2 go at it again.

It was then on to a battle with 2007 champ Carl Ruiterman in the GT Radial s14, and this would test Woolhouse as they went OMT before eventually earning a shot at world powerslide champ Mad Mike Whiddett in the Redbull RX7. Woolhouse coming out on top and booking a finals spot with current DK Curt Whittaker in the Mount Shop R34.

The final was always going to be tough, and tough it was with Woolhouse leading and Whittaker giving chase before the cars would switch over, the advantage sitting with Fanga Dan. About the middle of the dipper it all went wrong when a contact broke the front hub on the Castrol Edge commodore and both drivers had to return to the pits. Try as they might, the team couldn’t beat the 5 min bell and had to withdraw meaning the battle couldn’t be fought on track and Woolhouse would have to settle for the silver.

Fanga is now looking forward to returning to his home base of Whangarei for Round 2, and is hoping to see everyone out at the track.

FDC Motorsport wish to thank

Castrol Edge, Juice Polishes, Ultracom, Autotech Northland, Tein, Morgan Auto Painters, Checkered Flag Automotive,Syndicate signs, Whangarei Brick and tile, Xtreme Drift Clutch, GDS Motorsport, MGNinc and all the loyal fans and supporters who come out and support Daniel.