Chris Forsberg Interview with Lat34
October 28, 2009 – 4:31 pm PT by BrianTags: Chris Forsberg, Formula D, Nissan, Nos Energy Drink, Robert Pattenson, Taylor Lauer, Tyra Banks —
Growing up I was looking for someone to have for a role model, while the other kids looked up to Bo Jackson and Kid and Play (mostly Play because he was the ladies’ man); there was no one who really filled the void in my life. It wasn’t till I was well into my 20’s that a person stepped up and took the reigns as my role model, this person is Tyra Banks.
Tyra is a real journalist; her show is the best interview show on TV today (that’s right Charlie Rose); what makes Tyra so amazing is how she never puts herself or her views in the story being told by her guest. Tyra is also cool as a cucumber and never get overly excited or makes crazy faces like other talk show hosts, she always holds it together.
Though I may never be at the level of my role model, I am trying; this is why I was so excited to score a big interview with Formula D Champion, Chris Forsberg. I know my interviewing skills are not to par of Tyra’s but with a lot of hard work and a little luck, one day maybe I can hit her level.
Here is the interview I did with Chris shortly after his winning of the Formula D series Championship, he is a funny guy and gave some great answers, so enjoy:
What’s your Name?
Chris Forsberg
Where did you grow up?
Doylestown, PA (40miles northeast of Philadelphia)
How did you get into Drifting?
I first got into drifting back in 1999-2000 with my friend Tony Angelo. We discovered cars sliding around in Japan on the internet and watched in car videos to see how they were making them slide. I purchased my first car which was a 1988 Mazda RX7 so that I could try to learn how to drift.
What car do you drive and got any info on the setup?
I drive the NOS Energy Drink Nissan 350Z with Maxxis Tires. It has a 450hp Nissan Titan 5.6L engine, Seibon Carbon Fiber body, and DG-5 Suspension.
Do you or have you done any other action sports?
I used to skate when I from when I was younger, and I road some BMX and started snowboarding when I was 17.
How did you guys come up with the idea for DA?
Tony Angelo first came up with the idea back in 2003. We originally had called it “Aces High” but pretty early on we changed the name to Drift Alliance, a name inspired by the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars. The name “Aces High” now lives on through our Drift Alliance Aces, which is what we call our members who joined us after the original 4. Throughout the years Drift Alliance has maintained it’s original purpose of banding together great friends who just want to drift and support each other in any way possible.
Since you have become Formula D champ this year will you feather your hair and go around challenging John Cusack to ski race the K1 like in Better off Dead?
Yeah, that dude still owes me $2.
Have you ever thought about dressing in the fashion of your intro music? (Meaning if you played super freak, you would come out rocking a sparkly jumpsuit and a Jeri curl wig)?
I might have thought about it once or twice in 2005, but since we do not have “intro music” anymore, I’ll never have that chance. I did however sport a DA shirt cut up motley crue style for the final round of that year… It was pretty sweet.
How would you recommend that someone get into the sport of drifting as a driver?
Of course you need to start with a RWD car. Pretty much any car will do but the most practical cars are best (ie 240, RX7, Corolla.) Then, you have to get out to the track and practice! Drifting is not something that you will learn overnight, sometimes the techniques that work best don’t make much sense but with an open mind and dedication, you can pick it up rather quickly.
Who are your sponsors?
NOS Energy Drink, Maxxis Tires, Clarion, Genius Tools, Mishimoto, Seibon, Nissan, SSR Wheels, Sam’s Auto Land, DG-5, The Driveshaft Shop, Alpinestars, Electic Sunglasses
What music do you listen to; to get pumped while driving?
I generally listen to the Bouncing Souls. Nothing to heavy, just awesome up beat rock and roll.
And finally have you ever thought about wearing short biker shorts and a mesh tank top while driving to help with air circulation?
On the super hot track days, which most of them seem to be, yes… I think about wearing almost any other than my hot as crap fire suit. If they made fire proof biker shorts and mesh shirt I’d probably consider it.
Any shout outs you would like to give?
Andre the Giant, Chuck Norris, Mario Lopez, and Brian for tying them all together.
2 Responses to “Chris Forsberg Interview with Lat34”
Mario Lopez! He’s my favorite!
By Mike on Oct 28, 2009