After a rough start in Long Beach with the new Hankook/Peak Performance Nissan 350Z Z33, the team worked overtime during the break to iron out any remaining issues with the car. After a few minor changes, we're happy to report that the Hankook/Peak Performance Nissan 350Z Z33 was stronger than ever and ready for the brutal Road Atlanta course in the second stop on the 2008 Formula Drift Pro Drift circuit.

Robbie Nishida arrived in Georgia on Thursday May 8th. Tired and exhausted from his long flight and after a breakfast of cheese grits and coffee, Robbie was out and about putting the 350Z Z33 through the paces. After bringing the crowd to their feet during his qualifying rounds, Robbie qualified in the Top 16. During his first run against Dai Yoshihara, Robbie was putting on a good show when he stepped off the track a bit and damaged one of his tires. Undetered, Robbie got right back in line. As the lead car, Robbie demonstrated the raw wholesome goodness of the Peak Performance built Nissan VQ35 as he was able to continually pull away, with a rapidly deflating tire n' all,  from Dai's Pontiac GTO. Unfortunately victory was not in the cards at this event as the judges voted to let Dai continue on.

Joon "Mr. Nice Guy" Maeng experienced some difficulties with his Hankook/Peak Performance Nissan 240SX S14. The team tried to hunt down the gremlins but later discovered that there may have been an issue with fuel contamination (when you add 109 octane to 116, we call that contamination.. anyone who says it isn't is a liar). In any case, Joon was able to wow the crowd a few times during practice and qualifying. But ultimately, was unable to make the final cut this time. 

Once again, Peak Performance would like to thank all their sponsors: Hankook Tires, ACT, BC Brian Crower, KW Suspension, Enkei Wheels, Apex Integration, Injen, Gruppe-S Engineering, JE Pistons, Adaware, Performance Friction Brakes, Sebon, CWest, Status, and Nissan Motorsports.

Photo courtesy of Mag @ Performance Friction

Click here to watch a video of Robbie Nishida's first run @ Road Atlanta