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The very day after D1 wrapped up its 2006 season, the Japanese drift organization invited the top drifters from six countries (Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the United States and the U.K.) to do battle in its D1GP World All-Star Series at California’s Irwindale Speedway. In all, 37 drifters competed to show the world which country’s drifting technique was superior.

Though every driver showed why he was worthy of being considered one of the best, the two new breakout “stars” were both AE86 Corolla pilots: Malaysia’s Tengku Djan (a member of the Malaysian royal family) and Ireland’s Darren McNamara. Both drivers were able to use their small Toyotas to best America’s top drivers; McNamara made short work of Sam Hubinette’s Charger while Djan was able to beat the Mustang of last year’s All Star champ, Vaughn Gittin Jr.

Of course, as the D1 staff was pissed that an American won last year’s competition, the judges made sure that only the Japanese drivers would make it to the final round. (Uh… this is all “hearsay”, of course…) For the final battle, Ken “Nomuken” Nomura and his Blitz ER34 Skyline would be driving against the Greddy-sponsored FD3S RX-7 of Masao Suenaga. Nomuken was able to just out-drive Suenaga this day and took home the D1GP World All-Star win. We guess this win makes him the “best” drifter in the world… for now.

STORY & PHOTOS: Justin Kaehler << for more D1 stuff, CLICK!