Brandon's Testimony
Part 3
The following is an interview with Zap Batteries Caribbean's Drift Champion of 2017, Brandon De Pree.
I got the opportunity to interview this car-athlete that practices the art of drifting, an art that is being appreciated
by many on the island, by both fanatics and by plain motor enthousiasts. A special thanks to Brandon for allowing this interview
to be posted for the world to share in his passion.
- Zap Batteries Caribbean's finest -
Continuation from Part 2
Jordan:
That is very inspiring Brandon. But tell me now, what is your
ultimate goal with this passion of yours?
Brandon:
My ultimate goal is to reach the height of the professional guys like Forrest Wang,
a born Texan living in Las Vegas, who is one of the professional drifters around the world.
He came to Curacao a couple of times, and I saw his car and I was like "maaaaaaaaannnnn...".
He and his car is the level that I want to get to. Also when you see that car start moving...wow...it is just a fine work of Art!
Jordan:
But as a professional Drifter, you're not drifting all the time are you? And what is it that
you do then between competitions as a drifter.
Brandon:
Not all the time no. Whenever I get the opportunity I go to practice. But with this new setup that I
have right now I didn’t get the chance to practice a lot, because every time the tires get used through
the drifting, I have to buy new tires. If I go through a second round, the tires are completely wasted and gone.
Jordan:
But looking at the future, becoming a professional drifter career wise, how will your life look like?
Brandon:
What it will look like?...Hmmm....
Eat, sleep and drift. It's waking up and working on the car. I mean, it's just car-life bro. Making sure
that everything on the car is straight for the competition.
Jordan:
Is it safe to assume that you will also be taking on the role of a mechanic?
Brandon:
Well for example, at the moment I have this new engine, and I think it's going to take
a while before I start working on it myself, because I want everything to be perfect and
I would rather have someone that knows a lot about this stuff to advise me what to do,
so that the next time I will not have to rely on anybody.
Jordan:
Okay, so Brandon, I am going to ask you what I believe to be the most crucial question of them all.
How did Zap Batteries Caribbean help you to achieve your goals as a sponsor?
Brandon:
Zap Batteries Caribbean has sponsored me with purchasing the parts for the car. I mean everything that I
needed, I would go to Zap Batteries Caribbean, and I would ask if they could help me with purchasing the
items that I would need to make the build of my car possible. Most of the stuff that goes in the car, Zap
Batteries Caribbean would sponsor. It's the batteries, tires, fuel, and most of the parts. And everybody
tells me "Brandon, you are so blessed to have a sponsor like Zap Batteries Caribbean!". I mean most other
sponsors would give you like a certain amount a year (let's say 2000 NAF) and that's it. But Zap Batteries
Caribbean has been really flexible, focusing on what I needed. I am so very thankful, because without Zap
Batteries Caribbean I could not have achieved this.
Jordan:
That is a great testimony Brandon. So what do you advise other guys…and women apparently? Because women
are also into drifting, a fact that I myself have only now since your last drift event witnessed for
the first time. What is it that you advise other aspiring drifters to become number #1 like you?
Brandon:
Well they should do what I do man. Never give up! Even though you see and think that it's not going well,
don't give up. Because sometimes it is going to get really hard, and you get pissed at yourself because you’re
not doing it right. That is the part where you stand still and you say to yourself "I can do this". This is the
inspiration. If you love what you do all will go well, and I really love what I do. That is why I got the
opportunity to get where I am right now, and I am still growing. I can't wait to become the best of the best.
And again, for aspiring drifters, as an inspiration, don't stop believing in yourself. I know you can drift.
Don't be scared and don't let the car control you. It is you who has to control the car.
Jordan:
That is some good advice you gave right there Brandon, and I have to say that I personally liked being with
you in the car during the short test-drive. It was really exciting and scary at the same time at first, but
after a short while I was like "wow....this is awesome, I want to do this again". So I do support this art,
this sport and his way of life. I think it is awesome.
Brandon:
I appreciate that man.
Jordan:
Brandon thank you so much for making time for this interview and we hope seeing you a lot more
often within these events with the support of Zap Batteries Caribbean.
Follow Brandon on Twitter and Facebook
This article has been written by
Jordan T. Emanuelson
CEO of jConsultancy
Email: jordan@j-consultancy.com
Website:
www.j-consultancy.com
