Monday, December 29, 2014

AE86FC Launch event coverage

AE86 Fight Club Launch Party
Hosted by Cafe 86

AE86FC is a recently established car forum dedicated to AE86
enthusiast. The name "AE86" is derived from a chassis code of a certain
Toyota Corolla 2-door model within the years of 1985~1987. This model
was the last of the RWD (rear wheel drive) platform before changing
into a FWD (front wheel drive) which is the prevalent drive system to
this day.

AE86FC is comprised of members that are hardcore fans of this car. They
are highly experienced in both the mechanical make up and settings of this
ride.  There are several different crowds among its members. There are members
who loves to track their cars in racing circuits and there are others who
just love to showcase their rides in car show events. All in all these are
the people behind this forum.

AE86FC is a private forum. To register you have to know a current member
of the forum. They go by a "vouch" system.  Someone from within needs to
validate your credibility in order to be inducted to the forum. This kind of system
prevents unwanted trolling. However this method has its downside as not enough
exposure is garnered since it's not open to the public.

Next year, 2015 marks the year when AE86FC will be open to the public.
The old "vouching" system will be taken down in lieu to a more open social
forum. So last Dec. 20th the head honcho of the forum decided to do a
launch party event to commemorate the change. The venue was hosted by Cafe86
which by the way owned by a fellow AE86 FC member.
This event is also sponsored by a number of different tuner shops
like JSP, Winds Auto, Mendokusai, and many more which have contributed items for the raffle and giveaways.
Since it's the holiday season the organizers included a toy drive for the kids which will be donated to the City of Chino. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the event in order to enter a raffle.  The raffle prizes includes car parts, T-shirts, stickers, and the grand prize; a new set of Rota wheels.

Cafe86...the watering hole of every gear head!

Check-in booth for attendees. Mr. Oliver at the helm. Raffle items are showcased on this table.


Items for the raffle.

Another item for raffle. TRD parts and shirts courtesy of AE86 Nights and AE86FC
.
The Grand Prize: Rota Kensei wheels courtesy of Cafe 86.

Oliver and Steven trying to avoid the stalking lens.






Taka Aono's AE86 Drift car. Well known driver through-out the Formula D competitions.
Steven Cho's track car coming out the trailer.

AE86 line up the parking lot.
AE86 FC member Anthony vaping off as he watches from Cafe86's veranda.
Another photo of Aono-san's AE86 drift machine.










We were graced by the presence of Club4AG founder Moto Miwa-san.
Moto's Scion FRS.
Two head honchos together: Club4AG founder Moto Miwa and AE86 FC founder Steven Enomoto.


Foreground: a box full of donated toys. In the background is a photo booth for anyone to use.
Initial D merchandise.
Evertiem?? hmmm..that's something new for Webster dictionary to discover.



















Over all the event was a huge success. Many came to show their support including
some big names in the industry which are our guest of honor. On behalf of AE86FC and Cafe86, we'd like to thank everyone who attended this event.  Without folks like you, it would be impossible. See you all in the forum!!