Meet The Drifter Part 18 Ali Inal

Ali hails from Istanbul in Turkey,36 years old. He says: I know that I’m not the youngest Drifter, but I don’t feel so when I go sideways. Ali has been a pro drifter since 2012 in Turkey. He had his first drift training at 2011 with Faruk Kugay who was drifting in Formula D at the time.

Some of the titles Ali has picked up so far in his drifting career include: 2013 season 3rd place , 2014 season 2nd place and in 2015 season 3rd place .

Ali is also the founder of Alias Racing Team. Alias Racing Team is the oldest known Drift Teams in Turkey. For the 2018 season the team consists of 2 drivers which drivea Nissan 200SX with Chevy LS engine swapped by AVK service corvette specialist.

Sarah: So, introduce yourself to Drivetribe.

Ali:My name is Ali İnal alias ALIgator. I’m a Pro Drifter in Istanbul (Turkey) and member of Alias Racing Team.

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Sarah: What age were you when you first got behind the wheel?

Ali: I was only 8 years old 

Sarah: What was the next step for you after that?

Ali: It was very hard for me to wait for the driver's license. Because I wanted only drive. And then the time is come for my first love.

Sarah: What was your first 'legal' set of wheels?

Ali: It may sound crazy, but it was again a 1992 Nissan 200SX S13.

Sarah: What first caught your attention about drifting?

Ali: I have tried many extreme things with my car. Then it happened.. I was drifting without knowing that this called Drift. At the same time I researched my car at the web. I found a lot of Drift videos from Japan. I was excited.

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Sarah: What age were you then?

Ali: I was 18 years old

Sarah: What made you think, I could actually do that?

Ali: I was already doing it. But it must be better and more professional.

Sarah: What was your first proper competition car?

Ali: My beginner car was a 1993 Ford Sierra 2.0L 120hp.

Sarah: Why did you pick the car that you have now?

Ali: My work is selling spare parts for Nissan. Therefore I’m experienced in Nissan. And my car must be a Nissan. I love the SX, because it was my first car.

Sarah: So you've been a spectator and a competitor. Has it good side bad sides etc?

Ali: After my first competition it is not acceptable for me to be a spectator. Spectator is for me like a soccer who take a red card.

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Sarah: Best aspect of drifting for you personally?

Ali: Drift is the most excited Motorsport ever for me.

Sarah: One thing you could change about drifting what would it be?

Ali: Nothing.

Sarah: Whose you best friend(s) you've made through drifting? Why?

Ali: Kemal Soylu and Dogukan Manco. Kemal Soylu is also my Team Buddy. We share everything. Dogukan Manco is a pure-minded good Drifter.

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Sarah: Have you got any advise for anyone wanting to get into drifting?

Ali: I would recommend starting drifting with a cheap and difficult car. So they can learn Drift better.

Sarah: Are you glad/happy you got into drifting? Why?

Ali: Yes, because Drift is a Lifestyle and makes me happy.

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Sarah: One thing you hate about drifting from any aspect of it?

Ali: The tyres burn to fast 

Sarah: If you could meet or battle against one other famous world known drifter who would it be and why?

Ali: James Deane. I like his style.

Sarah: Endless amount of money for a new car and build what would it be and why

Ali: Nissan again, but most professional with a V8 turbocharged LSX with around 1000hp is enough.

Sarah: When it's time for retirement what do you want to be remembered for in the drifting world?

Ali: One of the first and successful Drifters in Turkey

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Thanks to Ali for doing this interview also to Ehif Efkurf for his pictures!

Want to follow Ali for the 2018 season, follow these links:

YouTube

Ali İnal