In a dramatic turn of events during Formula Drift's closing competition, involving a blown motor and another driver forfeiting, 2013 points leader, Michael Essa stood on the sidelines watching Top 8 competition. The points were very close between the top 5 drivers and fate of his championship title would come down to a race between Saito and Forsburg. If Forsburg wins, Essa’s chances at the 2013 championship are over, if Saito wins, Michael Essa would be 2013 champion. All eyes were on Essa as we awaited the judge’s decision. I crouched low and tucked my lens between the arms and shoulders of other photographers, eagerly awaiting the outcome. When Saito was announced the winner, Essa’s face was of shock, disbelief and joy upon realizing that the privateer was now the 2013 champion.