Formula Drift PUBLICLY HUMILIATES Mike Essa…

[@rickvang7313]

I've watch FD since 2003 with Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage. The disrespect of FD to Mike Essa is political. Mike is one of the best being a privateer . Being jack of all trades to his program/team and still a kick ass driver. 12:59

[@frederickschmitz6218]

Honestly the community needs to hold FD accountable. The way they treat Mike is unacceptable.

[@chesa6795]

Watching Michael over the last year, listening to his knowledge, and observing his love of everything racecar, we know the truth about his championship win. Shame on the president for such a disgusting display during an event recognizing former champions. I would suggest boycotting FD, but Michael is such an honorable and ethical person, he would never support that sort of thing. That's the type of champion Michael is. Proud of your accomplishments Michael. You rock!

[@BTW_T3mpT]

Let’s see him go back to FD and challenge the Chip next season!

[@datapusher-]

After reviewing FD's metrics, its obviously a bad move to slander one of your past champs after this champ has gone onto a MUCH more popular platform who has been indirectly supporting YOUR series. DDE should definitely refrain from uttering the word "FD" on future videos. Unsubbed FD!!! 🤡show.

[@justruss1]

Yeah, I just lost all respect for FD. How could you downplay a champion who won years ago? Especially at a time when Mike Essa has a much bigger platform. Rather than boycott FD, I suggest DDE to make their own Drift Championship Series to Challenge FD. To think about how humble Mike Essa is and how much he contributes where ever he is or whatever he is into should upset everyone in the car community that he was disrespected like that.

[@fzR-up2uu]

Because you watched him on DDE you know the truth of his championship 10 years ago😂😂😂 makes sense

[@tonygirney3516]

Buy Mike a Porsche 😂

[@freddiechipres]

Mike being the only privateer FD champion makes him all the more greater! And Damon, that 599 GTO is calling your name, not only for the build series for the channel but great investment as well!

[@LockeyWilliams]

he is not the only driver 2 win with out manufacture backing

[@DL-lz6pj]

We all got Mike Essa’s back, DDE Family.

[@TheOGJoemama2197]

Mike Essa has a literal army behind him. We gotchu Mike

[@MarkFenimore]

Unbelievable disrespect. Keep your head up Mike you should be proud and not let that jerk take anything from you!

[@onkouth]

This is the most disrespectful thing I've heard in a long time, personally I would've walked up on stage and knocked that dick clean out, but that's just me. You are a better man than me Mike for resisting that temptation, a true champion, as the fam have said, we have your back. DDE Fam Ireland.

[@fastfordsuk385]

We all got Mike Essa's back, DDE Family.

[@austinmoore5334]

Yeah I've been on the fence about fd these last few seasons and this just put the nail in the coffin. No more going to fd events for me. To treat the people who make your sport what it is like garbage is beyond idiotic and short sighted as a business.

[@tonyguilliams5849]

Dude…. I feel for you Mike. Complete bulls**t! Damn… such a good dude and winning as a privateer is amazing! Props to you buddy. F those clowns. Politics in sports ruin it. You’re a champ and deserve the recognition man.

[@weahh2159]

Formula Drift owe Mike an apology. You can’t bad mouth someone in that way. It shows such little respect for him and his long career in the sport.

[@MrEgrass]

And it belittles all he has done for FD as a sport. So disrespectful...

[@mikemcfresh9979]

Ryan (FD President) posted an audio clip on his Facebook of what he really said. What Mike said in this video is an absolute lie.

[@FreddietheFly]

What timestamp is it at?

[@ronniebauman28]

It's beyond disrespectful. That's textbook defamation. You can't call, let alone, continue to call someone a cheater with zero evidence or proof. Let alone 10 years after the fact.

[@Zigz15]

I came back to listen to this today because a FD mike Essa video popped up for me, and formula drift is in the comments calling him a liar and saying he “libeled” them. Incredibly unprofessional holy shit lol

[@SlayingDad]

I’m glad you didn’t slap him. Way to stay true to your self and family in such a trying time. Much respect dude.

[@IDv8I]

I watch Formula Drift and closely follow a few drivers, and this has put a bad taste in my mouth. I am very happy you explained that ridiculous situation. I don't know Mike personally but from watching and listening to him and the stories you can tell he is a standup guy. Works hard, plays hard and still puts family first. The DDE Fam is so lucky to have you as part of the channel Mike, and I'm sorry you and your family had to experience such disrespect.

[@datapusher-]

If a team is getting on the podium consistently, there is nothing left to say about said championship. Mike did in 2013, and seems like someone is salty about it, OR salty about Mike's recent success with this channel. Seriously. Take a look.... Formula Drift? An embarrassing 600K subs, has been around longer than DDE. ......and DDE??? Millions of followers on multiple platforms. This is why they needed a guy who is popular like Adam LZ on the series. No one knows who their past champs are, nor do they care. Its also a WEIRD motorsport that is very subjective. Its like judging a surf or skate contest. ✌😎

[@IDv8I]

@@datapusher- well said

[@yanzn5926]

​@@datapusher-srsly agreed with u on 2nd part, why tf they have to shit on Mike'S champ that like a decade ago, clearly the guy have personal problem with Mike's succes in this channel

[@wayneheaney6271]

Question. The one who was cheating and won another 2 championships after was that fredrick assbo? First time iv listened to that story

[@PascalCrypto]

​@datapushermusic That's exactly the only reason Adam is in FD in now because it's not for his driving skills and he only competes half the season 🙄

[@Yeplols]

Mike is an absolute boss, such an inspiration to be a hard worker tbh, Glad he is apart of DDE now getting so much love

[@VetranoD]

This is why everyone has been shitting on FD. People blame the judges, but leadership is leadership...the vibes all trickle down.

[@DailyDriftingVirtual]

FD has gone downhill in a big way

[@Cammmmeron]

Yeah FD is pretty lame now. I stopped watching because it became just straight bs. Felt like they had favorites and just didn't make sense on the judging side of things. But when it continued it made me think the issue wasn't just the judges and that their was higher works at play. Pretty lame

[@ninthcloud6331]

Formula Drift is a dirty organization, plain and simple. Like many industries and organizations these days, favoritism is afforded to the largest investors. Follow the $$$.

[@DailyDriftingVirtual]

@@Cammmmeron Yea man I was an avid watcher for years...even started off watching this season again but there were so many heinous calls I ended up just not watching the second half...not worth watching all day when the judging is buyest as hell.

[@zipe8689]

@@DailyDriftingVirtual Driftmasters european is so much better in every way. So much more entertaining.

[@TheOnlyLaylow]

We all know ur the real champion Mike ! Keep doing you and glad you part of the DDE fam

[@photosbyant]

After hearing Mike tell the story about 2013 that is just insane the guy would say something like that 10 YEARS later.... haters are gon hate

[@jayjay777ize]

Glazing fd is crazy

[@yanzn5926]

Facts, literally a decade ago, and he still have problem with it😂, im glad Mike join DDE and got more recognized as FD champ as Damon and Dave always called him Mike the FD champ, That is real respect right there

[@ninthcloud6331]

@photosbryant it's more than just haters go hate. Establishments do not like disruption of the status quo. In the instance of Formula D, just follow the money. You'll be exposed to the favoritism and corruption very fast.

[@sketchistate]

Who's the driver that got caught cheating?

[@jackpierre1839]

@@sketchistate chris forsberg i believe. think i saw it on insta somehwere.

[@tarnantula]

I had no idea about Mikes story. Makes me respect him even more to get the FD championship without factory support. Legend shit

[@michaelbuompensiero8799]

You are a real CHAMPION Mr. ESSA!! Your skills are insane!! So glad we have you on the DDE TEAM!!!

[@TSP3NC3]

Wow, what a disappointment from FD. Wish I watched when Mike was competing. Their judging is so hard to justify lately. And their responses to their fan base don't get much better. But if this is how they treat their former champions, then it doesn't seem surprising anymore. Sorry to hear that Mike. Love that you're on DDE. Bad ass driver, mechanic, and just all around car guy!

[@gillanstewart2270]

First time I’ve paused a DDE vid to comment, FD scum !! How disrespectful can they be that u left them to do something where you now get global recognition for not only your driving skills but also being idolised for your humanity. Mr Essa you are a champion in so many ways and we the DDE family support u 100%

[@jamiebegley4416]

Lol I did the same thing, I had to pause it just to comment about it it pissed me off so bad to do that to such a good and very hard working guy.

[@davidoangel96]

This why I love DDE. Before I started watching them years ago. I had little knowledge on exotic cars. Every now and then Damon will have a video like this just, talking about the rarity of some super cars I never knew about. Like their last video in the other dealership

[@DaftFader]

Mike Essa almost pulling a Will Smith, but he's got too much class.

[@phonetics8272]

Was thinking the same 😂

[@fpSmoker]

Except that Mike had every reason to slap the shit out of that guy

[@yanzn5926]

Bruh😂

[@rockydungdung9187]

I would still slap people if they talk about my girl even if she cheated on me .

[@deeeelowww4191]

@@rockydungdung9187beta energy

[@libyanking3742]

DDE please keep being the only channel that speaks NO POLITICS. You are the only channel that I watch just to chill. Keep being this way

[@chrismwicks]

+1 on getting Essa into an LZ event! Would love to see the crossover between DDE and LZ, especially the F12 at the LZ compound?!?!

[@theanatomyoftruth9330]

I hope it happens bro. Adam did make a comment once he said ‘daily driven whatever’ or something like that after DDE split with Dean scumbag Karney.

[@pistul]

4 months later Essa x LZ x DDE

[@rx7forlife92]

My buddies s13 got stolen at fd nj two years back, the way they handled it when we told staff was Deff the last time I’ll ever go to there events.

[@christianmoore63]

It’s safe to say FD is failing miserably at keeping people happy

[@fn-dylonistheman7341]

mike essa comes out of retirement and drift’s for DDE family at formula drift and wins the championship with his middle fingers pointed at the haters lets go champ

[@ijoec]

@Mike Essa, you are a CHAMPION!!!! don't care what people think, some people are just gonna hate and never let go of the past. Your skills and talents are beyond amazing. As a long-time subscriber, you ARE the best addition this this team.

[@neilvandermerwe8073]

Mike you don't need FD to determine your name you a Champion in all dde fans eyes. Well done dde team

[@Mateka0110]

We did not see what car Dave got as a surprise, but at least now we know that he got a Mclaren, that sounds cool. Love the content guys!❤

[@yanyan3303]

I caught that part too and had to look back at their channel to see if I missed it

[@murrydixon3642]

Yes to the Ford GT. And Mike seems like a stand up guy. Too bad FD are throwing shade. Keep your head up and keep moving forward. Honorable men will win in the end.

[@infiniti1123]

Man that's why FD gets so much hate and why drivers like Chelsea Denofa are leaving. I always thought Ryan was a douche I guess this proves my thoughts. If LZ, Vaughn and Dean left I'd never watch FD again.

[@yanzn5926]

Idk about Lz, but u can see Dean already got the misstreatment from FD😂

[@ArmyVet1776]

My thoughts exactly! I've been following the sport for as long as Chelsea competed! Pretty sure the driver Mike is referring to is Forsberg, IMO. Could be wrong, but wouldn't be surprised.

[@chrisyarborough1916]

The shit I have seen Dean take on his videos from FD judges turned me off long time ago. FD is very easily seen as having favoritism and corruption with leadership problems.

[@infiniti1123]

I meant James Deane but I get what yall are saying. Haha. It's all around terrible. Especially the judging. The new x factor is Especially meant for favoritism. I've seen even subpar drivers lay down heaters barely get any x factor and someone with just a decent run and they are a more popular driver get huge x factor.

[@infiniti1123]

@ArmyVet1776 its definitely Foresburg. Going back to see who won championships after Elsa. I wonder what he did to cheat.

[@victormoreira7213]

I am so happy mike spoke about it, uncovering FDs true face

[@lindelani_maphosa]

It’s amazing to have content everyday. Whether it be on stories or main channel. There’s always content❤️. Team DDE

[@JayJDee.]

That’s absolutely insane. MIKE YOU ARE A TRUE LEGITIMATE CHAMPION!!!

[@Jon_IndieSan_B]

That was horrible and so disrespectful what that guy did to Mike!

[@kevinreduk8853]

FD should be stoked that Mike is on this channel, not jealous. He brings a lot more attention to drifting this way. More interest in drifting means more interest in FD. And how often FD gets brought up on the channel... He's helping them.

[@domsullivan4851]

Im glad you showed you were the better man by not reacting Mike!! The guy is obviously not happy with the attention your getting on you tube with DDE and being known as the FD champion... which nobody can ever take away from you! 🏎🏆 On a side note... when are we getting to see Daves new Mclaren?

[@gmcenroe]

I was very saddened to hear how Formula Drift disrespected Mike. I have much respect for him watching what he has done in DDE in the shop and watching him drift recently on this channel for fun. I wish the best for him and the DDE team.

[@elaineaustin2184]

Much respect to Michael Essa for your ethical approach. Hold your head up and know that you are a champion. Damon your car shopping has given so many choices but which way do you go?

[@MarcYanOfficial]

Essa needs the power of DDE fam to let them know to put some respect on Michael Essa's name. Lets go!!!

[@treybird893]

You should put FD on blast on the main channel. Edit: when do we see Dave's McLaren? 😳

[@dankfiretruck8154]

was scanning the comments to see if anyone else caught that

[@yanzn5926]

​@@digestiveleafor it just a fake. Damon just too good at mind games😂

[@lloydmauler]

Probably when the new Fence is up.

[@lloydbellis7360]

That was disgusting what they did to Mike. He’s a DDE dude now. You have to get a grey Porche. Great content 💪💪💪👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@EAVS1891]

Now we know you bought Dave a Mclaren 😅

[@Zigz15]

Caught that. I assumed he found a Bentley for him. Can’t wait to see what it is, old 675lt back to go with the squadra?

[@EAVS1891]

@@Zigz15yeah I think we all had the same thought about it possibly being the Bentley 😂

[@ThEASbO]

Haha Damien let the cat out the bag

[@yanzn5926]

Noway Dave dropped the Bentley GT3 project i guess😅, too much $ indeed

[@jujube333]

Lmao I was like did I miss the gift reveal 😂

[@Sillybandsrock]

Mike should make his own race organization, with the DDE community that can easily happen. You deserve better.

[@Louis-pj7el]

it’s awesome to watch the drivers but formula drift staff and org is definitely interesting. really disrespectful of them to say that.

[@yanzn5926]

U know its pure hate when the president himself still diss Mike even after 10 years😂, what a clown that guy is.

[@ScoPeTHPS]

LETS GOOO!!!!! TWIN TURBO 1000HP FORD GT BODYKIT HUGE WING talk about 1 of 1 like the 720 would draw so much attention! and omg the livery for it MIND BLOWN!!!

[@itsurm0m5678]

Is Dave's new car still a surprise? Or did Damon just drop the ball by saying he got him a McLaren 🤣

[@yanzn5926]

The mind game by Damon is real😂

[@DieselGuy-jk3zp]

I was thinking the same thing 😂

[@Solidous281r6]

Sounds like Ryan sage is a hater

[@weswilliams7521]

Is Dave getting a McLaren ?

[@5knettles]

Thought it was gonna be his Bentley for the gt3 build

[@DriesMark]

DDE should sponsor him to go back and take the win! The content would be great, because we all enjoy Mike Essas DDE content.

[@yasamaro222]

the fact that he was the only Privateer to win FD make it even more special

[@Sdizzle7]

Ford GT is a must. The body work + the power with the manual is as tire slayer as it gets. You need something that isn't euro.

[@bly87823]

Unsubscribed from Formula Drift. I will not tolerate the disrespect.

[@margtyler0624]

I used to like FD, after this I won’t support that. You won that fair and square regardless of being able to finish one event at the end of the season. I’ve really liked Mike and Tim coming to the channel and have a lot of respect for them but have a lot more now! Keep up the good work

[@lloydportlouis]

Can't believe they said that by Mike. I followed that season and to say that is bullshit! That's why Euro drift series are killing FD getting 55k in a stadium.

[@kealahau6727]

Nico had a few buggs with his 812...🤣🤣🤣 poor dude

[@CarHookedVidz]

What they did yo Mike its actually disgusting. I propose that next FD stream or event we break the comments for Mike. "Justice for Mike Essa"

[@yanzn5926]

Facts, too bad this didnt go to main channel to get more exposure

[@ItsaB3AR]

Will 100% contribute to that as much as I can. I hope to not be banned or silenced, from a moderator point of view may look like spam. (Source: I am a moderator for a voice actor for GTA6.)

[@scottbutton4413]

That needs to be a DDE T shirt !!! JUSTICE FOR MIKE

[@billwoolmer8495]

Damon, thank for todays shopping. Love the GT3 RS ❤️ The channel needs this for Mike !!!

[@Laeeqahpaulse4031]

Mile the most laid back dude didn't deserve that crap from the head of FD I would have will smith his ass on stage Mike you deserve your glory one of the greatest FD Champs most humble guy ever 🙌 🙏

[@ryancarris7164]

Im sorry Mike thats really sad ....we love you and know the truth about how awesome you are at everything, I think someone owes you an apology. ❤

[@kap851]

Weird makes sense you have Dean Karnage go out and put down some solid drifts, I mean there has been a few times I thought Dean should’ve won. But he gets screwed every time.

[@ThEASbO]

100% I have also wondered this...but now we know!

[@yanzn5926]

Bruh, when i see his channel, FD org treat him like shit many times and not surprised anymore when Mike told us this

[@dancappel9849]

Dean has put down maybe 4 or 5 solid laps this season. Practice and qualifying he rips. Competition not so much. the past two seasons have been hard to watch him as a fan..

[@mikemcfresh9979]

You sit on a throne of liieeessss dawg Ryan posted audio of what he said and this ain’t it

[@icfrac8481]

Is it me or volume is low? Ty guys for great content, everyday I look forward to your videos!

[@ronbaer67]

yeah the volume is low for me also

[@chezpeel5092]

Was going to say the same first 9 mins so quiet, had to put it on the TV

[@mattsammi4143]

Yep super low

[@Kmh0277]

16:28 -> Epic car salesman move. Well done!

[@MrCookie139]

Mike being a fisherman makes me more of a fan haha 😅

[@domsullivan4851]

Definitely 🎣🎣🎣

[@Your__OnlyFriend]

Definitely need to get that 599 GTO. That will become one of your favorites to drive on the channel for sure. Maybe later on but that price tag will only be going up. You would absolutely love a GT3 RS in your life, definitely should get you one Damon.

[@papafro5161]

Put them on blast Mike lets band together and get some changes made, judging is garbage and biased. The changes they made this year helped but they are still so far away from a perfect system

[@DonReyOrantoy]

Here i am thinking it'd would be cool DDE has its own formula Drift team with Mike Essa as driver and f12 as the car, but hearing the disrespect, to hell with FD.

[@eindeus]

FD untold story.... well passion and work hard can make you champion even without big sponsors back you up

[@wazzupidaug5]

damn that audio level jump at @9:26. my beginner intro to digital media/audio class in college would have failed me for this

[@ddm8692]

So the real question. Who was the people revving the SVJ!? 😮😂

[@mattr6344]

Dean Karnage team? 🤷‍♂️

[@Primus_075]

​@@mattr6344Thats what i thought, I think DDE went to a FD event with them with the SVJ. They are the only ones that come to the mind

[@cam1669]

Eather James Dean or fredric aasbo only 2 that have one twice in a row after Mike James won 3 times in a row

[@trooooyyyyy]

​@@mattr6344not them it was the cheater so it was a fd champ

[@aliciaglover8842]

Wasn’t two in a row, but 2014 and 2016 “champ”. And Michael left out a lot of the petty disrespectful stuff that a**holes team did after Michael won. It was even worse than what he shared

[@BacklashBaits]

Can y’all please buy Skinny a supercharger? He is great for the channel, that smile brightens our day, great energy and his car keeping up with y’all would make the content even better lol.

[@Bennett1776]

Yo, we didn't know that Damon bought a McLaren for Dave. We were left with I bought Dave a car but I'm not telling you what it is...unless I missed that part in one of the videos?

[@nebraskaninja1984]

Ya I don't remember the reveal either🤷

[@bizopinsider6643]

No reveal yet

[@fedoremelianenko2404]

exactly what i thought , i came looking for this post. he accidentely said it without noticing , we don't know the model yet tho !

[@WarrenAAndrews]

Augusts 765 LT ?

[@Bennett1776]

Ya not sure. They dropped the ball on that one. But it's ok. I was hoping it was the gt3rs. That car would be epic, and any pagani. God they need a Pagani on the channel.

[@davidsousa9111]

Well, sounds like a celebration for a rematch

[@MORPHIUS777]

After hearing that about FD I’m never going to another event that’s terrible

[@connorreid3373]

Hearing this now, about michael essas experiences & the other cheaters in fd and how it was covered up. Makes me so mad, michael essa is an proper gentleman, a true car enthusiast & to have one of the biggest trophies & still shat on says alot about FD. Id love to see essa in a competitive series again as i genuinely love his driving. Havent watched fd properly since he left

[@neilorange4112]

Of all people how could they say Mike would cheat has mental issues or is bought and paid for. We have been watching Mike he has the purest heart ever mand everything happens for a reason you seem happy

[@nickpapadatos5263]

Mikes got the DDE world in his hands 😀

[@joseromero389]

Hey brother. I was there when that duck head reved your SVJ. I saw how pissed of you were. I thought you were going to kick his ASS

[@trooooyyyyy]

Was it from a toyota or nissan fd team

[@chazliam]

who?

[@RHYNOMAN12]

It’s pretty interesting to see so many of these super cars from multiple different countries using the same ignition coils as VW/Audi motors from mid 2000’s. That GTO Ferrari having the audi/vw coils is crazy.

[@Cabo223]

“Dave’s new McLaren” 👀👀👀

[@donwlawson]

I’m glad Mike is on the DDE family !!!!!!

[@theanatomyoftruth9330]

I’ve been a die hard FD fan for 7 years. I was so sure that Mike would return to FD next year with all the DDE fam support. I’m devastated to hear how they treated him. I agree he should do an LZ event and hopefully some grid life stuff. But I don’t think I can support Formula Drift anymore. We have all gotten to know Mike and it boils my blood that Ryan Sage treated him that way. He is a money whore and only cares about the big sponsors in his series. I’m still gonna build a drift car because I love the discipline of the sport. But FD I won’t be supporting Formula Drift anymore.

[@CoopCollins]

Same here bro and I’ve never watched a FD event.

[@yanzn5926]

Well, now we all know why Mike stepping down from FD, the org itself was corrupt. imo Lz already know this and just act pros as influencer since he just love drifting.

[@ArmyVet1776]

I've been following FD for about 10 years. If Vaughn or James leaves- I'm done!

[@hksp]

this is why D1 is scored using racelogic driftbox

[@theanatomyoftruth9330]

@@ArmyVet1776 I’m a Denofa fan but I was hoping to route for Essa next year.

[@jamesstewart4193]

Run around with DDE your going to catch haters. Keep up the great work! If someone like that is hating on you. Then everyone is talking about you .

[@mastersjeng]

Drift champion Michael Essa💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@ripn929707]

How fragile is that guys ego, that he would piss away the obvious opportunity to use Mike Essas new found exposure with DDE to bring in new fans to the FD series? He didnt think that all the way through. Most narcissists don't.

[@johnwooldridge4612]

Gumball definitely thought the DDE thing thru 😂

[@ripn929707]

@@johnwooldridge4612 yes, they did. That's the problem with discounting social media and thinking your gig is bigger.

[@cingkole7893]

How did Chris Forsberg cheat? I've never heard about this.

[@jpssccb]

It was totally horrible how you were treated Mike! You are a champion in all ways! Formula drift might have lost you but we as the fans are very Happy that you have decided to become a part of DDE!!! You are always our champion!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ 3:33

[@TTVGTR_BOY_]

It could’ve been the karnage team that did that to the svj only FD team that comes to mind for me at least

[@robv9117]

I dont think it was them tbh..

[@TTVGTR_BOY_]

True but u never know

[@aliciaglover8842]

Wasn’t them. It was the “champ” that won the year after Michael

[@Flamenginho]

Dude Mike I KNEW there was something up. Was commenting to my buddy couple days ago how slept on you were in FD

[@rhyansanpedro]

Just shows how much of a class act Mike is even after being disrespected like that in a public setting. Anyone else would have gone up on stage and start throwing hands.

[@temueralagaluga8279]

PLEASEEEEEE GET A GT40! My mates father has a 1500hp twin turbo gt40 here in Australia yellow with silver strips and a NA Red with white strips and they are absolutely insane you definitely need one 🤩🤩

[@AshleyGlover-k4k]

So outraged with Formula Drift, for inviting a champion of your series to your 20 year celebration, only to disrespect and disregard his 2013 championship. Your organization continually chooses to ignore an entire season's worth of dedication, sacrifice, hard work, and incredible driving, in order to support a narrative of "controversy". The actual controversy is that you have allowed an FD series competitor to keep his championship titles, even after he was found to have cheated (and stripped of qualifying points for the following season), yet you undermine the credibility of the only privateer champion in the sport. I cannot understand why the president of Formula Drift would show such apathy towards Michael Essa, when he and his family have done nothing but support the Formula Drift series, staff, drivers and fans throughout his professional drifting career. The continued dismissal of his championship title over the past 10 years is absolutely inexcusable. And as a side note, Ryan Sage did not at any time mention in his speech that Michael Essa was a deserving champion. He had effusive praise for every other champion but Michael. That is what was so disgraceful.

[@trooooyyyyy]

Wtf

[@KontenderTV]

"I just bought Dave a McLaren" Wait WHAT 👀

[@barazengmar4973]

mike essa you will always be our champion you and your bmw are legends❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@markaldersey2663]

And who is Ryan Sage to throw shade at Mike Essa he’s the epitome of shady lowlife no mark, DDE,DDE,DDE fam we got you Mike Essa ! 🤬

[@waynejacks8719]

Would love to see if the FD boss comments.

[@ronbaer67]

nothing like a spam level amount of "WTF dude" to influence one to do so

[@jonleger1157]

Totally blew the suprise on what car you bought Dave before the Vlogs dropped! Hahaha

[@Everything.On.Wheels519]

I think you should buy Mike that gt2rs to make him feel better 😉

[@criswolfe698]

I LOVE this idea 😉😉

[@JT-qd6uc]

That car salesman passes the vibe check lmao

[@mikemcfresh9979]

This is so far from the truth. Ryan posted an audio clip of what he really said at the banquet and it was far from this. Michael Essa should be ashamed of this attention grab.

[@mr.bricktop4894]

did he post the whole audio or just a clip?

[@pop_banditz8184]

I can hear the hurt in Mike Essa. Shame on Ryan Sage. Very distasteful.

[@KarrasATX]

Wait cheating bastards? Revved his SVJ at an FD event? He isn't talking about who I think he is talking about is he? It would make sense why they are no longer part of the channel though.

[@yanzn5926]

Who is the guy?

[@KarrasATX]

@@yanzn5926 I was thinking maybe he was talking about Dean?

[@yanzn5926]

@@KarrasATX Dean never win yet, and also i watched Dean channel, dude got misstreatment everytime from FD org🤣

[@TheRedMallard]

Good on you for walking out of that banquet. That FD president needs a lesson in banquet and public etiquette before he should be allowed behind a mic or in front of press.