The Hidden Struggles Masked By Drifting: Jason Ferron / Mens Mental Health in Motorsport

[@inertiaMS]

Damn who the fuck is cutting all these onions in here?

[@markure7050]

Probably the same guy cutting that's them at my place.

[@Smokey7186]

I already liked this and now I just realised who wrote it

[@twistymcslide2]

i didnt know him , but i know you , and remember how hurt you were . very sorry for his loss .

[@nissanr34cal]

Oh fuck me same here

[@shafto9]

Hey everyone, I wanted to share a close story about Chris. I don't normally ever comment on anything on KZbin, and I know KZbin comments are sometimes hard to believe if true, but everything I'm sharing is 100% genuine which I still remember like it was yesterday. I actually went to TAFE with Chris all the way back in 2004-2005. Pretty crazy to say it like that as it was literally 20 years ago! He was already a car nut back then. I remember he had bought a gun metal grey R33 Skyline. He used to love revving it in the carpark to annoy us with the turbo spool haha. He said that he had wanted to go to a drift competition in South Australia, specifically Mallala circuit. He asked everyone at TAFE but nobody wanted to go for the weekend. I said yes I'll come along, why not! We stayed the night at a motel somewhere and I remember getting literally no sleep whatsoever. We finally made it to Mallala circuit and I remember setting up the tent so fast so I could lie down because I was so tired. I fall asleep virtually straight away, even though everyone around was quite loud. I remember when I woke up Chris was so concerned about me. He kept checking if I was ok and if I needed more rest, or wanted to go get some food for me. He was ready to get anything in a moments notice. I said not to worry! We met with some other drifters with one of them owning a 180SX. We agreed to go into town with them to go have something to eat for dinner. This was the first time in my life I was in a car that went over 200km/h.. It was scary and exciting at the same time! We overtook the 180SX around this speed too which was of course silly :) On the day of competition, everyone didn't realise that you could bring your car up to the gate to be one of the first ones out. Chris and I asked one of the officials and he said of course bring it up! Within a heartbeat everyone saw Chris' cunning move with his R33, and a convoy immediately parked behind him. They lined up on the back straight and Chris was given the green flag to go go go. It was the first time I saw drifting in real life. It was the first time I saw Chris going sideways in a car, in fact I remember everyone else after Chris and thinking 'man Chris' drifting was way better!' He was such a kind & innocent soul.. It's really sad to see this video because I always knew how much he loved drifting, and all the way back then he talked about his dream of coming to Japan to drift. We didn't keep in contact after TAFE sadly. But I'd like to think he is continuing his dream in another life. Thanks Keep it Reet team for making this video. It's a really important & powerful message to always talk to someone, it could literally save your life. Thanks all.

[@keepitreet]

Thank you for sharing your amazing story ❤️

[@lowstandards5269]

Ahhh my beautiful Chris what a man what an inspiration to so many. Have driven so many laps with Chris in Japan. Miss you mate.

[@samoolol]

I only met Chris twice but what a fucking legend. He saw me struggling with alignment in the pits of winton, came up, introduced himself, asked what was going on, then went to his car to get his toe plates and help me align my car. Sussed my knuckles and gave me incredibly accurate advice on my car. The next event he then spent 15mins educating me on the importance and also lack of importance of perfect caster. These two interactions exponentially increased my knowledge of drift car setups and caused me to completely Redo my front end. I am eternally grateful to Chris for that knowledge.

[@naokinakamuratechniquestud226]

When u see a track owner personally taking a hand in helping you achieve your dreams like that you surely whereore than a customer. When I saw kumakhubo cry man 😔 that's when I realised damn man.. Chris really just loved driving that much

[@sueferron896]

Wow Jas…. such a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to Chris. Certainly brought a tear to my eyes. Well done for all that you do to inspire others. Not an easy thing to do to be publicly vulnerable. I’m proud to have you as my son. ❤

[@mrtandemslidessbtt]

I hope you know that your channel brings joy and solace to a LOT of people, I can only speak for myself but I’ve watched your stuff for years, and you & the boys have 100% helped keep me in a “good” place a handful of times. You’re inspiring.

[@tattoochez]

Oh boys the ending got me . What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it 😢😢😢.

[@AuHouse]

Fark! Tears are legit right now!! Thankyou for sharing this with us Jason! Love that! It always about the team!! And we need a higher power to help us!!

[@KSwapTheWorld69]

Do ANYTHING to get you out of your mental struggle (as long as its cool to do) whether that be Gardening, Playing Video Games, Listening To Loud Music So You Cant Hear Your Thoughts, and even Drifting... Please everyone... please take care of your mental health! As my eyes wont quit, You Are Worth It!

[@keepitreet]

Thanks for the words, we’re all in this together 💪

[@KSwapTheWorld69]

@@keepitreet 💪🏽

[@flynnnugent4012]

Chris wasn't just my first passenger ride. He was the person who made me reach a goal I'd never thought I'd see myself reach till this day. I met Chris along with his dad at Calder and he was one of the most genuine people I've ever spoken too. He pushed me to buy my own drift car and push my limits to get into a sport I'd only wish I'd get into so young. I wish I'd learnt so much more from him and have the chance to drive with him. Hearing about his death shook so much that I could never have a chance to see him again. I'll never stop driving for him and I'll never stop thinking about him and thanking him so much for getting me into a sport that I could never have dream't was possible at 16 years old. RIP Chris

[@ZacBaldy]

❤️❤️ very proud of you mate! Very very proud 🤙 so keen to see your driving progress in the future

[@PaulsensGarage]

18:40 Such an amazing thing to say from someone who knew him the most.

[@BlazingPaddles751]

Takes alot to open up an be that vulnerable on social media man big ups for that. What a true champ for what you do Jason an the Reet team

[@TheChoiceFiles]

This screams out to me right now! Much love Jase and the whole team at Keep it Reet and everyone that knew him. I didn’t. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. ❤

[@jonnothetrucker]

Awesome tribute to Chris ! His legacy is definitely alive and will live on ! And it doesnt matter how we do it, as long as were talking to someone about whats bothering us, having the conversation !

[@bc00li83]

It is the human condition to want to help out others in need without understanding how to help ourselves. Reach out, lean on people, be unapologetically honest about who you are and what you feel. Thanks Jason, this video is perfect.😢

[@YouHaxedMe]

The first time I saw Chris driving was with Stewy Bryant, instantly became a fan of the driving he was putting into the world.

[@PazzaAE86]

Thanks for making a lovely video for Chris. I live in a different country but have been involved with drifting for well over 20 years and through forums, chat rooms and later social media there have been a lot of drivers who I've enjoyed following and admired their skill as a drivers from all over the world, and Chris was one of them. Chris and others we've lost along the way are sorely missed. Thanks for your efforts to help people who are in need.

[@keepitreet]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stevenzabilowicz7272]

I grew up with chris and have a lot of good memories with him through out my teenage years. He was a great person and had always been very passionate about his cars and driving. Cant wait to see this car in Aus.

[@tomsheppard]

Special video bro. 🫶

[@craigknowlton5884]

Going to therapy is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself, where I am now from where I was a year ago is legit night and day, it was the first step in me being able to open up to my close mates what was eating me up inside, having deep conversations with people makes you realise that everyone has things going on and it really does help share the load and only makes your relationships stronger with the ones around you 🙌🏽

[@keepitreet]

Totally agree, it's the hardest step but so worth it!

[@richardneale6058]

Absolutely perfect tribute ❤ good on you Jason and keep it reet for raising awareness and keeping his and the drift spirit alive ❤

[@itsmikelake]

I feel this so hard. Whenever there aren't any drift events on the horizon I feel empty, I think a lot of us live event to event and it's our escape from a lot of what's going on in the world / life. I first met Chris at the office at Winton Raceway at matsuri. As many other comments have said here, he spoke to me as if we'd known each other for years. He immediately started giving drift advice (much of which did not understand being a complete noob). What a guy. So sorely missed within the scene here but still playing a major role in inspiring us to push harder and be better ❤

[@RideSlide13]

As a person with really bad anxiety disorders amongst other things , the few times I do leave the house I go to the local drift events . I envy all you drivers no matter the skill 🙏 just the fact your out there doing what makes you happy, makes me happy as a spectator. Keep it Reet everyone ❤

[@PokeysMechanical]

Amazing story, very heart felt, an amazing tribute to Chris, congrats Jason and the KIR team for all you guys do for the drift community.

[@20vpete]

Thankyou so much for sharing Chris and your stories as the darkness of men's health is a true killer. I've personally struggled with my health and work on it everyday. Sadly we can't get Chris back but I hope your voice some how may stop the stigma around these issues. 🤟🤟

[@keepitreet]

It’s a conversation we all need to have. 🙏

[@coreytaylor2882]

Can I just say as an Australian veteran this is a very heart felt video I am very sorry for the your loss mate, it isn't weak to speak

[@wolfman9336]

Bloody hell ! I started tearing up at the end

[@craiglemon5026]

Thank you for sharing Chris’s story, and for honouring his legacy with this video, your desire to save and bring his car home, your efforts to foster a community of support, and for your honesty. 🙏

[@Chulme1234]

This is the best video on KZbin hands down. Been in and around drifting since 2010 or so and seen posts by / about Chris on Facebook on and off and seen some of the crazy videos of him driving at Ebisu - RIP

[@TriniRogue]

I was good till the burnout, rly solid tribute guys sorry for your loss.

[@jaye696]

Wow that brother brought a tear to this man's eyes . #MENTALHEALTHMATTERS Very sad but uplifting video . ❤️ Legend Chris 🏆

[@notcomplied]

Chris and 'Belts on touge' was the reason I wanted to go to Ebisu and I was honoured to meet the man in 2017. Some friends and I went to Ebisu the week before Matsuri in 2017 and ran into Chris on the last day. He was working on a comp car and needed a hand lifting a gearbox. I only knew of him and couldn't have imagined a nicer bloke. Rip Legend ❤ I spent most my time in my r32 on Touge pretending I was half the driver he was. ❤

[@DriftLifeAus]

Thanks for your tribute to Chris and sharing an important message.

[@keepitreet]

Cheers mate, we're all in this together.

[@thataussietommy]

Omg it is raining inside . 😢 . You don’t know how much I need this ❤ always in our hearts Chris

[@StevePendle]

Beautiful tribute mate. Love what you do, you have changed a lot of people's lives

[@BowSchroder]

Absolutely beautiful tribute mann I didnt know him personally but I’m crying wtf this man legacy lives on already through you now time for it to grow and keep drivers on the track not in the ground

[@sanddemon753]

Man, had a tear or two fall during the video but when Kumakubo layed into it and just let it out. That made me loss it. 18:45

[@4AGEgobrrrr]

i don't think ive teared up this much on any other video, its tough to open up let alone on social media. its unfortunate he wasnt able to beat the fight, but i hope other people see this story as something to learn on, to reach out, to lean on people and open up, and to get out of that mental struggle. this was an amazing tribute Jason and the keep it reet crew. Rest in peace Chris.😓

[@motorboatski]

Beautiful tribute. Take care of yourselves & lean on the folks you love in times of need. Keep making content, the world needs more people like you. ❤

[@trevorboshoff1348]

Currently Sunday morning 7am in South Africa and here you have me shedding some tears. Keep going. I found your channel about a year ago and never miss a video. I like what you doing and hopefully we'll cross paths some day.

[@123098drums]

I feel like if any place to share this, this video is the best place. This channel got me into working on my own car, which in turn opened up an entire new aspect of life but more importantly to me, it breathed new life into my relationship with my dad. He's worked on cars my whole life but I just never grasped it. Something about the way you guys do things felt relatable and easy to try on my own. Dad started helping me out and now we religiously watch your videos and work on our cars together. Thank you all for doing what you do

[@noahhh_10]

Great video , rest in peace Chris De Jager 🕊️

[@Renaes88]

I don’t watch YT videos usually but I needed to watch this! How lucky we are all to have known someone who has left such a profound lasting impact on our lives 🖤

[@Adrenalinejunkie26]

Rip chris, your legacy will live on. Thanks for the eye watering tribute team ❤

[@GoblaDRIFTING]

Crazy emotional Video. I had this chance that I meet this Awesome guy in person and I had chance to drive with him! Thank you KeepItReet for keep this memories alive🙌

[@JordyX8]

This video could’ve gone for hours! RIP Chris! Legend! Great tribute. Seeing some of that old footage was wild!

[@cretecarlson8033]

Well said bro. We definitely need to face things and lean on others hey. Some ppl get lost in the things that give them momentary relief and claim it as their therapy without truly healing. I’m also glad you’ve found the love and mercy of our father. God bless you and yours.

[@samtee-b3b]

Thank you for sharing this with us bro let the legend live on CHRIS DE JAGER ❤💛💚

[@mintyfreshmrd]

Excellent point about drifting being peoples escape from the pressures life can bring. I hope we can all keep the wheels turning for each other. Lets keep drifting at the top of motorsports for being welcoming and friendly within the community.

[@fitzfab86]

I lost my best friend trew mental health aswel and cars helped me a lot. That was such a touching video that he would have been proud. It's ok to not be ok, and it's ok for men to cry and talk. Stay safe ❤

[@GoldCoastParasail]

Such a great video showing the Chris we all knew and loved, I had the please of driving with him in 2012/2013 and 2014 in Japan. He became a life long friend and will always will be. Rip Chris ❤

[@thailandretromods]

11:11 great message mate. And such a beautiful tribute. ❤

[@prescriptionpete866]

Remember his GFB R33 like it was yesterday. Sad to see this, legendary for sharing this Jase. ❤

[@DanielMika865]

Thanks for sharing this Jase, much appreciated. Thanks for bringing to light and spreading awareness of mental health and putting measures in place for people to seek help. Rest in peace Chris 🙏

[@Roltzz1]

Big Respect to tell a story and help people to understand the meaning of shering and need for a hobi or lifestyle

[@lostmymindfoundcars]

You have just done your beautiful mate an incredible honour by helping other people talking about this. All the respect in the world.

[@SteveDePalma]

I have some great memories driving with Chris back drift australia days in his GFB r33. A true legend. RIP mate.

[@janhulkko2567]

this film gave me so many flashbacks driving with Crish. He basicly taught me everything i know now from tandem driving. Met him first time 2012 and i had a pleasure to drive with him many times till 2016 when i saw him last time. Superb person and he will be part of me always. Love from Finland 🫶 Keep yourselfs safe ppl.

[@jeffreyhudon4428]

bro this is one of the best keep it reet video

[@reefmaster2]

Ahhh, the Champagne Showers trip was one for the books. He was very proud of you Jason, we used to chat a lot about what you were doing in drift and at the beginnings of Keep it Reet. He knew you were a champion of the sport and was loving watching you grow. Thankyou for your beautiful words and for reminding us all the love he had and the impact he made. Love Coral & His Babies

[@ethanm6870]

from when i was 15 at winton to Trips to japan this man Changed my life in many ways xx

[@dylanaspinall]

Very touching mate, sending my love. Can definitely feel the difference at the keep it reet events. Good to know what’s driving you to promote these events mate.

[@needhelp06]

Big hearts for your words dude. Love deep stuff... we all love fun stuff... always good to have reminders of ones we'll being. Big hug brother from another mother

[@ae86racer007]

Thank you for sharing this story. The message of looking after your mental health is a very important one. RIP Chris

[@MrLouithefly]

What a legend. The guy clearly made a major impact on a lot of people's lives and its sad that it's usually the best people who struggle in silence

[@botiduran344]

Never heard about DeJager before, but i've been lucky enough to meet people similar to him on my way trough life, and every little lesson every day is important to grow and find new perspectives... Fantastic video and message.

[@Checkd_playmate]

This one got me good, damn........great tribute.

[@DuncanLovett01]

Beautiful tribute mate, I've had my racing family pull me out of those dark places and I'll be forever grateful. Talk to your mates, listen to your mates, we can't save everyone but we can sure as shit try.

[@cresendo4825]

awesome tribute and way to keep his legacy going! absolutely touching video love what the team are doing for the sport and mental health keep it up

[@deanoscott]

Such an important message here. Speak up people. Never feel like you are less, for asking for help. My stubborn arse waited a very very long time before I opened up. Best thing I ever done. I'm not out the woods yet, doubt I'll ever fully be, but I'm better than I ever was. Sleep tight chris 👊🙏

[@jamiehuia9426]

Got the feels on that one brother, #GONEBUTNEVER4GOTTEN💯

[@mrgtsx]

Damn I remember him when I went there in 2012 was such a nice guy. Such a touching tribute. Mental health is extremely important if you can seek help please seek him

[@wesdaws7288]

❤ Jason that’s the most moving video I’ve ever seen 😢thank you for giving us somewhere to drive and enjoy you team is amazing

[@hitsyxx516]

This is beautiful mate. Love what you guys are doing at keep it reet. This is really humbling

[@michaelkarlson1074]

Tear jerker for sure! Keep it reet is more then just a brand, its a way of life.

[@seenoo2627]

IM NOT CRYING YOU’RE CRYING!!!!!!❤

[@tristanmeadows]

Massive respect. I didnt know Chris story but you have shown me his spirit and the work you do has and will continue to have an wide impact.

[@jaydenspick1602]

I’m not crying you are 😢 Amazing video Jase ❤ Boys please check on your mates

[@reubentua]

Chris De Jager Forever " Keepin' It Reet !" Long Live Drifting...

[@Ammotive28]

If I’m not driving, spannering or in the woods on my bike, I slip back into addiction. There is just something there that means I can’t be still. I hate it. Winter is hard.

[@86mosha]

Thank you jason I needed that 🙏 🙌 ❤️

[@bradbest8524]

Amazing incredibly respectful content thankyou jason for delivering this and keeping his story alive

[@rsadz2358]

this video hit me hard thanks for sharing and rip chris everyone needs to no that its always better to share and reach out in the difficult situations

[@JTdrifts]

It was a honor to crew for Chris Fd 2017. His character and legacy will ever be forgotten. 💯

[@jaredrosenbaum651]

Some really meaningful words in there Jason, absolute legends 🙌 #driftislife

[@blairjzx]

Incredible tribute! Keep up the awesome work team 👊🏼

[@lazyaz2750]

Was sad the whole video man but old mate at the end got me 😢 rip legend, up there with the best of em

[@coldkilla42]

So much respect for you doing this video god bless brother. Keep up the amazing work g

[@jakejones974]

Wow! Thank you!

[@IAMNOTFO]

Man this really hit deep and got the eyes going 😢 can totally relate too this .. drifting , racing and powerful cars it all helps block out the bullshit in life and its al.ost like medication to deal with shit but I totally relate , thanks for the story jason your a good man !

[@grantstanborough]

Beautiful thing you did mate. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@Karl-drifting]

The end was amazing Chris be smiling watching and say fuck ye keep it reet he will always be with u all ❤️

[@maxxrelax88]

Numbers 6:26, May the lord lift his countenance apon you and give you peace. Thanks for sharing Jason, Chris will live on through your memories over the years, the pain subsides but you never forget the good times. Kia Kaha! Stay strong all!

[@josh910]

I didn’t know Chris personally but was around the same scenes and friend groups at the time when drifting was really taking off in aus, Did hurt when this happened as you feel like you just know everyone who shares the same passion. Great vid and great tribute

[@ryantweddle6155]

I remember Chris Dejager drifting the R33. I was drifting before i seen him, he was a newbie. I drifted in WA competing against Adam Trewhella aka Borneo and such. I remember sbs speedweek would broadcast events on tv. Rip Chris. I found myself deeply depressed when I sold a drift car and can't drift anymore, also not going bodyboarding and riding huge barrels. Definitely need to get another drift car and definitely need to go bodyboarding again 👌

[@aarongreen6815]

amazing video mate, brought a tear to my eye and I can't give you enough props for sharing your and chris' story with everyone

[@fergus1989]

That was tough to watch, definitely a video whether you're a car guy or not to watch. Good job guys bring it home and build a tribute for a friend. 🙏

[@richarddegilde7104]

I’ve met you at ebisu great meeting you and thanks for giving me the time of day cheers

[@keepitreet]

Good to meet you bro!

[@CaleMessner]

Absolute legend, gone too soon 😢😔