Nexen Performance Tires

USA

Featured Driver

Jason Jiovani
  • Age /Height/Weight: 29 years old /  5’10 / 165lbs
  • Car Number: 444
  • Hometown: St.Petersburg, FL
  • Team: J1Nracing.com
  • Car Specs:
    • Tires: 245 N9000s Front– 265 N6000s Rear
    • Engine: Trick Flow 5.7L V8 LS1 @ 400rwhp, Flex-a-Lite Cooling
    • Horsepower: Exedy HyperTwin
    • Suspension: Various aftermarket control arms and coilovers
    • Brakes: stock Nissan brakes with the ASD Motorsports Hydraulic handbrake
    • Wheels: 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 XXR 502 Hyper Silver wheels
    • Exterior: Duraflex S13.5 Type-U conversion with 30mm/50mm fenders. C-speed hood, and Nt-5 wing with custom hi-rise posts.
    • Interior: AutoMeter Gauges in a custom wrapped dash with wiring from All American Street Car Performance. Sparco safety equipment.
  • Connect with Jason Jiovani:

I absolutely love drifting. The rush I get balancing the chaos keeps my passion for the sport alive. Coupled with the evolution of the cars, mods, techniques, and personal skill, drifting is a never ending challenge. I love giving others the experience by putting them in the passenger seat and tossing the car sideways. I also volunteer my time as an instructor or competition judge whenever possible.


The drift team has fantastic supporting partners, but I personally run the day-to-day aspects of the race team. From funding, transport, marketing, partnership management, turning wrenches (with the help from All American Street Car Performance shop), and the racing itself, I have my hands full 99% of the time. I want to thank my family, and friends who put up with it, and team partners for the wonderful contributions over the years. My girlfriend Hazel, is a great co-pilot and assistant at events. I look forward to taking the team to FormulaD in the near future.


When I’m not driving or preparing for an event, I am “Mr.Jiovani” as a substitute teacher in Pinellas County, Florida. I also hold a brand ambassador position with Rob Flemings team for NOS Energy Drinks. I get to be a part of the fun of the various automotive, racing, and gaming events we support. In the summer, when school is out, I work with kids (8-9 year olds this year) as a camp counselor.

Meet Jason Jiovanni

When and why did you start drifting? In 2004 I attended  couple events with my first 240sx: a single-cam, open differential missile, before there were missile-cars. I was holding it down pretty well so I saved up and built an SR20deT powered hatch for Pro/Am level competitions. 2006 I started driving that car, and after some success pushing on the stock redtop, we jumped right into the LS1 setup in 2010 and love it.

What do you like about drifting? I like that I still impress myself. I still look back at where I came from and what I’ve accomplished as a privateer, with no personal wealth. The community of drifting is very friendly if you come into it with the idea of having FUN. I have helped direct competitors to me, and had them help me. Most of us tend to want to win on the track, not in the garages. Let the best driver win.

Who is your inspiration/rolemodel (in and out of the drift scene)?  I still look up to my parents who gave me a set strong morals and great work ethic. I believe that hard work and dedication are the steps to success and I pride myself on saying “Please and Thank You” in today’s world.

In the drift world, JTP is an inspiration to me. I was there driving the same event at which he earned his FormulaD license in 2006. I watched him climb from that badass RX7 into the top FormulaD contender he is today.

Where is your favorite place to drift? Road Atlanta (old style) is still my favorite track

Why do you like using NEXEN Tires on your Drift Car? Nexen tires are a great mix of grip, durability, and smoke. I really notice the control and grip in the N9000s (front) and the surge of speed I can get in drift with the N6000s in the rear

What is your memorable drifting moment? The sickest event I was able to be a part of was drifting the entire course in St.Petersburg, FL during the IRL race. I have been there 3 times now and the track is super challenging, and the event is just insanely huge, surrounded by million dollar race teams, and the 120,000+ spectators.

What do you like to do for fun when you're not drifting? A majority of my off time is spent working one of my jobs, or tweaking on the car. On days off from all of that, I spend time with my girlfriend, my family, and friends. Occasionally I kick back on some video games.

What are your favorite drifting events? The best events are demo (show type) events. We get to go out, tear up the track, and are instant rockstars to everyone. When at all possible, I enjoy giving spectators rides in the car because it really is a unique and amazing experience.

List of accomplished motorsports awards:

  • 3rd Place Road Atlanta 2012
  • 4th Place LS Fest 2011
  • 7th overall 2011 StreetWise Drift
  • 2nd Place Road Atlanta 2009
  • 1st Place @ HIN Tampa 2009
  • Top16 @ D1USA Miami 2009
  • 1st Place Florida Drift Championship R.2 2009
  • 5th Place NOPI Pro St.Louis 2007
  • 4th Place DG Trials Ocala 2006
  • 3rd Place US Drift @ Mid-Ohio 2006

What would you like to say to your fans? If you like what I do, don’t be afraid to say it! Facebook it, leave a  comment on J1Nracing.com’s guestbook, or just come up at an event!  I spend an unbelievable amount of time talking to new people that are enthusiastic on drifting and just want to know more about the sport, the car(s), or technique(s).

What is your favorite catch phrase?  I only smoke tires.

Do you have a hidden talent? I have an uncanny ability to operate on little to no sleep. I think that comes with the territory of being a drifter.

What are your hobbies? Video games, movies, and eating good grubb.

What is your favorite movie? If it’s got Bruce Willis, Harrison Ford, or Nicholas Cage, there is a good chance that you’ll find me watching it.

What music do you like to listen to? I am a buffet of music. It changes all the time. I bounce from Rock, to Pop, R&B, Oldies, Rap (old school), Alternative, and randomly feel the need for some Love songs; you never know when you’ll need to serenade your girl.

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> I absolutely love drifting. The rush I get balancing the chaos keeps my passion for the sport alive. Coupled with the evolution of the cars, mods, techniques, and personal skill, drifting is a never ending challenge. I love giving others the experience by putting them in the passenger seat and tossing the car sideways. I also volunteer my time as an instructor or competition judge whenever possible.

 

The drift team has fantastic supporting partners, but I personally run the day-to-day aspects of the race team. From funding, transport, marketing, partnership management, turning wrenches (with the help from All American Street Car Performance shop), and the racing itself, I have my hands full 99% of the time. I want to thank my family, and friends who put up with it, and team partners for the wonderful contributions over the years. My girlfriend Hazel, is a great co-pilot and assistant at events. I look forward to taking the team to FormulaD in the near future.

When I’m not driving or preparing for an event, I am “Mr.Jiovani” as a substitute teacher in Pinellas County, Florida. I also hold a brand ambassador position with Rob Flemings team for NOS Energy Drinks. I get to be a part of the fun of the various automotive, racing, and gaming events we support. In the summer, when school is out, I work with kids (8-9 year olds this year) as a camp counselor. 

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Age: 17
Height: 6ft4
Nickname: Deano
Preferred Car Number: 1, 9, 17
Hometown: Castletownroche, Co, Cork, Ireland.
Crew Members: Kenneth Deane, Mike Deane Jr., Mike Deane Sr., Robbie Thornton, Des McCartey. Car Specs: 1998 RB26 Silvia S14.5
Sponsors: Nexen Tire, Trackday Performance, DeaneMsport, Driftkits.eu, MOMtransport.

James comes from a strong Motorsports background with both his father and uncle being rallying legends in Ireland in the 80’s. His brother Mike was one of the first to win a drifting competition in Ireland back in 2003 when James was only 12 years old. From this day on James was obsessed with being a drifter. In 2006 his brothers Mike and Kenneth entered him into Junior drifting in a Ford Sierra. He finished 3rd. Then James and his family went on and bought his current Silvia, which was fairly standard at the time. In Prodift Round 2-2007 at Rosegreen in Tipperary, Ireland, James managed to see off all the more experienced drivers and won the event at 15 years old. As far as we are aware, he is the youngest driver in the world to win a drift competition. He was later placed 9th overall for the 2007 season and was awarded the title of rookie of the year 2007. James is definitely has the potential to hit it big in 2009.

--> <!--

Age: 17
Height: 6ft4
Nickname: Deano
Preferred Car Number: 1, 9, 17
Hometown: Castletownroche, Co, Cork, Ireland.
Crew Members: Kenneth Deane, Mike Deane Jr., Mike Deane Sr., Robbie Thornton, Des McCartey. Car Specs: 1998 RB26 Silvia S14.5
Sponsors: Nexen Tire, Trackday Performance, DeaneMsport, Driftkits.eu, MOMtransport.

James comes from a strong Motorsports background with both his father and uncle being rallying legends in Ireland in the 80’s. His brother Mike was one of the first to win a drifting competition in Ireland back in 2003 when James was only 12 years old. From this day on James was obsessed with being a drifter. In 2006 his brothers Mike and Kenneth entered him into Junior drifting in a Ford Sierra. He finished 3rd. Then James and his family went on and bought his current Silvia, which was fairly standard at the time. In Prodift Round 2-2007 at Rosegreen in Tipperary, Ireland, James managed to see off all the more experienced drivers and won the event at 15 years old. As far as we are aware, he is the youngest driver in the world to win a drift competition. He was later placed 9th overall for the 2007 season and was awarded the title of rookie of the year 2007. James is definitely has the potential to hit it big in 2009.

--> <!--

Age: 17
Height: 6ft4
Nickname: Deano
Preferred Car Number: 1, 9, 17
Hometown: Castletownroche, Co, Cork, Ireland.
Crew Members: Kenneth Deane, Mike Deane Jr., Mike Deane Sr., Robbie Thornton, Des McCartey. Car Specs: 1998 RB26 Silvia S14.5
Sponsors: Nexen Tire, Trackday Performance, DeaneMsport, Driftkits.eu, MOMtransport.

James comes from a strong Motorsports background with both his father and uncle being rallying legends in Ireland in the 80’s. His brother Mike was one of the first to win a drifting competition in Ireland back in 2003 when James was only 12 years old. From this day on James was obsessed with being a drifter. In 2006 his brothers Mike and Kenneth entered him into Junior drifting in a Ford Sierra. He finished 3rd. Then James and his family went on and bought his current Silvia, which was fairly standard at the time. In Prodift Round 2-2007 at Rosegreen in Tipperary, Ireland, James managed to see off all the more experienced drivers and won the event at 15 years old. As far as we are aware, he is the youngest driver in the world to win a drift competition. He was later placed 9th overall for the 2007 season and was awarded the title of rookie of the year 2007. James is definitely has the potential to hit it big in 2009.

--> <!--

Age: 17
Height: 6ft4
Nickname: Deano
Preferred Car Number: 1, 9, 17
Hometown: Castletownroche, Co, Cork, Ireland.
Crew Members: Kenneth Deane, Mike Deane Jr., Mike Deane Sr., Robbie Thornton, Des McCartey. Car Specs: 1998 RB26 Silvia S14.5
Sponsors: Nexen Tire, Trackday Performance, DeaneMsport, Driftkits.eu, MOMtransport.

James comes from a strong Motorsports background with both his father and uncle being rallying legends in Ireland in the 80’s. His brother Mike was one of the first to win a drifting competition in Ireland back in 2003 when James was only 12 years old. From this day on James was obsessed with being a drifter. In 2006 his brothers Mike and Kenneth entered him into Junior drifting in a Ford Sierra. He finished 3rd. Then James and his family went on and bought his current Silvia, which was fairly standard at the time. In Prodift Round 2-2007 at Rosegreen in Tipperary, Ireland, James managed to see off all the more experienced drivers and won the event at 15 years old. As far as we are aware, he is the youngest driver in the world to win a drift competition. He was later placed 9th overall for the 2007 season and was awarded the title of rookie of the year 2007. James is definitely has the potential to hit it big in 2009.

--> <!--

Age: 17
Height: 6ft4
Nickname: Deano
Preferred Car Number: 1, 9, 17
Hometown: Castletownroche, Co, Cork, Ireland.
Crew Members: Kenneth Deane, Mike Deane Jr., Mike Deane Sr., Robbie Thornton, Des McCartey. Car Specs: 1998 RB26 Silvia S14.5
Sponsors: Nexen Tire, Trackday Performance, DeaneMsport, Driftkits.eu, MOMtransport.

James comes from a strong Motorsports background with both his father and uncle being rallying legends in Ireland in the 80’s. His brother Mike was one of the first to win a drifting competition in Ireland back in 2003 when James was only 12 years old. From this day on James was obsessed with being a drifter. In 2006 his brothers Mike and Kenneth entered him into Junior drifting in a Ford Sierra. He finished 3rd. Then James and his family went on and bought his current Silvia, which was fairly standard at the time. In Prodift Round 2-2007 at Rosegreen in Tipperary, Ireland, James managed to see off all the more experienced drivers and won the event at 15 years old. As far as we are aware, he is the youngest driver in the world to win a drift competition. He was later placed 9th overall for the 2007 season and was awarded the title of rookie of the year 2007. James is definitely has the potential to hit it big in 2009.

--> <!--

Age: 17
Height: 6ft4
Nickname: Deano
Preferred Car Number: 1, 9, 17
Hometown: Castletownroche, Co, Cork, Ireland.
Crew Members: Kenneth Deane, Mike Deane Jr., Mike Deane Sr., Robbie Thornton, Des McCartey. Car Specs: 1998 RB26 Silvia S14.5
Sponsors: Nexen Tire, Trackday Performance, DeaneMsport, Driftkits.eu, MOMtransport.

James comes from a strong Motorsports background with both his father and uncle being rallying legends in Ireland in the 80’s. His brother Mike was one of the first to win a drifting competition in Ireland back in 2003 when James was only 12 years old. From this day on James was obsessed with being a drifter. In 2006 his brothers Mike and Kenneth entered him into Junior drifting in a Ford Sierra. He finished 3rd. Then James and his family went on and bought his current Silvia, which was fairly standard at the time. In Prodift Round 2-2007 at Rosegreen in Tipperary, Ireland, James managed to see off all the more experienced drivers and won the event at 15 years old. As far as we are aware, he is the youngest driver in the world to win a drift competition. He was later placed 9th overall for the 2007 season and was awarded the title of rookie of the year 2007. James is definitely has the potential to hit it big in 2009.

--> <!--

Age: 17
Height: 6ft4
Nickname: Deano
Preferred Car Number: 1, 9, 17
Hometown: Castletownroche, Co, Cork, Ireland.
Crew Members: Kenneth Deane, Mike Deane Jr., Mike Deane Sr., Robbie Thornton, Des McCartey. Car Specs: 1998 RB26 Silvia S14.5
Sponsors: Nexen Tire, Trackday Performance, DeaneMsport, Driftkits.eu, MOMtransport.

James comes from a strong Motorsports background with both his father and uncle being rallying legends in Ireland in the 80’s. His brother Mike was one of the first to win a drifting competition in Ireland back in 2003 when James was only 12 years old. From this day on James was obsessed with being a drifter. In 2006 his brothers Mike and Kenneth entered him into Junior drifting in a Ford Sierra. He finished 3rd. Then James and his family went on and bought his current Silvia, which was fairly standard at the time. In Prodift Round 2-2007 at Rosegreen in Tipperary, Ireland, James managed to see off all the more experienced drivers and won the event at 15 years old. As far as we are aware, he is the youngest driver in the world to win a drift competition. He was later placed 9th overall for the 2007 season and was awarded the title of rookie of the year 2007. James is definitely has the potential to hit it big in 2009.

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