In this episode we sit down with Mike Martino — the creative force behind Design Shop REACT — to talk drifting, design, and the culture that keeps us hooked. Mike shares what it’s like running a brand while vending at big drift events like Legends of the Drift and Final Bout, and what makes the Canadian drift scene unique compared to the U.S.

We dive into memories of S-chassis builds, rare OEM parts, and how cars like the S13 and S15 have evolved through the years. Mike opens up about the grind of doing booths alone, the community vibes that make it worth it, and how Final Bout shaped his perspective on drifting. We also get into the controversial rise of takeovers, how they hurt drifting’s reputation, and why the real scene is built around passion, not chaos.

On top of that, Mike shares stories from his trips to Japan — including Tokyo Auto Salon and visiting legendary shops like Tech Arts — and how those experiences inspired his own builds. From drifting Canada’s road courses, to hunting down rare aero, to explaining why drifting is both obsession and sacrifice, this episode is packed with laughs, stories, and plenty of car nerd talk.

Whether you’re deep in the drift community or just love hearing how car culture connects people across borders, this one’s for you.

@vsmartino

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