You may have heard of him, after all his photo was going around social media about a year ago. The story of a physically disabled man, who drifts. Most of the stories were underground, just as much as most of drifting is still very much an underground offshoot of motorsports. So it’s about time you officially met him. Introducing ‘Pak Busu’.
His real name is Halizamri Bin Haji Mustapa, born and raised in Melaka, the son of a martial arts teacher. He is Malaysia’s one and only disabled drifter. Back when the drifting craze hit the country a decade ago, it inspired him immediately. “It’s something that I had to do,” he says. Pak Busu drifts competitively at grassroots drifting events, mostly around Melaka area, and has quite a flamboyant drifting style.
“I was born deformed,” continues Pak Busu. He grew up in a large but caring family, but most importantly never expects anything from anyone. When I enquire further Pak Busu gives us a feel for his independent and steely determination that led to him successfully taking up drifting as more than just a hobby and interest: “People ask me what challenges I face. I say I am up for any challenge, do not dare me!”.
This determination and drive has kept Pak Busu active in life, he has not allowed anything to hinder his desire to lead a normal life: Pak Busu is a trained and certified automotive mechanic. He runs his own workshop in Batu Hampar, Melaka; and he also runs a stall at nearby night markets where he sells petai. This is a man who gets his hands dirty, pulls out all the stops, making an honest income to provide for his family of 4.
This coming MSF Finale, Pak Busu will be taking part in the Street category with his Toyota Corolla GL KE70 which he prepares himself. His Corolla is a pretty highly tuned and specialised drift machine: Pak Busu swapped in a Nissan SR20-DET turbo engine and 5-speed gearbox, suspension from the Nissan Silvia S13, and a higher 4.7:1 final drive ratio. The steering rack and ratio were also modified for more angle, important for high-angle slides.
But it’s the controls that are very obviously altered and highly personalised for Pak Busu. Some serious thought and welding work went into making it possible for Pak Busu to drift his beloved beast. “These are modifications that I made myself; me and my good friends,” said Pak Busu.
We hope that Pak Busu enjoys the new MSF Drift Gonzo target-style drift competition, and look forward to watch him put on a show this coming 2nd December at the Sepang Paddock Carpark.
For more information about MSF Drift Gonzo, visit the MSF Drift Gonzo Regulations page.
For Spectator Information, visit the Event Info page.
Watch an in-car video of Pak Busu drifting: