Daniel Messmer

Daniel Messmer is a 30-year-old drifter originally from Cairns, Australia who now splits his time between Australia and Misawa, Japan as he continues building his drifting career. From a young age he dreamed of competing in motorsport, and after finishing his mechanic apprenticeship he decided to fully commit to chasing that goal.

His competitive mindset quickly pushed him toward drifting after meeting Levi Clarke and spending time around his crew. That experience helped set the direction for his career. Another driver he looks up to is Masanori Kohashi, a D1GP champion who Messmer regularly practices with at his local track in Japan.

Messmer currently competes in a 1990 Nissan Silvia S13. The car runs a 396ci LS engine paired with a G45-1600 turbo, a G-Force dog box transmission, and a Winters quick-change differential, producing around 1000 horsepower. The chassis itself has a lot of personal history, as it was the original S13 he first learned to drift in before competing with it in Australia and later shipping it to Japan where it was rebuilt into its current pro-level specification.

Beyond the track, we love to learn a little more about the drivers themselves.

What is your favourite track or circuit to drive and why?

Messmer’s favourite track is MSP Circuit. As his local track in northern Japan, it’s a small and technical layout with a great atmosphere and a unique mix of local Japanese drivers and American drivers from the nearby base.

Any driving tips for beginners?

If you really want it, chase it and commit fully. Do whatever it takes to make it happen and don’t worry about what other people think.

What hobbies do you have outside of racing?

Surfing.

Dream street car?

S13 Silvia. I used to own a non-turbo SR20 version, and it was the most fun I’ve had driving on the street.