The Formula Drift Championship Explained
Entering its second season, Formula Drift Championship, produced and owned by Irvine, Calif.-based Formula Drift, Inc., continues to expand into new markets as the first and only sanctioned and recognized North American professional drifting championship series (sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing). This high-skilled, high-powered motor sport where drivers intentionally maneuver their cars into well executed, controlled sideways slides at high speeds through a marked course, has more than 30 professional drivers competing in all six competitions this year. A well established sport in Japan for more than a decade, Formula Drift, Inc. and its sister company Slipstream Global Marketing, Inc. had the vision and were instrumental in bringing the first official competition to the United States in 2003 at Irwindale Speedway. The unanticipated fan interest led to the rapid formation of the first ever, sanctioned and recognized drifting circuit, Formula Drift, which had its roots firmly grounded in Southern California, a hotbed for incoming Japanese-influence automotive trends. An important part of the program involves community outreach. Drivers and Formula D serve as the ambassador for the sport of drifting bringing exhibitions to traditional or mainstream motor sports events across the country which have included: Bridgestone Monterey Grand Prix/Champ Car Race, USAC, NASCAR Busch North & Featherlite Southwest and the SPEED World Challenge, among others.
In addition another 100-200 local team drivers will join in local markets to test their skills and techniques with the pros. Judged on execution and style, rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time, Drifting is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and is often compared to the freestyle nature of skateboarding and motocross.
Drivers and Formula Drift also serves as ambassadors for the sport of drifting bringing exhibitions to traditional or mainstream motor sports events across the country which have included: Bridgestone Monterey Grand Prix/Champ Car Race, USAC, NASCAR Busch North & Featherlite Southwest and the SPEED World Challenge, among others.
More Formula Drift Fast Facts
Formula D has the largest number of tire manufactures involved that any other motorsport series in the world. First drifting championship to be featured in a major video game with title sponsor EA Games First drifting championships to be sponsored by non-endemic companies including EA Games and Circuit City First drifting championship to have works teams (auto maker supported).
After a one year hiatus from the FormulaD series, Blake Fuller, the driver of the Nissan 350Z was able to surpass and surprise all his competitors...
Sarasota, FL (September 22nd, 2006) – Braille Auto Racing took 3rd place in qualifying at Round 5 of the Formula D series held on September 9th, at Wall Speedway in Wall N.J. using a nearly stock Nissan 350Z race car.
After a one year hiatus from the FormulaD series, Blake Fuller, the driver of the Nissan 350Z was able to surpass and surprise all his competitors as he drove the Braille Auto Development race car through the course. Not only did he impress the other drivers, but also the judges of the event. So impressed where the judges that Blake’s second run of qualifying placed him above the series regulars and winners whose vehicles had up to twice the power of the Braille Auto Nissan!
Drifting is one of the few sports where a highly skilled driver and a properly balanced car can still achieve great results against vehicles that are ultimately faster. “Wall, NJ happened to be the perfect course for us to use this car. With a highly banked oval and a fast but tight infield the course, momentum and anticipation in driving were the key to making our vehicle look like it had way more power than it really possessed.”, commented the driver Blake Fuller. Spectators to the event noted that the car had one continuous exhaust sound throughout the course, “full throttle”!
Braille Auto Development’s Nissan 350Z was equipped with a Braille Racing Battery, a set of D2 Racing Coil-Over Suspension, Skunk2 Intake Spacer, welded differential, a modified exhaust and safety equipment. Blake explains, “Our car was so close to stock that we had an absolutely reliable vehicle. By paying attention to our suspension settings and tire pressure we were able to tune the car perfectly for the Wall, NJ short track. Because the car was so benign in nature I could really focus on having fun and enjoying the event. In fact, I felt bad for the other drivers sweating in their cars as I enjoyed air conditioning and jamming to my favorite tunes on the factory Bose stereo.”
Braille Auto Development’s driver and owner, Blake Fuller is no stranger to driving automobiles sideways. From being crowned “rookie of the year” to his win in 2002, Fuller has been drifting vehicles at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb since 1999. Fuller has also competed in the Speed World Challenge Touring class and the SCCA Pro Rally circuit. From 2002 through 2006 Blake has dominated the amateur drifting circuit with podium finishes in every event. He is well known for being the driver of the World’s only rear wheel drive Acura Integra. In 2007 Braille Racing will campaign the complete Formula D circuit and will be involved in the Formula D Pro Am Series to train up and coming drivers.
Information on the Braille Auto 350z drift car is available at www.brailleauto.com. Driver information is available at www.blake-fuller.com. Information on the Formula D Series is available at: www.formulad.com . Braille Auto Racing’s Sponsors are: www.skunk2.com ; www.kuremotorpsorts.com ; www.d2racing.com ; www.cobaltfriction.com ; www.kirkracing.com ; www.turbo-toys.com . Braille Auto would also like to thank Gator
Trailers of Pt. Charlotte Florida available at 941-575-7876.
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