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).
“This season of Formula DRIFT will be the most important and we are prepared to have all eyes on us,” said Jim Liaw, Formula DRIFT President and Co-founder.
The partnership with IMG has already paid off, with ESPN2 signed as the exclusive broadcast partner for 2007, Formula DRIFT and drifting will be elevated to a new level. Seven 1-hour shows will be filmed with multiple repeats beginning in November 2007. IMG will work further to build the Formula DRIFT brand and the sport of drifting by applying their global marketing media and licensing resources.
In addition to the television broadcasts, Formula DRIFT has partnered with CK Media to provide an internet podcast with over 15 hours of downloadable online content, which can be found on www.thedriftzone.com
Joining the ranks of Formula DRIFT’s professional drivers will be newly licensed, Nick Hogan, of VH1’s “Hogan Knows Best” and son of wrestler Hulk Hogan. Hogan will make his professional drifting debut at the Formula DRIFT season opener in Long Beach on April 7, 2007.
New cars will enter the field and leading the way will be 2-time Champion Samuel Hubinette defending his title in a new Mopar Dodge Charger, while 2005 Champion Rhys Millen will drive a new Red Bull Pontiac Solstice. Other notable new cars this season include a Lexus IS 350, Corvette Z06, and Porsche 911.
With new and renewed sponsors supporting Formula DRIFT the drivers will be competing for over half a million dollars in Pro Championship, Team Drift, and Contingency Prize money. “We are very grateful for the support our sponsors have given us and we are proud to have them on board for the biggest season yet,” said Liaw
The new Formula DRIFT series schedule is available online featuring the newly added venue, Summit Point Raceway, at www.formuladrift.com.
Formula DRIFT has selected The ID Agency, a Manhattan Beach, Calif, -based strategic marketing and communications agency, to create and implement a strategic public relations campaign designed to solidify and expand the Formula DRIFT brand as the premier North American professional drifting championship series.