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).
“The first event was a huge success and with over 10,000 fans attending, the sport of Drifting is growing at a tremendous pace. We are proud to bring the fans, the top drivers, best cars, and provide high-quality events the rest of the season,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT.
The Streets of Long Beach was packed with record attendance of over 10,000 fans. Reserved seating in the main grandstand sold out and provided those lucky enough to purchase those tickets the best seats in the house.
Haruguchi took home the victory for Falken Tires with his aggressive style, fast entry-speed, and smooth lines and barely edged out Tanner Foust and his Papadakis Racing Nissan 350Z in a very exciting final round. Coming in 3rd and 4th place were Daijiro Yoshihara and his Rockstar Nissan S13 and Vaughn “JR” Gittin in his Falken Tires Ford Mustang.
Current Point Standings after Round 1 – The Streets of Long Beach
1. Haruguchi- 104 Points
2. Foust – 96 Points
3. Yoshihara – 83 Points
4. Gittin – 76 Points
5. Hayashida – 67 Points
6. Millen – 65 Points
7. Hubinette – 64 Points
8. McQuarrie – 63 Points
9. Rutherford – 57 Points
10. Yamanaka – 56 Points
10. Forsberg – 56 Points
10. Okubo – 56 Points
13. Tuerk – 55 Points
13. Canul – 55 Points
13. Nishida – 55 Points
13. Petty – 55 Points
For more information contact:
John Pangilinan
The ID Agency
310.545.2309
john@theidagency.com