[NEWS] Round 2: Road to the Championship Results; Daigo Saito Takes the Victory
May 13th, 2013 by RobertRound 2: Road to the Championship Results; Daigo Saito Takes the Victory
For Immediate Release
May 11, 2013
Round 2: Road to the Championship Results;
Daigo Saito Takes the Victory
Long Beach, Calif. – May 11, 2013 – Formula DRIFT presented by GoPro continued to Round 2: Road to the Championship at Road Atlanta. Defending 2012 champion, Daigo Saito in the Achilles / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 takes the victory.
Round 2: Road to the Championship returned for the tenth consecutive season to the home of the inaugural Formula DRIFT competition at Road Atlanta. This is the only course on the circuit that has paved a custom section of the track specifically for drifting. Despite the intermittent rain, the fans in Atlanta came out in force and stayed through to the end of the event. Road Atlanta has the largest attendance for the Series outside of California.
“Drifting is chaotic and unpredictable,” stated Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “Today showed the ability of the Formula DRIFT drivers to adapt to the changing conditions while still performing.”
The rain slicked track proved to be a challenge as the event entered into the Top 16 portion of the competition. Heading into the competition, Daijiro Yoshihara in the Discount Tire / Falken Tire Nissan 240SX held the points lead, but surprisingly failed to make it into the Top 16, opening the opportunity for other drivers in the point standings. Michael Essa in the GSR Autosport / Yokohama Tire BMW M3 faced Vaughn Gittin, Jr. in the Monster Energy / Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR in the consolation round. Gittin won third place and takes the lead in the 2013 Pro Championship point standings. The final round pitted Darren McNamara in the Falken Tire Nissan 240SX against returning champion Daigo Saito. McNamara on the first run misjudged the speed of Saito and ran into his car causing damage and giving up the advantage, which his team was not able to overcome. Saito earned his first victory of the season and moves into second place overall.
“This almost feels like revenge from Long Beach since I was only able to make it into the Top 16 at Round 1,” said Daigo Saito, winner of Round 2: Road to the Championship. “The track conditions were horrible and it could have been anyone that won, but I am happy that I was able to pull off the victory. Thanks to the team and Achilles for helping make this all possible.”
For more information visit: www.formuladrift.com
Formula DRIFT Professional Championship Presented by GoPro 2013 Standings After Two Rounds
1. Gittin Jr., Vaughn Monster Energy / Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR 172 Points
2. Saito, Daigo Achilles Tire / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 161 Points
3. McNamara, Darren Falken Tire Nissan S14 156 Points
4. Essa, Michael GSR Autosport / Yokohama BMW M3 141 Points
5. Yoshihara, Daijiro Discount Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13 137 Points
6. Aasbo, Fredric Hankook Tire Scion Racing tC 136 Points
7. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Nissan 370Z 135 Points
8. Tuerck, Ryan Team Retaks / Maxxis Scion Racing FR-S 125.50 Points
9. Moen, Kenneth Lutz Performance / Nexen Tire Nissan 240SX 120 Points
10. Powers, Matt Nitto Tire / Fatlace Nissan S14 119 Points
11. Pawlak, Justin Falken Tire Ford Mustang 116.50 Points
12. Bakchis, Aurimas Nexen Tire Nissan S14 112 Points
13. DeNofa, Chelsea BC Racing BMW 3 Series 105 Points
14. Mohan, Kyle Nexen Tire / Mazdatrix RX-8 86 Points
15. Wang, Forrest Get Nuts Labs Nissan 240SX 82 Points
16. Field, Matt CX Racing / Blacktrax Nissan 240SX 81.50 Points
Round 2: Road to the Championship Event Results
1. Saito, Daigo Achilles Tire / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 Winner
2. McNamara, Darren Falken Tire Nissan S14 Second Place
3. Gittin Jr., Vaughn Monster Energy / Nitto Ford Mustang RTR Third Place
Manufacturers Championship Standings After Two Rounds
1. Ford 288.50 Points
2. Scion 261.50 Points
3. Nissan 248 Points
4. BMW 246 Points
5. Lexus 239.75 Points
Tire Championship Standings After Two Rounds
1. Falken 330 Points
2. Nitto 311 Points
3. Hankook 270 Points
4. Achilles 243 Points
5. Nexen 228.50 Points
For more information contact:
John Pangilinan
The ID Agency
213.802.0863
john@theidagency.com
ABOUT FORMULA DRIFT
Entering its tenth season, Formula DRIFT is recognized as the North American professional drifting championship. Established on the streets of Japan, drifting has evolved into a worldwide competitive sport that challenges each driver’s driving ability and vehicle control. Formula DRIFT provides a forum for professional drifters to compete nationwide for the coveted Formula DRIFT Championship crown. As the first official series in North America, Formula DRIFT has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme, attracting fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life and establishes itself as the world-wide leader for the Sport. For a competition schedule and ticket information, visit: www.formuladrift.com.
ABOUT IMG SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment’s diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world’s largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year. More information is available at: www.imgworld.com.
Formula DRIFT Holdings, LLC | 200 Pine Avenue, Suite 615 | Long Beach, CA 90802
[NEWS] Round 1: Streets of Long Beach Kicked Off the Tenth Season of Formula DRIFT Presented by GoPro to a Sold Out Crowd
April 15th, 2013 by Robert
Long Beach, Calif. – April 13, 2013 – Formula DRIFT presented by GoPro begins the tenth season of competition with Round 1: Streets of Long Beach. Daijiro Yoshihara in the America’s Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13 takes the victory and leads the championship points chase.
Round 1: Streets of Long Beach started off the tenth season of Formula DRIFT presented by GoPro to a sell out crowd. Fans were treated to a vendor village, Slammed Society car show, a display of vehicles from the Targa Trophy and a skateboard demo from the Action Sports Kids Foundation of Long Beach.
“To start our ten year anniversary season in front of a sell out crowd sets a great tone for the season to come,” stated Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “We owe it all to our drivers, sponsors and the fans for helping to make the Series what it is today. We look forward to another exciting season.”
Experience became the deciding factor with all three spots on the podium being found by ten-year veterans who also are past champions of the Series. The 2009 Champion Chris Forsberg in the NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Nissan 370Z was too much for Chelsea DeNofa and earned third place. The final battle pitted 2010 Formula DRIFT champion Vaughn Gittin, Jr in the Monster Energy / Nitto Tire Ford Mustang against the 2011 champion Daijiro Yoshihara who also was the number one qualifier. On their first run Gittin made a small mistake at the hairpin giving Yoshihara the edge. A consistent second run by Yoshihara secured his victory giving him the first victory of the season.
“This was my first time to win in Long Beach. I’ve been on the podium a few times, but winning here was one of my goals and I was able to achieve that today, “said Daijiro Yoshihara, winner of Round 1: Streets of Long Beach. “I also qualified first so this was the best way to start off the season, but it is still a long way to another Championship. I hope to win another Championship this season.” Formula DRIFT presented by GoPro continues at Round 2: Road to the Championship at Road Atlanta on May 10-11, 2013.
For more information visit: www.formuladrift.com
Formula DRIFT Professional Championship Presented by GoPro 2013 Standings After One Event
1. Yoshihara, Daijiro America’s Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13 112 Points
2. Gittin Jr., Vaughn Monster Energy / Nitto Tire Ford Mustang 92 Points
3. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Nissan 370Z 79 Points
4. DeNofa, Chelsea BC Racing BMW 3 Series 75 Points
5. McNamara, Darren Falken Tire Nissan S14 64 Points
6. Tuerck, Ryan Team Retaks Scion FR-S 64 Points
7. Gushi, Ken Greddy / Hankook Scion FR-S 62 Points
8. Essa, Michael GSR Autosport / Yokohama BMW M3 62 Points
9. Moen, Kenneth Nexen Tire Nissan 240SX 58 Points
10. Saito, Daigo Achilles Tire / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 57 Points
11. Aasbo, Fredric Hankook Tire Scion Racing tC 56 Points
12. Bakchis, Aurimas Nexen Tire Nissan S14 56 Points
13. Kado, Ryan DNA Motoring / Nexen Tire Nissan 350Z 55 Points
14. Powers, Matt Nitto Tire / Fatlace Nissan S14 55 Points
15. Mordaunt, Patrick Apexi / PM Racing / Diamond Lexus SC430 54.50 Points
16. Pawlak, Justin Falken Tire Ford Mustang 54.50 Points
Round 1: Streets of Long Beach Event Results
1. Yoshihara, Daijiro America’s Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13 Winner
2. Gittin Jr., Vaughn Monster Energy / Nitto Ford Mustang Second Place
3. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Nissan 370Z Third Place
Manufacturers Championship Standings After One Event
1. Ford 146.5 Points
2. Nissan 137 Points
2. BMW 137 Points
4. Scion 126 Points
5. Lexus 111 Points
Tire Championship Standings After One Event
1. Falken 176 Points
2. Nitto 167 Points
3. Hankook 141 Points
4. Yokohama 116.5 Points
[NEWS] Subaru WRX Concept hits NYC Auto Show
March 28th, 2013 by RobertCheck out what was shown at the NYC Auto show, a WRX Concept. More info can be found at www.subaru.com
Looks pretty interesting, lets hope it remains the same come production.
[NEWS] 2014 Chevy Camero Z28 is back to tear up the streets!
March 27th, 2013 by Robert
2014 Camaro Z/28 the Most Track-capable Camaro Ever
2013-03-27
NEW YORK – Chevrolet today introduced the restyled 2014 Camaro line at the New York Auto Show, including the return of the Z/28, the most iconic model in Camaro history.
The 2014 Camaro models feature a revised exterior design that integrates high-performance aerodynamics for more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds. The new Camaro Z/28 also features a full aerodynamics package that creates downforce at speed, which helps make it the most track-capable offering in Camaro’s history.
“As the ultimate track-capable Camaro, this car restores the mission of the original Z/28, and serves as a testament to the expertise of Chevrolet as the best-selling brand of performance cars,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “The build sheet is the wish list of any racer: lightweight, high-revving, dry-sump LS7 engine; carbon-ceramic brakes; integrated coolers for track use; true aerodynamic downforce, and a significant reduction in curb weight. This car could only come from Chevrolet, and could only be called the Z/28.”
The first Camaro Z/28 was introduced in 1967, created to compete in the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans-Am 2 class. It featured a smaller, lighter, 302-cubic-inch V-8 for improved weight balance, as well as quick-ratio steering and a heavy-duty suspension for track use. In keeping with its road-racing focus, the 1967 Camaro Z/28 was not available with an automatic transmission or air conditioning.
While the new Camaro Z/28 is not intended to compete in a specific race series, it is solely focused on track capability. In initial testing, the Camaro Z/28 is three seconds faster per lap than the Camaro ZL1. That extra speed comes from three areas:
– Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.05 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions
– Increased stopping power: the Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel, lap after lap
– Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass
[NEWS] Complete Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ Supercharging Systems Now Available!
March 21st, 2013 by RobertComplete Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ Supercharging Systems Now Available!
The heritage of the lightweight front engine, rear drive 86 is new and alive once more with the birth of the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. But when an already fun drive gets a bonus shot of boost added to it…the fun to drive car becomes something even more. Vortech’s new air-to-air charge cooled Supercharging System for the FR-S & BRZ will reintroduce you to that smile you’ve been missing. Utilizing a specially designed V-3 supercharger, billet aluminum bracketry, and an OEM fit and finish you’ll have to see to believe. Bolt on the complete system and you’ll have 9psi of adrenaline rush on tap anywhere, any time. Safe, reliable, easy to install, and ready when you are.
Further info on this kit can be found at Vortech Superchargers blog site.
[NEWS] Odi Bakchis Announces Partnership with the United States Air Force
March 19th, 2013 by Robert
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Aurimas Bakchis “Odi” announced today that he will be partnering with the United States Air Force for the 2013 drift season. Bakchis will be competing in each of the seven Formula Drift USA events as a partner with the United States Air Force in his LS3-powered Nexen Tire Nissan 240SX.
The United States Air Force is entering into the 5th season as a sponsor of the Formula Drift series, and Bakchis will be one of the drivers sponsored for the 2013 season. Regarding his new sponsor Bakchis stated “I had a great experience teaching a U.S. Air Force Airman to drift during the Drift into the Blue series in 2012. It was truly a pleasure to work with the U.S. Air Force in that capacity and now I am grateful to continue working with such a committed group of people. I look forward to continuing to work with an established organization that values teamwork and technology since these are my mantra for how I approach drifting.”
The Formula Drift USA season begins in Long Beach, California in April 2013. This will be Bakchis’ debut event as a partner of the United States Air Force and Bakchis is confident that the 2013 drift season will be promising with the support of such committed sponsors.
Additional information regarding Bakchis and his drift program can be found at http://www.bakchismotorsports.com.
[NEWS] Hankook Tires Announces 2013 Motorsports Plans – Tyler McQuarrie joins Hankook Tires
March 18th, 2013 by Robert
Hankook Tire Announces 2013 Motorsports Plans
Efforts Include Increased Involvement In Formula Drift, Time Attack, 25 Hours of Thunderhill, Off-Road Racing and Open Wheel Racing
Wayne, NJ – March 13, 2013 – After an incredible 2012 Formula Drift season that included a first place win and six podiums finishes total and a victory in the ‘E0’ class at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, Hankook tire today announced its motorsports plans for 2013.
For 2013, Hankook will continue its close association with Formula Drift by continuing its official sponsorship of the race series and by sponsoring five drivers and teams. Hankook’s 2013 Formula Drift team lineup will once again include Fredric Aasbo in the Papadakis Racing Speed Hunters Scion tC, Ken Gushi in the Greddy Performance Scion FR-S, Conrad Grunewald in the Conrad Grunewald Racing Chevrolet Camaro, Chris Forsberg in the Chris Forsberg Racing Nissan 370Z and new member of the Hankook Tire team roster Tyler McQuarrie in the Tyler McQuarrie Racing Go Pro Chevrolet Camaro.
All of Hankook’s Formula Drift drivers will compete on Hankook’s Ventus R-S3 Extreme Performance Summer tire, one of the premier tires in Formula Drift competition. The Ventus RS-3’s impressive handling and grip has been proven at Formula Drift races throughout the United States garnering Hankook multiple podium finishes during the 2012 season.
As part of Hankook’s Time Attack efforts, the company will sponsor four teams in the 2013 Redline Time Attack series: Tuner Playground, Ignition Project, Fingers Crossed and Berk Technology. Time Attack has significantly increased in popularity over the past number of years, bringing a new audience to tracks around the country and furthering Hankook’s motorsports related presence. The four teams being sponsored will compete exclusively on Hankook racing tires including the Ventus Z214, Ventus TD, and Ventus R-S3.
2013 will also see Hankook return to the 25 Hours of Thunderhill at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California with the Hankook Tire/El Diablo BMW M3 to bring home another win on Hankook’s Ventus Z214 race tires. This endurance race, the longest in the world, draws competitors and enthusiasts from around the country.
Hankook will continue its involvement in off-road racing for 2013 with driver Tracy Rossman and the Rossman Racing Group Ford Pickup. Rossman will compete throughout the season on Hankook’s Dynapro MT off-road tire. The Dynapro MT is a street legal extreme performance off-road tire available to consumers as part of Hankook’s Light Truck / SUV tire lineup, designed to provide impressive performance for extreme off-road conditions.
Rounding out Hankook’s 2013 racing efforts is its involvement as the exclusive tire supplier for multiple racing series throughout the United States. For 2013 the Panam GP Series, with races in the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Ecuador, will equip its Formula 3 type Formula Abarth cars with Hankook’s Ventus F200 race tire. Also using the Hankook Ventus F200 exclusively for 2013 will be the Pacific Formula 2000 series. Additionally the Intercontinental Trophy Cup series, now part of NASA (National Auto Sport Association), will equip its Porsche Cayman based field exclusively on Hankook’s Ventus Z214 race tire.
“We will continue to increase Hankook’s brand awareness and to showcase the impressive performance of our tires through highly competitive motorsport activities.” said Paul Jho, Hankook Tire America Corp. motorsports marketing manager. “Central to this plan is the development of high quality tires for racers and consumers alike that bring the latest in technological advances to meet the needs of drivers on the racetrack, off-road or the vehicles they drive every day.”
Hankook will also continue to support motorsports enthusiasts and racers at all levels. For 2013, Hankook will offer amateur and professional racing enthusiasts contingency program benefits and the chance to earn incentives in SCCA National Solo, ProSolo and Club Racing events, NASA regional and national races, Redline Time Attack, the Formula DRIFT Series and select off-road races.
About Hankook Tire America Corp.
Hankook Tire America Corp. is a growing leader in the U.S. tire market, leveraging investments in technology, manufacturing and marketing to deliver high quality, reliable products that are safer for consumers and the environment. Headquartered in Wayne, N.J., Hankook Tire markets and distributes a complete line of high performance and ultra-high performance passenger tires, light truck, SUV tires, as well as medium truck and bus tires in the United States.
[NEWS] GoPro Signs on as Presenting Sponsor of Formula DRIFT Championship
March 12th, 2013 by RobertGoPro Signs on as Presenting Sponsor of Formula DRIFT Championship
Long Beach, Calif. – March 12, 2013 – Formula DRIFT is proud to announce that GoPro has signed on to be the presenting sponsor for the 2013, 2014, and 2015 Championship seasons. GoPro will be the exclusive and official camera partner for the Series for this term and be deeply integrated in the Series as the premier camera brand.
“We are very proud to partner with the Formula Drift Series, and look forward to helping present a unique perspective to an already exciting series,” says Rod Rojas, GoPro Motorsports Marketing Manager.
GoPro, makers of the world’s most versatile cameras, will become the exclusive on-car and in-car camera during official competition. In addition to GoPro adding a technological jump into the TV and live stream production of Formula DRIFT, Formula DRIFT will also have access to GoPro’s media distribution and promotional channels.
“Having GoPro as our presenting sponsor for the next three seasons is a big deal for us,” stated Ryan Sage, vice-president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “A brand like GoPro is any event series dream and this partnership fits right in with our directional planning of the series.”
For more information contact:
John Pangilinan
The ID Agency
213.802.0863
john@theidagency.com
ABOUT FORMULA DRIFT
Entering its tenth season, Formula DRIFT is recognized as the North American professional drifting championship. Established on the streets of Japan, drifting has evolved into a worldwide competitive sport that challenges each driver’s driving ability and vehicle control. Formula DRIFT provides a forum for professional drifters to compete nationwide for the coveted Formula DRIFT Championship crown. As the first official series in North America, Formula DRIFT has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme, attracting fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life and establishes itself as the world-wide leader for the Sport. For a competition schedule and ticket information, visit: www.formuladrift.com.
ABOUT IMG SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment’s diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world’s largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year. More information is available at: www.imgworld.com.
ABOUT GOPRO
GoPro makes the world’s most versatile cameras, enabling people to capture immersive and engaging footage of themselves during their favorite activities. GoPro’s HERO line of wearable and gear mountable cameras are used collectively by more consumers, professional athletes, and video production professionals than any other camera in the world. Based in San Mateo, California, GoPro’s products are available in more than 30,000 stores in over 100 countries worldwide and direct via GoPro.com.
GOPRO®, HERO®, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Woodman Labs, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other company, product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their rightful owners.
Formula DRIFT Holdings, LLC | 200 Pine Avenue, Suite 615 | Long Beach, CA 90802
[NEWS] Lamborghini Veneno: 4.6 Million Dollar Supercar
March 4th, 2013 by RobertCheck out the 4.6 Million Dollar dream car!
Lamborghini Veneno!!!
[NEWS] R.I.P. SPEED network, Hello Fox Sports 1
March 3rd, 2013 by Robert
It’s sad to hear that the motorosports-only SPEED Networks is on the way out. Parent company FOX will replace it with a general sports network called Fox Sports 1. This will try to compete with ESPN.
R.I.P. it was great while it lasted.
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