Formula DRIFT New Jersey 2012 “The Gauntlet” LIVE!
June 23rd, 2012 by RobertSay Howdy! Get Rowdy! Episode 3 “Chelsea DeNofa at Formula Drift Palm Beach
June 22nd, 2012 by RobertKen Gushi Teaches Joey Logano of Toyota Racing How To Drift
June 22nd, 2012 by RobertFormula DRIFT Round 3: Daigo Saito is Victorious!
June 4th, 2012 by Robert
Daigo Saito is Victorious at Round 3: Invasion at Palm Beach International Raceway;
Pawlak Remains in the Pro Championship Points Lead
Long Beach, Calif. – June 2, 2012 – Formula DRIFT returned to Round 3: Invasion at Palm Beach International Raceway for the second consecutive year. Rookie Daigo Saito in the Achilles Tire / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 takes the victory and closes in on the points leader Justin Pawlak in the Falken Tire Ford Mustang.
Round 3: Invasion saw an increase in attendance in the second year of competition at Palm Beach International Raceway. The Driftstream saw over 200,000 viewers in a 24 hour period.
“We’re happy to be able to run the original track configuration due to the improvements by Palm Beach International Raceway which made for an improved event for the fans,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “Additional grandstands were brought in to accommodate for the increase in fan attendance. The dedication and investment by the venue shows their support for our Series and look forward to returning next season.”
Points leader and winner of last year’s Palm Beach event, Justin Pawlak and the 2011 Formula DRIFT Champion, Daijiro Yoshihara in the Discount Tire / Falken Tire Nissan 240SX faced off in a battle for third place. Yoshihara took the win after Pawlak spun out on his chase run and moves into third place overall. The final match of evening pitted Chris Forsberg in the NOS Energy / Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z against Formula DRIFT rookie Daigo Saito. After a close battle Saito was crowned the winner and has now found the podium for the third consecutive event and increases his chances to win the coveted rookie of the year honors.
“This is the first time being in Formula DRIFT and I was able to take the victory and am extremely happy about that,” said Daigo Saito, winner of Round 3: Invasion. “I want to thank everyone and my sponsor Achilles Tire. All my runs weren’t perfect, but I am happy with the final outcome.”
The Formula DRIFT Pro Championship continues with Round 4: The Gauntlet on June 22-23, 2012 at Wall Speedway.
For more information visit: www.formuladrift.com
Formula DRIFT Professional Championship 2012 Point Standings After 3 Events
1. Pawlak, Justin Falken Tire Ford Mustang 280 Points
2. Saito, Daigo Achilles Tire / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 259.50 Points
3. Yoshihara, Daijiro America’s Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13 197 Points
4. Millen, Rhys Hankook / Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis Coupe 185 Points
5. Tuerck, Ryan Team Retaks Nissan 240SX 183.50 Points
6. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Nissan 370Z 183 Points
7. Bakchis, Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis Motorsports Nissan 240SX S14 177.25 Points
8. Aasbo, Fredric Need for Speed / Papadakis Racing Scion TC 176.50 Points
9. Gittin Jr., Vaughn Monster Energy / Falken Ford Mustang 169 Points
10. Yoshioka, Toshiki RS*R Nissan Silvia S15 162.75 Points
11. Essa, Michael GSR Autosport / Nitto BMW ZR4 152.50 Points
12. Powers, Matt Need for Speed / Nitto Nissan S14 151 Points
13. Moen, Kenneth Lutz Performance Nissan 350Z 149.50 Points
14. Gushi, Ken Greddy / Hankook Scion FR-S 140.50 Points
15. Kado, Ryan Ryan Kado Racing Nissan 350Z 138.50 Points
16. Mohan, Kyle Nexen Tire / Mazdatrix Mazda RX-8 133.75 Points
Round 3: Invasion Event Results
1. Saito, Daigo Achilles Tire / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 Winner
2. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Nissan 370Z Second Place
3. Yoshihara, Daijiro America’s Tire / Falken Tire Nissan 240SX Third Place
Formula Drift Update: Justin Pawlak Takes the Victory at Round 2
May 14th, 2012 by Robert
May 12, 2012
Justin Pawlak Takes the Victory at Round 2: Road to the Championship;
Pawlak Remains on Top of the Standings and Becomes the Tires.com Triple Crown Leader
Long Beach, Calif. – May 12, 2012 – Formula DRIFT returned to Road Atlanta for Round 2: Road to the Championship. Justin Pawlak takes the victory in the Falken Tire Mustang increasing his point lead in the Pro Championship Points Standings.
Round 2: Road to the Championship brought the Formula DRIFT Pro Championship back to the Series birthplace nine years ago. Fans came in droves seeing an increase in attendance at Road Atlanta. This marks another consecutive season of growth.
“It’s very satisfying that Road Atlanta and Formula DRIFT have formed a partnership nine years ago to help grow drifting in this region,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “We look forward to our ten year anniversary at this venue next season.”
Justin Pawlak takes his second consecutive victory to increase his points lead. Additionally, Pawlak is now the points leader in the Tires.com Triple Crown bonus prize. Pawlak faced Fredric Aasbo in the Need for Speed / Hankook Scion TC and edged out the 2010 Rookie of the Year to take the victory. Walker Wilkerson in the Falken / Fatlace / Garage Autohero Nissan 240SX battled Formula DRIFT rookie, Daigo Saito in the Achilles Tire / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 in the consolation round. After a one more time battle Saito beat out Wilkerson to take his second third place finish of the season.
“The boys at ASD and Falken gave me what I need to help me get to that number 1 spot,” said Justin Pawlak, winner of Round 2: Road to the Championship. “Next round is West Palm Beach and with a great car and great team we were able to take the win there last year and plan to remain focused and keep this momentum going.”
The Formula DRIFT Pro Championship continues with Round 3: Invasion at West Palm Beach International Raceway on June 1-2, 2012.
For more information visit: http://www.formulad.com/
Formula DRIFT Professional Championship 2012 Point Standings After 2 Events
1. Pawlak, Justin Falken Tire Ford Mustang 209 Points
2. Saito, Daigo Achilles Tire / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 157.50 Points
3. Aasbo, Fredric Need for Speed / Papadakis Racing Scion TC 152 Points
4. Millen, Rhys Hankook / Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis Coupe 127 Points
5. Powers, Matt Need for Speed / Nitto Nissan S14 126.50 Points
6. Tuerck, Ryan Team Retaks Nissan 240SX 120.50 Points
7. Yoshihara, Daijiro America’s Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13 118 Points
8. Bakchis, Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis Motorsports Nissan 240SX S14 117.25 Points
9. Kado, Ryan Ryan Kado Racing Nissan 350Z 114 Points
10. Mohan, Kyle Nexen Tire / Mazdatrix Mazda RX-8 109.50 Points
11. Yoshioka, Toshiki RS*R Nissan Silvia S15 108.50 Points
12. Essa, Michael GSR Autosport / Nitto BMW ZR4 97.50 Points
13. Gittin Jr., Vaughn Monster Energy / Falken Ford Mustang 96 Points
14. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Nissan 370Z 93 Points
15. McQuarrie, Tyler Mobil 1 Camaro 88.50 Points
16. Moen, Kenneth Lutz Performance Nissan 350Z 87.50 Points
Round 2: Road to the Championship Event Results
1. Pawlak, Justin Falken Tire Ford Mustang Winner
2. Aasbo, Fredric Need for Speed / Hankook Scion TC Second Place
3. Saito, Daigo Achilles Tire / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 Third Place
Formula DRIFT Announces Second Season of Formula DRIFT Insider
May 1st, 2012 by Robert
Formula DRIFT Announces Second Season of Formula DRIFT Insider
Long Beach, Calif. – May 1, 2012 – Formula DRIFT has announced today the continuation of the popular online program, “Formula DRIFT Insider.” The first episode will premiere on Thursday, May, 3 on Formula DRIFT’s social media outlets and website.
After a successful trial during the last 10 weeks of the 2011 Formula DRIFT Championship season, Formula DRIFT will launch the second season of “Formula DRIFT Insider,” this Thursday, May 3. Subsequent episodes will air every other Thursday until the conclusion of the season in October. Formula DRIFT Insider will cover much of the behind the scenes action of the world’s premier drifting organization and go on the road with teams, drivers and staff to show exclusive access never before seen to the public. The show will continue to be hosted by Formula DRIFT co-founder, Ryan Sage.
“We are really happy that Insider was received well by fans last year,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “Now we have the chance to cover the entire season and it should make for some really exclusive and captivating content to share with our fans.”
The first episode of Formula DRIFT Insider will have an exclusive interview with 2011 Champion, Daijiro Yoshihara, an exclusive news release surrounding one of the top teams in the Series and finally a surprise surrounding the second round of competition at Road Atlanta, which takes place on May 11-12.
For more information visit: http://www.formulad.com/
Formula DRIFT Round 1: Streets of Long Beach – (Coverage)
April 14th, 2012 by RobertFormula DRIFT 2012 season started off this year in wonderful Long Beach California. Perfect weather was in place to kick start this season record number of rookies (19) took part in this round of competition.
Ken Gushi debuted his new Scion Racing FR-S, this is going to be the hottest platform to hit the import market. High amounts of aftermarket support will follow the release of this car.
Rookie driver Daigo Saito from ASIA Formula DRIFT came out in full force. His Achilles Tire/Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 this guy is going to bring it HARD this season!
As always the FormulaDRIFT presented a great event for all to come and enjoy!
The stands were packed and the pits were more packed with fans!
Make sure to check out http://www.formulad.com/ for the latest action and schedule to upcoming events!
RD2 will take place in Atlanta May 11-12 so if you are in the area make sure to check it out you won’t be disappointed.
Date: April 6-7
Location: Long Beach GP Street Course
By: Robo
Gallery– Click Here
Formula DRIFT Round 1: Streets of Long Beach
April 8th, 2012 by RobertApril 7, 2012
Formula DRIFT Round 1: Streets of Long Beach Results:
Justin Pawlak Wins the Season Opener for the Second Consecutive Season
Long Beach, Calif. – April 7, 2012 – Justin Pawlak in the Falken Tire Ford Mustang earns the victory at the first event of the 2012 Formula DRIFT season. Daijiro Yoshihara in the America’s Tire / Falken Nissan 240SX takes second place while Formula DRIFT rookie Daigo Saito, in the Achilles Tires / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 rounds out the podium.
Round 1: Streets of Long Beach kicked off the 2012 season to a sold out audience. The largest driver pool participated in the two-day event with the largest rookie field of any season with 19 rookies.
“Starting the season to a sold out crowd is a great feeling,” says Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “The drivers stepped up and provided a highly competitive event that sets the tone for the rest of the year. We’re looking forward to how the season will unfold.””
Justin Pawlak found the top of the podium for the second consecutive season in Long Beach taking the lead to start the 2012 Pro Championship season. Pawlak battled the 2011 Formula DRIFT champion, Daijiro Yoshihara, in a hard fought battle to win the event. Yoshihara defeated Formula DRIFT Asia champion and rookie Daigo Saito in the Top 4 to move on to Finals eventually taking second place. Saito defeated Matt Powers, who finished in third place in 2011, in the consolation round to find the podium in his very first Formula DRIFT Pro Championship event. Saito is now leads the new X-Mini Rookie Challenge.
“Its just amazing to come back to Long Beach and put down another win 2 years in a row,” said Justin Pawlak, winner of Round 1: Streets of Long Beach. “This is a great way to start the season and go for the championship.”
The 2012 Pro Championship season continues for Round 2: Road to the Championship at Road Atlanta on May 11-12. Tickets are available to purchase online now.
For more information visit: http://www.formuladrift.com
Formula DRIFT Professional Championship 2012 Point Standings After 1 Event
1. Pawlak, Justin Falken Tire Ford Mustang 106 Points
2. Yoshihara, Daijiro America’s Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13 92 Points
3. Saito, Daigo Achilles Tire / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430 78.50 Points
4. Powers, Matt Need for Speed / Nitto Nissan S14 69.50 Points
5. Tuerck, Ryan Team Retaks Nissan 240SX 66 Points
6. McQuarrie, Tyler Mobil 1 Camaro 64 Points
6. Millen, Rhys Hankook / Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis Coupe 64 Points
8. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Nissan 370Z 63 Points
9. Gushi, Ken Scion Racing Scion FR-S 62 Points
10. Moen, Kenneth Lutz Performance Nissan 350Z 61.50 Points
11. Grunewald, Conrad Hankook Tire Chevy Camaro 57 Points
12. Aasbo, Fredric Need for Speed / Papadakis Racing Scion TC 57 Points
12. Kado, Ryan Ryan Kado Racing Nissan 350Z 56 Points
14. Mohan, Kyle Nexen Tire / Mazdatrix Mazda RX-8 55 Points
15. Bakchis, Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis Motorsports Nissan 240SX S14 54.25 Points
15. Yoshioka, Toshiki RS*R Nissan Silvia S15 54.25 Points
Round 7: Title Fight Event Results
1. Pawlak, Justin Falken Tire Ford Mustang Winner
2. Yoshihara, Daijiro America’s Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13 Second Place
3. Saito, Daigo Achilles Tire / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430
Stay tuned for complete coverage.
Formula D; Round 4 – The Gauntlet
July 1st, 2011 by Elusive MediaFormula DRIFT hit Wall Speedway for Round 4 aka “The Gauntlet” on June 18th. This year was an exciting race where the Gauntlet lived up to it’s name and claimed many cars during qualifications and the main competition with their 30 degree embankments and 16 degree banked ovals along the straightaways. Conrad Grunewald (Hankook Chevy Camaro) took the 1st place victory from 2nd place Justin Pawlak (Falken Ford Mustang) in a very tight “classic American muscle car” competition – Mustang vs Camaro. The battle for 3rd went to Daijiro Yoshihara (Discount Tire/Falken Nissan 240SX) after Ryan Tuerek (Mobil 1/Gardella Racing Chevy Camaro) crashed into the wall in the initial turn. Formula DRIFT and Wall Speedway showcased an excellent race to a near sold-out capacity event proving that this highly competitive sport is growing every season.
Date: June 18th, 2011
By: Glenn
Gallery – Click Here
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Formula Drift – The Gauntlet: Saturday Highlights
June 7th, 2010 by Elusive MediaDate: May 5th, 2010
By: Erik & Eric
Gallery – Click Here
Contributers
