Behind The Scenes at Formula DRIFT

Infineon Raceway is one of the four original Formula DRIFT tracks on the circuit. Located in Sonoma, CA, Infineon is close to the world famous wineries and driving distance from both Oakland and San Francisco.

Utilizing only a portion of the full 2.52-mile road course, Formula DRIFT uses the exit for Turn 4A, Turn 7A, and Turn 7. One of the fastest tracks of the season, Infineon’s course starts with a downhill straight that has seen drivers reach the 100mph+ mark before entering the fast right-hand turn. Drivers will have to use their best car control skills to manage the speed and slide back around the sweeping turns. Fans will be treated to some of the best tandem matchups that are very close and exciting.

Formula DRIFT has announced a schedule change for the 2009 season. Round 6: Locked and Loaded at Infineon Raceway has been re-scheduled from September 12 to August 21-22. Formula DRIFT has been added to the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma race weekend. Formula DRIFT drivers will be amongst the biggest stars in IndyCar racing, including Helio Castroneves, Danica Patrick, Dario Franchitti, Marco Andretti, Graham Rahal, and more. Fans will be treated to both drifting and IndyCar Series racing during the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma weekend.

RD6 Ticket Package Details

Use Code “FD1” for $7 Off the Online Ticket Price

Two Day Pass
Friday (FD and IndyCar) and Saturday (FD and IndyCar)
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C0042E1B7C9513C?artistid=1338451&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=25

Three Day Pass
Friday (FD and IndyCar), Saturday (FD and IndyCar), and Sunday (IndyCar)
http://www.facebook.com/l/;https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/pack_searchtix.htmI?l=EN&CNTX=cac1b11d70d2fb6d322941c9cd38324e

FORMULA DRIFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday August 21, 2009 (No Video Permitted w/o Approval)

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM - Will Call (Will Call)
1:00 PM – 10:00 PM - VENUE OPEN (Venue)
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM - FD: PADDOCK OPEN TO PUBLIC (FD Paddock)
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM - FD: Driver’s Meeting (Driver’s Tent)
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM - Media: Mandatory Meeting for All Photo Credentials (Media Tent)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM - OPEN PRACTICE / Warm Up – All Drivers (Track)
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM - FD: MAIN COMPETITION – Round of 32 (Track)
7:15 PM – 7:30 PM - FD: All Driver’s Meeting / Qualifying Results (Driver’s Tent)

Saturday August 22, 2009 - Main Event (No Video Permitted w/o Approval)

8:00 AM – 10:00 PM - VENUE OPEN (Venue)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Will Call (Will Call)
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM - FD: PADDOCK OPEN TO PUBLIC (FD Paddock)
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM - FD Top 16 Driver’s Meeting (Driver’s Tent)
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM - Media: Mandatory Meeting for All Photo Credentials (Media Tent)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM - FD DRIVERS AUTOGRAPH SIGNING (FD Paddock)
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM - Open Practice / Warm-up (Track)
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM - Opening Ceremonies / National Anthem (Track)
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM - MAIN COMPETITION: Round of 16 to Finals (Track)
8:00 PM - FD Trophy Ceremony (Podium)

*Schedule is flexible and subject to change

FULL INDYCAR WEEKEND ON-TRACK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday August 21, 2009

1:00 PM - Historic Grand Prix Practice
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM - Jim Russell Racing Drivers School
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM - Historic Grand Prix Practice
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM - Formula DRIFT

Saturday August 22, 2009

8:00 AM - Gates Open
8:15 AM – 8:45 AM - Historic Grand Prix Practice
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM - Firestone Indy Lights Practice
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM - IndyCar Series Practice (Rookies)
10:45 AM – 11:30 AM - IndyCar Series Practice (All Cars)
11:45 AM - Track Talk Q&A Session (Turn 10)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM - IndyCar Series Driver Autograph Session (Turn 10)
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM - Historic Grand Prix Qualifying
12:45 PM – 1:15 PM - Formula DRIFT Drifting Exhibition (Full Track)
1:30 PM – 2:10 PM - Firestone Indy Lights Qualifying
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM - IndyCar Series Qualifying
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM - Formula DRIFT Opening Ceremonies
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM - Formula DRIFT

Sunday August 23, 2009

8:00 AM - Gates Open
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM - Indy Lights Warm-Up
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM - IndyCar Series Warm-Up
10:45 AM - Charity Auction (Wine Country Winner’s Circle)
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM - Firestone Indy Lights Pre-Race Ceremonies
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM - Firestone Indy Lights Race
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM - Historic Grand Prix Race
1:15 PM – 1:45 PM - Jim Russell Racing Drivers School Exhibition Race
1:45 PM - Airshows America’s Patriot Jet Team Air Show
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM - IndyCar Series Pre-Race Ceremonies
2:45 PM - Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma Race (75 Laps)

Round 6 for Formula DRIFT is to be held at Infineon Speedway in Sonoma California August 21st and 22nd!!

See you there!

August 10, 2009

Formula DRIFT Round 5: Breaking Point Results;
Chris Forsberg Takes the Victory and Maintains the Championship Points Lead

Long Beach, Calif. – August 10, 2009 – Formula DRIFT returned to Evergreen Speedway for Round 5: Breaking Point in Monroe, WA. Chris Forsberg in the NOS Energy / Maxxis Tires Nissan 350Z takes the victory and maintains the lead in the Formula DRIFT Championship Points race. Forsberg also maintains the lead for the Tires.com Triple Crown bonus prize.

“What an unbelievable finish to a great weekend,” said Chris Forsberg, winner of Round 5: Breaking Point and Formula DRIFT Championship Points leader. “We were leading the points chase for the series and the Tires.com Triple Crown and just wanted a strong finish. We could not have asked for a better turnout this weekend.”

The 2-day weekend event treated the fans to both Formula DRIFT Championship action and a Pro Am competition. The drivers came prepared for any weather conditions at Evergreen Speedway as this venue hosted the first rain event in Formula DRIFT history last season, but the event remained dry all weekend with cool weather. With only 3 events remaining in the season the pressure was on for the drivers to make their mark and didn’t fail to disappoint the excited crowd.

Vaughn Gittin in the Falken Tires Ford Racing Mustang GT and Eric O’Sullivan in the Hankook / Rockstar Subaru WRX put on an exciting match, which had O’Sullivan moving on to the Finals, but would fail to run due to damage from the previous round giving Forsberg the victory. Tyler McQuarrie in the Falken Tires Nissan 350Z and Gittin fought for 3rd place and after an intense battle McQuarrie would come out on top of his Falken Tires teammate. Entering the event with the points lead, Chris Forsberg was a marked man and battled through the tough competition meeting McQuarrie in semi-finals and proved to be one of the most entertaining match-ups of the evening with both drivers putting it all on the line with their fast entry and great angle along the banking of the course. Forsberg got the best of McQuarrie in the battle of the 350Z and took home his second victory of the season, which also was the 2nd event of the Tires.com Triple Crown in which he also won the 1st event at Road Atlanta.

“It’s hard to describe the Seattle event in words. I can only say that with all the excitement and drama that unfolds on track its hard to imagine the story we are seeing could even come out of Hollywood,” said Ryan Sage, vice president of marketing and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “The championship is on and there are more than a few drivers that can still take the championship going into Round 6: Locked and Loaded at Infineon Raceway.”

Formula DRIFT returns to Infineon Raceway for Round 6: Locked and Loaded later this month on August 21-22. This is a special event with Formula DRIFT joining the IndyCar weekend. The best drifters in the world will share the track with the best drivers in the world including Helio Castroneves, Danica Patrick, and Scott Dixon. Ticket packages are available now.

Formula DRIFT Professional Championship 2009 Point Standings

1. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Maxxis Nissan 350Z 410 Points
2. Tuerck, Ryan Gardella Racing / Mobil 1Pontiac Solstice 363 Points
3. McQuarrie, Tyler Falken Nissan 350Z 347 Points
4. Hubinette, Samuel NuFormz Dodge Viper 338 Points
5. Gittin, Vaughn Falken Tire Ford Racing Mustang GT 336.50 Points
6. McNamara, Darren Falken / Sears Auto Center Saturn Sky 316 Points
7. Nishida, Robbie Hankook Tires / Dynamic Autosports Nissan 350Z 314 Points
8. Foust, Tanner Rockstar / Hankook Scion Racing tC 303.50 Points
9. Pawlak, Justin Bergenholtz Racing / Nitto Mazda RX-8 298 Points
10. Brakohiapa, Tony Cooper Tire Ford Mustang 282 Points
11. Petty, Ross Garage Boso / Falken Nissan S15 280.75 Points
12. Maeng, Joon Maxxis / LS Auto Nissan S13.5 275.75 Points
13. Aono, Taka Technosquare Toyota AE86 Corolla 273 Points
14. Mordaunt, Patrick PM Racing Nissan S13 268.25 Points
15. Verdier, Stephan Cooper Tire / Crawford Performance Subaru STI 263 Points
16. Yoshihara, Daijiro Falken Tire / Discount Tire Lexus IS350 260 Points

Round 5: Breaking Point Event Results
1. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Maxxis Nissan 350Z
2. Eric O’Sullivan Hankook / Rockstar Subaru WRX
3. Tyler McQuarrie Falken Tires Nissan 350Z

Tires.com Triple Crown Point Standings after 2 of 3 events
1. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Maxxis Nissan 350Z 205 Points
2. McNamara, Darren Falken / Sears Auto Center Saturn Sky 150 Points
3. Tuerck, Ryan Gardella Racing / Mobil 1 Pontiac Solstice 149 Points

Long Beach, Calif. – July 30, 2009 – Formula DRIFT held the first ever charity blackjack tournament during the Round 4: All In Event at the Aliante Casino and Hotel. Wings for Life charity to receive all proceeds from tournament.

The tournament was hosted by North Las Vegas’ Aliante Station Casino and Hotel, the official hotel of Formula DRIFT Round 4: All In, and was part of the various promotional activities surrounding the event weekend. Drivers, Sponsors, Team Members, Media Members, and Staff Members were asked to make donations for entry. 36 total players participated in the tournament including Formula DRIFT drivers Tanner Foust, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Chris Forsberg, and Ross Petty. Formula DRIFT Judges Tony Angelo and Andy Yen also took part in the tournament for charity along with Miss Formula DRIFT, Miki Taka.

“Aliante Station was very proud to team up this year with Formula DRIFT Series. This was a unique opportunity to have all the drivers, driver teams, and the fans of Formula DRIFT to make Aliante Station their choice for their stay, “said Brian Skagen, vice president and general manager of Aliante Station. “It was an exciting opportunity for the property to work with Formula DRIFT to make their stay at the property a successful one, by providing quality service, and amenities that made for a memorable trip for all the drivers and fans. Aliante Station would also like to thank the drivers, and fans for their support in the first ever charity blackjack tournament. We look forward to making Aliante Station the place to be for Formula DRIFT in the years to come.”

The Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation was founded in 2004 by Dietrich Mateschitz, CEO of Red Bull, and Heinz Kinigadner, multiple motocross world champion and KTM sports. The foundation’s chief function is to support rigorous pure fundamental and clinical research in the field of the central nervous system in search of a putative cure of paralysis.

“The Formula DRIFT blackjack tournament turned out was above our expectations. 36 players attended and we were able to raise money for the Wings for Life foundation,” said Ryan Sage, vice president of marketing and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “This foundation is committed to spinal cord research. Spinal cord injuries are devastating injuries and having a foundation that is committed to research and ultimately a cure is a great cause and relevant within the action sports and motorsports communities.”

Generous sponsors donated prizes that were awarded to the tournament finalists including an XBOX 360 game console, copies of Forza 2 video game, PUMA gift cards, a Meister watch, Oakley sunglasses, Rogue Status apparel, a package from Attic, and a 2-night stay at Aliante.

After 3 rounds of competition the final table consisted of 6 players. Steve Choi, staff member of Formula DRIFT, walked away with the 1st place spot and his choice from the prize pool and selected the XBOX 360 console and Forza 2 game. 2nd place went to Formula DRIFT points leader, Chris Forsberg, driver of the NOS Energy / Maxxis Tire Nissan 350Z, who chose the PUMA gift cards and Rogue Status apparel. 3rd Place went to John Pangilinan of the ID Agency, Formula DRIFT’s agency of record, and received a Meister watch and Forza 2 video game. Overall it was a successful event for everyone involved including Formula DRIFT, Aliante, and the Wings for Life Charity.

Formula DRIFT continues for Round 5: Breaking Point at Evergreen Speedway on August 7-8, 2009. Tickets are still available for this event and start at $23 online and 2-day ticket packages are available. Tickets can be purchased via the Formula DRIFT website at www.formuladrift.com

Long Beach, Calif. – July 12, 2009 – Formula DRIFT returned to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Round 4: All In. Champion Tanner Foust takes the victory in his Rockstar / Hankook Scion Racing tC, while Chris Forsberg in the NOS Energy Drink / Maxxis Nissan 350Z moves to the top position overall in the chase for the Formula DRIFT Pro Championship.

For the 2nd consecutive year, Formula DRIFT returned to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 2-day weekend event was filled with non-stop Formula DRIFT and Pro Am action. Fans were also treated to the Jtuned Auto Gallery car show, Wicked H.P. drag competition, and Bikini Jam.

“Las Vegas continues to be one of the top destinations for the circuit despite the triple digit weather,” said Ryan Sage, vice president of marketing and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “The fans continue to come out in droves and we had another sold out event. The drivers continue to step up their level of drifting and we’re seeing a real chase for the Championship.”

Chris Forsberg took over the point lead after a close battle with Ryan Tuerck, who was ranked #2 going into the event, in the Great 8 round. Forsberg then went on to defeat Tyler McQuarrie, in the Falken Tire Nissan 350Z, in the consolation round for 3rd place. The final battle was between Hankook Tire teammates Tanner Foust and Ryuji Miki, piloting the APEXi / Hankook Mazda RX-7. Foust proved why he is the returning champion and blinded Miki in the first run with a cloud of thick smoke that caused Miki to lose his drift, while giving chase in their first tandem run giving Foust the advantage. With a solid 2nd run, Foust was able to sit on top of the podium once again.

“The Rockstar team and I went from zero to hero after failing to qualify for the main competition last event,” said Formula DRIFT champion Tanner Foust, winner of Round 4: All In. “I am so proud of my team and they worked hard to fix the issues of the Rockstar Scion tC and I now feel comfortable and feel that this car has more potential than the Nissan 350Z ever had.”

Formula DRIFT returns to Evergreen Speedway on August 8-9. Tickets are on-sale now.

Formula DRIFT Professional Championship 2009 Point Standings

1. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Maxxis Nissan 350Z 307 Points
2. Tuerck, Ryan Gardella Racing / Mobil 1Pontiac Solstice 294 Points
3. Hubinette, Samuel NuFormz Dodge Viper 271 Points
4. Gittin, Vaughn Falken Tire Ford Racing Mustang GT 265.50 Points
5. McQuarrie, Tyler Falken Nissan 350Z 265 Points
6. McNamara, Darren Falken / Sears Auto Center Saturn Sky 260 Points
7. Nishida, Robbie Hankook Tires / Dynamic Autosports Nissan 350Z 259 Points
8. Foust, Tanner Rockstar / Hankook Scion Racing tC 246.50 Points
9. Pawlak, Justin Bergenholtz Racing / Nitto Mazda RX-8 245 Points
10. Maeng, Joon Maxxis / LS Auto Nissan S13.5 227.25 Points
11. Aono, Taka Technosquare Toyota AE86 Corolla 223 Points
12. Mordaunt, Patrick PM Racing Nissan S13 220 Points
13. Brakohiapa, Tony Cooper Tire Ford Mustang 219 Points
14. Verdier, Stephan Cooper Tire / Crawford Performance Subaru STI 214 Points
15. Petty, Ross Garage Boso / Falken Nissan S15 212.75 Points
16. Yoshihara, Daijiro Falken Tire / Discount Tire Lexus IS350 208 Points

Round 4: All In Event Results

1. Foust, Tanner Rockstar / Hankook Scion Racing tC
2. Miki, Ryuji APEXi / Hankook Mazda RX-7
3. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Maxxis Nissan 350Z

Tires.com Triple Crown Point Standings after 1 of 3 events

1. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Maxxis Nissan 350Z 102 Points
2. McNamara, Darren Falken / Sears Auto Center Saturn Sky 94 Points
3. Tuerck, Ryan Gardella Racing / Mobil 1 Pontiac Solstice 80 Points

Ceso…

This is it…this weekend….Formula D r4 All In – Las Vegas, NV!!

July 10th-11th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  Its gonna be hot, its gonna be intense, its gonna be HAWT!!

I hope to see you all there and if not, watch for live updates on the Formula Drift website

Well ladies and gentlemen….

As of right now, we have knocked out Long Beach, Atlanta, and New Jersey and I must say they were all spectacular!

Ryan Tureck was the winner of Round 1 – Long Beach, after repeated 1 more times vs. Sam Hubinette.  It was very unfortunate that I couldn’t see the entire event as I was working the grid and start line with Formula Doug.

Chris Forsberg was the winner of Round 2 – Road to Atlanta but I believe the highlight of the event was Joon Maeng coming in 4th!  Way to go Joon!!

Darren McNamara takes first in New Jersy at The Wall.  The cool part about this event was that Falken swept the podium.  1st Dmac 2nd JR 3rd McQuarrie.

As of now the points standings are as follows.

1. McNamara, Darren Falken / Sears Auto Center Saturn Sky 260 Points
2. Tuerck, Ryan Gardella Racing / Mobil 1Pontiac Solstice 232 Points
3. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Maxxis Nissan 350Z 227 Points
4. Hubinette, Samuel NuFormz / Mopar Dodge Viper 213 Points
5. Gittin, Vaughn Falken Tire Ford Racing Mustang GT 211 Points
6. Nishida, Robbie Hankook Tires / Dynamic Autosports Nissan 350Z 197 Points
7. McQuarrie, Tyler Falken Nissan 350Z 195.50 Points
8. Pawlak, Justin Bergenholtz Racing / Nitto Mazda RX-8 178 Points
9. Aono, Taka Technosquare Toyota AE86 Corolla 174.50 Points
10. Maeng, Joon Maxxis / LS Auto Nissan S13.5 173 Points
11. Brakohiapa, Tony Cooper Tire Ford Mustang 170.75 Points
12. Millen, Rhys Red Bull / RMR / Toyo Hyundai Genesis Coupe 166.50 Points
13. Mordaunt, Patrick PM Racing Nissan S13 165.50 Points
14. Verdier, Stephan Cooper Tire / Crawford Performance Subaru STI 163 Points
15. Petty, Ross Garage Boso / Falken Nissan S15 158.50 Points
16. Yoshihara, Daijiro Falken Tire / Discount Tire Lexus IS350 156 Points

But as we’ve seen with these past three events….its still anyones game.

See you at Round 4 in Vegas!!