WHAT:
The Formula DRIFT Championship Series will host "Locked and Loaded," with the top drifters in the nation battling it out at Infineon Raceway. This marks the sixth of seven events slated for the 2008 season.
WHEN:
September 13, 2008
FORMULA DRIFT CHAMPIONSHIP:
Entering its fifth season, Formula DRIFT Championship is recognized as the North American professional drifting championship series. The first official series in North America, Formula DRIFT features drivers intentionally maneuvering their cars into well-executed, controlled sideways slides at high speeds through a marked course. The series has more than 60 professional drivers competing in all seven events this year. Judged on execution and style, rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time, Drifting is often compared to the freestyle nature of skateboarding and motocross.
TRACK:
Racers will compete on a temporary course located above Turn 7 of the Infineon Raceway road course that features a downhill layout with very fast entry speeds into a hairpin turn. This is the fastest and most technical track on the Formula DRIFT circuit.
CATEGORIES:
Formula DRIFT professional and amateur drivers attempt to qualify in the Top 32 and compete against the Formula DRIFT professional seeded drivers.
2007 CHAMPION:
Tanner Foust (Rockstar / AEM Nissan 350Z): Currently second in the points standings. Foust is also a Hollywood stunt driver appearing in "Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift," "The Bourne Ultimatum," and more recently "Fast and Furious 4." Foust recently won second place at this year's X-Games Rally.
TRACK RECORDS:
2004: Samuel Hubinette
2005: Calvin Wan
2006: Rhys Millen
2007: Chris Forsberg
POINT STANDINGS:
Two-time Formula DRIFT Champion, Samuel "The Crazy Swede" Hubinette, leads the points chase and looks for his third title. He is followed closely by defending champion Foust. Teammates Daijiro Yoshihara and Rhys Millen are close behind, and with two wins this season Millen looks to make the biggest comeback in Formula DRIFT history.
SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES PACIFIC):
Friday, Sept. 12: Practice, Qualifying, and Media Ride Alongs.
Saturday, Sept. 13: Main Event, gates open at noon.
TELEVISION:
Coverage on SPEED this fall.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
With the Castrol SYNTEC Power Cup Points race heating up, two-time Formula DRIFT champion (2004 & 2006) Hubinette (Nuformz / Mopar Dodge Viper) looks to retain the points lead. Defending Champion Foust (Rockstar/AEM Nissan 350Z) is close behind and looks for his second victory of the season. Yoshihara (Bridgestone Pontiac GTO) will look for his first victory of the season. Past Champion Rhys Millen (2005) will battle it out to secure his legacy in the sport. With the fastest track on the Formula DRIFT circuit and cars reaching nearly 100 mph while going sideways, the event at Infineon is sure to be one of the most exciting yet.
LOCAL DRIVERS:
Tyler McQuarrie (Walnut Creek, Hankook Tires/JIC Porsche): Currently ranked 21st overall. Also an instructor at the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School at Infineon Raceway.
Calvin Wan (San Francisco, Falken Tires Mazda RX-7): He was the first driver in Formula DRIFT history to win an event with an import car. He did this at Infineon Raceway in 2005.
Conrad Grunewald (Northern California, Tanaka Racing / Nitto Tires Corvette): Has competed in all five Formula DRIFT events this year. Currently in ninth place.
Tony Brakohiapa (San Francisco, Team X/Cooper Tires Ford Mustang): Has competed in all five Formula DRIFT events this year. Tony came in third place overall at the Drifting Mexico event. He is also an instructor at the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School.
IN ADDITION:
Red Bull Drifting World Championship
Drivers will compete to earn their spot into the first-ever Red Bull Drifting World Championship in November. The Top 16 drivers in the series will receive a special invitation to participate in this event and qualify for the biggest prize purse in drifting history. The best drifters in the world will compete at one unique location in Southern California for the chance to be crowned "the best in the world."
TICKET PRICES (includes pit pass):
Saturday: Adults: $23 (online); $27 (at the gate); Children (six and under): FREE.
TICKETS/INFORMATION:
Go to www.formuladrift.com.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
