Statement by Formula DRIFT in Regards to Announcement of Irwindale Speedway Closing

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Formula DRIFT is extremely saddened by the recent news of the closing of Irwindale Speedway, which will take place on January 31, 2018. Irwindale Speedway, also known as “The House of Drift,” has been an integral part of the history of not only our Series, but the sport of drifting. The venue is the birthplace of American drifting and global drifting, having hosted the first large-scale competition back in 2003.

Since then, Irwindale Speedway has been the location for the Formula DRIFT Pro Championship Finals, with a champion crowned at the conclusion of each season. It will be difficult to replace such an iconic track and location in the heart of Southern California, but the Series has been anticipating this announcement for quite some time. We will disclose more information during our annual SEMA press conference in November. Until then we look forward to closing out the 2017 season in style at what will become a historic and monumental event.

For more information visit: www.formulad.com.

Press/Media Inquiries: John Pangilinan
213.802.0863¬
[email protected]

In The Moment: Throwdown For The Title Article by Speedhunters

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A championship isn’t won in the final rounds, but it most certainly can be lost.

We’ve just wrapped Thursday practice at the sixth round of the 2017 Formula Drift championship at Evergreen Speedway, north of Seattle. Going into this event, the title race is still technically wide open, but I think that in reality, there are three main contenders.

2017 FD06 - Thursday Practice Gallery by Paddy McGrath-6

 

At the top of the standings, in his first full Formula Drift season, is James Deane. With two wins so far in 2017, Deane has been top of the points standings since round three at Atlanta. It’s more than he ever could have dreamed of, considering that this year was intended as a recce year for the Worthouse Drift Team.

2017 FD06 - Thursday Practice Gallery by Paddy McGrath-14

 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Formula DRIFT, Irish Drift Championship, and British Drift Championship Form Strategic Alliance

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Formula DRIFT, Irish Drift Championship, and British Drift Championship Form Strategic Alliance

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Long Beach, Calif. – August 8, 2017 – Formula DRIFT has aligned with the Irish Drift Championship (IDC) and British Drift Championship (BDC) to form a strategic alliance to develop the future rules and regulations for drifting.

“Drifting, by it’s very nature, has always been geographically segregated and this, in my opinion, naturally restricts global progression,” stated David Egan, CEO, Zigen Promotions – Irish & British Drift Championship.  “Those in a position of influence generally work independently, without the additional knowledge gained by fellow organizations. I believe this strategic partnership with Formula Drift opens a positive channel to which we can combine resources and experience, with the betterment of the sport being the prime objective.  I think the correct time has come to work together for what has always been a common goal: making the sport of professional drifting as successful as possible for all involved.”

The two of the most reputable and longest running drifting organizers have come together to forge a closer relationship to work hand in hand in an effort to improve the sport.  As part of the new relationship, IDC and BDC champions will receive Black Magic Formula DRIFT Championship presented by BlackVue Dash Cameras Pro licenses, while the #2 to #8 ranked drivers from IDC and BDC will receive a Formula DRIFT Pro2 Championship license beginning in the 2018.

“We have had long time ties to Europe via various European drivers that have come into the Series,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT.  “There is no better time to deepen these ties to ensure the future of our sport.”

“Professional drifting has witnessed a dramatic increase in global popularity and professionalism within recent years and I feel that much of this success can be credited to the ambitious and methodical approach of the Formula Drift championship,” stated David Egan, CEO, Zigen Promotions – Irish & British Drift Championship.  “While we at the Irish and British Drift Championships have certainly forged our own paths and enjoyed numerous successes, we have looked to Formula Drift (as a world leader) for inspiration from afar.”

For more information visit, www.formulad.com and find Formula DRIFT on Instagram @formulad, Facebook www.facebook.com/formuladrift, Twitter @FormulaDrift, and Snapchat – formula_drift. Tune into Formula DRIFT on CBS Sports and check your local listings for airtimes.

Formula DRIFT Round 6: Throwdown Results

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Formula DRIFT Round 6: Throwdown Results;

James Deane Continues His Winning Ways

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Long Beach, Calif. – August 5, 2017 – Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship presented by BlackVue Dash Cameras returned to Evergreen Speedway for the Round 6: Autozone Throwdown. Points leader James Deane once again finishes on top of the podium to increase his lead in the Pro Championship standings.

Round 6: Autozone Throwdown was a highly competitive event that sets up a two-way battle for the championship between Deane and former Formula DRIFT champion, Fredric Aasbo with only two events remaining in the season. The capacity crowd was kept entertained throughout the event weekend, while the Livestream drew over 1 million views over the course of the weekend.

“Year in and year out the fans in the Pacific Northwest have proven to be some of the most diehard drifting fans out there,” said Jim Liaw, President of Formula DRIFT. “This event truly showcased what drifting is all about with the drivers putting on one amazing show for the fans.

In the Top 4, number one qualifier and current points leader, James Deane in the Worthouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan 240 faced off against former champion Dai Yoshihara in the Falken Tire / Turn 14 Distribution Subaru BRZ. It was a hard fought battle, but Deane was able to take advantage of an error by Yoshihara to move into the Finals. On the other side of the Top 4 bracket, former champion Fredric Aasbo in the Rockstar Energy / Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM faced Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis in the Falken Tires / Drifz Wheels / ARK Performance Nissan 240SX. Aasbo edged out his opponent to face the current points leader in a battle that could effect the rest of the season. Both drivers put it all on the line with the first battle too close to call forcing the judges to call a One More Time. The final battle was also very close, but after deliberation Deane was able to earn the victory to increase his points lead on Aasbo with only two events remaining.

“This was the toughest event so far this year for me,” said James Deane, winner of Round 6: Throwdown. “This track was really challenging, but somehow the stars aligned and we managed to qualify first and go against my teammate Piotr Wiecek, Dai Yoshihara, and finally Fredric Aasbo, who is really fast and doesn’t make mistakes and really is like a robot. I just had to give it every everything I got and it worked out, but I was dancing with the devil.”

The action continues to Round 7: Showdown at Texas Motor Speedway on September 8-9. For more information visit, www.formulad.com and find Formula DRIFT on Instagram @formulad, Facebook www.facebook.com/formuladrift, Twitter @FormulaDrift, and Snapchat – formula_drift. Tune into Formula DRIFT on CBS Sports and check your local listings for airtimes.

Round 6: Throwdown Results

1. Deane, James

Worthouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan 240

Winner

2. Aasbo, Fredric

Rockstar Energy / Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM

2nd Place

3. Bakchis, Aurimas “Odi”

Falken Tires / Drifz Wheels / ARK Performance Nissan 240SX

3rd Place

4. Yoshihara, Dai

Falken Tire / Turn 14 Distribution Subaru BRZ

4th Place

5. Wiecek, Piotr

Worthouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan 240

5th Place

6. Denofa, Chelsea

BC Racing / Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR

6th Place

7. Coffman, Matt

Nexen Tire / Coffman Racing Nissan 240

7th Place

8. Pawlak, Justin

Roush Performance Ford Mustang

8th Place

9. Tuerck, Ryan

Gumout / Nameless Performance / Hankook Toyota 86

9th Place

10. Essa, Michael

Achilles Tire / Essa Autosport BMW E46

10th Place

11. Bluss, Kristaps

HGK / Mast / Motul / Wisefab BMW E46

11th Place

12. Gittin, Vaughn

Monster Energy / Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR

12th Place

13. Heilbrunn, Alex

Monster BMW E46

13th Place

14. Burkett, Dan

RAD Industries / Nexen Tire Toyota Supra

14th Place

15. Moore, Cameron

Nameless Performance / BN Sports / Nexen Tire GT86

15th Place

16. Castro, Jhonnattan

Gerdau Metaldom / Nexen Toyota GT86

16th Place

2017 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Championship Presented by BlackVue Standings After 6 Events

1. Deane, James

Worthouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan 240

475.00 Points

2. Aasbo, Fredric

Rockstar Energy / Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM

418.00 Points

3. Bluss, Kristaps

HGK / Mast / Motul / Wisefab BMW E46

329.00 Points

2017 Manufacturer Championship Standings After 6 Events

1. Toyota

718.00 Points

2. Ford

530.00 Points

3. BMW

295.00 Points

4. Dodge

257.00 Points

5. Nissan

192.00 Points

6. Infiniti

138.00 Points

2017 Tire Championship Standings After 6 Events

1. Falken

889.00 Points

2. Nexen

773.00 Points

3. Achilles

735.00 Points

4. Nitto

562.00 Points

5. Hankook

526.00 Points