Tag: Long Beach

Essa Autosport Welcomes SLP Camaro To 2015 Formula Drift Program

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DKAR-4467Essa Autosport is excited to announce a new partnership with SLP for the 2015 Formula Drift season. Michael Essa will be piloting a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS generously provided by SLP, stepping away from the BMW platform the team has popularized in Formula Drift since Essa’s early professional drifting career. Together with SLP and parent company Roush, Essa Autosport will be teaming up with friend Justin Pawlak, making for an interesting Chevy/Ford conglomeration in the Formula Drift paddocks.

DKAR-4470With the first round of Formula Drift quickly approaching on April 10-11 in Long Beach, the Essa Autosport team has their work cut out for them. The Camaro is currently in the tear down stage for upgrades such as Formula Drift legal cage and restraints, drivetrain upgrades such as transmission and differential, and several steering and suspension upgrades to make the car handle Essa’s extreme angle driving style. The full tear down, weight reduction, and power adding process will be extremely limited due to budget and time restrictions. Essa Autosport expects an interesting 6-7 weeks of building the car and sourcing parts.

DKAR-4486Testing is expected to be done nearing the car’s debut in Long Beach. Cutting it close to the big event ensures that no corners will be cut in the build in order to make early testing days. Essa Autosport has high expectations for the addition of the Camaro to their professional drift program. The first year in a chassis is tough, but Essa’s team is excited and motivated to work through the shake down and tuning process to earn results and podium appearances they strive for.

The 2015 Formula Drift season opens on April 10-11 in Long Beach, one week before the world renowned Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Words and photos by David Karey – AmDrift.com – [email protected]

Formula DRIFT Announces Contract Extensions for Venues

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Long Beach, Calif. – July 17, 2014 – Formula DRIFT presented by GoPro has extended contracts with Road Atlanta and Evergreen Speedway through the 2016 season. The Streets of Long Beach venue partnership will continue in 2015.

“The growth of Drift Atlanta over the past 11 years has been phenomenal,” stated Road Atlanta President and General Manager Geoff Lee. “We are pleased to extend our relationship with Formula DRIFT through 2016, and continue to build on the momentum that has made Drift Atlanta one of the largest and most renowned drifting events in North America.”

In an effort to plan for the future of the Series with established long running relationships with venues, Formula DRIFT has committed to the following tracks for the 2015 – 2016 season, Road Atlanta, Evergreen Speedway and the Streets of Long Beach for 2015. More venues are expected to sign contracts soon.

“Eleven years ago we were the last on the list to get dates locked in for some of the venues,” says Jim Liaw, President of Formula DRIFT. “Now here we are eleven years later and are towards the top of the list for venues across the country. We are proud of the growth of the sport and it couldn’t have been done without the relationships that we have with these top venues and we look forward to continuing the relationships for years to come.”

Formula DRIFT is mid-way through the 2014 Pro Championship season and returns to Evergreen Speedway this weekend. This will mark the ninth year consecutive year of competition at this venue for the Series.

“Evergreen Speedway is excited and proud to announce a three year contract extension with Formula DRIFT through to the 2016 season,” said Doug Hobbs, president and CEO. “Formula DRIFT is by far, the most exciting and single largest motorsport event each and every year at Evergreen Speedway. Having such a marquee world stage series in the Seattle market is also a boost to tourism with a major economic impact. The best part for me is seeing thousands of fans smiling and having fun watching some of the most talented drivers in the world wow the crowd.”