Formula DRIFT To Race In Non-Points Competition During Ultimate Drifting
Presented by Scion and Motegi Racing
Extreme racing will precede high-speed action at Texas Motor Speedway during the historic Firestone Twin 275s on Saturday, June 11, as Formula DRIFT drivers will display their skills prior to the IZOD IndyCar Series race with Ultimate Drifting presented by Scion and Motegi Racing.
Texas Motor Speedway’s pit lane and frontstretch will transform into a winding course for eight Formula DRIFT drivers as they race in a non-points competition spectacle free to Firestone Twin 275s ticket holders. Fredric Aasbo, the 2010 Pro Championship Rookie of the Year, will be joined by Michael Essa, Kyle Mohan, Joon Maeng, Tony Brakohiapa, Ken Gushi, Chris Forsberg and a final driver to be named for a competition in the traditional bracket elimination format. The competition will begin at 6 p.m. CT.
“No pre-race show defines ‘No Limits’ better than our Ultimate Drifting presented by Scion and Motegi Racing,” Texas Motor Speedway Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Events Kenton Nelson said. “These are some of the most skilled drivers pushing their car to the limit to provide some intense racing, which sets the perfect stage for the excitement that will unfold during INDYCAR’s first twin races at Texas Motor Speedway.”
Formula DRIFT is North America’s only professional drifting championship series as it brings together the most talented drifting racers from across the globe to events throughout the United States. Racers skillfully maneuver their cars into well-executed, controlled sideway slides at high speeds through a marked course.
Ultimate Drifting sponsors Scion and Motegi Racing have continued to play a major role in Formula DRIFT and one of Texas’ largest single-day sporting events provided the ideal avenue to continue to the growth of the sport.
“The opportunity to sponsor the Ultimate Drifting pre-race show was a natural fit for Scion,” Scion Marketing Manager for Gulf States Toyota Frank Bianchi said. “We are entering our third year as the title sponsor of Scion Drag-n-Brag at Texas Motor Speedway and have been a long-time sponsor in Formula DRIFT. Our current stable of drivers in Formula DRIFT consists of Ken Gushi and reigning Rookie of the Year, Fredric Aasbo. This event gives us the unique opportunity to cross-promote those programs to a new fan base at one event.”
“Motegi Racing Wheels is excited to be part of another historic night at Texas Motor Speedway,” Motegi Racing Wheels President Jody Groce said. “The Firestone Twin 275s and Formula DRIFT on the same night is another example of the fresh and unique events that Eddie Gossage and his team continue to give the fans. The opportunity to leverage relationships with Fredric Aasbo of Formula DRIFT and Paul Tracy in IndyCar in front of 100,000 fans is huge for the Motegi Racing Wheels brand and our customers.”
Coupled with Ultimate Drifting presented by Scion and Motegi Racing, TRAFFIK, one of the largest touring car shows in the world, will provide a wide array of unique rides during its car show that will be held from 1-6 p.m. outside Gates 1 through 3.
Show car participants can choose from two special registration packages that include two tickets for the Firestone Twin 275s, along with registration for the car show for just $75. Special “gold” packages also are available and include registration for the car show along with two tickets and VIP cold pit passes for the Firestone Twin 275s for $125.
Tickets, which begin as low as $31, for the historic Firestone Twin 275s and Ultimate Drifting presented by Scion & Motegi Racing and are available by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com, or by calling the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500.
For more information call TMS Media Relations at (817) 215-8500 or pr@texasmotorspeedway.com.
