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| Could we see the return of a Porsche in Formula Drift? Only time will tell, but the rules are open to allow it now! |
So that probably eliminates the FF and the Lamborghinis'. What about the Fox Mustang and other, older RWD cars? Doug adds, “While I had not intended for any to enter, I have been asked about allowing older cars to enter, like Datsun 510s and Fox Body Mustangs. I didn't intend for those cars to enter, but there is no reason they couldn't, so long as the meet the criteria.” He does add this as a small warning to potential old cars, “However, a driver may find that an older chassis may not be very marketable to the sponsors that are involved in the sport.”
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| Fox Body Drifting, YES PLEASE! |
So, what about High-End sports cars that do fit all of the criteria or maybe someone wants to bring a FWD or AWD turned RWD car in? Doug won't mind you guys either! Quoting Doug, “Yeah, I'm trying to attract more manufacturers, as well, and you know, some that don't have RWD cars that was the intent of that. As well as allowing cars that weren't originally in Appendix K, but were capable of entering, like for example a Jaguar XKS or similar car.” So, as long as you meet the above rules and stay within the rules of Formula Drift, you can enter.
You do have to be careful on what you choose, though. For example the Lotus Elise and the Corvette Z06 are all aluminum, “Yeah, there is no reason that an Elise couldn't show up,” Doug mentions and adds, “but there are specific rules about the cars not made out of steel, however. They would have to contact us for approval prior to entering. Another car that wasn't previously allowed was the Corvette Z06 because of it's aluminum frame, could now potentially enter, too.”
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| Formula Drift Elise? Maybe! |
What I caught in that rule first was the mention of “No trucks or SUVs will be allowed.” That kind of surprised me as they were really not letting a good market of cheap, RWD vehicles from entering. I asked Doug on that and he says, “That's not really where we want the series to go. It would be difficult for an SUV to get down to our weight requirements.” I don't quite understand what he means by “That's not really where we want the series to go.”
Honestly, I've been around the truck market for many years, even my first vehicle was a Nissan 720 pickup! When it was lowered, it looked cool and really handled well once you got past the tendencies of the leaf spring suspension. That's something I'll probably get into one day here on MotoIQ (maybe, but somehow I don't think Mike would like me doing a pickup on here, remember, he despised Defiant1), but I really feel like they need to re-evaluate the whole “No Pickups” rule. A SUV, I can understand, as they do tend to be heavy just simply because of the extra weight of having four doors and extra metal for the roof. Pickups can make the minimum weight easy.
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| Come on, how can a drifting pickup not be cool? Nissan Hardbodies and Frontiers are cheap and can fit everything a 240SX can in it's engine bay. Even a RB20DET! |
However, that's an argument for another day. I really feel as if the rules are going to make this year really exciting. New chassis' coming out, less traction to deal with because of narrower rubber, and better rear suspension rules to help the IRS guys keep up with the Solid-Axle guys! 2012 is shaping up to be a huge year and with last year's championship so close, there are several hungry guys going after Dai's “Trophy Wife.” Not to mention the hungriest of all, Vaughn Gittin, Jr., who probably feels like he didn't get a chance to really defend his title last year.
We also have Daigo Saito this year with his 1200HP Lexus. Can the 2JZ slay the V8 beasts, or will the power be overkill? Stay tuned, strap in tight, and get ready to feel that burning rubber in your lungs! This is going to be an awesome year in Formula Drift!
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| See you and this beast in Long Beach! |
Check out my past articles here!
