Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Formula Drift kicks off tenth season with capacity crowd in Long Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/formula-drift-kicks-off-tenth-season-with-capacity-crowd-in-long/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/formula-drift-kicks-off-tenth-season-with-capacity-crowd-in-long/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/formula-drift-kicks-off-tenth-season-with-capacity-crowd-in-long/#commentsFiled under:

Formula Drift Long Beach 2013

The tenth season of Formula Drift kicked off this past weekend in front of a sell-out crowd in Long Beach, California. Celebrating a decade of smoke-spewing sideways racing is a solid testament to the popularity of the sport that delivers everything racing enthusiasts seek - high-horsepower vehicles running side-by-side with the expected mechanical carnage - in one racing series.

This weekend's event, or Round One, was won by Daijiro Yoshihara (Nissan 240SX / Discount Tire), the series champion in 2011. He was joined on the podium by Vaughn Gittin (Ford Mustang / Monster Energy) and Chris Forsberg (Nissan 370Z / NOS Energy), earning second and third place, respectively. Last year's winner, Justin Pawlak (Ford Mustang / Falken Tire) crashed heavily during his first qualifying run, and although his team managed to get the car back together for him to qualify on his second run, he was knocked out in the second round.

One noticeable absence in the field was series veteran Rhys Millen, who won the series driving a Hyundai Genesis Coupe in 2010. Hyundai pulled its motorsports programs in North America last year, leaving his team without a main sponsor. Nevertheless, Hyundai and Rhys Millen Racing will partner for Pikes Peak in a few months.

Round Two will be held at Road Atlanta over the weekend of May 10-11. Check out the Formula Drift schedule, as well as the press release below.

Continue reading Formula Drift kicks off tenth season with capacity crowd in Long Beach

Formula Drift kicks off tenth season with capacity crowd in Long Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daijiro yoshiharaformula driftformula drift 2013formula drift long beachWed, 17 Apr 2013 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542071/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/17/formula-drift-kicks-off-tenth-season-with-capacity-crowd-in-long/20542071/article-detail.xml 20542071 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fd-long-beach-2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fd-long-beach-2013.jpg <![CDATA[Vaughn Gittin Jr. given free rein to drift around Flat Rock Assembly Plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/18/vaughn-gitten-jr-given-free-reign-to-drift-around-flat-rock-ass/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/18/vaughn-gitten-jr-given-free-reign-to-drift-around-flat-rock-ass/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/18/vaughn-gitten-jr-given-free-reign-to-drift-around-flat-rock-ass/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Vaughn Gittin Mustang Drift Flat Rock Plant

Having just announced its official sponsorship of the Formula Drift series, Ford (via Ford Racing) released a video with Vaughn Gittin, Jr. and his new 2013 Mustang RTR drift car. The video, titled "2nd Shift Drift," shows him drifting around the property of Ford's Flat Rock Assembly plant where all Mustangs are currently built.

Although not quite as technical as a Ken Block Gymkhana, Gittin's video delivers plenty of entertainment between slalom drifting a pack of driving Mustangs and a little game we like to call kiss the Mustang (at the 2:21 mark). This all happens around the facility's track that is normally used to perform spot checks of Mustangs rolling off the assembly line.

We expect to see more videos like this from Ford next year as it promotes Formula Drift, but until then, check out how much fun Gittin had visiting the home of the Ford Mustang in the video below.

Continue reading Vaughn Gittin Jr. given free rein to drift around Flat Rock Assembly Plant

Vaughn Gittin Jr. given free rein to drift around Flat Rock Assembly Plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford mustangdrift videodriftingflat rock assemblyfordformula driftmustangMustang RTRvaughn gittin jr.videoThu, 18 Oct 2012 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20352878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/18/vaughn-gitten-jr-given-free-reign-to-drift-around-flat-rock-ass/20352878/article-detail.xml 20352878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gittin-jr-mustang-drift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gittin-jr-mustang-drift.jpg <![CDATA[Ford signs on as official sponsor of Formula Drift for 2013 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/ford-signs-on-as-official-sponsor-of-formula-drift-for-2013-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/ford-signs-on-as-official-sponsor-of-formula-drift-for-2013-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/ford-signs-on-as-official-sponsor-of-formula-drift-for-2013-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Vaughn Gittin Jr. Ford Mustang

Whether you follow the sport of drifting or not, you have to admit that it has taken off. Seeing this popularity, Ford has just announced its sponsorship of Formula Drift as an official partner through the 2013 season.

Ford has already had involvement with the steadily growing sport, through its support of Team Falken Tire and drivers like two-time D1 Grand Prix champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. Ford says the move is part of an effort to reach an alternative buyer, aged 18 to 34, and interested in cars like the Fiesta, Focus, Mustang or F-150 SVT Raptor.

According to Formula Drift co-founder and vice president Ryan Sage, "Ever since Ford came into the series competitively in 2005, we have seen the power of what a factory-backed effort can do... Now we are even more excited to have them on as an official partner for the final event of the year and into 2013."

The final event to which Sage is referring is the "Title Fight," the finale of the 2013 season, recently held in Irwindale, CA. It is the home of the first sanctioned drifting event in 2003. Ford joined the sport in 2005, and had its first win at Irwindale with Gittin at the wheel in 2008. With factory works teams like Hyundai backing out, the increased commitment from Ford comes at at an important time for the sport. Click below for the press release, which also provides a link to watch the season finale live.

Continue reading Ford signs on as official sponsor of Formula Drift for 2013 [w/video]

Ford signs on as official sponsor of Formula Drift for 2013 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford mustang rtrdriftdriftingfordformula driftmustang rtrvaughn gittin jrWed, 17 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20348649/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/17/ford-signs-on-as-official-sponsor-of-formula-drift-for-2013-w-v/20348649/article-detail.xml 20348649 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ford-formula-drift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ford-formula-drift.jpg <![CDATA[Formula Drift crowns its 2012 champion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/formula-drift-crowns-its-2012-champion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/formula-drift-crowns-its-2012-champion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/formula-drift-crowns-its-2012-champion/#commentsFiled under:

Daigo Saito Lexus SC430

Coming into the last event of the Formula Drift season no less than seven drivers had a chance at winning the championship. Vaughn Gittin Jr., the 2010 champion, was the odds-on favorite, entering the final with a size points lead gained from back-to-back wins earlier in the season, but other drivers like veteran Rhys Millen, last years champion Daijiro Yoshihara, rookie Daigo Saito and Gittin's fellow Mustang driver Justin Pawlak were all in the hunt.

It was a packed house at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California to watch the finale - for the first time in the event's history all tickets were sold out before the competition even began.

The drivers put on quite a show for the capacity crowd, and Vaughn Gittin Jr. made things interesting by getting knocked out early in the competition. That left the door open for Rhys Millen and Daigo Saito to take the overall points lead. While Millen managed to make the semi finals, it was Saito who took full advantage, beating out every driver he faced in heads-up competition in his 1,200 horsepower Lexus SC430. The first place finish not only gave him the most coveted win in the Formula Drift schedule, but the overall championship as well in his first season. This perhaps makes him the most highly rated drifter in the world, having already won the Formula Drift Asia championship as well as a D1 championship.

You can read the official press release below or check out our photos from the event in the gallery above.

Continue reading Formula Drift crowns its 2012 champion

Formula Drift crowns its 2012 champion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daigo saitoformula dformula driftformula drift championshipvaughn gittin jrMon, 15 Oct 2012 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20349537/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/15/formula-drift-crowns-its-2012-champion/20349537/article-detail.xml 20349537 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/formula-drift-irwindale-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/formula-drift-irwindale-2012.jpg <![CDATA[How the V8 became drifting's engine of choice]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/how-the-v8-became-driftings-engine-of-choice/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/how-the-v8-became-driftings-engine-of-choice/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/how-the-v8-became-driftings-engine-of-choice/#commentsFiled under:

Drifting

Early privately-owned drift cars were fitted with with either turbocharged engines from Nissan S13, S14 and S15 platforms (four-cylinder) or turbocharged powerplants like the Toyota 1JZ (six-cylinder). They were easy to work on, reliable, and they produced plenty of the wheel-spinning power needed for a smoky sideways show.

But today, as real money flows into the sport, the teams taking the podiums at the professional Formula Drift events are much more likely to use American V8 power - naturally-aspirated big-bore Chevrolet LS muscle that makes a tire-cording 700-plus horsepower. The torquey V8s give the drivers more control when they run side-by-side. As one puts it, "...the way Formula D now is, with tandem, you want to be on someone's door."

This video, shot by MPGomatic, takes a closer look at why the motorsport made the switch from low displacement/forced induction to big displacement/naturally aspirated power. It's posted below, and as they say, there's no substitute for cubic inches.

Continue reading How the V8 became drifting's engine of choice

How the V8 became drifting's engine of choice originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jul 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftingeight-cylinder driftingformula driftls v8s13 engines14 engines15 enginev8 driftingSat, 14 Jul 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276924/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/14/how-the-v8-became-driftings-engine-of-choice/20276924/article-detail.xml 20276924 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/abformulad628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/abformulad628.jpg <![CDATA[Drifting through the eyes of drifters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/drifting-through-the-eyes-of-drifters/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/drifting-through-the-eyes-of-drifters/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/drifting-through-the-eyes-of-drifters/#commentsFiled under: ,

1Kind Studios Formula D Video

Every once in a long spell, we get an email asking how an ambitious young writer can work his or her way into the automotive sphere. The answer is always the same: work harder. Work harder than you ever have in your entire life. Work harder than anyone else around you. Sacrifice your time, your happiness and monetary gain just to work harder. Abandon your notions of fairness. They will only slow you down. Never fool yourself into thinking your hard work entitles you to anything. It does not. It only prepares you to work harder.

Of course, these lessons apply to more than just babbling about cars day in and day out. Just ask the guys of Formula Drift. We're not talking about big names like Tanner Foust, Vaughn Gittin Jr. or Sam Hubinette. No, those guys have made it. They're living or have lived the life of sponsorship deals and rampant success. For the rest of the field, making it to the next event means scraping pennies, taking crap jobs and yes, lots of hard work. Check out the awesome video below by 1Kind Studio to see what we mean.

Continue reading Drifting through the eyes of drifters

Drifting through the eyes of drifters originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drift videodriftingdrifting videoformula dformula driftThu, 28 Jun 2012 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20268462/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/28/drifting-through-the-eyes-of-drifters/20268462/article-detail.xml 20268462 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/1kind-studios-formula-d-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/1kind-studios-formula-d-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Millen dance with his new Genesis Coupe at Long Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/watch-millen-dance-with-his-new-genesis-coupe-at-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/watch-millen-dance-with-his-new-genesis-coupe-at-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/watch-millen-dance-with-his-new-genesis-coupe-at-long-beach/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe getting sideways in Long Beach

Earlier this month, Rhys Millen took to Formula Drift Long Beach to introduce his newly updated 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe racer. After securing second place during qualifying and besting Nick D'Alessio in the top 32 battle, Millen spun on his second run of the top 16 contention versus Daigo Saito. Saito was 2011's D1 Japan champion. The spin knocked Millen from a shot at the podium all the way to sixth place, where he tied with Tyler McQuarrie with a combined 64 points. With a total of six rounds left in the season, Millen and the Hyundai crew still have a shot at nabbing a championship podium finish.

Road Atlanta is next on the schedule. The sideways action gets started on May 11, so stay tuned for the results. In the meantime, you can check out the rather excellent HD video after the jump of the team's Long Beach effort, complete with about a thousand different camera angles.

Continue reading Watch Millen dance with his new Genesis Coupe at Long Beach

Watch Millen dance with his new Genesis Coupe at Long Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 genesis coupe2013 hyundai genesis coupedrift videoformula dformula d long beachformula driftgenesis coupehyundai genesis coupelong beachrhys millenvideoTue, 17 Apr 2012 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217367/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/watch-millen-dance-with-his-new-genesis-coupe-at-long-beach/20217367/article-detail.xml 20217367 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/millen-at-long-beach-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/millen-at-long-beach-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai shows Millen's updated-for-2013 Genesis Coupe drift car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/hyundai-shows-millens-updated-for-2013-genesis-coupe-drift-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/hyundai-shows-millens-updated-for-2013-genesis-coupe-drift-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/hyundai-shows-millens-updated-for-2013-genesis-coupe-drift-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 RMR Genesis Coupe Drift Car

Hyundai has once again partnered up with Rhys Millen, this time to create a new 2013 Genesis Coupe fit to take on Formula Drift. The specially prepared two-door boasts more then 600 horsepower thanks to careful tweaking by the minds at RMR. That's a far cry from the 274 hp served up by the stock 2.0-liter turbo four, and so far, Millen is keeping the secret of how he pulled that much grunt from the four-pot to himself. We're guessing this machine has been touched by the gods of forced-induction in all the right ways.

While Millen and his track-bred heathen are out vaporizing tires, Hyundai fans will have a chance to pour over the company's other wares and compete for race gifts while at the track. This marks the fourth consecutive year Hyundai and Millen have partnered up, and this year, he'll be the exclusive driver for the company at all Formula Drift events. Last year, the RMR team took first place in Las Vegas and runner up at Irwindale. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Hyundai shows Millen's updated-for-2013 Genesis Coupe drift car

Hyundai shows Millen's updated-for-2013 Genesis Coupe drift car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 hyundai genesis coupe2013 rmr genesis coupe drift carcoupeformula dformula driftgenesisgenesis coupehyundaimillenrhys millenrmr genesis coupermr genesis coupe drift carMon, 09 Apr 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20210863/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/09/hyundai-shows-millens-updated-for-2013-genesis-coupe-drift-car/20210863/article-detail.xml 20210863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-2013-rmr-genesis-coupe-drift-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-2013-rmr-genesis-coupe-drift-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Samuel Hubinette retires from Formula DRIFT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/17/samuel-hubinette-retires-from-formula-drift/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/17/samuel-hubinette-retires-from-formula-drift/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/17/samuel-hubinette-retires-from-formula-drift/#commentsFiled under:

SHR Challenger

Samuel Hübinette, two-time Formula D champion, will not return for the 2012 Formula Drift pro championship season. "Two of our main sponsors changed their marketing direction, so we decided that the best thing to do with the Dodge Challenger SHR drift car is to focus on doing demos," said Hübinette, driver and team owner of Team Samuel Hübinette Racing. But don't think team SHR has lost its competitiveness. While drifting has been put on the back burner, Hübinette (the "Crazy Swede") has refocused his team on rallycross and off-road truck competitions.

Born in Sweden, Hübinette earned an early reputation for pushing motorcycles, cars and snowmobiles to the limit. He worked for Volvo Cars as a test driver in product development and was on the company's Touring Car racing team from 1997 through 2000. Since moving to the United States 2004, he has secured a bronze medal in the X Games, won two Formula Drift championships, and driven in the Baja 1000. He is also a working stunt driver in Hollywood productions.

Not only has Hübinette been one of the top names in drifting, but he maintains the record for most Formula D victories. "We will miss having a competitor like Samuel this season," said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula Drift.

Continue reading Samuel Hubinette retires from Formula DRIFT

Samuel Hubinette retires from Formula DRIFT originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge challenger drift carformula dformula drifthübinettesamuelsamuel hübinettesamuel hübinette retiringSat, 17 Mar 2012 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20195240/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/17/samuel-hubinette-retires-from-formula-drift/20195240/article-detail.xml 20195240 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/samuel-hubinettecar628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/samuel-hubinettecar628.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FR-S drift car looks like 600-horsepower fun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/scion-fr-s-drift-car-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/scion-fr-s-drift-car-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/scion-fr-s-drift-car-detroit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Scion FR-S Race Car

The Scion team is still giddy about the FR-S, and we can't blame them. We were in the mood for 200 horsepower and 2,700 pounds, and the FR-S is ready and willing to tickle our fancy. So it was understandable that Scion didn't have an all-new model to show us this week at the Detroit Auto Show, but Toyota's car-loving brand did provide a taste of the FR-S "race" car.

The drift car isn't just a fun project. Instead, it's the result of a partnership between Scion Racing and GReddy, and will compete in the 2012 Formula DRIFT series with veteran driver Ken Gushi.

We're guessing that the production FR-S won't go anywhere near 600 horsepower without some serious aftermarket work, but we'll at least have this drifter to drool over. Hit the jump to read over Scion's press release, and be sure to click through the high resolution images of the FR-S race car in the gallery above.

Continue reading Scion FR-S drift car looks like 600-horsepower fun

Scion FR-S drift car looks like 600-horsepower fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showdrift seriesFormula DRIFTfr-sfrsken gushiscionMon, 09 Jan 2012 16:42:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144383/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/09/scion-fr-s-drift-car-detroit-2012/20144383/article-detail.xml 20144383 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/scion-fr-s-race-car-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/scion-fr-s-race-car-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Formula Drift at Irwindale in two and a half minutes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/formula-drift-at-irwindale-in-two-and-a-half-minutes/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/formula-drift-at-irwindale-in-two-and-a-half-minutes/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/formula-drift-at-irwindale-in-two-and-a-half-minutes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Formula Drift Irwindale

Want to watch some action from the Formula Drift event at Irwindale this past weekend but don't have much time? No worries, we've got you covered. Photographer Larry Chen (yes, the same guy that made that epic video of himself and his buddy stuck at DFW airport) has packed the entire two days into a two-and-a-half-minute time lapse video that gives a good idea of what it's like during the Formula Drift finale.

In the midst of his official duties of shooting the event for several race teams and SpeedHunters.com, Chen used a single Canon T3i and two wide angle lenses to shoot more than 13,000 images of the track, the pits, the media center, the judging tower at 25 second intervals. He event went as far as strapping his camera onto some of the cars during practice to get footage of the cars in action. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading Formula Drift at Irwindale in two and a half minutes

Formula Drift at Irwindale in two and a half minutes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>formula driftformula drift 2011formula drift irwindalelarry chenvideosWed, 12 Oct 2011 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20079507/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/12/formula-drift-at-irwindale-in-two-and-a-half-minutes/20079507/article-detail.xml 20079507 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/formula-drift-timelapse_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/formula-drift-timelapse.jpg <![CDATA[Daijiro Yoshihara crowned 2011 Formula Drift champion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/daijiro-yoshihara-crowned-2011-formula-drift-champion/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/daijiro-yoshihara-crowned-2011-formula-drift-champion/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/daijiro-yoshihara-crowned-2011-formula-drift-champion/#commentsFiled under:

Daijiro Yoshihara

Formula Drift headed to Irwindale Speedway to decide who would be crowned the 2011 champion in front of a sold-out crowd. Going into the event, the title race was the closest it had ever been with Falken Tire teammates Daijiro Toshihara and Justin Pawlak separated by just 12.75 points. Each driver had two wins and three podiums this season, leaving the final event to decide the title.

Initially, it seemed that Yoshihara had blown his chances when Ken Gushi knocked him out of the round of 16, leaving it up to Pawlak to claim the championship for his own. Pawlak failed to capitalize in the next round, though, when he tagged the wall during his second run and was beaten out by fellow Falken driver Darren McNamara. The final points tally had Yoshihara just 5.75 points ahead of Pawlak, the closest finish in Formula Drift's history. This is the first championship for the Japanese native, who is an eight-year veteran of the series.

"It's a great feeling and a dream come true," said Yoshihara after the event. "After eight years of driving it finally paid off. I owe a lot to my team and sponsors. My new goal will be to defend the championship and win it outright during the event."

You can see our images from the final Formula Drift event of the season at Irwindale Speedway in the gallery above.

Daijiro Yoshihara crowned 2011 Formula Drift champion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Daijiro Yoshiharaformula dformula driftformula drift 2011formula drift irwindale speedwayirwindale speedwayjustin pawlakMon, 10 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20077156/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/10/daijiro-yoshihara-crowned-2011-formula-drift-champion/20077156/article-detail.xml 20077156 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/formula-drift-irwindale-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/formula-drift-irwindale-2011.jpg <![CDATA[How to drift a semi in 18 easy steps]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/how-to-drift-a-semi-in-18-easy-steps/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/how-to-drift-a-semi-in-18-easy-steps/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/how-to-drift-a-semi-in-18-easy-steps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mike Ryan drifting his Freightliner semi

Mike Ryan is our kind of insane. Not only did the man fling his Freightliner race truck up the winding side of Mount Washington earlier this year, but the professional stunt and race driver has also joined forces with drifting legend Sam Hubinette for a little exhibition show during round six of the Formula Drift Championship.

In preparation of wowing the masses at the FD gathering, Ryan came out for a little shakedown session with the big Freightliner. Things didn't exactly go smoothly at first, with Ryan fighting the truck all over the impromptu course, but it didn't take long to get the kinks ironed out.

Within a matter of hours, Hubinette had Ryan pirouetting around the asphalt and oval track like an drift hero. Fortunately for all involved, the whole experience was recorded for posterity. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading How to drift a semi in 18 easy steps

How to drift a semi in 18 easy steps originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftingformula driftfreightlinerfreightliner drift videofreightliner driftingmike ryansam hubinettesemisemi drift videosemi driftingWed, 28 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20068049/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/28/how-to-drift-a-semi-in-18-easy-steps/20068049/article-detail.xml 20068049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/drifting-semi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/drifting-semi-628.jpg <![CDATA[Sliding Sideways Through The Desert: A day spent drifting with Michael Essa [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/drifting-in-desert-with-michael-essa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/drifting-in-desert-with-michael-essa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/drifting-in-desert-with-michael-essa/#commentsFiled under:

michael essa gsr autosport bmw z4 drift car

Drifting isn't a real sport.

So sayeth the peanut gallery that thinks drifting is just a bunch of wheel-spinning youngsters who've watched way too many selections from the Fast and Furious library. I'm here to tell you that it's very much a sport, and the men and women behind the wheels of their sideways machines dance the thin line between aggressive fury and smoke-filled poetry.

I'm sweating my ass off in the middle of the Mojave Desert for my first lesson on drifting, and my teacher for the day is none other than Mr. Michael Essa. He's late, it's hot and I'm surrounded by a pit road filled with random examples of rear-wheel-drive Japanese machinery in all the colors of the rainbow. Plus three more hues that I've never seen before.

Who exactly is this guy I'm waiting for? If you're already a fan of drifting, than you know that Professor Essa is the bespectacled pilot of the GSR Autosport BMW Z4. Essa is a professional drifter who competes in the Formula Drift series alongside the likes of Vaughn Gittin Jr., Rhys Millen and Samuel Hubinette, amongst others. Mike is passionate about his sport, skilled behind the wheel and also capable of ducking under the hood and turning some wrenches. At the moment, however, I don't know any of this... because I'm melting into the asphalt of the Streets of Willow, and Essa is still late.

Continue reading Sliding Sideways Through The Desert: A day spent drifting with Michael Essa [w/video]

Sliding Sideways Through The Desert: A day spent drifting with Michael Essa [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-star drift bashbmwdriftingessafeaturedformula driftgsr autosportgsr autosport z4rmichael essaz4Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20035081/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/16/drifting-in-desert-with-michael-essa/20035081/article-detail.xml 20035081 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/gsr-autosport-bmw-z4-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/gsr-autosport-bmw-z4-630.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Drifting the Gauntlet</i> takes a look at life turned sideways]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/drifting-the-gauntlet-takes-a-look-at-life-turned-sideway/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/drifting-the-gauntlet-takes-a-look-at-life-turned-sideway/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/drifting-the-gauntlet-takes-a-look-at-life-turned-sideway/#commentsFiled under: ,

drifting the gauntlet screenshot
Drifting the Gauntlet - Click above to watch video after the jump

We're suckers for well-shot automotive videos, and our friends at Autoblog Canada (eh?) came across a good one. Filmmaker Stephen Brooks spent time at New Jersey's Wall Speedway to take in a Formula Drift event, and left with plenty of good stuff. His lens work is sharp, his footage is entertaining and his interviews provide a touch of insight into the minds of the folks in this industry.

If you're a drifting fan, a few familiar faces step in front of Brooks' camera to talk about their favorite sideways motorsport. Click past the jump to check out Drifting the Gauntlet, and see if you can spot where Brooks was influenced by the film Days of Thunder.

Continue reading Drifting the Gauntlet takes a look at life turned sideways

Drifting the Gauntlet takes a look at life turned sideways originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftingdrifting the gauntletformula dformula driftred bull racingstephen brooksvideoWed, 29 Jun 2011 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19979908/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/29/drifting-the-gauntlet-takes-a-look-at-life-turned-sideway/19979908/article-detail.xml 19979908 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/formula-drift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/formula-drift.jpg <![CDATA[Vaughn Gittin, Jr., unimpressed with drifting "world record," suggests raising the bar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/22/vaughn-gittin-jr-unimpressed-with-drifting-world-record-su/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/22/vaughn-gittin-jr-unimpressed-with-drifting-world-record-su/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/22/vaughn-gittin-jr-unimpressed-with-drifting-world-record-su/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Vaughn Gittin Jr's 1969 RTR-X Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just what is a "world record" drift? That is the question posed by 2010 Formula Drift champion Vaughn Gittin, Jr. and many of his fellow professional drifters, following the announcement by Mercedes-Benz that it had set a new drifting record over this past weekend. According to the German automaker, Mauro Calo drifted a C63 AMG around a skidpad for 7,572 feet, topping Gittin's original record of 6,285 feet set in December of 2008 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Impressive, but maybe not so much. Is circling a flat skidpad in a continuous loop until one of the tires blows considered drifting? Or, is real drifting a skill that requires a lot more talent?

Guinness World Records defines drifting as, "driving a car with rear slip angle that is greater to the front." Vaughn Gittin, Jr., and fellow Formula Drift competitor Michael Essa, call that a "donut." After watching the C63 circle the concrete pad for more than two minutes, Gittin was unimpressed. "There are about 60 drivers that show up to Formula Drift every month, as well as thousands of grassroots drifters, that can do giant donuts until the tires pop, as well."

It is time for Guinness World Records to recognize the talent behind drifting, not the spectacle of a smoky donut. To put credibility back into the attempt, Gittin suggests redefining the record as, "drifting without intersecting your drift line." This is the way Formula Drift operates, with competitors tossing their vehicles into turns at 100 mph and holding the car sideways throughout a challenging course. Most importantly, adds Gittin, "This result would be a record that took a lot of skill, balls, and wouldn't put you to sleep watching the video of it." We couldn't agree more.

Vaughn Gittin, Jr., unimpressed with drifting "world record," suggests raising the bar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftingformula driftguiness book of world recordsvaughn gittin jr.world recordWed, 22 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19973913/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/22/vaughn-gittin-jr-unimpressed-with-drifting-world-record-su/19973913/article-detail.xml 19973913 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/gittin630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/gittin630.jpg <![CDATA[Motorsports photogs stranded at DFW airport get creative]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/18/motorsports-photogs-stranded-at-dfw-airport-get-creative/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/18/motorsports-photogs-stranded-at-dfw-airport-get-creative/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/18/motorsports-photogs-stranded-at-dfw-airport-get-creative/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Stuck
Stuck - Click above to view video after the jump

What do you do when you're stuck on an overnight layover? Sleep? Read the same issue of Automobile four times? Beat Angry Birds? We would, too. For Formula Drift photographers Larry Chen and Joe Ayala, a lengthy layover in the empty Dallas/Fort Worth airport meant an all-night playground.

Armed with $30k worth of camera gear, the two set about creating Stuck, a playful documentary of their time alone with DFW. The two-minute clip has only been out for a few days, but it's already viral and has made YouTube heroes out of the two guerilla documentarians. Check out the full clip after the jump.

Continue reading Motorsports photogs stranded at DFW airport get creative

Motorsports photogs stranded at DFW airport get creative originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ayalachendriftformulaformula dformula driftjalopnikjoe ayalalarry chenSat, 18 Jun 2011 14:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19970445/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/18/motorsports-photogs-stranded-at-dfw-airport-get-creative/19970445/article-detail.xml 19970445 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/stuck-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/stuck-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Formula Drift kicks off the 2011 season in Long Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/formula-drift-kicks-off-the-2011-season-in-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/formula-drift-kicks-off-the-2011-season-in-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/formula-drift-kicks-off-the-2011-season-in-long-beach/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Formula Drift Streets of Long Beach
2011 Formula Drift Streets of Long Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery

A handful of well-known drivers and manufacturer-sponsored cars typically dominate the Formula Drift circuit - Foust, Gittin, Hubinette and Millen. At the opening event in Long Beach this past weekend, though, the big names were noticeably absent from the podium.

Perennial contender Tanner Foust retired from the sport last season to focus on his rally and television careers, Sam Hubinette couldn't manage to get his new Dodge Challenger to the starting line, and last year's champion, Vaughn Gittin Jr., failed to qualify for Saturday's knockout round. Rhys Millen in his newly painted Hyundai Genesis Coupe only managed to make it into the quarter finals.

The eventual podium featured first time winner Justin Pawlak, who drove to victory in Gittin's hand-me-down Mustang, Matt Powers, another newbie to the podium, and Daijiro Yoshihara, who finished fourth last season. You can read more about the event in the press release after the jump or browse through our photos from the event in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2011 Formula Drift Streets of Long Beach


Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Formula Drift kicks off the 2011 season in Long Beach

Formula Drift kicks off the 2011 season in Long Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 formula drift long beachdaijiro yoshiharadriftdriftingformula driftformula drift long beachformula drift streets of long beachjustin pawlakmatt powersMon, 11 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19908461/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/11/formula-drift-kicks-off-the-2011-season-in-long-beach/19908461/article-detail.xml 19908461 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/formula-drift-lb-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/formula-drift-lb-2011.jpg <![CDATA[Samuel Hubinette to field two-car Formula Drift team for 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/26/samuel-hubinette-to-field-two-car-formula-drift-team-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/26/samuel-hubinette-to-field-two-car-formula-drift-team-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/26/samuel-hubinette-to-field-two-car-formula-drift-team-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Samuel Hubinette Racing 2011

Two-time Formula Drift champion Samuel Hubinette is fielding a two-car team for the 2011 season, calling on European Pro Drift champion Dean Kearney as his second driver. The two will compete in a Dodge Motorsports Challenger and a Dodge Viper SRT-10. Kearney will wheel the Viper, while Hubinette will pilot the Challenger.

The two will drive for Hubinette's own team, Samuel Hubinette Racing, and will get sponsorship from Dodge and V-LEDs Federal. Hubinette is sticking with longtime crew chief Brad Manka to lead both efforts.

Hubinette managed two Formula Drift championships in his first three seasons in the sport, and hopes to groom 22-year-old Kearney into the next Formula Drift champion. Kearney, a native of Ireland, won the 2009 European Pro Drift Championship. Watch for Hubinette and Kearney when the Formula Drift season kicks off April 8-9 in Long Beach, California.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Samuel Hubinette to field two-car Formula Drift team for 2011

Samuel Hubinette to field two-car Formula Drift team for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dean kearneydodgedodge challengerdodge viper srt10formula dformula driftSamuel Hubinettesamuel hubinette racingSat, 26 Mar 2011 19:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19892875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/26/samuel-hubinette-to-field-two-car-formula-drift-team-for-2011/19892875/article-detail.xml 19892875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/shr-formula-d_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/shr-formula-d.jpg <![CDATA[Formula Drift UAE Invitational in Abu Dhabi 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/13/formula-drift-uae-invitational-in-abu-dhabi-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/13/formula-drift-uae-invitational-in-abu-dhabi-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/13/formula-drift-uae-invitational-in-abu-dhabi-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Formula Drift UAE Invitational
Formula Drift in Abu Dhabi - Click above for high-res image gallery

After wrapping up the 2010 Formula Drift season (Vaughn Gittin Jr. took the podium, with Tanner Foust and Ryan Tuerck second and third overall), a handful of selected professional drifters loaded their cars into steel 40-foot containers and shipped them to the Middle East for the inaugural Formula Drift UAE Invitational in Abu Dhabi.

While the locals in that part of the world aren't strangers to wild car antics (as evident from those popular, yet crazy Middle East YouTube videos), the Invitational was formatted to introduce the locals to professional drifting - in a safe and controlled manner. The chosen venue was the new Yas Marina Circuit, designed and built for Formula One (interestingly enough, the Formula Drift guys were the first to every lay "drifting" rubber down on its fresh surface).

In addition to the main event, there was a media day (with ride-alongs), a karting competition (Tanner Foust set the all-time lap record), a visit to Ferrari World and a drag competition with locals. And, to help the local competitors, Tony Brakohiapa and Michael Essa taught drifting techniques to ten drivers from the local SSK Drift Club (four were eventually chosen to participate in demo during the main event).

The next stop for drivers Chris Forsberg, Tanner Foust, Michael Essa, Tony Brakohiapa, Fredric Aasbo, Mike Whiddett and Daijiro Yoshihara is the Qatar Racing Club in Doha, Qatar, for the inaugural Formula Drift Global Challenge on March 18, 2011.


Gallery: Formula Drift in Abu Dhabi 2011

Formula Drift in Abu Dhabi 2011Formula Drift in Abu Dhabi 2011The cars of Formula DriftFormula Drift in Abu Dhabi 2011Formula Drift in Abu Dhabi 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Formula Drift / Ashley Glover / Nick Richards

[Source: Formula Drift]

Formula Drift UAE Invitational in Abu Dhabi 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abu Dhabiabu+dhabi+invitationalabudhabiinvitationalamerican+airlines+abu+dhabi+to+jfk+3/13/2011americanairlinesabudhabitojfk3/13/2011DriftingFormula DFormula DriftFormula Drift UAE Invitational in Abu Dhabi 2011formula+d+abu+dhabiformuladabudhabiGSR AutosportGSR Autosport 350RMichael EssaTanner FoustUAE InvitationalVaughn Gittin Jr.yas marinaYas Marina and Yacht ClubSun, 13 Mar 2011 11:08:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19872537/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/13/formula-drift-uae-invitational-in-abu-dhabi-2011/19872537/article-detail.xml 19872537 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/drift630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/drift630.jpg -1 2