2021 Official Formula Drift Fan Guide

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F O R M U L A D . C O M

2021 FAN GUIDE PUBLISHED BY


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2021FAN GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS 10 Formula DRIFT Timeline 12 Past Formula DRIFT Champions 13 Formula DRIFT 2020 By the Numbers 14 Manufacturer and Tire Cups Explained 16 2021 Season Preview 18 Updates from the Off-Season 20 Formula DRIFT Skills Battle Presented by Turn14 Distribution,

Sponsored by NGK Spark Plugs

22 Introducing Englishtown 2.0 and Lake Erie Speedway 24 Interview: 2020 Formula DRIFT PRO Champion - Vaughn Gittin Jr 28 Interview: 2020 Formula DRIFT PRO2 Champion - Dmitriy Brutskiy 33 Driver Profiles 86 Tracks 94 How to Catch the Action from Home 96 Spot the Differences 98 Formula DRIFT 2021 Schedule

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WE ARE

BACK! T

o say that 2020 was a tough year is a colossal understatement, but with your support and that of the sponsors, tracks, and teams, we pulled off a miraculous season. It was different, with limited fans or no fans, and shortened schedules. Yet it was the same, with intense competition, hard fought battles, and teams leaving it all on the track. This “fad” of a sport called drifting and this little-known series called Formula Drift has fought through and survived a global recession, and now a global pandemic. We have all come out stronger. After eighteen years nothing surprises us anymore, but as we look forward, we yearn to recapture “that feeling.” The feeling that there is nothing like a packed venue with screaming fans, tires burning, and drivers putting it all on the line. That is the essence of the sport we all love, and in 2021, we are motivated more than ever to get that back! Formula DRIFT has always been an underdog, but what we showed in 2020 is that the fans, drivers, and supporters of this wonderful sport are a foundation that is immovable. We are looking forward to what 2021 has in store. Over the off-season, we introduced the new Link ECU PROSPEC championship, which evolved from the PRO2 championship with a new rules package and changes to the format. The schedule returns to a full 8-round tour, which takes us to the much-anticipated Old Bridge Township Raceway Park (ETown) and the new venue of Lake Erie Speedway. Competition will be tougher than ever with new challengers, seasoned veterans, and full fields in both series. Whether we catch you on-site or online, we are happy to be with you again. Welcome to season EIGHTEEN Formula Drift fans!!

Jim Liaw Formula Drift President / Co-Founder

Ryan Sage Formula Drift Vice President / Co-Founder

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FD2021

HERE WE GO

AGAI N! A

fter watching the Formula DRIFT team face challenge after challenge to get their 17th annual season rolling last year against all odds, we’re thrilled to be back in the front row for the action that is sure to exceed expectations this year. It’s felt like an eternity since we embraced the tire smoke and excitement of Formula DRIFT, and we’re super stoked to be back on the grid. Knowing that the 18th annual season of Formula DRIFT is back to its eight-event schedule is just the icing on the cake. After taking the title last year, Vaughn Gittin Jr will be back to defend his title against a grid full of hungry drivers. Speaking of returning champions, the 2020 PRO2 (now known as PROSPEC) champion Dmitriy Brutskiy also returns to PROSPEC to defend his title as well. With some teams making changes, and others doubling down on practice time over the off-season, the competition is sure to be a tight race for the top spots. Regardless of the standings, and who comes out on top at the end of it all, we’re just happy to be here. Our partnership with Formula DRIFT has been one of our most fun adventures, and we’re excited to bring the Tuning 365 Car & Truck Show to multiple stops this year. More information on the Tuning 365 show can be found within this program. As always, we wish the best of luck to all of the drivers on the grid this year as we slide into Formula DRIFT’s 18th year. As for the fans, we hope to see you enjoying this as much as we do. See you out there!

Adam Gordon PASMAG Editor

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF FORMULA DRIFT 2003 AUGUST Drift founders Jim Liaw & Ryan Sage bring competition drifting to America by organizing an exhibition competition for the Japanese Series D1 Grand Prix at Irwindale Speedway. NOVEMBER An announcement is made at SEMA Show 2003 about the creation of the Formula Drift Championship series.

2004 FEBRUARY Road Atlanta paves the infamous "horseshoe" in turn 10, making it perfect for drifting. MAY Formula Drift holds their first ever round at Road Atlanta.

2005 APRIL Formula Drift expands to 6 rounds.

2008 NOVEMBER Formula Drift organizes the Red Bull Drifting World Championship, in which 32 drivers from 12 different countries compete.

2006 APRIL Formula Drift expands to 7 rounds.

2009 Formula Drift becomes the first professional drift series to expand to a 32-car competition bracket. Formula Drift launches the FD Asia Championship.

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2011 FEBRUARY / MARCH Formula Drift brings exhibition matches to the Persian Gulf, with events in the UAE and Qatar.

2013 2014 Formula Drift celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

APRIL Formula Drift becomes the first series to compete under the darkness of night at Long Beach Grand Prix.

Formula Drift heads into the great white north with the FD Canada Championship.

2015 Headed to the home of drifting, Formula Drift launches FD Japan Championship.

2016 APRIL Formula Drift expands to an 8-round championship series.

2017 European Drift Champion James Deane makes his Formula Drift debut, dominating the podium and becoming the 2017 Pro Champion.

2019 James Deane becomes first to win three consecutive championships

CROSSROADS 2018 A new arena is added. Gateway Motorsports Park in St. Louis becomes the home for Round 6 in the Formula Drift Pro Championship.

2020 Vaughn Gittin Jr. wins his 2nd championship ten years after his first

The global Covid-19 pandemic threw a bit of a wrench in the gears, changing the entire Formula Drift schedule. Thanks to a dedicated team, Formula Drift was able to continue with a modified 8-event Pro Championship and 4-event PRO2 Championship safely. We did miss your faces, though! PA S M AG .C O M

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CHAMPI ONS

PRO CHAMPIONSHIP 20 04

20 05

20 06

20 07

20 08

20 09

SAMUEL HÜBINETTE

RHYS MILLEN

SAMUEL HÜBINETTE

TANNER FOUST

TANNER FOUST

CHRIS FORSBERG

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20 11

20 12

20 13

20 14

20 15

VAUGHN GITTIN JR.

DAIJIRO YOSHIHARA

DAIGO SAITO

MICHAEL ESSA

CHRIS FORSBERG

FREDRIC AASBO

CFR / Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z

Rockstar / Hankook Tire Scion tC

20 16

20 17

20 18

20 19

20 20

CHRIS FORSBERG

JAMES DEANE

JAMES DEANE

JAMES DEANE

VAUGHN GITTIN JR.

Mopar Viper Competition Coupe

Team Falken Monster Energy Ford Mustang

CFR / NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z

RMR Pontiac GTO

Mopar Viper SRT-10

Falken Tire / Discount Tire Nissan 240SX

Worthouse / Falken Tire Nissan Silvia S15

Achilles Radial / Bridges Racing Lexus SC430

AEM / Memphis Audio Nissan 350Z

GSR Autosport / Yokohama Tire BMW M3

Worthouse / Falken Tire Nissan Silvia S15

Worthouse / Falken Tire Nissan Silvia S15

AEM / Rockstar Nissan 350Z

NOS Energy Nissan 350Z

Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR

PRO2 CHAMPIONSHIP 20 14

20 15

20 16

20 17

20 18

20 19

20 20

DAN SAVAGE

ALEX HEILBRUNN

MARC LANDREVILLE

KEVIN LAWRENCE

TRAVIS REEDER

TRENTON BEECHUM

DMITRIY BRUTSKIY

Sikky Racing Mazda RX-8

IMR Nitto Tire BMW M3

Landreville Racing / Perry Performance Nissan S14

Enjuku Racing Nissan S14

Konig / Achilles Nissan S13

2014 Ford Mustang

Essa Motorsport/ Never Settle/Achilles Radial BMW M3

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2020BYTHE

MBERS NU 9

3

1 8 75%

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED ON PRO CHAMPIONSHIP PODIUM FINISHES

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN PRO CHAMPIONSHIP

PODIUM FINISHES BY AMERICAN DRIVERS

4 540

7

50%

PODIUM FINISHES BY PRO CHAMPION

HIGHEST POINT TOTAL IN PRO CHAMPIONSHIP

V aughn Gi tti nJ r

ROOKIES ON PRO CHAMPIONSHIP GRID

on+ lli ews: 6 Mi ft Live Stream vi 2020 Formula Dri CAR MANUFACTURER APPEARANCES ON 2020 PRO CHAMPIONSHIP GRID, BY BRAND:

1 0 6 5 32 1 1 1 NISSAN

FORD

TOYOTA SCION

BWM

CHEVROLET

DODGE

CADILLAC

SUBARU

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AUTO MANUFACTURER & TIRE CUP Introduced in 2013, the Auto Manufacturer Cup and Tire Cup will be awarded for the ninth consecutive year in 2021.

W

e all know that the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship and PROSPEC Championship rounds are the primary goals for all drivers on the grid, but there are two other competitions simultaneously happening within the Formula DRIFT season. Earning the top spot on each podium is obviously the goal for each driver at their respective events, but earning points towards the Auto Manufacturer Cup and Tire Cup can be considered just as important when it comes to sponsorships and industry recognition. For both of these competitions, the top two qualifying drivers eligible for each cup will contribute points to their brand’s standing in the series. Here’s a closer look and more detailed explanation of the Auto Manufacturer Cup and Tire Cup competitions.

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AUTO MANUFACTURER CUP The Auto Manufacturer Cup competition is designed to showcase competition cars that utilize an engine which matches the manufacturer of the chassis. At each round, the top two eligible drivers from each vehicle manufacturer will earn points towards that manufacturer’s standings. These drivers are not from a predetermined selection, nor do they need to remain the same from round to round. Decisions regarding the engine and vehicle manufacturer eligibility are determined by Formula DRIFT’s Technical Regulations Manager. For the purpose of this competition, cars are allowed to have engine swaps, but the engine itself must originate from the same manufacturer as the chassis in order to remain eligible for Auto Manufacturer Cup points. Cars which do not have qualifying engine


EXAMPLE A Nissan 370Z with a Nissan V8 engine swap = WILL COUNT A Toyota 86 with a Toyota turbo inline-6 engine = WILL COUNT A Toyota 86 with a Chevrolet V8 engine = WILL NOT COUNT

and chassis combinations for this cup can still earn points in regular competition, as well as for the Tire Cup. In 2020, Ford won the Auto Manufacturer Cup championship, ending Toyota’s six-year reign. A combination of drivers who continually place well in competition while driving Ford cars with Ford engines have put Ford on top for the first time. Season-long domination by

TIRE CUP Competition among tire manufacturers has always been fierce, especially in motorsports, but had never formally been recognized in sanctioned competition at Formula DRIFT until the Tire Cup championship was announced for Formula DRIFT’s 2013 season. At each competition round, the top two drivers on each tire brand will earn points towards the Tire Cup for their respective manufacturer. Similar to the Auto Manufacturer Cup championship, drivers earning these points do not need to be the same for each round, and do not need to be predetermined. In 2020, five tire companies were present in contention for the Tire Cup with the addition

Ford drivers Vaughn Gittin Jr and teammate Chelsea Denofa, as well as Justin Pawlak who had a few podium appearances himself, put Ford on top of the leaderboards. Ford’s first place spot pushed Toyota down to second, while Nissan stayed in third place for the second consecutive year. BMW and Chevrolet traded places this year, with BMW rising to fourth, and Chevrolet sliding into fifth place.

of GT Radial. Nitto managed to topple Falken’s four-year tenure on top thanks to widespread support on the grid, and consistent performance from their sponsored top-tier drivers, pushing Falken down to second place. Achilles sponsored drivers were able to grab third place for the brand, knocking Nexen tire even further down to fourth.

2020 AUTO MANUFACTURER CUP TOP 5 STANDINGS

1,140 points 1 Ford 980 points 2 Toyota 716 points 3 Nissan 4 BMW 356 points 352 points 5 Chevrolet 2020 TIRE CUP STANDINGS

1,380 points 1 Nitto 892 points 2 Falken 820 points 3 Achilles 4 Nexen 732 points Radial 640 points 5 GT

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2021 THE REDEMPTION

TOUR PH OTOGRA P H Y BY LA R RY CH E N

I

t goes without saying that the year 2020 had its fair share of challenges. Formula DRIFT’s planned schedule of eight separate stops had to be condensed to four stops with two rounds at each, and some of the cool new additions to the Formula DRIFT tour - like the introduction of Englishtown's Old Bridge Township Raceway Park - had to be postponed. This year, Formula DRIFT is bringing the heat for the redemption tour. Englishtown is back on the menu, and so is a stop at the Lake Erie Speedway in Erie, PA. The action kicks off in Atlanta on May 7th-8th, and carries through the season until the grand finale in Irwindale on October 22nd-23rd.

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Formula DRIFT PRO Championship The Formula DRIFT Pro circuit kicks off 2021 in Atlanta at Road Atlanta on the weekend of May 7-8. After that, the teams are headed further south to Orlando Speedway for the May 21-22 weekend, before making the trip north along the east coast to Englishtown Raceway Park a long awaited Formula DRIFT

stop - for the June 18-19 event. From there, it’s straight into another new venue at Lake Erie Speedway for the July 9-10 weekend. A few weeks after that, teams will unload their trailers at Evergreen Speedway in Washington for July 30-31, before heading for the St Louis round at World Wide Technology Raceway on the August 27-28 weekend. Finally, everyone’s two favorite stops close out the season. Long


FORMULA DRIFT PARTNERS WITH ACCELER8 EDUCATION PROGRAM TO HELP AT-RISK YOUTH

Beach will be home to Formula DRIFT from September 17-18, and the whole show wraps up at Irwindale on the October 22-23 weekend. A healthy mix of familiar places and new tracks should keep this year’s competition interesting to say the least!

FD Link ECU PROSPEC Championship What was once known as the “PRO2 Championship” will henceforth be Formula DRIFT Link ECU PROSPEC Championship. The new name also brings a handful of new rules, including a mandate for an H-pattern shifter, so no more sequentials at this level. Every PROSPEC driver will be throwing those gear shifts themselves! Additionally, GT Radial will be the single tire supplier for PROSPEC drivers. The popular series that feeds into PRO licensing continues to attract talented drivers from all over, and this year those drivers will be treated to events alongside the Pro Championship at Orlando, Englishtown, St Louis, and Irwindale rounds.

The Formula Drift Manufacturer Cup and Formula Drift Tire Cup will be awarded in the same fashion as previous years. Details on these are included in a separate feature within this guide, so be sure to check that out for a breakdown on each one!

As part of its ongoing community outreach, Formula Drift is proud to announce it has partnered with Acceler8 – a California-based automotive education and workforce development program. Established and run by Law Enforcement personnel, Acceler8 reaches high school students considered “at risk” due to behavior issues, academic status, family situations, and more. It also seeks to assist "opportunity youth," which the DoE identifies as students aged 16-24 who are neither enrolled in school nor participating in the labor market. The unique Acceler8 model pairs at-risk youth with volunteer law enforcement officers and automotive professionals. With all parties drawn by a common automotive passion, students receive support from stable adult role models at a formative time in their lives. They receive support to complete school, acquire skills that excite them, and prepare them for jobs in the wide automotive sector. As the Education Partner for Formula DRIFT, Acceler8 will invite youth from local communities throughout the 2021 national tour. The students will receive an up-close look at professional drift teams and the automotive industry while speaking to crews, drivers and FD personnel. They will also have the opportunity to watch their favorite drivers perform during the FD weekend. In addition to the student tours, Acceler8 will be on-hand at each round to demonstrate its automotive educational programs to all event attendees. If you’d like to assist the Acceler8 program, there are many ways you can help. The team is always in need of additional funding through grants, company sponsorship, or individual donations. Companies can also help by providing job training or placement for students who complete the program. To discover more about how to help or donate, please visit acceler8education.org

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OFF-SEASON

UPDATES Vaughn Gittin Jr’s Off-Road Adventures Continue Vaughn Gittin Jr has been getting more and more involved in off-road racing and adventuring for the past few years. Perhaps that versatility in driving skills plays into his recent Champion title, and visa-versa! The Fun-Haver team keeps busy in the off-season with off-road series like Ultra4, which prove to be a challenging and rigorous testing ground for their insane Bronco, codenamed “Brocky,” to stretch its legs and find the limits. The relationship with Ford also has Gittin Jr testing out the new Bronco in its factory form. Talk about a dream job!

Chelsea Denofa’s School of Drift Ushers in the Next Generation of Drifters Keeping your skills on point during the off-season is key, and Chelsea Denofa has a perfect way to do it. In The School of Drift, hosted at Pats Acres Racing Complex (10 minutes south of Portland, Oregon), Denofa spends his offseason helping aspiring drifters learn the ropes. Is there a better way to keep your skills sharp than drifting almost every single day all year, and helping others hone their skills as well?

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PRO Teams Recruit New Blood for FD Link ECU PROSPEC Championship Some teams of PRO Championship drivers have gone ahead to expand their presence in Formula DRIFT by signing rookie drivers to compete under their names in the FD Link ECU PROSPEC Championship this year. Forsberg Racing will be placing Alex Jagger, US Drift Shootout winner, in Forsberg's former 370Z, and Bakchis Motorsports has given Evan Bogovich their multi-podium finishing S14 240sx to take on the FD Link ECU PROSPEC Championship season. Best of luck to both of these new guys!

OFF-SEASON

UPDATES Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis Embraces the Carbon Kevlar Carbon Kevlar panels and body components have become ever more popular in motorsports, and especially popular in drifting over the last few years. The latest driver bitten by the kevlar bug is Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis, who has embraced carbon kevlar head on. Odi’s S15 Silvia was treated to a full carbon kevlar kit, as well as a hood, in the off season thanks to L.W. Performance, and it looks ready for battle! PA S M AG .C O M

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Sponsored by

PH OTOGRA P H Y BY LA R RY CH E N

W

ith the 2021 Formula DRIFT season scheduled to commence at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on May 7-8, the series organizers recruited nine drivers from its premier PRO Championship to join them for the second annual Skills Battle presented by Turn 14 Distribution. Taking place at The House of Drift – Irwindale Speedway near Los Angeles – the challenge helps prepare teams, drivers and fans for the start of the new season, which is returning to its traditional eight-round national series format. Hosted by Laurette Nicoll (the Formula DRIFT Sideline Reporter for event livestream broadcasts), each driver had to tackle three challenges. Points accumulated throughout the day would decide the winner, who could claim bragging rights before the opening round of the 2021 FD season.

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Biggest Backie As the name suggests, drivers were judged on their degree of backward angle and speed of rotation through a turn. As you’d expect, this challenge produced some lurid slides and enormous entertainment for the judges, who awarded points for speed and execution. For this challenge only, the judges were Andy Yen (Former FD judge), Ken Gushi and TJ Hunt.


Drift Cross Drift Cross saw the drivers tackle an autocross-style course, where the winner would have the fastest timed over two laps, with each cone collision adding a 0.2 sec penalty. This would be surprisingly difficult for the drivers, despite many of them having road course experience. The problem is that many of the engines produce close to 1000hp and the chassis set-up favors oversteer. As you’d expect, it was difficult for the drivers to score clean, fast laps, requiring a cool head and fast hands.

Drag Race Sponsored by NGK Spark Plugs, this was an old-fashioned sprint down the 1/8th-mile Irwindale drag strip. The drivers were again presented with a unique challenge by cars with excessive power and plenty of camber angle. And after a long day of competition, mechanical reliability would also be an important factor in crowning the 2021 FD SB Champion.

2021 SKILLS BATTLE DRIVER LIST:

Odi Bakchis

Dan Burkett

Dylan Hughes

Jeff Jones

Michael Essa

Rome Charpentier

Trenton Beechum

Kyle Mohan

S… NNER I AND THE WI

Daijiro Yoshihara

After an intense day of competition, 2011 FD Champion Daijiro Yoshihara was crowned the winner of the 2021 Formula DRIFT Skills Battle presented by Turn 14 Distribution. He narrowly beat last year’s winner, Odi Bakchis, with Michael Essa in third. “It was really good to win this event against a competitive field of fellow FD PRO drivers,” Dai told us. “This was a great way to kick off the 2021 season, and I hope to be winning more events as the season unfolds.” PA S M AG .C O M

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I NTRODUCI NG ENGLISHTOWN 2.0 AND LAKE ERIE SPEEDWAY T

he continued success and expansion of Formula Drift year after year has allowed the sport of professional drifting to dip its toes in a variety of new spaces. In 2020, the original pre-pandemic schedule for Formula Drift included Old Bridge Township Raceway Park (AKA Englishtown), but because of the condensed schedule change, the iconic track was put on the backburner - until now. The former NHRA mainstay of Englishtown has recently been converted into America’s first purpose-built drift stadium, with all of the world

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class amenities of their NHRA history still intact. The Napp family, who runs the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park facility, has been in the mix since 1977, and they have watched the sport of drifting rise from the grassroots to the professional level. What some people may not already know is that some of the first organized drifting events for FD drivers in their younger years started right here! As early as 2002, Matt Petty, Tony Angelo, Chris Forsberg, and several other drivers had shown up at Englishtown looking to do a simple parking lot event.

By 2003, themselves along with Ryan Tuerck and Vaughn GIttin Jr were shredding in the first ever organized drift events at the location, not knowing yet what would become of the sport, or the spot. As the road course was getting used for drifting more often, and the subsequent closure of the NHRA drag strip to build a dedicated drift stadium took place, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park became one of the most desirable locations to drift in the entire country. It’s only fitting that Formula Drift makes its stand here this year - after


all, they’ve been talking about it publicly since SEMA 2019 when we all heard the news. We cannot wait to finally see the Formula Drift action at E-Town! The new drifting stage makes use of the already established grandstands and hotel suites which stand alongside and over top of the former drag strip. Drivers will enter the course under

the hotel suite tunnel between the grandstands, and drift an elongated figure-eight course which extends out from both sides of the dragway lanes. Having the facility’s accommodations already established makes the audience seating a breeze, and gets the audience as up close and personal with the action as ever before.

After we got a tour of the facility, we sat down for a full interview with Michael Napp, owner and operator of Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, to see just how things transformed the way they did. Head on over to PASMAG.com to check out that full interview!

Immediately after the event at Englishtown, Formula Drift packs up and heads for another new venue: Lake Erie Speedway. Located just east of Erie and south of the lake, this banked oval track adds another stop for action on the east side of the states. Lake Erie is a perfect location in a region that Formula DRIFT has never been before. The facility features a beautiful track that has a nighttime option,

and a wide open canvas that allows for a fun and challenging track to be laid out. Like all FD tracks, no seat is a bad one, as there is an auditorium seating situation surrounding a fully paved, banked oval. Green, lush pastures in a small and quiet part of town makes for a perfect dichotomy to a loud and boisterous FD event. Attendees are sure to love the scenery at this new location! PA S M AG .C O M

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READY

ROCK

TO

Vaughn Gittin Jr Secures His Second FD Championship a Decade After the First

STO RY BY ADAM GORDON PH OTOGRAPHY BY LARRY C HE N

First of all, congratulations on the big win. First championship win since 2010 that’s a big deal. How does it all feel now that it’s over? Yeah, it feels amazing. I mean, honestly, I really haven't thought too much about it since it happened, you know, with all the things we have going on. But reflecting on it, it’s something I'm extremely proud about - it's really cool. I didn't even realize at the time, but I’m kinda having some really great luck with the ends of the decades, right? 2010, 2020. It just feels good. And also to get first and second in such a challenging series and challenging sport, I think is just a huge testament to our commitment and the things that we're doing all around

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the board to earn such success. So it definitely feels good. It's always nice to see vision and hard work and commitment earn great results for us and our partners.

After all these years, you’ve solidified yourself as a veteran in the field. How has the competitive field changed in those 10 years between championships? I've been doing FD since 2004 - since the first round. I've only missed one event in 17 years. It's been crazy. The sport has been constantly progressing and challenging more than ever. The builds, the drivers, the talent, what you need to be on a competition weekend; what you need to pull out of yourself time and time

again is, I think, the biggest challenge out there, and frankly is what keeps me coming back year after year. I just enjoy it a lot and I like a mental battle, a physical battle of driver skill, but also the battle with the machine and running these things on the ragged edge, keeping them going - keeping them out of the wall. It's just one of the ultimate forms of challenging yourself that I've found in motorsport. So it's quite surreal that I've been doing it this long. It's for sure given me a tenure, but I think that's just a testament. We haven't changed what we do, or how we approach it. We've been here fighting, and we've had seconds, we've had thirds. First just eluded us. So here we are.


In previous interviews with Forsberg and Deane, they’ve both attributed consistency to their victories. Is there a particular aspect of competition that you focus on to stay consistent? Consistency is really the only way to win championships. I mean, you make one dumb mistake you're out in the top 32. It really, really hurts your chances. So for me, it's really just focusing one battle at a time and focusing on getting through it. I find that results become a side effect of the mindset of: “Hey, I need to go out and be the best that I can during this battle.” And you don't think about winning it. You don't think about losing it. You just do the job that the judges asked, you educate yourself on your opponent and do the best you can to battle them. I find that if you take that approach, you can expect good results unless you do something stupid. But consistency is also related to the team, and the vehicle, and the equipment that you have chosen to run and battle with, because if you have equipment failures - well then you can't be consistent. So it's a lot mental, it’s a lot physical as it relates to our Mustang RTRs. So you need all those things to come together to earn success and consistency.

You mention educating yourself on your opponents before you battle them. Is there anyone out there that you consider a serious rival? I mean, everybody is really, really good. Chelsea and I are teammates, but we're rivals when we're on the track. Forsberg and I are good friends, but when we're on the track, we go back and forth, so he's a big rival. Aasbo - obviously he and I have a long colored history of smashing each other, battling each other, and me running him over. I think without a doubt, in the top guys rivalries just just happen. I don't really think about it as, you know - what happens on track is what happens, and we all want to win and we're all competitive. So for me rivalries are something to talk about, something for fans to talk about, but to me, it's just everyone. Everyone is a competitor and I don't sleep on anybody. Certainly when it seems more and more when I battle people, they end up putting on their best run that they've ever done. So I just assume I have to do it better.

With the new season approaching fast, how is your pre-season prep going? Everything's going good. Being a professional fun-haver and

playing in a lot of different spaces. Right now our Formula D focused team is in FD mode. For me, I won't really start getting into it until testing, which is probably March-ish. I just got back from King of the Hammers racing off road, and I've got quite a few other projects going on. I just kind of dive in and out of my headspaces as needed. Immediately after Irwindale, we had debriefing, we talked about, “Hey, we won a championship. That happened, but it doesn't end.” We don't get lost in that. We just keep moving forward. So we got a plan of adjustments we're going to make. All the cars are really dialed, but with myself and Chelsea behind the wheel, we can always nitpick things that we want to change, or that we didn't get to last year, so those things are being implemented now just to make the cars even better and better to drive and all that. Very soon, you'll be at Road Atlanta for round one, which you know I am super, super pumped about.

Are there any major changes to your car or your team moving into the 2021 season? No. I mean, there were a lot of changes leading into the 2020 season - pretty much a pretty full revamp of the team, and new processes, new things like that. I'm going into 2021 with just some small changes. We're going to make some adjustments to some things we learned on the front end this year. Our motor program and all of our real hardware stuff is really refined and works very well, so the architecture and everything is pretty much going to stay the same. Just a couple of little tweaks to make the car steer a little bit better - ease of driving, you know? In a sport where your PA S M AG .C O M

25


chase runs are dictated by a lead driver that's either extremely good or trying to figure his life out, you need to have that adaptability and adjustability. We're just constantly refining that, but other than that the cars are going to be very similar to what they were last year. Until somebody forces us to take another step. We’re in a really good place - we'll never sit still, we're always making some adjustments. I mentioned that whole reliability thing and we've got a very reliable program, and very reliable components that we use. That's one of those things that you don't fix if it’s not broke, you know?

Is there a driver whose driving style do you most admire on the grid? I have a lot of respect for Chelsea and one of the reasons why he is on my team is that he has a chance to be the best in the world at this sport, given his commitment and his intimate knowledge of it. And, you know, the fact that he drives literally every day at his school. He's the guy. I’ve really been enjoying watching Adam LZ’s come up. I think he's got a lot of natural talent. He's got a good style. Let's see, who else? I mean, obviously James Deane. We'd love to see him back on the grid. It's

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been nice to see Tuerck in a new car and relaxed where he's not like thrashing and getting in the car, but Tuerck’s always had style. The other thing too, I think, has been cool to see JTP (Justin Pawlak) come around. He's always had really good style, he's always been aggressive, he's been a bit slow, but he started to get some speed in the car and he's coupling it with his style, and that's been really cool to see his progression as well. So I think I top three: Chelsea, Adam LZ, and JTP, I think. All of them have great style and very different styles and approaches. They’re very fun to watch.

A big part of your personal brand - and I’m sure, your own enjoyment in this career - is being a professional fun-haver. What’s the key to keeping the fun at the forefront of serious competition when things get tense? For me, being a fun-haver - it's a mindset, right? We all know that there's going to be challenges in anything that you do. It's a glass half full mindset, right? Find the good things in everything, and you'll always have fun every day of your life. That's kind of like what fun-haver means and what that is to me. At a Formula D weekend, there's some

things that aren't fun. You know, it's stressful. It's crazy. You're constantly battling with yourself. It’s those voices in the head that are telling you that you're going to hit the wall - things like that. You just laugh at them and then have fun with them. When you're kind of having that struggle or getting a little bit stressed, you have to acknowledge - I'm sitting in a freaking race car, you know? Like this is fun, quit being an idiot and getting stressed out about it. So for me, it's just mindset and perspective. I choose to be a very happy, love-filled guy, and with that commitment to myself comes the commitment of being grateful. I've worked hard to be here and be doing this, and I need to love every moment of it. You take the good with the bad, you know? It’s drifting - sometimes you might not agree with the calls of judges, or you might not like what somebody did on the track when you were running them, but getting mad about things that happen? It already happened, so what's the point of getting mad? Just find the fun in it. And if you lose, go back to the trailer, and figure out how to be better. Always try to improve. So for me, that's how I approach it, and it's what works for me.

Is there a specific track that you look forward to more than others on the FD circuit? I love Atlanta. I was really bummed to leave Atlanta last year. I love that track. Really fast entries, like a very committed and technical track. I’ve had a ton of success there and it's just a great event overall from a fan perspective and track perspective. I'm really, really looking forward to Englishtown. You know, my first


organized event was at E-town and they've done a really good job of building - I think - one of the world's first purpose-built drifting stadiums. I mean, a drag strip my father used to drag race on back in the day is now turned into drifting, which I think is a huge testament not just to our sport, but a testament to their commitment to the sport. I think that's going to make for some great battles. For the audience, it’s a fan experience that has never been experienced before. I’m super pumped on that one.

Which city on the FD circuit has the best food, and what are some of those foods? So we've got Atlanta - some good barbecue in Atlanta, for sure. I do eat some meat, but recently have gone plant-based because that's been working very well for me. So Atlanta also has good juice and smoothie spots. I know where all the smoothie spots at all stops are. Oh, and Seattle! Seattle's got good food - Indian food, Thai food, and Mexican food - all within reach of our hotel. A lot of good natural places to eat and things like that, which is what speaks to me these days. So I have to say Seattle for the food tip is my favorite. I think Seattle is the one that would surprise most people, and they’ve got great seafood too.

Outside of drifting, I know you and your team stay busy with all sorts of fun stuff. What else have you been doing this past year?

debuted the Mach-E 1400, which was our first EV build, the project between RTR vehicles and Ford Performance. I'm an old IT nerd and I love technology, and I've been watching the electrification space for a long time. It is an honor for Ford to ask us. We ended up building this amazing electric vehicle with Ford Performance. We built it all at our facility here in Charlotte. It’s just a mind blowing car. It really opened my eyes to electric, and what's possible, and what the capabilities are - it’s just incredible. It was an incredible experience. We've been doing some planning on the next things we're going to do with it. I’m also going to be busy with product development and new vehicles. The new Bronco is coming out, we've got constant development of Mustang products, so that's doing really well. And of course, the FunHaver Off-Road team. So that's basically a partnership between myself and Loren Healy that runs out of New Mexico. Really just planning a lot of product development, and races, and activation, and things that we're doing. I've basically taken what I do and have done on road for the past 17 years and kind of brought that over to off-road, which is a space I love. Drifting is a sport that sets you up to be good at anything behind the wheel. I mean, not to be arrogant, but it's the ultimate car control -

and what's car control? It's just weight. Knowing when to go and knowing when to stop, knowing how to move things around. So that translated very well to offroad, and I've become a very good competitor in the Ultra4 series. Over the past five years, I’ve been running with guys that have been doing it for 15 or 20 years. My family and I also moved down to North Carolina from Maryland, you know, we've been in Maryland forever, now we’re in North Carolina. So it's been quite a lot of stuff going on, especially in a really crazy challenging year, but you take that fun-haver mindset, find the best in everything, and focus on the goals and focus on the things you want to come to you. It's all been rocking and rolling. You know, work hard, play hard, and surround yourself with a good team and anything's possible.

Vaughn, thanks very much for your time. We’re all wishing you well for the next season. We hope to see you on the podiums once again! Thank you very much for that. I really appreciate it. If we’re not there, it’s not going to be for lack of effort. I’m very committed to everything I do. We’re all in. We look forward to seeing you out there and hopefully a more normal year. See you out there!

We have quite a few businesses going on. So that and Formula Drift, and then a ton of activation, and extracurricular events, and special projects, and things like that. Last year we PA S M AG .C O M

27


PRO2 CHAMPION:

DMI TRI Y BRUT SKI Y

Formula Drift PRO2’s last champion fills us in on the year behind, and the year ahead. STO RY BY A DAM GO RD O N // PH OTO GRAPH Y BY LARRY C HE N

First of all, congratulations on the big PRO2 win last year. Can you tell us a bit about the experience? Thank you very much. I had a very rough start to the season. I picked up my new car from Essa Autosport about three weeks before the first round. About a week later we had a test day at Englishtown in NJ with my teammate Brian Wadman where I had a catastrophic engine failure. Later we found out one of the valves dropped and locked up the motor. With only one week before we had to hit the road, I decided

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to swap the engine from my Z4 which had almost two seasons on it. I knew the motor was not the healthiest, and wouldn't last a whole season in FD, but with no time to build another one all I wanted was to get through one event. After a few sleepless nights the car was running again and that was a huge relief. Then we moved on to wrap the car, and finished it on the night we loaded it into the trailer. We arrived in St. Louis for our first round and had to finish a few loose ends, pass tech inspection, and were set up and ready for practice.

As soon as practice started my car went into limp mode, and I wasn't able to make a single practice lap. After chasing the problem for two days we finally found the issue which was an ECU failure due to loose ground. Luckily another team had the same ecu and they let us borrow it. 30 minutes before the opening ceremony my car was back to normal. With no practice laps I had nothing to lose - I was happy that I could drive at least a few laps even if I lost my first battle, so I went out and had fun with no pressure. I ended up going all the way to the semi-finals where my engine decided to give up and left me with 4th place for the first round. The car was shipped back to Essa Autosport right from the


How did you get into drifting in the first place? How have things changed for you since you first started?

track for a new engine. For the 2nd round in Seattle I had a fully refreshed car and we took the win. The third round in Texas we had good practice and focused on my leads and very little on my chases and that is what took me out in the Top 8 battle after OMT. Going into the 4th and final round in California I was sitting 2nd in points. The car went to the shop for some more improvements and to be refreshed before the very important round. Irwindale is a very iconic track and has more drifting along the wall than without the wall, and with two banks which suits my driving very well. I had great practice both lead and chase, and was confident to go all the way. In the Top 8 battle during my chase I was pretty

aggressive and didn't expect the lead car to slow down where it did and ran into it which took me out by judges split decision (2-1). By then I had more points in the championship than any other driver, and was crowned a champion for the 2020 Formula Drift PRO2 season. It was a really unique feeling that is hard to explain. Just like every driver who enters the series wants to win the championship I would imagine things in my head and was talking about winning the championship before the season started, but when things started to finally come together it was pretty unbelievable and exciting.

What was the biggest factor in your success in PRO2? The biggest factor for me was to have a solid team who is dedicated and willing to do the impossible, and having MIchael Essa - former champion of Formula Drift - on my team as well.

I always loved cars and racing. I’ve always been very competitive in anything I do. While I was drag racing before drifting, I was dreaming of getting into drifting. One time while I was quading with my friend I was invited to the local drift event in 2015 and after attending one event I was hooked and bought my first drift car a 2001 BMW Z3. In the first season I was just having fun and tried to attend as many events as possible. Only later I found out about competition events and would imagine myself competing one day. A lot has changed since I started and would be too much to list but one thing that remained the same is I'm having fun doing it.

What was the process like when it came to taking things from grassroots and ProAm drifting to the PRO2 grid? Did you notice any major differences? PRO2 is a whole different level of professionalism. From drivers, tracks, exposure, and the pressure. The preparation is on a whole different level. One small mistake will end your weekend where in the grassroots scene those things go unnoticed. Once you come into the Pro level of competition you're under the microscope where all your smallest errors will be noticed. And that was a good thing for me to see where I'm lacking and work on my improvements. PA S M AG .C O M

29


What are some of the partnerships you’ve made that help you stay competitive? How have they helped you? Before I was in any professional competitions I became a very good friend in drifting, and later teammate, with Brian Wadman. Brian was a huge support when I needed and motivation throughout the years. One of my very first official sponsors was ISC Suspension and Essa Autosport. That made me feel legit and confident as I went out for my first ProAm competition. I knew I could always ask Mike any questions, and ISC had my back when I broke some parts.

You’re staying in the PROSPEC competition another year to defend your title. Why is that? There is still a lot to learn for me in this big sport. I think staying in PROSPEC another season will build up my team, my program, and prepare us better for the jump next year.

Will there be any major changes to your car moving forward into the second consecutive season? The car just went through a complete overhaul with a new engine, quick-change, suspension parts, and rebuilt transmission. Now we have spare parts that came off the car in fully working condition in case we need it. This year we are working on a better spare parts list, inspection on the car after each round, and preventive maintenance.

What are you most looking forward to in 2021? As always the first thing is to drive and have fun, and second is to have more podium finishes than last year.

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Is there a track that has become your favorite? What about your least favorite? Why? My favorite tracks are the ones that have walls and banks and that is Seattle and Irwindale. For me, walls serve as a point of reference, and something I can lean on with my bumper and help me hold my line. Irwindale would be my most favorite. The least favorite from last season was probably Texas with this reverse layout. Not sure why though, maybe because I didn't do as well as I wanted and it has no walls. I don't like dirt drops. When it happens to me I feel like I lost the run, and it gets into my head.

What do you think will be the key to standing out for you next year? Most of the drivers after winning a championship in PRO2 make a jump to the Pro Championship, and that's what everyone is expecting from a champion. I think it will be interesting to stay in PRO2 / PROSPEC and try to win another championship. Also clean driving and more podiums will make anyone standout.

Is there anything you want to say to the fans out there? I would like to thank everyone who supports us and the sport in general. Work hard towards your dreams. Never Settle.


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CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

RAD Industries, GEARWRENCH, GT Radial MKIV Toyota Supra

Poulsbo, WA

RAD Industries

@RADDANDRIFT

RAD INDUSTRIES

CAR NO.

34

Santa Ana, CA

CREW

Mark Chance, Andrew Coleman, Renee Burkett, Evgeniy Sher

CAR SPECS TIRES GT Radial ENGINE Toyota HORSEPOWER 1000 HP SUSPENSION Reinharte Coilovers, Wisefab Angle Kit WHEELS RAYS Gram Lights 57CR EXTERIOR RAD Industries Weapon Widebody Kit, JV Auto Body Paint, Montroy Supply, BOSS Printing, Livery By RAD Industries

INTERIOR Sparco SPONSORS GEARWRENCH, GT Radial, Torco, PTP Turbo Blankets, Treadstone Performance, REEZEN Eyewear, Titan Fuel Tanks, Borg Warner, ACT Clutch, RAYS, Radium Engineering, ProEFI, Nitrous Outlet, CP Carrillo, NGK Spark Plugs, Brian Crower, APR Performance, GSC Power Division, HPS Performance, Deatschwerks, ARP Bolts, Supraculture

PA S M AG .C O M

53


: @KONIGWHEELSUSA : @KONIGWHEELSUSA : KONIGWHEELS

COUNTERGRAM

- 18X9.5” ET 25 FRONT - 18X10.5” ET 20 REAR

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HYPERGRAM 15” 16” 17” 18”

MORE FINISHES AVAILABLE WIDTHS UP TO 11”

FOR MORE INFO: KONIGWHEELS.COM


PRO

TRAVIS REEDER #77

PRO

TAYLOR HULL #82

PRO

PRO

ALEC ROBBINS #35

JONATHAN HURST #16

PRO SPEC

PRO SPEC

PRO SPEC

PRO SPEC

KELSEY ROWLINGS #42

DEREK MADISON #27

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BRIAN WADMAN #555

PRO SPEC

NICK NOBACK #54

HEXAFORM 15” 17” 18”

MORE FINISHES AVAILABLE WIDTHS UP TO 10.5”



26

2020 RANK

ALEC

ROBBINS

ALECROBBINSRACING.COM

@ALECROBBINSRACING

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Fasetto 350z

Becker, MN

Alec Robbins Racing

@ALECROBBINSRACING

ALECROBBINSRACING

CAR NO.

35

Becker, MN

CREW

Jake Stanley, Matt Posch, Justin Nylander, Michael Trebby, Zack Crist

CAR SPECS TIRES Federal Tire ENGINE GM HORSEPOWER 800 HP SUSPENSION Fortune Auto, FDF EXTERIOR Crown Carbon Crafting, AutoTrimmers INTERIOR Bridge Moto

SPONSORS Fasetto, SRD (Sandbeck Race Development) , Holley EFI, Magnuson superchargers, Konig Wheels, ACT (Advanced Clutch Technology), LSX Concepts, FDF, Fuelab, Crown Carbon Crafting, Fortune Auto, Auto Trimmers, Radium Engineering, Federal Tire, Ignite race fuel

PA S M AG .C O M

57



16

2020 RANK

DEAN

KEARNEY TEAMKARNAGE.COM

@DEANKARNAGEKEARNEY

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Oracle Lighting Team Karnage Viper

Waterford, Ireland

Team Karnage

@DEANKARNAGE

DEANKARNAGE

CAR NO.

43

Huntington Beach, CA

CREW

Jojo Calos, Tommy Strader, Brandon McDowel, Johnny Knight, Scott Davidson, Courteney Fisher

CAR SPECS TIRES Nexen ENGINE Dodge HORSEPOWER 1300 HP SUSPENSION Fortune Auto WHEELS Kansei EXTERIOR Team Karnage

INTERIOR Sparco SPONSORS Oracle Lighting, Hawk Brakes, Kansei Wheels, Treadstone, Ignite Fuel

PA S M AG .C O M

59


5

WORLD CHAMPION

2009

2020 RANK

WORLD CHAMPION

2014

CHRIS

FORSBERG FORSBERGRACING.COM

@CHRISFORSBERGRACING

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

NOS Energy GT Radial Nissan 370Z

Doylestown, PA

Forsberg Racing

Costa Messa, CA

CREW

Brandon Bolling, Jimmie Caldwell, Darren Rick, Danny Aldahl, Jose Amezcua, Cagle Johnson

CAR SPECS TIRES GT Radial ENGINE Nissan HORSEPOWER 1200 HP SUSPENSION BC Racing WHEELS Rotiform EXTERIOR Nismo body w/ Seibon Carbon panels

60

PA S M AG .C O M

INTERIOR Recaro Seats, Takata Harnesses SPONSORS Nissan, NOS Energy Drink, GT Radial, Rotiform, BC Racing, Recaro, Valvoline, VP Racing Fuel, ASUS Computer

@CHRISFORSBERG64

CAR NO.

64

CHRISFORSBERGRACING

WORLD CHAMPION

2016


19

2020 RANK

TRAVIS

REEDER

TRAVISREEDERMOTORSPORTS.COM

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Travis Reeder Motorsports Link Ecu Bmw M3

Vancouver, WA

@TRAVISREEDERMOTORSPORTS

Travis Reeder Motorsports

@TRAVISREEDER

CAR NO.

77

Vancouver, WA

CREW

Travis, Matt, Ryan, Scotty, Jalen, Jonah, John

CAR SPECS TIRES GT Radial ENGINE Chevrolet HORSEPOWER 1000 HP SUSPENSION Fortune Auto WHEELS Konig EXTERIOR 2f Performance INTERIOR Sparco

SPONSORS Travis Reeder Motorsports, Link Ecu, Gt Radial, Nicalis Inc, Konig, Thompson Motorsports, Radium Engineering, Fortune Auto, Hartsock Motorsports, RTS, Slr Speed, Gundies Auto Wrecking, 2F Performance, Danger Graphics.

PA S M AG .C O M

61


10

2020 RANK

TAYLOR

HULL

TAYLORHULL82.COM

@TAYLORHULL82

@TAYLORHULL82

CAR NO.

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Comp Cams Nexen Tire Asphalt Yellowspeed Racing Anarchy Cadillac ATS-V

Dallas, TX

Senoia, GA

CREW

Tamarah Hull, Nick Gross, David Karey, Ethan Parnell, Tyler Edwards

CAR SPECS TIRES Nexen ENGINE RHS HORSEPOWER 1007 HP SUSPENSION Yellow Speed Racing WHEELS Konig Ampliform EXTERIOR Bodykit by Corypaintslines INTERIOR OMP Racing

62

PA S M AG .C O M

SPONSORS Comp Cams, Yellowspeed USA, Liqui Moly, Edelbrock USA, Fuel Air Spark Technology, Racing Head Service, Konig Wheels, Driveshaft Shop, Advanced Clutch Technology, OMP Racing, Foxy wraps, Affirm Consulting, Chase Graphics, Aloha Green Tea Hawaii, Asphalt Anarchy

82

TAYLOR HULL


2

2020 RANK

CHELSEA

DENOFA

THESCHOOLOFDRIFT.COM

@CHELSEADENOFA

IENJOYDRIFTING

CAR NO.

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

2021 BC Racing Nitto RTR Tire Ford Mustang RTR Motorsports Spec 5-D

Philadelphia, PA

@CHELSEADENOFA

Vancouver, WA

88

CREW

Ray Shake, Tony Clark, Eric Davis, Jason Dixon, Owen Gray, Aaron Carswell, Clay Stephens, Rob Fortier, Jess Albright, Casper van der Schoot

CAR SPECS TIRES Nitto Tire ENGINE Ford Performance/Roush Yates built RY45 455 CID V8, MAHLE internal components, MoTeC M130 ECU, Pennzoil Synthetic Oil and Holley Performance nitrous system HORSEPOWER 1200 HP SUSPENSION BC Racing ZR-Type Custom Coilovers WHEELS Center Line Wheels Vector EXTERIOR RTR Spec 5-D widebody, RTR carbon Kevlar body panels, RTR chin spoiler, RTR spoiler, RTR rocker splitters, RTR grille with integrated lighting, RTR rear diffuser

INTERIOR RECARO seats, SCHROTH Racing harnesses, ASD Motorsports hydraulic handbrake, MoTeC C125 dash display and TYPE S 360 Degree Smart Dash Cam SPONSORS BC Racing, TYPE S, Nitto Tire, Ford Performance, Monster Energy, RTR Vehicles, Pennzoil, K&N, MAHLE, Center Line, ATD, COATS, Fun-Haver, The School of Drift, MBRP, NGK, NTK, VP Racing, Alpinestars, The Driveshaft Shop, Quarter Master, GEARWRENCH, Holley Performance

PA S M AG .C O M

63


30

2020 RANK

YVES

MEYER THEDRIFTFORCE.COM

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Drift Force F22 Eurofighter

Schwyz, Switzerland

Drift Force

Schwyz, Switzerland

CREW

Jürg, Kevin, Marco, Fabian

CAR SPECS TIRES NEXEN Tires ENGINE BMW HORSEPOWER 750 HP SUSPENSION ST Suspensions WHEELS Work Wheels

64

PA S M AG .C O M

SPONSORS Lattesso, ST Suspensions, Drivingcenter Eventseelisberg

@YMEYYVESMEYER

CAR NO.

91

@YMEYER91


28

2020 RANK

KYLE

MOHAN

KYLEMOHANRACING.COM

CAR

KMR / Renewable Lubricants / Mazdatrix RX8

HOMETOWN Long Beach, CA

@KYLEMOHANRACING

TEAM

Kyle Mohan Racing

RESIDENT

@KYLEMOHANRACING

MODRIFT

CAR NO.

99

Long Beach, CA

CREW

Kyle Mohan, Joe Mohan, Cody Rodriguez, Zerek Fewell, Mervyn Radley

CAR SPECS TIRES Federal Tire ENGINE Kyle Mohan Racing 3 Rotor HORSEPOWER 1000 HP SUSPENSION Megan Racing / Wisefab WHEELS XXR 575 EXTERIOR KMR body kit, Wrap Legends graphics INTERIOR KMR

SPONSORS Renewable Lubricants, Mazdatrix, Exedy USA, NGK Spark Plugs, Nitrous Express, Haltech ECU, Zerek Fabrication, Mothers Polish, Wrap Legends, Brave Energy Drink, Precision Turbo, WP Pro Brakes, Evolved Injection, DNA Garage, XXR Wheel, Mishimoto, Hillco Fasteners, Tuned By Nelson S, Billet Inco, WPC Treatment, The Shady Secret, HGT Precision, Megan Racing, PCI Radios, Winmax, EF1 Motorsports

PA S M AG .C O M

65


8

WORLD CHAMPION

2013

2020 RANK

MICHAEL

ESSA

ESSAAUTOSPORT.COM

CAR

FCP Euro Liqui Moly GT Radial BMW M3

HOMETOWN Los Angeles, CA

@MICHAELESSA101

TEAM

Essa Autosport

RESIDENT

Orange County, CA

CREW

Margaritis Katsanidis, Elliot Bares, Eric Conkling, Alan Sisson, Tim Hyung

CAR SPECS TIRES GT Radial ENGINE BMW S54 HORSEPOWER 1000 HP SUSPENSION Bilstein and wisefab WHEELS Enkei EXTERIOR Streetfighter LA widebody INTERIOR Sparco

66

PA S M AG .C O M

SPONSORS FCP Euro, Liqui Moly, Bilstein, Corteco, Wisefab, VAC Motorsports

@MICHAELESSA

CAR NO.

101

MICHAELESSA101


N/A 2020 RANK

FEDERICO

SCERIFFO LOSCERIFFO.COM

FEDERICOSCERIFFO

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

FFF Drifting Department, Ferrari 599 GTB, Fiorella

Milan, Italy

FFF Drifting Department

FEDERICOSCERIFFO17

CAR NO.

117

Milan, Italy

CREW

Simona Veizi, Zack O'Neil, George Grob, Cole Hamilton, Scott Keiser

CAR SPECS TIRES Nexen Tires ENGINE Ferrari HORSEPOWER 1000 HP SUSPENSION FFF Drifting Department WHEELS OZ Racing EXTERIOR FFF Drifting Department

INTERIOR Sparco SPONSORS Nexen Tire, VP Racing Fuel, Progressive Medical Store, Sparco, OZ Racing, AutoTalent, Ebisu Circuit

PA S M AG .C O M

67


11

2020 RANK

TAGUCHI KAZUYA

JERRYYANGRACING.COM

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

UPGARAGE ISR Performance Jerry Yang Racing FRS on GT Radials

Hokkaido, Japan

KAZUYA.TAGUCHI123

UPGARAGE ISR Performance GT Radial Jerry Yang Racing

CAR NO.

123

Los Angeles, CA

CREW

Jerry Yang, Erick Gomez, Dustin Griggs, Aaron Gear, Tommy Phann, Jenny Chang, Ryusei Masui

CAR SPECS TIRES GTRadial ENGINE Nissan VR38DETT HORSEPOWER 1100 HP SUSPENSION YellowSpeedRacing WHEELS weds sports EXTERIOR Pandem Rocket bunny body kit Ver 3.5

68

PA S M AG .C O M

INTERIOR BRIDE Seat SPONSORS UPGARAGE, ISR Performance, GTRadial, Jerry Yang Racing, Enjuku Racing, Yellow Speed Racing, NINJASTYLE

KAZUYA_TAGUCHI123


15

2020 RANK

DYLAN

HUGHES DYLANHUGHES1129

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Royal Purple, GT Radial, BMW e46

Snoqualmie, WA

@DYLANHUGHES129

Dylan Hughes Racing

DYLAN HUGHES

CAR NO.

129

Costa Mesa, CA

CREW

Chris Hughes, Dayton Hughes, Cagle Johnson, Noah McRichardson

CAR SPECS TIRES GT Radial ENGINE Toyota 2JZ HORSEPOWER 950 HP SUSPENSION BC Racing and Parts shop max WHEELS Yokohama Racing RGD2

EXTERIOR Streetfighter LA body kit INTERIOR Recaro automotive Pro racer SPA hans seats SPONSORS Royal Purple, Permatex, Fast Orange, O’Reilly Auto Parts

PA S M AG .C O M

69


You need SPC’s patented adjustable rear control arm to optimize your tire contact by adjusting your camber. Be confident your arm is proven and reliable for the >1,000 pounds of force that it will be loaded with over and over again as you put your Mustang to the test at the track or on the street.

SPC is proud to once again be a sponsor of Papadakis Racing. For over 10 years we have sponsored this amazing winning team and wish them the best of luck in 2021!

For more on SPC’s high quality racing components US Patent No. 10,450,005 • ©2021 Niwot Corp. dba Specialty Products Co.®


4

WORLD CHAMPION

2015

2020 RANK

FREDRIC

AASBO

FREDRICAASBO.COM

@OFFICIALFREDRICAASBO

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

2021 Rockstar Energy Drink Toyota GR Supra

Ski, Norway

Papadakis Racing

@FREDRICAASBO

FREDRIC AASBØ

CAR NO.

151

Ski, Norway & Carlsbad, CA

CREW

Stephan Papadakis, Shawn Hillier, Mario Salguero

CAR SPECS TIRES Nitto Tire ENGINE Toyota B58 HORSEPOWER 1098 HP SUSPENSION RS-R WHEELS Motegi Racing EXTERIOR Livery: Jon Sibal

INTERIOR Papadakis Racing SPONSORS Rockstar Energy Drink, Toyota, TGR, Nitto Tire, AEM Electronics, RS-R, Motegi Racing, CTEK, SPC Performance, BorgWarner, BC, Berk Technology, NitroFill, CSF

PA S M AG .C O M

71


24

2020 RANK

ROME

CHARPENTIER @ROMEDRIFTS

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Garagistic Federal Tire BMW E36

La Costa, CA

Garagistic

@ROMECP

Nicolas Priyono, Daryl Priyono, Carsen Ruger, Tom Charpentier, Alex Klepikov, Nancy Charpentier

CAR SPECS TIRES Federal Tires ENGINE Chevy HORSEPOWER 940 HP SUSPENSION Feal Suspension WHEELS ESR Wheels EXTERIOR Big Duck club INTERIOR NRG

72

PA S M AG .C O M

SPONSORS Garagistic, Federal Tires, NRG , Motul, Feal suspension, Wisefab, Magnuson Superchargers, Comp cams, RHS , Big Duck Club, ACT, Millennium motorsports, Holley EFI, ESR Wheels, Ignite Fuel, Imagine Garage, Andy’s tires, HPS, radium

CAR NO.

171

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

CREW

ROME CP


3

2020 RANK

RYAN

TUERCK RYANTUERCK.COM

@RYANTUERCK

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

2021 Gumout / Nitto Tire / Mobil 1 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Derry, New Hampshire

Papadakis Racing

@RYANTUERCK

RYANTUERCK

CAR NO.

411

Derry, New Hampshire

CREW

Brian Hartsock, Dominic Biro, Nick Byatt

CAR SPECS TIRES Nitto Tire ENGINE Toyota 2AR HORSEPOWER 1000 HP SUSPENSION BC Racing WHEELS Rotiform EXTERIOR Body: Jon Sibal/TRD Livery: Race Service

INTERIOR Papadakis Racing SPONSORS Gumout, Toyota, TRD, Nitto Tire, Mobil 1, Rockstar Energy Drink, Supertech, Rotiform, BC Racing, Permatex, DeatschWerks, Wisefab, RunBC, RaceService

PA S M AG .C O M

73



N/A 2020 RANK

BRANDEN

SORENSEN

SORENSENMOTORSPORTS.COM

@ SORENSENMOTORSPORTS

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

212 Performance Sorensen Motorsports BMW

Las Vegas, NV

Sorensen Motorsports

@BRANDEN_SORENSEN

SORENSENMOTORSPORTS

CAR NO.

513

Las Vegas, NV

CREW

Randy Sorensen, Garett Nikolich, Robbie Irving

CAR SPECS TIRES Nexen tire HORSEPOWER 1000 HP SUSPENSION Custom billet angle kit matched with Feal Suspension WHEELS Kansei EXTERIOR M4 INTERIOR Momo

SPONSORS Rugged Radios, Aim Sports Data, 212 Performance, Momo, Borla Exhaust, Advanced Clutch Technology, Phenix Industries, Magnuson Superchargers, Wilwood Disc Brakes, kansei Wheels

PA S M AG .C O M

75


22

2020 RANK

WATARU

MASUYAMA BUYNOWJAPAN.COM

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

BUY NOW JAPAN SILVIA S15

Yamanashi, Japan

Buy Now Japan

Saitama, Japan

CREW

Byron Gaut, Julio Losh, Alex Lindsay, Alan Newsome, Rasel Rahman

CAR SPECS TIRES NEXEN TIRES ENGINE YAMAHA 2JZ-GTE HORSEPOWER 1000 HP SUSPENSION Feal Suspension WHEELS Rays Gramlights

76

PA S M AG .C O M

EXTERIOR Kazama Auto SPONSORS BUY NOW JAPAN

@BUYNOWJP

STREETBOMB100

CAR NO.

530


N/A 2020 RANK

SIMEN

OLSEN SODRIFTING.NO

SIMENOLSENDRIFTING

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Toyota GR Supra

Hovag, Norway

Simen Olsen Drifting

SIMENOLSENDRIFTING

CAR NO.

707

Hovag, Norway

CREW

Mathias Imenes, Sigurd Steensohm, Stig Berge, Jan Aimar Kostøl, Marius Svarstad, Thorstein Eriksen, Mats Roland, Fredrik Gausland, Stian Lilleskog

CAR SPECS TIRES Federal tires ENGINE Toyota HORSEPOWER 1100 HP SUSPENSION Nitron WHEELS Japan Racing EXTERIOR Streethunters

INTERIOR Atec and Takata SPONSORS Grandal, Grimstad Chiptuning, Race Supply, Boost Racefuel, Romnes arendal, Radium engenering, STREETHUNTER U.S.A, MaxxECU, ToughTools"

PA S M AG .C O M

77


Drift Proven since 2004

am_ @ad

LZ

g64

ber fors

ris

@ch

W

D m a e #t

injectors I pumps I rails regulators I filtration I surge tanks I lines & fittings Learn more at: Deatschwerks.com


6

2020 RANK

ODI

BAKCHIS ODIDRIFT.COM

@ODIDRIFT

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Falken Tires Feal Suspension S15

Kaunas, Lithuania

Bakchis Motorsports

@ODIDRIFT

FEALSUSPENSION

CAR NO.

723

Wrightwood, CA

CREW

Carlos Calderon, Tanner Barchilon, Evan Bogovich, Rolandas Vaitkevicius, Amy Bakchis

CAR SPECS

TIRES Falken Tires ENGINE Texas Speed Race Engine with Vortech supercharger HORSEPOWER 900 HP SUSPENSION Feal Suspension 443 coilover kit with FABS, Swift Springs, Wisefab angle kit WHEELS Kansei KNP EXTERIOR LW Performance carbon kevlar body panels

INTERIOR Cobra seats, Takata harnesses, Monster Service dashboard, RacePak display SPONSORS Falken Tires, Feal Suspension, Lucas Oil, Pedal Commander, Kansei Wheels, Boxo Tools, Advanced Clutch Technology, Texas Speed, Holley EFI, 702Graphics, NOS, Canton Racing Products, Swift Springs, Wisefab, Vortech, Rola, Ignite Race Fuels, DeatchWerks, G&J Aircraft, Radium Engineering, Treadstone Performance, LW Performance

PA S M AG .C O M

79


14

2020 RANK

MATT

FIELD

DRIFTCAVE.COM

@MATTFIELD777

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Falken Tire/Drift Cave Chevrolet Corvette

San Jose, CA

Drift Cave Motorsports

San Jose, CA

CREW

Daniel Tredway, Ry Moore, Santino Staelena, Daniel Chow, Graham Downey, Jei Chang, Brian Creech, Susan Field, Bruce Field

CAR SPECS TIRES Falken Tire ENGINE Texas Speed HORSEPOWER 1060 HP SUSPENSION Parts Shop Max WHEELS Weld EXTERIOR No End Customs painted teal and blue INTERIOR MOMO

80

PA S M AG .C O M

SPONSORS Falken, Borla, Heatwave, Lucas, Link, Vortech, ACT, MAX, Blacktrax, Texas Speed, Boxo, AIM, HMS, Cobra, Schroth, Sparco, C&R, 6XD, RTS, Fuel Safe, Aeromotive, K&N, Nitrous Express, Anderson composites, APR, Wunder, Vibrant, Drive Shaft shop, Ignite race fuel, Wilwood, PBK, No end customs, Winmax, MW Wheels, MOMO

@MATTFIELD777

CAR NO.

777

FRENEMIESDRIFT


9

2020 RANK

JEFF

JONES

JEFFJONESRACING.COM

@JEFFJONESRACING

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Jeff Jones Racing Nissan 370Z on GT Radial Tires

San Fernando Valley, CA

Jeff Jones Racing

@JEFFJONESRACING

JEFFJONESRACING

CAR NO.

818

San Fernando Valley, CA

CREW

Chris Jackson, Christina Jones, Greg Leone, Alfa Ramirez, Geoff Ring

CAR SPECS TIRES GT Radial ENGINE RHS Comp Cams V8 Custom Performance Racing Engines HORSEPOWER 800 HP SUSPENSION Parts Shop Max WHEELS Klutch Wheels EXTERIOR Duraflex Carbon Creations INTERIOR NRG Innovation

SPONSORS GT Radial, Top 1 Oil, Edelbrock, doc, CA Auto Parts, DNA Motoring, Action Clutch, Klutch Wheels, Voodoo Ride, DC Sports, Link ECU, NRG Innovations, Custom Performance Race Engines, Duraflex Carbon Creations, Sikky, Comp Cams, Parts Shop Max, Vinyl Labz, Morimoto, Antigravity Batteries, Jackson Performance

PA S M AG .C O M

81


With over 30 years in performance, DC Sports offers a wide variety of products to get the very best performance out of your vehicle. PERFORMANCE EXHAUST SYSTEMS COLD AIR & SHORT RAM INTAKES SUSPENSION & CHASSIS BRACING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR ACCESSORIES PERFORMANCE HEADERS

KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF, IN STOCK INVENTORY & FAST SHIPPING www.dcsports.com

1-626.968.5147

info@dcsports.com

@dcsportsauto


23

2020 RANK

RYAN

LITTERAL RYAN LITTERAL

@RYANLITTERAL

RYAN LITTERAL

CAR NO.

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Powerstop Brakes S15

Grand Terrace, CA

It's Litt + Powerstop Brakes

909

Reche Canyon, CA

CREW

Kerry Brown, Sergio Flores, Forrest Luster, Andrew Molina, Terry Henderson

CAR SPECS TIRES GT Radial ENGINE Nissan HORSEPOWER 850 HP SUSPENSION Feal 442 + wiseman WHEELS Heritage Wheel- Monaco & The Belfordt EXTERIOR 2Fperformance + 3M vinyl

INTERIOR Sabelt Xpad SPONSORS Powerstop Brakes, GT Radial, DC sports, Vodooride, Fueled by AI, NRG, Haltech, Borg Warner, Heritage Wheel, Wisefab, Feal Suspension, Tial, Sabelt, Bullet Race Engineering, Clutchmasters, Jtown Fab, Derale, Nitrous Outlet, 3m

PA S M AG .C O M

83


N/A 2020 RANK

TRENTON

BEECHUM @TRENTONBEECHUMRACING

CAR

TEAM

HOMETOWN

RESIDENT

Clonex Racing Nexen Tire Ford Mustang

Agoura Hills, CA

Beechum Racing

Agoura Hills, CA

CAR NO.

999

CREW

Kevin, Dusty, Mike, Jon, Robert, Chip

CAR SPECS TIRES Nexen Tire ENGINE Ford HORSEPOWER 720 HP SUSPENSION Feal Coilovers, Scotidi 999 Angle Kit WHEELS Motegi Racing EXTERIOR Street Fighter LA Widebody Kit INTERIOR NRG

84

PA S M AG .C O M

@TRENTON_BEECHUM

SPONSORS Clonex Racing, Nexen Tire, ACT Clutch, Motegi Wheels, NRG Interiors, Feal Suspension, Mishimoto, Thunderbolt Race Fuel, Gforce Transmissions, Wheel Concepts, Wilwood Brakes, ScotiD Race Development, StreetFighterLA


YOUR DRIVE. OUR TECHNOLOGY. ONE UNSTOPPABLE FORCE. Consider a career as a Maintainer or Aviation Mechanic. >Learn more at airforce.com


TRACK MAP

#FDATL | May 7-8, 2021 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

ROUND

86

TRACK TYPE

1

Road Course

YEARS RUN

FIRST EVENT

16

2004

PA S M AG .C O M


TRACK MAP

#FDORL | May 21-22, 2021 Orlando Speedworld, Orlando, FL

ROUNDS

1 2 Primary Stacked

TRACK TYPE

Banked Oval Course

Primary Horizontal

Horizontal Extended

YEARS RUN

FIRST EVENT

5

2015 PA S M AG .C O M

87


TRACK MAP

THE GAUNTLET #FDNJ | June 18-19, 2021

Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Englishtown, NJ

ROUNDS

2 3 Primary Stacked

TRACK TYPE

Drift Stadium

Primary Horizontal

Horizontal Extended

88

YEARS RUN

FIRST EVENT

Inaugural Year

2021

PA S M AG .C O M


TRACK MAP

BORDERLANDS #FDERIE | July 9-10, 2021 Lake Erie Speedway, North East, PA

ROUND

4

TRACK TYPE

Banked Oval Course

YEARS RUN

FIRST EVENT

Inaugural Year

2021 PA S M AG .C O M

89


TRACK MAP

#FDSEA | July 30-31, 2021 Evergreen Speedway, Monroe, WA

ROUND

5

90

TRACK TYPE

Banked Oval Course

YEARS RUN

FIRST EVENT

16

2005

PA S M AG .C O M


TRACK MAP

#FDSTL | August 27-28, 2021 World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, IL

ROUNDS

3 6 Primary Stacked

TRACK TYPE

Infield Road Course

Primary Horizontal

Horizontal Extended

YEARS RUN

FIRST EVENT

3

2018 PA S M AG .C O M

91


TRACK MAP

#FDLB | Sept 17-18, 2021 Downtown Long Beach, CA

ROUND

92

TRACK TYPE

7

Street Course

YEARS RUN

FIRST EVENT

15

2005

PA S M AG .C O M


TRACK MAP

#FDIRW | Oct 22-23, 2021 Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale, CA

ROUNDS

4 8 Primary Stacked

TRACK TYPE

Banked Oval Course

Primary Horizontal

Horizontal Extended

YEARS RUN

FIRST EVENT

17

2004 PA S M AG .C O M

93


HOW TO

CATCH THE

ACTI ON FROM HOME T

he 2021 Formula Drift season will take place at eight different race facilities throughout America over the course of eight months, but the action and entertainment will be available even more frequently than the events themselves. For the main events, all eight rounds will be covered on live stream events broadcasted around the world, which will give viewers worldwide the chance to get up close and personal with the Formula Drift circuit from the comfort of their own homes. In addition to the regular broadcasts, several hours of new digital content will be available throughout the season, available on Formula Drift’s online outlets, including their website, as well as social media channels. If you miss an event, don’t sweat it! The Formula Drift live stream portal will feature archives from the entire season, available for replay almost immediately after the initial broadcast.

94

PA S M AG .C O M


/FormulaDRIFT @formulad @FormulaDrift Formula DRIFT formulad_official

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PA S M AG .C O M

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ORIGINAL

SPOT THE

1 0 DIFFERENCES

P H OTO G RA P H Y BY LARRY CHE N

96

PA S M AG .C O M


PA S M AG .C O M

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ALTERED

CAN YOU SPOT THE 10 DIFFERENCES IN THESE 2 IMAGES?

Send us the 10 CORRECT answers to this puzzle at letters@pasmag.com for a chance to win a PASMAG Fan Pack. Formula Drift 10th Anniversary Photo Book, stickers and some copies of PASMAG


SCHEDULE ROU ND 1

ROU ND 2

ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

SCORCHED

#FDATL MAY 7-8, 2021

#FDORL MAY 21-22, 2021

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

Orlando Speedworld, Orlando, FL Primary Stacked

ROUND.1

ROUND.2 Primary Horizontal

ROUND.1 Horizontal Extended

SHTOW LI G

T

U

ROU ND 3

ROU ND 4

#FDNJ JUNE 18-19, 2021

#FDERIE JULY 9-10, 2021

Old Bridge Township Raceway, Englishtown, NJ

Lake Erie Speedway, North East, PA

THE GAUNTLET N

i

N

• NE 19 • 2 U J

N

J •N G

BORDERLANDS

21 0

Primary Stacked

EN

ROUND.3

ROUND.4 Primary Horizontal

ROUND.2 Horizontal Extended

ROU ND 5 . LOU

N

i

N

G

ST

E

2

02

S

1

ROUND.5

U

2

Evergreen Speedway, Monroe, WA

T

Y • 31

#FDSEA JULY 30-31, 2021

ST

AT T L E

G

202 1

N

i

GU

N

UL

U

U

J

T

CROSSROADS

A

IS

8

W

ROU ND6

THROWDOWN

A

#FDSTL AUGUST 27-28, 2021 World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, IL Primary Stacked

ROUND.6 Primary Horizontal

ROUND.3 Horizontal Extended

ROU ND 7 BEAC NG O

S N

i

N

G

• PT 18 •

U

ROU ND 8

STREETS OF LONG BEACH

E

T

2

0

21

H

A •C

TITLE FIGHT

#FDLB SEPT 17-18, 2021

#FDIRW OCT 22-23, 2021

Downtown Long Beach, CA

L

ROUND.7

Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale, CA Primary Stacked

ROUND.8 Primary Horizontal

ROUND.4 Horizontal Extended

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PA S M AG .C O M




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