Shah Alam, 27 May, 2010 – Goodyear Malaysia today announced that it will be organizing the country’s first International Drift Series. Goodyear’s ongoing commitment to raising and nurturing talent within the drift community was first established back in December 2007 through the Goodyear Speedfest in Bukit Jalil. A highpoint for Goodyear as it marked their return into the world of motorsports in Malaysia.

Local as well as some international drifters will be making their way to this action packed event, set to kick off on June 12 and 13 at Precinct 3, Putrajaya. Spectators can expect a high-octane experience as participants take to the course two-at-at-time, often only inches apart featuring nail-biting power slides along a series of tight corners as powerful engines roar and tires slide with skilled precision.

“Following the success of our sponsorship with the Formula Drift ASIA Series in 2008 and 2009, Goodyear is proud to embark on further developing drift in the region by organizing its very own international drift series in both Malaysia and Thailand for drifters who aspire to move into the professional ranks of the Formula Drift Pro series. We aim to see some 40 drivers participating in the first leg of the Goodyear International Drift Series,” said Nasution Abdul Rahman, Managing Director, Goodyear Malaysia.

The Goodyear International Drift Series is supported as a Formula Drift Asia Pro-Am affiliate and is the official platform for aspiring drifters to participate in the 2011 Formula Drift Asia Pro series. It also supports the government’s initiative to nurture local budding talent and in playing a role in the Ministry Youth and Sports (KBS) program – 1 Belia 1 Malaysia. Activities such as the recently concluded KBS Goodyear Drift Challenge 2010 and the Goodyear International Drift Series raise the bar in cultivating grass root skills among young talent in the field of motorsports.

“It is indeed heartening to note that activities such as the KBS Goodyear Drift Challenge 2010 and the Goodyear International Drift Series are being supported by the private sector. Indeed it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we nurture and mould our youths so that they grow up to possess positive qualities that will benefit not only themselves but also the nation as a whole,” said Engku Azman Sayed Mohd, Assistant Director, Sports Development Division, Ministry of Youth and Sports. “We have seen the sport of drift in Malaysia grow from strength to strength and we are pleased to see that Goodyear Malaysia has had such a positive impact on the Malaysian community. We are confident that the Goodyear International Drift Series will continue to promote even greater interest in local sports in 2010.”

Beginning 2011, drifters who do not already have an official Formula Drift Pro license will be unable to compete at Formula Drift Asia events. The Goodyear International Drift Series changes the dynamics as drivers who achieve top 15 placements at the end of the Series will be awarded official Formula Drift Pro licenses allowing them to compete in Formula Drift Asia competitions.

“As the professional championship field of drivers gets more competitive, the grassroots level of drivers will do so as well. In order to provide a positive environment for learning, progression and competition at the local and regional level, Formula Drift has adopted the Goodyear International Drift Series as a pro-am affiliate in Malaysia and Thailand. Through this network, regional competitions are also created, resulting in a ladder system for drivers to gain the coveted Formula Drift Asia Pro License,” said Marcus Lim, General Manager of Drift Pac, the technical consultant of Formula Drift Asia in charge of the track layout, safety regulations and judging.

The Goodyear International Drift Series will adopt Formula Drift rules and regulations, and judging for the opening leg will be supervised by Formula Drift USA judge, Andy Yen, along with three other judges from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

During the event, Nasution announced that Team Goodyear Malaysia will be also be participating in the event, represented by Ariff Johanis Ahmad, Michael Gan, Hanizam bin Hamzah and Azrina Jane Abdullah. He also added that another Team Goodyear drifter from New Zealand – Daniel “Fanga Dan” Woolhouse will also be competing.

Woolhouse, the former D1 New Zealand champion is set to wow the crowd as he pushes his RB26DETT-powered Holden Commodore to the extreme while maintaining impeccable control and precision – all while using Goodyear’s renowned ultra high performance tire – the Eagle F1 Asymmetric tires.

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric tire’s cornering ability plays a vital role in drifting due to its proprietary CornerGrip technology, developed to increase the contact area between the tire and the road. This distributes a more even pressure across the width of the tires’ tread patch, resulting in better control – especially when it comes to tight corners.

“Goodyear has had a rich, 100-year long legacy in racing as the leading brand of performance tires. This strong heritage and experience in innovation and technology that we have garnered for over a century is translated into performance tires that are used on the road, every day,” said Nasution.