DIRECTV To Debut First Formula DRIFT Program in 3D

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Long Beach, Calif. – Jan. 27, 2011 – DIRECTV is bringing the race track into the living room with the exclusive 3D broadcast of Formula DRIFT’s “Round 7: Title Fight Event” on DIRECTV’s 3D channel, n3D, powered by Panasonic, channel 103. Beginning Friday, Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, DIRECTV customers will have access to two, one-hour specials, which will offer extensive race coverage, behind the scenes footage and exclusive interviews, all in 3D.

Produced by DIRECTV and Formula DRIFT, the 3D special will follow the heated action surrounding the final event of Formula DRIFT’s 2010 season, which was held at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, Calif., last October. The footage will include:

• Complete coverage of the “Title Fight” season finale, including the final battle between two-time Formula DRIFT champion Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin.
• Exclusive interviews with Formula DRIFT pro drivers.
• Drifting tips by pro drivers, including Tanner Foust
• Behind the scenes with Formula DRIFT owners Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage.
• Coverage of off-the-track action including fans, vendors, import models and more.

“Watching Formula DRIFT’s championship series at home in 3D will make every counter steer, plume of smoke and wreck feel like it is happening in the middle of your living room,” said Chris Long, senior vice president, Entertainment, DIRECTV. “Our 3D technology enables us to take what is already an exciting event and make it even more compelling for viewers to experience at home.”

“This was a very ambitious project given that it is the first of its kind for the sport of drifting and also taking into consideration the sheer nature of 3D filming and the nature and physics of the sport,” said Ryan Sage, vice-president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “DIRECTV came in and really nailed it. Viewing Formula DRIFT in 3D is probably one of the most visceral and exciting things to view in the 3D genre right now.”

Formula DRIFT Announces 2011 Pro Championship Schedule

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Formula DRIFT Announces 2011 Pro Championship Schedule;
Palm Beach International Raceway Added to List of Venues

Long Beach, Calif. – January 20, 2011 – Formula DRIFT has announced the official 2011 Pro Championship Schedule of Events. Palm Beach International Raceway has been added to the list of venues and will host Round 3 on June 3-4, 2011.

“Formula DRIFT consistently pushes to grow the sport of drifting and entering our eighth year as a professional series we are proud of where we have been able to take the sport,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “We are fortunate to work with the top venues for motorsports in the nation and provide quality entertainment to fans across the country.”

The 2011 Formula DRIFT Season Schedule

Round 1 – Streets of Long Beach – Long Beach, CA – April 8-9
Round 2 – Road to the Championship – Road Atlanta – Atlanta, GA – May 6-7
Round 3 – Invasion – Palm Beach International Raceway – Palm Beach, FL – June 3-4
Round 4 – The Gauntlet – Wall Speedway – Wall, NJ – June 17-18
Round 5 – Throwdown – Evergreen Speedway – Monroe, WA – July 22-23
Round 6 – After Dark – Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV – August 26-27
Round 7 – Title Fight – Toyota Speedway at Irwindale – Irwindale, CA – October 7-8

For the first time in several seasons Formula DRIFT has added a new venue and will visit South Florida at Palm Beach International Raceway in West Palm Beach. The newly remodeled facility features multiple state of the art tracks. Formula DRIFT will utilize the road course to create a unique drifting course that is to Formula DRIFT standards.

“I have been to the track since the new face-lift and it is truly a remarkable facility,” stated Ryan Sage, vice president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “From the course expansions, tarmac condition, lighting and the fact that it is situated in South Florida. Palm Beach International Raceway will be a great addition to the Series.”

The Formula DRIFT season begins on April 8-9, 2011 with Round 1: Streets of Long Beach in Downtown Long Beach, CA. Tickets will be available for purchase online through the Formula DRIFT website. A new website will be launched in the coming weeks. For information on when tickets go on-sale visit: www.formuladrift.com

Formula DRIFT Announces Official Driver List for Inaugural Formula DRIFT UAE Invitational Competition

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Long Beach, Calif. – January 19, 2011 – Formula DRIFT has announced the official entry list for the Inaugural Formula Drift UAE Invitational Competition at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on February 25, 2011.

A diverse selection of the top drivers from around the globe will showcase world-class drifting to the Middle East. The official roster of drivers include: past Scandinavian champion, Fredric Aasbo, 2009 Formula DRIFT champion, Chris Forsberg, 2-time Formula DRIFT champion and 3-time X-Games Gold Medalist Tanner Foust, top ranking driver, Ryan Tuerck, past New Zealand champion and Formula DRIFT USA & Asia competitor, Mike Whiddett, Formula DRIFT veteran Daijiro Yoshihara and Formula Drift regulars Ken Gushi, and Michael Essa along with Tony Brakohiapa as the alternate driver.

“Formula DRIFT is dedicated to providing the best drifting action to fans everywhere,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “We are proud to showcase the best drivers from around the world to an international audience in Abu Dhabi at what is probably the most spectacular racing facility in the world.”

In addition, the event will be streaming live via the DriftStream on www.formuladrift.com. Fans will be able to catch all of the exciting action from the comfort of their own home. The live stream will air on February 25, 2011. For broadcast times visit the Formula DRIFT website .

For those that are interested in attending the live event, online tickets will go on-sale soon and can be purchased through this link – Event Tickets Tickets can also be purchased through the Yas Marina Call Centre at: 800-YAS-(927) or international number at +971 (0) 2 446 0384, which is open 7 days a week from 9 AM – 6 PM, local time. Tickets can be purchased directly at the Yas Marina Circuit at the East and West Entrance Gate Welcome Centre, Yas Hotel, and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit Kiosk. In addition, tickets may also be purchased at select Virgin Megastores within the UAE beginning January 25, 2011.

As the premier professional drifting championship in the world, Formula DRIFT has helped modernize and globalize drifting, bringing it to places like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Panama, Mexico and now, the United Arab Emirates. For more information visit: www.formuladrift.com