FONTANA, CA– Team Falken’s road to a consecutive Formula Drift championship continues as it five team drivers prepare to “Invade” Palm Beach International Raceway for Round 3 of the 2011 Formula Drift tour, June 3-4. The tire manufacturer’s hot streak shows no sign of cooling as team drivers Daijiro “Dai” Yoshihara and Justin Pawlak have taken the first two rounds at Road Atlanta and Long Beach, respectively.
They will be joined by defending Formula Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin, Jr., and his Monster Energy/Falken Tire 2011 Ford Mustang, along with teammates Tyler McQuarrie and Darren McNamara, to compete for best of class on the hot tarmac of Palm Beach, formerly Moroso Motorsports Park. A number of Falken privateers including veteran Ross Petty also are expected. All Falken drivers run on the company’s DOT-approved Azenis RT615K tire.
“We are looking forward to visiting South Florida for the first time as part of the Formula Drift series,” said Jonathon Bradford, Falken’s Drift motorsports manager. “This is a new track for all of us and the Formula D staff has declared the new track layout will ‘level the playing field.’ I’m confident we’ll continue to stake our claim on the top podium.”
“Each year as Formula Drift grows, we see more participants, more companies and more tracks who all want to be a part of this exciting motorsports program,” stated Nick Fousekis, Falken’s Director of Motorsports Marketing and Events. “It’s great to compete at Palm Beach International Raceway which has such a rich heritage in racing. It will be a great event and most importantly, allow Team Falken to show its skills and technology to a new audience.”
Throughout the two-day event, Falken’s comprehensive Formula Drift marketing program, highlighted by the company’s group of Spokesmodels, will give away special prizes at the team’s display and activation area inside the paddock. Additionally, guests of Falken will enjoy the company’s highly regarded hospitality area.
Qualifying will run from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, and the Main Competition begins at 4:00 p.m. Eastern on Saturday. Overall standings after two rounds place Yoshihara in first, followed by Pawlak in second, McNamara in fourth, McQuarrie 8th, Petty 18th and Gittin 21st.
To learn more about the Falken Tire Drift Team visit www.wegetyougoing.com