Newport Coast, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2011) — There’s not much that two-time Formula DRIFT (FD) champion Samuel Hübinette hasn’t accomplished in his career. The man known as the “Crazy Swede” has the most career wins of any FD driver, but victory has eluded him at the most prestigious venue on the FD circuit — legendary Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway, also known as the “House of Drift.” Hübinette will look to end that drought at Irwindale with a victory in the 2011 FD season finale, scheduled for Oct. 7–8.
Hübinette has earned a number of podium finishes at Irwindale, including one to clinch the 2006 FD championship. The Dodge Motorsports BFGoodrich Dodge Challenger pilot and his Samuel Hübinette Racing (SHR) driver and teammate, Dean Kearney, who will once again take the wheel of the V-LEDS Dodge Viper SRT10, are poised for strong runs in the Irwindale field.
“The SHR team has grown a lot this year, and we have gained a lot of important experience working together,” said Hübinette, who is in his second year as a team owner. “We are improving at each event, and a successful outing at Irwindale would provide the SHR organization with a significant boost heading into the 2012 campaign.”
Hübinette has done double duty in 2011, also competing in the PRO Light Class in the Traxxas TORC Series. In his rookie season of off-road action the native of Sweden has shined, claiming three wins with one event remaining. Despite his hectic racing schedule, Hübinette will have no trouble switching focus from the off-road to the drift course at Irwindale..
“It’s always been on my ‘bucket list’ to get a victory at Irwindale,” said Hübinette. “It’s regarded by many as the place where drifting was born in the U.S. The stands are always packed and the fans there are extremely knowledgeable — and extremely loud. A first victory there would mean so much to me, and it would be an unbelievable way to cap our 2011 season.”
Hübinette will also see action in his Dodge Drift Cab, a specially built Dodge Charger SRT8 powered by a Mopar HEMI. Hübinette will provide thrill-rides in the four seat beast for his sponsors and media on Thursday, Oct. 6 during practice for the Irwindale event.
“The Dodge Drift Cab is just pure fun,” said Hübinette. “It gives the uninitiated a first- hand experience in the sideways world of drifting, sliding full speed around the drift course with the tires screaming and the rubber burning. It’s pure excitement and the ride of a lifetime.”.
Round 7: Title Fight is scheduled for Oct. 7–8 at Irwindale Speedway. For more information on the Formula DRIFT Series, including ticket info, visit www.formulad.com.