Dominican Republic-based driver set to make Formula Drift debut this weekend in Long Beach
April 5, 2012 (Los Angeles, Calif.) – For a guy who has only been to the United States once before, Jhonnattan Castro has had a steep learning curve to conquer so far – and this weekend, he will jump into the Formula Drift Pro Championship for the first time at one of its most daunting tracks.
While Castro first visited Southern California from his native Dominican Republic a few weeks ago to finalize the deals that enabled him to compete in Formula Drift, his second trip has been dedicated to testing the Banco Progresso / City Tire Nissan 350Z that he will drive this year. Castro, three times a champion in the Brokers Dominican Drift Series, is extremely familiar with the 350Z platform but is focused on being as prepared as possible for Long Beach.
“I learned from the first time I got in the car that it is a great car,” said Castro. “I felt very comfortable in the car right away. We had some problems with the car at the beginning of testing, but the team worked through them and made the car so great to drive. The grip from the Hankook Tires is amazing. It is a great feeling to have a strong car and strong team behind me this year, and I know we are going to have some very good results.”
Castro will be part of the largest rookie class in Formula Drift history since the season’s inaugural season, with nineteen rookies making up a large part of the fifty-three car field. It adds another element to what will no doubt be a challenging weekend for Castro.
“The reason I want to be competing in Formula Drift is because the level of competition is so high, it’s the best in the world,” said Castro. “Not only are the Formula Drift drivers incredibly talented, but even the rookies are really strong and many have won competitions and championships already. It means we will have to be very good at every event to have a shot at Rookie of the Year, but with all of our support I think we’ll be able to put together a good effort.”
As the first native South American driver to mount a full-season challenge in Formula Drift, Castro will also enjoy the support of thousands of fans in the Dominican Republic who have instantly become followers for Formula Drift.
“I know there are a lot of people who will be watching the LiveStream at home, partying and having a good time,” said Castro. “That’s what it’s all about, I want people in the Dominican Republic and all of South America to discover Formula Drift and how great it is.”
The Livestream of Formula Drift’s top-32 qualifying will begin on Friday, April 6 at 12:00 PM PST, while Saturday’s top-32 competition begins on Saturday, April 7 at 11:00 AM PST.
About Jhonnattan Castro
The first South American driver to compete full time in the Formula Drift Pro Championship, Castro competes with support from Banco del Progreso, Metaldom and City Tire Online. To learn more about Jhonnattan Castro, visit jcastroracing.com, and follow him on twitter (@jcastroracing).