Note – All Formula Drift staff is in Red Bull-branded shirts.
Thanks for a great 5th season – All fans, drivers, crew, etc…
5-10% increase in attendance. 20% increase in seattle, sold out event at Irwindale – irwindale is still largest Drifting event US.
New Exposure – 1000 media from 200 outlets thru the season. 08 season on Speed and Rush HD with many re-airs, 07 season on ESPN classic.
International – Formula Drift Singapore – 11,000 presale tickets + TV show. Formula Drift Mexico was most drifters South of the Border ever.
Competition – Rhys Millen.- broke his back, missed first event, still finished 3rd overall. Foust won 2 events, first back-to-back champion.
2009 Highlights – New cars (Sam Hubinette/JR, etc…) – New Schedule – sticking with 7 events to not overstretch the sponsors. Apr 10-11 Long Beach, May 8-9 Atl, June 19-20 NJ, July LV, Aug Seattle, Sept Sonoma, Oct Irwindale. Same schedule, tried and true tracks. Doors will be open to the public at all events. ProAm will be included at select events – help sponsors scout talent, help drivers integrate into pro events. International – talking with Singapore and Mexico promotors, building those events, but the championship will be first priority. Will continue to partner with other leagues to adopt rulebook and bring community together.
Big Announcement – Need for Speed + Formula Drift = Big event in UK, Top Formula Drift teams will be invited. Need for Speed Live. Promo video being shown. Drifting + Time Attack.
Red Bull Drifting World Championships – Secret location in port of Long Beach. 32 drivers from 12 countries, 16 past and current champions. 32 car head-to-head. Redbull Air team for opening ceremonies, crooked x “band” at halftime, helicoptor cams, proam nationals will be there as well. Parade of cars thurs night from port to downtown long beach for draw party at Smooths – blocking off part of Pine ave. Title sponsor is red bull, cosponsor is scion, other sponsors listed, thanks to all sponsors!! All 32 drivers listed – Marcos Santos is listed as 2nd from Canada, not Freddy Girrard who is the 08 champ. Track layout is being shown, team is already at the location setting up catch fencing. Full schedule is listed, proam practice and qualifying friday, sat morning is proam comp, autograph signing, qualifying session – all 32 make it in to figure out pairings. Sun is main competition day with quick halftime show. Largest cash purse in drifting history – 25k, 15k, 10k for top 3 places.
Video teaser for the event is played.
That’s all folks!!
