The EverythingDrift.comThe EverythingDrift.com staff got the opportunity to do an exclusive interview with “Team X” while out at Irwindale Speedway for the Formula D Finals. We got to get down and dirty with the Team X drivers Tyson Beckford and Tony Brakohiapa.
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San Francisco, CA: Veteran Formula Drift driver Tony Brakohiapa of Top Cover Racing returns with a new Mustang to the 2011 Formula Drift Championship this weekend inLas Vegas,Nevada.
This season Brakohiapa drove his standard Mustang in overseas Formula Drift events inAbu DhabiandQatar, while inCaliforniahis team built a fresh Mustang drift car from absolute scratch. Brakohiapa is looking forward to debuting the new vehicle at the Vegas track, where he had a great result last year and came away with a top 4 finish.
The Mustang touts a unique integration of a 2011 front end with a 2005/09 rear section—a first in a motorsports application. An expected weight reduction of at least 300 lbs from the previous Mustang should make the new car even more competitive. A classic military star has been added to Top Cover’s distinctive Tuskegee Airmen Red-Tail livery.
Many hands brought the rescued 2005 Mustang back from perdition and all are eagerly awaiting its new career just in time for the Drift season’s last two events. The build-team included Sinergy Motorsports, Calfin Fabrication, Jordan Innovations, Gialmas Technical Innovations, Sam’s Autoland, LethalPerformance.com, amongst others.
Brakohiapa has proudly formed a new partnership with HESS Motorsports out of Anaheim Hills, CA. Hess Motorsports is a new high-end, multi-purpose, performance shop with extensive experience in street and racing applications. They provided suspension setup and scaling for the new mustang and will provide pit support for Brakohiapa inLas Vegas.
Brakohiapa would like to thank his sponsors for their continued support this year. Cooper Tire, Glazier Ironworks, Sam’s Autoland, Exedy, Eibach, Enkei, Seibon, Wilwood, Go Pro, Sparco, Anzo USA, Swanson Performance, Realperformancemustangs.com, Drivers Inc. and Shelly Ward Enterprises.
San Francisco, CA: A routine drifting demo in front of a NASCAR and Indy Car crowd turned extra hot for Formula Drift veteran driver Tony Brakohiapa earlier this month.
Brakohiapa’s Mustang was ready to put on a great show at the Texas Motor Speedway after initial engine problems appeared to be resolved. However, Brakohiapa’s car troubles would unexpectedly get worse during the first two-lap exhibition. Just as the Mustang drifted onto the front straight, a weak fuel-line fastener near the fuel filter broke under pressure and sprayed fuel onto the exhaust system.
The sudden loss of power got Brakohiapa’s attention. As he idled his way back to the pits, he looked in his side mirror and noticed the flames. The resulting fire trail then dragged spectacularly behind the car for an impressive 200 feet with flames ultimately enveloping the rear part of the car.
San Francisco, CA: Formula Drift driver Tony Brakohiapa is busy preparing for Formula Drift’s first event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), at the Yas Marina Formula One Circuit. Brakohiapa is honored to join Tanner Foust, Chris Forsberg, and other drivers picked by the Formula Drift organization for the international event scheduled for February 25.
The new Yas Marina Circuit features Formula One, MotoGP, Australian V8 Supercars, etc. Abu Dhabi is one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world and this event should attract a stellar international crowd.
“Clearly the sport of professional drifting has the attention of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, which is committed to delivering a world-class motorsport venue. I am looking forward to being there as part of the Formula Drift team,” said Brakohiapa. Brakohiapa will share his first visit to the UAE with fans via live updates on Facebook and Twitter (@brakohiapa).
Brakohiapa, Formula Drift’s 2009 top privateer, is well prepared after coming off a busy 2010 schedule. Highlights include a top 4 finish in Las Vegas for Formula D, running in Ken Block’s first professional Gymkhana event and being a featured guest on the online TV show SGNL to review Sony Electronics’ new Gran Turismo 5 video game.
Brakohiapa would like to thank his sponsors for all their support. Specifically Mark Skorka of Sinergy Motorsports, Upland, CA, for preparing Brakohiapa’s Mustang and Cooper Tires for supplying tires for this special event. Other sponsors include Glazier Ironworks, Sam’s Autoland, Barn Style Performance, ToiBoy Productions, Exedy, Eibach, Enkei, Seibon, Go Pro, Sparco, and Realperformancemustangs.com.
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
