The Formula Drift Series is returning this year for a four leg campaign across Asia with the Achilles Asian Drift Series, organised by ESPN STAR Sports Event Management Group, touching our shores first!
Last year’s event attracted more than 24,000 spectators throughout the Asian legs for 2011 and this year, the organisers are looking to make this year’s event bigger and better with a new venue and consequently a new course.
Malaysia’s event will be held over the weekend of 19th – 20th May 2012 at Speedcity, Selangor Turf Club, Kuala Lumpur, followed by Singapore in June at the Changi Exhibition Centre. Thailand’s event will be held in September with Indonesia hosting the season finale in November and boh venues wil be confirmed at a later date.
Last year’s Achilles Asian Drift Series Champion, Daigo Saito from Achilles Radial, will return to try and retain his crown from after having made his mark at Formula Drift USA at Long Beach, California with his third-place finish.
This year, though, Malaysia’s very own Prince of Drift – Tengku Djan Ley, who was the inaugural Formula Drift Asian champion in 2010, is making his comeback this year and will look to re-ignite his rivalry with Daigo Saito and Thailand’s Saranon Pornpatanarak from Team Overdrive.
Manabu ‘Max’ Orido, D1GP driver and Japanese GT Championship winner, is also keen to get the season started as he just missed out on being last year’s Achilles Asian Drift Series champion, loosing out to Daigo Saito by a few points. Orido made famous the Toyota Supra as a drift machine, an uncommon feature in the formula drifting scene. Formula Drift USA stars Ken Gushi and Robbie Nishida will also be returning for the 2012 season and will have one eye of the podium as they compete in both the USA and Asia series.
“Drifting is the fastest growing motorsport event in Asia, which can be seen by rising interest and turnout at our events over the years. We have seen it grow from strength to strength and it affirms our confidence that drifting will climb to another level this year in Asia. ESS wants to further engage the grassroots, reaching out to drifting communities around the region and showcasing the best motorsport talents Asia has to offer,” says Davis Harvey, Vice President, ESPN STAR Sports, Event Management.
With the popularity of the sport on the rise, this year sees the return of title sponsor PT. Multistrada Arah Sarana, Tbk (PT MASA), tyre manufacturers of Achilles Radial and Corsa Motorcycle Tyres. Formula Drift Asia 2012 is organized by ESS and title sponsored by Achilles Radial. In addition, Canon will join the event as a regional sponsor. STAR Sports is the official broadcaster and the coverage will be aired across its networks, covering 24 countries to a cumulative reach of more than 300 million viewers in Asia.
Judged on speed, style and execution, this year’s campaign would comprise more than 30 contenders across Asia Pacific including Indonesia and Australia. Drifting is a high-skill motorsport with an emphasis on control in high speed. A typical competition will include two cars sliding sideways at marked bends. With roots in Japan, it was brought to the world’s attention and exploded in popularity among fans of traditional racing and extreme motorsports.
The panel of judges include Andy Yen, one of the original Formula Drift judges and Daijiro Yoshihara, a Pro Championship driver who was the overall USA Champion for 2011. Jarod DeAnda, the “voice” of Formula Drift will once again be providing colour commentary at each event.
MALAYSIA
Dates: 19 – 20 May 2012
Venue: Speedcity, Selangor Turf Club, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 10.00am to 6.00pm
Tickets: (Pre-sale) Grandstand: RM $128, Walkabout: RM$28
(Event Day) Grandstand: RM $150, Walkabout: RM$35
Tickets are available from 27th April 2012 via www.ticketpro.com.my or by calling +603 7880 7999
SINGAPORE
Dates: 30 June – 1 July 2012
Venue: Changi Exhibition Centre
Time: 10.00am to 6.00pm
Tickets: (Pre-sale) Grandstand: SGD $55, Walkabout SGD$25
(Event Day) Grandstand: SGD $60, Walkabout SGD$35
Tickets are available via www.sistic.com.sg or by calling +65 6348 5555
Details for the Thailand leg and the grand final in Indonesia will be announced soon.
For more information go to www.formuladriftasia.com
