It’s the eve of one of the most smoked-out battles to take place at SpeedCity’s circuit with the Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2012 Series ready to burn some rubber this weekend (19th -20th May 2012), much to the delight of drift fans that get to watch the entire battle from different angles, instead of just a meagre section of a race track.
<!--more-->In participation of the 1st leg taking place in Malaysia, followed by Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia; 28 drifters are in town to prepare for their competition that requires a lot of mental clarity, a different set of skills and most importantly, the yearning sensation to have copious amounts of side-ways fun!
This year, the Asian Formula Drift Series welcomes Andy Yen (Official Formula Drift USA Judge), Daijiro Yoshihara (Official Formula Drift Asia Judge and Formula Drift USA Pro Champion Driver) and Benjamin Khoo (Official Formula Drift Asia Judge) as the 3 main judges who will provide the final say.
The new venue at SpeedCity provides a welcomed delight by Drifters, moving away from the non-tarmac location at Merdeka Square (2010-2011) that lacked width; limiting the ability to provide greater variations to the track’s lay-out. More importantly, it now allows drifting to take place on a more familiar surface – tarmac.
This year, 12 Malaysians will be vying for the top positions out of a total of 28 drifters from within the region, including the one and only white-boy Aussie: Josh Boettcher (www.joshboettcher.com.au).
Out of our 12 Malaysian Drifters taking part this year, much to the delight of local fans, a certain Tengku Djan Ley is back and is looking to reclaim the title from last year’s champion; Japanese Drifter - Daigo Saito, who battled for the top spot against fellow countryman – Manabu ‘Max’ Orido.
This year happens to mark the beginning of something new. A new segment comes to light with the introduction of the 36BOL Nations Cup which focuses on teamwork and coordination where a pair of drivers from each country puts together the two best tandem runs in unison, unlike the more traditional tandem battles.
“There’s always rivalry between drivers because we want to do our best against each other. That said, the 36BOL Nations Cup is a wonderful concept and we want to show how great teamwork and solidarity can bring Malaysian drivers and fans together. It will also give fans an entertaining new spin to the sport, much like an Olympic sport like synchronised diving or swimming.” Said Tengku Djan.
Also back from last year will be one of Malaysia’s young veterans, Mervyn Nakamura, who has been consistently participating in drift series throughout the region and the country, a definite force to be rekoned with. Mervyn returns this year with his ISC sponsored RX-7 from last year's Formula Drift and is ready for some serious sideways action. Last year, Mervyn managed a respectable 6th place qualification and we’re all hopeful he’ll be able to claim a carbon fibre trophy this year.
To all our Malaysia Drifters taking part in this year's Formula Drift series, we wish you all the best!
Achilles Formula Drift 2012 - 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
If you want tickets or information about them you may either click on the link – www.ticketpro.com.my or call their hotline on +603-7880 7999.
For more information, log on to the official Formula Drift Website www.formuladriftasia.com.
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