Long Beach, Calif. – June 6, 2011 – Formula DRIFT entered Florida for the first time for Round 3: Invasion at Palm Beach International Raceway. Justin Pawlak takes the victory in the Falken Tires Ford Mustang and regains the lead in the Pro Championship standings.
Round 3: Invasion brought the Formula DRIFT Pro Championship to Florida for the first time in the eight seasons of competition. The action packed weekend showcased the best drifters in the world at a new venue. The new course was technical and fast giving the drivers a challenge to adjust to.
“The demand to bring Formula DRIFT from drifting fans to the state of Florida were heard loud and clear,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “We are confident that Formula DRIFT exceeded all expectations by showcasing the level of professional drifting competition never seen in the region before and hope we can make this a regular championship stop.” The action on track saw the top 4 qualifiers make it into the Final 4 of the competition. Number one qualifier Chris Forsberg in the NOS Energy Drink Nissan 370Z battled number 2 qualifier Darren McNamara in the Falken Tire Saturn Sky in the consolation round. McNamara beat Forsberg to take third place in the event and also solidify a team Falken Tire sweep on the podium. The final battle was a battle of the Mustang with Falken Tire teammates Justin Pawlak in the Falken Ford Mustang and Vaughn Gittin, Jr. in the Monster Energy / Falken Ford Mustang. Pawlak edged out his teammate for his second victory of the season regaining the lead in the pro championship point standings. “It feels unreal,” exclaimed Justin Pawak, winner of Round 3. “I knew I had a good chance to win despite a tough ladder of competition, but we brought it home and we are back on top!” The Formula DRIFT Championship continues later this month for Round 4: The Gauntlet at Wall Speedway in New Jersey on June 17-18. Tickets are available to purchase online. For more information visit: www.formuladrift.com
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Formula DRIFT Professional Championship 2011 Point Standings after 3 Rounds
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1. Pawlak, Justin
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Falken Tire Ford Mustang
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272 Points
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2. McNamara, Darren
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Falken Tire Pontiac Saturn Sky
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236 Points
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3. Yoshihara, Daijiro
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Discount Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13
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220 Points
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4. Forsberg, Chris
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NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z
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215 Points
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5. Powers, Matt
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Need for Speed Nissan S14
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212.25 Points
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6. McQuarrie, Tyler
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Falken Tire Nissan 350Z
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179 Points
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7. Tuerck, Ryan
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Gardella Racing / Mobil 1 Chevrolet Camaro
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176 Points
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8. Grunewald, Conrad
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Hankook Tire Chevy Camaro
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166 Points
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9. Yoshioka, Toshiki
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Retaks Nissan S13
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159.25 Points
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10. Gittin, Vaughn
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Monster Energy / Falken Ford Mustang
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157 Points
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11. Mohan, Kyle
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Nexen Tire / Mazdatrix Mazda RX-8
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149.50 Points
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12. Aasbo, Fredric
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Need for Speed / Hankook Scion TC
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144.50 Points
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13. Wilkerson, Walker
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Fatlace / Intec Racing Nissan 240
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135.75 Points
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14. Waldin, Matt
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Helix Energy Drink Nissan 350Z
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134.50 Points
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15. Millen, Rhys
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Red Bull / Hankook Hyundai Genesis
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130 Points
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16. Russakoff, John
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Megan Racing / Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla
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119.50 Points
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Round Invasion Event Results
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1. Pawlak, Justin
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Falken Tire Ford Mustang
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Winner
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2. Gittin, Vaughn
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Monster Energy / Falken Ford Mustang
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Second
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3. McNamara, Darren
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Falken Tire Saturn Sky
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Third
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Tires.com Triple Crown (after 1 of 3 events)
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1. Yoshihara, Daijiro
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Discount Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13
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106 Points
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2. McNamara, Darren
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Falken Tire Saturn Sky
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90 Points
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3. Yoshioka, Toshiki
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Retaks Nissan S13
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79 Points
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ABOUT FORMULA DRIFT Entering its eighth season, Formula DRIFT is recognized as the North American professional drifting championship. Established on the streets of Japan, drifting has evolved into a worldwide competitive sport that challenges each driver's driving ability and vehicle control. Formula DRIFT provides a forum for professional drifters to compete in 7 events nationwide for the coveted Formula DRIFT Championship crown. As the first official series in North America, Formula DRIFT has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme, attracting fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life and establishes itself as the world-wide leader for the Sport. For a competition schedule and ticket information, visit: www.formuladrift.com. Formula DRIFT Holdings, LLC | 200 Pine Avenue, Suite 615 | Long Beach, CA 90802
News courtesy of Formula DRIFT.
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