FORMULA DRIFT REVS BACK INTO SINGAPORE WITH NEW FORMAT

15 June 2008

The smell of burning tyres and the sound of revving engines will be making their return this year in the Formula DRIFT ProAm Series 2009, a two-day event to be held on 4 and 5 July 2009.

The Formula DRIFT ProAm Series 2009 will continue to work closely with Formula DRIFT Holdings LLC to fulfil their vision to expand and build on the sport of drifting outside of North America. Formula DRIFT Holdings LLC is the first and only sanctioned and recognized North American professional championship drifting series.

This year, the event welcomes back sponsors from last year and new sponsors and partners. Amongst the major sponsors for 2009 is Goodyear who is returning and pledged their support for the event after a great partnership in 2008.

In addition, Nissan has also come on board as a major sponsor for the event this year.

In an effort to grow the sport in Asia, the Formula DRIFT ProAm Series 2009 will take on a different format from the inaugural event to feature amateur drift drivers from all around region. This is an invaluable opportunity for amateur Asian drivers to be part of a competition with others of a similar level and also share their experiences with one another.

A total of 4,000 tickets will go on sale for a more intimate set-up where spectators will be able to get up close to the exciting action. Through this, organizers hope that the audience develops a closer connection to the drivers and to support them as they compete in the event and beyond.

The Singapore Traffic Police is the presenter of this event. In conjunction with some other road safety initiatives, the Singapore Traffic Police hopes that this event will reach out to the younger drivers thus educating the public on the importance of road safety.

The Formula DRIFT ProAm Series 2009 is presented by the Singapore Traffic Police in partnership with ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) this year. ESPN STAR Sports has been appointed the official broadcast channel and will also be responsible in organising the Formula DRIFT ProAm Series 2009.

With its expertise in event management, ESPN STAR Sports has helped to develop other world-class sports events across the region. In addition, the broadcast of event highlights across ESPN STAR Sports’ footprint will reach 310 million viewers in 24 countries.

“We are excited to be involved in the Formula DRIFT ProAm Series 2009 and thrilled by the high level of competition we will be treated to from this world-class field of participants,” said Harvey Davis, Vice-President, ESPN STAR Sports Events Management Group. “This year, we have more major sponsors on board and I am heartened by their enthusiasm in getting involved to bring this action sports competition to new heights. I’m confident that the Formula DRIFT ProAm Series 2009 will play a significant role in elevating the status of Singapore as competent hosts of major international sports events.”

In addition to this event, ESPN STAR Sports has also lent its support to other regional competitions such as the Asian Football Championships, Phillips Singapore Cup, Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon and Asian 5 Nations Rugby.

The Formula DRIFT ProAm Series 2009 will see 28 local and Asian drifters compete against each other in July. Amongst them is Ivan Lim, the 27-year old drift driver from Singapore who is fast becoming a prominent name on the Asian drift circuit.

Lim has been drifting since 2005 and has even trained under Japanese drifting legend, Ken Nomura. At last year’s event, Lim (right) qualified in 10th place, making him the top Singaporean competitor for the event.

Lim also recently gained a professional license into the Formula Drift USA series and made his rookie debut at Round 7 of the series at Irwindale Speedway in Los Angeles. His appearance also marked Singapore’s first appearance at the highest level of professional drifting.

Mr Marcus Lim, General Manager of Binter & Co, will be acting as the official Technical Consultant of the event, given his experience in staging the inaugural event last year. Mr Lim said, “Last year’s success proved that Singapore has an appetite for motor sports and with such supportive partners this year, I am confident that it will only get better. This is a rare opportunity for drivers from around Asia to take part in a high-level competition amongst those who are of a compatible level. The ProAm format is a great chance for amateurs to really get out there and gain competition experience which will help them reach greater heights.”

Tickets for the Formula DRIFT ProAm Series 2009 presented by Singapore Traffic Police are available via SISTIC from 13 June 2009 onwards. General admission tickets are priced at SGD15.00 and Grandstand tickets are SGD35. More information is available on the official website at www.formuladrift.com.sg