FORMULA DRIFT SINGAPORE: TEAM GOODYEAR MALAYSIA INTENDS TO MAKE AN IMPACT
2010-04-24 00:09:51 Author: admin Source:
The Formula Drift Asian series returns to Singapore this weekend for its third edition in the republic. An action-packed two days on 24 and 25 April have been planned for drift and motorsport enthusiasts, featuring some 42 drifters from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Japan and New Zealand. The featured mean machines at the region's pinnacle drift event are; Nissan S15. Nissan S13, the popular A31, 200SX,180SX, Mazda RX-7, Toyota Chaser and for the first time a Holden GTO.
The Formula Drift Singapore powered by Nissan is organized by ESPN STAR Sports’ (ESS) Event Management Group and is scheduled to be held at the F1 Pit Building, home of the world’s first Formula One night race, the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix.
Spectators can expect all 42 drivers to perform at their level best and exhibit their highest level of drift skills to emerge as the cream of the crop at the major drift event. Favorites and World class drifters to look out for at the event are; Ryuji Miki, Japanese Champion and Top Formula DRIFT USA Pro, who competes in his second Formula Drift Singapore; current Asia's top ranked drifter Tengku Djan, the 2009 Formula Drift Malaysia champion; and Malaysia's leading drifters such as; Tan Tat Wei and Ser Ming Hui.
The republic will be represented by seasonal drifters; Ivan Lim (above left), Jansen Tan, Adam Toh, Shah Yusoff, Lim Chien Wei, Jason Tan and Winston Ang. While, Malaysia is well poised with Team Goodyear Malaysia's healthy line-up of experienced professional drifters, including newbie Hanizam bin Hamzah. The Malaysian crew led by Ariff Johanis also boasts the one and only lady driver, Jane Cheah, and regular Team Goodyear Malaysia drifter Michael Gan (above right).
At an earlier press session, Motorsportchannel.com spoke to Team Goodyear Malaysia drivers on expectations about the 42-drifter competition as well as their objectives for the weekend. The session also debut Team Goodyear Malaysia's newest driver, Hanizam bin Hamzah. Hanizam is a perennial domestic drifter who regularly competes in drift events like; Star drift, Ace drift challenge and several minor events. At previous Star drift and Ace drift events, Hanizam has consistently finished in the top four and top 2.
Johanis commented, "First, we hope to tackle the qualifying session competitively and finish among the top 32 for Sunday's main event. From there, our goal is to be as consistent as possible in the tandem battles, minimizing errors and unnecessary mistakes."
"If we are able to hold our ground and luck is on our side in the top 32 battle, then we should be able to be quite psyche-up to move into the top 16 and beyond," he added.
Johanis also elaborated on the Goodyear Revspec and Eagle F1 Asymmetric tyres that the team would be utilizing in the competition. "Three of our drivers; Hanizam, Jane and myself will be on Goodyear Revspec, while Michael's car will adorn the Eagle F1 Asymmetric for the first time. The Revspecs have proven to be far superior to competitors' tyres in the Formula Drift series, whereas the Eagle F1 Asymmetrics, although only debut at this year's Formula Drift Singapore, have been tried and tested to be regarded as a close to perfection specification for competitive drifting. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric tread composition and technical structure is designed for extreme driving and has been most effective in wet conditions, especially on aiding maximum grip level and maintaining vehicle control."
Team Goodyear Malaysia drivers are targeting to get into the top sixteen at the Formula Drift Singapore, only Hanizam (above, Car no.72) has been aspired to make into the top 8 and even top 4 on his debut.
Thailand, one of the host country for the Formula Drift Asian series last year, will have 7 drivers competing for the coveted drift title, including Formula Drift Malaysia runner-up, Kiki Sak Nana, and the competition’s youngest driver, Chanapol Kerdpiam who just turned 17.
Tickets will be available at the main entrance, with Walkabout tickets going for $30 and Grandstand tickets at $50.
Schedule
Saturday, 24 April
11:00 am -6:00 pm GATES OPEN: PUBLIC
11:00 am -12:30 pm OPEN PRACTICE
12:30 pm -1:00 pm Sponsor Demo Show
1:00 pm -3:00 pm QUALIFYING - All Drivers
3:00 pm -3:30 pm Autograph Signing Session
4:00 pm -4:20 pm Top 32 Driver Parade
4:30 pm -5:30 pm OPEN PRACTICE - Top 32
5:30 pm -6:00 pm Sponsor Activity Show
Sunday, 25 April
11:00 am -6:00 pm GATES OPEN: PUBLIC
11:00 am -12:30 pm MAIN COMPETITION: Round of 32
12:30 pm -1:00 pm Sponsor Demo Show
1:00 pm -1:30 pm Autograph Signing Session
2:15 pm -2:30 pm National Anthem/Opening Ceremonies
2:30 pm -4:00 pm MAIN COMPETITION: Round of 16 to Final 4
4:00 pm -4:30 pm Sponsor Activity Show
4:30 pm -5:00 pm Final 4 Competition
5:00 pm -5:30 pm Trophy Ceremony & Closing
