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Fast Facts
THE FORMULA DRIFT CHAMPIONSHIP
Entering its fourth season, Formula Drift Championship, produced and owned by Irvine, Calif.-based Formula Drift, Inc., continues to expand into new markets as the first and only sanctioned and recognized North American professional drifting championship series. This high-skilled, high-powered motor sport where drivers intentionally maneuver their cars into well executed, controlled sideways slides at high speeds through a marked course, has more than 50 professional drivers competing in all six competitions this year. A well established sport in Japan for more than a decade, Formula Drift Holdings, LLC. and its sister company Slipstream Global Marketing, Inc. had the vision and were instrumental in bringing the first official competition to the United States in 2003 at Irwindale Speedway. The unanticipated fan interest led to the rapid formation of the first ever, sanctioned and recognized drifting circuit, Formula Drift, which had its roots firmly grounded in Southern California, a hotbed for incoming Japanese-influence automotive trends. An important part of the program involves community outreach. Drivers and Formula D serve as the ambassador for the sport of drifting bringing exhibitions to traditional or mainstream motor sports events across the country which have included: Bridgestone Monterey Grand Prix/Champ Car Race, USAC, NASCAR Busch North & Featherlite Southwest and the SPEED World Challenge, among others.
In addition another 100-200 local team drivers will join in local markets to test their skills and techniques with the pros. Judged on execution and style, rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time, Drifting is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and is often compared to the freestyle nature of skateboarding and motocross.
Drivers and Formula Drift also serves as ambassadors for the sport of drifting bringing exhibitions to traditional or mainstream motor sports events across the country which have included: Bridgestone Monterey Grand Prix/Champ Car Race, USAC, NASCAR Busch North & Featherlite Southwest and the SPEED World Challenge, among others.
More Formula Drift Fast Facts
Formula D has the largest number of tire manufactures involved that any other motorsport series in the world.
First drifting championship to be featured in a major video game with title sponsor EA Games
First drifting championships to be sponsored by non-endemic companies including EA Games and Circuit City
First drifting championship to have works teams (auto maker supported)
TV PARTNER
As part of the 2007 series will be aired nationally on ESPN 2, as part of a national deal to bring viewers hour-long specials showcasing competitions and the culture of drifting.
TIRE BATTLE
Formula Drift has the most tire sponsors of any U.S. motorsport. As part of the series, tire manufacturers compete in the Formula D Tire Battle for points and bragging rights. Points are given to tire manufacturer sponsors in accordance with driver wins. Bragging rights allow manufacturers to use their Tire Battle title in all advertising and marketing outreach to the fans, something that is becoming increasingly competitive. Tire company sponsors include:
Nitto Tires
Toyo Tires
Maxxis Tires
Falken Tires
Cooper Tires
Hankook Tires
Bridgestone Tires
BF GoodrichTires
FAN DEMOS
The following data was compiled via a random selection online survey available on the Formula Drift website. The survey was conducted from August 16 to October 1, 2004, with more than 700 surveys were received.
More than 80% of respondents are between the ages of 16-29 years.
Drifting is a predominantly male fan base; 88%.
60% of drifting fans are college graduates or have attended college.
More than 45% of drifting fans earn an annual salary in excess of $35,000.
Online use is hot among drifting fans; more than 47% spend between 8 and 30 hours online every week
Drifting fans love to game; nearly 90% of respondents own gaming systems
Local parts chain stores are not the primary resource for drift enthusiasts (less than 13%): more than 42% purchase parts online, with more than 41% buying from specialty/tuner shops direct.
Fans will be fans; of all the respondents less than 20% ever get behind the wheel to give drifting a try; more than 70% enjoy watching the sport.
No surprise, more than 85% of fans own their own car, and that they are predominately Japanese imports. The most popular brands include Nissan (29%), Toyota (16%) and Honda (15%). |