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Formula DRIFT Season Starts At Long Beach

 
1,068 views Apr 11, 2011

Justin Pawlak took his first Formula DRIFT victory at Long Beach. Photo: Anne Proffit

Justin Pawlak took his first Formula DRIFT victory at Long Beach. Photo: Anne Proffit



Formula DRIFT began its seven-race 2011 season on the streets of Long Beach, CA - actually a parking lot and a smudge of a street - this past weekend and provided fans with two days of burning rubber and excitement.

The weather cooperated after a quick Friday morning shower (yes, they drift in the rain unless it's monsoon city) and it was cool, mostly sunny and a bit on the windy side for the duration of the contest.

The weekend racing was all about new cars, new car/tire rules combinations and new people atop the judging pylon.  Incredibly, defending series champion Vaughn Gittin Jr was one of the top drivers who didn't make the cut for Saturday eliminations in the Field of 32.  Ford Mustang driver Gittin just missed the setup and qualified 33rd.  Two-time champ Sam Hubinette was unable to compete, as well, with a busted Dodge (sprint car) engine that showed signs of trouble during Tuesday's press day.

2009 champion Chris Forsberg debuted his new Nissan 370Z Photo: Anne Proffit

2009 champion Chris Forsberg debuted his new Nissan 370Z Photo: Anne Proffit

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Conrad Grunewald's Chevrolet Camaro was top qualifier with Dajiro Yoshihara's Nissan 240SX second and local boy Kyle Mohan's Mazda RX-8 third.  None of these top qualifiers, however, managed to stick around to the final round - although Yoshi made third place by defeating Chris Forsberg's brand new Nissan 370Z.

Balance of the Top 16 were Mohan, Grunewald, Rhys Millen in a Hyundai Genesis coupe, Ryan Tuerck's Pontiac Solstice, Fredric Aasbo's gorgeous Scion tC, Darren Mcnamara in a Saturn Sky, Tyler McQuarrie's Nissan 350Z, Walker Wilkerson (Nissan 240SX), Matt Field's Nissan 240SX, Ross Petty's Nissan Silvia S15, Matt Waldin in a Nissan 350Z and Dennis Mertzanis' Nissan 240SX.

Top honors went to the Falken Tire team - that Gittin drives for - and Ford Mustang driver Justin Pawlak.  It was Pawlak's first victory in Formula DRIFT and it was his consistency through the rounds, going from 32 to 16, down to eight, four and the grand finale, that gave him the win.  "This victory feels unreal," Pawlak crowed.  "I have worked so hard for this and can't believe I'm on top to start out the season."

The Formula DRIFT season continues on May 6-7 at Road Atlanta.

© 2011 Anne Proffit



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