Long Beach, Calif. – April 9, 2007 – Formula DRIFT began the season in true form with record attendance and providing another exciting event with Mitsuru Haruguchi, piloting the Falken Tires Nissan/Silkroad S13, taking the victory.
“The first event was a huge success and with over 10,000 fans attending, the sport of Drifting is growing at a tremendous pace. We are proud to bring the fans, the top drivers, best cars, and provide high-quality events the rest of the season,� said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT.
The Streets of Long Beach was packed with record attendance of over 10,000 fans. Reserved seating in the main grandstand sold out and provided those lucky enough to purchase those tickets the best seats in the house.
Haruguchi took home the victory for Falken Tires with his aggressive style, fast entry-speed, and smooth lines and barely edged out Tanner Foust and his Papadakis Racing Nissan 350Z in a very exciting final round. Coming in 3rd and 4th place were Daijiro Yoshihara and his Rockstar Nissan S13 and Vaughn “JR� Gittin in his Falken Tires Ford Mustang.
Current Point Standings after Round 1 – The Streets of Long Beach
1. Haruguchi - 104 Points
2. Foust - 96 Points
3. Yoshihara - 83 Points
4. Gittin - 76 Points
5. Hayashida - 67 Points
6. Millen - 65 Points
7. Hubinette - 64 Points
8. McQuarrie - 63 Points
9. Rutherford - 57 Points
10. Yamanaka - 56 Points
10. Forsberg - 56 Points
10. Okubo - 56 Points
13. Tuerk - 55 Points
13. Canul - 55 Points
13. Nishida - 55 Points
13. Petty - 55 Points
Full official standings available on:www.formuladrift.com