Just Drift and the New Federal 595EVO

This past weekend I had the opportunity to head out the the Horse Thief Mile track at Willow Springs Raceway and see the new Federal Tires 595EVO in action. Just Drift! teamed up with their title sponsor Federal Tires and put on a great event to introduce their new street performance tire. In addition to Federal Tire CEO Shu Jam Ma, the Just Drift! team was on hand to show off the new tires, including Federal sponsored driver Henry Shelly, just back from the Formula D exhibition in Monterey Mexico.

If ever there was a test bed for both man and machine, it probably looks something like Willow Springs Raceway in August. The temperature gauge in my car said 104 Fahrenheit but the track temperatures were enough to make it uncomfortable to stand in one place for too long, lest your shoes start to get soft. Shade was a rare commodity, and even in the shade, you can’t really escape the heat. The test vehicles consisted of a number of SR20 equipped Nissan 240sx and a Turbo Mazda RX-7, sporting a number of different tire widths and diameters. The morning session was designed to give the drivers an opportunity to try out the new 595EVO and get comfortable.

Half way though the day, Federal Tires corralled us all into the Balcony for a nice air conditioned lunch that included bacon and delicious carrot cake. During lunch, the drivers were impressed with the new tires. The Federal 595EVO delivered strong grip and demonstrated consistent tread wear despite the harsh track conditions. According to MA, the new tires are the next generation of Federal’s 595 performance tire and boast improved handling, water evacuation and reduced road noise. The 595EVO is available in 20 sizes, ranging from 17 inches to 20 inches, 55-series through 30-series.

After lunch the Federal Tires Drift Team took the media out for hot laps. For many it was their first time in a race car, which always gets a smile. Once everyone had a chance to feel the new tires first hand, Federal CEO Shu Jam Ma took the time to discuss some of his intent to continue and increase support of grassroots motorspot here in the United States. He discussed Dai’s Drifting Academy and Just Drift as a pathways to introduce new talent to the sport of drifting and his intent to raise the visibility of Federal Tires in the sport. I for one look forward to trying out a set of 595EVOs on the Mustang. I’m sure it will make my commute to work all that more interesting.

If you are not from the Los Angeles area, maybe you recognize Willow Springs from it’s appearance in Top Gear. In case you have been living under a rock for the past couple of years, Just Drift! is a Southern California based drifting event organization. More information on Federal Tires can be found on their website www.federaltire.com.