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Recap: Formula Drift Long Beach
The first Formula Drift event was in beautiful Long Beach, California. A clear blue sky, 85-degree weather, and intense drifting competition drew a huge crowd to the Streets of Long Beach. Pontiac Motorsports was proud to be represented at this event by Rhys Millen Racing and, new this year, Gardella Racing.
Rhys Millen’s Solstice GXP Drift was not able to compete at the Long Beach event due to some late-developing technical issues. But, RMR was well represented by the return of the Pontiac GTO Drift. The GTO launched Pontiac into the drifting circuit, and we like to think of it as a bit of a legend. After an unfortunate incident involving a NASCAR driver and a wall, the GTO needed some work to make its comeback in 2008. And, with Rhys behind the wheel of the Solstice GXP, the GTO also needed a driver. With the help of Bridgestone, the GTO Drift was revived and put into the hands of accomplished drifter Dai Yoshihara.
Based on their performance this weekend, the two appear to be a great match.
The GTO looks as good as ever, and Dai put the car in the fifth qualifying spot
at the first event of the season. He progressed through the first round of
eliminations, but was defeated in round two by last year’s champion, Tanner
Foust.
New for 2008 is a second Solstice GXP Drift owned by Gardella Racing and driven
by Ryan Tuerck. After a whirlwind of chassis modifications and testing, the team made an amazing debut
at Formula Drift Long Beach. The reliability of the Solstice GXP Drift and the
preparedness of the Gardella Racing Team allowed Ryan to squeeze in a lot of
practice laps in the new car. Their hard work paid off. Ryan’s line was
beautiful, and he landed in the ninth qualifying spot. Ryan sailed through
round one of eliminations, but lost a close round two to the legendary Samuel
Hubinette and his high-dollar V10 Viper.
Congratulations to Dai and Ryan on a great first event. We’re looking forward
to the next Formula Drift event in Atlanta in May. Until then, check out our pics on Flickr. You might also want to cruise over to Wrecked Magazine, where you can find more cool photos from Long Beach.
Photo of the Week
Don Nase Jr. burns out in his GM Racing-ECOtec-Mobil 1 dragster.
