CFR Debuts New Car & Crew at Formula Drift Round 1

Long Beach, CA – April 10, 2012 – This weekend at Round 1 of the Formula Drift Championship series, Chris Forsberg Racing competed for the first time since teaming up with new Crew Chief Ray Shake and new Car Chief Brian Wilkerson. The team proved themselves as fierce competitors by earning a strong finish, in 6th place. In addition, the team debuted their newly built 2012 NOS Energy Drink Nissan 370Z on Hankook Tires, a sister the 2011 competition car.

To kick off the event, Chris was asked to participate in media day for the Long Beach Grand Prix. This invitation only event is held on Tuesday prior to Formula Drift and is a priceless opportunity for select teams to not only preview the track but to act as an ambassador for Formula Drift by giving members of the media the opportunity to ride-along with them on the famous grand prix course.

Friday marked the official start of the Formula Drift season. Qualifying went well, Forsberg landed in the 12th spot out of 60+ drivers. On Saturday, Chris faced his Drift Alliance team mate Tony Angelo in the first round of Top 32. Although it was the first time they have ever run each other in tandem competition, they are definitely no strangers to each other’s driving style having competed alongside each other in many team competitions. As expected, it was a good clean battle but with a mistake from Angelo in the last corner of their second run, it was a clear victory for Forsberg.

In Top 16, Chris was pitted against former D1 Japan driver Toshiki Yoshioka. The pair ran a close battle causing the judges to call for a “one more time.” Chris stayed on point and went on to beat him in their second battle, moving Forsberg into the Top 8.

Next, Chris faced yet another Drift Alliance teammate, Justin Pawlak. The two remained door to door throughout both their runs and despite a valiant effort by Forsberg, Justin was able to edge his way into the semi-finals and eventually landed himself atop the podium as the event winner. Top 8 Video

“We have much to be proud of this weekend” said Forsberg, “We came into this event with a new crew and new chassis, both of which worked flawlessly. I am confident that this is a sign of great things to come for Chris Forsberg Racing.”