Abu Dhabi: Motorsport fans in the UAE have the opportunity to witness Drifting, one of the fastest growing form of motorsport in the world, when eight champions drawn from the Formula Drift circuit display their skills Friday at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Eight of the top drivers and cars from Formula Drift will feature in a competition formatted for the Gulf region with four UAE national drivers also getting a chance to test their skills.
The eight drivers include two time Formula Drift champion and three time X-Games Gold Medalist Tanner Foust; 2010 Formula Drift rookie of the year and former Scandinavian champion, Fredric Aasbo; 2009 Formula Drift Champion, Chris Forsberg; top ranking driver, Ryan Tuerck; past New Zealand champion and Formula Drift USA & Asia competitor, Mike Whiddett; Formula Drift veteran Daijiro Yoshihara; Formula Drift regulars Ken Gushi, and Michael Essa along with Tony Brakohiapa as the alternate driver.
Drifting refers to a driving technique used in motorsport where the driver intentionally over steers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels, while maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed. Drifting has evolved into a worldwide competitive sport that challenges each driver’s driving ability and vehicle control.
According to the organizers, the competition is judged on execution and style rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time, judges score each run against set criteria. In most professional competitions, a data logger is used to measure the speed and drift angle through a corner.
Faisal Al Sahlawi, Yas Racing School Manager at Yas Marina Circuit, said, “There are still tickets available at the door for those who are looking to witness Formula Drift and the spectacular art of drifting. The addition of our off-track entertainment line-up will just add to an already great night out.”
Commenting on the four UAE drivers who will get a chance to perform today, Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Marina Circuit, said, “We are always looking for local talent in Abu Dhabi to be involved in motorsport. This is a great chance to develop our future motorsport stars. Drift racing requires a high level of car control and concentration, and the visiting Formula Drift drivers are the ideal people to teach those skills.”
