Now in its seventh year as a sponsor of a national
drifting competition, Nitto this year is increasing its lineup
from five drivers to six.
“Nitto has been a part of Formula DRIFT almost since its inception,” says Harry Kong, the company’s marketing and event specialist.
“On the Formula D circuit, quality and performance are essential,” he continues. “That’s why we’re especially proud of both our sponsorship and the opportunity to shine a light on the NT05, a tire that is made for competitive and everyday use. As we see it, if it’s good enough for these guys, it should be a standout performer on any car.”
Nitto’s lineup includes: Ryan Tuerck/Gardella Racing: Tuerck is the primary driver for New Jersey-based Gardella, the first East Coast team Nitto has sponsored. He finished second in the overall standings in 2009 and third in 2010. This year, he will be behind the wheel of a state-of-the-art Chevy Camaro SS, built by Gardera. Eric O’Sullivan/Gardella Racing: Formula D’s Rookie of the Year for 2009, O’Sullivan joins Gardella this year. He will drive a 2008 Pontiac Solstice, previously used by Tuerck and powered by a Gardella-built Chevy LS3 V8. Joon Maeng/Bergenholtz Racing: Maeng starts his second year with his Mazda RX8, saying he’s “excited to get out there” with the Full Tilt Poker Mazda Nitto Drift Team. This year’s car includes some aerodynamic additions including front splitters and a wing. Matt Powers: In 2010 Powers was the youngest driver to place in Formula D’s Top 16. His Nissan s14 features an LS7 engine out of a Corvette Z06 mounted by GTI. Charles Ng Racing: Ng was Formula D’s Rookie of the Year runner up in 2010. He will again drive a Mazda FC RX7 with an LS7 engine, which has seen several upgrades during the off-season. Michael Essa/GSR Autosport: His BMW Z4, with a turbocharged E46 engine, is the first Z4 to be used in Formula D competition.PAGE 2 After competing in Long Beach, Calif. this past weekend, the circuit continues its nationwide tour: “Round 2: Road to the Championship” – Road Atlanta (Braselton, Ga.) – May 6-7 “Round 3: Invasion” – Palm Beach International Raceway (Palm Beach, Fla.) – June 3-4 “Round 4: The Gauntlet” – Wall Speedway (Wall, N.J.) – June 17-18 “Round 5: Throwdown” – Evergreen Speedway (Monroe, Wash.) – July 22-23 “Round 6: After Dark” – Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Aug. 26-27 “Round 7: Title Fight” – Toyota Speedway (Irwindale, Calif.) – Oct. 7-8 For more information, visit www.nittotire.com.
