Red Bull Drift Shifters turns it up a notch today with the announcement of the full 16-man field to compete on Auckland’s downtown waterfront on Saturday, December 6. The elite list features some of drifting’s finest drivers from around the globe including USA, Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
Reigning champion Matt Powers (USA) will have a hard job defending his title in his V8 Nissan against compatriots, Chris “The Force” Forsberg (USA) – the current Formula Drift Champion in his Nissan 370Z, Tyler McQuarrie (USA) in his Chevrolet Camaro, and Ryan Tuerck (USA) in his Scion FRS. All will make the trip south from the US. Not to mention Japan’s offering of Daigo Saito (JAP) with his Lexus SC430, and the legendary Ken Nomura (Nomuken) with his Nissan R34. Rounding off the seven-man international field is Jake “DRIFTSQUID” Jones (AUS) in his Nissan S13.
“It’s awesome to see such a big idea come to reality. It’s the first non-judged drifting event in the world and I’m really happy to be a part of it.
I’m looking forward to participating in this ground breaking event, especially in the downtown setting of Auckland – It will be my first time in New Zealand,” says Chris Forsberg (USA). “I think we’ll do very well in the competition, giving that the course is designed around precision and consistency and that is where we excel the most.”
The international field will face tough competition from some of New Zealand’s finest motorsport talent. Leading the charge is “Mad Mike” Whiddett in his notorious Mazda FD RX7, along with fellow countrymen Curt Whittaker, Daynom Templeman, Darren Kelly, Cole Armstrong, Andrew Redward, Garry “Gaz” Whiter, Nico Reid, and Daniel “Fanga Dan” Woolhouse who will complete the 16 strong field. All local driver video biographies can be viewed now on redbull.co.nz/driftshifters.
“I’m so excited about the driver line-up, especially when we have the Formula Drift Champion coming down and guys that I have idolised for years. It’s always great to see Japan drifters like Daigo, he lays it on the line and goes pretty hard. I’m pumped to meet them all,” says Daynom Templeman. “The last Red Bull Drift Shifters was the best day of drifting I have ever had. This year I’m looking forward to the epic crowd reaction and the exciting new obstacles.”
Today also sees the release of the Red Bull Drift Shifters technology clip. The key to the revolutionary new event concept is the scoring system. It is fully automated with drift-angle sensors, digital proximity sensors and speed radars, all used in place of a judging panel to ensure accuracy and consistency. Drivers will score points from their speed and proximity to obstacles, unlocking bonus points and creating new high scores, all happening in real time and displayed on giant live screens, just like a real pinball game. The complete package will come together on event day, deciding which man and machine will clock the biggest and winning score of Red Bull Drift Shifters.
A family friendly, free event to the public, Red Bull Drift Shifters promises to yet again be a true motorsport spectacle. Visit redbull.co.nz/driftshifters for details. #DRIFTSHIFTERS.
RED BULL DRIFT SHIFTERS 2014 DRIVERS LIST
Chris “The Force” Forsberg (USA)
Jake “DRIFTSQUID” Jones (AUS)
Ryan Tuerck (USA)
Matt Powers (USA)
Tyler McQuarrie (USA)
Daigo Saito (JAP)
Ken Nomura (Nomuken) (JAP)
“Mad” Mike Whiddett (NZ)
Curt Whittaker (NZ)
Daynom Templeman (NZ)
Darren Kelly (NZ)
Cole Armstrong (NZ)
Andrew Redward (NZ)
Garry “Gaz” Whiter (NZ)
Nico Reid (NZ)
Daniel “Fanga Dan” Woolhouse (NZ)
