International drift drivers from Japan, USA and New Zealand will take on New Zealand’s best at Red Bull Drift Shifters on Saturday December 8.
Daigo Saito (Japan) the current USA Formula Drift Champion, who also holds the Asia Formula Drift Championship and the D1GP Japan title, is on his way to New Zealand to compete in the first ever pinball inspired drift event. He will be joined by two other top international drivers.
Matt Powers (USA) with his crazy rock star style who is a consistent podium performer in the Formula Drift USA Championship will also make the pilgrimage to New Zealand together with Samuel Hubbinette (New Zealand) who is a two time Formula Drift Champ, X-games bronze medallist and a professional stunt driver.
“Having these three top international drivers is really going to make Drift Shifters epic. They are some of the best drivers in the world and I know all our New Zealand drivers are excited to take them on, on our home turf. We are seriously going to test their driving skills.” says Mad Mike.
To top it off, Jarod DeAnda, ‘The Voice’ of Formula Drift will be the MC on event day. “I can’t wait to show Jarod around New Zealand,” continues Mike.
The three international drivers will take on nine other top local drivers when Red Bull Drift Shifters transforms Victoria Street West into a pinball inspired drift race track, the likes of which Auckland city has never seen.
Each of the drivers will race one at a time against the clock in a bid to rack up as many points as possible in their run. Proximity sensors located on various obstacles and parts of the course will record speed, distance accuracy which will trigger points on a giant scoreboard, just like a real pinball game.
The Red Bull Drift Shifters Drivers are:
Mad Mike Whiddett (NZ)
Daigo Saito (JAP)
Matt Powers (USA)
Samuel Hubinette (SWE)
Dan Woolhouse (NZ)
Gary Whiter (NZ)
Curt Whittaker (NZ)
Cole Armstrong (NZ)
Daynom Templeman (NZ)
Jason Sellers (NZ)
Andrew Redward (NZ)
Hugo Maclean (NZ)
Drift Shifters is a free spectator event on Saturday 8 December. Race action is from 12-3pm, Victoria Street West.
