Formula Drift Pro-Am Series 2009
This year’s Formula Drift is held at the Changi Exhibition Centre over the weekend, the same venue as last year. Although it’s the same venue, the scale seems to be smaller. There are only 2 turns in the track, 1 Left entry turn and another right turn in the middle. Can’t really compare to those held overseas.
There are 37 competitors this year from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hongkong and Indonesia took part. Unlike the 2008 competition, there we no competitors from Formula Drift USA or Japan.
Raceday started with single car qualifying to whittle down the competitors to the last 16 for the tandem battles. Weather was great during qualifying, good visibilities and all.
After the qualifying, stunt biker Mattie Griffin from Ireland entertained the crowd and challenged some of the drivers to do some donuts with him. While all these were going on, rain clouds formed. Tandem battles to determine the final 8 started with overcast skies at around 3pm.
Halfway through, we had a downpour and the organisers had to stop the competition and wait out the the rain. Despite the very wet surface, Mattie Griffin appeared again and did more stunts to entertain the crowd. Everyone was around was saying this fella is crazy! Well, he kept the crowd entertained, made everybody happy with his stunts and help to stop people from leaving.
With the rain getting lighter, the green flags were raised and battle continued. Slippery surface added more difficulty and many drivers start to skid and aquaplane. The battles were fast and furious with some close calls and the crowd chanting for a rerun.
8 became 4 and when the dust settled, we have Malaysian drivers dominating the podium, 1st place going to the Prince of Drift, Tengku Djan in his Toyota AE86 with bridgestone tires. 2nd place went to Johan Norman Azam in his Goodyear Nissan Laurel and 3rd place went to Ariff Johanis in his Nissan Silvia S13 with Goodyear tires.
Tengku Djan beating Johan in the final run
Johan in his qualifying run
Ariff in the wet
Enjoy the rest of the pictures…
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