We found these images of the Braille Auto Infiniti G35 convertible which is rumored to have Blake Fuller piloting it as he will be retiring the white Nissan 350z. We aren’t sure at what event we will see this thing in action first but it’s looking pretty good and we are thrilled to see a G35 vert in Formula D. Rumor has it the car is a 5.6L V8 supercharged by Vortech. Sounds interesting!

1 Comment »

Jim from Formula D sent us a nice picture of Oridio’s car before it was boxed up and shipped to the USA! We will be on the case next week to get you photos of Alex P’s car and the Aristo in Vegas next week!

2 Comments »

Formula D gave a long reply of the details of the conflict currently stirring in the garage with the Super Autobacs R34 Skyline. Formula D went into great detail talking about other teams and the actions that were taken to keep the cars legalized for Formula D. The cliff notes version is as follows for the events that have been under discussion.

Long story short…
- C34 suspension is OEM to C34 chassis vehicle not R34 chassis
- Formula D was never contacted or consulted on the build prior to Round 1
- Vehicle was brought to Formula D Long Beach Round 1.
- Suspension was suspicious and Formula D tech staff did through research to investigate.
- Team did not supply need information to support the legitimacy of the change.
- Formula D assessed the issue and issued the penalty; qualifying points from Roundd 1 till the suspension is fixed and monetary penalty.
- Super Autobacs team has until Round D 6 (Sonoma) to fix the suspension.

5 Comments »

More crazy news continues to develop for the Vegas event on the 11th/12th here! Maybe it’s the heat that is making people go crazy but we just got word that Alex Pfeiffer will be stepping back behind the wheel to compete in Formula D. The judging panel still currently remains at two and it also seems to be unclear as to what car Alex P. will be hopping into. The RSR Honda s2000 has been retired for some time but hopefully we can see the return of the gorgeous BRS Auto Design Mazda Rx-7! Time shall tell….Vegas goes live in 8 days!

1 Comment »

Formula D has just announced that Orido will be attending Vegas. We reported him in Long Beach as his name was found on a driver’s list privately but nothing came of it. It looks as now they have officially announced his arrival in the City of Sin for next week. Orido will be piloting Project Mu / 3T Motorsport / Yokohama Aristo. We will keep you posted and hunt for some  photos of this  Aristo!

7 Comments »

After a couple days of gossip, rumors and conjecture flying around the Internet forums it appears that the Super Autobacs Skyline has finally received some official mandates from Formula D. The Skyline team last made headlines when they formally protested qualifying after Takatori received a 5th place position and a score of 93.00. (http://wreckedmagazine.com/blog/2008/05/11/a-protest-of-qualifying/) Te following was posted on Drifting.com earlier today and it’s not very clear as to who the source of this information is. Hopefully Formula D or someone will send us some more information to shed light on the situation!? If Takatori is deemed ineligible, a top 5 driver will be inactive as of Las Vegas next week.

The Team SA R34 has recently been deemed ineligible for the Formula DRIFT series in it’s current state. The team has been accessed several fines, penalties, and faces possible removal from the series if the issues are not remedied.

The main issue stems from the vehicle’s current OEM front strut suspension setup. The setup, being OEM, is in compliance with the Japanese version of the rulebook but apparently not with the English version according to the current interpretation. Despite the suspension setup remaining OEM and from the same chassis, Formula D currently has deemed it ineligible. The decision has come as quite a shock to many in the series as a decision to allow the Scion tC to compete in the series seemingly put to rest the same issue at the start of the season. The decision effectively made the chassis, not the model, the deciding factor in vehicle eligibility. (a decision we are very much in agreement with) Unfortunately, for Team SA, consistency with this ruling is not being seen, leaving many to wonder how level the playing field is when what applies to one vehicle, does not apply to another.

The other question that has been left unanswered at this point is why, if the model of the car is now the deciding factor instead of the chassis, the current OEM suspension setup on the R34 has not been allowed. Considering that it is using OEM parts and does not give the vehicle an unfair advantage, the question remains. We must also note that several other vehicles in the series have more drastic changes in suspension design. Are these suspension changes unapproved and deemed ineligible now as well? At this point, we cannot comment on the situation as we have more unanswered questions than answers.

Formula DRIFT has yet to respond to requests for a description of the appeal process to this decision, or a detailed list of previously given rule exemptions. We fear that neither exist, and the series is unprepared for this type of action. The lack of both puts several vehicles in the series in question. Formula DRIFT Chief Steward has already stated that “we have several other actions pending with other competitors,” leaving us to wonder if they will be subject to the same fines and penalties.

Despite the rulebook’s lack of a appeal process, or a list of previously allowed exemptions for specific vehicles, and TIME, Team SA is continuing to explore options to have this decision overturned, seeking a sense of consistency, balance and fairness to be restored to the series.

1 Comment »

Bosch Spark Plugs partnered with Wrecked Magazine to provide all of our fans with a behind the scenes look at Vaughn Gittin Jr. in 2008 during his Formula D season. Here is Episode 1 from Long Beach, California at the Streets of Long Beach! Vaughn Gittin Jr. managed to drive his Ford Mustang to a 10th place finish. Enjoy all the action from Bosch Spark Plugs as Vaughn pilots his Falken Ford Mustang through the streets of Long Beach, California! Stay tuned for more episodes!

3 Comments »

Tanner Foust takes FOX News to school on How to Drift at Englishtown before Round 3 of the Formula Drift series. Check him out in the Infiniti G37.

No Comments »

Englishtown is complete, Tanner Foust was victorious and made a huge move in points. Check out all 400+ photos from Englishtown. Visit the Gallery Here

Don’t miss the Formula D Gallery, Click Here!

The gallery today is presented by Konig Wheels

2 Comments »

Tanner Foust wins Round 3 at Englishtown, New Jersey. Congrats buddy!

1st-Tanner Foust (Nissan 350z)
2nd-Tyler Mcquarrie (Porsche GT2)
3rd-Rhys Millen (Pontiac Solstice)
4th-Daijiro Yoshihara (Pontiac GTO)

4 Comments »