Taking the experience, knowledge and podium finish from Formula Drift's season opener at Long Beach, 2017 Rookie of the Year and Team FALKEN driver Piotr Wiecek proved he was the king of the streets in Long Beach by winning both nights of the Motegi Racing Super DRIFT Challenge, demonstrating pure domination of the field.
On both Friday and Saturday nights, eight Formula Drift drivers were invited to compete for prize money paid by Motegi Racing. Driving his Nissan S15, Wiecek first defeated Forest Wang on Friday and then Falken teammate Justin Pawlak on Saturday to take the cherished dual crown and the majority of the prize purse.
“The Motegi Super DRIFT Challenge was held during the Long Beach Grand Prix weekend before a crowd that is not typically exposed to drifting,” said Steve Wong, Falken’s supervisor, Passenger Car Motorsports & Events, and the man who shepherds the Team FALKEN Formula Drift teams. “So this was a great night for both Piotr and Falken Tires, as a lot of people got to see how incredibly exciting this sport is. Piotr definitely carried a lot of the momentum he gained from his third place finish from Round 1 the previous weekend with him on his way to double victories. It was a great performance.”
Wiecek echoed Wong’s comments: “What a weekend and such an amazing venue. I’m so appreciative to be here, you know, I’m so full of emotion because my wife and son are here for the first time for this event. It’s such a special location, and I thank my crew for spotting me and Falken for its support. It was great fun, and I hope I will be able to repeat this win as soon as possible.”
The next round of the 2018 Formula Drift season is set for Orlando, April 27-28.
