Chris Forsberg scores at Streets of Long Beach

Hankook driver Chris Forsberg scored a third place podium finish at the opening round of the 2013 Formula Drift season this weekend in Long Beach, California.
 
The first race of the 2013 season marks Formula Drift’s tenth year of competition in the United States as well as Hankook Tire’s eighth year competing in the series and third year as an official series sponsor.
 
The sold-out event saw 2009 Formula Drift Champion and ten year series veteran Forsberg battle his way through the pack in his Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z meeting up against Chelsea DeNofa in the final four.  Forsberg’s experience was too much for DeNofa, scoring him a third place finish and a podium spot in the series’ first race of the year.
 
“There is no better way to start off the season than with a podium finish!  The team and I are very happy with our results and we aim to keep this momentum as we head for my favorite track, Road Atlanta!” said Forsberg. “Our Hankook Ventus RS-3s stayed very consistent even with constant changes in weather and track conditions. We were laying down some of the fastest speeds of the weekend thanks to their superior grip!”

All of Hankook’s Formula Drift drivers race on Hankook’s Ventus RS-3 Extreme Performance tire.  The Ventus R-S3 is designed for serious sports car, sports coupe and performance sedan enthusiasts looking for race tire-like traction on the street or for use in autocross, drifting or track events.
 
“The first race of the Formula Drift season is always special to fans, competitors and Hankook Tire alike,” said Paul Jho, Hankook Motorsports manager.  “It’s great to see Chris on the podium at our very first race.  2013 holds a lot in store for our Formula Drift program and our drivers. I’m pleased with our results here and can’t wait for Hankook’s drift teams to turn up the heat for the 2013 season going forward.”
 
2013 marks the tenth year for the Formula Drift series and Hankook’s eighth year of involvement.  The company garnered enhanced visibility and sales increases in 2012 as a result of its motorsports sponsorships and special racing programs and has multiplied its involvement for 2013 by again supporting Formula Drift as an official sponsor.  Hankook also supports teams competing in the Redline Time Attack series, 25 Hours of Thunderhill, Off-Road Racing and the Panam GP Series.