Team Falken Kicks Off Formula Drift Season At Long Beach

Starting its 13th year of competition in Formula Drift, Falken Tires, a two-time manufacturer’s champion in the series and a supporter since Formula D began, is ready to begin the new season on the streets of Long Beach, April 8-9, 2016, with a strong squad of drivers.
 
Joining Falken’s program is Odi Bakchis, a Formula D veteran, who finished 5th in 2015, highlighted by a first in Atlanta and second in Long Beach.  Bakchis will debut his Ark Performance Hyundai Genesis at this first event of the year.
 
In addition, Matt Field becomes a part of the Falken team this season.  The strong competitor, who has been enormously influential in Northern California’s grassroots drifting scene, finished in 9th place in 2015, and vows to improve this year through his partnership with Falken.  The owner of Drift Cave Motorsports runs a highly modified Nissan 240SX.
 
Returning to the Falken brand this year will be former Formula D Champion Daijiro “Dai” Yoshihara, who will continue to campaign his Subaru BRZ, though upgraded this year to be even more competitive.  He will be joined once again by Justin Pawlak, who will debut a 2016 Roush Performance Ford Mustang at Long Beach.  Pawlak finished 7th overall in 2015 and is determined to improve his standing this year with a strong push toward the championship.
 
Tyler McQuarrie also returns in his Mobil 1 Chevrolet Camaro, and rounding out the quartet of Falken veterans is Pat Goodin, ranked one of the consistently improving drivers in the series last year.  Goodin will again campaign his Nissan 240SX with a new look that will debut this weekend.

“Falken remains committed to motorsports as an outlet to showcase the durability and grip of its AZENIS line of tires,” said Jonathan Bradford, Falken’s Manager of Motorsports and Events.  “We’ve had a long, successful relationship with Formula Drift, and intend on maintaining our presence in this important sport, as we now support six very competitive drivers.”

For a list of the coming season's events go to: http://www.formulad.com/schedule