Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011

Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011 returns to rev up heart of Kuala Lumpur at Dataran Merdeka

Third edition set for more intense racing as some of the world’s top drifters go head to head in fiery fashion

Fast cars, screeching tires and billowing smoke return to Kuala Lumpur as the adrenaline-pumping action of the Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011 returns on 17-18 December 2011.

Following a successful event last year that brought Malaysian motorsport fans right to the edge of the drifting action, ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) and Title Sponsor Achilles Radial have announced the return of the third edition to the historic site of Dataran Merdeka.

This year, spectators can look forward to catch some 40 professional drivers from across Asia-Pacific pushing their rear-wheel-drive cars to the limit with impeccable precision and vehicle control. This year’s edition will see the return of defending champion Daigo Saito of Spark Achilles Motorsports, who has stamped his authority on the series having won the Singapore and Indonesian legs earlier in convincing fashion.

Daigo will be facing stiff competition from his fellow countryman and race legend Orido Manubu in his iconic RSR Toyota Supra. This will be Orido’s debut in the Formula Drift Asia series and fans can expect no less than some world-class drifting skills on display by this legend. Other top drivers from the region include Thai stars Kiki Sak Nana and Saranon, in addition to Australian champion Josh Boetchher, who will make his maiden appearance in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s top drivers will be looking to capitalise on the local partisan support and their homeground advantage as they eye for podium finishes at the championship in front of their fans in Kuala Lumpur. Local crowd favourites such as Ivan Lau, Tan Tat Wei, Ariff Johanis and Ee Yoong Chern will be sure to give the international drivers a run for their money.

“With the support from Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Dataran Merdeka has been the perfect host for our hugely successful event last year and we expect a bigger response in this upcoming edition. We are delighted to stage the Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011 and we look forward to having this high calibre of world-class drivers entertain and thrill our drifting fans again,” said Harvey Davis, Vice President, Event Management, ESPN STAR Sports.

Said Pieter Tanuri, the President Director of PT. Multistrada Arah Sarana, Tbk: “Formula Drift is one of the fastest growing motorsports in ASEAN today and we’re delighted to be associated with this premium event and our goal has always been to advance the world of drift racing. Malaysia is a major motorsports nation and we look forward to a great event in Kuala Lumpur with top drifters from across Asia, Australia, Japan and the USA.

“Achilles won a perfect victory at FD Indonesia 2011 that had Daigo Saito from Spark Achilles Motorsport winning top place, followed by Rulli Armando from Achilles Drift Indonesia Team and Pond from Redbull Achilles Drift Thailand Team. We’re proud to be behind the three podium winners and we look forward to another great performance in Kuala Lumpur next month.”

The Malaysian edition of the Formula Drift has become a highlight on the sporting calendar, attracting regional interest and talent, as well as world-class drivers hailing from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia. Fans in Malaysia can expect a thrilling experience as top-class drivers burn up the course two-at-a-time, often only inches apart, featuring aggressive side-by-side action, nail-biting power slides and spectacular drifting along a series of tight corners as powerful engines roar and tires bellow smoke.

The Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011 is the third leg of the Achilles Asian Drift Series 2011, which covers Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. Tickets are available from Ticket Pro from 21 November 2011 (www.ticketpro.com.my or Hotline 03 7880 7999). Walkabout tickets cost RM28 and Grandstand tickets go for RM128. For more information, log on to the official Formula DRIFT web site www.formuladriftasia.com.

The Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011 is organized by ESS and title sponsored by Achilles Radial. The event is also supported by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur and the following proud Sponsors & Partners – Mansion 88 (Official Sponsor), Tune Talk (Official Telco), Chevrolet (Official Car), Hypertune & SHIFT (Official Partners), Tyrepac (Official Online Portal), DRIVE (Official Energy Drink), Tayaria (Official Tyre Changer), Spritzer (Official Water) and Doubletree Hilton (Official Hotel). ESPN STAR Sports is the official broadcaster for the Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011, and the coverage will be aired across its networks, covering 24 countries to a cumulative reach of more than 300 million viewers in Asia

About Formula Drift Asia
Formula Drift is the first and only sanctioned North American professional championship drifting series, with the goal of expanding and developing the motorsport of professional drifting in Asia. The 1st Singapore championship in 2008 signified our desire to transform drifting into a truly global mainstay and the Asian championship provides an opportunity for local drifters to compete, hone and learn from the very best. In 2010-11, the Formula Drift Asia championship will take place in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Supported by ESPN STAR Sports extensive broadcast network and event management expertise, the thrill of high-speed drifting will be showcased to millions of viewers in Asia and beyond, Please visit www.formuladriftasia.com for more information.

Based on Formula Drifting’s traditional “head-to-head battle” format, drivers attempt to qualify, in single judged runs, to be one of the 32 drivers that will enter the main competition bracket. During the bracketed “tandem battle” competitions, drivers are paired off in a head-to-head competition of skill and nerves in a championship format to determine one final winner.

About ESPN STAR Sports
ESPN STAR Sports is a 50:50 joint venture between two of the world’s leading cable and satellite broadcasters. As Asia’s biggest sports content provider, ESPN STAR Sports combines the strengths and resources of its parent companies – Walt Disney (ESPN, Inc.) and News Corporation Limited (STAR) – to deliver a diverse array of international and regional sports to fans across multiple platforms.

ESPN STAR Sports features a comprehensive portfolio of multimedia assets including its television networks (ESPN, STAR Sports, STAR Cricket, ESPNEWS, ESPN HD), broadband network (ESPN Player), digital content services (espnstar.com, mobileESPN), and its on-ground Event Management Group with the aim to engage and entertain sports fans anytime, anyplace.

ESPN STAR Sports showcases an unparalleled variety of premier sports from around the globe featuring some of the most iconic sports events to a cumulative reach of over 300 million viewers in Asia through its 21 television networks and 3 broadband network, each localized to deliver differentiated programming to meet diverse needs of Asian sports fans.

About PT Multistrada
PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk, or ‘PT. MASA’ is an Indonesian tire manufacturer. MASA is a local tire producer with Achilles Radial brand for Passenger Car Radial and Corsa Motor Cycle Tire brand for Motor Cycle, and makes the offtake brand for domestic and international markets. Automotive tire manufacturer PT Multistrada Arah Sarana (MASA) was first established in 1991 and in 1994 commenced production of replacement tires for automobiles.