Ford returns as Formula Drift partner

LONG BEACH, Calif. (March 20, 2015) — Ford Motor Co. has expanded its involvement in professional drifting as an official partner of Formula Drift L.L.C. as the series enters its 12th season.

The auto maker is collaborating with series promoters through the introduction of the “Formula Drift Media Center Powered by Ford Performance,” which will be available to all credentialed media. It will feature amenities such as lockers, a food and beverage area, Wi-Fi, working space, live streaming broadcasts and two on-site media managers. The new center will debut at Formula Drift's Round 1: Streets of Long Beach on April 10-11 and will travel to all seven rounds of the Formula Drift Championship.

“We are excited to have Ford back in the series as an official partner and even more excited in their initiative and investment that will help introduce a brand new media center to our sport,” said Ryan Sage, co-founder and vice-president of Formula Drift.

Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford will have “significant presence” at events, according to series promoters, with displays in the vendor paddock and signage throughout the venues. The company also will continue its support of drivers Vaughn Gittin, Jr., the 2010 Formula Drift champion, and Justin Pawlak.

Mickey Matus, marketing and communication manager at Ford Performance, said the company is “proud to support the journalists and media guests with an on-site place they can consider ‘home' while working Formula Drift events.

“They have a tough job to do and we are confident the enhanced media center will help them do it even better. Our partnership with this series is key to connecting with its young audience, and it's a relationship that we value highly. We're really looking forward to this expansion of the partnership.”

More information about the series is available on its website.