WAYNE, N.J. (April 8, 2015) — Hankook Tire America Corp. intends to defend its Formula Drift Tire Manufacturer Champion's trophy from last year with a stable of four sponsored teams/drivers, including defending series champion Chris Forsberg.
Besides Mr. Forsberg in a Nissan 370Z, Hankook's other sponsored teams/drivers are: 2014 championship runner-up Fredric Aasbo, in a Scion tC; Ken Gushi, driving a Scion FR-S; and Forrest Wang, in a Nissan 240sx. Last year Hankook fielded five teams.
The tire maker also returns as a Formula Drift series sponsor. The financial engagement was not disclosed.
“Our Formula Drift motorsports activities offer us the perfect stage to showcase Hankook's focus on technology, design and performance,” said Paul Jho, motorsports marketing manager for Hankook. “Continuing our momentum from 2014,…we're setting our sights on the winner's podium this season.”
All of Hankook's Formula Drift drivers will compete on Hankook's Ventus R-S3 tire, which is based on the Ventus Z214 racing tire in use in Formula Drift races since 2009, Hankook said.
Hankook will bring regular updates and multimedia content to its fans via its social media channels including HankookUSA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The 2015 Formula Drift racing season begins April 10 in Long Beach, Calif., on the Long Beach street course.