Falken will be Formula Drift 'official' tire

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — Sumitomo Rubber North America's Falken brand will be the "official" tire sponsor of Formula Drift this year, building on the brand's winning the series' tire manufacturers' championship last year.

SRNA plans to support Falken's sponsorship position throughout the season via dealer hospitality, spokesmodel meet and greets, driver autograph signings and a learning center display at its Falken rig at most of the series' eight rounds.

SRNA also disclosed it'll be sponsoring six drivers this year — 2011 Formula D Champion Daijiro "Dai" Yoshihara in a Subaru BRZ, Justin Pawlak in a Ford Mustang, Aurimas Bakchis and Matt Field in Nissan 240SXs, and James Deane and Piot Wiek in Nissan Silvia S15s — who will be using an updated version of the Azenis RT615K+ drift tire.

"We're fully committed to extending our brand and legacy through this great series," said Nick Fousekis, director, motorsports marketing and events. "Formula Drift has continued to flourish, and Falken has grown with it."

Messrs. Deane and Wiek are new to Formula Drift but experienced drivers in their own right: Mr. Deane is a five-time Irish and European Drift Champion and Mr. Wieck is a three-time Polish champion.

The series opens March 31-April 1 on the streets of Long Beach, Calilf., and concludes Oct. 13 at Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale, Calif.

Formula Drift is the only motorsport engagement this year for the Falken brand in North America.