Willows, CA – Since Altamont was shut down in 2007, effectively putting Drift Battle out of business, Northern California had seen a void in important drift events until now. Building off of last year’s skidpad series, ThunderDrift was able to work with Formula DRIFT in creating a ProAm series with 2011 pro licenses and invites to the 2010 ProAm finals at stake.
Lonberger and Kado crest the hill at Turn 12
Colin Frost, Todd Ho, and Lab17′s own Rich Kong came to judge Round 1 of the series, which was held running backwards through Turns 13-10 on the back section of the track. The course proved challenging, as most of the drivers had only ever run the course frontwards. After the morning practice session they were ready to begin.
Andy Gillespie exits Turn 11
Qualifying unfolded pretty much as expected, until #9 Jared Thompson’s steering rack seized, sending him into the wall at Turn 13 and ending his day. #31 Virgil Brosseau beat #17 Luke Lonberger in the Top 8 round, after Lonberger’s extra tires were damaged on the tire machine, forcing him to use smaller used tires. Last year’s champion #16 Ryan Kado ran wide in Turn 10 in the Final Four round, sending him sideways up the hill, rolling the car onto its roof, ending his day and giving #77 Julian Jacobs the win by default.
Even with all the mechanical problems and mishaps, it seemed like the drivers and fans really enjoyed the competition. If this event was any indication of things to come, it’s going to be a great season for Norcal!
