GReddy event coverage from Formula Drift FDLB

Ken Gushi in the GReddy Racing - Nexen Tire - SR by Toyota 86 claims 3rd place in the 2016 Formula Drift Pro Championships season opener on the Streets of Long Beach course.

From Formula Drift press release: 

"Round 1: Streets of Long Beach kicked off the new season in dramatic fashion. The volume of rain, the variable surface conditions of the street course, which made for treacherous conditions in general during Friday’s practice, created a rain delay, which ultimately resulted in the Series making the decision to draw on a provision of the Sporting Regulations that allows the Series to forgo Qualifying in the face of inclement weather. Drivers were placed into the Top 32 bracket based on their 2015 ranking. The weather held up for the main competition and the drivers were able to give the fans a great showing to start the season..."

2016 updates for Long Beach:  http://formuladrift.networka.com/fd-rules-course-breakdown

Saturday's main competition day, started off dry, but just before the Top 32 match up of #2 qualifier, Ken Gushi's Toyota 86 vs. Faruk Kugay' 2JZ-powered Nissan S14, rain began to fall.  With great control, Ken drove great lead line in the slippery condition and avoided contact in the chase position, when his opponent made contact with the wall.  Ken took the win. 

http://formuladrift.networka.com/ken-gushi-vs-faruk-kugay-top-32-number-fdlb-2016 


During the Formula Drift Half-time break, the GReddy Team debuted the new Boost Brigade Spring Collection.  It was great to see many fans support the new brand in the stands.  For more info. see the new online store:

www.boostbrigade.com





Luckily as the weather cleared up during the break.  It allowed for a mostly dry exciting competition to the end of the event.  With packed Long Beach grandstands, the 16 brackets saw Ken Gushi advanced pass the VR-powered G37 of Charles Ng, with solid lead and chase runs.

http://formuladrift.networka.com/ken-gushi-vs-charles-ng-top-16-number-fdlb-2016

In the Great 8, Ken Gushi went against Forrest Wang's 2JZ-powered Nissan S14.  Similarly to the his 32 battle (except in the dry) Ken laid down a dominate lead pass, building a large gap, which pressured his opponent to make a mistake in the 2nd run. This moved the the GReddy Team onto the Semi Finals.

http://formuladrift.networka.com/ken-gushi-vs-forrest-wang-great-8-number-fdlb-2016-part-2-crash




In the Semi Finals, the GReddy Racing Nexen Tire SR by Toyota 86 of Ken Gushi faced off with the eventual round winner, Chelsea Denofa in his BMW E36.  In one of the most evenly matched battles of the day, (which could have easily went OMT -one more time), the Judges awarded Denofa the win. And with SR by Toyota teammate, Frederic Aasbo taking, second, Gushi was award the final podium spot.

http://formuladrift.networka.com/na-fd-complete-4

 

The 3rd place finish in #FDLB, continues the podium streak for the GReddy Racing Team (2015 FDTX & FDIRW) and starts of the 2016 Pro Championship charge for Ken Gushi, while contributing to the SR by Toyota lead for the FD Manufacturer's Cup and Nexen Tires for the lead in the FD Tire Manufacturer's Cup.

Congratulations to podium finishers Chelsea Denofa, Fredric Aasbo and Ken Gushi.

The GReddy Racing Team is excited to welcome new 2016 technical partners to the team, Nexen Tires, NGK Spark Plugs, Redline Oil, BC Brian Crower, Takata and the Boost Brigade.

We would also like to thank the continuing technical partners: SR by Toyota, Rays Engineering/Gram Lights, KW Suspension, Wisefab, Wilwood, Rocket Bunny/Pandem, Turbo by Garrett, WPC, Supertech, OS Giken, Ignition Projects, Bluemoon Performance and Tuned by N8

Formula Drift Rd.2 FDATL next!  May 6-7