Written by John Pangilinan | Photos by David Karey, Linhbergh
Formula DRIFT Round 5: Throwdown Results; Darren McNamara Takes the Victory
Formula DRIFT returned to Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, WA for Round 5: Throwdown. Darren McNamara in the Falken Tire Nissan S14 takes his first victory of the season.
Round 5: Throwdown held at Evergreen Speedway showcased intense competition throughout the weekend. The weather held up for the capacity crowd as they were entertained by the action on track, the open paddock and Offset Kings car show.
The competition has tightened up with only two events remaining this season,? says Jim Liaw, President of Formula DRIFT. ?We can expect the final two rounds of the season to be as intense as ever. The drivers will be battling for every point possible.?
Number one qualifier, Darren McNamara faced fellow Irishman, Dean Kearney in the Oracle Lighting SRT Viper, in the finals. After a close battle, McNamara was able to take the win for his first victory of the season. This also marks the first podium in Kearney?s career. Rounding out the podium in third place was current point leader, Chris Forsberg, in the Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z, for his fifth consecutive podium of the season.
It?s nice to be back. It?s been a rough year,? said Darren McNamara, winner of Round 5: Throwdown. ?We?ve had a few things to overcome, but we?re here. It?s been a flawless weekend and it?s hard to believe. I?m so happy, especially for the team.?
The 2014 Formula DRIFT Championship season continues to Round 6: Showdown at Texas Motor Speedway on September 12-13. For more information visit: www.formuladrift.com and find Formula DRIFT on Instagram @formulad, Facebook www.facebook.com/formuladrift and Twitter @FormulaD.
Formula DRIFT Professional Championship Presented by GoPro 2014 Standings After Five Rounds
1. Forsberg, Chris Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z 421.50 Points
2. Aasbo, Fredric Hankook Tire Scion Racing tC 362.50 Points
3. Gittin Jr., Vaughn Monster Energy / Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR 308.50 Points
4. Moen, Kenneth Bridges Racing Nissan 240SX 275.50 Points
5. McNamara, Darren Falken Tire Nissan S14 263.00 Points
6. Bakchis, Aurimas Feal Suspension / Nitto Tire Nissan 240SX 243.50 Points
7. Pawlak, Justin Falken Tire Ford Mustang 226.00 Points
8. Kearney, Dean Oracle Lighting Dodge Viper SRT 215.50 Points
9. Nishida, Robbie Achilles Radial / Bridges Racing Lexus SC300 191.00 Points
10. Wang, Forrest Get Nuts Lab / Hankook Tire / STR Racing Nissan S14 183.50 Points
11. Grunewald, Conrad Megan Racing / Top 1 Oil / BRE Chevrolet Camaro 176.50 Points
12. Essa, Michael Essa Autosport / Yokohama BMW M3 164.50 Points
13. Tuerck, Ryan Retaks Maxxis Tires Air Force PSI Scion FR-S 162.00 Points
14. Gushi, Ken GReddy Performance X Scion Racing Drift FR-S 156.00 Points
15. McQuarrie, Tyler GoPro Mobil 1Chevrolet Camaro 153.50 Points
16. Field, Matt CX Racing / Nitto Tire Nissan 240SX 153.00 Points
Round 5: Throwdown Event Results
1. McNamara, Darren Falken Tire Nissan S14 Winner
2. Kearney, Dean Oracle Lighting Dodge Viper SRT 2nd Place
3. Forsberg, Chris Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z 3rd Place
Manufacturers Championship Standings After Five Rounds
1. Scion 569.50 Points
2. Ford 534.50 Points
3. Nissan 529.50 Points
4. Chevy 330.00 Points
5. BMW 299.00 Points
Tire Championship Standings After Five Rounds
1. Hankook 784.00 Points
2. Nitto 613.00 Points
3. Achilles 574.00 Points
4. Falken 508.00 Points
5. Maxxis 246.50 Points
ABOUT FORMULA DRIFT
In its eleventh season, Formula DRIFT is recognized as the North American professional drifting championship. Established on the streets of Japan, drifting has evolved into a worldwide competitive sport that challenges each driver's driving ability and vehicle control. Formula DRIFT provides a forum for professional drifters to compete nationwide for the coveted Formula DRIFT Championship crown. As the first official series in North America, Formula DRIFT has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme, attracting fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life and establishes itself as the world-wide leader for the Sport. For a competition schedule and ticket information, visit: www.formuladrift.com.
