JUPITER, FL – June 1, 2011 – Invasion can be defined as the act of entering a place in attempt to take control of it.  That being the case, Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR) enthusiastically yields to the nearly 100 drifters this weekend as Formula DRIFT - Round 3: Invasion makes its way to the south Florida track on June 3-4, 2011.

The two-day competition starts on Friday afternoon as two levels of drifting professionals taking to the track.  As a new venue to the circuit, Palm Beach International Raceway’s course presents a new challenge to the drivers this weekend.

Drifters have two hours on Friday afternoon to learn the track before the evening qualifying session.  The driver that adapts the quickest to PBIR’s track will be the one to watch through the practice, qualifying and elimination rounds.  Drivers have two laps to qualify, with the top score counting as placement into the Top 32 grouping.

“Formula DRIFT has been around for several years and we’re thrilled to be hosting the third round of competition this year,” said Jason Rittenberry, President and CEO, PBIR. “Formula DRIFT is new event for us at Palm Beach International Raceway. We expect to draw crowds from all over Florida and the southeast region.”

The on-track competition for the weekend starts on the north part of the road course as the drifters accelerate and show their drifting skill near PBIR’s turns three and four.  Racers are judged by a panel of three drifting industry experts.  There are four areas where the judges evaluate the racers – speed, line, angle and overall impression.

The competition continues on Saturday with one additional Formula DRIFT practice immediately followed by the Pro/Am drivers competing in the elimination rounds.  The Formula DRIFT main competition begins Saturday evening as the field of 16 begins to pare down until only two drifters remain.  At the conclusion of the event, spectators are encouraged to watch the podium and trophy presentation as the winners are announced.

In conjunction with the 2011 Formula DRIFT series, Palm Beach International Raceway serves as host to the Slammed Society Showcase this weekend.  Produced by FatLace, the Slammed Society car show, open to all makes and models, is an automotive showcase featuring some of the country’s freshest rides.  For more information, visit http://fatlace.com/showcase/

Advance tickets available at www.formulad.com

• One-day general admission adult ticket - $21 (Saturday only ticket)
• One-day reserved adult ticket - $27(Saturday only ticket)
• Two-day general admission adult ticket - $24
• Two-day reserved adult ticket - $30

Gate tickets available at PBIR Gate 2

• One-day general admission adult ticket - $21 (Saturday only ticket)
• One-day reserved adult ticket - $30 (Saturday only ticket)
• Two-day general admission adult ticket - $24
• Two-day reserved adult ticket - $33

Parking

Parking for Formula DRIFT is free.

About Formula DRIFT

Entering its eighth season, Formula DRIFT is recognized as North American's professional drifting championship series. 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 worldwide leader for the Sport. This high-skilled, high-powered motor sport where drivers intentionally maneuver their cars into well executed, controlled sideways slides at high speeds through a marked course, has professional drivers & teams competing in seven championship competitions in 2011.

Judged on execution and style, rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time, Drifting is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and is often compared to the freestyle nature of skateboarding and motocross.  For more information, visit www.formlad.com

About Palm Beach International Raceway

Palm Beach International Raceway is a state-of-the-art venue and one of the most popular raceways in the country for racers and spectators alike. As a leader in its operating form and function, PBIR seeks to provide its drivers with a higher level of challenge, excellence and opportunity. PBIR boasts three completely refurbished, exceptionally designed tracks, including a high-performance road course, an all-concrete drag strip and a 7/10’s mile karting track and new karting center. The technologically superior two-mile road course features some of the fastest and most challenging corners and straight-aways offered by any track in North America. PBIR is sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and is pending certification by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for many major racing events. For more information on PBIR, please visit www.RacePBIR.com.

PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

FORMULA D – ROUND 3: INVASION

Friday, June 3, 2011

2:00 pm           Gates Open

2:00 pm           Formula Drift Open Practice #1
3:00 pm           Formula Drift Open Practice #2
4:00 pm           Formula Drift Qualifying – All Drivers, reverse ranking order
7:00 pm           Formula Drift Autograph Signing – NOS Bunker
7:00 pm           Pro/Am: Qualifying
9:00 pm           Formula Drift Open Practice – Top 32

Saturday, June 4, 2011 - Main Event

2:00 pm           Gates Open
2:00 pm           Formula Drift Open Practice – Top 32
3:00 pm           Pro/Am: Main Competition – Round of 16 to Finals
4:00 pm           Formula Drift Main Competition – Round of 32
6:00 pm           Pro/Am Trophy Ceremony
6:00 pm           "Half Time" Break
7:30 pm           National Anthem / Opening Ceremonies
8:00 pm           Formula Drift Main Competition – Round of 16 to Finals
10:00 pm         Formula Drift Trophy Ceremony & Closing

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