Formula DRIFT Wings for Life

Formula DRIFT Holds First Ever Charity Blackjack Tournament;
Wings for Life To Receive Proceeds

Long Beach, Calif. – July 30, 2009 – Formula DRIFT held the first ever charity blackjack tournament during the Round 4: All In Event at the Aliante Casino and Hotel. Wings for Life charity to receive all proceeds from tournament.

The tournament was hosted by North Las Vegas’ Aliante Station Casino and Hotel, the official hotel of Formula DRIFT Round 4: All In, and was part of the various promotional activities surrounding the event weekend. Drivers, Sponsors, Team Members, Media Members, and Staff Members were asked to make donations for entry. 36 total players participated in the tournament including Formula DRIFT drivers Tanner Foust, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Chris Forsberg, and Ross Petty. Formula DRIFT Judges Tony Angelo and Andy Yen also took part in the tournament for charity along with Miss Formula DRIFT, Miki Taka.

“Aliante Station was very proud to team up this year with Formula DRIFT Series. This was a unique opportunity to have all the drivers, driver teams, and the fans of Formula DRIFT to make Aliante Station their choice for their stay, “said Brian Skagen, vice president and general manager of Aliante Station. “It was an exciting opportunity for the property to work with Formula DRIFT to make their stay at the property a successful one, by providing quality service, and amenities that made for a memorable trip for all the drivers and fans. Aliante Station would also like to thank the drivers, and fans for their support in the first ever charity blackjack tournament. We look forward to making Aliante Station the place to be for Formula DRIFT in the years to come.”

The Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation was founded in 2004 by Dietrich Mateschitz, CEO of Red Bull, and Heinz Kinigadner, multiple motocross world champion and KTM sports. The foundation’s chief function is to support rigorous pure fundamental and clinical research in the field of the central nervous system in search of a putative cure of paralysis.

“The Formula DRIFT blackjack tournament turned out was above our expectations. 36 players attended and we were able to raise money for the Wings for Life foundation,” said Ryan Sage, vice president of marketing and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “This foundation is committed to spinal cord research. Spinal cord injuries are devastating injuries and having a foundation that is committed to research and ultimately a cure is a great cause and relevant within the action sports and motorsports communities.”

Generous sponsors donated prizes that were awarded to the tournament finalists including an XBOX 360 game console, copies of Forza 2 video game, PUMA gift cards, a Meister watch, Oakley sunglasses, Rogue Status apparel, a package from Attic, and a 2-night stay at Aliante.

After 3 rounds of competition the final table consisted of 6 players. Steve Choi, staff member of Formula DRIFT, walked away with the 1st place spot and his choice from the prize pool and selected the XBOX 360 console and Forza 2 game. 2nd place went to Formula DRIFT points leader, Chris Forsberg, driver of the NOS Energy / Maxxis Tire Nissan 350Z, who chose the PUMA gift cards and Rogue Status apparel. 3rd Place went to John Pangilinan of the ID Agency, Formula DRIFT’s agency of record, and received a Meister watch and Forza 2 video game. Overall it was a successful event for everyone involved including Formula DRIFT, Aliante, and the Wings for Life Charity.

Formula DRIFT continues for Round 5: Breaking Point at Evergreen Speedway on August 7-8, 2009. Tickets are still available for this event and start at $23 online and 2-day ticket packages are available. Tickets can be purchased via the Formula DRIFT website at www.formuladrift.com

ABOUT FORMULA DRIFT

Entering its sixth 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 in 7 events 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 global focal point for the Sport. For a race schedule and ticket information, visit: www.formuladrift.com.