ACHILLES ASIAN DRIFT SERIES 2012 RETURNS TO THRILL MOTORSPORT FANS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Following a successful inaugural season last year, the second Achilles Asian Drift Series returns with a four-leg campaign in 2012,  with a bolstered cast of top drifters ready to thrill motorsport fans across the region. Organised by ESPN STAR Sports Event Management Group, this season’s championship will flag off with Formula Drift Kuala Lumpur next month, followed by Singapore in June, Thailand in September and Indonesia hosting the season finale in November.  The Formula Drift events have attracted more than 24,000 spectators across its Asian legs last year and the upcoming season is set to draw bigger crowds with the organisers committed to elevate the fan’s experience with new venues and new street courses for the Malaysian and Singapore legs, which will be held at Speedcity, Selangor Turf Club, Kuala Lumpur and Changi Exhibition Centre respectively. Formula Drift fans can also expect the competition between the drivers go up a notch with an intriguing battle brewing between the drivers. Fan favourites will welcome the return of last year’s Achilles Asian Drift Series Champion Japanese defending champion Daigo Saito from Achilles Radial, who recently made his mark at Formula Drift USA at Long Beach, California with his third-place finish.
Giving the Japanese drivers a run for the trophy is Malaysia’s Tengku Djan Ley, the inaugural Formula Drift Asian champion in 2010, who is making his comeback this year. His traditional rivalry with Daigo and Thailand’s ace driver Saranon Pornpatanarak from Team Overdrive will spark another fiery finish for the top of the podium.  Another contender this year is Manabu ‘Max’ Orido, D1GP driver and Japanese GT Championship winner.  A fan favourite for his style and individuality, Orido made famous the Toyota Supra as a drift machine, an uncommon feature in the formula drifting scene.  Formula Drift USA stars Ken Gushi and Robbie Nishida will also be returning for the 2012 season and will have one eye of the podium as they compete in both the USA and Asia series.
With the popularity of the sport on the rise, this year sees the return of title sponsor PT. Multistrada Arah Sarana, Tbk (PT MASA), tyre manufacturers of Achilles Radial and Corsa Motorcycle Tyres. Formula Drift Asia 2012 is organized by ESS and title sponsored by Achilles Radial. In addition, Canon will join the event as a regional sponsor. STAR Sports is the official broadcaster and the coverage will be aired across its networks, covering 24 countries to a cumulative reach of more than 300 million viewers in Asia. The panel of judges include Andy Yen, one of the original Formula Drift judges and Daijiro Yoshihara, a Pro Championship driver who was the overall USA Champion for 2011. Jarod DeAnda, the “voice” of Formula Drift will once again be providing colour commentary at each event.