Formula DRIFT kicks-off the 9th championship season on the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Street Course

The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Street Course has been around since 1977. Highlighted by Formula 1, IndyCar, American Le Mans Series, The Toyota Pro/Celebrity race, and now Formula DRIFT. 2012 will be Formula DRIFT's 7th consecutive year at the famous Street Course. The expanded 2-day event will again be one week prior to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Utilizing Turns 9, 10, and 11 of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Street Course, Formula DRIFT slides its way on one of two actual street course utilized for professional drifting; the other is the Formula DRIFT Asia event which is held on Singapore's F1 Street Course. With a high-speed entry and very tight spacing between the cars and walls, there is no room for mistakes, making the opening round of the Formula DRIFT season one of the most exciting drift events of the year.

This event also features: the Slammed Society Car Show presented by Fatlace, a huge vendor village, tons of giveaways from sponsors, driver autograph session, open pits to see the cars and stars up close and personal, and much much more!

Round 1: Streets of Long Beach will kick-off the 2012 Championship season in style with new cars, new drivers, and all the sideways excitement that Formula DRIFT is known for. Champion Daijiro Yoshihara will be back to defend his title against all competitors including Justin Pawlak, Chris Forsberg, Darren McNamara, Matt Powers and the rest of the talented pool of drivers.

Don't miss out on the exciting 2012 Formula DRIFT Season Opener on April 6-7!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

9:00 am – 5:00 pm — Will Call Open
9:00 am – 1:00 pm — Setup – All Sponsors/Teams/Vendors (w/ Trailers > 20ft.)
10:00 am – 6:00 pm — Technical Inspection (appointment ONLY)
10:00 am – 2:00 pm — MANDATORY – Media Meeting and Check-in
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm — All Vendors' Setup
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm — Invited cars parade to Belmont shore
6:00 pm – 8:00 am — CLEAR GRID (noise ordinance; no revving engines)

Friday, April 6, 2012 – Preview Day

7:00 am – 4:00 pm — Will Call Open for Vendors/Sponsors/Teams
7:00 am — VENUE OPEN
7:00 am – 9:00 am — Setup – Sponsor/Team/Vendor/Drop off ONLY
8:00 am – 8:30 am — MANDATORY All Drivers' Meeting
8:30 am – 9:00 am — MANDATORY Driver Headshots
9:00 am – 9:30 am — MANDATORY Media Meeting
9:00 am – 10:30 am — OPEN PRACTICE – Group #1
10:30 am – 12:00 pm — OPEN PRACTICE – Group #2
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm — GATES OPEN TO PUBLIC
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm — QUALIFYING – All Drivers, reverse ranking order
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm — MANDATORY All Drivers' Meeting, Qualifying/Results
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — MANDATORY Autograph Signing
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm — OPEN PRACTICE – Top 32
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm — Setup – Sponsors/Vendors ONLY
8:00 pm — Drivers' Party at Hooters Long Beach
10:00 pm – 8:00 am — CLEAR GRID (noise ordinance; no revving engines)

Saturday, April 7, 2012 - Main Event

6:00 am – 8:00 am — Roll in Car Show
8:00 am – 3:00 pm — Will Call Open for Vendors/Sponsors/Teams
8:00 am — VENUE OPEN Credential Holders ONLY
8:30 am – 9:00 am — MANDATORY All Drivers' Meeting
9:00 am – 10:00 am — MANDATORY Driver Headshots
9:30 am – 10:00 am — MANDATORY Media Meeting and Check-in
10:00 am – 6:00 pm — GATES OPEN TO PUBLIC
9:00 am – 10:30 am — OPEN PRACTICE – Top 32
11:00 am – 1:00 pm — MAIN COMPETITION – Round of 32
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm — "Half Time" Break
3:00 pm — National Anthem/Opening Ceremonies
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm — MAIN COMPETITION – Round of 16 to Finals
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm — Trophy Ceremony & Closing Main