Red Bull Drift Shifters turns it up a notch today with the announcement of the full 16-man field to compete on Auckland's downtown waterfront on Saturday, December 6. The elite list features some of drifting's finest drivers from around the globe including USA, Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
Reigning champion Matt Powers (USA) will have a hard job defending his title in his V8 Nissan against compatriots, Chris "The Force" Forsberg (USA) - the current Formula Drift Champion in his Nissan 370Z, Tyler McQuarrie (USA) in his Chevrolet Camaro, and Ryan Tuerck (USA) in his Scion FRS. All will make the trip south from the US. Not to mention Japan's offering of Daigo Saito (JAP) with his Lexus SC430, and the legendary Ken Nomura (Nomuken) with his Nissan R34. Rounding off the seven-man international field is Jake "DRIFTSQUID" Jones (AUS) in his Nissan S13.
"It's awesome to see such a big idea come to reality. It's the first non-judged drifting event in the world and I'm really happy to be a part of it. I'm looking forward to participating in this ground breaking event, especially in the downtown setting of Auckland - It will be my first time in New Zealand," says Chris Forsberg (USA). "I think we'll do very well in the competition, giving that the course is designed around precision and consistency and that is where we excel the most."
The international field will face tough competition from some of New Zealand's finest motorsport talent. Leading the charge is "Mad Mike" Whiddett in his notorious Mazda FD RX7, along with fellow countrymen Curt Whittaker, Daynom Templeman, Darren Kelly, Cole Armstrong, Andrew Redward, Garry "Gaz" Whiter, Nico Reid, and Daniel "Fanga Dan" Woolhouse who will complete the 16 strong field. All local driver video biographies can be viewed now on redbull.co.nz/driftshifters.
