On May 9th and 10th, the second round of the Formula DRIFT championship series will take place at the renowned Road Atlanta racetrack in Braselton, Georgia. The 2.54-mile, 12-turn track first opened in 1970 and has a special place in Formula DRIFT history. Because it was the site of the inaugural Formula DRIFT event in 2004, it’s considered to be one of the most anticipated locations of the season.
Situated atop 750 acres of rolling hills, Road Atlanta is poised to host another epic outing for Newegg Automotive driver, Michael Essa. Car and Driver magazine selected Road Atlanta as one of America’s best road courses. While most tracks in the U.S.A. are oval, this one has plenty of twists and turns, unexpected drops, and elements of danger. Essa will definitely have his work cut out for him as he defends his 2013 championship title.
“[Road Atlanta] dates back to a time when racetracks were supposed to have elevation changes, blind corners, and distinct personalities. In the good old days, danger was an accepted part of the deal, and we think a scintilla of fear makes for a more challenging competition venue.” –Car and Driver
Road Atlanta is recognized as one of the world’s best road courses.
Essa and other drivers will be sliding sideways through Turns 10A and 10B before spinning through a loop that leads them through a bridge. Then – if they still have control of their car – they will slide back towards Turns 10B and 10A before finishing in style as they drift uphill on an incline. If you’ve ever wanted to see what Formula DRIFT was all about, Road Atlanta promises to have some of the best drifting you’ll see anywhere.
If you can’t make it to Georgia this weekend, then tune into Newegg’s Formula DRIFT livestream. While you’re there, you’ll also be able to take advantage of great deals for all your automotive needs. Whether you’re looking for GPS navigation, car electronics, diagnostic tools, chargers, or garage supplies, Newegg has it all. We carry many top brands like KW Suspension, NOCO, GARMIN, Pioneer, K&N, Edelbrock, Mothers, and more. The deals kicked off yesterday and last all week, so shop today!
You’ll also want to check Unscrambled later this week when I will have an exclusive interview with Michael Essa. We’re going to discuss his souped-up BMW M3, the Essa Autosport company, and his rise to fame in 2013. If you have any questions you’d like me to ask Mike, let me know in the comments below.
Schedule of Events
Friday, May 9, 2014 – Practice / Qualifying
8:00am – Venue Open: Competitors & Vendors Only – Main Paddock
8:00am – 6:00pm – WILL CALL: Open for Vendor/Sponsor/Team – Will Call
10:00am – 10:30pm – GATES OPEN TO PUBLIC – Venue
2:00pm – 2:30pm – FD: Mandatory Drivers Meeting – FD HQ
2:30pm – 3:00pm – FD: Mandatory Safety Meeting – FD HQ
3:00pm – 3:30pm – MEDIA: Mandatory Meeting for ALL ‘Hot Area’ Access Credential Holders – FD HQ
3:00pm – 4:00pm – FD: Autograph Signing – GoPro Area
4:30pm – 5:25pm – FD: Open Practice – Group 1 – Track
5:35pm – 6:30pm – FD: Open Practice – Group 2 – Track
6:45pm – 9:00pm – FD: Qualifying – Track
6:45pm – LIVE STREAM: Live Stream Begins – Online
9:15pm – 9:30pm – FD: Mandatory – All Drivers Meeting; Qualifying Results – FD HQ
10:00pm – 11:00pm – FD: Open Practice – Top 32 – Track
12:00am – 8:00am – Clear Grip (Noise Ordinance, No Revving Engines) – Venue/Track
Saturday, May 10, 2014 – Main Event
8:00am – Venue Open: Competitors & Vendors Only – Main Paddock
8:00am – 7:00pm – WILL CALL: Open for Vendor/Sponsor/Team – Will Call
10:00am – 10:30pm – GATES OPEN TO PUBLIC – Venue
1:00pm – 1:30pm – FD: Mandatory Drivers Meeting – FD HQ
1:30pm – 2:00pm – MEDIA: Mandatory Meeting for ALL ‘Hot Area’ Access Credential Holders – FD HQ
2:30pm – 4:00pm – FD: Open Practice – Top 32 – Track
2:30pm – LIVE STREAM: Live Stream Begins – Online
4:00pm – 6:00pm – MAIN COMPETITION: Round of 32 – Track
6:00pm – 7:30pm – “Halftime Break”
7:30pm – 8:00pm – National Anthem / Opening Ceremonies – Track
8:00pm – 10:00pm – MAIN COMPETITION: Round of 16 to Finals – Track
10:00pm – 10:30pm – Trophy Ceremony & Closing – Main Paddock
