The Formula D press conference just wrapped up, and for now it seems like it’s steady as she goes. Formula D has always been pretty conservative with expansion and this year is no different. Venues and dates will be pretty close to last year. Formula D will continue with there demos which we can expect to see on Driftstream. In February they will return to Panama and in the spring to the Middle East again. Also mentioned was the possibility of a demonstration somewhere in Asia.
A lot of people were hoping for an expansion of the schedule to include places like Texas and other Mid-West locations. However, a large part of what has made Formula D so successful is their continuing respect for those who drive. Not every team can afford to pick up and drive all around the U.S. There is no doubt that Formula D will continue to grow but all in due time.
Speaking to the growth of the series, 2011 brought about an over all double digit growth increase. There is also a 1.5 million person viewer base on Driftstream.
So what does this all mean? Well simple, drifting is going to continue to grow at a steady pace and with their move to NBC Sports it is going to be much easier to explain to all your non-car friends exactly what drifting is.
2012 Formula Drift Schedule
April 6-7 – Streets of Long Beach
May 11-12 – Road Atlanta
June 1-2 – Palm Beach International Raceway
June 22-23 – Wall Speedway
July 20-21 – Evergreen Speedway
August 24-25 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway
October 12-13 – Irwindale Speedway