Hawthorne CA, June 11th, 2009—After cancellation of Round 3 at Wall, NJ and relocation to famed Englishtown raceway in 2008, FormulaD was back at Wall in 2009, ready to challenge drivers with high banked turns and off-angle transitions that make this course arguably the most challenging of the series.



The Rockstar/Scion Team arrived early for practice Thursday to resolve a few minor issues with the new drift car and were met with rain, which continued through Friday practice, leaving the first dry run in the tC for Saturday’s qualifying rounds. Tanner spun in his first qualifying pass when he caught air going over a bump, causing the car to rotate upon landing. After that pass, Tanner thought there may be an issue with the car’s suspension and elected to make a more conservative pass during the second run to get on the board and move on to eliminations. Unfortunately, despite Tanner’s efforts the car over-rotated during the second run, ending in a spin and ending the team’s chance at a shot for the podium at Wall.



“I think it is a combination of things,’ commented Tanner. “ We’ve had great success with this car the first two rounds, so people sometimes forget that this is a brand new car and we are still sorting out a few things, which is a normal part of development. Today, when I was at full lock the tires would rub, essentially applying brake effort at the worst possible time. Stephan and I have evaluated what happened today and already have a plan of attack. I think we have the best team in the sport, and Steph’s ability to build winning cars is proven in the team’s history.”



This is the first time in four years that Tanner failed to qualify higher than the 4th position for elimination rounds. Tanner finished 3rd at Wall in 2007, and won in E-Town in 2008. Going into Round 4 in Las Vegas next month, the Rockstar/Scion Drift Team is in a ‘must podium’ position if it wants to remain in the points chase for the championship this season.



“We’re going to take a look at the steering system and we have a plan to make sure the car does not bottom out during off-angle transitions,” stated Stephan. “I’m not too worried and I am looking forward to getting the car out in Vegas! We’ve had our backs to the wall before and if the past is any indication, our team doesn’t crack under pressure. You can bet we are going after it.”



Next Event: Formula D – July10th-11th, Las Vegas, NV www.formulad.com

Wall Photos:

Wall Video:



2009 FormulaD Championship Points Standings:

1. McNamara, Darren Falken / Sears Auto Center Saturn Sky 260 Points

2. Tuerck, Ryan Gardella Racing / Mobil 1Pontiac Solstice 232 Points

3. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Maxxis Nissan 350Z 227 Points

4. Hubinette, Samuel NuFormz / Mopar Dodge Viper 213 Points

5. Gittin, Vaughn Falken Tire Ford Racing Mustang GT 211 Points

6. Nishida, Robbie Hankook Tires / Dynamic Autosports Nissan 350Z 197 Points

7. McQuarrie, Tyler Falken Nissan 350Z 195.50 Points

8. Pawlak, Justin Bergenholtz Racing / Nitto Mazda RX-8 178 Points

9. Aono, Taka Technosquare Toyota AE86 Corolla 174.50 Points

10. Maeng, Joon Maxxis / LS Auto Nissan S13.5 173 Points

11. Brakohiapa, Tony Cooper Tire Ford Mustang 170.75 Points

12. Millen, Rhys Red Bull / RMR / Toyo Hyundai Genesis Coupe 166.50 Points

13. Mordaunt, Patrick PM Racing Nissan S13 165.50 Points

14. Verdier, Stephan Cooper Tire / Crawford Performance Subaru STI 163 Points

15. Petty, Ross Garage Boso / Falken Nissan S15 158.50 Points

16. Yoshihara, Daijiro Falken Tire / Discount Tire Lexus IS350 156 Points

18. Foust, Tanner Rockstar / Scion tC, 146 Points