FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WALNUT, CA – NOVEMBER 23, 2009 – Toyota Speedway @ Irwindale, was host to the final event of the season - the Formula DRIFT Pro Am National Championship this past weekend.  Some of the best up-and-coming drivers were in attendance to compete for their chance to earn their 2010 Formula DRIFT Pro license.

Also known as the “House of Drift,” this race track is known for its high-speed banks and unforgiving concrete barriers.  With the course set up in the drifting configuration, the judging stand sits just behind the infield wall where many spectacular crashes have occurred throughout its drifting history.

The Slick Auto / CharlesNgRacing Nissan S13 Silvia, piloted by seasoned racing driver Charles Ng, successfully qualified 7th but retired early due to a spectacular crash during the Top 16 tandem battle.

In round 1, Charles was squared up against Russell Walker and his Nissan S13.  Charles led on the initial run while Russell gave chase.  After great-looking runs from both drivers, they swapped positions for the 2nd and ever-decisive run.  During the 2nd run, Russell sped off in the lead position while Charles gave chase.  Russell began pulling away after the first transition while Charles fought hard to maintain pace.  Unfortunately, the Slick Auto / CharlesNgRacing S13 came into hard contact with the wall at the transition into the infield.  The safety equipment built into the Slick Auto / CharlesNgRacing S13 held up excellently, with Charles walking out of the machine unharmed to a round of applause from the spectators in the grandstands.

The turn of events may have brought the weekend to an earlier end, but qualifying 7th meant that Team Slick Auto / CharlesNgRacing had earned its spot to compete in the 2010 Formula DRIFT Professional season.

The Top 16 qualifying drivers at the Formula DRIFT Pro Am National Championship event were awarded Formula DRIFT Pro licenses for the 2010 Formula DRIFT season.

Congratulations to Charles Ng for earning his 2010 Formula DRIFT Pro license!

Team Slick Auto / CharlesNgRacing would like to thank all our sponsors:  APR Performance, Hankook Tires, G-Dimension, Drift Speed, Rising Star Motor, 5Zigen, LS Auto, and TrackHQ.

Team Slick Auto / CharlesNgRacing would like to extend special thanks to:  DriftFotos.com (for taking epic action photos), Formula DRIFT (for hosting a great event), and lastly, all our team members and crew who have come out to support us this season.

(TrackHQ group photo)

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