Formula DRIFT prepares to begin the eighth professional championship season. Round 1: Streets of Long Beach on April 8-9, 2011 to feature world class drifting action, debut of new cars and drivers, vendor midway, driver autographs, open pits, car show and more. (That’s just a few weeks before Fast Five opens.) The Grand Prix of Long Beach Street Course has been around since 1977. Highlighted by Formula 1, IndyCar, American Le Mans Series, The Toyota Pro/Celebrity race, and now Formula DRIFT. Utilizing Turns 9, 10, and 11 of the Grand Prix of Long Beach Street Course, Formula DRIFT slides its way on one of two actual street course utilized for professional drifting. With a high-speed entry and very tight spacing between the cars and walls, there is no room for mistakes, making the opening round of the Formula DRIFT season one of the most exciting drift events of the year.

Round 1: Streets of Long Beach will feature the return of champion Vaughn Gittin, Jr., the much anticipated debut of the Need for Speed 2011 Scion TC of Papadakis Racing with Formula DRIFT rookie of the year Fredric Aasbo behind the wheel, 2009 Champion Chris Forsberg and his new NOS Energy Drink Nissan 370Z, along with the rest of the talented driver pool including Ken Gushi, Daijiro Yoshihara, Michihiro Takatori, and Joon Woo Maeng. Newly added for this event will be an expanded VIP section and multiple Jumbotrons for better viewing throughout the venue. Get more details for the event here.

As a channelAPA.com reader, you have a chance to win a pair of tickets to Formula Drift Long Beach 2011. Entering this drawing is simple. Email us at webmaster@channelAPA.com with the following information:

Full name
Mailing address
Email address
Age
Telephone number
Your favorite drifter

Entry Details: All submissions must be received by April 1, 2011 11:59pm PST. Open to US Residents only. Travel expenses not included. Age limit is 13 and older. Winner will be randomly selected from qualified entries. Winners will receive tickets by mail. Prize Courtesy of Formula Drift.

Formula Drift Long Beach 2011 Promo