News Article

Drifting Slides into Memphis For SCCA Contest on June 3

May 25, 2007

MEMPHIS (May 25, 2007) – In a blur of sliding vehicles and tire smoke Sunday, June 3, Memphis Motorsports Park will host ‘Memphis Drift 2,’ sanctioned by the Midsouth Region Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and presented by Traction Optional.

Rain or shine, the event will feature high-powered cars sliding through a series of turns at the ultimate limit of control producing lots of noise, tire smoke and thrills.

Drifting, by SCCA’s definition, is “a sporting event using rear or all-wheel drive cars to traverse a tight course at the ultimate slip angle at each turn's apex,” with the object being “the utmost car control using both steering and throttle input to pass each clipping point at an angle substantially greater than that of normal driving.”

Entrants will be judged more on style and execution than speed. In other words, the better the show, the more points awarded.

Drifting originated in Japan and has been popular on the West Coast for several years, but  made a leap to the U.S. mainstream after the release of last year’s Universal Pictures box office hit, “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.”

Spectator gates open at 8:00 a.m. Admission is $ 5, and children 5-and-under will be admitted free with a paying adult.

Practice starts at 8:30 a.m. with a lunch break at noon. Competition begins at 3:00 p.m.

‘Memphis Drift 2’ is the second of four SCCA-sanctioned drifting contests at Memphis Motorsports Park, with two more scheduled for July 8 and Aug. 12.

For more information, call Memphis Motorsports Park at (901) 358-7223, or visit www.tractionoptional.com or www.midsouthscca.com.