Southwest Drift Series, a Formula Drift Pro-AM program hosted by Vegas Drift, wrapped up it’s first round of the 2016 season this past Sunday. It’s been almost a year since we’ve been to Vegas for a drift event, and the south drag lot is one of our favorite layouts of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway facility. Everything is compact, in one area, and it’s a perfect atmosphere to catch up with friends, and catch drifting action at the same time.
Running out to Vegas for Southwest Drift Series was a quick warm up for the trip to Road Atlanta for Formula Drift Round 1 next weekend. The event was run in conjunction with Import Face Off, which reported over 2500 spectators enjoying drag racing, a car show, and drifting.
Forrest Wang was out with his Formula Drift S15, but had to leave early to address fatal engine issues. The Get Nuts Lab team was supposed to have hit the road to Atlanta right after Southwest Drift wrapped up, but they spent all night until 3am the next morning pulling the dead motor and dropping in the old motor.
34 drivers had attended, with 30 earning points in qualifying. The only drivers who didn’t earn a qualifying points, were the ones who weren’t able to line up. The Top 16 consisted of Adam Knapik, Andy Hateley, Traverse Hilsabeck, Bear Rzesnowiecky, George Kiriakopoulos, Seth Wright, Mark Sanchez, Zack MacGillivray, Blake Olsen, Matt Haugen, Kasey King, Preston Watson, Dino Child, Chris Ragan, Steezy Weaver, and Andrew Schulte.
Competition wrapped up with Andy Hateley and Blake Olsen battling it out for first place. Andy Hateley was on his A game this day, working his way through the bracket and taking out everybody to finish in first place.
First place Andy Hateley, second place Blake Olsen, third place George Kiriakopoulos. Congrats to these guys and all drivers who reached personal goals at Southwest Drift Series Round 1. Now it’s time to jump on a plane to Atlanta for Formula Drift. Southwest Drift Series Round 2 will be held on June 12 at Colorado National Speedway in Dacono, CO right outside Downtown Denver.
More Southwest Drift information (qualifying scores, Top 16 bracket, schedule)
http://www.vegasdrift.net/southwest-drift-series-rd1-results
