SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Federal-Mogul’s iconic Champion brand of spark plugs, wipers, filters and chemical additives has expanded its presence in the fast-growing sport of professional drifting by signing sponsorship agreements with two premier drivers in the Formula Drift championship series. Formula Drift competition challenges drivers to maneuver their cars into well executed, controlled lateral slides at high speeds on a marked course.
The Champion brand will sponsor 2009 Formula Drift series winner and 2013 runner-up Chris Forsberg, Baltimore, Md., as well as ’09 series runner-up Ryan Tuerck, Auburn, N.H., for the 2014 season, which begins April 4 with the “Streets of Long Beach” event in Long Beach, Calif.
“Champion spark plugs have won thousands of races and series championships over the years, and we’re committed to achieving the same level of success in professional drifting competition,” said Jessica Wynn, global digital marketing manager, Federal-Mogul Vehicle Components segment. “We are pleased that our world-class brand and leading-edge technologies will have a major presence in the Formula Drift series and look forward to working closely with Chris and Ryan in pursuing our next championship.”
Forsberg, known among drifting enthusiasts as “The Force,” is one of the sport’s winningest drivers, with 12 event victories and the 2009 championship. He moved up from grassroots to professional competition with the establishment of the Formula Drift series in 2004. Forsberg drives the 800-horsepower No. 64 Hankook Tires / NOS Energy Drink Nissan 370Z.
Tuerck began his racing career in BMX and Motocross competition, earning his professional Motocross license at the age of 16. He finished second to Forsberg in series points in 2009 and has finished in the top 10 in five of seven Formula Drift seasons. Tuerck has been at the forefront of creating unique online automotive content with his popular YouTube series, “Tuerck’d,” and will be working with Champion to create more videos throughout the season.
Champion spark plugs are a leading choice of talented drivers, engine builders and teams in virtually every form of engine-driven competition, including NASCAR Sprint Cup racing, NHRA drag racing, local and regional circle track competition, and motorcycle, boat and snocross events. The Champion brand today represents a broad portfolio of additional “Performance Driven” products, including wipers, filters and chemical additives.
For additional information regarding Champion products and programs, including the brand’s innovative $125,000 “Search for a Champion” motorsports sponsorship contest, please visit www.AlwaysaChampion.com. Like Champion on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChampionSparkPlugs, and follow the brand on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ChampionPlugs.
