Formula D 2011 Round 3: Invasion Palm Beach Coverage

WORDS BY: KRIS DAVENPORT

The great state of Florida, known for swamps and Sea World, begged for new action, and Formula D delivered right to their door step. With a debut premier in West Palm Beach at a new track in a completely unfamiliar state, it was unclear what to expect for round 3. How would the drivers do? How popular would the event be? How crazy would the fans act?

At the end of the weekend there was no debate, the drivers were just as high energy as the fans and the event was a complete success. At a new track the drivers have to learn and adjust to the speed and lay out during the practice times and put it all on
the line during qualifying, which is exactly what the drivers delivered. Making for a full Falken sweep on the podiums, Justin Pawlak took first in his Ford Mustang. Following not too far behind was former champion Vaughn Gittin JR, also in a Ford Mustang. Taking third to provide the full podium was Darren MacNamera in his Saturn Sky.

The Falken boys are seeing success this season, having the top 3 over all spots filled by. Justin Pawlak, Darren MacNamera and Daijiro Yoshihara- crowd favorite and driver of the Discount Tire s13.  Dai also has another title for the season, having the current hold on first for the Triple Crown podium. Also sharing the stage for Triple Crown is Darren, giving Falken another lead on top 3. All together, both Formula D and the state of Florida delivered a great weekend, both for the fans and for the drivers. The state known for alligators and spring break parties in the south east now has something else to be known for- great fans. And the drivers had the challenge of the season- learning a new track. There’s already talk floating around of making Florida a permanent stop for Formula D seasons to come, and there’s certainly no reason not to.

PHOTOS BY:

PERRI MINOT

LIZA SHEEN

Chris Forsberg, Frederic Aasbo, Ken Gushi,

 

Charles Ng