Excitement level hits overdrive for Drift Atlanta

In the wild world of motorsports, there’s nothing quite like Drifting.  And this weekend, some of the best and bravest drivers around are in North Georgia, burning rubber in hopes of gaining championship points.

Drift Atlanta presented by Papa John’s takes over Road Atlanta Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12, bringing one of racing’s wildest events back to Braselton.  Never heard of Drifting?  Well, it really needs to be seen to be believed, but it’s basically a competition in which drivers oversteer on purpose, losing tire traction but still staying in control as the car turns (or “drifts”) around a corner.  Drivers are then scored by a panel of three judges, and each competition features both single-car qualifiers and two-car battles.  Drifting first gained popularity in Japan, but the Formula DRIFT circuit has raised the motorsport’s profile here in the United States.  Drift Atlanta is the third round of this year’s championship series and will be held in the Turn 10 complex of Road Atlanta.

There’s a full schedule of action for Drift Atlanta at Road Atlanta, starting at 9:35 a.m. on Friday and culminating with the FD Pro2 Trophy Ceremony at 11:30 p.m.  Saturday’s action begins at 8 a.m., leading up to the trophy ceremony and closing at 10:45 p.m.  Single and two-day tickets may be purchased online, along with admission to specific parking areas.

Good Day Atlanta’s Paul Milliken never misses a chance to spend the morning at Road Atlanta and was there Friday morning just as drivers were preparing to take the track.