April 14, 2010, Hawthorne, CA—Formula DRIFT’s first event of 2010 was truly an international affair, with over 13 countries represented in competition, including 12 current and former drifting champions. Two-time Formula DRIFT Champion Tanner Foust, competing in the Rockstar Energy/SCION tC for the second season, left little doubt that he is making a run for his third championship with a 3rd place overall finish. This was the third time that Tanner has finished in 3rd place at Long Beach.

There were 50 entries vying for 32 elimination round spots, and Tanner qualified 5th overall in front of a sold out, standing-room-only crowd. Tanner bested up-and-comer Joon Maeng in the Top 32 round, overcame the advances of perennial powerhouse Dai Yoshihara in the Sliding 16 round and defeated James Dean in the Great 8 round before succumbing to former champion Rhys Millen in the semi Final round. Tanner faced rookie Frederick Aasabo in the consolation round, defeating the newcomer for a third place overall finish at the event, positioning him 3rd overall in the series.

Although the Rockstar/SCION tC looks similar to last year’s car, it is sporting fresh legs and lungs with an updated suspension design featuring new Tokico shocks, increased steering angle and a fresh TRD engine from Ed Pink. All of the team’s sponsors are back this year: Rockstar, SCION, Hankook, AEM, Tokico, Memphis Car Audio, Motegi Wheels, ACT Clutch, and SPC Performance, and the team welcomes two new partners: Magnaflow Exhaust, and Eneos Oil.

"I love coming back to LB every year!" Stated Tanner, "There is something so cool about having permission to slide in between the buildings downtown, and hearing the echo of the TRD V8 rumbling off the walls is just sweet." Tanner continued, "I have to credit Stephan and Shawn for having the car ready for the Formula DRIFT opener in Long Beach. The car came back from the Chile demo with less than a month to prepare it for this event. They cranked on the car and got an amazing amount of work done, including a new rear sub frame, increased steering angle, new suspension set up and increased torque in the TRD V8. All of this will make for an easier car to drive this season, and I’m looking forward to laying it down in Atlanta next month."

"This is our second season with the Scion tC," commented team owner and manager Stephan Papadakis, "and I believe it is our best drift car yet. It may be the most competitive vehicle in Formula DRIFT competition. When you combine that with Tanner's skill, and the top-level support we get from our sponsors, I think we have a recipe for another championship. That is our goal, and a taking the podium at our first event is a solid start."

1. Gittin, Vaughn Monster Energy / Falken Tire Ford Mustang 108 Points

2. Millen, Rhys RMR / Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe 100 Points

3. Foust, Tanner Rockstar Energy Scion TC 82 Points

4. Aasbo, Fredric Japan Auto / FSR Toyota Supra 72 Points

5. Tuerck, Ryan Mobil 1 / Maxxis Tire / Gardella Racing Solstice 65 Points

6. Hubinette, Samuel SHR-Dodge / BF Goodrich Dodge Challenger 64 Points

7. Mordaunt, Patrick Brian Crower / PM Racing Nissan 350Z 62 Points

8. Deane, James Falken Tire Nissan S15 61.50 Points

9. McNamara, Darren Falken Tire Saturn Sky 60 Points

10. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / CFR Nissan 350Z 56 Points

11. Miki, Ryuji APEXi / Hankook Tire Mazda RX-7 56 Points

12. Yoshihara, Daijiro America's Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13 56 Points

13. Brakohiapa, Tony Cooper Tire / Sam's Autoboy Ford Mustang 54.50 Points

14. Verdier, Stephan Royal Purple/Crawford Performance/Cooper STI 54.50 Points

15. Wang, Forrest BF Goodrich / K&N Infiniti G35 54.50 Points

16. Takatori, Michihiro BF Goodrich / Exedy Nissan S15 54.25 Points

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