MagnaFlow Ambassador : Formula Drift Legend Chris Forsberg
MagnaFlow Brand Ambassador, three-time Formula Drift Champion and Formula Drift World Champion Chris Forsberg got his start in the world of drifting in traditional fashion: tearing up empty streets and parking lots around his hometown of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Back then, he was running a 1988 Mazda RX-7 that he’d bought back in ’99.
After a few years of amateur drifting, Forsberg decided to move out to Southern California in 2003 to join the burgeoning scene there and participate in the early drifting competitions that were going on at the time. He also wanted a car that would stand out from the competition, so he purchased a Nissan 350Z coupe. Back then the 350Z was a brand-new design.
The Big Leagues
The following year he qualified for the inaugural season of Formula Drift (AKA: Formula D), where his career would really begin to take off. Forsberg is one of three drivers who have competed in every season so far, and he has run his own team, Forsberg Racing, since 2007. He left his indelible marks on the sport when he clinched the title of Formula Drift Champion in 2009, 2014 and 2016.
In fact, his win in 2016 was particularly special due to its international nature, leading him to be crowned World Formula Drift Champion at the end of the 2016 season. It also made him the first driver in Formula D to win the championship three times, a feat which only one other driver, James Deane, has managed to achieve. Forsberg is ranked 1st in all-time podium finishes and head-to-head battle wins in Formula D history, 3rd overall in number of event wins and was dubbed Driver of the Year in both 2007 and 2009. Just last year he was recognized for Best Drifting Style by Formula D. Not too shabby for a self-taught driver, eh?
A Stalwart Brand Man
Forsberg has driven Nissans and enjoyed factory support from the automaker throughout his professional career. He even got the opportunity to race Falken Tire’s JDM Silvia S15 for the 2005 Formula D season. Nissan USA provided him with a 350Z convertible for the 2006 season as a stylish upgrade over his already-successful coupe. In 2011 they upgraded him to a 370Z, which he’s continued to run to this very day. Like his 350Zs, Forsberg’s 370Z continues to be sponsored by NOS Energy Drink. Forsberg has been a MagnaFlow Brand Ambassador since the 2016 season when he secured the title of Formula Drift World Champion.
Speaking of his vehicle, Forsberg has managed a solid start to this season despite a rocky beginning caused in large part by issues with his car’s electronic throttle body. Forsberg Racing has since replaced the faulty component with a mechanical throttle body and they think the car should be ready to roll for the rest of the year’s events.
What It Takes to Be a Champ
When asked about what drew him to the sport of drifting in the first place, the first thing Forsberg mentions is the challenge. In his view, drifting is pretty much one of the toughest motorsports out there. Whereas other forms of auto racing focus on speed and finishing order alone, drifting requires constant finesse and balance. Drivers are judged on technique at every turn and transition. The toughest part about drifting? According to Forsberg, it’s “the mental game. Understanding your limits.” Anyone who’s watched a drifting event can understand what he’s talking about. It’s quite the sight to behold!
We look forward to following Chris Forsberg for the rest of the season and can’t wait to see what happens at the next event on August 27-28 in St. Louis, MO. Want to get the chance to see Forsberg tear up the track in person? Tickets for the event and the rest of the season are currently available for purchase at FormulaD.com.
Are you interested in building a performance exhaust system for a competitive drift car like Chris Forsberg’s 370Z? Look no further than MagnaFlow.com, where you can search for exactly the exhaust components and kits you need by year, make, model, trim level. Have questions about our products? Give us a call at 1-800-990-0905 and we’d be happy to help.
EQUIP YOUR RIDE
Comments