Drifting driver to show skills

MANILA, Philippines - Drifting driver Lance Feliciano is back in the country and will display his wares during an exhibition act at the 2009 Phil Swiss Motorfest and Hot Air Balloon Fiesta this weekend.

The only Filipino to be issued a competition license by the United States’ Formula D Series, Feliciano is set to drive at the Clark Kart Track for the Phil Swiss Motorfest and the Clark Airfield, Pampanga for the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Feb. 12-15.

Formula D is the name of the US drifting series. It was inaugurated in 2004 and is a division of the Sports Car Club of America.

“Drifting involves precision and you need to have a well-tuned, perfectly conditioned, rear-wheel drive car with a good suspension and tires that can stand the strain of drifting,” said the young US-based driver his return appearance in the PSA Forum yesterday at the Shakey’s UN Avenue branch.

Named by the Drift &RWD sports magazine as “one of the next superstars to watch” in the sport, the 22-year old Feliciano later impressed members of the media with his driving skills during a separate exhibition held at the National Press Club premises in Intramuros.

Feliciano is the only Filipino out of the 38 professional drift racers competing in the US Formula D series. He joined the elite circle upon winning the requisite eight qualifying events in 2006 at the young age of 19.

Counting on BF Goodrich, Whiz Oil, Spyder, Starbright Body Kits, Rapide, Drift Mags, K92 Paint, Standox, Z-Car Suspension and LF Performance among those helping him in his campaign, Feliciano edged out 55 other drivers at the Irwindale Speedway and took home the championship while earning a slot in the Nationals in Laughlin, Las Vegas.

“Driving is my passion. It’s in my blood. I don’t see myself going anywhere,” he said in the session sponsored by Shakey’s, Accel, Brickroad gym and Aspen spa and MedCentral Medical Clinic and Diagnostic Center.