Kugay Hangs Tough at 2020 Formula DRIFT Opening Double-Header in St Louis

In a year of much uncertainty, to see the 2020 Formula DRIFT season finally kick off is something many drifting enthusiasts—particularly the FD PRO drivers, teams and sponsors—have been eagerly anticipating. After a couple of postponements, the first two rounds finally took place without a hitch as a double-header at World Wide Technology Raceway in St Louis, MO.

Newly announced ENEOS ambassador, Faruk Kugay, was eager to get to work with his recently built Razetil – a Nissan S14 powered by a Toyota 2JZ engine. Shortly before leaving for the event, the motor developed a misfire, which they had to fix with parts flown in from around the country. Kugay and his crew worked tirelessly to get the car running with the help of Link ECU and a local dyno shop.

Round One

With qualifying eliminated for 2020, drivers drew numbers to decide who they’d battle in the elimination rounds. Faruk faced Ryan Tuerck in the Top 32 competition, and Tuerck (the eventual runner-up of the event) prevented him from advancing to the Top 16. “I love this new car,” Faruk said. “The speed is incredible and on pace, but every new car comes with some teething problems.”

Round Two

The next day (and with some track time finally logged), Faruk was ready to get Razetil back in action. Taking what was learned on Saturday, he decided to focus on having a more aggressive drag race to the first initiation for the Top 32 heats of Round 2. Going up against Matt Field, Faruk was able to achieve his goal of improving his drag racing, putting pressure on Field,  from the start. However, Faruk was unable to maintain it long enough to advance to the Top 16. “Since this is the most responsive and aggressive car I’ve ever driven, there’s a learning curve. I look forward to learning from it very quickly,” he said.

NEXT ROUND

The 2020 Formula DRIFT PRO and Link ECU PRO2 Championships continue on September 25-27 at Evergreen Speedway in Seattle, WA. Please visit formulad.com for 2020 event details, driver profiles, new content and livestream information.

Photos: Valters Bože and Larry Chen