SIGNAL HILL, Calif.—Taiwan tire maker Federal Tire Corp. is rejoining the Formula Drift series as an approved tire supplier after a 10-year hiatus, joining four other tire brands already active in that role.
Federal Tire has lined up seven drivers competing in Formula Drift's PRO class this season: Jhonnattan Castro; Rome Charpentier; Jonathan Hurst; Kyle Mohan; Jonathan Nerren; Simen Olsen and Alec Robbins.
Other tire brands approved as suppliers to the series are Falken, GT Radial, Nexen and Nitto. Falken and GT Radial are listed as "major sponsors" as well.
"We're very pleased to welcome Federal Tire to the Formula Drift paddock," said Jim Liaw, president of Formula Drift Holdings L.L.C.
"We know it's important to give teams and drivers as many options as possible to gain a competitive edge over their rivals, and we're sure Federal Tire will allow the PRO Championship to remain the most exciting professional drift series in the world."
Federal Tire signed a two-year agreement, covering the 2021-22 seasons, to supply competitors with its "extreme-performance" Federal 595RS-R and 595RS-RR tire compounds.
"After 10 long years, Federal Tire is excited to reunite with Formula Drift. In partnership with seven outstanding drivers, we're looking forward to showcasing our award-winning 595RS-RR tire and compete at the highest level of motorsports once again," said Jenny Chu, marketing section manager for Federal Tire North America Inc., the Torrance, Calif.-based sales subsidiary.
Formula Drift has scheduled nine rounds of the PRO Championship this year, kicking off May 7-8 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.