Drifting goes 3D via DirecTV’s n3D

The popular specialized Formula Drift racing will be seen in 3D on DirecTV beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT Friday, Feb. 4.

Two one-hour specials called “Round 7: Title Fight Event” will be televised on n3D, powered by Panasonic, channel 103. The programs, produced by DirecTV and Formula Drift, will showcase extensive coverage of the final event of the “Formula D” season last October at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, Ca., including behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews, all in 3D.

Footage includes:

• Complete coverage of the “Title Fight” season finale, including the final battle between two-time Formula DRIFT champion Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin.
• Exclusive interviews with Formula DRIFT pro drivers.
• Drifting tips by pro drivers, including Tanner Foust
• Behind-the-scenes with Formula DRIFT owners Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage.
• Coverage of off-the-track action including fans, vendors, import models and more.

“Our 3D technology enables us to take what is already an exciting event and make it even more compelling for viewers to experience at home,” said Chris Long, senior vice president, Entertainment, DirecTV.”

“This was a very ambitious project given that it is the first of its kind for the sport of drifting and also taking into consideration the sheer nature of 3D filming and the nature and physics of the sport,” said Ryan Sage, vice-president and co-founder of Formula Drift. “DIRECTV came in and really nailed it. Viewing Formula Drift in 3D is probably one of the most visceral and exciting things to view in the 3D genre right now.”

n3D, powered by Panasonic, is available at no additional cost to millions of DirecTV HiDef customers.

Drifitng, popularized in the 2006 movie “Fast and Furious: Toyko Drift,” some of which was also filmed at Toyota Speedway, began in Japan more than 15 years ago. Japanese drifting officially debuted under a “D-1” brand in America in 2003 but its roots go back much further. The driving technique that involves controlled skidding began and continues to exist on winding canyon roads. But American contests are held on race tracks where drivers brake in a straight line before the corner and accelerate out of the apex of the turn, requiring skill at heel-and-toe braking sometimes side-by-side with another drifting car to rack up style points from judges.

Formula Drift features seven events leading to the championship.

— By Scott Hettrick