Tanner Foust and the Rockstar Scion tC Take Third Place at the First Round of the 2010 Formula DRIFT Series

TORRANCE, Calif. (April 15, 2010) — Rockstar Scion tC driver, Tanner Foust, piloted the 660 horsepower tC to a phenomenal third place finish this past weekend at the first round of the Formula DRIFT series held in Long Beach, California. Fellow Scion Racing driver Ken Gushi also had a solid season-opener qualifying 13th out of a competitive pack of 50.

"I love coming back to LB every year," stated Foust. "There is something so cool about having permission to slide in between the buildings downtown, and hearing the echo of the TRD V8 rumbling off the walls is just sweet. After a few tweaks to the suspension, an increase in steering angle, and an increase in torque in the TRD V8, the tC feels better than ever.

Foust got off to a great start by piloting the Rockstar Scion tC to a fifth place qualifying spot. In the first rounds of tandem battle, Tanner defeated Joon Maeng and moved on to the Top 16 where he defeated Daijiro Yoshihara in his Lexus IS. With eight drivers left in the competition, Foust went up against James Deane and came out with yet another win. Foust’s winning streak would come to an end as he fell to former Formula DRIFT champion, Rhys Millen. Foust would go on to clinch the third place podium finish after his win against Fredric Aasbo.

"Our sights are set on the championship this year," said Stephan Papadakis, Rockstar Scion tC team manager and owner. The Rockstar Scion tC is all fresh for 2010 and Tanner is at the top of his game. With a 3rd place finish at the first event we are on the right track."

Gushi also had a great start to the season with a 13th place qualifying position out of a competitive field of 50 professional drivers. In the first tandem match, Gushi fought hard but lost a tough battle against James Deane.

"The Scion Racing RS-R tC is putting down unbelievable power and the suspension is tuned just right," said Gushi. "With a bit more practice and testing, we should be ready and extremely competitive in Atlanta."

"There is absolutely no better way to start off the season than to have a podium victory," said Steve Hatanaka, Scion auto show and special events manager. "Both of the Scion tCs are already off to a great start! With some additional testing before the next round, we look forward to putting on yet another great show in Atlanta."

Round two takes place May 7-8 at Road Atlanta. For more information on the Scion Racing team, complete with exclusive behind the scenes videos, visit www.ScionRacing.com.

Scion Drivers in the Formula DRIFT Point Standings - Following Round #1:

Tanner Foust - 3rdPlace - 82 Points
Ken Gushi - 19th Place - 25 Points