Staying competitive in the world of professional motorsports takes more than just passion; the hard truth is it takes several big sponsors and loads of resources, too. Practice makes perfect, but putting in a few sideways laps around a racetrack can be anything but cheap. Plenty of folks have the desire, but few can stay afloat long enough to snag the support needed to swing with the big boys.
Enter Canadian drift->ke2756 driver Brad Carlton. Carlton met the challenge this past September when Formula DRIFT->ke3405 came to Quebec to give locals an opportunity to match smoke against some of the best drifters in the world. Carlton’s V8-powered Nissan->ke62 S13->ke558, a daily driver turned racecar, certainly had some stiff competition when pitched against the perfectly tuned, mega-horsepower, factory-sponsored rides that the pros deployed on track.
Aftermarket automotive lighting provider SYLVANIA was there to capture some of the action and talk to Carlton about the hardships facing an up-and-coming driver in Formula DRIFT. The short film is moody and artistic, with a healthy dose of tire-shredding as well.
Despite a serious disadvantage, Carlton managed to qualify in the top 16 at the event. Hopefully, with a little exposure and a company like SYLVANIA behind him, Carlton can continue to turn wheels against Formula D big shots like Chris Forsberg, Vaughn Gittin Jr., and Conrad Grunewald.
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a privateer in a professional race series? Press play to get a taste.
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