Justin Pawlak piloted the Bergenholtz Racing/NITTO Mazda RX8 to the third qualifying position with an electrifying score of 95.1. Out of 43 qualifying competitors, the judges were impressed with Justin’s line, angle and speed to propel the 2009 Mazda RX8 into 3rd. In fact, Justin captured the DA award for the weekend for both speed and line. “I was excited to be in the TOP 3 in qualifying. The Mazda RX8 and the Mazdatrix 3-rotor was working amazing. The car has gobs of power and handles perfectly on the NITTO NT05’s. This is our second event with this brand new Mazda and we are already kicking ass. I can’t wait for the tandem rounds because I know we can podium this event!” Said Justin Pawlak pilot of the Bergenholtz/NITTO Mazda RX8.

2009 Formula Drift: Round 4 Top 32
Qualifying Drivers - Top 32

Justin Pawlak would first have to face Tony Brakohiapa and the Cooper Tires Ford Mustang. Eliminating the Ford Mustang would put the Bergenholtz /NITTO Mazda Drift Team into the TOP16 main show. Despite the afternoon scorching heat, Justin would easily disperse the Ford Mustang and move on to the the Top 16 main show. “The weather has been crazy here in Vegas surpassing 113 degrees. We were running most days at night but Top32 first round occurred in the late afternoon. We were a little worried of overheating but had complete control of the Mazda RX8 temperatures as well as ousting Brakohiapa and the Cooper Tires Ford Mustang. One round down and three to go, to get the win!” Said Brian Benson Crew Chief of the Bergenholtz Racing/Nitto Mazda Drift Team.

Top 16 festivities would be exciting in Las Vegas as Justin Pawlak fans as well as the Mazdatrix 3-Rotor screamed in opening ceremonies. The stands were packed to offer a good Top 16 show. On the road to the podium, Justin Pawlak would again have to oust another Ford Mustang. This Ford Mustang would be piloted by a Falken Tires heavy hitter; Vaughn Gittin Jr. This would be no easy match for Justin. Despite the ferocious competition from the Falken Tires Ford Mustang, the outright performance of the Mazda RX8 as well as the superior grip of the Nitto NT05’s would eliminate Vaughn Gittin Jr. with only two laps. “We’re off to the Top 8! One round at a time. I know we can do this. Justin has been consistent during practice and throughout every round. The Mazda/NITTO RX8 is working harmoniously with zero problems. I know it is our only second event with the Mazda but I think a podium finish is in our sights!” Said Ron Bergenholtz Team Manager of the Bergenholtz/NITTO Mazda Drift Team.

With two Ford Mustangs’ eliminated by Justin Pawlak, the Bergenholtz/NITTO Mazda Drift Team would have to face Ryuji Miki and the Hankook Tires Mazda RX7. Unfortunately, lady luck would elude Justin Pawlak in Las Vegas. The judges would put Ryuji Miki into the Final 4. “It was a successful weekend despite not making it to the Final Four. The car has only two events underneath its belt and we have made a Top16 in New Jersey as well as Top 8 in Las Vegas. In addition, we qualified in the Top 3. We are going to make some minor adjustments when we get back home and hopefully in Seattle get to the Top4 if not a podium finish. The Bergenholtz/Nitto Mazda Drift Team looks to be a championship caliber team in 2009!” Said Ed Bergenholtz Chief engine tuner for the Bergenholtz/NITTO Mazda Drift Team.

Justin Pawlak currently sits in the 9th position in overall Formula Drift point standings. A mere 26 points separates the Bergenholtz/NITTO Mazda Drift Team from 3rd place. “The 2009 Formula D Points chase is pretty tight between positions 3-9. I know we have the capability to finish in the Top 3 before the year’s up. Anything can happen. We have three races left and all we need to do is make a podium or two to make Top3 in the championship points standings.” Said Ron Bergenholtz Team Manager of the Bergenholtz/NITTO Mazda Drift Team.

2009 Formula D Championship Standinigs after Las Vegas

Formula DRIFT Professional Championship 2009 Point Standings After Formula D Las Vegas

The Bergenholtz/NITTO Mazda Drift Team is slated to attend Formula Drift’s Round 5 event in Seattle Washington on August 7-8, 2009. This will be Bergenholtz Racing’s only third event on the brand new Mazda RX8 chassis. “I can’t believe that you guys are coming out slugging with that brand new car. You guys are serious contenders out there right out of the box. It took me and my team over a year to even perform the way you guys have the past two events!” Said Drift Team owner in the Formula Drift Top10 Championship Standings who asked not to be named.

ALL ROUND RUNS INCLUDING TOP 16 CEREMONIES CAN BE VIEWED WITH THIS LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-44sPxZM_g