The ID Agency was brought on to handle the PR, media relations, and marketing consultation throughout the event season. Media members were invited to check out both the pre-party and pre-rally activities at the W Hollywood where they were treated to see the collection of participant cars firsthand that included everything from Lamborghini, Porsche, Audi, and even a Novitec Rosso Ferrari F430 Scuderia. The pre-rally activities also included the first SoCalEuro.com CARnival with a collection of the most diverse Euro cars in Southern California.

Another ID client, NOS Energy Drink, became involved as the official energy drink of the Targa Trophy and integrated their brand seamlessly throughout the event. Each rally participant donned a NOS decal on their vehicle and received a gift bag courtesy of NOS Energy Drink. NOS was able to set-up a booth and distribute drinks to all fans that came to the event starting line activities as well as became involved with the main checkpoint in Newport Beach. NOS was able to fuel the extra energy needed to complete the event.

(photography provided by Vincent Guglielmina, Thomas McCallum, Ryan Siu, Mo Satarzadeh, and The ID Agency)

The ID Agency worked with Motorsports Management International (MMI) to manage the on-site activation and organization of the displays for the new official energy drink of Formula DRIFT, NOS Energy Drink. NOS Energy Drink had two key areas at central locations, one by the entrance and one by the track and grandstands, for promotional purposes. The area by the entrance had NOS spokesmodels greeting fans as they entered the venue and handed them a NOS Energy Drink sample. This area also included special vehicles on display that included the Import Tuner Mitsubishi EVO and RJ DeVera’s Acura NSX. A DJ spun music throughout the day and NOS swag was given out as well.

The second area had thousands of fans sampling a drink as well as check out special drifting RC cars from HPI and playing video games. This area also included the pits of Formula DRIFT Champion and sponsored NOS driver Chris Forsberg. Spokesmodels assisted in this area to hand fans swag and learn more about the product. A special artist was brought on to do a live art show and entertain fans.

Throughout the event weekend all eyes were on Chris Forsberg and his title defense. While fans were watching all the action they were also exposed to NOS branding throughout the venue. Overall, it was a successful kick-off to the Formula DRIFT season for the energy drink brand and they look to continue their activation throughout the Formula DRIFT tour and at the upcoming Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The ID Agency and Formula DRIFT presented the Art of Formula D: A 2009 Season Retrospective. Sponsored by NOS Energy Drink, Alpinestars, Seibon Carbon, Izod IndyCar League, Belle-1 Communications, and OC Weekly and held at the Phantom Galleries LA at the Pacifica Building in Downtown Long Beach.

The ID Agency worked with Formula DRIFT staff photographer Jose Martinez to come up with the concept and curate the exhibit. Top drifting photographer and film maker Linhbergh and Will Roegge were brought on to present their artwork as well as famous LA photographer Estevan Oriol.

Selecting the perfect location was key and the gallery space held by the Phantom Galleries LA in Downtown Long Beach became the perfect setting. Located in the heart of Downtown Long Beach within walking distance of the track, restaurants, entertainment, and most importantly the track. During the Long Beach Grand Prix weekend the gallery is expected to have thousands of fans walk through the promenade on their way to the track and will get a glimpse of the photo gallery.

NOS Energy Drink was the presenting sponsor as the gallery featured the 2009 Formula DRIFT champion Chris Forsberg and his championship winning NOS Energy Nissan 350Z alongside championship memorabilia and race suits from Seibon Carbon and Alpinestars. The IZOD IndyCar Series brought out a classic 1966 IndyCar for display as well alongside a few other Formula DRIFT competition vehicles.

The opening night ceremony kicked off the seventh season of competition for Formula DRIFT with Round 1: Streets of Long Beach commencing the following day. Guests that attended included members of the media, local Long Beach officials, Formula DRIFT teams, sponsors, and drivers, and a host of industry insiders.

The Art of Formula D: A 2009 Season Retrospective will be up through the month of April and open to the public during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend.

The gallery debuted the Art of Formula D: 2009 Retrospective video by Will Roegge.

Art of Formula D: 2009 Retrospective from Will Roegge on Vimeo.

Ride along with Estevan and the Flex in this first video and stay tuned for future episodes.

Estevan Oriol and his new Falken Tire Ford Flex from The ID Agency on Vimeo.