Chris Forsberg Named “Formula Drift Driver Of The Year”

Team NOS member Chris Forsberg has really been shaking up the drifting community. Chris took second place at the Formula DRIFT Finals held at Irwindale Speedway in front of a HUGE SoCal crowd! This historic finish earned Chris the Triple Crown award from Tires.com, which is given to the driver who finishes with the most points in the top 3 events of the year: Atlanta, Sonoma and Irwindale. The accolades didn’t stop there as Chris was named, by Formula Drift, as its “Driver of the Year”. NOS was able to sit down with Chris and get a few minutes of his time.

NOS- Chris, first we would like to thank you for setting aside some time for us. We know that your schedule is extremely hectic getting ready for SEMA etc. First, we would really like to know how you got into Drifting in the first place?

Chris- I first got into drifting with my friend Tony Angelo back in 1999 or so. We found some videos on the Internet showing drifting in Japan. We slowly but surely taught ourselves how to drift by trying to replicate what they did inside the car.

NOS- What do you think is the most important thing for up and coming drivers to practice if they are looking to become a Drifter?

Chris- Just to practice in the same car as much as possible. Seat time is key to becoming a good drifter.

NOS- What driver is you favorite to compete against and why?

Chris- I think my favorite driver to compete with is Rhys Millen. His professionalism and driving skill keeps him at the top of the game.

NOS- Which course do you like the most and for what reason?

Chris – I would say Summit Point, WV was my favorite stop this year. Super fast and lots of danger!

NOS- With everyone in their cars getting ready to race, we have heard rumors that you like to toss on your helmet and sing a strong verse of Baby Got Back! Some of your friends told us that’s how you like to get loose and ready to toss the car in corners. Any truth to that? If not, share with us some of your pre-race rituals.

Chris – Close! I do have a c.d. player in the car, which I turn all the way up while in the staging lanes. Helps me get pumped up to run.

NOS- What is your most memorable race to date and why?

Chris- I would probably say Round 2 this year at Road Atlanta. It was our first win in a while and it proved to everyone that I was able to run a successful race team with the help from my crew chief Kevin Wells.

NOS- We know that you drift a Nissan 350z, was there any specific reason on why you chose that platform? And give us some insight on that wild motor!

Chris- I first chose the 350Z back in 2003 because I knew it was the newest and hottest RWD production car. Since then we have built a strong relationship with Nissan and they were the ones to provide us with our current chassis and the parts to build it. Kevin was actually the one that chose the V8 Titan motor. We wanted something new and different and it has proven to be a very strong combination.

NOS- Other than drifting, what are some of your other hobbies, if there are any?

Chris- Haha, yeah I never really have time to do anything else. We are always on the move, working on the car or doing a demo somewhere. But when I have the time, I work on and ride motorcycles. Or just sit around and take a day off.

NOS- We have had secret reports that you have K-FED’s cd in the CD player of the 350z! I mean it’s cool if you like him, we just want to make sure our sources are correct. What sort of music do you listen to?

Chris- Who told you that? That would be funny!

NOS- What is your favorite movie of all time? Ernie from NOS says that it’s “Ghost” but we were guessing something like “Big” or “TOP GUN”.

Chris- Patrick Swayze is pretty sweet. But I would probably go with Red Dawn.

NOS- What’s your “go to” line to pick up the chicks? We’ve heard that you use the “Come here often?” line. How is that working out for you?

Chris- Nah man I like to stick with a smooth… how you doooin’?

NOS – You made some big moves this year in the Formula D Series. How do you feel about this year and are you excited about 2008?

Chris – My goal for this year was to be in the Top 10 at the years end. After Atlanta, I wanted to try to stay in the Top 3. I just want to keep getting consistent finishes and stay a Top 3 driver. My whole team worked very hard to make everything possible for me to win events. I came in second at the finals this year at Formula D, which put me 2nd overall in points! I am very proud of this accomplishment! As for 2008…… Please stay tuned for some great announcements, as we are looking to take it up a notch!

NOS – What’s it mean to be apart of Team NOS?

Chris – It’s awesome to be a part of the NOS Energy Drink Team. It’s a great feeling to be a part of something that was so new and growing with the company as the years go by. 2008 is going to be a fun year for all of us!

NOS- Well, Chris it has been a pleasure and we thank you for not killing us while we messed with your head! We will keep watching you religiously and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! Thanks again and if you would like to thank anyone please feel free.

Chris- I really want to thank Kevin Wells of LS Auto for making our Nissan 350Z be as competitive as it is. Also want to thank NOS Energy Drink and Maxxis Tire for believing in me this past year. Peace out dog.