What the Faruk is Kugay Up To in 2021?
2021 is shaping up to be very exciting for ENEOS ambassador Faruk Kugay. Despite taking a break from Formula DRIFT Pro competition, the NorCal drifter has shifted his focus back to the entertainment industry with demo driving and really getting back to the basics of drifting, which is what makes the sport so fun to begin with.
Getaway Driver
Faruk describes the new discovery+ show “Getaway Driver” as a video game turning into real life. As a contestant, he pilots his Razetil Nissan S14 pro drift car in this show hosted by “Fast and Furious” star Michelle Rodriguez, where he’s chased by pursuers and is ultimately hoping to reach the exit (in a timed fashion) without all hell breaking loose. We can’t disclose any of the results, but the producers told Faruk “my run was one of the most exciting ones of the season.” Tune in by visiting: links.discoveryplus.com/getawaydriver
SEMA 2021 and the “DTM Meets JDM” BMW E30 Project
When Faruk told us he had a wild idea to merge two of our favorite car styles together, we knew it would become the perfect project to bring to SEMA later this year. Taking the classic E30 (non M3) chassis, he’s currently swapping in a Honda S2000 F20C engine with the hopes of making it California street/smog legal. Other plans call for a Pandem/Rocket Bunny wide body kit, aggressive ‘90s-style wheels, and loads more. Keep an eye out for more updates!
Driftweek
This event is what Faruk’s referring to when he means “getting back to basics”. “You can go to the highest level of competition in FD but you can sometimes miss the ‘fun of driving’,” he says. “In Pro competition I don’t get to drive as much, but at Driftweek, I’m able to soak in as much driving as I can take and with lots of love from the community. I got involved with grassroots events to help others grow, so this Driftweek was an opportunity to step away from organizing and focus on driving.” Catch the recap on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/FarukKugay/videos
Gridlife
If you’re part of the diehard drifting enthusiasts who hit up Gridlife’s main Gingerman event every year, you’re going to want to watch Faruk in action from September 9-12. We can say with confidence this will be a crazy event. He says, “I’m going to drive Razetil and have fun with this pro competition car without having to worry about the stresses of competing.”
Sonoma Drift
Of course, you can always catch Faruk at his home track of Sonoma Raceway handling his pride and joy event: Sonoma Drift. It’s the largest grassroots drifting series in the country, with regularly attending drivers of up to 70 drivers, running 25 weeks a year. “Since I started managing the event in 2014, we’ve been able to put on an event with up to three different track layouts, giving drivers of all skill levels a chance to hone their drifting skills. It’s awesome to manage, but I also get to drive my street car and drift with our awesome local drifters!”
Follow along with Faruk’s driving adventures on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/faruk.kugay/
https://www.facebook.com/TeamFaruk53