This is something we are super excited about. For those of you that have been following crankandpiston for the last couple of years will remember/know Dean as we have had the pleasure of running C+P stickers across the rear screen of his Formula Drift machine. Well this year is about to take Dean to the next level and we will again be there to support him along the way.
Two-time champion Samuel Hübinette is set to unleash a one-two punch on the 2011 Formula DRIFT Series. The man from Jokkmokk, Sweden, known as the “Crazy Swede,” will field his Samuel Hübinette Racing (SHR) Dodge Motorsports Challenger, with 2009 European Pro Drift champ Dean “Karnage” Kearney teaming up and driving the SHR V-LEDS / Federal Dodge Viper SRT10.
Hübinette returns for the second year as driver and team owner with his SHR organization. Dodge will again serve as primary sponsor for Hübinette’s Challenger, with associate sponsors including BFGoodrich and Discount Tire. V-LEDS will take the primary sponsorship role with new sponsor for 2011 Federal Tyres joining forces who will be providing their 595 RS-R on Kearney’s Dodge Viper SRT10. Brad Manka will return as crew chief for both SHR machines.
“We’re very excited about the coming season,” said Hübinette, who earned two FD championships in his first three seasons, including the series’ 2004 inaugural year. “The SHR Dodge Motorsports Dodge Challenger should be even more formidable with a year of competition under our belt, and Dean Kearney is a talented young driver that will be competitive right out of the gate in the SHR Dodge Viper SRT10.
“I’m also very grateful to continue important relationships with sponsors such Dodge, BFGoodrich , and welcome in new sponsors including Discount Tire and V-LEDS. We intend to repay their support by putting on the best drift show we can and by bringing home some victories—and a championship.”
Kearney, the newest member of the SHR team, is more than ready to join Hübinette in the spotlight. The 22-year-old native of Waterford, Ireland, nicknamed “Karnage” is an accomplished drift driver, capturing the 2009 European Pro Drift Championship.
Kearney commented on his new 2011 adventure with SHR – “I cannot wait to get out to LA and meet up with my new team SHR and get to grips with the SHR Dodge Viper. Im thrilled that i can continue for a second year running with my title sponsor V-LEDS who i am truly blessed to have supporting this program, with new sponsors such as Federal Tyres coming onboard too it really is shaping up to be a great year for all involved. I have a busy 2 weeks in the run up to Rd1 in Long Beach where i plan on gathering as much data and information from both Sam and Brad about the Viper and its characteristics. Come race weekend we are aiming to hit the ground running and make an instant impact for SHR, V-LEDS and Federal Tyres.”
“Dean will fit right into the SHR family,” said Hübinette, who along with his wife Stina recently welcomed baby daughter Stella into the Hübinette household. “With drivers nicknamed “Crazy Swede” and “Karnage,” you can bet we’re going to be one of the most exciting teams on the FD Series. It’s going to be must-see drifting.”
“We can’t wait to see our logo on the Team SHR Viper driven by Dean “Karnage” Kearney let loose on the Streets of Long Beach says Jake York President | CEO of V-LEDS. We are excited to be represented by a premier Nationwide Series team like SHR and driver Dean Kearney. We look forward to developing a long-term relationship with SHR and our continued role in the motorsport of drifting.”
Hübinette and Kearney will kickoff their season in the 2011 FD Round One event on the Streets of Long Beach, Calif., April 8–9. For more information on the Formula DRIFT Series, visit www.formulad.com.
