I just got back from the Formula Drift offices in downtown Long Beach where Bergenholtz Racing announced the new driver of their Mazda RX8 for the 2010 Formula Drift season.
I arrived at the office to find some of my fellow media guys anticipating the big news. Who would be replacing Justin Pawlak in the Bergenholtz RX8 this year?
Joey Redmond from Wrecked Magazine had his laptop out, ready to post the news as soon it broke. Smart one.
Meanwhile Ed and Ron Bergenholtz were a little nervous as the time came to introduce the new driver. The whole "mystery" around the announcement added some excitement to what most teams would announce with a simple email press release.
And then Joon Maeng walked through the door and took his place beside his new team members. Ed and Ron said it would be hard to replace JTP, but Joon's talent behind the wheel and work ethic made him a perfect fit for the team.
And the signing of the papers. The team will be making another "big" announcement on February 12th, and Joon will begin testing in the RX8 soon after that. With Joon stepping into a proven car with an additional 200hp over his S13, we should be seeing big things from him.
Here the guys pose with Ryan and Jim of Formula Drift.
Joon is a fan favorite, and his positive attitude has made him one of the most well-liked drivers in the series.
We can't wait to see what he does this year with his new team.
-Mike Garrett
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Hell Yea!!! Well deserved! I am confident Joon will do very well with the extra horses under his arse! Congrats JOON!
He deserves it! nicest guy in FD.
Exciting! Cant wait for the season to get going!! Good way to announce a driver man!!
This is great news, best of luck to Joon, I'll never forget his driver's post on here.
good man, good stuff, keep it up
Anyone got an idea why JTP was replaced? He seemed to be getting the grasp of driving the then-freshly built RX-8, shame he won't drive it anymore. Best of luck to Joon.
I stop following Formula D when too many fanboys jumped on the hype/ drama.....
But I am VERY happy for Joon, he seems to be very humble, skillful, and not arrogant, unlike some FD drivers.
I wish him and the team Bergenholtz brothers great success for the 2010 season !
That looks like the smallest most quiet, lame "press conference" that I've ever seen.
Fail.
Even though I think replacing JTP was a big mistake since he's a big influence in rotary world and he drove the BR rx8! I think that Joon does deserve it and will do great with the new car.
this is awesome news! i don't think any team could ask for a better representative than joon!
Hell Yeah! Congats to Joon.
Very Cool Congrats to Joon and Bergenholtz Racing !
That is awesome news, if anyone deserves a sponsorship it is Joon, he works hard to pay for everything and compete, I couldnt think of a better driver to deserve this!
I'm so happy for Joon. Congrats to him. He'll do great wit the rx8
JOON MAENG!!! FIGHTING!!!
Should also be interesting to see how he will do with that crazy 3 rotor compared to the sr20
I couldn't be more stoked for Joon Maeng, that's awesome that he will be carried by a great team. He truly deserves it!
Oh nice! that just made my day. love the driver, love the team, love the car. Cant wait to see the trio in some sidewayz action!!!!
RacingisGreat is a FAG
Joon has won the hearts of many with his great attitude and work ethics. He is that positive human side of drifting with talent to boost. It will be interesting to see what he can do w/ this infamous RX8!!
Following on from Nunya's comment,
... complete @$$hole
Joon - go for it this season man! You've finally got your dream car and a sponsor like you've always wanted. Go kill the competition and continue being who you are right now even when you become the top player on the field. I have so much admiration and respect for who you are. Stay true to your roots and keep flying the flag for Korea!!!
Well deserved for sure!
Whooo!!! Go Joon! I've heard great things about this man. best of luck to him this season!
Joon! I'm so proud of you! The Lord works in mysterious ways. Good luck with this years season, I know you'll kill it.
Good things happen to good people.
Joon is one of the nicest people out there. Big congrats Joon.
OMG! I'm so happy for Joon!
DUDE I've seen this guy. His mom runs a little sushi/udon place in a korean super market in garden grove that i always go to! congrats Joon! great customer service by the way! GO Joon!
i love his facial expression in the first picture.
"sup b*tch?"