NuFormz/BFGoodrich Racing Formula DRIFT (FD) team and driver Samuel Hübinette ended their 2009 season with a Great 8 finish, the fourth spot in the final point standings and a poignant tribute to their fallen team owner and leader, Shaun Carlson, at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway on Saturday, Oct. 17. Carlson, NuFormz Racing team owner and a former Team Mopar driver, passed away suddenly on Oct. 4.

Hübinette’s Dodge Viper SRT10(R) was wrapped with special “red Camo” graphics, donated by Farmington Hills, Mich.-based Competition Graphics, that featured an image of Carlson with his trademark Mohawk haircut. The beloved and respected racing icon and innovator was also saluted with a moment of silence and a special FD video tribute prior to the Irwindale main event.

The NuFormz team and Hubinette did Carlson proud, qualifying in the ninth spot and drawing Frederic Aasbo in the Round of 32. Hübinette defeated Aasbo and moved on to the Top 16 main event in a close race with the FD newcomer.

Hübinette then faced the formidable Joon Maeng in the Top 16. Hubinette followed on the first tandem run, bringing the crowd to its feet as he stuck his Mopar-powered Viper to Maeng’s door. Hubinette led on an evenly matched second tandem run with Maeng, prompting the FD judges to call for a “One More Time” (OMT). Hübinette came away with the win in the OMT after Maeng made a correction during the run, prompting a passionate celebration from Carlson’s family and friends, who turned out in large numbers to witness the event.
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