LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Formula DRIFT (FD) announced this week it is continuing its relationship with technical education provider Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the "Official Technical School of Formula DRIFT."

As part of their relationship, UTI will host the second annual annual “Tech Day” at its Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., campus, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on March 27, where a number of Formula DRIFT teams and their vehicles will be on display.

"As part of our continued alliance with Universal Technical Institute, the Official Technical School of Formula DRIFT, UTI and FD are collaborating to bring forth the second annual UTI/FD Tech Day," said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. "Tech Day is a fun day where fans can come and get a glimpse of the new cars for the 2010 season, meet the new and returning drivers as well as have an open house tour of the top class UTI Rancho Cucamonga campus. It’s been a good off-season but now we are all excited to get the season started and March 27th at UTI will be the unofficial start of the seventh FD season.”

More than 24 of the top Formula DRIFT teams will be bringing out their 2010 competition vehicles for annual technical inspection. This will be the first glimpse of many new vehicles and drivers including Samuel Hubinette’s new Dodge Challenger, Michael Essa’s new BMW 3-series powered by a M5 motor and the 4-rotor Mazda RX-8 of BMI Racing. At 1 p.m., Nitto Tires will announce its official drive lineup for the 2010 Formula DRIFT season. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Formula DRIFT drivers, teams and techs, and watch the pre-race inspection live. On hand will be industry displays, food vendors and promotional giveaways (while supplies last) that include Round 1: Streets of Long Beach tickets. An autograph session with Formula DRIFT pro drivers will be held at 2 p.m. with confirmations from Vaughn Gittin Jr., Ken Gushi, Dai Yoshihara and the 2009 champion Chris Forsberg.

For prospective students interested in automotive training, UTI will provide tours and information about its various technician training programs and financial aid opportunities. Instructors and graduates will be available to speak to individuals interested in careers in the automotive industry.

“UTI is honored to continue as the ‘Official Technical School of Formula Drift’ and host Tech Day at our Rancho Cucamonga campus to kick off the 2010 series,” said Mark Harston, events manager at Universal Technical Institute. “The relationship between UTI and Formula Drift is complementary. We are always looking for ways to give back to the community and motorsport enthusiasts, and the open access that Formula Drift has given to them is truly unique. We look forward to working with the series and teams again this year to help advance the sport of drifting, while creating awareness about technician training and careers throughout the industry and motorsports.”