Hankook Tires 2013 announcement – Millen is out, McQuarrie is in

Rhys Mad Skills Millen Formula Drift Irwindale Top Qualifier

We initially broke the news that Tyler McQuarrie may be running on Hankook tires for 2013, but Hankook Tire’s recent press release now confirms this news. In addition, Hankook announced that their 2013 driver lineup would include Fredric Aasbo, Ken Gushi, Conrad Grunewald, Chris Forsberg, and McQuarrie. Notably missing from their roster is the only driver who earned a Formula D win for Hankook in 2012, Rhys Millen. We have to think this has to be related to his breakup with Hyundai and possibly not running the 2013 season at all. If Millen leaves, he will join former champions Sam Hubinette and Tanner Foust on the sidelines.

What are your thoughts on Millen possibly leaving the series, or McQuarrie back on Hankook tires?

Jacob Leveton

Freelance Drift Correspondent at JacobPhoto
Jacob Leveton has worked as a freelance journalist for 12 years, specializing in drifting since the first professional competition landed on US shores in 2003. Leveton has worked with more than twenty print and online media outlets to provide unique drifting content.

17 Comments

  1. John Jacob Jingleheimer-Schmidt says:

    Rhys Millen should run 2013, he’s probably Daigo’s only real competition.

  2. Wish I was Mike Peters says:

    SaveRhysMillen.com

  3. What’s Millen’s take on all of this? Does he want to focus on hill climb, RMR, Formula D, or something completely different? If he doesn’t want to be there, then get him out and someone will step up to the plate.

  4. Jabroni says:

    man its gonna suck without rhys, hes a really exciting driver to watch especially his follow runs he chases hard.

  5. lifer says:

    Wasn’t he talking of running a second driver at some point? Perhaps moving to crew chief and bring in a privateer who has been running FD for at least a year or two to train under his supervision. Even a new driver with proam who has talent. I just feel RMR should not jump out of FD for good, but if what is happening in the DMCC is true, he could be going there, and has the resources to run a full season there as well.

  6. Alvar says:

    Almost all of the old guard is gone. Now all we have left is the original DA guys and Ken Gushi. :(

  7. petite pounder says:

    As one of Rhys’ biggest supporters, i really hope he makes it for 2013. He is a hell of a driver and always exciting to watch. RHYS 2013

  8. Tony says:

    I love drifting and all…

    But FD is a complete joke for a drift series. The judges have always been an issue for FD never has been resolved. FD is a waste a money for many high end teams and sponsors. FD used to be stacked with big sponsors. Such as red bull, rockstar, verizon, list goes on.

  9. Tony says:

    I love drifting and all…

    But FD is a complete joke for a drift series. The judges have always been an issue for FD never has been resolved. FD is a waste a money for many high end teams and sponsors. FD used to be stacked with big sponsors. Such as red bull, rockstar, verizon, list goes on. M

  10. Cody says:

    I thought Taka was going to Hankook this year too?

  11. Mike Peters says:

    Tmac : LSX power

    Rhys: no more LSX power

    The LS1 can never lose!!!!!!!!

  12. Richard Cranium says:

    I have it on very good authority that Millen has considered running maybe 1 or 2 events in FD this year but he wont be running for the championship and likely wont be running at all this year

  13. rotanut says:

    I can confirm with Richard Cranium that he won’t be contesting this season.
    He’s focused of Pikes Peak and Formula Cross

  14. Slider S15 says:

    Less big names is never good for a sport, especially when we loose one who nearly won the Championship last season!

    I for one will really miss Rhy’s and his extreme chase runs he displayed in 2012 and it sucks loosing a platform and a manufacturer being represented in the sport aswell.

    As for Tyler I think this is a great move, The Hankook’s appear to be a very competitive Tire and with the Yokohama’s performing less than brilliantly last season (although Tyler was the biggest name running them) It could be a great move and another step closer to the top for Tyler and Gardella Racing.

  15. Taylor says:

    ^^^ Buddy what are you talking about. Look at all the top D1GP teams running Advans and you’re gonna try and blame the tires?

  16. gsxr750 says:

    I agree with tony.

  17. Crook says:

    Taylor’s right- You can’t blame the tyres- hankooks are nowhere near as good as advans… lol