The freshly crowned 2008 Australian Drift Champion, Leighton Fine has made a shock announcement that he will not defend his title with Team CTS in the 2009 Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series.

The championship-winning team is widely regarded as the series’ benchmark for performance and professionalism, and Fine’s departure creates a massive opportunity for other top drivers.

Leighton Fine:
“Winning the championship was a dream come true, and I’m grateful to Team CTS for giving me the opportunity to drive with them.

“We had a fantastic season together, but I’m excited about the prospect of moving in a different direction for next year.”

Bill Bromley, Team CTS owner:
“Naturally, we would have loved to defend the championship with Leighton next year, but we respect his decision and wish him well for the future.

“Our 2009 program is well advanced, with a number of major upgrades to the car in the pipeline, and we will begin speaking to other drivers in the coming weeks.”

Wayne Boatwright, Drift Australia Director:
“Leighton and Team CTS made a great combination and thoroughly deserving 2008 Toyo Tires Drift Australia Series champions.

“It has set the scene for a very interesting off-season, with an open seat at the championship-winning team and the reigning Australian Drift Champion on the market.”

"Source from Drift Australia"