Professional Drift Racer Chris Forsberg is a powerhouse in motorsports and an influencer on social media. The self-made racer pulled up his bootstraps and carved out a career to become a multi-time Formula Drift Champion. His easy-going personality and hands-on approach have garnered Chris almost 1 million followers between Facebook & Instagram and nearly 50K subscribers on YouTube. Favoring Nissan-type vehicles and power, Forsberg has made recent viral internet waves by building a 2021 Nissan Altima into something more suitable to his preference and driving style.
Dubbed the “Altimaniac'', the Chris Forsberg Racing customized 4-seat Party Car drift vehicle started as a base model, factory equipped, 4-door sedan supplied by Nissan. Chris and his crew promptly stripped-down, gutted, and hollowed out the vehicle, transforming the modest platform into a no-rules, high-performance, smoke-billowing, pavement-shattering thrill driver.
The latest vehicle build is title sponsored with Valvoline colors and livery, but covered with STEEL-IT® Brand Coatings. Every body panel, every suspension component, the entire chassis, and tubular cage structure received a thorough coating of STEEL-IT 1002 Steel Gray Polyurethane. After years of labor-intensive fabrication and race prep, Forsberg has found this easy-to-use product to be a real timesaver that provides great show-ready results.
"We use STEEL-IT for pretty much everything that requires a proper coating," explained Chris. My race cars have to look show-ready for our partners every time we leave the shop. Sometimes we are working on them right up to the last minute and just need a quick spray of STEEL-IT to keep us always looking sharp. I have been building all my chassis with the gray / black combo for years. The STEEL-IT products are much more durable than anything I have used before and we can easily make chassis changes since we can weld directly to the coating."
The Altimaniac is quite the impressive build with a souped-up 2000 horsepower Nissan, centered in a full tube chassis and all sorts of race components configured to make the ultimate 4-seat Party Car. We suggest searching #Altimaniac to see more on this wild build. But, for now, we got a chance to sit down and ask Forsberg about the Altimaniac 4-seat Party Car and how it came about.
STEEL-IT: You call this the “Party Car” what do you mean by that?
CF: I call it a party car because it's specifically built for having fun! And if you are going to build a super custom one-off chassis, why not put four seats in it and make it a real party!
STEEL-IT: Will the “ALTIMANIAC” ever see competition?
CF: It will most likely never see competition, at least in drifting. The chassis is not legal for pretty much any series. It was more of a proof of concept and the ultimate drift car vs. a competitive platform.
STEEL-IT: What is your favorite part of this new car?
CF: My favorite part of the Altimaniac is how low it sits. I was very adamant about moving the suspension points up and getting the body as low as possible as this process has never truly been done before for a drift car. I was going for a DTM / JGTC / Touring car look.
STEEL-IT: What are your goals for 2021?
CF: Our 2021 goals are to show the world what we are capable of with the Altimaniac, and potentially, with the new Nissan Z! We are capable of anything we put our mind too.
STEEL-IT: Where do you see yourself & the program at the end of 2021?
CF: I see Forsberg Racing as a multi-platform team that is racing in several different series. We are also working to provide the community with aftermarket parts to upgrade there Nissan vehicles, starting with the new Nissan Z.
STEEL-IT invites auto enthusiasts worldwide, D-I-Ys and anyone else looking to protect their investment to request a free sample of STEEL-IT's innovative "Anti-Rust Stainless Steel In A Can®'' available in original Steel Gray or Black Polyurethane Aerosol, 4.5 ounce trial size.
Trackside Photography: Larry Chen Photo / Shop Photography: Bink Designs
