Experiencing Formula Drift Long Beach: More Than Just a Race

Season Opener at Long Beach Highlights Fredric Aasbo’s Milestone Win and the Dynamic Culture of Formula Drift

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend a spring weekend at the Formula Drift season opener in Long Beach, California, picture a vibrant festival where the main attraction is the art of controlled chaos. Formula Drift isn’t your typical race around an oval or road course. Drivers push their cars sideways through tight corners, tires screaming, smoke billowing, and the crowd on its feet for every near-miss and perfect slide. For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, the Streets of Long Beach offers an experience as much about atmosphere as competition.

Admittedly, our first deep dive into Formula Drift revealed a sport rich in culture and energy. Getting up to speed is easy: start by watching qualifying sessions, learn the basics of drifting physics, and pay attention to how the judges score based on speed, angle, line, and style. Understanding the track layout and some of the terminology used by judges helps make sense of the action, and resources like live streams, fan guides, and official apps make following along accessible for everyone. Formula Drift is worth learning about because it combines technical driving, showmanship, and a welcoming community, making it one of the most engaging motorsports to watch and enjoy.

Formula Drift: Not Your Typical Race

Formula Drift stands apart from most motorsport events. Instead of racing against the clock or each other in a traditional sense, drivers compete in tandem runs, alternating between leading and chasing. Points are awarded for angle, speed, proximity, and style. The result is a series of high-stakes, head-to-head battles that keep fans on edge.

Formula Drift Long Beach takes place on a purpose-built countercourse along the shoreline, featuring tight corners and concrete barriers that demand precision and skill. And if you were wondering, the Long Beach Grand Prix runs on a separate street circuit with eleven turns showcasing the city’s vibrant downtown. Although both events share the same town, they use completely different courses, making each event unique and independent.

Drifting is easy to appreciate even for newcomers. Judges reward precision and flair, and the best drivers make it look effortless. Tension builds with each round, culminating in battles where a single error can end a driver’s run.

Season Opener Showdown

The 2025 Formula Drift season got underway on the iconic Streets of Long Beach with an opening round full of drama and fierce competition. Fredric Aasbo, the most winning driver in series history, piloted the Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra to the top step of the podium after a tense final battle against longtime rival James Deane. Their runs were so close that the judges called for a rare “One More Time” rematch. On the deciding run, Deane clipped the wall at a critical corner, forcing a major correction. Both cars hit the wall, but Deane was deemed at fault, handing the win to Aasbo.

Aasbo’s 20th career Formula Drift event victory was his first at Long Beach since 2020. He previously won at Long Beach in 2015 and 2020, before claiming the title again in 2025. Adam LZ secured third place with a strong performance, while rookies Jack Shanahan and Tommy Lemaire made their PRO debuts. Fan favorite Daigo Saito returned after a long absence, though mechanical issues cut his run short.

Celebrating the Culture: Larry Chen Honored

The event also celebrated the sport’s culture and history. Famed motorsports photographer Larry Chen was inducted into the Formula Drift Hall of Fame during the opening ceremony, recognized for capturing the series’ most iconic moments. The honor capped a busy week for Chen, who had just celebrated the launch of his new book, Life at Shutter Speed, with Carrara Media. Fans and peers cheered his induction, underscoring the tight-knit nature of the Formula Drift community.

Crowd and Community

The crowd at Formula Drift Long Beach reflects the city’s diversity. Hardcore fans, families, curious first-timers, and everyone in between come together. Unlike some motorsport events, the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. Fans share stories, swap tips on the best viewing spots, and bond over a love of cars and adrenaline. The paddock and vendor areas buzz with activity, from car shows and food trucks to merchandise stands. Formula Drift’s accessibility and laid-back vibe make it easy for anyone to enjoy, regardless of motorsport background.

Seasoned fans arrive early to secure seats in the bleachers near hairpin turns and drift zones, but every spot offers a good view. Giant screens ensure no moment is missed, and the event’s layout encourages wandering, snacking, and shopping without losing track of the action. The Offset Kings car show, a staple of the weekend, brings admirers with wild builds and exotic cars.

Sights, Sounds, and Smells

Approaching the Long Beach Convention Center, the energy is unmistakable. The scent of burning rubber mixes with the roar of engines and screeching tires. Parking is manageable, with many opting for rideshare or bike, adding to the laid-back Southern California vibe.

Inside, the venue feels like a motorsports carnival. Vendors line the walkways, offering car parts, branded swag, street food, and cold drinks. Whether shopping, eating, or soaking in the scene, there is plenty to explore between rounds.

Why Formula Drift Is Worth Experiencing

Formula Drift Long Beach is more than just a race; it is a festival of automotive skill, culture, and camaraderie. The action on the track is intense, but what truly sets this event apart is the welcoming atmosphere and vibrant crowd that makes every moment memorable.

Whether you are a diehard fan or just curious about drifting, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and energy that define the weekend. If you are searching for a motorsport experience that blends fierce competition with a genuine community, put Formula Drift at the top of your list. You will not regret it.