BALTIMORE, Md. (April 11, 2011) –. The Formula Drift season kicked in Long Beach, California over the weekend, and Team Need for Speed was in full-effect and ready to battle in out with the world’s best competitors at Round One. The team’s newest addition, Fredric Aasbo, was set to compete in the Need for Speed 2011 Scion tC built by Papadakis Racing. Wild child Matt Powers was back rockin’ and rollin’ in his Need for Speed Nitto Tire S14, after having made some beneficial modifications to the vehicle in the off-season. Both drivers were looking to come out to Round 1 in hopes of a strong start to the season, and they did just that when Matt Powers fought his way to 2nd place and Fredric Aasbo finished in 9th place overall.
The grandstands were packed with fans eager to see their favorite drivers blasting through the Streets of Long Beach at the sold-out show on Saturday’s main event day. The Need for Speed Electro Lounge was packed all day long while DJ Miki Taka kept the music bumping and Formula Drift fans got a chance to test their skills at driving like the pros using the D-Box racing seat to play Need for Speed SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED.
The lucky winner of the Need for Speed/Alpinestars/Tilly’s VIP contest spent the day hanging out with the Voice of Formula Drift, Jarod DeAnda, after having an amazing experience going for a ride-along in the Need for Speed S14. On the track, Fredric Aasbo was able to take out John Russakoff in the top 32, and Matt Powers defeated Jeff Jones after qualifying in a very impressive 4th place. Watch the VIDEO
of the opening ceremonies.
Fredric was set to battle Tyler McQuarrie in the Sweet Sixteen. McQuarrie led first, while Fredric pushed hard to stay aggressive on his competitor’s side door during the run. Fredric led next, and threw it in hard when transitioning into the first clipping point, placing the back bumper of the Scion right up on the wall, then blasted his way through the rest of the course. Fredric was awarded the advantage and would move into the top eight. Watch the VIDEO.
Matt Powers led first in his battle of the top 16 against competitor Matt Waldin. Powers performed an excellent lead run, putting his car in all the right places and keeping extreme angle throughout the course. Powers gave chase next and remained glued to his competitor, ultimately sealing the deal on his win and allowing him to move into the Great Eight. Watch the VIDEO.
In the top 8, Fredric was matched with 2009 Formula Drift Champion Chris Forsberg. Fredric gave chase first, putting the pressure on his competitor, and trying to mimic his every move. When it was Fredric’s turn to lead, he put down a solid run, but the judges awarded Forsberg the overall advantage, taking Fredric out the competition, but ending his day in a very respectable 9th place. Watch the VIDEO.