2022 Formula Drift Pro Season Preview

The season unofficially kicked off with a Media Day (March 29) for the PRO Championship teams on the Streets of Long Beach course. The day is organized to allow local news and media outlets to meet the drivers and grab a truly memorable ride in one of the 1000hp monsters.

For many of the teams, Media Day allows them to shakedown new cars or upgrades, ensuring everything is working before the action starts with competition qualification on Friday (April 1). This would be the first opportunity for reigning FD PRO Champion Fredric Aasbo to show off the new ENEOS logos on his race suit and the bodywork of his Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra.

As the top driver in the sport, Fredric was very popular with the local TV news channels who attended Media Day and interviewed him about aspects of the sport to inform local viewers and encourage people to attend the first round.

Although not sponsored by ENEOS, Fredric shares the Papadakis Racing pit area with teammate Ryan Tuerck. For Media Day, Tuerck’s Corolla sported a camouflage wrap over its new front and rear bumpers, which were rumored to from the Toyota GR Corolla, which is scheduled to be unveiled during the Formula DRIFT Long Beach round.

Fredric’s focus was on the serious business of defending his title. With a 2015 Championship already under his belt, the Norwegian driver stands a chance of joining the holy trinity – Tanner Foust, Chris Forsberg and James Deane: the only men in series history to hold triple Championship wins. Unfortunately for Fredric, the competition is incredibly stiff; he won the 2021 PRO title by a relatively narrow margin despite having less wins than two of his closest rivals.

With ENEOS oil in its veins, we’re confident Fredric and Papadakis Racing have what they need to get the job done. Tune into the Formula Drift livestream on May 1 and 2 to watch qualifying and the competition heats. Details are available from formulad.com