No more results on this page
Formula Drift on Tour
In the sports world, the first week of April is commonly associated with the return of Major League Baseball. But car-racing enthusiasts have that timeframe marked on their calendars for a very different reason: the start of Formula Drift season.
Formula Drift is the leading international showcase of the auto-racing phenomenon known as drifting, where drivers intentionally oversteer their vehicles to make them slip and slide across the track in a thrilling display of controlled chaos. (Ever done donuts in your car in an empty parking lot? Now imagine trying to do that continually along a predetermined route without crashing into anything.)
Drifting originated in Japan in the 1970s before gaining traction in the U.S. in the '90s, culminating in the inaugural Formula Drift competition in 2004. Since its launch in Atlanta as a four-round, 16-car competition, Formula Drift has expanded into an eight-round, 32-car championship series, with racing sites spanning California to New Jersey.
In most car races, the winner is determined by one simple factor: who crosses the finish line first. Drifting, however, is actually closer in spirit to figure-skating than traditional racing, with competitors awarded leaderboard points according to three criteria: line, angle, and style. "Line" refers to the drivers' ability to follow a demarcated drift line established by the judges. "Angle" analyzes the drivers' control over their wheel alignment while mid-drift. "Style" essentially is a measure of drivers' fluidity and their willingness to careen as close as possible to the track wall without scraping it.
Formula Drift competitions are traditionally two-day events, beginning with the qualifying round, where drivers perform solo trial runs to accumulate points for a Top 32 placement on the leaderboard. On the second day, the qualifying drivers square off round-robin style in a pair of races where drivers take turns shadowing each other and are scored on their abilities to lead and follow. But even if you're not the sort to obsess over the nitty-gritty of scoring, Formula Drift can be enjoyed on a purely aesthetic level as the most artful and graceful form of professional auto racing.
Great event all the big drivers are there all the top sponsors Nexen tire rockstar nos ford Toyota a lot of great give aways and great drifting !!!
I have been going to fd Long Beach for the past 7 years non stop. I have made many great friends and experiences in doing so. Long Beach and Irwindale, which I have attended over 10 years have been a yearly ritual for me and I always look forward to going. Thank you for all the memories
If you love engines revving, cars drifting then you'll love Formula D.
Formula Drift was Exceptional like always, set up was good. Only recommendation is better food venues.
1st time at this event and I took the younger sibling. We both had a blast there, and will be planning to return for next year's season at Long Beach.
One of my favorite events of the year. Wall to wall action, great cars built for performance and style, open pit. Fun friendly environment.
Great show and super cool that you can go through the pits and see all of the cars close up. Had a bad location for the big screen to catch the replays of the runs but other than that a good race and lots of fun.
Formula Drift was awesome and it was intense and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time with very good wholesome professional racers competing for the podium spot and giving it their best, been a fan for years and it always surprises me with unexpected outcomes.
Awesome day, beautiful day,amazing drivers,it was a great day took my kid to his first formula drift and love it
I have waited 6 years for a field visit in Korea. Long Beach ... I wait a long time, and I don't regret coming from a distance. Watching Long-Beach Formula drift was my dream. I think I'll go back and live a happy life. Thank you. I strongly recommend
took an hour to get in the event. Worst line ever.
This had to be the best season opener of Formula Drift! Not only is it the 15 year anniversary since FormulaD started, the tandem races for round 1 were absolutely incredible!
The event was amazing! There was so much going on and the drivers are great! Having the open pit was a great way for everyone to see the amazing work that they do! Only reason it's not 5 stars is the venue needs to remove the assigned seating and just have assigned sections!
Formula Drift this year was the best! So much action and weather was perfect!
It was awesome , fd is one of the best events to go to
I do as to put another jumbo screen to see the act
Tire smoke, race gas, high speed thriller a must go!
It’s always great going back to FDLB, it’s a sneak peak of how amazing the rest of the season will be. The competition gets more intense every year.
This event was so fun and family friendly we will be going back next year
Mostly younger adult crowd. Many vendors that sell parts, shirts, rc drift cars, etc. that you can look at on the breaks. Porter potties available. Food vendors there to purchase food but not many places to sit and eat unless you go back to your seat. Bring sunscreen because no shade available.