Formula DRIFT Long Beach 2025: A Thrilling Start and a Historic Finale Ahead

The 2025 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship ignited with high-octane excitement on April 4–5 in Long Beach, California, marking the 22nd season of North America’s premier drifting series. The event transformed the city’s waterfront into a dynamic arena where elite drivers showcased their skills in controlled, high-speed slides through a challenging course. Fans were treated to practice sessions, autograph signings, and intense competition rounds, culminating in the Top 32 and Top 16 battles that thrilled both on-site spectators and livestream viewers.​

Aasbo’s Triumphant Return to Long Beach

Fredric Aasbo clinched the victory in his Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra, marking his first win on the Streets of Long Beach since 2020. Aasbo attributed his success to the team’s switch to Kenda Tires and his winter ice drifting training. The final battle saw Aasbo face off against reigning four-time PRO Champion James Deane in his AutoZone Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD. Their duel went to a “One More Time” after judges couldn’t separate their initial runs. Aasbo secured the win after Deane’s misstep in Outside Zone 3 forced a significant correction. Adam LZ rounded out the podium in third place, continuing his strong form from the previous season.

The event also introduced new competition rules for 2025, changing the points scoring system to reward drivers with 10 points for each heat win, aiming for a tighter championship battle throughout the season. Additionally, photographer Larry Chen was inducted into the Formula DRIFT Hall of Fame during the Opening Ceremony, honoring his contributions to the series since 2006.

Shoreline Showdown: The New Era of Formula D Finals

This year’s opener was particularly significant as it set the stage for a season that, for the first time, will not conclude at the historic Irwindale Speedway, which closed in 2024 and is currently being demolished. In a special announcement, Formula DRIFT revealed that Round 8, titled “Shoreline Showdown,” will conclude the season in Long Beach on October 17-18. This event will feature a new course layout utilizing large portions of Shoreline Drive, offering a vastly different experience from the traditional Streets of Long Beach circuit.

The new track layout is designed to challenge drivers with a high-speed entry straight that transitions into sweeping curves and concludes with two tight hairpins, promising an exhilarating finale to the 2025 season.​

As the 2025 Formula DRIFT season progresses, the excitement builds towards the historic finale at the Shoreline Showdown in Long Beach. Fans can anticipate a thrilling conclusion to a season already marked by intense competition and significant changes.

ROUND 1 FD PRO TOP 16 DRIVER POINTS & CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

2025 AUTO CUP TOP 5 STANDINGS

22025 TIRE CUP STANDINGS

See Full Gallery Below!