Aasbo wins Formula Drift Long Beach opener

The 2025 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship roared into action on the iconic Streets of Long Beach with an opening round that delivered drama, upsets, and a big win for Fredric Aasbo. The Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra driver outdueled longtime rival James Deane in a thrilling final battle to claim his first win at Long Beach since 2020.

But the event wasn’t just about competition — it was a celebration of the sport’s past, present, and future. Photographer Larry Chen was inducted into the Formula DRIFT Hall of Fame during Opening Ceremonies, and the series made a major announcement: the 2025 season finale will return to Long Beach with a brand-new layout titled the Shoreline Showdown, giving FD its first-ever independently designed street course. Round 1 Results – Formula DRIFT PRO Championship Fredric Aasbo (Norway) – Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra James Deane (Ireland) – AutoZone Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD Adam LZ (USA) – Drift HQ E36 BMW

The Final featured a battle of legends: three-time champion Aasbo and reigning, four-time titleholder Deane, who together represent the winningest duo in Formula DRIFT history. Their runs were so evenly matched the judges called for a ‘One More Time’ showdown. Aasbo emerged victorious after Deane tagged Outside Zone 3, forcing a major correction that tipped the scales.

LZ continued his hot streak from 2024, landing on the podium again after finishing fifth overall last year in a campaign he didn’t initially plan to finish. All signs suggest the fan-favorite YouTuber-turned-pro is a serious contender in 2025.

New Season, New Rules

A major tweak to the points structure debuted at Round 1. Instead of awarding a flat 100 points for an event win, drivers now earn 10 points per heat win, making every round matter and adding more strategy to the title fight.

Aasbo credited his win to offseason ice drifting and the performance of his team’s new Kenda Tires, which claimed their first-ever Formula DRIFT victory this weekend. The result also places Kenda atop the 2025 Tire Cup standings, with Toyota leading the Auto Cup.

Rookies & Returns

Five new drivers joined the 2025 grid, including three rookies from the PROSPEC ranks: Tommy Lemaire (Canada) – 2024 PROSPEC Champion Connor O’Sullivan (USA) Austin Matta (USA)

They were joined by Irish drifting royalty Jack Shanahan, older brother of Conor, and Japanese legend Daigo Saito, making his long-awaited FD PRO return after a decade away. Saito’s comeback was cut short with engine failure in the Top 32, but his presence electrified fans.

Shanahan emerged as the top rookie, finishing 21st and taking an early lead in the Rookie of the Year standings, just ahead of Lemaire.

Larry Chen enters the Hall of Fame

Few have captured the soul of drifting like Larry Chen. From behind the lens, he’s chronicled the sport’s growth since 2006, making him a constant at nearly every round. On Saturday, Chen was formally inducted into the Formula DRIFT Hall of Fame, joining past icons Rhys Millen, Samuel Hubinette, and Tanner Foust.

His name will be etched into the permanent Hall of Fame monument debuting in Long Beach this summer. Each inductee receives a crystal award and custom Hall of Fame ring created by legendary maker Jostens — the same company behind rings for the NFL, NBA, NASCAR, and more. MAVTV is now RACER Network — your new home for motorsports and automotive culture on television. From Formula Drift action to exclusive creator-driven content, tune in for what’s next in the world of speed. Check your local provider for channel info. Stay tuned to RACER.com all season long for the latest Formula DRIFT updates.