Fredric Aasbo's Rockstar Energy Drink Toyota Corolla iM drifts the Orlando Speedworld course
For the second consecutive season, Papadakis Racing and AEM-sponsored driver Fredric Aasbo took home the event win at Orlando Speedworld, and the team is leaving the state of Florida with the lead in the championship points. In 2016, Aasbo was piloting the Rockstar Energy Drink Scion tC2 to the event win, but this season, Aasbo drove the newly-debuted Rockstar Energy Drink Toyota Corolla iM to the event win. Last season, Orlando Speedworld was the third event on the season schedule, but with a small shuffle of the schedule for 2017, Orlando stands as the second event of the season. The team will take the lead into Road Atlanta for the next round of Formula Drift, just 500 miles north of the Orlando Speedworld site. "What an incredible win! We only built this car over the off season and to get this first win after only the second time out is amazing," said Fredric Aasbo about the win.
Fredric Aasbo celebrates his event win on the podium with Michael Essa (2nd) and Dai Yoshihara (3rd)
En route to the win, Aasbo received a bye in the top 32 round by qualifying second, then defeated AEM-sponsored driver Matt Field in the Top 16, Alec Hohnadell in the Top 8, and Vaughn Gittin Jr. in the Final 4 before reaching the championship battle with former champion Michael Essa. All four drivers in the Final 4 were former Formula Drift champions, showing just how competitive the series is this year. Aasbo was able to defeat Essa with a strong lead run and an aggressive chase run, topping off a perfect day of tandem battles that stretches Aasbo’s undefeated streak at the track to nine consecutive battles dating back to last season.
Aasbo’s battle with Gittin Jr. was one of the better runs of the day, with Aasbo’s chase run showing incredible car control behind Gittin Jr’s Ford Mustang RTR. Gittin Jr’s Mustang has been one of the fastest cars on the grid since it debuted last season, so the ability of the freshly-built Corolla iM to pull away from the Mustang in the lead, and keep within a single car of proximity around the track in the chase position made the team very happy. "Today it all came together especially in that Top 4 battle with Vaughn Gittin Jr. and that was my highlight of the day showing that I can chase really close and getting this first win in the Rockstar Energy Drink / Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM is huge,” said Aasbo.
Fredric Aasbo prepares for battle in his Papadakis Racing built Toyota Corolla iM
After the Scion brand was sunsetted midway through the 2016 season, the Papadakis Racing team was given some freedom to select what car they wanted to build as the next evolution for the team. Although the Toyota Corolla iM doesn’t look like your prototypical drift car, the chassis was selected for the wheelbase (which sits 1 inch longer than the Toyota GT86) and iconic Corolla nameplate that has historically been synonymous with the roots of drifting. Overall, the car has a longer wheelbase than a Nissan S14, but just slightly shorter than both the Scion tC2 that was campaigned over the past few seasons (and won the 2015 Formula Drift championship) and slightly longer than the current S550 Ford Mustang chassis.
Fredric Aasbo defeated fellow AEM-sponsored driver Matt Field in the Top 16 in Orlando
The Papadakis Racing built chassis debuted to a 5th place finish in Long Beach, the kickoff event of the 8-round Formula Drift schedule, to a huge fanfare. As the first 4-door hatchback drift car in the series, fans were anxious to peak under the hood of the car at the first event. The car maintains the same 2AR powerplant as the previous Scion tC2, pushing more than 800 horsepower through the drivetrain before the 150-shot of nitrous is enabled. Aasbo piloted the car to a 4th place qualifying effort and a 5th place finish at Long Beach, which earned them 52 championship points after the debut event for the car. With the improved finish in Orlando, Aasbo now holds a 16 point lead entering Atlanta.
Fredric Aasbo eliminated Vaughn Gittin Jr. in the Top 4 en route to the event win
The Orlando event win marked the ninth of Aasbo’s Formula Drift career, tying him with Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Samuel Hubinette for most all-time in the 90-event history of Formula Drift. The win was also Aasbo’s second consecutive win at Orlando, making him the winningest driver in the state of Florida. Previous competitions at Homestead Speedway and Palm Beach Raceway were all won by different competitors, making Aasbo the only two-time winner in the state. Looking ahead to the famed Road Atlanta track, Aasbo has previously podiumed in 2012 and 2014, earning second place both times. Atlanta marks the only track on the current Formula Drift schedule that Aasbo has yet to win at, which would help extend his current lead in the championship. Atlanta is also the birthplace of the Formula Drift series, and said to have some of the rowdiest fans on the schedule.
Aasbo and the Papadakis Racing team will be visiting the Toyota Manufacturing facility in Blue Springs, Mississippi, in the down time between Orlando and Atlanta. The visit will likely bring new inspiration and motivation to continue the success through the rest of the Formula Drift season.
The Formula Drift Pro2 category is the last step before drivers step up to the top ranks of the Formula Drift Pro Championship. In many ways, that’s what makes Pro2 a harder series because all drivers are not only gunning for the win but also there is less familiarity. However, our up and coming AEM Drivers were able to put on a show and prove they will be worthy of those Pro ranks, soon, with Travis Reeder taking the podium but not before showcasing his driving talents in the Final Four.
Travis began his weekend with a sixth seed on Thursday Qualifying before heading on to the finals. He would be the best qualified driver but George Kiriakopoulos would find himself in the eleventh seed and driving against Reeder. However, his Friday would end in Top 16 due to a broken transmission, which he still tried to drive on. A broken transmission would also end Andy Hateley’s weekend on qualifying day. He was also able to try and make the field but his best run on a broken box meant he would only get twenty-second seed of a Top 16 field.
Reeder looked strong in the finals
Reeder would move on to face off against the finals but in his Final Four run, his left rear tire would de-bead. Undaunted, Travis was able to keep his car moving and was awarded the entry into the finals where he would finish in second-place. It was a tough battle but one that ended with Reeder on that second step and the start of a great weekend in Orlando for AEM. Their next round is once again with the Pro Series at Road Atlanta on May 11th and 12th. This legendary track is known for its high-speeds, insane entries, and being a crowd and driver favorite. We’ll see you there.
In just its second event, the iM is starting to show it's a platform to reckon with
In the second round and event for the Rockstar Energy Drink/AEM Toyota Corolla iM, Fredric Aasbo takes home the victory in the new platform. It was a dominating run up to the finals for him but our AEM drivers were also out in force in the heat and humidity of Florida. With the win, Aasbo looks good for another run at the championship in 2017.
AEM-sponsored Frederic Aasbo take the win at Orlando Speedway
For Aasbo, his weekend started off with a second-place qualifying run and one of the coveted top four spots in the order as those drivers would get a bye-run to the Top 16. Kristaps Bluss would be the next highest qualifying driver in the twelfth seed. He would end up in the Top 16 and finish there for the round. 2016 Formula Drift Champion and AEM Driver, Chris Forsberg, qualified in the fourteenth seed in the V8 370Z since the VQ was still not ready yet. He would end up finishing the round in the Top 16 as well. Rad Dan Burkett would earn a sixteenth seed but would end up finishing in the Top 32 in Orlando.
Aasbo was able to take it to the finals but Matt Field would be eliminated due to de-beading
Matt Field would qualify in the eighteenth seed and would mean that he and Aasbo would meet in the Top 16. Matt would finish his weekend here after his tire de-beaded on his run against eventual winner, Aasbo. While you would think having a bye-run would be an easy path to victory, it really wasn’t as his challenges would increase with each round until the finals. This car has only seen competition twice and that has been the first two rounds. However, he and Papadakis Racing pulled through and helped get themselves and AEM their first victory for the 2017 season. “Starting a season with a new car always feels like a gamble because there's a learning curve for the driver and the team. But we proved to everyone today that our Rockstar Energy Drink / Nexen Tire Toyota Corolla iM is a force to be reckoned with in this series,” said Aasbo. “All credit is due to our team and our partners. This is an amazing feeling.”
What’s next for Aasbo since taking the win and the lead in the Formula Drift Points Standings? It’s not Disney World but the plant where the Corolla is manufactured for the US. In the meantime, the rest of the AEM Drivers will be preparing for the third round of the Formula Drift Championship. That will take place at the legendary and fan favorite, Road Atlanta on May 12th to the 13th and we’ll see you there.
Frederic Aasbo on his way to the finals in Orlando
AEM is helping drivers in the FD Pro2 class with a contingency program
When it comes to competing in the Formula DRIFT series, you need all the help you can get in regards to your budget. Fortunately, AEM Induction has introduced a fantastic way to help drivers find more power, offer a contingency bonus for those running the AEM Dryflow air filter, and save where they need it. The 2017 season will be the inaugural year for both the AEM PRO 2 Contingency Program and AEM Race Parts Discount program.
In racing and drifting, drivers tend to be a loyal bunch to the brands they know work. AEM Inductions would like to reward those loyal racers by putting cash in their pockets by way of both monetary payouts and discounts on parts purchased from us. To be eligible, a PRO2 driver must meet the following criteria:
Run an AEM Dryflow Air Filter on their competition vehicle,
Run an AEM decal on locations laid out in the program, and
Finish in the Top 16 of a PRO 2 Round.
Formula Drift Pro2 drivers are grassroots drivers with little budget, so AEM wants to help them
The total contingency payout for each round is $1000, with payouts occurring at each round of Formula DRIFT PRO 2 competition. The highest finishing AEM contingency driver in the Top 16 will earn $500, second highest driver will earn $300, and the third highest will earn $200. Drivers will also be able to purchase from the Race Parts Discount program and won’t just include parts for their competition vehicle but also their tow vehicle as well.
“AEM Induction views the Formula DRIFT PRO 2 Series as vital in the long-term growth and sustainability of drifting at its highest level,” says Chris Matye, Team & Series Support Manager, AEM Induction. “Many of the talented young drivers competing in PRO 2 are true grassroots racers running on strict budgets and with minimal crew. The establishment of our PRO 2 Contingency Program is directly aimed at rewarding these loyal AEM Induction customers with cash prizes. PRO 2 is developing the Formula DRIFT stars of tomorrow, and AEM is happy to lend our support to this talented field of young drivers.”
To be a part of the AEM contingency program, the drivers have to meet specific requirements
AEM-sponsored Fredric Aasbo brings out the new Corolla iM at Streets of Long Beach
The first round of the Formula Drift Championship is always a fun one. You have the city of Long Beach, waves, and the only street circuit drifting in the series just before the historic Grand Prix of Long Beach. AEM looked to gain a great start to the season with Fredric Aasbo, Kirstaps Bluss, Matt Field, 2017 rookie Dan Burkett, and 2016 Formula Drift Champion Chris Forsberg, among others, taking it to the streets. Would we see a breakout start?
When it comes to difficult circuits, a street circuit with almost no runoff is one that is a challenge for road racing. Now take that and ramp the idea up because you’re sliding sideways and purposely scraping the wall and your competitor's car and you’ll see why the Streets of Long Beach is a popular event for Formula Drift fans and drivers alike. It’s an event that can give you the biggest victory of your career or the worst start to your Formula Drift season. Unfortunately, FD Rookie and AEM Driver Dan Burkett was hit with the latter. While bringing an impressive eleventh place qualifying position, he would crash during Top 32 practice. His team got the RAD Industries Supra back together and into the show, but Dan eventually lost to fellow AEM Driver Matt Field, who would go on to finish in the Top 16.
Matt Field with the new Falken tires livery on his Nissan 240SX
2016 Formula Drift Champion, Chris Forsberg, qualified in seventh place and didn’t have the greatest start himself. Prior to qualifying, the champ had to replace his twin-turbo VQ V6 for a familiar VK V8 powered 370Z. While it was disappointing to not witness the new VQ do its magic, the familiarity of the VK showed as he was still able to capitalize on a Top 10 qualification. He would go on to the Great 8 where he would be eliminated against the eventual winner.
Fedric Aasbo, the 2015 Formula Drift Champion, brought out the brand-new Toyota Corolla iM to show that weird chassis still work in FD. While a twenty-ninth place qualifying wouldn’t properly show the performance of his chassis, the performance to the Great 8 would. He would face off against fellow AEM Driver, Kristaps Bluss in the Top 16 (who had also qualified higher than Aasbo), Bluss would fall to the FD champ before Aasbo’s Great 8 exit.
Kristaps Bluss under the famous Long Beach bridge before turn 10 at the 2017 Streets of Long Beach
While a win or a top four finish would have been a sweet ending, it wouldn’t be the end for two of our AEM drivers as they would also compete in the non-points Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge during the Long Beach Grand Prix. Remember how drifting a street circuit was hard on its own? Well now add the challenge of a night event to that mix. Instead of qualifying, it would be a random draw for the Top 16 positions. Matt Field would grab the ninth position while Dan Burkett would get tenth. Dan would end up walking with a Top 16 finish, however the night would be owned once again by Matt Field as he took his second Super Drift win in a row. “We went back to back!” said Matt Field, winner of the Motegi Super Drift Challenge. “This event was strong and it feels good to get back into a car that’s in working manner after struggling last weekend, but we’re back.” For night two, Matt would end up in the Top 16 position after taking hard damage during the finals. However, Dan Burkett showed he would be the rookie sensation for 2017 by taking a Top 8 finish in his first ever Super Drift at one of the hardest circuits in the series.
The next event for the Formula Drift Schedule and our AEM drivers is Orlando Speed World Oval in Orlando, Florida. It will also be the first event for the 2017 Formula Drift Pro2 Championship where we’ll see our Pro2 drivers. Check back for more news from AEM and the 2017 Formula Drift Season.
