Formula D made it triumphant return to the world famous ‘House of Drift’ Irwindale Speedway to cap of it’s 2018 Season. Defending champion and current points leader James Dean entered round 8 with a slight lead over Fredric Aasbo. Dean was looking to be the second driver to win back to back championships since Tanner Foust back in 2008
As Formula DRIFT returned to Los Angeles for the season finale, drivers, teams, fans and the series organizers were delighted to be back at Irwindale Speedway – the House of Drift. With only the Auto Cup decided at the previous round when Toyota amassed enough points to claim the title, there’s was everything to play. By Saturday evening we would all know the names of the 2018 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Champion as well as the 2018 Formula DRIFT Link ECU Pro 2 Champion, Rookie of the Year and the Tire Cup winner.
In what has been one of the closest season’s in Formula DRIFT history, it was as if Hollywood had scripted the most exciting event possible for the fans. There was drama in qualifying, unexpected lightning storms and title chasers watching from the sidelines as the action unfolded. This was, without doubt, the most exciting Formula DRIFT weekend ever witnessed in the series’ 15-year history.
IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA, OCTOBER 14, 2018 — With an absolutely incredible night of driving, Vaughn Gittin Jr. put on a drifting clinic by besting his opponents in the final round of Formula Drift 2018. In a season filled with low points, mechanical struggles, strategic and personnel changes, Vaughn took to the finals at The House of Drift and spoiled Frederic Aasbo’s championship run. Though it would not come easy for Vaughn and his Ford Mustang RTR team as they worked tirelessly to secure the victory late into the night following two one more times with Aasbo.
2018 Los Angeles Sportswalk Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place Monday at the USS Iowa in the Port Of Los Angles in San Pedro, California October 8th, 2018. Photo By Chuck Bennett
In a ceremony that took place on Monday, October 8, 2018 in front of the Battleship Iowa in the Port of Los Angeles, Chris Forsberg was singled out for his outstanding success in the Formula DRIFT series over the past 15 years.
The LA Sportswalk of Fame began in 1978 to honor the men and women who reach the top of their sports. For 2018, Chris Forsberg was among 11 athletes selected for the award. He stood alongside NASCAR, IndyCar and off-road legend, Robby Gordon, as well as 11-time Baja champion, Johnny Campbell. Other notable inductees included football Hall of Fame star Lynn Swann and baseball champion, Mike Scioscia.
Chris earned his place by virtue of being the most successful Formula DRIFT driver, with three championship titles earned in 2009, 2014 and 2016. He’s currently the second most successful in terms of round wins, with nine to his name, and has 36 podium places, which is more than any FD driver. Being the only driver to have competed in every round of the series, and one of four to have been in the series since day one, Chris has an amazing record and isn’t about to call it a day – he currently sits fourth in the 2018 FD Pro standings going into the Final Round this weekend. He boasts a round win in Orlando among his impressive 2018 points tally.
As a true champion, Chris arrived at the ceremony in proper DRIFT style, sliding his NOS Energy Drink Nissan 370Z on Nexen Tires in figure-8s around the dock. He then thanked Chris Agajanian and family for the nomination and briefly recapped his career, acknowledging the support of his wife and the importance of taking kids off the street, helping them to learn car control in a safe environment. He thanked the Agajanian family for recognizing the sport and proudly accepted his award.
The Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame began in San Pedro, CA as a celebration of local athletes. Originally known as the San Pedro Sportswalk to the Waterfront, the name was changed in 2017 to reflect the growth of the project and its move to the Port of Los Angeles. Each inductee is honored with a bronze plaque and these can be found installed on the sidewalks of downtown San Pedro, centered around 6th Street and Mesa Street. For more information visit lasportswalk.org
