BALTIMORE, Md. (April 11, 2011) –. The Formula Drift season kicked in Long Beach, California over the weekend, and Team Need for Speed was in full-effect and ready to battle in out with the world’s best competitors at Round One. The team’s newest addition, Fredric Aasbo, was set to compete in the Need for Speed 2011 Scion tC built by Papadakis Racing. Wild child Matt Powers was back rockin’ and rollin’ in his Need for Speed Nitto Tire S14, after having made some beneficial modifications to the vehicle in the off-season. Both drivers were looking to come out to Round 1 in hopes of a strong start to the season, and they did just that when Matt Powers fought his way to 2nd place and Fredric Aasbo finished in 9th place overall.
The grandstands were packed with fans eager to see their favorite drivers blasting through the Streets of Long Beach at the sold-out show on Saturday’s main event day. The Need for Speed Electro Lounge was packed all day long while DJ Miki Taka kept the music bumping and Formula Drift fans got a chance to test their skills at driving like the pros using the D-Box racing seat to play Need for Speed SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED.
The lucky winner of the Need for Speed/Alpinestars/Tilly’s VIP contest spent the day hanging out with the Voice of Formula Drift, Jarod DeAnda, after having an amazing experience going for a ride-along in the Need for Speed S14. On the track, Fredric Aasbo was able to take out John Russakoff in the top 32, and Matt Powers defeated Jeff Jones after qualifying in a very impressive 4th place. Watch the VIDEO of the opening ceremonies.