Here's a quick update with the results of today's qualifying session at the opening round of the 2009 Formula Drift season in Long Beach. With the change on the judging staff and the in format, drivers were finding it much tougher to bring in the higher scores during their solo runs today. As you've probably heard, for 2009 Formula D has changed to a Top-32 tandem format, so Saturday's action is bound to be filled with excitement.
With all of the vehicle shakeups at the top of the field, drivers who are comfortable in their machines have a large advantage for this event. Chris Forsberg in his 350Z convertible proved this by laying down a sweet 93-point run to take the #1 spot leading into tomorrow's tandem round. Chris won the 2008 Long Beach event, and after seeing his driving today he's certainly is a favorite to repeat.
Tomorrow's Top-32 tandem round is scheduled to go down as follows -
Chris Forsberg (1) vs. Matt Waldin (32)
Darren McNamara (2) vs. Eric O'Sullivan (31)
Tanner Foust (3) vs. Carl Rydquist (30)
Kazu Hayashida (4) vs. Yasu Kondo (29)
Justin Pawlak (5) vs. Casper Canul (28)
Taka Aono (6) vs. Pat Mordaunt (27)
Conrand Gruenwald (7) vs. Matt Powers (26)
Robbie Nishida (8) vs. Michihiro Takatori (25)
Quoc Ly (9) vs. John Rusakoff (24)
Ryan Tuerck (10) vs. Calvin Wan (23)
Dai Yoshihara (11) vs. Jeff Jones (22)
Sam Hubinette (12) vs. Tyler McQuarrie (21)
Vaughn Gittin Jr. (13) vs Joon Maeng (20)
Katsuhiro Ueo (14) vs. Ross Petty (19)
Tony Brakahopia (15) vs. Kyle Mohan (18)
Stephen Verdier (16) vs. Rhys Millen (17)
There are mixed feelings among the drivers about the expanded tandem format, with some fearing that the differences in speed between the top and bottom cars could lead to some tricky battles early on. Whatever happens, it will certainly be interesting to watch!
Here are a few quick photos from today's action-
Everyone's favorite shakotan privateer Matt Powers impressed with both his car style and his driving, earning a valuable spot in the Top-32.
Another fan favorite, Katsuhiro Ueo was involved in a hard crash during practice when he collided with Tommy Suell's AE86. Both drivers walked away, but Tommy's AE86 was damaged beyond repair. Ueo and his S15 were able to continue, and secured a spot in the Top-32. Here we see the Drift Speed crew rushing the car away for some much-needed overnight repairs…
Finally, Speedhunter Vaughn Gittin Jr. is seen here running his 2010 Mustang GT in its first competition event. JR was able to secure a nice comfortable spot in the middle of the field for tomorrow.
OK time to get rested up for Saturday's main event!
-Mike Garrett