LIVE: Formula DRIFT 2015 – The Streets of Long Beach

It’s been a long off season but we’ve arrived safe on the other side, and it couldn’t have arrived a moment sooner. The Streets of Long Beach, California plays host to the first round of the 2015 Formula DRIFT season – this unforgiving street circuit paves the way for the rest of the year. With FD veterans mixing it up with rookies from around the world, we’ll be watching closely to see who comes out on top in California. Watch LIVE below – the schedule for the weekend can be found at the bottom of the page.

The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Street Course has been around since 1977. Highlighted by Formula 1, IndyCar, American Le Mans Series, The Toyota Pro/Celebrity race, and now Formula DRIFT. 2015 will be Formula DRIFT’s 10th consecutive year at the famous Street Course. The 2-day event will again be one week prior to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Utilizing Turns 9, 10, and 11 of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Street Course, Formula DRIFT slides its way on one of two actual street course utilized for professional drifting. With a high-speed entry and very tight spacing between the cars and walls, there is no room for mistakes, making the opening round of the Formula DRIFT season one of the most exciting drift events of the year.
This event also features: the Offset Kings Car Show presented by Fatlace, a huge vendor village, tons of giveaways from sponsors, driver autograph session, open pits to see the cars and stars up close and personal, and much much more!
Round 1: Streets of Long Beach will kick-off the 2015 Championship season in style with new cars, new drivers, and all the sideways excitement that Formula DRIFT is known for. 2014 Champion Chris Forsberg will be back to defend his title against all competitors including Fredric Aasbo, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Aurimas ‘Odi’ Bakchis and the rest of the talented pool of drivers.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Local Time (PDT = GMT -8HRS)

Thursday, April 9, 2015 – Setup & Practice
9:00am – 1:00pm – SETUP: All Sponsors/Teams/Vendors with trailers longer than 20ft. (Group 1) – Venue
10:00am – 4:00pm – WILL CALL: Open – Will Call Tent
10:00am – 6:00pm – TECH INSPECTION: By Appointment Only – TBA
1:00pm – 2:00pm – MEDIA: Mandatory Meeting for ALL “Hot Area” Access Credential Holders – FD HQ
1:00pm – 5:00pm – SETUP: All Vendors (Group 2) – Venue
2:00pm – 3:00pm – FD: Mandatory Drivers Meeting – FD HQ
3:00pm – 5:00pm – PHOTOSHOOT: Mandatory Driver Headshots – FD HQ
6:00pm – 8:00am – CLEAR GRID (Noise Ordinance; No Revving Engines)

Friday, April 10, 2015 – Practice & Qualifying
6:00am – STREET CLOSURES BEGIN: Effecting Shoreline Dr., E. Seaside Way, Linden Ave., Hart Pl.
7:00am – 4:00pm – WILL CALL: Open – Will Call Tent
7:00am – VENUE OPEN: Credential Holders Only – Venue
7:00am – 8:30am – SETUP: DROP OFF ONLY for Sponsors, Teams and Vendors – Venue
8:30am – 9:00am – FD: Mandatory Drivers Meeting – FD HQ
9:00am – 10:00am – MEDIA MEETING #1: Mandatory Meeting for ALL “Hot Area” Access Credential Holders – FD HQ
10:00am – 1:00pm – FD: Open Practice – Track
10:00am – 3:30pm – LIVE STREAM – Track
12:00pm – 1:00pm – MEDIA MEETING #2: Mandatory Meeting for ALL “Hot Area” Access Credential Holders – FD HQ
12:00pm – 5:00pm – GATES OPEN TO PUBLIC – Venue
1:00pm – 3:30pm – FD: Qualifying; All Drivers in 2014 Final Standings – Track
3:35pm – 4:55pm – FD: Autograph Signing Session – TBA
5:00pm – 5:30pm – FD: Mandatory Drivers Meeting; Qualifying Results – FD HQ
6:00pm – STREETS OPEN
6:00pm – 7:00pm – SETUP: Sponsors and Vendors ONLY – Main Paddock
6:30pm – 9:00pm – CAR SHOW: Roll In – Car Show Paddock
10:00pm – 8:00am – CLEAR GRID (Noise Ordinance; No Revving Engines)

Saturday, April 11, 2015 – Main Event
6:00am – STREET CLOSURES BEGIN: Effecting Shoreline Dr., E. Seaside Way, Linden Ave., Hart Pl.
6:00am – 8:00am – CAR SHOW: Roll In – Car Show Paddock
7:00am – 4:00pm – WILL CALL: Open – Will Call Tent
7:00am – VENUE OPEN: Credential Holders Only – Venue
8:00am – 8:30am – FD: Drivers Meeting Mandatory for ALL Drivers – FD HQ
9:00am – 10:00am – MEDIA: Mandatory Meeting for ALL “Hot Area” Access Credential Holders – FD HQ
9:00am – 10:30am – FD: Open Practice – Top 32 – Track
9:00am – 6:00pm – LIVE STREAM – Track
10:00am – 6:00pm – GATES OPEN TO PUBLIC – Venue
11:00am – 1:00pm – MAIN COMPETITION: Round of 32 – Track
1:00pm – 2:30pm – HALF TIME BREAK
2:30pm – 3:00pm – VIP EXPERIENCE: Track Walk – TBA
3:00pm – NATIONAL ANTHEM / OPENING CEREMONIES – Track
3:30pm – 5:30pm – MAIN COMPETITION: Round of 16 to Finals – Track
5:30pm – 6:00pm – TROPHY CEREMONY & CLOSING
6:00pm – STREETS OPEN