Fredric Aasbo slides into Formula Drift points lead, Ryan Tuerck tied for second
SEATTLE, Washington (September 27, 2020) - Rockstar Energy Drink driver Fredric Aasbo now leads the Formula Drift points after a second-place result in Seattle on Saturday. It was the second podium in three rounds for the driver, who debuted his all-new Toyota GR Supra with a win earlier this month in St. Louis.
It was a close final match-up between former champions Aasbo (2015) and fellow Nitto Tire driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. (2010) that saw Aasbo take the second spot on the podium.
"There are no easy battles in this series," said Aasbo, who advanced out of the opening bracket to face his teammate Ryan Tuerck in the Top 16. "You have to be ready to go to war the second you get to the track and fight hard through every step of the ladder."
A compressed schedule for doubleheader weekends means the qualifying brackets are set by a random draw this season. Luck wasn't with Papadakis Racing on Saturday as team drivers Aasbo and Tuerck found themselves head-to-head in the Top 16.
Judges called for a One-More-Time rematch after both teammates put down aggressive runs in their first match-up. Aasbo was able to capitalize on changing grip levels in the rematch to edge the Rockstar Energy Drink Toyota GR Supra into the Great 8 past Tuerck in the Gumout / Nitto Tire / Mobil 1 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.
"It's tough going up against your teammate, especially in an early round," said Tuerck. "But that's what happens in drifting sometimes and we'll come back fighting Sunday."
Despite an early exit from the contest, Tuerck remains tied for second in the points standings on the strength of a back-to-back podium weekend earlier this month in St. Louis. Manufacturer partner Toyota is currently in the lead of the Auto Cup points, while tire partner Nitto tops the Tire Cup rankings.
Drivers Aasbo and Tuerck came out swinging at the first two Formula Drift events of the season. Aasbo drove the all-new Rockstar Energy Drink Toyota GR Supra to victory in its competition debut, while Tuerck earned a pair of podiums in the Gumout / Nitto Tire / Mobil 1 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.
This weekend's doubleheader competition is streamed live online at Formulad.com and across the series' social media channels. The opening round livestream achieved 1.9 million views on YouTube alone.
Taking a lead from other racing series including NASCAR and IndyCar, Formula Drift has implemented a host of safety precautions for its first events of the season. The venue is closed to fans this weekend in Seattle.
After Seattle, teams will head to Dallas. A new track layout at Texas Motor Speedway will make use of the facilities' permanent grandstands to accommodate fans. The series recently announced a shift in the dates and that competition is now scheduled for October 30 to November 1.
Aasbo is the most winning driver in Formula Drift history, with 14 career victories. He joined Papadakis Racing in 2011 and earned the series crown in 2015. He started his Formula Drift career in 2010 as a privateer in a Mark IV Supra and comes full circle this season the all new Toyota GR Supra. Back in 2011, Evergreen Speedway saw Aasbo take his first career Formula Drift podium during his debut season with Papadakis Racing.
Tuerck is a leading social influencer and top-tier driver with a career 14 podiums. His down-home charm, commitment to the sport's grassroots, and talent in front of the camera have brought him a social fanbase of over a million followers. Earlier this year, he retired his previous chassis, a powerful Toyota 86.
The Papadakis Racing team began drifting in 2004 and is the most winning team in Formula Drift history, earning the 2015 title with driver Aasbo, as well as back-to-back championship titles with driver Tanner Foust in 2007 and 2008.