Papadakis Racing turns focus to Orlando after challenging Road Atlanta weekend
BRASELTON, Georgia (May 11, 2026) — Papadakis Racing turns its focus to Orlando with both drivers still firmly in the early-season Formula Drift championship fight after a challenging Round 2 at Road Atlanta. Fredric Aasbo and the Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra exited from the Top 32, while Ryan Tuerck advanced to the Great 8 in the Rain-X Toyota GR Corolla.
Aasbo arrived at Road Atlanta carrying momentum from a runner-up finish at the season opener in Long Beach. His run ended in the Top 32 chase battle with Rudy Hansen when Aasbo made contact while attempting to stay close through the initiation sequence.
Aasbo was deemed at fault, since Hansen slowed in an allowable zone, but he later told Aasbo he had missed a shift, which left him short of his intended initiation point and speed. “That one hurts,” said Aasbo. “It was a tough way to end the weekend, but the car was strong and we are focused on getting back on track in Orlando.”
The result marked an uncharacteristically early exit for Aasbo, a three-time Formula Drift champion and one of the series’ most consistent front-runners.
For his part, Tuerck advanced to the Great 8 after a strong run through early rounds. His day ended after contact in his battle with Branden Sorensen as track conditions continued to evolve on the demanding Road Atlanta course.
Papadakis Racing returns to competition May 29-30 for Round 3: Scorched at Orlando Speed World in Orlando, Florida. With the championship still in its opening stretch, Aasbo and Tuerck remain firmly in contention as the series heads to Florida.
Drifting is a high-skill, high-powered motorsport with an emphasis on car control. In the Formula Drift series, drivers compete in knockout heats on a closed course, sliding sideways in trials judged on speed and style. With origins in Japan, the sport has rapidly grown to one of the most popular youth-oriented motorsports in the world. Here in the United States, Formula Drift officially launched in 2004 and its national schedule of eight events routinely host capacity crowds, while live-streamed multi-platform broadcasts attract millions of online viewers.
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