Storm halts Formula Drift competition in Indy
CARSON, California (August 4, 2026) — Papadakis Racing completed a busy weekend of practice, qualifying and competition at Indianapolis Raceway Park before a powerful storm brought Formula Drift’s inaugural Indianapolis event to an early end Saturday night.
“The support from the Indianapolis fans was incredible,” said team owner Stephan Papadakis. “It was a new event for everybody and there was a lot of excitement around it. Even after the weather came in, people stayed, came through the paddock and spent time with the drivers and teams. We really appreciated that enthusiasm and were glad we had the opportunity to be part of Formula Drift’s first weekend here.”
Drivers Fredric Aasbo in the Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra and Ryan Tuerck in the Rain-X Toyota GR Corolla completed practice, qualifying and Saturday competition sessions in front of the Indianapolis crowd and Formula Drift’s global livestream audience before the storm arrived.
When competition paused, Aasbo and the Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra were preparing to meet championship leader James Deane in a Top 16 battle that carried significant championship implications.
But the heavy rainfall overwhelmed the facility’s drainage, leaving deep standing water across the track. Fans remained at the venue late into the night Saturday while Formula Drift and Indianapolis Raceway Park crews worked to pump water from the circuit, but officials were ultimately unable to restart competition.
“I was really looking forward to the battle with James,” said Aasbo. “Those are the matchups you want when you’re fighting for a championship because you have an opportunity to make up points directly against the guy you’re chasing. We never got that chance, so now we reset and take that fight to Seattle.”
Tuerck and the Rain-X GR Toyota Corolla were also unable to complete their battle before the storm came. The night ended with a driver parade along the dry front stretch that culminated in tandem donuts and burnouts for the fans. It wasn’t the competition they had come to see, but it was a spectacle nonetheless. Drivers remained afterward to sign autographs and take photos as a thank you to fans for staying.
“You never want an event to end because of weather, but the fans were awesome,” said Tuerck. “They hung with us for hours and there were still people in the paddock late into the night. Indianapolis has a huge motorsport culture and it was cool to see that kind of support for Formula Drift on its first visit.”
It was the first time in the series’ 23-year history that an event could not be completed. With the championship battle largely unchanged, teams now turn their focus toward Round 6 at Evergreen Speedway near Seattle, August 21–22.
Norwegian driver Aasbo has won three Formula Drift championships since joining Papadakis Racing in 2011, earning his first title in 2015 before securing consecutive championships in 2021 and 2022. He is the most successful driver in Formula Drift history and has earned more than 100 podium finishes in competition around the world.
Tuerck joined Papadakis Racing in 2020 and has twice finished third in the Formula Drift championship. The New Hampshire driver is also known for an ambitious collection of custom Toyota builds, including the Ferrari-powered GT4586, Formula Supra, Toyota Stout and Celica GT411.
Based in Carson, California, Papadakis Racing began competing in drifting in 2004 and is the most successful team in Formula Drift history. The team has earned five driver championships, winning with Aasbo in 2015, 2021 and 2022, and with Tanner Foust in 2007 and 2008.
Drifting is a high-skill, high-powered motorsport with an emphasis on car control. Drivers compete in head-to-head knockout heats on a closed course, sliding sideways in runs judged on line, angle and style. Formula Drift launched its professional United States championship in 2004 and now presents an eight-round national series in front of live and online audiences around the world.