Formula Drift, Irwindale 2015
Photos by Andrew Gates and Rupa Begum
Written by Andrew Gates
The stage was set for some intense battles for the final round of Formula Drift in Irwindale, California. The House of Drift was the must attend event for fans from around the world, since it was the last USA event out of the seven throughout the year. It was also where they crowned the Pro 1 and Pro 2 Champions. This year they also used the event to crown the 2015 World Champion since the final event for the World Championship had to be cancelled due to unforseen circumstances.
The battles at round seven were pretty insane since the Chamionship could have went a few different ways, but in the end it went to “The Norwegian Hammer,” Fredric Aasbo. Although, Fredric secured the victory early in the competition, that did not stop him from putting forth his best effort and laying down some spectacular runs. In the end he beat out Kenshiro Gushi to take first place. Second place went to Ken Gushi and third to Forrest Wang. Not only did Fredric take first at the event he also secured the Pro 1 Championship and he took home the 2015 World Championship.
Irwindale Speedway was also the venue where they crowned the Pro 2 Champion which went to Alex Heilbrunn. Alex actually had the Pro 2 Chamionship locked up after round 3, but still came out swinging for round 4, although, Alex did not place for Pro 2 round 4, first place went to Juha Rintanen with second place going to Cameron Moore, and third place went to Kevin Lawrence.
Walking around the vendor areas and seeing the new car builds, seeing all the old and new faces really made me smile to see how far Formula Drift, and drifting in general, have come. The sport of drifting has definitely made a name for itself and keeps growing year after year with more spectators, more drivers, more coverage, and of course, more horsepower. 2016 is sure to more of the same.
This event was not only a huge deal because it was the last event for the season, it was also the last time Formula Drift will be held under the lights at Irwindale Speedway, since the sale of the venue seems imminent. It is a sad day when a venue like Irwindale sees the last event come to a close. We love you House of Drift and you will be missed.