Forsberg tops Formula DRIFT qualifying in Orlando

Drivers faced occasional rain showers and continuously changing track conditions throughout both their runs in the qualifying session for Round 3 of the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship at Orlando Speed World.

With 32 drivers participating, they only had to complete a run to advance into the Top 32 Competition Heats.

Formula DRIFT PRO Qualifying utilizes UDSM (Universal Drift Scoring Method) technology from Race Data Labs. The telemetry and data system has automated the objective aspects of scoring individual qualifying runs with up to 80% of each PRO driver’s Qualifying score for drift Line and car Angle quantified and scored entirely by UDSM. Driving Style – the remaining 20% – continues to be assessed and awarded by the existing panel of three Formula DRIFT judges.

Chris Forsberg set the standard, scoring 85.83 points on his first run in what was probably the driest track conditions, which doesn’t diminish his achievement. He drove with poise and precision to achieve impeccable line, angle and style. With the Nissan driver finding his form, Forsberg will undoubtedly be a major threat in Competition.

The leading Rookie was, again, Cole Richards who has continued to improve with each Round. He placed second with 85.6 points – fractions behind Forsberg – although he was also the beneficiary of a drier track. It remains to be seen if Richards can maintain his form and perhaps visit the podium this season.

Third place was captured by Fredric Aasbo who scored 84.7 points. The three-time Champion needs to restore his title challenge after being eliminated from the Top 32 heats in Round 2. This qualifying result confirms he’s determined to make amends.

Championship leader Conor Shanahan again qualified relatively poorly in the Red Bull/GT Radial/JYR Toyota GT86. He placed 23rd, echoing his 24th position in Round 2 qualification. Undoubtedly, Shanahan will be hoping to reach the podium tomorrow but he’ll face the five-time and defending FD PRO Champion James Deane in the Top 32 heats. With Deane and his O'Reilly/Pennzoil Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD sitting second in the title race, it’s going to be a heavyweight duel to the death.

Aurimas Bakchis, who currently sits third in the Championship standings, qualified 12th in his Feal Suspension/GT Radial/Subimods Subaru BRZ and will face former teammate Simen Olsen in the Top 32.

The top qualifier receives four Championship points, while second place receives three, third gets two points and all other drivers receive one point.