With Stafford Motor Speedway appearing on the Formula DRIFT schedule for the first time, all teams faced the uphill task of setting up the cars as the drivers learned the new track, with rain adding to the challenge.

Chris Forsberg prevailed in a rain-interrupted Formula DRIFT qualifying in Orlando.

Conor Shanahan defeated three-time FD PRO champion Fredric Aasbo to claim victory in the opening round of Formula DRIFT in Long Beach.