Don’t mind the smoke and screeching coming out of Downtown Long Beach this weekend. It’s all part of the show.
Professional drivers tore down Shoreline Drive for the first day of the Formula DRIFT competition on Friday, Sept. 17. Long Beach welcomed 32 drift racers onto the track, held on a portion of the upcoming Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach circuit.
Drifting requires drivers to exercise extreme control over their vehicles and navigate sharp turns at high speeds by losing and recapturing tire traction to pull off the dangerous stunt. Instead of racing to the finish line, drivers are instead judged by a panel on style points based on their navigation through those tight turns.
The final day is set for Saturday. Gates will open at 9 a.m. for practice runs and other on-track activities and the competition will start at 11 a.m., with the first elimination round. The championship runs will begin at 3 p.m. with the top 16 cars. The winner is expected to be crowned at 6:15 p.m.
For spectators who can’t make it to the final day, the event will be streamed live on the Formula DRIFT website.
If you go
What: Long Beach Formula DRIFT.
When: Saturday, Sept 18.
Where: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Cost: Tickets start at $35 for a single day. An add-on for driver autograph signings is an additional $30.
Information: formulad.com.