Recap from Rd 1 Long Beach:
We debuted our new 370Z and Title Sponsor EVOL Auto Works here at Rd 1.
As with any new build there were many learning curves that reared its head during the weekend. We didn’t get a lot of seat time prior to competition, with only 1 testing session prior to event load in. During the official FD practice, we had to get used to the different aspects of this new lighter and more powerful beast. We unfortunately came into contact with the wall during practice which put all hands-on deck to get us out there to fight!
We got an incomplete during our 1st qualifying run after hitting the wall again and straightening out. This put us into the “Last Chance Bracket” for the first time ever. The team worked hard to get us back out there and we were able to put down a qualifying run, making into the Top 32!
This saw us paired up with the 1st place qualifier Toyota/Rain X driver Ryan Tuerck in the Top 32. The team discovered that we were down a cylinder right before our battle with Tuerck and we had to use our “5 Minute Competition Time Out”. We had 2 respectable runs but with us being down on power, Tuerck would advance to into Top 16. The Jeff Jones Racing team finished Round 1 in 32nd place.
Quote from Jeff Jones:
“This was definitely a wild event, I can’t believe we were able to even put down a qualifying lap after I put it into the wall 2 times on the driver side. I’ve never had 2 hits back to back like that. Huge thank you to the crew and my partners for getting us to Rd 1. I am getting back to work, get this car dialed and ready to rock at Rd 2 Atlanta next month.”
FD Series News:
“After being scheduled in September last year, the Streets of Long Beach returned to its traditional position as the opening round for the 2022 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship. The teams were treated to perfect drifting weather for Round 1: AutoZone Streets of Long Beach presented by TYPE S, with a warm, sunny K&N Qualifying session on Friday and an overcast Competition Saturday.”
Formula DRIFT President, Ryan Sage: “The weekend was incredible and it’s great to kick off at Long Beach again, especially as this was the biggest event we’ve ever held. It’s a remarkable record to set at the beginning of the season and gives us a phenomenal launching pad for the 19th season. We’re all looking forward to start the national tour in Atlanta next month and can’t wait to see the fans out there.”
NEXT ROUND
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta will host the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship Round 2: AutoZone Road to the Championship presented by TYPE S on May 6-7. Please visit formulad.com for the competition schedule, ticket information, driver profiles, special content, and the event livestream.
Next up for Jeff Jones Racing:
