Formula Drift Mustangs to Put On a Show at 2022 Acura Long Beach Grand Prix

By Brett Foote - March 31, 2022

Formula Drift is set to make a triumphant return to its home, the Acura Long Beach Grand Prix, April 8-10.

It’s been some time since the Acura Long Beach Grand Prix has taken place as normal, due to the pandemic, of course. But this year, the mega event is back with the same diverse action we’ve come to expect, including IndyCar racing, Super Trucks, the new-for-2022

Porsche Carrera Cup, and our personal favorite, Formula Drift. With 180,000 fans expected to attend the 2022 Acura Long Beach Grand Prix, The Mustang Source was on hand to preview all of the action on media day.

There, we were able to see the full lineup of Formula Drift Mustangs showing off for the camera, sliding around the track in a masterful display of driving. The streets of Long Beach, California have already been blocked off and converted into the canvas for all of these tire markings ahead of April 8-10, when the real action takes place.

This year, the 47th annual event is as close to normal as possible following the past couple of years, which is great news for fans of Formula Drift, which will serve as the kickoff for this year’s Long Beach Grand Prix.

A grand total of 37 drivers will compete in the event, which is complemented by two exhibition-style events on April 8 and 9.

As is usually the case, competitors will be judged on style and technical ability – not who crosses the finish line first, as is the case with pretty much every other type of motorsports.

Line, angle, and style are the three categories judges score by, as competitors are expected to maintain the predetermined line around the circuit at top speed while also holding as extreme an angle as possible in the process.

Formula Drift actually got its start at Long Beach back in 2005, making this a bit of a homecoming of sorts. In the years since that site has traditionally hosted the season opener, and it has proven to be a popular one, with massive crowds turning out each year to experience the action in person.

Now that Formula Drift is once again back to opening its season at its home in Long Beach, that figures to be the case once again, as eager fans return in throes to check out all the sideways action up close.