Photos by: Weston – Slip-N-Slidephotography, Matt – ImportMeet.com

Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, WA was filled with thousands of people eager to check out the latest Formula DRIFT event this weekend. It was a beautiful summer day in the Pacific Northwest and perfect weather for a drift event. There were some epic battles between many of the professional drifters in the series and according to Formula DRIFT officials, attendance was up 10% from the previous year.

At noon, spectators started to flood the venue as they tried to find the best location to watch the action. It was busy during the practice runs, but once the top 32 started at 3:00 PM, the grandstands and paddock were completely packed with cheering fans. NOS Energy Drink did a great job providing refreshments and keeping fans entertained in the lull between heats.

One of our favorite battles to watch was between Fredric Aasbo and Tyler McQuarrie. The judges had a difficult time choosing a winner and made them square off a total of 3 times before coming to a decision. Aasbo eventually beat McQuarrie, which allowed him to compete with Rhys Millen for 3rd place. Daijiro Yoshihara battled Chris Forsberg for the final match and although it was very close, the judges awarded 1st place to Yoshihara.

Thank you to Formula DRIFT for having such a well-organized event and for all of the sponsors who helped make it possible. We can't wait until next year!

Formula DRIFT Professional Championship 2011 Point Standings after 5 Rounds 1. Yoshihara, Daijiro Discount Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13 412 Points 2. Pawlak, Justin Falken Tire Ford Mustang 397 Points 3. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z 369 Points 4. McNamara, Darren Falken Tire Pontiac Saturn Sky 345.50 Points 5. Powers, Matt Need for Speed Nissan S14 328.50 Points 6. McQuarrie, Tyler Falken Tire Nissan 350Z 317 Points 7. Tuerck, Ryan Gardella Racing / Mobil 1 Chevrolet Camaro 308 Points 8. Grunewald, Conrad Hankook Tire Chevy Camaro 300 Points 9. Gittin, Vaughn Monster Energy / Falken Ford Mustang 291 Points 10.. Mohan, Kyle Nexen Tire / Mazdatrix Mazda RX-8 266 Points 11. Aasbo, Fredric Need for Speed / Hankook Scion TC 250 Points 12. Yoshioka, Toshiki Retaks Nissan S13 238.25 Points 16. Millen, Rhys Red Bull / Hankook Hyundai Genesis Coupe 207 Points 14. Gushi, Ken RS*R / Hankook / Scion Racing TC 188.75 Points 15. Bakchis, Aurimas Bakchis Racing / Forged Racing Nissan 240SX 185.50 Points 16. Wilkerson, Walker Fatlace / Intec Racing Nissan 240 185 Points Tires.com Triple Crown (after 2 of 3 events) 1. Yoshihara, Daijiro Discount Tire / Falken Tire Nissan S13 212 Points 2. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z 153 Points 3. McNamara, Darren Falken Tire Pontiac Saturn Sky 144.50 Points Round 5: Throwdown Event Results 1. Yoshihara, Daijiro Falken Tire / Discount Tire Nissan 240SX Winner 2. Forsberg, Chris NOS Energy Drink / Hankook Tire Nissan 370Z Second Place 3. Aasbo, Fredric Need for Speed / Hankook Scion TC Third Place

Check out the ImportMeet.com Formula DRIFT Round 5 Picture Thread for even more great photos from the event.

[Sources: FormulaDrift.com]