The 2024 Formula Drift season got off to a tumultuous start on the Streets of Long Beach, with Mother Nature adding an extra layer of drama to an already action-packed weekend. Triple champion James Deane weathered both literal and figurative storms to clinch an emotional victory, his first since 2019. The Irishman overcame a catastrophic car fire and torrential rain to best a field of hungry challengers, including a resurgent Simen Olsen and perennial contender Aurimas Bakchis. Now, as the smoke clears and teams prepare for Round 2 in Atlanta, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how the next chapter of this thrilling season will unfold.
The unpredictable nature of the Long Beach round has injected new intrigue into the championship picture. Deane’s odds of a record-breaking fourth title have shortened dramatically, but with a long season ahead and plenty of talented drivers in the mix, it’s still anyone’s game. As we look ahead to Atlanta, let’s dive into the data and break down the top contenders, potential dark horses, and key storylines to watch.
Looking to elevate the thrill of the Formula Drift Atlanta season opener? Place your bets with ease and confidence using our partnered sportsbooks. In addition, the Atlanta round introduces Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) to the series, exclusively onUnderdog. This new Pick’Em format lets fans in 30 states, including California, Georgia and Texas, where traditional betting is banned, engage and potentially win real money. Sign up now for a first-time deposit match up to $100 and enhance your WSL experience!
Schedule and How to Watch Round 1: Road to Atlanta
Formula Drift returns to Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia on May 12-13 for Round 2 of the PRO Championship. The action kicks off with qualifying on Friday at 6:00 PM EDT, followed by the main competition on Saturday starting at 11:00 AM EDT.
To catch all the action, tune in to the official Formula Drift live stream on their website or follow the event on social media for real-time updates. To stay up to date on odds and results, be sure to check NXTbets.
Best Bets and Picks for Formula Drift Atlanta
Top Picks for FD Atlanta
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout per $20
James Deane
+850
$190.00
Fredric Aasbo
+884
$196.80
Aurimas Bakchis
+935
$207.00
James Deane(+850): The Irishman’s emotional Long Beach victory served notice that he’s back in top form and hungry for more. Deane’s ability to perform under pressure and adapt to changing conditions should serve him well in Atlanta, where the weather can often take a turn with short notice. The big unknown is the state of his repaired Mustang – if the car is fully sorted and reliable, it could be the difference maker. Deane’s mental toughness and wealth of experience give him an edge over less seasoned rivals. Expect the three-time champ to be in the mix for the win from start to finish.
Fredric Aasbo (+884): The Norwegian veteran is always a threat, and his close battle with Deane in Long Beach suggests he’s in top form. Aasbo has a strong record at Road Atlanta, with wins in 2015 and 2018. His aggressive yet precise style is well-suited to the track’s high-speed entries and technical sections. With a clean slate and a point to prove, look for Aasbo to come out swinging in Atlanta.
Aurimas Bakchis (+935): “The Baltic Bullet” looked unstoppable in Long Beach until his semifinal tussle with Deane. Bakchis has unfinished business from last season, and his raw speed and consistency make him a perpetual favorite. Road Atlanta has been a happy hunting ground for the Lithuanian, with podium finishes in 2016, 2017, and 2021. If he can avoid costly errors and dial in his Supra’s setup, Bakchis has the skills to go the distance.
Outsider Bets for FD Atlanta
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout per $20
Ryan Tuerck
+999
$219.80
Simen Olsen
+1055
$231.00
Chris Forsberg
+1458
$311.60
Ryan Tuerck (+999): The American fan favorite had a solid if unspectacular start to the season, finishing 10th in Long Beach. However, Tuerck’s aggressive, high-commitment style could pay dividends on Road Atlanta’s fast, flowing layout. He podiumed here last year and has shown flashes of brilliance in the early stages of 2024. At these odds, Tuerck is an intriguing option for bettors seeking a bigger payday.
Simen Olsen (+1055): The Norwegian sophomore was the revelation of Long Beach, pushing Deane to the limit in a rain-soaked final. Olsen’s rapid rise and growing confidence make him an enticing underdog pick. While he lacks experience at Road Atlanta, his strong showing in mixed conditions suggests he’s ready to contend at any track. If he can build on his early momentum, Olsen could be poised for another upset.
Chris Forsberg (+1458): Never count out the three-time champion, even after a disappointing Long Beach showing. Forsberg’s wealth of experience and canny tactics always make him a threat, particularly at a track like Road Atlanta where he’s enjoyed plenty of success over the years. His current odds offer significant value for a driver of his caliber. If Forsberg can recapture his vintage form, he could be the weekend’s biggest surprise.
Expert Pick for FD Atlanta
James Deane is riding a wave of momentum into Atlanta, and his Long Beach performance showed he hasn’t lost a step after a few quiet years. The Irishman’s ability to adapt to trying conditions and push through adversity sets him apart from the field. At +850, Deane offers solid value for a driver with his pedigree and current form. He’s our pick to make it two wins in a row and cement his status as championship favorite.
Head-to-Head Picks – Seeding Round
The new Seeding Round format adds an exciting wrinkle to the Formula Drift experience, pitting hungry up-and-comers against seasoned pros in a high-stakes battle for a spot in the Top 32. Here are our picks for the most compelling head-to-head matchups in Friday’s Seeding Round.
Driver
Money Line
Payout per $20
Derek Madison
Dmitriy Brutskiy
-299
+212
$26.69
$62.40
Dan Burkett
Mike Power
-222
+163
$29.01
$52.60
Conor Shanahan
Kyle Mohan
-452
+298
$24.42
$79.60
Jeff Jones
Rudy Hansen
-150
+113
$33.33
$42.60
Ryan Litteral
Ben Hobson
-126
-105
$35.87
$39.05
Joao Barion
Federico Sceriffo
-131
-101
$35.27
$39.80
Vaughn Gittin Jr.
Andy Hateley
-236
+172
$28.47
$54.40
Head-to-Head Picks – Top 32
With the field whittled down to the top 32 drivers, the intensity ratchets up as the sport’s elite talents go head-to-head in pursuit of precious championship points. These are the battles we’re most excited to see unfold in Saturday’s main competition.
Driver
Money Line
Payout per $20
Dylan Hughes
Trenton Beechum
-219
+161
$29.13 $52.20
Matt Field
Adam Lz
-222
+163
$29.01 $52.60
Jonathan Hurst
Forrest Wang
-124
-107
$36.13 $38.69
Kazuya Taguchi
Dan Stuke
-175
+131
$31.43 $46.20
Jhonnattan Castro
Robert Thorne
-120
-110
$36.67 $38.18
Ryan Tuerck
Alec Robbins
-509
+327
$23.93 $85.40
Branden Sorensen
Dean Kearney
-129
-103
$35.50 $39.42
Chris Forsberg
Taylor Hull
-319
+224
$26.27 $64.80
Championship Futures Update
Driver
Champion Odds
Payout per $20
James Deane
+232
$66.40
Aurimas Bakchis
+499
$119.80
Simen Olsen
+593
$138.60
Fredric Aasbo
+642
$148.40
Ryan Tuerck
+1048
$229.60
James Deane’s odds of winning the 2024 title have plummeted from +691 to +232 following his Long Beach victory, making him the clear frontrunner in the eyes of oddsmakers. Aurimas Bakchis and Simen Olsen both saw their odds shorten significantly after strong season debuts, while pre-season favorite Fredric Aasbo drifted slightly to +642. Notably, Ryan Tuerck’s odds have lengthened from +761 to +1048, suggesting his middling Long Beach result has dampened his perceived championship chances. As the season progresses, expect these numbers to fluctuate as drivers jostle for position and contend with the myriad challenges of the Formula Drift gauntlet.
Where to Bet on Formula Drift Atlanta
Looking to elevate the thrill of the Formula Drift Atlanta season opener? Place your bets with ease and confidence using our partnered sportsbooks. For detailed insights, strategies, and tips to maximize your betting experience, make sure to check out the official NXTbets Formula Drift Betting Guide. With real-time odds and expert insights at your fingertips, making informed bets on the action-packed event has never been simpler.
Whether you’re eyeing the frontrunners or considering an outsider bet, we’ve got you covered. Remember to bet responsibly and prepare to immerse yourself in the intensified excitement as the drift kings battle it out in Atlanta. Happy betting!
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Best Bets: Formula Drift Atlanta Pre-Event Odds Analysis
Table of Contents
The 2024 Formula Drift season got off to a tumultuous start on the Streets of Long Beach, with Mother Nature adding an extra layer of drama to an already action-packed weekend. Triple champion James Deane weathered both literal and figurative storms to clinch an emotional victory, his first since 2019. The Irishman overcame a catastrophic car fire and torrential rain to best a field of hungry challengers, including a resurgent Simen Olsen and perennial contender Aurimas Bakchis. Now, as the smoke clears and teams prepare for Round 2 in Atlanta, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how the next chapter of this thrilling season will unfold.
The unpredictable nature of the Long Beach round has injected new intrigue into the championship picture. Deane’s odds of a record-breaking fourth title have shortened dramatically, but with a long season ahead and plenty of talented drivers in the mix, it’s still anyone’s game. As we look ahead to Atlanta, let’s dive into the data and break down the top contenders, potential dark horses, and key storylines to watch.
Looking to elevate the thrill of the Formula Drift Atlanta season opener? Place your bets with ease and confidence using our partnered sportsbooks. In addition, the Atlanta round introduces Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) to the series, exclusively on Underdog. This new Pick’Em format lets fans in 30 states, including California, Georgia and Texas, where traditional betting is banned, engage and potentially win real money. Sign up now for a first-time deposit match up to $100 and enhance your WSL experience!
First Bet Offer
21+ New Customers Only. Terms & Conditions Apply
Schedule and How to Watch Round 1: Road to Atlanta
Formula Drift returns to Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia on May 12-13 for Round 2 of the PRO Championship. The action kicks off with qualifying on Friday at 6:00 PM EDT, followed by the main competition on Saturday starting at 11:00 AM EDT.
To catch all the action, tune in to the official Formula Drift live stream on their website or follow the event on social media for real-time updates. To stay up to date on odds and results, be sure to check NXTbets.
Best Bets and Picks for Formula Drift Atlanta
Top Picks for FD Atlanta
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout per $20
James Deane
+850
$190.00
Fredric Aasbo
+884
$196.80
Aurimas Bakchis
+935
$207.00
James Deane (+850): The Irishman’s emotional Long Beach victory served notice that he’s back in top form and hungry for more. Deane’s ability to perform under pressure and adapt to changing conditions should serve him well in Atlanta, where the weather can often take a turn with short notice. The big unknown is the state of his repaired Mustang – if the car is fully sorted and reliable, it could be the difference maker. Deane’s mental toughness and wealth of experience give him an edge over less seasoned rivals. Expect the three-time champ to be in the mix for the win from start to finish.
Fredric Aasbo (+884): The Norwegian veteran is always a threat, and his close battle with Deane in Long Beach suggests he’s in top form. Aasbo has a strong record at Road Atlanta, with wins in 2015 and 2018. His aggressive yet precise style is well-suited to the track’s high-speed entries and technical sections. With a clean slate and a point to prove, look for Aasbo to come out swinging in Atlanta.
Aurimas Bakchis (+935): “The Baltic Bullet” looked unstoppable in Long Beach until his semifinal tussle with Deane. Bakchis has unfinished business from last season, and his raw speed and consistency make him a perpetual favorite. Road Atlanta has been a happy hunting ground for the Lithuanian, with podium finishes in 2016, 2017, and 2021. If he can avoid costly errors and dial in his Supra’s setup, Bakchis has the skills to go the distance.
Outsider Bets for FD Atlanta
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout per $20
Ryan Tuerck
+999
$219.80
Simen Olsen
+1055
$231.00
Chris Forsberg
+1458
$311.60
Ryan Tuerck (+999): The American fan favorite had a solid if unspectacular start to the season, finishing 10th in Long Beach. However, Tuerck’s aggressive, high-commitment style could pay dividends on Road Atlanta’s fast, flowing layout. He podiumed here last year and has shown flashes of brilliance in the early stages of 2024. At these odds, Tuerck is an intriguing option for bettors seeking a bigger payday.
Simen Olsen (+1055): The Norwegian sophomore was the revelation of Long Beach, pushing Deane to the limit in a rain-soaked final. Olsen’s rapid rise and growing confidence make him an enticing underdog pick. While he lacks experience at Road Atlanta, his strong showing in mixed conditions suggests he’s ready to contend at any track. If he can build on his early momentum, Olsen could be poised for another upset.
Chris Forsberg (+1458): Never count out the three-time champion, even after a disappointing Long Beach showing. Forsberg’s wealth of experience and canny tactics always make him a threat, particularly at a track like Road Atlanta where he’s enjoyed plenty of success over the years. His current odds offer significant value for a driver of his caliber. If Forsberg can recapture his vintage form, he could be the weekend’s biggest surprise.
Expert Pick for FD Atlanta
James Deane is riding a wave of momentum into Atlanta, and his Long Beach performance showed he hasn’t lost a step after a few quiet years. The Irishman’s ability to adapt to trying conditions and push through adversity sets him apart from the field. At +850, Deane offers solid value for a driver with his pedigree and current form. He’s our pick to make it two wins in a row and cement his status as championship favorite.
Head-to-Head Picks – Seeding Round
The new Seeding Round format adds an exciting wrinkle to the Formula Drift experience, pitting hungry up-and-comers against seasoned pros in a high-stakes battle for a spot in the Top 32. Here are our picks for the most compelling head-to-head matchups in Friday’s Seeding Round.
Driver
Money Line
Payout per $20
Derek Madison
Dmitriy Brutskiy
-299
+212
$26.69
$62.40
Dan Burkett
Mike Power
-222
+163
$29.01
$52.60
Conor Shanahan
Kyle Mohan
-452
+298
$24.42
$79.60
Jeff Jones
Rudy Hansen
-150
+113
$33.33
$42.60
Ryan Litteral
Ben Hobson
-126
-105
$35.87
$39.05
Joao Barion
Federico Sceriffo
-131
-101
$35.27
$39.80
Vaughn Gittin Jr.
Andy Hateley
-236
+172
$28.47
$54.40
Head-to-Head Picks – Top 32
With the field whittled down to the top 32 drivers, the intensity ratchets up as the sport’s elite talents go head-to-head in pursuit of precious championship points. These are the battles we’re most excited to see unfold in Saturday’s main competition.
Driver
Money Line
Payout per $20
Dylan Hughes
Trenton Beechum
-219
+161
$29.13
$52.20
Matt Field
Adam Lz
-222
+163
$29.01
$52.60
Jonathan Hurst
Forrest Wang
-124
-107
$36.13
$38.69
Kazuya Taguchi
Dan Stuke
-175
+131
$31.43
$46.20
Jhonnattan Castro
Robert Thorne
-120
-110
$36.67
$38.18
Ryan Tuerck
Alec Robbins
-509
+327
$23.93
$85.40
Branden Sorensen
Dean Kearney
-129
-103
$35.50
$39.42
Chris Forsberg
Taylor Hull
-319
+224
$26.27
$64.80
Championship Futures Update
Driver
Champion Odds
Payout per $20
James Deane
+232
$66.40
Aurimas Bakchis
+499
$119.80
Simen Olsen
+593
$138.60
Fredric Aasbo
+642
$148.40
Ryan Tuerck
+1048
$229.60
James Deane’s odds of winning the 2024 title have plummeted from +691 to +232 following his Long Beach victory, making him the clear frontrunner in the eyes of oddsmakers. Aurimas Bakchis and Simen Olsen both saw their odds shorten significantly after strong season debuts, while pre-season favorite Fredric Aasbo drifted slightly to +642. Notably, Ryan Tuerck’s odds have lengthened from +761 to +1048, suggesting his middling Long Beach result has dampened his perceived championship chances. As the season progresses, expect these numbers to fluctuate as drivers jostle for position and contend with the myriad challenges of the Formula Drift gauntlet.
Where to Bet on Formula Drift Atlanta
Looking to elevate the thrill of the Formula Drift Atlanta season opener? Place your bets with ease and confidence using our partnered sportsbooks. For detailed insights, strategies, and tips to maximize your betting experience, make sure to check out the official NXTbets Formula Drift Betting Guide. With real-time odds and expert insights at your fingertips, making informed bets on the action-packed event has never been simpler.
Whether you’re eyeing the frontrunners or considering an outsider bet, we’ve got you covered. Remember to bet responsibly and prepare to immerse yourself in the intensified excitement as the drift kings battle it out in Atlanta. Happy betting!
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER