Just when it seemed like the 2024 Formula Drift season couldn’t get any hotter, Fredric Aasbo stormed back to the top step of the podium in Atlanta, shaking up the championship landscape. The Norwegian’s hard-fought victory over rising star Simen Olsen served notice that the veteran is back to his brilliant best and ready to challenge for a record-tying fourth title. As the series rolls into Orlando Speed World for Round 3, the season is shaping up to be an epic clash of generations, with wily veterans like Aasbo and points leader James Deane facing down a hungry new wave of young guns led by Olsen.
With a razor-thin margin separating the top contenders and a track known for mechanical carnage and unpredictable results, Formula Drift Orlando has all the makings of a pivotal turning point in the championship chase. To help you navigate the burning rubber and betting odds, we’ve broken down the key storylines and most enticing wagers for what promises to be a defining weekend in the Sunshine State.
Looking to elevate the thrill of the Formula Drift Orlando season opener? Place your bets with ease and confidence using our partnered sportsbooks. In addition, the Orlando round is a great chance to try out Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), 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 $250 and enhance your WSL experience!
Schedule and How to Watch Round 1: Road to Orlando
The smoke and fire of Formula Drift returns to Orlando Speed World in Orlando, Florida on May 31 – June 1 for Round 3: Scorched. Friday’s action features practice sessions and the always entertaining seeding bracket heats, with the tandem elimination rounds set to kick off on Saturday at 12:30 PM EDT. The Round of 16 will light up the Florida night at 7:45 PM EDT, followed by the pulse-pounding conclusion under the bright lights.
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 Orlando
Top Picks for FD Orlando
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout per $20
Fredric Aasbo
+534
$126.80
Aurimas Bakchis
+876
$195.20
James Deane
+1106
$241.20
Fredric Aasbo (+534): Aasbo delivered a championship-caliber performance in Atlanta, unleashing a perfect balance of speed and precision to outduel Olsen and announce his presence in the title fight. The question now is whether Aasbo can carry that momentum into the tight confines of Orlando, where he’s enjoyed mixed results over the years. However, Aasbo’s mental toughness and unrivaled experience could prove the difference on a track notorious for punishing small mistakes. If he can keep his Rockstar Energy GR Supra in one piece, the resurgent Norwegian is a strong bet to make it two wins on the trot.
Aurimas Bakchis (+876): It’s a testament to Bakchis’ otherworldly talent that he still managed a fourth-place finish in Atlanta despite his Nissan S15 transforming into a ball of flames midway through the Top 8. The Lithuanian’s raw speed and aggressiveness make him a perpetual threat, but Orlando’s tight, technical layout may not play to his strengths. Still, if his crew can repair the fire damage and regain their early-season form, “The Baltic Bullet” has the skills to shoot down the competition and get his championship charge back on track.
James Deane (+1106): The current points leader saw his Atlanta victory hopes fade early with an uncharacteristically sloppy run against Aasbo in the semifinals. However, the ever-consistent Deane still managed to bag valuable points with a third-place finish. The Irishman’s smooth, precise style should be well-suited to Orlando’s rhythmic course, and his mental toughness is second to none. Although his odds have lengthened slightly, Deane remains the betting favorite for good reason – he’s a master at grinding out podium finishes and knows how to manage a championship lead.
Outsider Bets for FD Orlando
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout per $20
Matt Field
+1331
$286.20
Simen Olsen
+1339
$287.80
Chris Forsberg
+1537
$327.40
Matt Field (+1331): Field has been the model of consistency in 2024, quietly banking back-to-back Top 8 finishes to keep himself in the early championship mix. The American’s flamboyant, all-or-nothing approach has often been hit-or-miss in Orlando, but his Corvette’s raw horsepower could be a major asset on the Speed World layout. Field thrives in high-pressure situations, and his attractive odds make him a tempting pick to break through for his first podium of the season.
Simen Olsen (+1339): Olsen’s bravura sophomore campaign rolled on with a runner-up finish in Atlanta, solidifying his status as a week-in, week-out contender. The young Norwegian’s explosive style and supreme car control have drawn comparisons to a young Aasbo, and he seems to be gaining confidence with each passing round. However, Olsen is still learning to harness his prodigious gifts, and the tight Orlando course is notorious for punishing aggression. While a win may be a tall order this weekend, another strong showing could cement Olsen as a serious title threat.
Chris Forsberg (+1537): It’s hard to believe that Forsberg, the most decorated driver in Formula Drift history, is still chasing his first podium of the season. The American veteran has struggled to find consistency in his new Nissan Z, but his hometown knowledge of Orlando Speed World could be the kick-start he needs. Forsberg is a master tactician with an unparalleled ability to analyze and adapt to changing conditions. At generous +1537 odds, he’s the definition of a high-risk, high-reward outsider pick. If Forsberg can channel some of his vintage magic, he just might conjure up a Cinderella story in Orlando.
Expert Pick for FD Orlando
While it’s always tempting to ride the hot hand, we’re bucking the trend and backing James Deane to reassert his championship credentials with a win in Orlando. The Irishman’s silky smooth style is perfectly suited to the Speed World layout, and his ability to consistently lay down clean, error-free runs should serve him well on a track with minimal margin for error. Deane’s wealth of experience and mental toughness give him the edge in pressure-packed moments, and we expect him to come out swinging after a relatively subdued showing in Atlanta. At attractively long +1106 odds, Deane offers tremendous value for a driver of his caliber.
Heat 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
Rudy Hansen
-160
$32.50
Federico Sceriffo
+120
$44.00
Adam Lz
-218
$29.17
Joao Barion
+160
$52.00
Mike Power
-141
$34.18
Andy Hateley
+107
$41.40
Ryan Litteral
-410
$24.88
Kyle Mohan
+276
$75.20
Dean Kearney
-316
$26.33
Derek Madison
+222
$64.40
Vaughn Gittin Jr.
-400
$25.00
Diego Higa
+270
$74.00
Conor Shanahan
-490
$24.08
Ben Hobson
+318
$83.60
Heat 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
Jeff Jones
-208
$29.62
Nick Noback
+153
$50.60
Ken Gushi
-244
$28.20
Taylor Hull
+178
$55.60
Dylan Hughes
-194
$30.31
Jonathan Hurst
+144
$48.80
Branden Sorensen
-190
$30.53
Robert Thorne
+141
$48.20
Hiroya Minowa
-405
$24.94
Alec Robbins
+273
$74.60
Chris Forsberg
-211
$29.48
Dan Stuke
+155
$51.00
Ryan Tuerck
-183
$30.93
Jhonnattan Castro
+136
$47.20
Kazuya Taguchi
-420
$24.76
Trenton Beechum
+281
$76.20
Head-to-Head Picks
And finally, for those looking to dive even deeper into the betting action, we’ve got you covered with our head-to-head picks for the can’t-miss matchups in the Sweet 16.
Driver
Money Line
Payout per $20
James Deane
+129
$45.80
Fredric Aasbo
-173
$31.56
Fredric Aasbo
-156
$32.82
Aurimas Bakchis
+117
$43.40
James Deane
-115
$37.39
Aurimas Bakchis
-115
$37.39
Matt Field
-104
$39.23
Aurimas Bakchis
-128
$35.63
Matt Field
+131
$46.20
Fredric Aasbo
-174
$31.49
James Deane
-115
$37.39
Matt Field
-115
$37.39
Championship Futures Update
Driver
Champion Odds
Payout per $20
James Deane
+228
$65.60
Fredric Aasbo
+236
$67.20
Simen Olsen
+438
$107.60
Aurimas Bakchis
+568
$133.60
Matt Field
+1748
$369.60
James Deane remains the odds-on championship favorite at +228 despite losing ground to a resurgent Fredric Aasbo in Atlanta. The Norwegian veteran vaulted to second in the futures market at +236 after his statement win, hot on Deane’s heels as the season nears its halfway mark. Simen Olsen‘s impeccable start has oddsmakers taking notice, as the sophomore sensation has jumped to +438, with a strong Orlando performance likely to shorten those odds further. Aurimas Bakchis finds himself on the outside looking in at +568 after his dramatic weekend, but he has proven he’s capable of reeling off wins in bunches. With a wide-open title fight and a long season still to run, look for these numbers to fluctuate wildly in the coming rounds.
Where to Bet on Formula Drift Orlando
Looking to lay down some action on Formula Drift Orlando? 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 Orlando. Happy betting!
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Best Bets: Formula Drift Orlando Pre-Event Odds Analysis
Table of Contents
Just when it seemed like the 2024 Formula Drift season couldn’t get any hotter, Fredric Aasbo stormed back to the top step of the podium in Atlanta, shaking up the championship landscape. The Norwegian’s hard-fought victory over rising star Simen Olsen served notice that the veteran is back to his brilliant best and ready to challenge for a record-tying fourth title. As the series rolls into Orlando Speed World for Round 3, the season is shaping up to be an epic clash of generations, with wily veterans like Aasbo and points leader James Deane facing down a hungry new wave of young guns led by Olsen.
With a razor-thin margin separating the top contenders and a track known for mechanical carnage and unpredictable results, Formula Drift Orlando has all the makings of a pivotal turning point in the championship chase. To help you navigate the burning rubber and betting odds, we’ve broken down the key storylines and most enticing wagers for what promises to be a defining weekend in the Sunshine State.
Looking to elevate the thrill of the Formula Drift Orlando season opener? Place your bets with ease and confidence using our partnered sportsbooks. In addition, the Orlando round is a great chance to try out Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), 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 $250 and enhance your WSL experience!
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Schedule and How to Watch Round 1: Road to Orlando
The smoke and fire of Formula Drift returns to Orlando Speed World in Orlando, Florida on May 31 – June 1 for Round 3: Scorched. Friday’s action features practice sessions and the always entertaining seeding bracket heats, with the tandem elimination rounds set to kick off on Saturday at 12:30 PM EDT. The Round of 16 will light up the Florida night at 7:45 PM EDT, followed by the pulse-pounding conclusion under the bright lights.
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 Orlando
Top Picks for FD Orlando
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout per $20
Fredric Aasbo
+534
$126.80
Aurimas Bakchis
+876
$195.20
James Deane
+1106
$241.20
Fredric Aasbo (+534): Aasbo delivered a championship-caliber performance in Atlanta, unleashing a perfect balance of speed and precision to outduel Olsen and announce his presence in the title fight. The question now is whether Aasbo can carry that momentum into the tight confines of Orlando, where he’s enjoyed mixed results over the years. However, Aasbo’s mental toughness and unrivaled experience could prove the difference on a track notorious for punishing small mistakes. If he can keep his Rockstar Energy GR Supra in one piece, the resurgent Norwegian is a strong bet to make it two wins on the trot.
Aurimas Bakchis (+876): It’s a testament to Bakchis’ otherworldly talent that he still managed a fourth-place finish in Atlanta despite his Nissan S15 transforming into a ball of flames midway through the Top 8. The Lithuanian’s raw speed and aggressiveness make him a perpetual threat, but Orlando’s tight, technical layout may not play to his strengths. Still, if his crew can repair the fire damage and regain their early-season form, “The Baltic Bullet” has the skills to shoot down the competition and get his championship charge back on track.
James Deane (+1106): The current points leader saw his Atlanta victory hopes fade early with an uncharacteristically sloppy run against Aasbo in the semifinals. However, the ever-consistent Deane still managed to bag valuable points with a third-place finish. The Irishman’s smooth, precise style should be well-suited to Orlando’s rhythmic course, and his mental toughness is second to none. Although his odds have lengthened slightly, Deane remains the betting favorite for good reason – he’s a master at grinding out podium finishes and knows how to manage a championship lead.
Outsider Bets for FD Orlando
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout per $20
Matt Field
+1331
$286.20
Simen Olsen
+1339
$287.80
Chris Forsberg
+1537
$327.40
Matt Field (+1331): Field has been the model of consistency in 2024, quietly banking back-to-back Top 8 finishes to keep himself in the early championship mix. The American’s flamboyant, all-or-nothing approach has often been hit-or-miss in Orlando, but his Corvette’s raw horsepower could be a major asset on the Speed World layout. Field thrives in high-pressure situations, and his attractive odds make him a tempting pick to break through for his first podium of the season.
Simen Olsen (+1339): Olsen’s bravura sophomore campaign rolled on with a runner-up finish in Atlanta, solidifying his status as a week-in, week-out contender. The young Norwegian’s explosive style and supreme car control have drawn comparisons to a young Aasbo, and he seems to be gaining confidence with each passing round. However, Olsen is still learning to harness his prodigious gifts, and the tight Orlando course is notorious for punishing aggression. While a win may be a tall order this weekend, another strong showing could cement Olsen as a serious title threat.
Chris Forsberg (+1537): It’s hard to believe that Forsberg, the most decorated driver in Formula Drift history, is still chasing his first podium of the season. The American veteran has struggled to find consistency in his new Nissan Z, but his hometown knowledge of Orlando Speed World could be the kick-start he needs. Forsberg is a master tactician with an unparalleled ability to analyze and adapt to changing conditions. At generous +1537 odds, he’s the definition of a high-risk, high-reward outsider pick. If Forsberg can channel some of his vintage magic, he just might conjure up a Cinderella story in Orlando.
Expert Pick for FD Orlando
While it’s always tempting to ride the hot hand, we’re bucking the trend and backing James Deane to reassert his championship credentials with a win in Orlando. The Irishman’s silky smooth style is perfectly suited to the Speed World layout, and his ability to consistently lay down clean, error-free runs should serve him well on a track with minimal margin for error. Deane’s wealth of experience and mental toughness give him the edge in pressure-packed moments, and we expect him to come out swinging after a relatively subdued showing in Atlanta. At attractively long +1106 odds, Deane offers tremendous value for a driver of his caliber.
Heat 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
Rudy Hansen
-160
$32.50
Federico Sceriffo
+120
$44.00
Adam Lz
-218
$29.17
Joao Barion
+160
$52.00
Mike Power
-141
$34.18
Andy Hateley
+107
$41.40
Ryan Litteral
-410
$24.88
Kyle Mohan
+276
$75.20
Dean Kearney
-316
$26.33
Derek Madison
+222
$64.40
Vaughn Gittin Jr.
-400
$25.00
Diego Higa
+270
$74.00
Conor Shanahan
-490
$24.08
Ben Hobson
+318
$83.60
Heat 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
Jeff Jones
-208
$29.62
Nick Noback
+153
$50.60
Ken Gushi
-244
$28.20
Taylor Hull
+178
$55.60
Dylan Hughes
-194
$30.31
Jonathan Hurst
+144
$48.80
Branden Sorensen
-190
$30.53
Robert Thorne
+141
$48.20
Hiroya Minowa
-405
$24.94
Alec Robbins
+273
$74.60
Chris Forsberg
-211
$29.48
Dan Stuke
+155
$51.00
Ryan Tuerck
-183
$30.93
Jhonnattan Castro
+136
$47.20
Kazuya Taguchi
-420
$24.76
Trenton Beechum
+281
$76.20
Head-to-Head Picks
And finally, for those looking to dive even deeper into the betting action, we’ve got you covered with our head-to-head picks for the can’t-miss matchups in the Sweet 16.
Driver
Money Line
Payout per $20
James Deane
+129
$45.80
Fredric Aasbo
-173
$31.56
Fredric Aasbo
-156
$32.82
Aurimas Bakchis
+117
$43.40
James Deane
-115
$37.39
Aurimas Bakchis
-115
$37.39
Matt Field
-104
$39.23
Aurimas Bakchis
-128
$35.63
Matt Field
+131
$46.20
Fredric Aasbo
-174
$31.49
James Deane
-115
$37.39
Matt Field
-115
$37.39
Championship Futures Update
Driver
Champion Odds
Payout per $20
James Deane
+228
$65.60
Fredric Aasbo
+236
$67.20
Simen Olsen
+438
$107.60
Aurimas Bakchis
+568
$133.60
Matt Field
+1748
$369.60
James Deane remains the odds-on championship favorite at +228 despite losing ground to a resurgent Fredric Aasbo in Atlanta. The Norwegian veteran vaulted to second in the futures market at +236 after his statement win, hot on Deane’s heels as the season nears its halfway mark. Simen Olsen‘s impeccable start has oddsmakers taking notice, as the sophomore sensation has jumped to +438, with a strong Orlando performance likely to shorten those odds further. Aurimas Bakchis finds himself on the outside looking in at +568 after his dramatic weekend, but he has proven he’s capable of reeling off wins in bunches. With a wide-open title fight and a long season still to run, look for these numbers to fluctuate wildly in the coming rounds.
Where to Bet on Formula Drift Orlando
Looking to lay down some action on Formula Drift Orlando? 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 Orlando. Happy betting!
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER