Carrying momentum from the 2021 season, Cobra Seats’ driver Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis started the 2022 Formula Drift season strong at Round 1 in Long Beach, California last weekend. The last two Formula Drift events in Long Beach were won by Bakchis, and it was no surprise that he was on the Long Beach podium again in 2022 in the Falken Tyres Feal Suspension Nissan S15.
Bakchis qualified 4th on Friday at the iconic drift track that utilizes three turns of the historic Long Beach Grand Prix course. The strong qualifying position set the standard, with Bakchis beating rookie Nick Noback in Top 32, securing Bakchis’ attendance in the Top 16 main event. Bakchis then battled Dean Kearney in Top 16, and Feal Suspension teammate Rome Charpentier in Top 8. After a competitive Top 4 battle with Ryan Tuerck, Bakchis was awarded 3rd place overall.
Bakchis noted, “After finishing 3rd overall in the 2021 championship, I wanted to keep the momentum going into 2022. It’s incredible to be on the podium again here at Long Beach; it’s such an unforgiving course. I’m thankful for my team, family, and sponsors that do what it takes to stay competitive.”
The 2022 season continues at Road Atlanta on May 6-7 to start off the eastern leg of the circuit before heading back towards the west coast later in the season.