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James Deane Makes FD History with 4th Pro Championship Win

2024-10-21T15:35:27+00:00

The air was electric at Irwindale Speedway on October 19, as the curtains drew on the 2024 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship season. Fans packed the stands for the Type S Title Fight, and witnessed history as James Deane solidified his legacy by clinching his fourth championship title, becoming the first driver ever to achieve this remarkable feat after surpassing fellow three-time championship winners Aasbo and Forsberg, this time in the AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD.

As Deane rolled up to the starting line for his Top 32 heat, the tension was palpable. With enough points already secured, he was already the 2024 Formula DRIFT PRO Champion before the competition even heated up. But the night was far from over for the emotional Irish driver, who added another Round win to his illustrious career.

“I can’t believe we’ve got to this point in only our second season with car,” Deane shared with a beaming smile. “Practice was the most intense ever because there was so much to lose. I was afraid something could go wrong but relieved to get through it and be ready to enjoy this moment… As a 15 year-old kid, I could never have imagined being here!”

Deane’s 2024 season was nothing short of exciting and dominant. Despite a pre-season engine fire that had his team switching into recovery mode, Deane bounced back with an impressive win at the opening round in Long Beach. “After that, anything seemed possible,” he reflected, and indeed it was. He ended the season with four round victories, and only missed two of the eight podiums, showcasing one of the most commanding performances in Formula DRIFT history.

While Deane celebrated, the fight for the podium remained fierce. Fredric Aasbo, piloting his Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra, secured second place in Round 8, capping off a season where he too aimed for the championship but ultimately finished third overall. Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis had been in the mix for his first title but faced challenges throughout the season, including a serious fire in Atlanta that hindered his momentum. He fought valiantly but ended up in fourth place for the night and second overall, 104 points behind Deane.

On the fringes of the spotlight was Conor Shanahan, who claimed third place at Irwindale, marking an upward swing in his rookie season. Despite borrowing a BMW for the event - “I couldn’t tell you what engine is in it,” he quipped - Shanahan managed to impress, finishing eighth overall in the championship standings. “But I’ll be back next year to ensure James doesn’t win a fifth title!” he joked, hinting at the competitive spirit that drives these young talents.

Among the remarkable stories of the evening was Hiroya Minowa, who clinched the 2024 Rookie of the Year title at just 15 years old, finishing fourth overall in the championship while demonstrating exceptional maturity behind the wheel of his Enjuku Racing / Cusco / Yellowspeed Racing Toyota GT86.

Toyota took home the 2024 Formula DRIFT Auto Cup, thanks to the efforts of Aasbo and Ryan Tuerck, while Nitto claimed the FD Tire Cup, bolstered by the impressive performances of Deane and Aasbo throughout the season.

As the dust settles on another thrilling season of Formula DRIFT, one thing is clear: James Deane has not only made history, but has set a new standard in the sport. With the competitive landscape continuously evolving, the question now lingers - who will rise to challenge Deane as he aims for a fifth title next season? We can't wait to find out.

What Drift Events Can Learn From Final Bout

2024-09-03T16:54:54+00:00

In the ever-exciting world of drifting, where the focus often drifts (pun intended) towards the glitz and glamor of high-budget competitions, Final Bout serves as a refreshing reminder of what the sport is truly about. For 10 years, this series has been the benchmark for grassroots drifting, drawing in teams and enthusiasts from across the United States and beyond, growing bigger and better each year. Final Bout 7 just took place, and as we reflect on its success, it becomes clear that Final Bout is more than just an annual drift event - it's a movement that presents the blueprint for a culturally significant drift event, and immitating it would be nearly impossible.

Photography by Kylee Hilton (@kyqxinn) and Mack Katzel (@mack.mac_).

Keep It Grassroots

Final Bout’s biggest lesson is its dedication to the grassroots ethos. In an age where drifting is often associated with big budgets and corporate sponsors, Final Bout stands out by celebrating the raw, unfiltered essence of the sport. This is drifting in its purest form - where the focus is on style, community, and passion rather than prize money or commercial appeal. While some teams or individuals certainly have money to spend, it's a far cry from factory-backed multi-million dollar campaigns in competitive motorsport. The spirit of drifting as it existed in the early 2000s (when most of us fell in love with it) is still alive and well.

Team Spirit Over Individual Glory

While many drift competitions only spotlight individual performances, Final Bout thrives on the energy of teams. Drift teams from all corners of the globe converge to compete, share their unique styles, and hang out. This team-based approach fosters a sense of community and encourages an extra level of creativity, pushing teams to present their cars - on and off the track - in a way that’s cohesive and visually striking. Emphasizing team dynamics elevates the overall experience, making events feel more like a gathering of like-minded enthusiasts rather than just another competition. On the final day of Final Bout, each of the top 8 teams choose one member to represent them in 1v1 battles, adding a little bit of spice to the individual battles.

Style is Substance

At Final Bout, car style isn’t just an afterthought - it’s a requirement. The event has become synonymous with high standards in car aesthetics, proving that how a car looks is just as important as how it performs. This emphasis on style sets the tone for the entire event, creating a visually appealing and exciting atmosphere that resonates with attendees and media alike. This mandatory style element encourages drivers to think beyond the simple mechanical, and step into the realm of artistry. The night drifting portion of the event adds all the more reason to use light for added style.

Build a Community, Not Just a Fanbase

Final Bout isn’t just another event; it’s a gathering. The atmosphere is less about competition and more about coming together to celebrate a shared passion. This community-driven approach is evident in the pre-event meets and street hangouts that have become a hallmark of Final Bout. It’s a place where respect and camaraderie are paramount, where new friendships are often found, and where the love for drifting is the unifying factor. Other drift events can benefit from fostering a similar community spirit, creating spaces where drivers and fans alike can connect on a deeper level.

Embrace the Media, But Stay Authentic

Final Bout has garnered a massive following not just because of the event itself, but also due to the stunning media that comes from it. However, what sets Final Bout apart is how it manages to stay authentic even as it embraces media attention. The event’s media presence is a natural extension of its core values - style, community, and passion. The key takeaway is to let the media amplify the event’s authentic qualities rather than shaping the event to fit a media narrative.

Final Bout has set the standard for what a grassroots drift event can and should be. It’s a celebration of the sport’s roots, a showcase of style, and a gathering of a tight-knit community. As other drift events look to the future, there’s much to be learned from Final Bout’s decade-long success. By staying true to the core values of drifting - style, teamwork, community, and authenticity - Final Bout’s success also contributes to the ongoing evolution of the sport. Here's to another 10 years of Final Bout.

Monterey Car Week 2024

2024-08-28T17:39:14+00:00

Monterey Car Week 2024 was a high-octane celebration of automotive excellence, blending the old with the new in a way that thrilled enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. This year, the spotlight was on the Lamborghini Temerario, a fierce new hybrid supercar that left jaws on the floor with its aggressive design and over 900 horsepower, redefining what’s possible in the next-gen supercar realm. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce brought pure luxury to the table with the Phantom Scintilla, a bespoke creation that exuded opulence and craftsmanship, proving that the art of the automobile is alive and well. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, as always, was the crown jewel of the week, where vintage icons were showcased in all their glory, reminding everyone why these classics are the stuff of legend.

But it wasn’t just about the new models and luxurious unveilings—Monterey Car Week 2024 also honored automotive history in grand fashion. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion was a standout, with legendary race cars from the past roaring back to life on the track, delivering adrenaline-pumping action that echoed through Laguna Seca. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, was a must-attend for anyone with a passion for high-performance and rare vehicles, offering a front-row seat to some of the most exclusive cars on the planet. Whether you were there to witness cutting-edge innovations or to soak in the heritage of the classics, Monterey Car Week 2024 offered something for every gearhead, making it an unmissable event in the automotive calendar.

Photography by Caden Underwood (@cru_media).

Formula DRIFT Utah: The PRO Goes On and Lemaire Wins PROSPEC

2024-09-03T14:36:17+00:00

As the 2024 Formula DRIFT season inched closer to its climactic finale, the spotlight was on Utah Motorsports Campus for Round 7, where the stakes were high for both the PRO and PROSPEC competitions. Fans gathered not just to witness the crowning of the Link ECU PROSPEC Champion but also with the possibility of seeing James Deane (Ireland) make history by securing a record-breaking fourth PRO Championship title - potentially before the final round at Irwindale Speedway. However, Aurimas Bakchis (Lithuania) ensured the title race would go down to the wire, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

The weekend was marked by intense competition, amplified by a revised track layout and scorching temperatures, adding layers of complexity to an already high-pressure environment.

In the K&N Seeding Bracket, the top 24 drivers earned their competition spots based on Round 7 results, while the remaining eight positions were decided through tandem runs. Ten drivers battled for the final spots, with Andy Hateley (USA) emerging victorious in his E46 BMW after a technical issue sidelined Ben Hobson’s (USA) Pennzoil/BC Racing Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD. Hobson’s qualification was bittersweet, marking only his second of the season, but leaving his team scrambling to resolve the Mustang’s issues. Rudy Hansen (USA) secured third place in his Supercharged Nissan S13, while Dmitriy Brutskiy and Robert Thorne were eliminated.

The tension was palpable throughout Round 7 of the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, presented by AutoZone. Bakchis, determined to keep his title hopes alive, delivered under pressure, starting with a smooth run against Diego Higa (Brazil), who retired his Toyota GT86 after an off-course excursion. Meanwhile, Deane advanced past Ryan Litteral (USA) in a relatively straightforward match, keeping the pressure on Bakchis.

In the Top 16, Deane’s Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD bested Hateley’s BMW, maintaining his edge over Bakchis, who faced Rookie Conor Shanahan (Ireland) in a closely contested battle. The judges called for a One More Time (OMT) after the first two runs, with Bakchis narrowly edging out Shanahan.

Deane stumbled in the Top 8, dropping a tire into the dirt and bumping Dylan Hughes (USA) in his E46 BMW 2JZ, leading to a collision. However, Hughes was deemed at fault for being late on the throttle, allowing Deane to advance. Bakchis, on the other hand, faced Chris Forsberg (USA) in a fierce battle, ultimately winning due to Forsberg’s errors.

The semi-final saw Deane and Bakchis face off in a high-stakes match that could have decided the championship. Deane’s mistakes, including another tire drop and a collision with Bakchis, handed the victory to the Lithuanian, ensuring the title race would continue to Irwindale.

In the final, Bakchis went up against Fredric Aasbo (Norway), a championship contender throughout the season. Bakchis clinched the win with superior proximity on the chase run, keeping his championship hopes alive.

“This Round 7 win means I’m still in the hunt for the Championship!” Bakchis said. “I couldn’t let James take it before Irwindale, and it worked out well. I just took one battle at a time with the goal of winning the event, and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Now I need to focus on Irwindale where there’s still a chance to take the title and hold onto second place at the bare minimum. The other guys are driving so hard that I need to fight to stay on top.”

Aasbo’s second-place finish put him third overall, but the 130-point deficit effectively ended his title hopes for 2024. Trenton Beechum (USA) took third place, marking his first FD PRO podium and his best result since joining the Championship in 2021. Deane, finishing fourth, saw his points lead over Bakchis reduced from 104 to 74, setting up a thrilling final round at Irwindale.

The PROSPEC Seeding Bracket featured a larger field, with only the top 16 positions pre-set based on Round 3 results. The remaining 30 drivers competed for the final spots in a sudden-death format, adding significant pressure to the competition.

The spotlight was on points leader Connor O’Sullivan (USA), who faced double PROSPEC Champion Dmitriy Brutskiy in a heated battle. After several OMT calls, Brutskiy ultimately edged out O’Sullivan, putting the championship in Tommy Lemaire’s (Canada) hands.

Lemaire, needing just one win to secure the title, faced DJ Stubstad (USA) in a tense Top 32 match. Despite a last-minute misfire issue, Lemaire returned to the track and capitalized on Stubstad’s mistakes to win the heat and clinch the 2024 PROSPEC Championship.

Lemaire’s season included a win in the opening round and consistent podium finishes, cementing his position at the top. He finished fifth in the final round after being knocked out by Margaritis Katsanidis (Greece).

Brutskiy, building on his Seeding Bracket success, dominated the competition to win Round 4, marking a significant comeback from 23rd to sixth in the PROSPEC standings. Katsanidis, with a second-place finish, achieved his first Formula DRIFT podium, while Austin Matta (USA) rounded out the top three.

As the leading Rookie driver, Nik Jimenez (USA) placed 12th in Round 4 and secured the 2024 PROSPEC Rookie Driver of the Year award, capping off an intense and memorable weekend in Utah.

Tuning365 at Formula DRIFT Seattle Award Winners

2024-08-13T15:59:25+00:00

At the 6th round of Formula DRIFT 2024 at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, �㽶��Ƶֱ�� was once again hosting our Tuning365 Showcase for attendees and fans alike in the Seattle area. Featuring more than 40 of the area's coolest street-driven builds and drift cars, you guys really brought out the eye candy for us and the Formula DRIFT attendees to enjoy! Thank you to all you brought out their vehicles, and to those who stopped by to chat during the show.

As has been tradition lately, we also assembled a handful of awards to reward those who went above and beyond in their builds, showcasing the next level of craftsmanship, design, or attention to detail. The awards for Tuning365 @ Formula DRIFT Seattle are as follows:

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Nicholas Buettner - 2023 Toyota GR Corolla

DYLAN HUGHES' CHOICE
Alex Tran - 1995 BMW M3

TBGLIVE WINNER
Stoph Johnson - 1990 Nissan Pulsar GTi-R

BEST PAINT / WRAP
Winner: Michael Bravo - 2002 Honda S2000
Runner-Up: Aldo Rivera - 2001 Lexus IS300

BEST LIVERY (TIE)
Tommy Bennys - 1997 Nissan 240sx
Tyler Mayer - 1990 Nissan 240sx

BEST ENGINE BAY
Dustin Hill - 1993 Mazda Miata

BEST JAPANESE
Winner: Frank Mirabelli - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Runner-Up: Jeff Woodruff - 1998 Nissan 240sx

BEST EURO
Winner: Alex Tran - 1995 BMW M3
Runner-Up: Omar Sachdeva - 2012 BMW M3

BEST USDM
Winner: Brandon Ramirez - 1989 Ford Mustang
Runner-Up: Justin Seines - 2017 Ford Mustang

BEST FITMENT
Winner: Nick Madsen - 2013 Subaru BRZ
Runner-Up 1: Austin Pennington - 1994 Mazda RX-7
Runner-Up 2: Jesse Durham - 2008 Audi R8

BEST KIT
Winner: Michael Rosane - 1988 Madza RX-7
Runner-Up: Nestor Silva - 1995 Nissan 240sx

BEST INTERIOR
Nicholas Lentz - 2012 Nissan 370Z

BEST OLD SCHOOL
Raphael Echols - 1971 Datsun 510

BEST VAN
Alex Richardson - 2006 Toyota Hiace

Formula DRIFT Seattle 2024: Tuerck's Return to the Podium

2024-08-12T15:32:49+00:00

Evergreen Speedway witnessed a thrilling display for Round 6 of the 2024 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, with seasoned drivers facing unexpected challenges and rising stars continuing to make their mark. The Type S Throwdown was anything but predictable, as the championship battle took on a new look.

For Ryan Tuerck, the day marked a triumphant return to the top of the podium. After two and a half years of near misses and mechanical setbacks, Tuerck finally found his rhythm at Evergreen Speedway. The challenging course, coupled with the power of the new Toyota six-cylinder turbo engine in his Rain-X Toyota GR Corolla, proved to be the perfect combination. Tuerck's path to victory was anything but easy, as he faced down formidable competitors, including Matt Field and Aurimas Bakchis, before advancing to the final showdown.

However, the anticipated finale between Tuerck and 14-year-old phenom Hiroya Minowa ended in an anticlimactic fashion due to Minowa's unfortunate electrical issues. Despite this, Tuerck's victory was well-earned, marking his first win since Long Beach in 2022. This win catapulted him from 15th to eighth in the standings, reigniting his drive to climb further up the championship ladder.

Hiroya Minowa continued to dazzle fans and competitors alike, securing his second consecutive second-place finish in the series. The young Japanese driver has become a force to be reckoned with, leveraging his extensive simulator training to master the intricacies of the Enjuku Racing / Cusco / Yellowspeed Racing Toyota GT86. Minowa's performance throughout the day, including victories over seasoned drivers like Adam LZ and Federico Sceriffo, solidified his reputation as a rising star in the Formula DRIFT circuit.

Despite his unfortunate withdrawal from the final due to technical issues, Minowa's consistency has placed him third in the overall standings. With two rounds remaining, the championship race is far from over, and Minowa’s presence adds a thrilling dimension to the competition.

The intensity of the championship race was palpable, with top contenders facing early exits. Simen Olsen, who had been a dominant force in the early rounds, saw his championship hopes take a hit after a rare mistake led to his elimination in the Top 32. Olsen's stumble dropped him to seventh in the standings, leaving him with an outside chance at the title.

The pressure also got to James Deane, who had been on a winning streak and looked poised to extend his lead. A critical error in his first tandem battle of the day allowed Jeff Jones to pull off a major upset, sending Deane out in the Top 16. Despite this setback, Deane maintains a 104-point lead in the standings, but the door is now open for challengers like Bakchis and Aasbo to close the gap.

Adam LZ’s return to the track was one of the most unexpected stories of the event. After a catastrophic crash in St. Louis that seemed poised to end his season, LZ defied the odds by coming back stronger than ever in a freshly built LZMFG E36 BMW. His determination paid off with a third-place finish, proving that he’s not only a skilled driver but also a formidable competitor in the series. LZ’s performance has propelled him to fifth in the standings, and with two rounds remaining, he’s positioned to make a significant impact on the championship race.

With Round 6 in the books, the 2024 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. The upcoming round in Utah will be pivotal as drivers like Bakchis and Minowa aim to close the gap on Deane, while Tuerck and LZ look to continue their momentum. The championship is still wide open, and with the level of talent on display, anything can happen as the season heads towards its climax. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in Utah, where the stakes will be higher than ever.

For full standings, visit FormulaD.com

JDM Fest 2024 Coverage

2024-07-26T18:57:14+00:00

The sun rose over ICAR Route 66 in Quebec as JDM Fest 2024 kicked off, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend of Japanese automotive culture. This year’s event, drawing over 13,000 spectators, featured a stunning variety of cars from meticulously restored classics to cutting-edge builds. The show n’ shine area was a highlight among attendees, with notable entries like pristine R34 Skylines and FD RX-7 builds, captivating attendees with their iconic style.

The drift segment stole the show with high-octane displays of skill and control, featuring iconic drivers in awesome cars. Friday evening's open drift sessions and Saturday's Club Clash saw teams of drivers exhibiting tandem drifts, which is always a crowd favorite. The collaboration with SSPA Québec brought an exhilarating drag racing component, where competitors battled in 1/4 and 1/8 mile races for a share of $4,500 in scholarships, making for some truly spectacular runs on the prepared track.

Beyond the competitions, JDM Fest 2024 celebrated the vibrant community and culture of Japanese car enthusiasts. Various car clubs showcased unique builds, and international YouTubers and renowned drifters mingled with fans, sharing stories and tips. The event's attendance underscored its status as Canada's premier Japanese car show, thanks to the dedication of organizers, participants, and fans.

As the sun set on JDM Fest 2024, the echoes of roaring engines and cheering crowds lingered. The weekend was filled with unforgettable moments, spectacular cars, and the unwavering spirit of the JDM community, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating next year's event.

Photography by Jeremy Glover.