When I opened my YouTube feed and saw a video from his Fink & Co YouTube channel explaining how he’s making the most significant move of his drift career to date, I knew he either had to be heading to America’s Formula DRIFT or Europe’s Drift Masters Grand Prix series.

While either option would’ve been awesome, the Australian will undoubtedly bring a much-needed shakeup to the otherwise (mostly) unchanged Formula DRIFT driver roster for 2025.

What Car Will Luke Fink Drive For FD 2025?

Fink will compete under the JDM Racing banner for the upcoming season, a team with which he has already competed in New Zealand’s premier D1NZ series.

He’ll bring his wild driving style and showcase the team’s barn-find four-door Nissan Skyline R32, which is currently undergoing a ground-up rebuild to suit Fink’s preferences.

With everything getting completely overhauled on the car, the team is building an RB30 engine capable of pushing out up to 1,500 horsepower while pulling the power back to produce “just” 1,000 hp, but with the extra power in reserve if needed.

The rebuild also includes a brand-new suspension setup, a dog box transmission (instead of a sequential box for improved reliability), extensive chassis mods, and much more to make the car competitive and meet the FD rules.

Where Has Luke Fink Been In Recent Years?

Many of you will likely have seen Luke Fink on the LZ World Tour this year, where he went door-to-door with FD’s very own Matt Field in a Corvette vs Corvette battle at Kern Raceway.

Fink is an O.G. to the drifting game, having competed in Europe for the first time in 2010 at JDM Allstars after impressing in Australia. My introduction to Fink shredding tires in the real world was around 10 years ago when he competed in the Drift Allstars competition in the iconic Low Brain Drifters Nissan Silvia “Odyvia” S13.

As he stared straight into my lens through his unique red visor, it was immediately obvious he was the most entertaining driver to watch at the event. Before I knew it, he was wheelie-poppin’ and showcasing his skills as he knocked on the doors of Europe’s best.

James Deane, recently crowned the most successful driver in FD history, was also present at the event. However, Fink’s all-out aggressive arguably driving style stood out as the main crowd-pleaser as he continually pushed the car’s limits and exploded the fiberglass body parts.

Fink Is No Stranger To International Drifting

Little did I know then, but a few years later, Fink would join the driver roster for the King of Nations series I was working with. This meant I would be treated to his wild driving antics as he got behind the wheel of a selection of cars across the globe.

One of my favorite moments of the several years of shooting for the series was when Fink was handed the opportunity to pilot this wild V10-powered E46 M3. Built with insight from FD’s very own Chelsea DeNofa, it produced a soundtrack that took me back to the glory days of Formula One.

Hearing the crazy V10 at full squeal as the sound bounced off the walls of Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina grandstands is something I’ll never forget. If you want to hear it for yourself, check out this video:

The Moment He’s Been Waiting For

Traveling the globe and using borrowed cars came with its issues. As the series ventured to new continents, fresh problems would arrive with the rental cars, leaving Fink unable to showcase his true potential.

This is one of the main reasons I’m stoked to see Fink finally have the opportunity to shred with some of the world’s best drivers in Formula DRIFT with proper backing, team, and a well-specced and prepped car. He’ll undoubtedly be looking to cause a serious upset in the series.

Over the next few months, Fink also intends to show how seriously he’s taking the challenge by embarking on a personal weight loss journey. In FD, the car and driver’s combined weight determines what tire size teams can run, and every kilo counts – no pressure!

We’ll keep our fingers crossed that this unique FD opportunity will again allow Luke Fink to compete at the top tier of drifting behind the wheel of an epic car. Many of us on this side of the globe haven’t seen this since the good ol’ days of the Drift Allstars series.

Knowing his signature style, you can expect plenty of backward entries and door-knocking in FD for 2025!

Jack Shanahan Also Joins The Provisional Driver Lineup

Although The Shanahans are yet to confirm their 2025 plans, Conor’s name returns to the provisional lineup alongside a new addition – his older brother, Jack Shanahan.

If this is true, it’ll mark an exciting development for European representation in FD. Fans will know that Conor didn’t have the best of luck in his 2024 Rookie season behind the wheel of Rome Charpentier’s old E36. The combined entry will hopefully allow the brothers to join forces and create a more competitive program for the 2025 season.

Jack Shanahan has maintained a strong presence on the other side of the globe, particularly in the Drift Masters Grand Prix and Russian Drift Series (RDS), where he clinched the title in 2021. Despite being just 25, he’s also the two-time winner of the British Drift Championship (BDC) after impressing in the Irish Drift Championship (IDC) at an early age.

Jack’s competitive experience at the highest levels, combined with Conor’s existing Formula DRIFT knowledge, positions “The Shanahans” as a formidable duo for the 2025 season.

Although we weren’t too impressed with the recent 2025 Formula DRIFT schedule announcement, especially with the loss of the legendary Irwindale Speedway, these driver announcements bring plenty of optimism for the upcoming FD season.

The post Luke Fink Joins 2025 Formula DRIFT Lineup first appeared on Drifted.com.

The biggest news for this year isn’t what’s new but what’s missing.

As many of you will know, after 21 years of crowning America’s drifting champions and creating unforgettable moments, Irwindale Speedway, affectionately dubbed the “House of Drift,” announced it will close its gates forever.

The End Of An Era

During the announcement, Formula DRIFT stated: “The elephant in the room has to be the recent announcement that Irwindale Speedway will padlock its gates in 2025. Despite every PRO Championship battle being decided at the legendary House of DRIFT in the series’ 21-year history, Formula DRIFT must bid a sad farewell to the venue in 2025.”

They also explained what’s in the pipeline: “Talks with officials for the replacement Southern California venue are well underway, and while signatures have yet to be inked on the dotted line, an announcement is expected shortly.”

Replacing something as legendary as Irwindale certainly won’t be easy, especially since it’s the season finale.

So, Irwindale’s Gone. What’s The Good News?

Their X (Twitter) announcement says, “Aside from Irwindale, the 2025 Formula DRIFT PRO and @Link_ECU PROSPEC Championship schedule retains the same venues as this year.”

That means we’ve had almost the same schedule since 2022 (minus swapping Monroe for Seattle back in 2023), marking four years of a near-identical calendar.

Going Sideways Isn’t Always A Good Thing

Don’t get me wrong, there’s still plenty to look forward to on the calendar with many of the proven tracks, but it would be great to see some fresh ideas brought to the table.

While finding new locations for such a huge competition can’t be easy, remember the awesome entries and technical inside zones that had us all on the edge of our seats when Utah was introduced? The “Japanese style” layout they used the first time around was much more popular with the fans than the layout we saw this year. Instead of building on that excitement, it left most fans disappointed.

Integrating simple changes like inside clips mixes things up and makes the events more exciting. If new venues aren’t possible, positive layout changes and new ideas can go a long way in keeping things interesting.

Meanwhile, Across The Pond

Europe’s Drift Masters series once again pulled off something incredible this year. For the final round, they built a one-off drift layout in a 58,500-seater stadium, used it for one epic weekend of drifting, and then returned it to the grass pitch used by Poland’s soccer team immediately after.

While Formula DRIFT was once considered the pinnacle of drifting, many of FD’s top drivers (including James Deane, Adam LZ, and Conor Shanahan) are also opting to compete in Drift Masters. Not only for the tracks but also for the fresh and exciting talent that Europe has to offer. If things continue, we might see even more FD drivers heading to Europe for a change of scenery.

Time For Something New?

While we hope the new addition to the series will deliver something new and exciting, the fans are vocal about what they want to see – something unique and different.

Social media channels overflow with calls for venues like Vegas. A street venue on the strip would certainly be a good way to shake things up and generate fresh interest!

Hopefully, we won’t have to keep watching FD play it safe with the same old venues and layouts. Right now, it’s getting left behind, but the loss of Irwindale could potentially become the bittersweet wake-up call that FD needs. Here’s to hoping!

The post Formula DRIFT 2025 Schedule – Here’s What’s Changing first appeared on Drifted.com.

The 2024 Formula DRIFT season is set for an intense conclusion as the series returns to its spiritual home, Irwindale Speedway, the legendary “House of Drift,” for the season finale, Round 8, on October 18-19.

As the House of Drift once again prepares to be transformed into a smoke cloud, it will conclude one of the most unpredictable and exciting seasons in FD’s 21-year history.

All eyes are on the championship battle and the fight for the coveted top spots in the overall standings. For fans of the series, it’ll come as no surprise the rankings are currently dominated by a certain Irishman you may be familiar with!

Deane’s (Seemingly) Simple Route To Victory

James Deane stands on the verge of making Formula DRIFT history. After narrowly missing out on the 2024 Drift Masters GP (DMGP) title in a nail-biting stadium finale in Poland last month, Deane has a golden opportunity to secure an unprecedented fourth Formula DRIFT championship.

Thanks to his fourth-place finish at Round 7 in Utah, Deane has already qualified for the final Top 32 of the season at Irwindale. Right now, all that stands between him and the record books is getting to the finish line of a single lap in the Top 32. Doing so will enable him to collect enough points to secure the title.

However, the competition remains fierce. Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis sits in second place, determined to close the 74-point gap and snatch the unlikely victory from Deane’s grasp. Fredric Aasbo, always a threat, rounds out the top three and will push hard to topple Odi and take second overall.

Overall Standings Going Into The Final

1. James Deane (566 points)
2. Aurimas Bakchis (492 points)
3. Fredric Aasbo (436 points)
4. Hiroya Minowa (406 points)
5. Adam LZ (350 points)
6. Matt Field (350 points)
7. Ryan Tuerck (338 points)
8. Simen Olsen (336 points)
9. Dylan Hughes (322 points)
10. Branden Sorensen (322 points)
11. Conor Shanahan (310 points)
12. Chris Forsberg (308 points)
13. Trenton Beechum (294 points)
14. Jeff Jones (294 points)
15. Ken Gushi (294 points)

Shakeups & Surprises In 2024

The 2024 season has significantly reshuffled the traditional Formula DRIFT hierarchy with plenty of upsets throughout the year.

Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the incredible performances of (then) 14-year-old Hiroya Minowa, who recently turned 15.

The youngest driver in series history, Minowa has consistently punched above his weight, causing major upsets, and currently sits in fourth place overall. He looks set to clinch the Rookie of the Year title, cementing his place as one of the sport’s brightest rising stars.

Another unexpected name in the top rankings is Adam LZ. The popular YouTuber has proven he can compete with the world’s best drifters, overcoming numerous challenges throughout the season and now sitting in fifth place heading into the final round.

Proving his FD streak isn’t down to sheer luck, LZ also recently made it into the European drifting history books by landing a podium spot at the DMGP final in Poland.

Event Schedule & Livestream

As we head to the final round, it will undoubtedly once again produce its fair share of upsets, so make sure you tune into all the action live with these links:

Friday, October 18, 2024

2:00PM – 4:00PM – Practice

5:45PM – 7:45PM – Warm-up (LIVE)

8:00PM – 10:00PM – Seeding 16 bracket (LIVE)

Saturday, October 19, 2024

11:30AM – 1:30PM – Warm-up

1:45PM – Main Event Top 32 (LIVE)

6:30PM – 10:00 PM – Opening ceremony & Main Event Top 16 (LIVE)

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

Larry Chen | Formula DRIFT

The post Formula DRIFT Final: Irwindale Speedway – Preview & Livestream first appeared on Drifted.com.

NISMO, Nissan’s performance division, celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of racing heritage and high-performance road cars with a special exhibition and event.

The Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery in Yokohama showcases a mix of rare NISMO road cars and iconic race vehicles, offering visitors a glimpse into the brand’s rich history.

The celebration continues with the 2024 NISMO Festival on December 1 at Fuji International Speedway. This year’s event is dedicated to the anniversary and will showcase the brand’s motorsport achievements and the evolution of its high-performance road cars.

For any racing or drifting fans lucky enough to live in Japan or visit during this period, these are rare opportunities to witness some of the legendary cars that NISMO has produced.

The Icons On Display In Yokohama

Visitors at the Yokohama event can see the legendary NISMO 400R and track icons like the Nissan R390 GT1, which secured third place at the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The display also includes the Nissan R91CP, winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the Calsonic Skyline GT-R Group A, a legend in the Japan Touring Car Championship (JTCC).

Looking Back Over NISMO’s History

Since 1984, NISMO has been the driving force behind Nissan’s motorsports success. The Nissan Skyline GT-R earned its “Godzilla” nickname after dominating Japanese touring car racing in the early 1990s.

NISMO’s Impact On Drifting

While primarily focused on track performance, NISMO also benefited the drifting world along the way. Special variants of the drifting fan favorites, the 350Z, and 370Z, became highly sought-after among enthusiasts willing to spend a little extra for some OEM JDM rarity.

The Nissan 350Z NISMO (2007-2008) retained the standard model’s 306 horsepower 3.5L V6, with improvements focusing on handling and aesthetics. It featured a Yamaha-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, RAYS wheels, and an aggressive body kit. Only 1,607 units were produced.

Shortly after, the Nissan 370Z NISMO (2009 onwards) boosted the power to 350 horsepower, an 18-hp increase over the standard 370Z’s 3.7L V6. It also boasted a 25% stiffer chassis, enhanced aerodynamics, and later added Recaro seats. They also introduced Nissan’s SynchroRev Match system for smoother downshifts.

The latest drift-ready RWD NISMO variant is the Nissan Z, and several variants of the Skyline were made. The 180SX S13 and S15 Silvia‘s received various limited edition parts, while the S14 received a far more significant NISMO upgrade…

The NISMO 270R – A Drifting Unicorn

Among the road-going models displayed at the Yokohama event is the ultra-rare NISMO 270R, the “unicorn” NISMO variant for drifters.

The 270R is a limited-edition S14 Silvia that significantly outperformed its standard counterpart. While the stock S14 Silvia’s SR20DET engine produced 220 horsepower, the 270R’s tuned version delivered 270 horsepower – a substantial 50-hp increase.

NISMO produced only 50 units of the 270R in 1994, making it extremely rare and highly sought-after. Right now, we can only find one for sale, with a price tag of $125,000, despite having almost 100,000 miles on the clock. It’s not a huge surprise, given that even stock 240SXs are shooting up in price.

When mint examples emerge, they’re typically reserved for collectors keen to add to their collection. Thankfully, some owners are still willing to drive them properly.

When NISMO Drifted Into The Record Books

Much to the surprise of many, NISMO decided to take things a step further in 2016 when a heavily modified rear-wheel drive Nissan GT-R NISMO set a Guinness World Record for the fastest drift ever recorded at 189.49 mph.

This 1,380-horsepower beast, piloted by drifting legend Masato Kawabata, showcased NISMO’s engineering capabilities across various motorsport disciplines.

We look forward to many more years of watching NISMO push the boundaries of performance on the track and hopefully smashing more records in the drifting scene.

The post NISMO Celebrates Four Decades Of Motorsport Legacy first appeared on Drifted.com.

The 2024 Drift Masters Grand Prix concluded with a spectacular finale at Warsaw’s PGE Narodowy stadium, where Finland’s Lauri Heinonen, piloting his Nissan Silvia 180SX S13, secured the title in a nail-biting finish with 437 points.

Entering the final round with a 75-point lead over James Deane, Heinonen’s consistency throughout the season proved crucial.

Ireland’s Duane McKeever and his 180SX S13, sitting fourth before Warsaw, caused an upset by achieving a clean sweep at the event with a perfect 112-point performance, propelling him to second overall in the championship standings, with Deane and his Nissan Silvia S15 rounding out the podium.

Over 50,000 fans witnessed intense battles on a controversially wet track, with plenty of last-minute twists shaping the championship outcome.

Qualifying Sets The Stage For The Epic Finale

While the wet track conditions, which would become a major weekend factor as a safety measure due to an impending storm, added an extra complexity, drivers quickly adapted their styles to the slicker surface.

Duane McKeever laid down the gauntlet with a near-flawless run in his S13, scoring an impressive 94.5 points, once again showcasing his precision and aggression on the custom-built track.

Hot on McKeever’s heels, Norway’s Tor Arne Kvia, nicknamed “The Norwegian Sledgehammer,” showcased why he’s a force to be reckoned with, piloting his Nissan 180SX S13 to secure second place with a score of 93.5.

Three-time champion James Deane claimed third with 93 points, with these tight margins hinting at the epic battles we’d be treated to in the main competition.

Close-Calls In The Final Stages

Lauri Heinonen’s path to the championship was nearly derailed in a heart-stopping Top 16 battle against Benediktas Cirba. In a moment that will go down in Drift Masters history, Heinonen’s engine gave out just as he crossed the finish line.

This nail-biting finish secured the championship victory by seconds.

Duane McKeever’s flawless performance was spectacular throughout the battles, showcasing his mastery of wet conditions, which there is certainly no shortage of in Ireland! By achieving a perfect 112-point score, a feat matched only by James Deane in Round 2, he showcased the potential for dramatic shifts in the championship standings by rising from fourth to second place.

James Deane’s championship challenge was hampered from the start due to his absence in Round 1, attributed to his Formula DRIFT commitments. This missing round likely cost him the title, and he narrowly missed out on taking both championships in a single season.

Final 2024 Top 10 Drift Masters Grand Prix Championship Standings

1 – Lauri Heinonen (FIN) – 437 points

2 – Duane McKeever (IRL) – 412 points

3 – James Deane (IRL) – 409 points

4 – Conor Shanahan (IRL) – 293 points

5 – Pawel Korpulinski (POL) – 265 points

6 – Kevin Pesur (EST) – 250 points

7 – Kevin Piskolty (HUN) – 246 points

8 – Jack Shanahan (IRL) – 228 points

9 – Tor Arne Kvia (NOR) – 225 points

10 – Benediktas Cirba (LTU) – 222 points

Battle Highlights And Unexpected Turns

The main talking point was how Duane McKeever worked through tough competition, outmaneuvering Steve ‘Baggsy’ Biagioni and Juha Rintanen before overcoming Poland’s Piotr Wiecek’s home crowd advantage. Each victory built momentum towards the climactic final against Deane, where he then stole the second-place spot in the championship.

Adam LZ, driving his “European” BMW E36, secured his first-ever Drift Masters podium. He benefitted from a favorable bracket that saw him advance to the Top 4 without facing some tougher competitors. However, his third-place finish was hard-earned after a rare minor mistake saw him defeat local favorite Piotr Wiecek in his GR Supra in the play-off.

Not all stories were successful, such as Mad Mike Whiddett, the highly anticipated wild card entry, who failed to qualify for the main event in his iconic four-rotor RX7 MADBUL.

The Wet Track Controversy

The organizers’ decision to wet the track throughout the event divided opinions. Although the decision was seemingly popular with the drivers, it wasn’t so much with the fans on social media, who felt they were missing out on the smoke show spectacle they’d been hoping for.

With an impending storm forecast for the main event, it would provide potentially dangerous conditions if rain fell during competition with melted rubber laid down on such a challenging course surrounded by walls.

In this scenario, the track would have become an ice rink, which would have been a disaster for the drivers and their cars. Instead, they wet the track throughout the weekend to ensure consistency while prioritizing driver safety and fair competition.

The wet track could explain some of the unexpected performances we saw in the final round, such as McKeever’s dominant showing and potential struggles for other competitors who aren’t so used to wet weather, such as Mad Mike.

It disappointed the fans who missed the spectacular smoke shows, with some ticket holders branding it a “scam.” However, it ultimately ensured that the championship was decided on driver skill and adaptability so that the event could go as smoothly as possible.

Let’s face it: stopping after each run to recover yet another destroyed car off the track isn’t entertaining either!

Our Thoughts On The 2024 Season

As the 2024 DMGP season draws to a close, here are some of our main takeaways:

The Irish Domination Continues

The final standings reveal a strong Irish presence at the top, with three drivers in the top four positions. McKeever, Deane, and Conor Shanahan (4th with 293 points) showcased Ireland’s strength in the drifting scene, much to the delight of the huge fanbase that traveled to Poland for the event.

Despite the Irish stronghold, the championship maintained its international flavor. Heinonen clinched the title for Finland, and Poland’s Pawel Korpulinski rounded out the top five with 265 points.

The top 10 also featured drivers from Estonia (Kevin Pesur), Hungary (Kevin Piskolty), Norway (Tor Arne Kvia), and Lithuania (Benediktas Cirba), highlighting the diverse talent in European drifting.

Consistency Pays Off

Lauri Heinonen’s championship victory showcases the importance of consistency in drifting. Throughout the season, he never scored below 40 points in any round, ranging from 40 to 110.

In contrast, other top drivers like Duane McKeever and James Deane experienced more volatile results, with scores ranging from as low as 16 points to perfect 112-point performances.

Nissan’s Silvia Still Reigns Supreme

Even in 2024, it’s hard to ignore the dominance of Nissan’s JDM S-chassis, given that it landed the top three spots in the overall standings, with the 180SX S13 landing both the top two spots despite being introduced 36 years ago!

The S-chassis offers an optimal wheelbase-to-track width ratio and weight distribution, which is still proving hard to beat. Additionally, years of competition data and setup knowledge give teams a significant advantage in fine-tuning these chassis for peak performance.

Despite James Deane’s big-budget RTR Mustang in Formula DRIFT using the latest technology, it’s interesting to see that he opts for the S-chassis, as proven by his S14 and S15 builds which have been a huge part of his success in recent years.

While the likes of the GT86/BRZ and even the GR Supra are becoming increasingly common in drifting, and the BMW 3-Series continues to be a popular choice, they’re still struggling to prove their worth against these old-school JDM cars in what is arguably the toughest drifting competition in the world right now. You’ve gotta love to see it!

Photography Credits

Thank you to Joerg Mitter and Red Bull Content Pool for the use of their media.

The post McKeever Dominates As Heinonen Clinches 2024 Drift Masters Title first appeared on Drifted.com.

Over 50,000 drift fans head to the iconic PGE Narodowy stadium in Warsaw, Poland, to determine the champion of Europe’s premier drifting series, which celebrates its 10th year.

The stadium, typically home to Poland’s national football team, will be transformed into a unique drifting arena for just a weekend, creating what will undoubtedly be an insane atmosphere for drivers and spectators.

Event Schedule / How To Watch

The Qualifying sessions are available on the official Drift Masters YouTube channel. Red Bull has official rights for the battles, so they’re only available via their website.

All of the times below are displayed in Poland’s local time, along with the ET time zone for US viewers.

September 13 (Friday)

15:50 – 19:30 (9:50 AM – 1:30 PM ET) – QUALIFYING (LIVE)

19:30 – 20:15 (1:30 PM – 2:15 PM ET) – QUALIFYING CHALLENGE (LIVE)

September 14 (Saturday)

Unlike the qualifying, which is available on YouTube, the battles are exclusively shown on the Red Bull website from the following links:

14:45 – 17:00 (8:45 AM – 11:00 AM ET) – TOP 32 BATTLES (LIVE)

18:50 – 21:00 (12:50 PM – 3:00 PM ET) – TOP 16 BATTLES (LIVE)

Who’s In The Fight For The Title?

Three drivers can clinch the 2024 title going into the final round. Let’s break down the contenders and their potential paths to glory:

Current standings

• Lauri Heinonen (387 points)
• James Deane (312 points)
• Duane McKeever (300 points)

It’s important to note that the DMGP scoring system allows for a maximum of 112 points in a single event, combining top performances in qualifying (8 points), qualifying showdown (4 points), and winning the main competition (100 points).

Heinonen and his Nissan S13 lead the pack with a 75-point advantage over three-time champion James Deane. However, with a maximum of 112 points up for grabs in a single round, the title race remains open, albeit with Heinonen firmly in the driver’s seat.

Lauri Heinonen

The Finnish driver has been the revelation of the 2024 season, leading since Round 3, and hasn’t finished below 4th place all year. Known for his smooth, consistent style, Heinonen has demonstrated an ability to perform under pressure.

Having narrowly missed the title to Conor Shanahan last year, he’ll be fighting harder than ever to ensure another title doesn’t slip from his grasp.

To secure the title, Heinonen must score at least 26 points, which equates to reaching the Top 16 in the main competition. If he achieves this, the lead will be too substantial for the others to catch up, and he’ll be crowned champion regardless of other results.

However, he can still lose the title if he scores less than 26 points, AND James Deane wins with the maximum 112 points up for grabs. Or, if McKeever pulls off an incredible shock.

Heinonen’s approach in the final will likely be conservative, aiming to secure the points needed for the title rather than pushing for outright victory.

James Deane

A legend of European drifting and three-time DMGP and Formula DRIFT champion, Deane faces an uphill battle but remains in contention. If there’s a driver we’d expect to pull this out of the bag, it’s Deane. But, to steal the win from Heinonen, he’ll need to outscore him by at least 76 points.

Realistically, this means winning the event (100 points) and performing exceptionally well in qualifying and the showdown. He’ll need to hope Heinonen finishes outside the Top 16 or fails to qualify.

Although Heinonen’s consistency makes these scenarios unlikely, you never know what drifting has in store, especially at a track as challenging as this one, combined with the added pressure of the Championship on the line. Deane is unquestionably the more experienced when it comes to knowing how this feels.

His 2024 DMGP campaign has been a rollercoaster. He missed out on Round 1 entirely since his main focus is Formula DRIFT for the 2024 season, where he’s set to land his fourth title next month. However, he bounced back with a perfect 112-point performance in Round 2 – the only maximum score achieved all season. However, the last round went far from ideal for the Irishman.

Deane’s experience in high-pressure situations will be his greatest asset for the final. Expect an all-or-nothing approach as he seeks to overturn Heinonen’s lead.

Duane McKeever

Fellow Irish driver McKeever has delivered no shortage of upsets over the years, and while his path to the title is extremely unlikely, it’s not impossible.

To cause the unlikely shock in the final, he’ll need to win the event while outscoring Heinonen by 88 points and Deane by 13 points.

If Heinonen were to win the qualifying and showdown alone, his overall tally would become 415 points, which would be enough to ensure that McKeever was no longer a threat.

As the dark horse of the trio, McKeever has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, including a strong 91-point performance in Round 2 and consistent top-5 finishes in most rounds. He’s known for his aggressive, crowd-pleasing style, and we should expect nothing less from him this weekend.

While his title chances are slim, McKeever’s driving style makes him a real threat to take the event win, potentially playing spoiler in the Heinonen-Deane battle.

Beyond the Title Fight

While the spotlight will be on the championship contenders, several other storylines add depth to the finale:

The Battle For Top 5

2023 Champion Conor Shanahan (245 points), Pawel Korpulinski (233 points), and Kevin Pesur (228 points) are locked in a tight battle for 4th place in the championship. Strong performances could see significant shifts in the final standings.

Local Heroes

Polish drivers like Pawel Korpulinski will have a home advantage and huge crowd support as he fights for the top spots.

He’s joined by fellow countrymen such as Adam Zalewski, who has a fresh new look for the final, Piotr Wiecek, and Jakub Przygonski.

Mad Mike Joins The Party

Mad Mike Whiddett‘s addition as a wild card entry to the Finale adds an exciting twist to the championship showdown.

Bringing his iconic FD RX7, MADBUL, Mad Mike’s presence promises to shake up the competition with his aggressive driving style and crowd-pleasing antics. The thunderous roar of MADBUL’s 4-rotor 26B engine echoing through the PGE Narodowy stadium will undoubtedly create a unique atmosphere that’ll hype up the fans even more.

As a wild card, Mad Mike has nothing to lose and everything to gain, potentially causing upsets in the championship standings. This is an incredible opportunity to see one of the drifting world’s most iconic driver-car combinations compete on European soil.

The last time we saw Mad Mike in Europe, he shredded tires in his crazy drift McLaren build at Goodwood!

The Venue – PGE Narodowy

PGE Narodowy hosting the finale is insanely impressive and shows the growth of the Drift Masters series. Many believe it’ll soon topple Formula DRIFT as the world’s premier drifting championship, and it’s easy to see why. While FD feels somewhat stagnant, DMGP is bringing a new level of craziness to drifting on a huge scale.

The 58,500-capacity stadium, typically home to Poland’s national football team, will transform into a custom-built drifting arena with a figure-of-eight-style layout providing insanely intense battles.

The custom-built track will challenge drivers, with the endless walls surrounding the layout and the potentially slippery fresh surface. This wildcard factor could lead to unexpected results, adding to the drama of the title fight.

In case you missed it, here’s a preview of what went down in last year’s final between Heinonen and the 2023 Champion Conor Shanahan:

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography:

• Drift Masters

The post Drift Masters Final: Warsaw, Poland – Preview & Livestream first appeared on Drifted.com.

The Formula DRIFT PRO Championship’s penultimate round in Utah once again delivered plenty of unexpected outcomes.

Three-time FD champion James Deane entered the event with a comfortable points lead, needing only to match Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis’ performance to secure the 2024 title. However, the desert had other plans, as Bakchis defeated Deane in the Top 4 before going all the way to claim the victory and give a glimmer of hope to his title dreams.

Here’s what went down in the final battle as Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis went head-to-head with Fredric Aasbo.

Odi’s lead run:

Aasbo’s lead run:

Despite losing to Bakchis in the Final, Fredric Aasbo managed to reclaim third place overall. Unfortunately for the Norwegian driver, his hopes for a fourth PRO title were dashed with a 130-point deficit heading into the final round, but he can still cause an upset for Bakchis by taking second.

The event also saw Trenton Beechum, the 2019 PROSPEC Champion, score his first-ever FD PRO podium since joining the Championship in 2021, piloting his BMW E46 to a third-place finish.

Rookie sensation Hiroya “Hiro” Minowa’s streak of two consecutive second-place finishes ended with a 10th-place finish. Despite the setback, Minowa maintains his fourth-place position in the overall standings, sitting 96 points ahead of fellow Rookie Conor Shanahan.

Can Odi Bakchis Still Win The 2024 FD Title?

As the dust settles in Utah (and there was no shortage of it!), the PRO title fight now narrows to a two-driver contest between Bakchis and Deane, with the championship being decided at the Final Round at Irwindale Speedway on October 18-19.

Known as “The House of Drift,” Irwindale Speedway continues as the iconic venue for Formula DRIFT’s season finale since the series’ inception.

James Deane, piloting his AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, holds a significant advantage, making it extremely unlikely that Odi will be able to steal the crown in the final round.

While FD keeps the suspense going, mathematically, James Deane only needs to appear in the Top 32 to clinch the title, even if Bakchis wins the event.

Based on the FD scoring system, if Deane finishes in the Top 32, he’ll add 28 points to his current 566, totaling 594. Even if Bakchis (on 492 points) secures a round win and the maximum 100 points, his total would reach 592, leaving him two points shy of Deane’s tally.

Current Top 10 Formula DRIFT PRO rankings going into the grand finale at Irwindale:

Minowa Lands Rookie-Of-The-Year

Minowa enters the final round with 406 points, while his closest competitor, Conor Shanahan, trails with 310 points. Even in a worst-case scenario where Minowa exits in the Top 32, and Shanahan wins the round, Minowa would still maintain a 24-point lead (434 vs 410).

Minowa could also potentially pass Aasbo in the overall rankings if he performs exceptionally well in the final and Aasbo has a poor showing. For example, Minowa could move into third place if he finishes in the Top 4 (gaining 70 points or more) and Aasbo finishes in the Top 16 or lower (gaining 42 points or fewer).

In the worst-case scenario, Minowa has already locked in at least fourth place, along with the Rookie of the Year title, which goes to the highest-ranking first-year driver in the series, with Shanahan undoubtedly the favorite at the start of the year.

Tommy Lemaire Secures The 2024 PROSPEC Title

The 2024 PROSPEC Championship concluded with a dramatic twist, where Canadian driver Tommy Lemaire clinched the title in dramatic fashion.

After Championship points leader Connor O’Sullivan was unexpectedly eliminated in the Top 32 by Dmitriy Brutskiy, this the door for Lemaire’s to steal the championship at the final hurdle.

However, as Lemaire headed to the start line, he immediately realized he had an engine issue, which forced him back to the pits. Much to the relief of Lemaire and his team, all that was required was replacing a damaged plug wire, allowing him to return and secure the Championship.

Lemaire’s fifth-place finish in the final round was enough to secure the championship by a 26-point margin over O’Sullivan. Austin Matta rounded out the top three, earning Lemaire, O’Sullivan, and Matta Formula DRIFT PRO licenses for 2025.

Two-time PROSPEC Champion Dmitriy Brutskiy won the event outright after knocking out the Championship leader, catapulting him from 23rd to sixth in the overall 2024 standings. Brutskiy is also competing in the PRO Championship for the first time this year, which has been his primary focus for the season.

Final 2024 Formula DRIFT PROSPEC rankings:

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

Larry Chen | Formula DRIFT

The post Bakchis Fights To Keep FD Title Hopes Alive In Utah first appeared on Drifted.com.

As Formula DRIFT gears up for Round 7: Elevated at Utah Motorsports Campus in Grantsville from August 29-31, the 2024 season enters its critical phase.

With only this round and the finale at Irwindale remaining, drivers face not only each other but also the challenge of high temps, which will add to the mechanical issues that have already been prominent this season.

Event Schedule & Livestream

The action starts on Thursday with the PROSPEC Main Event and PRO practice sessions. Friday sees PRO qualifying, while Saturday hosts the main PRO competition from Top 32 through to the Finals.

Fans can catch all the action via the free livestream links below:

Friday, August 30, 2024

12:00PM – 2:30PM: PROSPEC Main Event Top 32

4:00PM – 7:15PM: Livestream: PROSPEC Opening Ceremony + Main Event Top 16

7:15PM – 7:30PM: PROSPEC Trophy Ceremony

Saturday, August 31, 2024

12:00PM – 2:30PM: Livestream: PRO Main Event Top 32

4:00PM – 7:15PM: Livestream: PRO Opening Ceremony + Main Event Top 16

7:15PM – 7:30PM: PRO Trophy Ceremony

Who We’re Looking Out For

Irishman James Deane leads the PRO championship with 496 points, maintaining a 104-point advantage over Aurimas (Odi) Bakchis.

After a rare mistake from Deane against Jeff Jones saw him exit the competition in the Top 16 last round in Seattle, he then went out in the Top 32 due to mechanical issues at Drift Masters in Hungary last weekend, in a reminder that even the most dominant drivers aren’t immune to technical problems.

Watch out – he’ll undoubtedly be looking for redemption here.

Hiroya (Hiro) Minowa, sitting in third with 364 points, has shown remarkable consistency recently, with two consecutive second-place finishes going into the round.

The young driver, who recently turned 15 years old, is also very familiar with mechanical issues, which potentially robbed him of clinching the win during the last round in Seattle after failing to make the start line in the final.

After Ryan Tuerck’s recent victory in Seattle, his first since the 2022 season opener, he’ll be looking to cause another upset this time. His leap from 15th to 8th in the standings proves how quickly fortunes can change.

Adam LZ’s comeback story also continues. After a devastating crash in St. Louis totaled his chassis, LZ’s team built the E36 2.0 from scratch in just one week before securing a shock podium finish in Seattle.

LZ will undoubtedly feel he has nothing to lose after previously declaring his season finished before going on to land the podium spot. Like many top drivers, including Conor Shanahan, LZ also faced setbacks in the recent European Drift Masters event.

Other drivers to watch include Aurimas (Odi) Bakchis, Fredric Aasbo, and rookie Conor Shanahan.

Bakchis, currently second in the overall rankings, has been a consistent performer throughout the season and will look to close the gap to James Deane.

Aasbo, the three-time Formula DRIFT champion, is always a threat on any track and currently holds fourth place in the standings. In the video above, he states, “This is a track that I really, really like,” indicating that he’ll undoubtedly be hoping to cause an upset.

Despite a challenging debut season plagued by mechanical issues, Shanahan has shown flashes of brilliance we all know he’s capable of, including a victory in Orlando. Currently sitting in 10th overall, he’ll be eager to end his rookie season on a high note and potentially climb a few spots in the standings.

The Utah Challenge

The desert heat and elevation of the Utah track add another layer of complexity to the mechanical challenges teams face. As drivers push their cars to the limit in this penultimate round, the harsh conditions could escalate issues.

With the weekend temps expected to be over 90°F, finding the balance between performance and reliability will be crucial, especially with the Irwindale finale looming.

The battle for championship points is intensifying, not just for the top spot but throughout the standings. Drivers in the middle of the pack, like Tuerck, have shown that a strong performance in these final rounds could dramatically alter their season outcome.

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

Larry Chen | Formula DRIFT

The post Formula DRIFT Round 7: Elevated – Preview & Livestream first appeared on Drifted.com.

The 2024 Drift Masters Grand Prix Round 5 in Mariapocs, Hungary, saw the return of the much-loved RabócsiRing track after a six-year hiatus, which proved to be a pivotal moment in the championship race, delivering plenty of excitement and upsets for both fans and competitors.

After a weekend that no one could’ve written, Lauri Heinonen emerged victorious, clinching his second win of the season and building a shock 75-point lead over James Deane in the championship standings.

The stage is set for an intense finale at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, Poland, where 60,000 fans will fill the stadium to witness the championship showdown on September 13-14.

Heinonen’s Path To Victory

Lauri Heinonen’s battle was hard-fought. In the Top 32, he defeated Max Heidrich in a close contest. Moving to the Top 16, he overcame fellow Finn Juha Rintanen in a battle that showcased the depth of Finnish drifting talent.

In the quarter-finals, he defeated Jack Shanahan, and in the semi, he triumphed over the local crowd favorite, Kevin Piskolty, in a match that left Hungarian fans on the edge of their seats. It was an emotional weekend for Piskolty, who went from watching in the stands during the last Hungarian Drift Masters event in 2018 to making an incredible journey from spectator to Top 4 competitor, with Pawel Korpulinksi eventually stealing his opportunity to clinch a podium spot.

The final battle against Norway’s Tor Arne Kvia was a nail-biter, with Heinonen eventually edging out his opponent to claim the top spot on the podium.

Qualifying Under Extreme Conditions

The qualifying session went down under extreme conditions, with track temperatures reportedly soaring above 41°C, pushing the drivers and their machines to their limits.

Piotr Wiecek laid down a near-perfect 97.5-point run, followed closely by fellow Polish driver Jakub “Kuba” Przygonski, with 97 points.

Despite not making the top two, James Deane would never be far behind, landing the third-place spot with a 96-pointer. Two-time World Rally Championship (WRC) Champion Kalle Rovanpera rounded off the top four with an impressive 95.5-point run.

The newly introduced Drift Masters Qualifying Showdown added an extra layer of excitement, culminating in an exciting battle between Piotr Wiecek in his Toyota GR Supra and Jakub Przygonski in his Toyota GR86, with Wiecek once again bagging the win.

The intense heat, the challenging layout of RabócsiRing, and the drivers’ desire to put on a show for the packed crowd set the tone for what would become one of the most unpredictable rounds in recent Drift Masters history.

Upsets & Mechanical Gremlins

The event’s challenging conditions created numerous upsets for championship frontrunners and series newcomers alike, with victims including Fionn Roche, who suffered a significant impact early on.

James Deane, who’s always the man to watch at any event with his name on the roster, faced a shocking exit in the Top 32 against Kevin Pesur when debris from the track damaged his car’s dry sump drive belt. This unexpected turn of events leaves Deane in second place overall in the championship standings, trailing behind Heinonen as they head into the final round.

Duane McKeever, who entered the event just four points behind the championship leader, suffered a similar fate with a mechanical failure during his Top 32 battle against Conor Shanahan. Despite this setback, McKeever maintains his third-place ranking, but Shanahan edges closer.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by K a l l e R o v a n p e r ä (@kallerovanpera)

The wildcard entries weren’t safe from the mechanical gremlins, either. Two-time World Rally Championship (WRC) champion Kalle Rovanperä’s Drift Masters return was cut short by technical issues, with the star taking to social media to clarify the situation and vent his frustration, stating, “@driftmasters.gp guys saying on the live stream that I got lost in the smoke is not true, so it’s maybe not the best thing always to try to guess what happens for the drivers without actually knowing”

Despite being on fire (literally!) Adam LZ’s performance wasn’t enough to overcome Jack Shanahan in the Top 32, almost adding to LZ’s streak of car-destroying antics this season!

How It Stands Heading Into The Final

Heinonen’s victory added a crucial 101 points to his tally, extending his lead to 75 points heading into the final round. This advantage means that only James Deane and Duane McKeever retain a mathematical chance of potentially clinching the championship title.

Overall standings going into the final:

Looking Ahead To Warsaw

As the smoke settles on this dramatic round in Hungary, all eyes turn to the unmissable season finale at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, Poland. With Heinonen’s substantial lead, his rivals must deliver near-perfect performances to have any chance of clinching the title.

The stage is set for what promises to be an explosive conclusion to one of the most closely contested and unpredictable seasons in Drift Masters history, with 60,000 fans eagerly anticipating the crowning of the 2024 champion.

In case you (somehow) missed last year’s final, here’s what went down at the PGE Narodowy Stadium:

Photography Credits

Thank you to Red Bull Content Pool and Drift Masters for the use of their media.

The post Drift Masters Round 5 Delivers No Shortage Of Upsets first appeared on Drifted.com.

As the 2024 Formula Drift season approached Round 6 at Evergreen Speedway, anticipation was building. The challenging circuit with walls surrounding the outside of the track makes Evergreen an FD favorite, known for delivering plenty of dramatic moments and upsets.

Coming into the event, James Deane was left shaken by a defeat from Conor Shanahan at the European Drift Masters event in Riga, Latvia, between their FD rounds.

Meanwhile, fans were still buzzing about 14-year-old Hiroya Minowa’s historic podium finish in St. Louis. Adding to the anticipation, Adam LZ made a surprising return after his team pulled off a remarkable feat, rebuilding his totaled BMW E36 with a new chassis in just one week following the previous round.

With plenty of anticipation and uncertainty on the cards, Round 6 certainly lived up to the hype! Here are our key moments from the weekend’s action.

Seattle’s Podium Shocker

Seattle delivered plenty of unexpected results, the biggest of which was Ryan Tuerck’s victory in his Toyota GR Corolla despite ranking outside of the Top 10 going into the event. Once again, Hiroya Minowa secured the runner-up spot, a remarkable achievement for the 14-year-old rookie.

Arguably the most impressive story of the weekend was Adam LZ’s comeback. After a severe crash against Minowa in St. Louis totaled his BMW E36, LZ’s season appeared to be over. However, his team at LZMFG managed a mind-blowing effort, rebuilding the car with an all-new chassis in just one week to prepare for Seattle.

Originally declaring his season over after the crash, LZ not only made it to the starting line but also claimed an excellent third-place finish – his second of the season.

He faced a particularly close and intense battle with Minowa in the Final 4, which required a “One More Time” (OMT) call from the judges. Ultimately, LZ’s perseverance paid off, and his third-place finish propelled him from 7th to 5th in the overall championship standings.

More Heartbreak For Minowa In The Final

After securing an incredible second-place finish after losing to series leader James Deane in the previous round, Hiroya Minowa displayed another insane performance in Seattle by defeating Adam LZ to advance to the final.

With Ryan Tuerck as his opponent for the final battle, who hadn’t claimed a victory since the opening round of the 2022 season, the 14-year-old prodigy had a golden opportunity to secure his first-ever Formula Drift win.

However, an electrical issue with Minowa’s Toyota GT86 prevented him from starting the final, robbing the Seattle crowd of what would’ve undoubtedly been a nail-biting battle and denying the young sensation a chance to stand atop the podium. Due to Minowa’s inability to compete, Ryan Tuerck claimed the top spot on the podium by default.

Despite the disappointment, Minowa’s consistency on these new and challenging circuits is proving nothing short of mind-blowing. His rapid rise through the ranks has been aided by his intense sim racing practice, where he can replicate each of these circuits, which continues to pay mind-blowing dividends in his real-world performances. It also helps to have two legendary drifters (Shinji and Masayo) as parents!

Minowa will undoubtedly continue to be one to watch for the remainder of the season, especially as he looks to be on course for the 2024 Rookie of the Year title following another disappointing weekend for Conor Shanahan, who was unable to advance beyond the Top 16.

Championship Standings Get A Reshuffle

With Tuerck’s victory, Minowa’s consistent performance, and LZ’s remarkable comeback, Seattle delivered a series of surprising results that have reshaped the championship picture as we head into the final events of the year.

With Ryan Tuerck’s victory, Hiroya Minowa’s return to the second spot, and Adam LZ’s remarkable comeback, we bet nobody would’ve predicted this podium outcome going into the event.

Many of the usual frontrunners were notably absent from the Great 8, including points leader James Deane, three-time champion Fredric Aasbo, consistent challenger Simen Olsen, and plenty of other well-known contenders such as Matt Field, Ken Gushi, and Chris Forsberg.

Despite leading the championship, Deane was knocked out by Jeff Jones in the Top 16 after his wheel-hopping RTR Mustang seemingly lost control during initiation. This performance earned Deane just 24 points. However, even with this setback, he maintained a commanding lead with a 104-point advantage over second-placed Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis.

Bakchis, who entered the event second in the series rankings, battled Ryan Tuerck in the Great 8. The two drivers required two “One More Time” (OMT) calls, resulting in six runs against each other. Despite losing this grueling battle and finishing 5th, Bakchis managed to slightly reduce his points deficit to Deane in the championship standings.

Tuerck’s hard-earned triumph over Bakchis in the Great 8 seemed to provide the spark he needed to power through the remainder of the competition. This momentum carried him to the top of the podium, securing his first win since the season opener in 2022.

Third-placed Fredric Aasbo’s championship hopes took a hit when he fell victim to Trenton Beechum in the Top 16, further shaking up the points standings and dropping him to 4th in the overall standings.

Ranking Shake-Up

Here are the current PRO rankings after Seattle. We’ve also included the standings before Round 6 to see how the shake-up has changed the overall standings:

Toyota Tightens Grip on Auto Cup Lead

Toyota’s impressive showing at Evergreen Speedway further asserted its supremacy in the 2024 Formula Drift season. Two of the Japanese manufacturer’s vehicles claimed the top spots on the podium, with Ryan Tuerck’s Rain-X Toyota GR Corolla securing the victory and Hiroya Minowa’s Enjuku Racing/Cusco/Yellowspeed Racing Toyota GT86 finishing a close second.

This further solidified Toyota’s lead in the 2024 Auto Cup standings, and they now sit comfortably at the top with 740 points, while second-placed Ford trails with 594 points.

Current Auto Cup Rankings

After Round 6, here are the manufacturer standings:

Round 6 Recap

In case you missed it, here’s all the action from the Top 16 and Top 32 battles from Evergreen Speedway.

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

Larry Chen | Formula DRIFT

The post Tuerck Triumphs In Seattle Stunner – Formula DRIFT Rd. 6 first appeared on Drifted.com.