Englishtown Raceway, known as North America's first drift arena, played host to Round 4 of the Formula DRIFT PRO and Link ECU PROSPEC Championships. Drivers and teams faced grueling high temperatures and humidity, with track temps soaring to 145°F during the PROSPEC Seeding Bracket and competition heats. These conditions created a slick, challenging surface that tested the limits of both machines and drivers. However, as the night wore on, the track gained grip, setting the stage for a series of intense battles under the lights.
PRO Championship
James Deane from Ireland is having a standout season, capturing four podiums and two victories out of four rounds in his AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD. His consistent performance has earned him a 74-point lead, a significant margin compared to his previous Championship-winning season in 2019, in which he only had a 52-point lead by this point.
Simen Olsen from Norway, who posed the strongest challenge early in the season, stumbled in New Jersey, dropping from second to fourth in the standings after a Top 32 no-start due to engine issues. Aurimas Bakchis of Lithuania capitalized on this, securing second place in both the race and the championship standings with his Feal Suspension / GT Radial Nissan S15. Bakchis's performance was especially notable considering the setbacks he faced earlier in the season, including a car fire and an engine failure. Bakchis's path to the final saw him defeat top competitors like Federico Sceriffo, Ryan Tuerck, Ken Gushi, and Adam LZ. His semi-final against LZ was a highlight, with the judges calling for a One More Time (OMT) before Bakchis advanced.
Adam LZ, who wasn’t initially scheduled to compete in New Jersey, delivered a strong performance, securing third place and jumping from 13th to ninth in the overall standings. His duel with Bakchis in the semi-finals pushed both drivers to their limits, with LZ ultimately succumbing to a few minor errors.
In the final, James Deane's smooth and controlled driving overcame Bakchis's relentless pressure. The judges' split decision in Deane’s favor highlighted his ability to remain composed under intense competition. Deane's reflection on the race underscored the collective effort of his team and partners, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and continuing their momentum into the next rounds.
With Olsen's absence, fellow Norwegian Fredric Aasbo moved into third overall after an exciting Top 8 battle with Adam LZ, which also went to OMT.
After Englishtown, Toyota still leads the 2024 Auto Cup, while Nitto still heads the Tire Cup standings.
A Historic PROSPEC Round
The PROSPEC Championship also saw a historic moment as 21-year-old Amanda Sorensen became the first woman to step onto a Formula DRIFT podium, finishing second. Her climb from 36th to seventh in the standings was marked by victories over several strong competitors.
Connor O'Sullivan's win in the PROSPEC final was another highlight, as his precise chase runs secured him the top spot and moved him from 13th to second in the standings. Despite Tommy Lemaire’s strong performance, which saw him finish third and extend his lead in the championship, O'Sullivan's clean runs in the final sealed his victory.
As the 2024 Formula DRIFT season reaches its midway point, the competition remains fierce and unpredictable, promising more thrilling battles and standout performances in the rounds to come.
PAS365 Rally Arrives to join Tuning365 Showcase
As with many Formula DRIFT stops each year, the PASMAG Tuning365 Showcase was present, and full of some of the coolest cars the surrounding areas had to offer. Joining them after a long road trip from Toronto, Canada, was the PAS365 Rally - one of two rallies hosted by the PASMAG crew this year to Formula DRIFT stops. Attendees enjoyed scenic roads, a stop at an incredible racetrack, and celebratory meal stops on the way down the night before. More on PAS365 Rally to Englishtown soon.
For official standings and photography from Formula DRIFT Englishtown 2024, be sure to visit FormulaD.com
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