As we roll into the latter half of the Formula DRIFT season, it's crunch time for championship hopefuls. The World Wide Technology Raceway, notorious for its punishing barriers, demanded even greater precision this year with additional obstacles added to the course. Thankfully, the weather cooperated, providing milder conditions than the previous round in New Jersey, allowing drivers to push their limits under the night lights.
Celebrating its 21st season, Formula DRIFT is embracing a new era. Notably, there are now three women drivers in PROSPEC, with Amanda Sorensen marking a milestone by securing a podium finish in New Jersey. The series is also welcoming younger talents like Jayden Martorana and Hiroya Minowa, who at just 14 years old, took second place in St. Louis, becoming the youngest podium finisher ever after narrowly losing to James Deane.
Hiroya Minowa's second-place finish, sandwiched between battles with triple champions Fredric Aasbo and James Deane, highlighted the event. Deane praised Minowa’s car control, showcasing a blend of youthful fearlessness and technical prowess. Minowa's journey, from drifting in Japan to competing against top drivers in the US, is a testament to the new wave of talent in Formula DRIFT. His second-place finish in St. Louis, following a series of impressive performances, has solidified his position as a future star in the sport.
The new 2024 Seeding Bracket regulations continued to mix things up. The top 24 drivers from the previous round automatically qualified, while the remaining positions were determined through competitive tandem runs. This new format has been a hit, offering more competitive seat time and a thrilling spectacle for fans.
The top three in the PRO competition seeding were Dmitriy Brutskiy, Daniel Stuke, and Mike Power. Brutskiy, a PRO rookie, impressed by qualifying for both PRO and PROSPEC events, while Rudy Hansen, Alec Robbins, Andy Hateley, and Federico Sceriffo faced early exits. Ben Hobson, last year’s PROSPEC champion, finally made it to the Top 32, driving the Pennzoil/BC Racing Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD.
James Deane, driving the AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, showcased his championship form, claiming his third win and extending his lead. Despite contact and tough battles, Deane’s consistency and skill shone through. Meanwhile, Aurimas Bakchis and Fredric Aasbo continued to struggle with consistency, each with podium finishes but no wins to challenge Deane’s dominance.
Connor O’Sullivan dominated the PROSPEC competition, securing his second consecutive win and leading the championship by a narrow margin over Tommy Lemaire. Austin Matta, hindered by technical issues, took second place, boosting his championship hopes. Justin Chesnutt achieved his best finish, while Nik Jimenez emerged as the leading PROSPEC Rookie.
The final round of the Formula DRIFT Link ECU PROSPEC Championship at Utah Motorsports Campus promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season. With close battles in both the PRO and PROSPEC championships, the stage is set for an exciting finish.
For current standings and event information, visit FormulaD.com
Tuning 365 Showcase @ Formula DRIFT St. Louis
PASMAG's Tuning 365 Showcase was also on site for another round of Formula DRIFT, hosting more than 50 modified cars built by enthusiasts from all over the area - including some who drove from far away to join us. In addition to a live Tuner Battlegrounds competition, these enthusiasts competed for a variety of PASMAG awards, which included an Editor's Choice, a Dylan's Choice (chosen by PRO driver Dylan Hughes), and many more individual awards this time around.
Editor's Choice: Joe Somers' 1995 Mazda Miata
Dylan's Choice: Kyle Crangle's 1997 Nissan 240sx
TBGLIVE Winner: James Tinerella's 2019 Subaru WRX
Award: Best Fitment
Winner: Jake Sherbno
Runner-Up: Jackson Saxon
Award: Best Swap
Winner: E36 Andrew Knarr
Runner-Up: Frank Steward
Award: Best Wheels
Winner: Ryan Hellrung
Runner-Up: Tyler Wolfe
Award: Best Paint/Wrap
Winner: Kendall Stewart
Runner-Up: Gerald Naler Smith
Award: Best Engine Bay
Winner: Jasmin Kulijksnavoc
Runner-Up: Matthew Spinney
Award: Best JDM
Winner: Cesar Delgadillo
Runner-Up: Josiah Tejada
Award: Best Euro
Winner: James Terry
Runner-Up: Brandon Min
Award: Best Off Road
Winner: Shane Nation
Runner-Up: Carlos Soriano
Award: Best USDM
Winner: Nathan Herrick
Runner-Up: Juan Perez
Award: Best EV
Winner: Jesse Kane
To find out where you can join us for a future Tuning 365 Show, visit Tuning365.events
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