Formula DRIFT kicked off its 21st year with a spectacular display of skill and endurance in the streets of Long Beach. The weekend was filled with dramatic shifts in weather, surprise standouts, and intense competition. The event not only marked the beginning of the season, but also set a sky-high bar for the rounds ahead.

A Rainy Challenge on the Urban Circuit

Weather Woes and Strategic Shifts

The Long Beach circuit, known for its tight corners and unforgiving concrete barriers, tested our favorite pro drifters under surprise weather conditions on Saturday. The event began under cloudy skies, which quickly escalated to light rain during the Top 16 and culminated in a torrential downpour by the final rounds. The wet track conditions called for extreme control and precision, turning the competition into a slow, slippery showdown.

Seeding Bracket

This year's competition also saw significant changes in the qualifying format. The introduction of the Seeding Bracket on Friday replaced traditional solo runs, giving top drivers a direct pass to Saturday’s heats while others battled for their positions. This new format not only spiced up the competition but also gave those in positions 25-32 valuable extra track time before the main event.

Top Performers and New Contenders

James Deane's Return: Victory Forged in Fire

In a display of resilience and masterful driving that could only be described as cinematic, James Deane marked his return to the top of Formula DRIFT with a victory that hit the motorsport community in the feels. The Irish drift legend, who had not stood at the top of the box since his 2019 win in St. Louis, drove with unmatched determination at Long Beach, steering his AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD through soaking wet streets to first place.

Deane's journey to this remarkable victory began under the most dramatic circumstances possible. Earlier in the week, during a routine demonstration run, his vehicle was engulfed in flames. The scene was heart-stopping, and for many, it spelled the end of Deane's competition weekend. However, underestimating James Deane and his RTR Motorsports team would be a mistake. They worked tirelessly, round the clock, to rebuild the charred remains of the Mustang. 

With a freshly restored car, Deane entered the competition under looming rain clouds. His path to victory was filled with challenges, most notably in the Top 16, where he faced off against Jonathan Hurst. This duel saw them running six times, pushing both drivers to their limits. But it was Deane's head-to-head against Fredric Aasbo, a fellow three-time champion, that truly defined his weekend. The two titans of drift went wheel-to-wheel in an edge-of-your-seat battle. A nail-biting One More Time (OMT) run ultimately determined the winner.

Deane again performed under pressure in his final battle against Aurimas Bakchis, where he secured his triumphant return to the top of the podium. As the Formula DRIFT season unfolds, it will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most dramatic returns in the sport's history.

Luck of the Irish?

Though he didn’t make it onto the podium, another Irishman drew plenty of attention in his first Formula DRIFT appearance. 

Conor Shanahan made an impressive debut, joining the lineup as one of the most anticipated newcomers. As a previous Drift Masters European Championship (DMEC) winner, Shanahan carries a strong track record of success. His participation in this series has been eagerly awaited by fans and competitors alike, especially after his dominating performances in European circuits.

Conor's reputation as a highly skilled drifter was highlighted by his endorsement from fellow competitor and three-time champion, James Deane, who expressed excitement about competing against Shanahan this season. 

For more details about Conor Shanahan's career and his transition to Formula DRIFT, check out his profile on Red Bull's official site here.

Shanahan went head-to-head with Ryan Tuerck, resulting in what some might call a controversial outcome. Of course, drifting is a judged sport and we’re certainly not taking sides. However, we will say that the Style Driven team is very excited to see how the rest of Shanahan’s season plays out! 

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Rising Stars Making an Impact

Simen Olsen from Norway slid into a well-deserved second place, demonstrating his adeptness in wet conditions—a skill honed from years of ice drifting in Scandinavia. Olsen's performance reaffirms him as a serious contender for the season's title. Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis, also a veteran in the scene, secured third place, continuing his streak of consistent podium finishes and setting him on the track to his first championship title (which we’d all be stoked to see!)

Rookie Sensation: Hiroya Minowa Takes Long Beach by Storm (Literally)

The streets of Long Beach witnessed a drifting legend in the making this weekend. In a field of seasoned competitors, a fresh talent emerged—Hiroya Minowa from Japan. At just 14 years old, Minowa not only participated in his first-ever Formula DRIFT round, but also captivated the audience with his bold performance and precision skill.

From the moment he took to the street, Minowa displayed a maturity and skill set far beyond his years. His aggressive yet controlled driving style showcased his ability to excel under pressure—even amongst the most veteran competitors. The young prodigy's journey through the competition was a display of determination and precision. 

Making it to the Top 8 was no small feat, especially considering the caliber of the opponents he faced. Minowa's performance in the Seeding Battle, where he clinched first place, set the stage for his impressive run through the heats. He triumphed over veterans like Dylan Hughes, Dan Burkett, and his own teammate, Kazuya Taguchi, proving that he was not just there to compete, but to dominate. Each victory was met with roars of approval from the crowd, who quickly recognized the emergence of a new star.

As the Formula DRIFT season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Hiroya Minowa. The drift community is eager to see how this young phenom will continue to develop and impact the sport. With such a promising start, Minowa is surely the one to watch this year.

New Voice on the Livestream

Joining Jarod DeAnda on the FD livestream in Round 1 was Jacob Gettins. You may remember Jacob and his signature turquoise beanie from Formula D’s podcast, The Outer Zone. After a few guest appearances, he’s now earned a permanent spot as Technical Announcer. 

The fan reception was incredibly warm, with several of them complimenting Jacob’s thoughtful insights and ability to explain technical issues. As a lifelong fan of the sport himself, Jacob has a passion and perspective that make him a natural fit for this new role.

Looking Ahead

With the streets of Long Beach leaving many teams with extensive repairs, the anticipation builds for the next showdown at Road Atlanta on May 9th. Without a doubt, Long Beach set a precedent for an electrifying season in the Formula DRIFT series.

As the teams prepare and strategies evolve, the drift community eagerly awaits the next round, where skill, precision, and perhaps a bit of luck will determine the next set of champions—after all, anything can happen on the track.

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Photography by: Chuck Murray, Shutter Slayer

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