After two decades of running Evergreen Speedway’s established layout, Formula DRIFT made a notable adjustment for Round 6, widening Outer Zones 2 and 3. The change came at the drivers’ request, aiming for a smoother arc and better momentum through the back half of the track. Friday’s practice and Seeding Bracket runs revealed some transition issues, prompting overnight refinements and a slightly earlier finish line. By Saturday, the course was fast, technical, and primed for the PRO Championship’s Throwdown in Monroe, WA.
With 32 PRO drivers entered, the Type S Seeding Bracket was structured so the top 16 from Round 5 were locked into Saturday’s main event. The rest battled for points and starting positions rather than survival. Branden Sorensen, still feeling the effects of a poor St. Louis result, came through the bracket in top form, collecting 12 points and beating Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis in the Seeding Final.
Bakchis’ appearance in the bracket was surprising enough, but joining him was 2023 title contender Simen Olsen. The former teammates met in the semi-final, with Bakchis advancing before falling to Sorensen. Olsen settled for third in the bracket. Seattle also saw the return of Wataru Masuyama, stepping into Daigo Saito’s seat after visa issues kept Saito out since Round 5. Masuyama adapted quickly to the GR86, finishing eighth after falling to James Deane in the Great 8.
Matt Field entered Monroe in need of a strong result. A first-round bye put him against Chris Forsberg in the Top 16, where Forsberg’s mistakes opened the door for Field to advance. What followed was one of the day’s most intense matchups: two double One More Time rounds against Ryan Tuerck, with Field eventually finding the winning line.
In the semi-final, Field’s Corvette proved too strong for Jhonnattan Castro, setting up a Final with James Deane. The Irishman had beaten Sorensen, Masuyama, and Adam LZ to reach the last battle, but contact from Deane’s Mustang during the chase run earned Field the win - his first since Long Beach 2023. “It’s been one hell of weekend!” Field said. “We came with a package that wasn’t performing but… we were improving with every battle.”
Deane’s second place moved him into the championship lead, 30 points ahead of Fredric Aasbo after Aasbo’s early exit. LZ’s third-place finish kept him tied with Field for third overall, while BMW overtook Toyota in the Auto Cup standings. With two rounds left, Utah becomes the next critical step in the chase for the 2025 title. For Deane, Utah will offer a shot at becoming Formula DRIFT’s first five-time champion.
TUNING 365 @ FD SEATTLE
While FD drivers battled it out on track at Evergreen Speedway, the infield hosted a different, less high stakes kind of competition: PASMAG's Tuning 365 showcase. The Seattle-area stop brought together a diverse range of builds. The mix highlighted the Northwest’s blend of grassroots ingenuity and show-quality presentation, with many owners putting in the same attention to detail you’d expect from any top-tier car build.
Imports were well represented, with standout JDM-inspired street cars alongside purpose-built track machines. Domestic muscle added variety, often drawing crowds for both their styling and mechanical work. Creative wheel setups, bespoke interiors, and clean engine bays were in no short supply.
Spectators moving between the paddock and grandstands often paused to take in the display, making the showcase an integral part of the Monroe event experience. For many, it was a chance to connect with builders face-to-face and see the details that social media posts can’t always capture. As with every Tuning 365 stop, awards were given to recognize craftsmanship and creativity, wrapping up a strong showing before attention shifted back to the final tandem battles on track.
Congrats to our 3 award winners! Randolf’s 2023 GR Supra won Tuner Battlegrounds! Jacob’s 1970 Datsun 510 was Dylan Hughes’ choice and David's 1994 Supra was the Editor’s choice.
Check back regularly and stay tuned for a full coverage on T365 @ FD!
Video by Patrick Miller
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