Formula DRIFT Super Drift Delivers Two Days of Action in Long Beach

Event Coverage PAS Staff

Formula DRIFT’s Super Drift Challenge returned to the Streets of Long Beach during the Acura Grand Prix weekend, delivering two days of condensed, high-intensity tandem competition with an eight-driver field.

With no qualifying and randomized matchups, both nights moved quickly—but still produced two distinct outcomes featuring the same three drivers.

Day 1: Bakchis Sets the Tone

Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis opened the weekend with a win on Friday night, driving The Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage V12 to the top step.

Bakchis advanced through Kasey Kohl in the Top 8 and Connor O’Sullivan in the Final 4 before meeting Jeff Jones in the Final. A mistake from Jones in the first corner of his lead run created the gap Bakchis needed, and he stayed composed through both runs to secure the victory.

Rome Charpentier, the 2025 Super Drift winner, finished third after a close split decision loss to Bakchis in the semi-finals.

Day 2: Charpentier Responds

Saturday flipped the order.

Rome Charpentier returned and put together the most complete performance of the weekend, taking the Day 2 win after defeating O’Sullivan in the Top 8, Jeff Jones in the Final 4, and ultimately Bakchis in the Final.

Charpentier’s advantage came from stronger execution in both lead and chase positions, giving judges a clear decision in the final battle.

Bakchis followed with another second-place finish, continuing to impress in the Aston Martin Vantage V12—both for its pace and the fact that it was his first time competing in the car.

Jeff Jones rounded out the podium for the second consecutive day.

Consistent Podium, Different Results

Across both days, the same three drivers—Bakchis, Charpentier, and Jones—proved to be the strongest in the field, trading positions between first, second, and third.

The event also highlighted strategic decisions off-track. Jones opted to run a secondary Nissan 370Z rather than his primary FD PRO Championship car, minimizing risk ahead of the next round in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Bakchis used the opportunity to gain seat time in the Aston Martin without compromising his main competition program.

Mechanical issues also played a role on Day 2, with Kasey Kohl and Trenton Beechum withdrawing early, resulting in bye runs that shaped the bracket heading into the Final 4.

A Proven Format in Long Beach

Super Drift remains an invitational exhibition event, separate from the PRO and PROSPEC Championship standings, but its format continues to work. With a reduced field, randomized battles, and back-to-back nights of competition, it delivers a tight, spectator-focused version of Formula DRIFT.

Held on the same Streets of Long Beach course that anchors the championship calendar, the event remains a key part of the Grand Prix weekend.

Formula DRIFT competition resumes with Round 2 of the PRO Championship at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on May 7-9, alongside the opening round of the PROSPEC Championship.

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