Formula DRIFT rolled into World Wide Technology Raceway with both PRO and PROSPEC Championships past their halfway marks, and the sense of urgency was tangible. The new layout in St. Louis upped the ante with faster transitions and less margin for error. Every inch closer meant a bigger risk of ending the weekend early.
In PROSPEC, Nate Chen finally put the pieces together and claimed his first FD victory after a string of promising but unfinished business runs since joining the series. Chen’s run to the top included decisive wins against DJ Stubstad, Adam Knapik, and Alex Jagger, before a dramatic Final against New Jersey winner Cole Richards. Richards dropped a tire in OZ1, launching his GR86 off-line and handing the win to Chen. “It was a crazy weekend with intense battles, some contact, collisions and interesting driving from competitors, but ultimately, we took it to the top!” Chen said after the podium. Now in a three-way tie with Richards and Dmitriy Brutskiy, the final round in Utah is shaping up to be a heavyweight clash.
Meanwhile, the PRO bracket delivered another reminder of why James Deane remains a problem for anyone chasing a championship. A late-night showdown with fellow Irishman Jack Shanahan in the Final made for a fitting conclusion. Shanahan, riding momentum from earlier upsets, held his own, but a small misstep in OZ2 while chasing Deane tipped the scale. Deane’s clean runs sealed his second win of the season and brought him to a tied position in points with Fredric Aasbo.
Shanahan’s runner-up finish was more than just a strong result - it launched him from 19th to 8th in the overall standings and cemented his Rookie of the Year lead. “It felt like practice day. I knew it would be fun,” Deane reflected on their match-up, noting their long-time friendship and shared drifting history.
Elsewhere in PRO, Dylan Hughes made a welcome return to form with a fourth-place finish, while LZ stayed in the title conversation despite a Top 8 exit. On the opposite end, Odi Bakchis had a weekend to forget, exiting early and falling out of the top five.
Off the track, the Tuning365 Tour showcase brought its own energy to the infield. More than 80 vehicles filled the car show portion of the venue, giving attendees a taste of local and regional talent. St. Louis native and PASMAG BattleMaster Luke Skalisius anchored the Tour stop in his own backyard, bringing multiple cars from his fleet and representing PASMAG on-site. From track battles to street builds, FD STL had no shortage of stories.
Photography supplied by Megan Fairless (@megyatron)
With Seattle up next for PRO and the Utah finale looming for PROSPEC, the title picture is anything but clear. But after St. Louis, the momentum - and pressure - are higher than ever.
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