10 Things We Learned From Formula Drift Atlanta
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Webb Looked Right At Home
If you haven’t been paying attention to Jason Webb, it’s officially time to wake up. After a massive performance this weekend, the South African wheelman proved exactly why he belongs on the Formula Drift grid by securing an incredible second-place finish on the podium.
But for Webb, the road to FD silver was anything but an overnight success story.
Growing up in Cape Town, South Africa, Webb systematically dismantled the local drifting scene, racking up an impressive four National Championships. He built a reputation for fearless, aggressive driving, a style that caught the world's attention when he went door-to-door against the legendary Daigo Saito at the 2018 Gymkhana Grid event.
Looking for the next big challenge, Webb relocated to Canada in 2023, bringing his wild Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Mustang across the pond with him. His sights were set firmly on Formula Drift, but breaking into the highest echelon of the sport proved to be a grind. Webb petitioned the series for his pro license in 2024 but was initially declined. Instead of backing down, he kept pushing, continued developing the car, and was finally granted his FD license in 2025.
To ensure the RHD Mustang was a competitive force on the grid, Webb made a massive strategic move: bringing former Formula Drift Pro driver Justin Pawlak (JTP) into the fold. If there is anyone on the planet who knows how to make a Mustang dance at the pro level, it’s JTP. Pawlak’s veteran insight has been instrumental in dialing in the car's setup and refining the team’s overall program.
That partnership paid massive dividends this weekend. With a perfectly sorted chassis and JTP’s tactical guidance in his corner, Webb drove like a man possessed, slicing through the bracket to claim the second step on the podium.
Webb has officially arrived, and with the JTP-backed Mustang program running at full song, the rest of the grid better be taking notes.
The Kid Can Wheel
At just 15 years old, Braden Lons is making his rookie debut in Formula Drift ProSpec. He earned his professional license through a dominant run in Full Lock Drift ProAm, where he secured the top qualifying spot and a first-place podium at every single round. Braden’s first laps in Formula Drift saw him navigating the unpredictable wet and dry conditions of Road Atlanta. After fighting his way through the seeding bracket to claim his first victory, he looked strong heading into competition day. However, mechanical trouble struck during the Top 16; clutch issues ultimately led to his elimination against Camren Sorensen.
Conor vs Jack
Sibling rivalry hit a fever pitch as Connor and Jack Shanahan went door-to-door in an absolute masterclass of drifting. Both brothers pushed their machines to the limit, but it was Jack who stole the breath of the crowd with lighting-fast transitions and a chase so tight there wasn't room for a coat of paint between them. However, in this game of inches, a slight bobble at the start of the run sent Jack wide, a split-second error that ultimately handed the victory to Connor.
Gittin Returns
It was arguably the biggest highlight of the entire weekend: the return of two-time Formula Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. During practice, Vaughn admitted he was struggling to find his rhythm, noting that with the recent technical changes James and the team made to the Mustangs, he "didn't know how to drive the car." However, he clearly mastered the learning curve when it mattered most. He adapted instantly, throwing down a phenomenal qualifying run with a 75.10 to secure 12th place and prove that the RTR boss hasn't lost his touch. Ultimately, he won the entire event.
Sorensen Still Has The Juice
Branden Sorensen is continually a consistent threat to the Formula Drift Pro field. He has consistently demonstrated that he has what it takes to battle the best of the world and currently sits in 4th in the driver championship.
Forsberg vs Richards
An exciting three battles between a veteran of Formula Drift Pro and rookie Cole Richards brought in some action that shows that the new talent coming up from ProSpec has the ability to be competitive against the champions. We’ve seen it in years past and this is no different. Forcing not one but two one more time battles against a three time Formula Drift champion that the young Cole Richards has what it takes to continue to be successful in years to come. It also shows that although he has been in Formula Drift for over 20 years, Chris Forsberg still holds the edge and can pull out a victory in hard fought battles such as these. At one point he almost passed Richards on an inside clip which made the crowd go absolutely nuts!
Bakchis New Chassis
Odi Bakchis continues his season with his new chassis and engine set up. He is looking comfortable in his Feal Suspension BRZ currently sitting in 3rd in the driver championship.
James Deane Bounces Back
As the only five-time Formula Drift Champion, the question on everyone’s mind is: can James Deane maintain his absolute dominance over the field? His season got off to an uncharacteristically slow start in Long Beach, where he was knocked out in the Top 16 by returning pro Diego Higa. However, Deane found his rhythm by Round 2 at Road Atlanta, fighting his way through the bracket to the finals.
His showdown against Vaughn Gittin Jr. was the definition of drifting at its finest. While Deane has knocked the "RTR Boss" out in the Top 32 for the past two years, his mindset this time was different. Post-event, Deane admitted he wasn't focused on the points, he just wanted to go out and have the best time possible battling his teammate. He proved exactly that during his chase run; after a wild moment where he went off-track, Deane aggressively muscled his Mustang back onto the pavement, sticking it right to Gittin’s door and staying pinned there all the way to the finish line.
Matt Field's Bad Luck
Matt Field continues his relentless pursuit of the championship’s top spot. This year, he’s
expanding his influence within the Formula Drift field, no pun intended, by bringing fellow C6 Corvette driver Christian Cotorone into the Drift Cave team. But despite his focus on growth and consistency, his weekend took a violent turn during a battle with Ken Gushi. As Gushi crowded him toward the finish line, Field ended up in the wall, sustaining heavy damage. Despite a hard-fought effort in the pits, the team was unable to repair the Corvette in time for his Top 16 showdown against Dylan Hughes, ending his weekend prematurely.
Ryan Tuerck's Swan Song
Many fans are watching Ryan Tuerck closely after he announced this would be his last full season competing in Formula Drift. He has always been a hard charger and a great contender for a championship but just couldn’t quite pull it off. He sits in 11th place in the driver’s championship at the moment.
