Tire Smoke, Rivalries, and a New Rulebook: Englishtown Gambler Round 3 Brings the Heat to Raceway Park
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Englishtown, NJ – August 2025 – This past weekend, the infamous Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, once again transformed the road course into a battleground for some of the fiercest tire-slaying action on the East Coast. Round 3 of the Englishtown Gambler Drift Series brought an electric atmosphere, as grassroots heroes, seasoned pros, and drifting legends converged for a high-octane showdown filled with heated rivalries, big names, and a twist in the rulebook that reshaped the competition.
As fans packed the grandstands and the scent of burnt rubber filled the air, all eyes were on the unique blend of personalities and talent that make the Gambler Series a standout on the grassroots drift calendar. The event’s reputation for attracting top-tier talent while keeping a laid-back, street-style vibe was evident, with a lineup that mixed the professionals with some of the up and coming drivers.
One of the defining characteristics of the Drift Gambler series is its strict 235mm tire width limit, a rule designed to level the playing field and keep the focus on driver skill over horsepower. By capping tire size, the series limits grip, forcing competitors to rely on car control, finesse, and line choice rather than brute-force acceleration. This rule has become a cornerstone of the Gambler’s grassroots ethos which encourages tighter tandems. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, everyone plays by the same traction-limiting rule
Round 3 of the Englishtown Gambler welcomed a host of heavy hitters to Raceway Park’s revered drift course. Among the headliners was Formula Drift Champion Chelsea DeNofa, whose presence alone had fans buzzing well before the tires hit the pavement. Known for his aggressive driving style, technical precision, and charismatic presence both on and off the track. YouTube car culture personality Jimmy Oakes also joined the field on Saturday. Known for his approachable personality, detailed builds, and hands-on driving experience, Oakes brought a grassroots authenticity that resonated with fans lining the fences.
Adding a strategic curveball to this round was a significant rule change that altered how drivers approached the entire weekend: only one qualifying run and only one “One More Time” (OMT) allowed per battle. This move, aimed at tightening up the flow of the event and forcing drivers to bring their best immediately, proved controversial but undeniably impactful.
Under the traditional format, drivers often have two qualifying runs to lay down their best score and up to multiple “One More Time” battles in the event of a draw. However, the Round 3 change meant there was no safety net. One chance to qualify.
What sets the Englishtown Gambler apart from other drift events isn’t just the talent or the venue. it’s the culture. There’s a sense of controlled chaos that makes every round feel like a party with a purpose. The paddock is a mix of seasoned teams with enclosed trailers and independent drivers turning wrenches under pop-up tents. There were food trucks, ice cream and even an American themed car show hosted by Los Goonies.
Unlike traditional pro events where access is limited, the Gambler series thrives on community engagement. Drivers like Jimmy Oakes and Nate Chen were frequently seen chatting with fans, signing merch, and even lending tools to competitors. That grassroots energy is what keeps the Gambler Series growing—and what makes every round feel like a family reunion with tire smoke.
As Round 3 wraps up and the smoke clears over Raceway Park, the Gambler Series continues to cement itself as a must-attend event for both drivers and fans alike. With each round delivering bigger names, closer battles, and unexpected twists, like the new qualifying rules, it’s clear the organizers aren’t afraid to shake things up to keep the series fresh and fiercely competitive.
One thing’s for sure, if Round 3 is any indication, Round 4 will be just as exciting.
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