Highlights of 2025 Formula Drift Final Round and James Deane Celebrated at The Formula Drift Season Finale at Long Beach, by G.C. RR Lopez @724.media @formulad #fdlb2 #fdlb

October 21, 2025

Highlights of 2025 Formula Drift Final Round and James Deane Celebrated at The Formula Drift Season Finale at Long Beach, by G.C. RR Lopez 

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  • Event: 2025 Formula Drift Round 8 Final
  • Date: 2025.1017, 1018
  • Location: Long Beach, CA
  • Photo Credit: RR Lopez / IG: @724.media
  • Copywriter: Py Pai and AI Services 

 

Long Beach, CA – The 2025 Formula Drift season drew to a spectacular close, leaving fans and enthusiasts eager for what’s to come. The season dawned with a captivating scene—morning fog lingering over the track, creating an almost mystical atmosphere, while the full day sun eventually burned through the haze, illuminating the intense competition that would unfold. This year’s final rounds were held once again at the iconic Long Beach, a location that continues to be the heartbeat of American drifting and a firm favorite among drivers and fans alike.

Throughout the season, the battles on the asphalt were fierce and spicy, showcasing adrenaline-fueled performances that pushed the limits of both driver skill and vehicle capabilities. The competition was marked by dramatic turns, unexpected tricks, and edge-of-the-seat moments that kept spectators on their toes from start to finish. The intensity of the rivalry demonstrated the high level of talent present in the sport, making this season one of the most thrilling in recent history.

The newly re-introduced Long Beach location for Round 8, dubbed the “Shoreline Showdown,” proved to be a challenging and technical course, encouraging daring proximity battles and showcasing the sheer skill of the world’s best drift drivers.

Thick Smoke, Falling Debris, and Surging Adrenaline 

     

The 2025 Formula Drift season culminated in an exhilarating display of drifting skill, high-speed action, and motorsport spectacle. Fans were treated to nail-biting drifting maneuvers, where each driver pushed their vehicles to the absolute limit, creating trails of smoke that painted the track with intensity and drama. The event showcased vast horsepower and aggressive driving styles, drawing in crowds eager to witness the thrill of controlled chaos at breakneck speeds. 

Prominent pro drivers, including iconic figures like Fredric Aasbo, Ken Gushi, Vaughn Gittin Jr., and many others, delivered jaw-dropping performances that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Each competitor demonstrated their mastery of car control and finesse, turning the arena into a battleground of skill and bravery. The high speeds and dramatic slides showcased not only the power of the machines but also the drivers’ incredible courage, as they navigated tight corners and hairpin turns with precision against those unforgiving k-rails.

High Drama and Carnage

 

Despite the sporting excitement, the season was not without its moments of drama and tension. On and off the track, the eventful year saw incidents that underscored the unpredictable nature of motorsport. The Long Beach track was relentless, with battles pushing man and machine to their absolute limits. The level of competition was intense, resulting in significant car damage for several top contenders. 

Noted among the casualties was two-time champion Vaughn Gittin Jr., whose Monster Energy Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD suffered damage to the rear during his battles, a tough pill to swallow to his final round appearance. The drama wasn’t confined to the track, as reports of a car catching fire in the lot, and the bravery of teams and safety crews who manage such crises swiftly.—a stark reminder of the extreme engineering and heat generated in professional drifting—underscored the raw, visceral nature of the sport.

Deane’s Unprecedented Dominance

 

The 2025 Formula Drift season has been one of the most extraordinary and memorable in the history of the sport. From the very beginning, it was evident that this season would be marked by impressive performances, record-breaking achievements, and dramatic moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Among the most notable developments was James Deane's commanding dominance on the track. By the time the season reached its seventh round, Deane had already secured enough points to clinch the championship—an unprecedented feat in the sport’s history. This victory in Round 7 in Utah, a feat never before accomplished in the series’ 22-year history. Piloting the AutoZone Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD. This also made him the first driver to achieve a fifth title, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest drifters of all time. Deane's performance this season was a testament to his skill, consistency, and unwavering focus, setting new standards for excellence in the sport. 

Halftime and Driver Autograph Session 

      

Meanwhile, the event's halftime and opening ceremony provided a welcome respite from the intense action. These lighter moments offered fans an opportunity to enjoy entertainment, camaraderie, and celebration, adding to the festive atmosphere of the event.  

Shanahan Secures the Showdown

With the Championship crown claimed, the final Round 8 victory was up for grabs, and it was another Irishman, Jack Shanahan, who clinched the victory. The young driver had a phenomenal final round, driving his Kumho Tires BMW 1 Series to his first-ever Round win, and in the process, also locking up the Rookie of the Year title. Shanahan’s win came after a spectacular run through the bracket, proving his place among the elite.

Smoke Cleared, Debris Fallen, and Normal Pulses Restored  

 

The 2025 Formula DRIFT season has been a truly spectacular display of skill, passion, and engineering, defined by record-breaking dominance and fiery, car-door-to-car-door battles. As the tire smoke clears over Long Beach, the drifting world looks forward to the next year, eager to see who will step up to challenge the reign of the new five-time champion and what new talent will emerge.

2025 has been a great season, and we eagerly look forward to next year!

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