Jack Shanahan claims his first FD win

Jack Shanahan claims his first Round win and secures Rookie of the Year on the new, purpose-built Formula DRIFT Long Beach Street Course.

Taking place on a new course constructed by Formula DRIFT on the Streets of Long Beach, Round 8 of the 2025 FD PRO Championship: Shoreline Showdown was designed to be highly technical with seven Outside Zones, encouraging close competition as well as clear views and increased seating for the capacity crowd.

For the first time in Formula DRIFT’s 22-year history, the PRO Championship had been decided at the previous Round 7 in Utah when James Deane became the first five-time FD PRO Champion. But he didn’t fly to California to watch from the bleachers…

The Final 4 represented so much of what makes Formula DRIFT a unique and compelling sport. Jack Shanahan took his first Round victory and claimed Rookie of the Year. Sixteen year-old Hiroya Minowa represents the future of the sport and placed second. James Deane finished third after an uncharacteristic mistake but extended his lead even further in the 2025 PRO Championship. And fourth place Ryan Tuerck (USA) represents the origins of the series, achieving his best result of the season as he awaits the birth of his second child.

Shanahan wrapped up the Rookie title by winning his Top 16 heat against LZ (USA) but he powered on, beating Simen Olsen (Norway) in the Top 8 and Tuerck in the Final 4. Sadly, a mechanical issue for Minowa’s Toyota robbed us of the Final Shoreline Showdown, but Shanahan finished his Rookie season an impressive sixth overall with two podiums to his credit

“It’s been a hell of a season fighting to get the first win. We’ve struggled with the car but it’s been better than ever today,” Shanahan reflected during the awards ceremony.

Minowa finished fourth overall in his Rookie 2024 season and repeated the feat this year after capturing his first Round win in Orlando – making him the youngest driver in FD history to claim the top step.

Deane completed the most dominant season in Formula DRIFT history, wrapping up the PRO Championship before the Final Round for the first time in 22 years. He also claimed his fifth PRO title – making him the most successful driver in FD history. It also represents the fifth title for RTR Motorsports – Deane and Vaughn Gittin Jr each have two Championships while Chelsea DeNofa scored one for the team. In fact, RTR has won the last three PRO Championships with DeNofa in 2023 and Deane in 2024 and now 2025.

Deane seemed destined to reach the Round 8 Final but made a rare mistake as the car over-rotated exiting Outside Zone 6 while chasing Minowa. Despite the error, Deane claimed his seventh podium from the eight-round season. 

There was a tight battle for the remaining Championship places behind Deane, with Matt Field (USA) in second, LZ and Fredric Aasbo (Norway) tied in third, and Minowa in fourth. With only ten points separating second from third, and ten points available for each heat win, the places weren’t settled until the Final heats. The season concluded with Field retaining second from Aasbo in third. Minowa was equal on points with LZ but took fourth thanks to his Round win.

In the 2025 Formula DRIFT Auto Cup, Toyota has again claimed the title by a significant margin thanks to Aasbo and the other leading Toyota drivers.

“To be celebrating our tenth Formula DRIFT Auto Cup is truly astounding and is a monumental feat for Toyota,” said Paul Doleshal, general manager, sponsorships and motorsports, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). “We couldn’t be more thankful nor prouder of our teams and drivers for what they’ve accomplished this season, adding another chapter to Toyota’s legendary success across global motorsports. We look forward to much more drifting success in the years to come.”

Similarly, GT Radial has won the 2025 Tire Cup by a considerable margin thanks to drivers such as Field and Minowa.

“Winning the Tire Manufacturer’s Cup is an incredible honor and a testament to the performance and reliability of our tires—proudly made in the USA. This achievement reflects the hard work of our entire team and the dedication of the drivers who trust our product to perform at the highest level. We’re proud to be part of the Formula DRIFT community and excited for what’s ahead,” said Mike Meeiem – Motorsports Sales and Marketing Manager.

ROUND 8 FD PRO TOP 16 DRIVER POINTS

2025 FD PRO TOP 16 CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

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