FDSEA 2024

Words and photos by Ernie Ventenilla

In Round 6 of the 2024 Formula Drift Pro Championship in Seattle, the competition saw several significant developments that could influence the season's outcome.

Ryan Tuerck's victory was the standout moment, as he managed to clinch his first win since 2022. Driving a Toyota GR Corolla equipped with a six-cylinder turbo engine, Tuerck showcased a return to form by defeating top drivers like Matt Field and Aurimas Bakchis ultimately advancing to the final round against Hiroya Minowa. Minowa, a 14-year-old drifting prodigy, had been impressive throughout the event, defeating Adam LZ and others to reach the final. Unfortunately, an electrical issue forced Minowa to forfeit the final match, allowing Tuerck to take the win without a head-to-head battle.

Minowa's performance has been one of the season's biggest stories. His second consecutive podium finish moved him to third place in the overall standings and further solidified his position as the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year. Adam LZ, who also made a remarkable recovery by returning with a newly built BMW after a severe crash in St. Louis, managed to secure third place. This result bumped him up to fifth in the championship standings.

The current championship leader, James Deane, had an uncharacteristically early exit in the Top 16 after a mistake in his run against Jeff Jones. Despite this, Deane maintains a significant lead in the championship standings with 496 points, ahead of Bakchis and Minowa. However, with only two rounds left, competitors like Bakchis and Minowa will be pushing hard to close the gap.

As the season progresses to Round 7 in Utah, the championship race is still very much alive, with several drivers eager to challenge Deane's dominance. The final rounds promise intense battles as Tuerck seeks to continue his resurgence and Minowa looks to make history as a teenage champion.