The 2026 Formula Drift season opened in dramatic fashion on the streets of Long Beach, CA. With new technology, new drivers, and major changes across the series, fans were expecting a fresh start.
What they got was an emotional and unpredictable event that delivered surprises from the very first round.
Conor Shanahan Takes Victory in Long Beach Opener
Conor Shanahan opened the 2026 Formula Drift season with a major win on the streets of Long Beach. Shanahan took the top spot on the podium, with Fredric Aasbo finishing second and his brother Jack Shanahan securing third.
The outcome surprised many fans. Reigning champion James Deane entered the event as the favorite after qualifying first, but his run ended early in the Top 16 after a loss to Diego Higa.
Higa showed strong pace throughout the weekend and looked like a serious contender before Shanahan eliminated him in the Top 8.
Shanahan’s path to victory was far from smooth. He was close to being knocked out in the Top 32 following a tandem drift collision with Ken Gushi.
After review, judges called for a rerun, giving Shanahan another opportunity to stay in the competition. He capitalized on the second chance and continued advancing through each round.
“What a day, full of emotion! It was a rough start with the big crash in Top 32, but I was very happy the judges decided to go one more time.” The win marked his second career victory and a strong start to the season with his new team, Jerry Yang Racing, driving the Red Bull / GT Radial / JYR Toyota GT86.
The Culture Behind the Smoke and Speed
Formula Drift is more than just what happens on the track. It has become a major gathering for car culture, bringing together fans, builders, and brands in one place. The Long Beach event delivered a full experience that went beyond the competition and created a strong sense of community.
Fans had the chance to attend local car meets around the event, where enthusiasts showed off their builds and connected with others who share the same passion. Meet and greet sessions gave fans direct access to drivers, while a driver parade allowed teams to showcase their cars before the competition began.
The paddock area also served as a marketplace for aftermarket parts and performance upgrades. Major brands like HKS, Toyota Gazoo Racing, Bride, and Volk Racing were present, giving fans the opportunity to see products up close and even purchase parts directly from the companies themselves.
Another highlight was the track walk experience. During intermission, fans were allowed onto the course to see the layout and zones from the driver’s perspective.
All of these elements combined to make Formula Drift more than a competition, turning it into a full event that blends motorsport, lifestyle, and car culture.
Car Creators Draw Crowds Off The Track
The Long Beach round also featured major names from the automotive content world. YouTuber TJ Hunt was present at the event, drawing crowds at the Meguiar’s booth where he hosted a meet and greet. He later continued appearances at the K&N booth, giving fans more chances to connect with him.
TJ Hunt showcased his Ferrari 488 GT3 EVO, which stood out as one of the most talked-about cars at the event.
The car features real GT3 race bodywork and was presented in a special Meguiar’s anniversary livery. Fans were able to see the car up close, making it one of the highlights of the paddock area.
Legendary photographer Larry Chen was also in attendance, documenting the event and sharing his passion for car culture.
He brought attention to his personal builds, including his Nissan Bayside Blue R34 GTR, which has been professionally restored, and his Toyota Mark V A90 Supra.
The Supra serves as his drift chase car and is equipped with camera rigs mounted on the hood and fenders, along with performance upgrades that allow him to drive alongside professional drivers to capture close action shots.
Formula Drift Moves Forward After Explosive Start
With Round 1 complete, attention now turns to the next stop in Atlanta, scheduled for May 7 through May 9. Drivers will look to build momentum as the season continues across new and returning venues.
The season will eventually return to Long Beach for the final Shoreline Showdown on October 23 through October 24.
After an intense and emotional opening round, fans can expect even more action as the championship battle unfolds throughout the year.
Submit a Tip or Correction
If you spotted an error in one of our stories or want to share additional details, we’d love to hear from you. RōdoHouse also welcomes brands, photographers, and creators interested in partnerships or collaborations.
Contact