The final round of Formula Drift 2026 has taken place, and while Tunerzine has kept its readers up to date on how the action went down, there are many more stories to tell. From expected and unexpected farewells to a podium adorned in the Irish Tricolour, the weekend gave fans, drivers, and teams plenty to remember.
The city of Long Beach was met with familiar sounds and sights on Shoreline Drive this past weekend, but one thing was different. For the first time in Formula Drift at Long Beach, the finale was held at night. Blue LEDs trimmed the jersey barriers, and floodlights lit up the track. Beams of light stretched from the track to the sky as drivers made their runs. Residents took to their balconies and watched the event unfold into the sunset. This round felt different.
Never Goodbye, See You Later
In one fell swoop, the audience witnessed three great drivers step away from Formula Drift. Although Simen Olsen, Adam LZ, and Ryan Tuerck each left for different reasons, a wave of emotion swept through the grandstands.
Simen Olsen addressed his fans on social media to break the news that he was stepping away from Formula Drift for the “foreseeable future.”
Olsen made his Formula Drift U.S. debut in 2021, winning Rookie of the Year, and is sure to be remembered for his rowdy style and even rowdier fans. At each event, there was always a section of Olsen and Aasbø fans cheering louder than the rest. Shoreline Showdown was no different. In a corner of the grandstands, a pocket of Norwegian flags waved proudly as Olsen took to the track. The mention of his name sent the flags flying, and fans around them joined in the rabble, embracing the contagious excitement.
Ryan Tuerck has a monumental presence in the world of Formula Drift. For those who’ve seen the scene grow, it’s easy to remember the early days of the East Coast crew of drivers aptly named Drift Alliance. Tuerck honed his drifting skills at Old Bridge Township Raceway, otherwise known as E-Town Raceway, in Englishtown, New Jersey, as early as 2003. By 2005, Tuerck was licensed as a Formula Drift driver.
To witness Tuerck’s final Formula Drift round was emotional. The Rain-X, Kenda Tire GR Corolla was the scalpel, and Tuerck was the surgeon. He got to work just like any other round, driving with precision and style, his years of experience on display through each run.
Unfortunately, Tuerck was knocked out in the Top 32 by Wataru Masuyama, pilot of the Jerry Yang Racing / Enjuku Racing / BC Racing EVA-RT GR86, following an intense battle that led the judges to call a One More Time. Ultimately, Tuerck lost the round, and Masuyama moved on to the Top 16.
The drivers hugged after the battle, and Tuerck took back to the track for an impressive burnout that smoked out the streets of Long Beach.
Following the Top 16 announcements, the track filled with drivers, their teams, and fans from the Formula Drift Fan Experience. Before the drivers dispersed, Formula Drift played a highlight compilation depicting Tuerck’s career throughout his 19 years of driving.
Among the highlights was a moment with his four-year-old son, Roman Tuerck, who stated he wanted to be “a race car driver just like ‘dada.’” Young Tuerck promptly followed it up with, “but in a different car—a Mustang.” The crowd erupted in awwws and laughter, while fellow Drift Alliance member Vaughn Gittin Jr. laughed and cheered, “Yeah!” at Roman’s choice of race car.
Ryan’s farewell was flooded with congratulatory hugs from his family, his motorsports family, and a line of fans.
Tuerck got behind the wheel of his race car and proceeded to give the crowd one final send around the track. This time, his burnout smoked out the county of Long Beach and gave the crowd a memory no one will soon forget.
As the night went on, the emotional rollercoaster continued.
After landing third on the podium for Round Eight, Adam LZ made his sudden departure announcement. LZ made his debut in 2020 and, with his charismatic and positive attitude, quickly became a fan favorite. His online presence widened Formula Drift’s audience overnight, and his competitive determination brought excitement to the track.
Round Eight was no different. His 2JZ-GTE-powered blue E36 BMW rode the wall with precision. Battle after battle, LZ drove with all the experience he had picked up throughout his career.
His third-place finish was well deserved, as opponents Derek Madison, Daniel Stuke, and drift veteran Ryan Litteral all attempted to best him. His matchup against Litteral in the Top 8 was one of the greatest-sounding battles at Shoreline Showdown. LZ’s 2JZ and Litteral’s RB26 echoed off the buildings in spectacular proportions. Litteral’s RB crackled and spat fire from the wastegate and exhaust, while the metallic spool of LZ’s boosted 2J sang its layered symphonic note to redline.
After securing his podium, LZ made his announcement to Formula Drift, shocking the audience. He expressed a desire to step away from the sport and focus on other endeavors before returning with his full attention on Formula Drift and the mentality it takes to become champion.
While fans and drivers were shocked, the reality settled in for the rest of the field: This was Adam LZ’s performance with partial focus. Drivers will have serious competition to look forward to when he makes his return.
Something in the Water: Cork, Ireland
The Formula Drift Championship podium featured three Irishmen: two brothers and their neighbor. Jack Shanahan took third place, James Deane took second, and Conor Shanahan, Jack’s younger brother, took first. All three proudly hail from Cork, Ireland, and showed the world that Ireland produces the greatest drifters on Earth right now.
During his podium interview with Formula Drift announcer Jared DeAnda, Jack Shanahan laughed and stated, “something’s definitely in the water in little ol’ Cork, Ireland.”
During his 2025 debut season, Jack was crowned Rookie of the Year and secured first place at Round Eight, Shoreline Showdown. He explained that he was proud of his team for making it to third place after building the Pulsar Turbos E82 BMW in just two weeks.
Jack ended his speech by expressing excitement for the next season and left the crowd with one final remark: “imagine what’ll happen when I get four weeks to build a car!”
James “The Machine” Deane is no stranger to the podium. A five-time Formula Drift champion, Deane is regarded by many as one of the greats. He thanked his team and sponsors for helping him make it to the podium and shared how proud he was to stand alongside his fellow countrymen and true friends. Deane explained that he taught Jack how to drift at just 12 years old and Conor at the age of nine.
Deane was excited to see the boys he grew up with sharing the podium with him now.
As Conor Shanahan took his place atop the podium, tears of joy and excitement welled up in his and his brother’s eyes, and the crowd cheered. The three exchanged hugs and cheers, Irish Tricolour flags draped across their backs like capes, as Conor was handed the first-place trophy. Camera shutters fluttered and flashes lit up the podium. Ireland had officially locked in first, second, and third place in the Formula Drift Championship.
Emotional, Conor began to thank his family, friends, and teammates. He spoke to his brother and thanked him for always pushing him higher. He further stated that, “if Jack does get four weeks to build a race car, then yeah—we’re all f-…” You get the gist.
Conor thanked Deane and his parents for always supporting his dream of becoming a Formula Drift champion. He recalled a time before he was drifting professionally, when he came over for dinner with Deane’s family and saw one of Deane’s championship trophies sitting on the table. He told both families that one day he would have one of his own, and he never doubted that he would become a Formula Drift champion.
Conor went on to thank his spotter, Mats Roland, and his builder, Jerry Yang Racing. He expressed his belief that Yang built the best drift car in the field and that Jerry Yang Racing deserved a trophy. He was proud to be the driver who brought it home.
He told a story about a promise he made to Yang after the 2025 season: If Yang gave him a shot and built him a race car, Conor would win the championship in two years. This was Conor’s third year competing in Formula Drift, but his first year behind a Jerry Yang Racing vehicle. He won ahead of schedule.
The air filled with champagne foam, cameras flashed, and the audience applauded. Deane and Jack Shanahan “overstayed their welcome” with champagne down the neck of Conor’s race suit. They laughed, and Conor laughed until he didn’t—they really are family.
The 2026 Formula Drift Championship at Shoreline Showdown was one to remember. Many more stories are sure to be shared in the upcoming season. Was it the luck of the Irish, or was it the skill of the Irish? One thing is certain—something’s in the water in Cork, Ireland.
GalleryPhotos by 3 Fold Collective
