The RTR Drift Team rolled into St. Louis for Round 5 of the Formula Drift Championship with big energy and serious momentum. After grabbing a podium finish in Englishtown, James Deane came into the weekend sitting third overall in the championship points. Ben Hobson, consistently proving himself against the best in the series, was ready to throw down in front of a packed house at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Both drivers debuted a refreshed look on their Mustang RTR Spec 5-FDs, giving fans something new to check out. Let us know what you think about the new look in the comments!
Ben Hobson Battles Hard in Top 32
Ben Hobson’s Top 32 match-up was no easy draw. He lined up against Frederic Aasbo. Despite the challenge, Ben put up a solid battle, but the judges ultimately gave the win to Aasbo. While Ben didn’t advance, his driving showed growth and control that keeps him in the mix as a serious contender. With each round, he's gaining confidence and experience behind the wheel of his Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD
James Deane Goes All the Way to the Top Step on the Podium
Because of his strong finish in Englishtown, James Deane secured a Top 16 spot and didn’t have to run a Top 32 battle. His first opponent of the night was Ryan Tuerck—a seasoned veteran and tough competitor. James laid down a solid lead run and then delivered a composed chase to move on to the Great 8.
There, he faced Rome Charpentier.. James held his ground and executed two clean runs that kept the pressure on, earning him a ticket to the Final Four.
The next battle was a big one. James versus his main competitor for the Formula Drift Championship points lead, Frederic Aasbo. Every move counted. James delivered a smooth and committed lead while sticking close in the chase. It was enough to claim victory over Aasbo and send James into the Final.
The final showdown was an all-Irish battle between James and Jack Shanahan. These two go way back, and it was clear there was mutual respect as they lined up. James put down a killer lead run. Jack made a small mistake during one of his transitions, which opened the door. James stayed locked in and crossed the finish line with the win. Not only was it a big victory for the team, but also a proud moment for James, who shared just how stoked he was to see Jack rising through the ranks and showing what he's capable of in his Formula Drift rookie season.
Championship Points Update and What’s Next for the RTR Drift Team
With the win in St. Louis, James Deane is now tied for first place in the 2025 Formula Drift Championship with Frederic Aasbo at 180 points. With only three rounds left in the season, the battle for the championship is heating up in a major way.
Ben continues to gain traction and experience, and the entire RTR Drift Team is pushing hard to finish strong. Keep your eyes on both drivers as we head into the final stretch of the season. See you all at Round 6 of the Formula Drift Championship in Seattle!
