Hosted where the Formula Drift season began in April, we ventured back to Long Beach for the second time in 2025. The new track layout leveled the playing field experience-wise since all drivers competing would be driving a totally new layout. Vaughn Gittin Jr. returned to compete in the final round with his Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, alongside his teammates Ben Hobson and newly crowned 2025 Champion James Deane.
MUSTANG RTR GLOBAL DEBUT
In case you missed it, on Wednesday, October 15th, at Race Service in Los Angeles, we unveiled the much-anticipated 2026 Mustang RTR. Featuring turbocharged power, Dark Horse components, and RTR attitude, the direct-from-Flat Rock Assembly Plant Mustang was globally debuted by Vaughn himself, surrounded by Mustang enthusiasts and media.
On Thursday, we gathered up the stallions, flicked on the underglow, and rode into the Type S Night Lights Formula Drift Pre-Meet at the Long Beach Convention Center.
There, fans met with Vaughn, James, and Ben, plus got up close and personal with the new 2026 Ford Mustang RTR.
RTR VEHICLES RECAP: FORMULA DRIFT ROUND 8 AT LONG BEACH 2
SEEDING
With Vaughn returning for this last round of the season, he started in the seeding bracket up against Rudy Hansen. Taking the win in his first battle of the weekend, he locked in his spot in the main show.
Vaughn worked his way through the seeding bracket, advancing to take on Dan Burkett for the win, and ultimately earning third overall in the seeding bracket after battling Ryan Litteral.
Ben Hobson's first battle was lined up against Jonathan Hurst, with Hurst taking the win. Since Ben was fourth overall in the seeding bracket to begin the event, his position earned him a ticket into Saturday's top 32.
Top 32
Kicking off Long Beach 2 with the first battle of the Top 32, James went head-to-head against Rudy Hansen, taking a unanimous victory and setting the tone for the rest of the event.
A few battles later, Ben Hobson had his work cut out for him going up against Dylan Hughes. After playing it smart in the chase and laying down a heater of a lead run, Ben earned the judges' unanimous vote to advance to the Top 16.
On the other side of the Top 32 bracket, Vaughn battled it out with FD veteran Ryan Tuerck. After making a few adjustments to his line in the lead position, a tap with the tire marbles on track led to a brush with a wall and Tuerck taking the win.
Top 16
Heading into the Top 16, James had an amazing battle with Tommy Lemaire, resulting in a natural split from the judges (one James, one Tommy, and one “one more time”). After running it back, Deane earned his second unanimous victory of the top 32.
In his third match of the weekend, Ben Hobson was now up against Fredric Aasbo. With confidence high from the top 32, Ben put in the work to earn an OMT call from one judge, but ultimately ended with two judges sliding towards Aasbo to take the win.
Great 8
Heading into the Great 8, Deane was now set to battle Connor O’Sullivan. James delivered two back-to-back clean runs, earning his pathway to the Final 4 and a guaranteed podium.
Final 4
Knowing he had to bring his A-Game, James was now stacked up against Hiroya Minowa. Starting in the lead position, James pushed his Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD to the limits, executing a near-flawless run. In the chase position, a slight over-rotation led to Minowa earning the win.
A THIRD CONSECUTIVE RTR CHAMPIONSHIP
In Formula Drift’s 22-year history, 2025 marked the first time the PRO championship was decided before the final round. James Deane’s stellar season locked in his fifth overall Formula Drift Championship during Round 7 in Utah back in August. Now, Ford Mustang and RTR hold 5 championship titles, two with Vaughn Gittin Jr. in 2010 and 2020, one with Chelsea DeNofa in 2023, and two with James Deane in 2024 and now 2025.
