A day full of surprises and triumphs at Evergreen Speedway
On a sunny Friday, Evergreen Speedway became the epicenter of adrenaline and precision as Round 6 of the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship unfolded in thrilling fashion. Dubbed Type S Throw Down, the event attracted the best drivers from around the world, all vying for supremacy in one of motorsport’s most demanding and exciting disciplines.
As fans filled the stands, eagerly awaiting the action, the K&N PRO Seeding Bracket took center stage. This crucial round decided the final placings in the top 32 competitive races to be held on Saturday. The stakes were high, and the Seeding Bracket was the last opportunity for drivers to secure their spots in the weekend’s main race.
Sunny skies, hot competition
The weather on Friday was ideal for drifting – sunny, hot and just a light breeze made for a pleasant atmosphere. The conditions set the stage for some intense battles on track where precise driving and flawless execution would make the difference between going through and going home.
With the top 24 spots already decided by the results of Round 5, the seeding bracket was the final hurdle for those still hanging in the balance. Places 25 to 32 were decided by a series of tandem runs, with the top eight competitors securing their spots in the main event.
The seeding bracket promised tough competition, but also brought some surprises. Several riders were absent from the first heats, giving some lucky riders unexpected free runs. Beneficiaries of these no-shows included Daniel Stuke (USA), Derek Madison (USA), Robert Thorne (USA) and Federico Sceriffo (Italy), all of whom advanced without having to fight in the early rounds.
The difficult decision of a champion
One of the most important developments of the day was the absence of Formula DRIFT PROSPEC champion Ben Hobson (USA). Having battled through a difficult season, Hobson made the difficult decision to withdraw from the seeding bracket following a scary incident during a practice run. The champion had hit his head and after careful consideration decided to withdraw from the competition to focus on his health and recovery.
Hobson’s withdrawal added a layer of melancholy to an already difficult season. For fans and competitors, it was a stark reminder of the risks inherent in a sport that demands so much of its participants.
Mike Power takes first place
The winner of the seeding bracket was Mike Power (USA) in his Power Racing Nissan S15. Power’s performance was nothing short of dominant as he mastered the challenging course and defeated every opponent he faced. His first place in the seeding bracket earned him 25th place in the top 32 competitive heats, where he will face rookie sensation Conor Shanahan (Ireland) on Saturday.
Power’s path through the seeding bracket was marked by precision and control, qualities that will be crucial as he prepares for his upcoming battle against Shanahan, a driver who has quickly made a name for himself in the Formula DRIFT series.
Alec Robbins: Aggression meets precision
Second place in the seeding bracket went to Alec Robbins (USA), driving the Robbins Race Co Nissan 350Z. Robbins showed aggressive driving throughout the day, pushing his car to the limit on every tandem run. However, in the final battle against Power, Robbins made a series of small but costly mistakes that ultimately gave his competitor the win.
Despite the loss, Robbins secured a solid second place, securing a thrilling duel with local hero Dylan Hughes (USA) in the top 32. Fans can expect fireworks when these two drivers meet, as both are known for their fearless approach to drifting.
Robert Thorne’s steady rise
Completing the top three was Robert Thorne (USA), driving the ASM E46 BMW M3. Thorne’s performance in the seeding bracket was consistent and calculated, allowing him to finish third and secure his place in the top 32. His next challenge will be a duel against Adam LZ (USA), which promises to be an exciting battle of the BMWs.
Adam LZ, who suffered a devastating crash in the previous round that destroyed his LZMFG E36 BMW, is set for a dramatic comeback. With a new E36 body that his team has hastily prepared, LZ will be looking to make a strong statement in Round 6. Thorne will have to do his best to overcome LZ’s new determination.
Unexpected eliminations
The seeding bracket was not without its share of disappointments. Due to the large number of no-shows, only three riders were eliminated from the competition: Rudy Hansen (USA), Dmitriy Brutskiy and Andy Hateley (USA). These riders saw their hopes of advancing dashed in a series of intense and hard-fought heats.
For Hansen, Brutskiy and Hateley, the Type S Throw Down ended earlier than hoped, but their participation added to the drama and excitement of the day and highlighted the unpredictable nature of Formula DRIFT.
outlook
With the seeding bracket complete, all eyes now turn to Saturday’s Top 32 competition. The stage is set for a day of high-speed action as the world’s best drifters battle it out for the chance to stand on the top of the podium. The duels promise to be thrilling, with seasoned veterans and rising stars ready to give it their all on the track.
Evergreen Speedway is known for producing some of the most memorable moments in Formula DRIFT history, and Round 6 of the 2024 PRO Championship looks set to be no exception. As the sun sets over Monroe, anticipation builds for a day of unforgettable competition. The Type S Throw Down is ready to live up to its name, delivering the kind of thrilling, heart-pounding action that has made Formula DRIFT a global phenomenon.
ROUND 6 PER SEEDING BRACKET
POSITION/NAME
1 Mike Kraft
2 Alec Robbins
3 Robert Thorne
4 Derek Madison
5 Daniel Stuke
6 Kyle Mohan
7 Federico Sceriffo
8 Forest Wang
9 Rudy Hansen
10 Andy Hatley
11 Dmitri Brutsky
