2026 Formula DRIFT Preview: Can Anyone Stop Shanahan?
After his stunning Long Beach debut victory, Conor Shanahan is the name on everyone's lips heading into the 2026 Formula DRIFT season. But DeNofa, Aasbø, and Deane all have unfinished business.
Conor Shanahan's victory at Long Beach has reset expectations for the 2026 Formula DRIFT season. The young Irishman arrived as an intriguing crossover from Drift Masters Europe; he's leaving Round 1 as the championship leader.
But eight rounds is a long season. Chelsea DeNofa, who finished second in Long Beach, knows this better than anyone — the RTR Mustang driver has finished runner-up in multiple FD championships and arrives in 2026 with a stronger car and a renewed hunger for the title.
Fredric Aasbø is perhaps the most dangerous threat. The Norwegian is a two-time Formula DRIFT champion who combines raw speed with an almost mechanical consistency. His third-place Long Beach result was his 27th career podium — a remarkable record that underlines why he is still considered one of the pre-season favourites.
James Deane, the closest thing competitive drifting has to a G.O.A.T., missed out on the top three in Long Beach but showed flashes of his best. With six wins in the last three seasons across FD and Drift Masters, the Worthouse ace rarely loses his way for long.
Round 2 heads to Orlando in May. The championship race is already electric.