Jack Shanahan Claims Top Qualifying Spot in Long Beach
The driver leads a field of thirty-one competitors into the final Formula DRIFT PRO heats.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Motorsports
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Jack Shanahan secured the first qualifying position at the Formula DRIFT PRO event in Long Beach. Thirty-one drivers successfully qualified to advance to the Top 32 competition.
Why it matters
The championship title remains undecided as Conor Shanahan holds a 47-point lead over James Deane entering the final heats. Branden Sorensen is now out of title contention following his fifth-place qualifying result.
Formula DRIFT PRO qualifying utilizes UDSM technology to score 80 percent of a driver's run, with judges providing the remaining 20 percent. Thirty-one drivers qualified for the bracket.
The players
Jack Shanahan
He is a professional drift driver who secured the first qualifying position at the Long Beach event.
Conor Shanahan
He is the current championship leader heading into the final round of the Formula DRIFT PRO series.
James Deane
He is a professional drifter currently pursuing the championship title from second place in the standings.
Branden Sorensen
He is a professional drifter who is now out of contention for the championship title.
Cole Richards
He is a competitor in the Rookie of the Year standings currently leading his primary rival.
The details
Jack Shanahan earned a bye run through the first heats of the Top 32 competition by securing the top spot. Conor Shanahan also earned two championship points by finishing third in qualifying.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Formula DRIFT PRO qualifying results were announced.
October 25, 2026: Top 32 competition heats are scheduled to take place.
Season Trajectory
This event marks the final determination of the 2026 FD PRO Championship season. The outcome of these heats will dictate whether Conor Shanahan secures the title or if a late surge by James Deane or Jack Shanahan alters the standings.
Conor Shanahan will claim the 2026 FD PRO Championship if his primary title rivals fail to win the final round. Conversely, James Deane and Jack Shanahan must win their respective Top 32 heats and the final round to have a chance at the title.
The takeaway
The use of automated scoring technology highlights the increasing precision required to compete at the professional level. Spectators should monitor the upcoming heat results closely to see if the current points leader maintains his advantage.
Further reading
Find more updates on the Motorsports hub for the latest results.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RACER.
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