The Long Road to Atlanta: Our First Formula Drift Podium Finish

After an unforgettable 4-day, 4,000 km journey from Calgary, Canada, through Utah, Nebraska, Iowa, and Nashville, we finally arrived in Atlanta, Georgia for our very first Formula Drift Prospec event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

We got to the track early for our initial tech session on Tuesday, giving us plenty of time to settle in. Wednesday was dedicated to preparation—dialing in the car, attending driver briefings, networking with teams, and getting familiar with the track layout. As first-timers at Road Atlanta, there was a lot to take in, but we felt ready for the challenge ahead.

Thursday marked the seeding rounds, and our focus was clear: secure a win and earn our place in the Top 32 for the main event. We achieved exactly that. After a strong performance, we made it into the Top 8 before being knocked out by Tyler Meyer. The car was performing well overall, requiring only minor suspension adjustments, and we headed into the main event feeling confident.

Friday was the big day—and one we won’t forget. Starting in the Top 32, we battled our way all the way through to the finals. Round after round, the team executed, the car held strong, and the momentum kept building. We ultimately finished in 2nd place, earning our very first podium in our very first Formula Drift Prospec event—an incredible milestone for us.

It wasn’t without its challenges. Throughout the event, we fought with gear ratio limitations, which put us at a slight disadvantage during chase runs, causing us to fall back at times. However, as the night went on, we adapted, and by the finals, everything started to come together. Personally, I felt more comfortable and in sync with the car than ever before.

Beyond the competition, the entire experience was nothing short of amazing. The Formula Drift staff welcomed us with open arms and made the transition into the series as smooth as possible. Coming in as rookies, not always knowing where to go or what to expect, their support made us feel right at home from day one.

One of the standout moments of the weekend—aside from stepping onto the podium—was being invited to participate in a VIP track walk. Connecting with fans, sharing our journey, and engaging with fellow drift and car enthusiasts was incredibly special. It’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do—this sport is as much about the community as it is about competition.

We also had the opportunity to spend time with our main sponsor, NST, at their booth and meet so many passionate fans who support the sport. Those interactions truly mean a lot to us.

After wrapping up an incredible weekend, we made our way to Indianapolis, where the car will be stored as we prepare for the next round in Connecticut. We’ve got a few things to address before then—some cosmetic repairs and a closer look at upgrading the differential to better optimize our gear ratios.

This result would not have been possible without an incredible team behind us. A huge thank you to Colin, Avery, Shaun, Justin, my wife, and my dad—who flew all the way from South Africa to be there. Your support means everything.

All in all, we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome for our debut. We’re proud, grateful, and more motivated than ever. Now, we look ahead to the next event—ready to push harder and keep climbing.