Category: JJR News

2025 Season Recap

Jeff Jones Racing

During the 2025 Formula Drift season, Jeff Jones Racing competed across all eight championship rounds within one of the most widely viewed motorsports series in the world. Throughout the year, Formula Drift events drew 145,000+ live attendees and generated 238+ million total livestream and digital content views across the series, providing Jeff Jones Racing and its partners with consistent exposure through on-track battles, featured matchups, livestream coverage, Formula Drift social content, interviews, and on-site fan engagement.

Combined with strong competitive performances, high-impact partner activations, and growing direct fan engagement, 2025 marked a defining season of momentum for Jeff Jones Racing.

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2025 Formula Drift Season – Summary

Round 1 – Long Beach & Super Drift

Jeff opened the season with back-to-back 3rd place Super Drift podiums, debuted the full 2025 BIG Drift Energy merch line, and officially launched the U.S. Marines partnership, setting the tone with massive fan energy and strong merch adoption.
Jeff IG: 416k+ Impressions
Formula Drift: 22.5k+ Attendance | 40+ Million Livestream & Content Views

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Round 2 – Atlanta & LS Fest West

Jeff earned a Top 32 win in wet conditions, advanced to the Top 16, and carried momentum from a 3rd place podium at Holley LS Fest West with Kumho Tire USA, delivering strong crossover exposure and fan engagement.
Jeff IG: 552k+ Impressions
Formula Drift: 21k+ Attendance | 27+ Million Livestream & Content Views

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Round 3 – Orlando

Despite extreme weather and a tough Top 32 battle, the sold-out event, strong Marine support, and widespread BIG Drift Energy merch presence fueled continued fan engagement and partner visibility.
Jeff IG: 350k+ Impressions
Formula Drift: 14k+ Attendance | 26.3 Million Livestream & Content Views

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Round 4 – Englishtown

After a severe storm damaged the competition car, Jeff and the team rebuilt overnight and pushed their Top 32 battle to One More Time, while delivering one of the biggest digital moments of the season through a Formula Drift Instagram takeover and major media features.
Jeff IG: 682k+ Impressions
Formula Drift: 22.5k+ Attendance | 38.6 Million Livestream & Content Views

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Round 5 – St. Louis

Jeff delivered his strongest competitive result of 2025, advancing to the Great 8 with back-to-back wins in Top 32 and Top 16, re-establishing the team as contenders and driving peak mid-season momentum.
Jeff IG: 1.6M+ Impressions
Formula Drift: 13k+ Attendance | 29 Million Livestream & Content Views

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Round 6 – Seattle

While the on-track result went to multiple OMTs, Seattle became a fan-favorite weekend with near sell-out merch, nonstop pit traffic, and the debut of the NRG x Jeff Jones Racing steering wheel collaboration.
Jeff IG: 214.4k+ Impressions
Formula Drift: 17k+ Attendance | 23.4 Million Livestream & Content Views

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Round 7 – Grantsville

Jeff advanced through a hard-fought Top 32 OMT against Brandon Sorensen and faced Adam LZ in the Top 16 as one of the loudest crowds of the season delivered unmatched energy and support.
Jeff IG: 451k+ Impressions
Formula Drift: 13k+ Attendance | 27.3 Million Livestream & Content Views

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Round 8 – Long Beach 2, HOTPIT Autofest & SEMA

Jeff closed the season strong at the Shoreline Showdown, advancing through Top 32 before a Top 16 battle, while expanding HOTPIT Autofest outside California, running the first pro drifting event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring, and closing the year with a SEMA Pro Drift Demo at HorsePower Rodeo.
Jeff IG: 457k+ Impressions
Formula Drift: 22k+ Attendance | 26.8 Million Livestream & Content Views

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2025 Season Totals

• 145,000+ live attendees across Formula Drift events

• 238+ million livestream & digital content views (Formula Drift series total)

• Jeff Jones Racing competed in all 8 championship rounds

• Multiple podium finishes and a Great 8 appearance

• Best overall competitive performance to date

• Record fan engagement and merchandise demand for JJR

Livestream and digital viewership figures reflect total Formula Drift series reach. Jeff Jones Racing exposure includes on-track competition, livestream battles, Formula Drift features, interviews, social content, and fan activations.

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Season Highlights & Key Takeaways

Fan Engagement & Brand Growth

From sold-out pit interactions to record Instagram performance and merch demand, 2025 showcased the power of authentic fan connection and community-driven growth.

On-Track Performance

The season highlighted resilience, competitive growth, and the ability to rebound under pressure—culminating in a Great 8 appearance and strong championship finish.

Partner Activations

Strategic integrations with EVOL Autoworks, Kumho Tire USA, NRG Innovations, PRISMA Lab, doc, Klutch Wheels, the U.S. Marines, and additional partners delivered consistent visibility across competition, content, and fan engagement touchpoints.

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SEMA 2025 & Global Exposure

SEMA 2025 marked a major global exposure moment for Jeff Jones Racing, as Jeff was selected to run the Pro Drift Demo at HorsePower Rodeo presented by SPARQ, showcasing professional drifting in front of thousands of industry professionals, media, and automotive brands. The high-visibility demonstration and on-site activations expanded the team’s reach beyond competition, reinforcing Jeff Jones Racing’s role as a trusted brand ambassador platform and trusted driver recruiter within the global automotive industry.

International Events

The 2025 season marked Jeff Jones Racing’s first international pro drift competition appearances, with Jeff competing at TDGP Taiwan in January and D1NZ in New Zealand in February, expanding the program’s global reach and partner exposure beyond North America.

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Looking Ahead – 2026

With momentum built across multiple ecosystems; competition, content, and community, Jeff Jones Racing enters 2026 focused on deeper Formula Drift championship runs, expanded partner activations, continued growth of HOTPIT Autofest, and even stronger fan experiences.

“2025 tested us in every way, and we showed up every time—stronger, more focused, and more connected than ever. In 2026, we’re taking that energy, putting our partners front and center, and running it up at the front of the field.”
— Jeff Jones

Event Results 

Formula Drift Rd 8 Long Beach 2:
Top 32 vs Brandon Sorensen
OMT
Top 32 vs Brandon Sorensen OMT
Jones Moves On with Bye Run
Top 16 vs Matt Field
Field Moves On

“Closing the 2025 Season at Formula Drift Round 8’s Shoreline Showdown was a major highlight, with a new track layout and incredible fan interaction. Following that momentum, my series HOTPIT Autofest reached a major milestone as we officially expanded the series outside California as well as being the first pro level drifting competition at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring—an exciting step forward in my role as Co-Owner and President. We had to finish the year strong by running the Pro Drift Demo at HorsePower Rodeo presented by SPARQ during the 2025 SEMA Show, showcasing the sport on one of the industry’s biggest stages. Thank you to our partners whose support makes these milestones possible. I can’t wait for 2026” — Jeff Jones

INSIGHTS
IG 457k+
YouTube FD Livestream and Videos 415k+

Next Up for Jeff in 2026
Jeff Jones Racing finished Round 8 in 13th Place and 21st Overall in Championship.
Stay Tuned for 2026 News including competition schedules and HOTPIT Autofest announcements.

 

Event Results 

Formula Drift Rd 6 Seattle:
Top 32 vs Nick Noback
OMT (Judges: 1 Jones / 2 OMT)

OMT #1 Top 32 vs Nick Noback
OMT (Judges: 1 Jones / 2 OMT)

OMT #2 Top 32 vs Nick Noback
Noback Advances

Round 6 of the Formula Drift Championship in Seattle brought the heat—while the results didn’t land in our favor, the energy around Jeff Jones Racing was unreal. From battling it out in multiple OMT’s in Top 32 to the near sell-out of our JJR merch, the fan support was through the roof. The merch lines were buzzing all weekend, and by Day 2, we were almost completely sold out. We also debuted our newest highly anticipated steering wheel collab with NRG and it was a fan favorite! It’s clear the fans are with us every step of the way.

“The results weren’t what we wanted, but the fan energy in Seattle was insane. We’re beyond grateful for all the fans who came out and showed support— and a special thanks to our partners. We’re more motivated than ever to keep pushing hard for the rest of the season.” — Jeff Jones

August Insights for Rd 6

Instagram: 214.4k+ impressions

YouTube FD Livestream: 161k+

YouTube FD Seattle Videos: 8.4k+

Next Up for Jeff
Jeff Jones Racing finished Round 6 in 19th Place. Jeff will have to wait for the Rd 7 Seeding Battles to be released (based on driver count of 32 or 33 drivers) to see who he battles in Top 32 during the Main Show this week at Formula Drift RD 7 Grantsville, UT

Event Results 

Formula Drift Rd 5 St. Louis:
Top 32 vs Ken Gushi
Jones Wins

Top 16 vs Connor OSully
Jones Wins 

Great 8 vs Dylan Hughes
OMT (2 Judges OMT / 1 Judge JONES)

OMT Great 8 vs Dylan Hughes
Hughes Advances

Round 5 of the Formula Drift Championship in St. Louis marked a major turning point for Jeff Jones Racing in the 2025 season. After a tough Round 4 recovery effort in Englishtown, the team arrived in STL with a repaired car, renewed focus, and a fierce drive to climb the standings—and that’s exactly what we did. Jeff battled through the bracket with precision and intensity, advancing all the way to the Great 8, putting in one of the strongest performances of the season so far.

“This was our best showing so far of the season. The car was dialed, the team was locked in, and we proved that we’re not just back—we’re contenders. Couldn’t be more proud of the team and more grateful to all of our incredible partners.” — Jeff Jones

July Insights
(as of July 31st)
IG 1.6M+ Impressions
YouTube FD Livestream 336k+
YouTube FD STL Videos 19,5k+

Jeff Jones Racing finished Round 5 in 8th Place. Jeff will have to wait for the Rd 6 Seeding Battles to see who lands in the 25th spot for his Top 32 Battle matchup during the Main Show at Formula Drift RD 6 Seattle, WA.

Event Results 

Formula Drift Rd 4:
Top 32 vs Daniel Stuke
OMT (2 Judges OMT / 1 Judge JONES)

Top 32 vs Daniel Stuke OMT
Stuke Advances

“Round 4 of the Formula Drift Championship in Englishtown, NJ, was one of the most challenging events our team has ever faced—not on the track, but before we even got into competition.

On Thursday evening, right before our warm up session, a tornado-like severe storm tore through the paddock with brutal force. In the immediate aftermath, we discovered that a large tree had fallen directly onto our competition car. The damage was extensive: the roof was crushed, the windshield shattered, and multiple components were badly damaged. For a moment, it looked like our weekend and possible season was compromised.

But true to the spirit of our team and the spirit of drifting, we responded with grit and determination. The team worked tirelessly through the night—under pressure, in the elements, and with the incredible support of fellow teams and FD Tech Kevin Wells—we were able to assess the damage, perform emergency repairs, and get the 370Z ready for Main Competition by Saturday. Jersey may have threw us a wild curveball… But this team is relentless. We made it to the show, and that’s what this sport is about—passion, perseverance, and people showing up when it counts.

Despite the setbacks, we competed with heart and determination, proudly representing all of you who make this journey possible. Your support fuels our ability to push forward under the toughest conditions, both mechanically and mentally. So much so that we were able to come out strong after this at Fuel Fest Los Angeles representing with our Kumho Tire Demo 370z. We gave exclusive VIP ride alongs and hosted the HOTPIT Autofest Drift Experience.

We want to extend our sincerest thanks for standing with us—through every high and low, through every storm and spotlight. With your backing, we continue to show what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity.

Let’s keep driving forward, together” — Jeff Jones

Insights
IG 682k+ Impressions
Tik Tok 85k+
Facebook 343k+
YouTube Adam LZ Mention 418k+
YouTube FD Livestream Interview 146k+

IG Jeff Jones FD Takeover
19.7M views past 30 days of FD IG Page (as of June 21st)
139K+ June 18-21
433k+ Jeff Jones Live Post
211k+ Jeff Jones Collab Post

Jeff Jones Racing finished Round 4 in 22nd Place. Jeff will see Minowa in Top 32 at Formula Drift RD 5 in St. Louis, MO

Event Results 
Holley LS Fest West
Formula Drift Atlanta Round 2

Holley LS Fest West:
Qualified 8th
Podium Finish – 3rd Place

Formula Drift Rd 2:
Top 32 vs Daniel Stuke
Jones WINS
Top 16 vs James Deane
Deane Advances

Instagram Insights (April/May):
552k+ Impressions
185k+ Reach

“Atlanta definitely kept us on our toes — the rain made for some unpredictable conditions, but we pushed hard and got the win in Top 32. Going up against James Deane in the wet for Top 16 was no small task, but we gained valuable points and now sit 15th overall in the championship. Just before FD, we had an awesome weekend at Holley LS Fest West partnering with Kumho Tire in our official Demo Car— we qualified 8th and landed on the podium in 3rd. That kind of momentum means a lot to our team and partners.The fan energy has been incredible both online and trackside, with over half a million impressions and fans rocking the new Big Drift Energy team merch in full force. None of this happens without the incredible support from our partners — thank you for riding with us. We’re ready to keep pushing hard into the next round. Next Stop, Orlando!”
— Jeff Jones

Jeff Jones Racing finished Round 2 in 15th Place. Jeff will battle Daniel Stuke in Top 32 next week for Formula Drift RD 3 in Orlando, FL

Event Results 
Formula Drift Long Beach Round 1
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach: Super Drift

Super Drift Day 1:
Podium Finish – 3rd Place

Super Drift Day 2:
Podium Finish – 3rd Place

Formula Drift Rd 1:
Top 32 vs Daniel Stuke
Stuke Advances
Split Decision 2-1

Instagram Insights:
416k+ Impressions
159k+ Reach

“Long Beach delivered in a big way — the energy from the crowds at both Formula Drift and the Acura Grand Prix was incredible. We’re proud to have earned two 3rd place podium finishes at the Grand Prix Super Drift, and it was a huge milestone to debut our full 2025 Big Drift Energy Team Merch line and see fans proudly wearing it trackside. We were also honored to officially launch our new partnership with the U.S. Marines at Formula Drift — a powerful addition to our program this season. Thank you to all of our partners for your continued support — your belief in this team makes these moments possible. We’re excited to carry this momentum into FD Atlanta and beyond.” – Jeff Jones

Jeff Jones Racing finished Round 1 in 23rd Place and will be competing in the Seeding Bracket at Formula Drift Rd 2 next month

Event Results Formula Drift Irwindale RD 8

Top 32 vs Vaughn Gittin Jr
Jones gets the WIN

Top 16 vs Ken Gushi
Jones gets the WIN

Great 8 vs James Deane
Judges vote OMT
A fan favorite epic battle!

Great 8 vs James Deane OMT
Jones gets blinded by the smoke, tapping the wall and coming out of drift while chasing Deane
Jones has a strong lead run but Deane makes no mistakes chasing Jones
Deane gets the WIN

Instagram Insights:
491k+ Impressions
188k+ Reach

“I am incredibly proud of our performance at this round, finishing Rd 8 in 5th place and being the highest placing domestic driver. Battling it out with the newly crowned four-time champion James Deane was an unforgettable experience, and our massive Halftime Raffle truly brought our drift fans community together and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the season. We set an all-time record high for our team merch sales, nearly clearing out most of our inventory! This season, everything worked seamlessly and I really want to thank my team for their tireless efforts. After a couple seasons of motor struggles, we developed strong motor package this year which lasted the entire season. Ending the season in 12th overall marks a significant leap from 2023, showcasing the dedication and passion of our entire team and partners.

A heartfelt thank you to all our partners —your continued support has been invaluable to our success. I also want to give a huge shoutout to my manager Christina for winning “Team Manager of the Year” at the annual FD Awards Banquet. With this well-deserved recognition, beating out all of the top dogs, we’re eager to reach the top in 2025. Exciting times are ahead for Jeff Jones Racing!”
– Jeff Jones

Jeff Jones Racing finished Round 8 in 5th Place and ends the season in 12th Place in overall championship standings going into the 2025 Season.

Check out our YouTube Series presented by CA Auto Parts & DNA Motoring:
Long Beach/Atlanta/Orlando/New Jersey/St. Louis/Seattle/Utah: Watch Here
Irwindale dropping soon

FD SERIES NEWS

Next up for Jeff Jones Racing 2024:
November 5th-8th SEMA Las Vegas, NV
November 23rd HOTPIT Autofest Rd 5 Irwindale, CA

 

 

 

Event Results Formula Drift Grantsville RD 7

Top 32 vs Dereck Madison
Jones gets the WIN

Top 16 vs Branden Sorenson
Jones gets the WIN

Great 8 vs Odi Bachis
Jones had a strong Lead Run against Odi
Jones hits a slower Odi during his Chase Run on initiation, Bachis moves on

Instagram Insights:
456k+ Impressions
163k+ Reach

“Thank you so much to all our partners for your incredible support this weekend! Finishing 5th in Round 7 at Grantsville was a hard-fought achievement, and we couldn’t have done it without you. We’re absolutely pumped at our progress this season and we are excited for the Round 8 Season Finale at Irwindale next month. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable event, and we’re ready to give it everything we’ve got. Your support means the world to us, and we’re excited to share this thrilling finale with you!” ” — Jeff Jones

Jeff Jones Racing finished Round 7 in 5th Place. Jeff is now tied for 13th Place in overall championship standings going into Rd 8 Irwindale next month.

Check out our YouTube Series presented by CA Auto Parts & DNA Motoring:
Long Beach/Atlanta/Orlando/New Jersey/St. Louis/Seattle: Watch Here
Utah episode debuting soon

FD SERIES NEWS
NEXT ROUND
Round 8: Title Fight in Irwindale, CA on October 18th-19th. Please visit formulad.com for the competition schedule, ticket information, driver profiles, special content, and the event livestream.

Next up for Jeff Jones Racing 2024:
October 18th-19th Formula Drift PRO Rd 8 Irwindale, CA
November 5th-9th SEMA Las Vegas, NV
November 23rd HOTPIT Autofest Rd 5 Irwindale, CA

Event Results Formula Drift Seattle RD 6

Top 32 vs Simen Olsen
Jones gets the WIN

Top 16 vs James Deane
Jones gets the WIN!!!

Great 8 vs Jhonnattan Castro
Run 1 – OMT
OMT Run – Jones gets the WIN

Final 4 vs Ryan Tuerck
Run 1: Jones mis-shifts on his Chase Run from 4th to 2nd and tapped the wall during Run 1
Run 2: Knowing he had a major mistake in Run 1, Jones gave it his best Lead Run which was nearly flawless but it wasn’t enough to make up for the mistake in Run 1.

Performance Bonus Podium Award:
Awarded to Jones for the Performance of the Night

Instagram Insights:
430k+ Impressions
220k+ Reach

“Finishing 4th at Formula Drift Round 6 in Seattle is a huge achievement for us. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. Beating a three-time champion like James Deane was a standout moment for us. It’s a reminder that when you’re at your best, you can take on the best. I’m incredibly proud of our performance and grateful for the support from our fans and partners. This event has truly set the stage for what’s next, and we’re more motivated than ever to continue pushing our limits.” — Jeff Jones

Jeff Jones Racing finished Round 6 in 4th Place. Jeff is now in 15th Place in overall standings going into Rd 7 Utah in 2 weeks.

Check out our YouTube Series presented by CA Auto Parts & DNA Motoring:
Long Beach/Atlanta/Orlando/New Jersey/St. Louis: Watch Here

FD SERIES NEWS
NEXT ROUND
Round 7: Elevated in Grantsville, UT on August 29-31. Please visit formulad.com for the competition schedule, ticket information, driver profiles, special content, and the event livestream.

Next up for Jeff Jones Racing 2024:
August 29th-31st Formula Drift PRO Rd 7 Grantsville, UT
September 28th HOTPIT Autofest Rd 4 San Bernardino, CA
October 18th-19th Formula Drift PRO Rd 8 Irwindale, CA
November 5th-9th SEMA Las Vegas, NV
November 23rd HOTPIT Autofest Rd 5 Irwindale, CA