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Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis delivers breakthrough win in new Subaru BRZ as GT Radial strengthens its position at the top of the Formula Drift PRO Championship

GT Radial celebrated a landmark achievement at Formula Drift Round 3 as driver Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis secured his first victory since Round 7 of the 2024 season, once again defeating rival James Deane in a memorable final showdown.

The victory marks a significant milestone for Bakchis and the GT Radial team, representing his first Formula Drift win behind the wheel of the new Feal Suspension / GT Radial / Subimods Subaru BRZ. After transitioning from his longtime Nissan S15 chassis ahead of the 2026 season, Bakchis has quickly adapted to the new platform, delivering impressive results from the outset.

The Subaru BRZ has proven to be a competitive package throughout the season, helping Bakchis achieve a fifth-place finish at Round 1, secure the No. 1 qualifying position and a third-place podium finish at Round 2, and now stand atop the podium at Round 3.

These consistent performances have propelled Bakchis from third place in the championship standings to the overall lead of the 2026 Formula Drift PRO Championship.

Dominant Performance Through the Bracket

Bakchis showcased exceptional form throughout the event, beginning with a Top 32 victory over Norway’s Simen Olsen. He then continued his winning momentum by defeating American driver Dan Burkett, Ireland’s Jack Shanahan, and fellow GT Radial driver Branden Sorensen in the Final Four rounds on his way to claiming the Round 3 title.

Strong Showing from Branden Sorensen

GT Radial also celebrated another outstanding performance from Branden Sorensen, driver of the Sorensen Motorsports / Quad Lock BMW. Continuing his impressive development throughout the season, Sorensen secured a fourth-place finish at Round 3.

Building on a strong start to the 2026 campaign, Sorensen’s latest result moves him from fourth to third place in the overall championship standings, reinforcing his status as one of the series’ rising contenders.

Valued Partners Experience the Action

Adding to the excitement of the weekend, GT Radial welcomed valued customer Tire Group International to the event. Representatives from the company experienced the thrill of Formula Drift firsthand and witnessed the team's success as Bakchis captured the Round 3 victory.

Looking Ahead

With momentum firmly on its side, GT Radial heads into the next round leading the Formula Drift PRO Championship. The team's strong performances throughout the season continue to demonstrate the capability, consistency, and competitiveness of the GT Radial drift program at the highest level of professional drifting.

As the 2026 season progresses, GT Radial remains focused on maintaining its championship challenge while showcasing the performance of its products under the most demanding motorsport conditions.