Ford Mustang RTR Gets into Mishap, Catches Fire at Long Beach Formula Drift Event

Apr 14, 2024 09:41 PM EDT

RACING CARS ON RACE TRACK — (Photo : PEXELS/Mat Sheard)

With the start of the highly anticipated Formula Drift competition at Long Beach, California, attention is focused on Mustang RTR. James Deane's return to the driver's seat of the Ford Mustang RTR drift car was sure to get pulses racing. Amidst the bustling media day activities, Deane takes to the track, showcasing his skills alongside various enthusiasts.

However, as the Ford Mustang RTR hurtles around the high-speed street course, a sudden burst of smoke emerges from beneath the hood, signaling impending trouble. Within moments, the situation escalates as flames engulf the vehicle, casting a pall of uncertainty over the event.

Ford Mustang RTR, Catches Fire

The ride-along experience begins innocuously, with Deane thrilling participants with a series of impressive maneuvers. According to Motor1.com's account, within a mere five seconds of the ignition, the flames menacingly encroach upon the cabin's confines.

On a Wednesday, Kevin Darwish took to YouTube to share a gripping video documenting his harrowing encounter. In the heart-pounding footage, he recounts the terrifying moments of being perilously close to a fiery fate during a ride-along session. The setting? Halfway through the exhilarating journey inside a top-tier Mustang RTR drift car expertly piloted by professional driver James Deane.

In a harrowing race against time, Darwish and Deane swiftly react, instinctively maneuvering out of their tightly secured bucket seats. With adrenaline coursing through their veins, they navigate past the confines of the roll cage, determined to escape the escalating inferno engulfing the Ford Mustang RTR in Long Beach.

The aftermath captured on video paints a grim picture. The once sleek exterior of the car now bears the scars of the intense blaze, with the entire front end left charred and seemingly beyond repair. A somber glimpse into the engine bay unveils the devastating sight of a V-8 engine consumed by fire.

Amidst the wreckage, Kevin Darwish is left with unanswered questions, as he reveals that he was not informed about the cause of the mishap involving the RTR Mustang.

As shared by Autoevolution, the stringent safety regulations in place leave no room for compromise. From FIA-grade roll cages to specialized seats, racing suits, helmets, gloves, and boots, every precaution is meticulously taken. A comprehensive fire suppression system adds an additional layer of protection. Such measures are imperative, especially when pushing the limits on the track.

In the realm of racing, where milliseconds matter greatly, being ready for the worst case scenario is essential. Particularly Formula 1 drivers put a lot of effort into improving their reaction speeds since they know that a split second might mean the difference between victory and failure on the racetrack.

Ford Mustang RTR, Deane's Comeback

James Deane announced his return to the Formula Drift championship for 2023. The decision to return to the race comes from the accomplished track record of the Irish racing sensation, who from 2017 to 2019 won the FD title an unprecedented three times.

As reported by drift.news, the eagerly awaited announcement has finally arrived. In a burst of excitement, James Deanne revealed that they are joining forces with the RTR Motorsports Team to embark on a thrilling journey in this year's Formula Drift Championship. Their weapon of choice?

A cutting-edge Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, poised to carve its mark on the competition. Gratitude abounds as they extend heartfelt thanks to the remarkable team at RTR Motorsports, as well as @AutoZone and their invaluable partners, for transforming this ambitious dream into a tangible reality.