Photo via Jeff Jones IG
Unexpected tornado like event tore through Wall Stadium Speedway late Thursday afternoon during Formula Drift New Jersey’s practice session, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The violent storm caused significant damage to competition cars, vendor booths, and the race paddock, halting the weekend’s highly anticipated event.
Teams were prepping their cars on-site when the skies suddenly darkened and winds picked up dramatically. Within minutes, what the National Weather Service confirmed a severe storm was headed directly to the heart of the venue.
Multiple competition vehicles — including several pro-spec drift cars — were heavily soaked from the downpour or damaged by flying debris. Crew tents were shredded, toolboxes scattered, and vendor displays obliterated. Some trailers were even pushed several feet from their original positions.
Jeff Jones Nissan 370Z sustained the most severe damage of the day after a tree came crashing down directly onto the car, crushing the roof. Fortunately, Jones was not inside the vehicle at the time and escaped without any injuries.
Spectator areas had not yet filled due to it being a closed practice day, which likely prevented injuries or worse. However, the scene was described by witnesses as “total chaos.”
“We saw the sky turn green and then just heard this roar,” said one crew member. “We barely had time to take cover. Our car’s totaled, and our pit looks like a war zone.”
FD officials responded quickly, helping teams and initiating damage control procedures. As of Friday morning, the series has not yet made an official statement regarding the status of the event weekend, but cleanup is already underway.
Local emergency services are on-site assisting with recovery, and no major injuries have been reported at this time. Formula Drift staff, vendors, and teams are now assessing the full extent of the losses, both financially and logistically.
Fans and the drift community have already begun rallying online to support teams impacted by the damage. As the situation develops, updates will follow on the status of the event and how the series plans to move forward.
Stay tuned for more coverage as the Formula Drift family recovers from this shocking weather disaster.
