ROCKINGHAM — Two new faces were among those who made the podium at “The Initiation,” MB Drift’s first competitive event of 2024 at Rockingham Speedway.
The final battle came down to Belarus native Anton Shenderov and 17-year-old Jake Little of Moorseville, with Shenderov taking the top spot, and Gray Champion coming in third.
Shenderov got the win driving a mostly stock BMW 325, against Little in a Corvette.
Before the showdown with Little, Shenderov — who qualified 15th — skidded past Troy Roland, Max Czibere, Tyler Williams and Derick Gaskins. Little managed to make it past MB Drift regulars Tony Martin and Andy Wright, as well as Frankie Evans and Champion.
Shenderov moved from his home country about a year and a half ago on a talent visa for drifting. Before making the move, he competed in several drift competitions in Eastern Europe, placing third in the Belarusian national championship.
“Today I win, and it was cool,” Shenerov said, with a thick Slavic accent.
Shenderov currently resides in Charlotte.
“I like the city … good weather, not cold in winter,” he said. “Everything is fine. I like it.”
The driver still owns a shop, Tony Motors, in Belarus and has plans to open one in Charlotte, but has yet to find a good location.
Champion, of Kernersville, beat Shenderov on the Little Rock course last month at the Doorbanger’s Ball during MB Drift’s Spring Matsuri. Click here to read that story.
In addition to his finishes at Rockingham, Champion also placed fourth April 21 at Catch My Drift’s first competition of the season at Southern National Motorsports Park in Wilson County.
Last season’s champ, Nick Abbott, was at the track lending a hand to Little. Abbott swept the 2023 season with first-place finishes in all four competitions. Click here to read about the season finale.
This was the first competition on the newly repaved road course.
Gaskins, who placed fourth after falling to Shenderov, said he was “caught off guard” with the new paving.
“The track had so much grip I had to go make adjustments, including increasing his tire pressure from 18 psi to 32-35 psi.
“The new pavement was amazing and the tire wear was unbelievable,” added Gaskins, of Rock Hill, South Carolina. “I have never had to remove mechanical grip from my car before. It’s a game changer for tire cost.”
Gaskins, who drives a 2000 C5 Corvette, said he would normally get four to five laps on a new set of tires — but this weekend he was able to increase that to 18-20.
“Big thanks to Rockingham Speedway for the improvements,” Gaskins continued. “It helps ease the cost of tires per event now…which will attract more drivers.”
MB Drift returns to the Rock for its second competitive round, scheduled for June 1-2. The third and fourth rounds will be the weekend of Aug. 24-25.
In addition to the competitions, MB Drift will also be hosting a Summer Matsuri July 27-28 and its annual Halloween Havoc Oct. 19-20.
The series will also be on site for a demonstration at the track’s open house May 18.
Free ride-alongs are available for spectors 18 and older during non-competition times.
See more photos below. Additional photos are available at on the MB Drift “Chats and Media” group on Facebook.
NOTE: This story has been updated to correct a name. 4:50 p.m. 5-2-24.
