After a persistent lifelong chase, ProAm driver Matt Rusiecki officially secured his PROSPEC license at the Final Fight Round 3, the last event of the 2025 Spec-D Drift Series and a fitting name for a physically and mentally tough journey. 

Photo: Mildlyinfocus

His PROSPEC licensing journey began last year and looked promising with a season-opening win at the Spec D NW Drift Series season opener held at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, just south of the Canadian border. The car was dialed in, the lines were clean, and momentum was building. Then came the Spec D double-header at Mission Raceway Park.  

Photo: Mildlyinfocus

It was there, in Matt’s hometown of Mission, British Columbia, where his licensing dream disappeared like a chase car enveloped in a thick cloud of tire smoke. A mid-race engine failure stole his 350Z’s power, and with it, his shot at the license. All he could do was coast the vehicle back to the pits in stunned disbelief. 

Though disappointed, Matt and his team didn’t dwell long on the loss. They rebuilt. They pushed on, adopting a steely determination and attacking every vehicle and event detail with veteran precision. They tuned, practiced, refined and prepared for battle.  

Photo: Mildlyinfocus

When the first event in the 2025 Spec D Drift Series kicked off in Edmonton, Alberta, Matt and his team were beyond ready. The car ripped through clipping points and transitions were fluid. 

Photo: Sid Gavel

The judges were impressed and awarded Matt and his team first place at Rad Torque Raceway. Next up: Round 2 Mountain Mayhem at Agassiz Speedway, located in British Columbia’s scenic Fraser Valley.  


Photo: Sid Gavel


Photo: Mildlyinfocus

Matt was driving at peak performance and came back from Agassiz with another win. Everything was going as planned. The Final Fight Round 3 was the last race of the series and a return to the scene of the crime. Would Matt’s dreams spin out of control once again? Not a chance.  

Photo: Mildlyinfocus

Matt handled his 2007 Nissan 350Z with surgical precision. The Lordco Racing driver fought a hard battle, and it was almost too close to call. When the dust settled and the judges made their decision, Matt walked away with a podium finish, taking home the number two spot. 

Photo: Mildlyinfocus

It was not the series sweep Matt and his team dreamed of, but the points told the bigger story. Matt had earned more than enough points overall to win the top championship spot in the Spec D Drift Series, and most important of all, his PROSPEC Drift license.   

Photo: Mildlyinfocus

Watching Matt hoist the trophy in the air was unforgettable. He held the shiny, gold trophy high above his head in his outstretched arm and waved it towards everyone who had supported his lifelong dream. However, he didn’t look at the crowds. He looked away—no doubt thinking about the next big chase.