In just two weeks from now, Formula Drift drivers and teams will be back in action as they head to Sonoma for Rd.6. While they look towards the final stretch of the 2010 season, we need to finish up our coverage from last weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Here's a look at what happened in the second half of tandem competition, from the Top 16 through to the end.

Sam Hubinette and Tanner Foust would bring their twin V8 mayhem to the first match of the Top 16. Surprisngly, Tanner made contact with Sam coming into the first corner, pushing the Challenger out of line.

The rest of Tanner's run was solid, but it wasn't enough to overcome that mistake.  Hubinette moves on, while Tanner suffers a big blow to his championship hopes being eliminated in the Top 16.

Mad Mike was pumped to have it made into the Top 16 for the first time, but things were about to get tough fo him. His opponent would be the red hot Dai Yoshihara.

For the opening moments of their first run, Mike looked incredible as he put the RX8 right up to bumper Dai's S13. Unfortunatley though, he pushed it just a little too hard. This resulted in a spin which essentially ended his run.

It was a fine showing for Mad Mike, but Dai would be the one advancing to the Great Eight.

The next match would be interesting one with rookie Charles Ng going against the vet Rhys Millen.

It wouldn't be the former champion who won this one, it'd be Charles Ng – a surefire choice for 2010 FD Rookie of the Year.

It was another all-Drift Alliance battle next when Vaughn Gittin Jr. faced Ryan Tuerck.

These two have met up a few times already this season, and this time Vaughn would earn the win after Tuerck overshot the entry on the first corner.

An OMT would be needed before a a victor could be decided in the next match between Alex Pfeiffer and Kyle Mohan.

In the end it'd be Alex and Corvette that beat out Mohan's rotary.

There was a bit of confusion at the start of the match between Justin Pawlak and Tony Brakohiapa. JTP came through the course by himself before it was ruled that he left the start line too early. Strange, but a do-over was called. In the end JTP got a little too aggressive chasing through the slower part of the course, resulting in a spin and giving the win to Tony B.

The match between Conrad Grunewald and Joon Maeng would also go into overtime.

It was a very close battle up to the point where Joon's RX8 suffered some mechanical issues and he was forced to bow out. A shame for him to be eliminated with machine trouble once again.

Finishing off the Top 16 was the all-ASD match between Tyler McQuarrie and Darren McNamara. As you can see here, DMac would end up going off course a bit during his chase run.

That one misstep would cost DMac big, as Tyler was awarded the win in an otherwise very tight battle.

The Great Eight would kick off with Dai Yoshihara defeating Sam Hubinette to take the first spot in the Final Four.

Charles Ng and Vaughn Gittin Jr. would do battle next.

Charles drove well here, but it wasn't enough to shake the Mustang. Vaughn moves to the Final Four.

Next up were Alex Pfeiffer and Tony B in all American 'Vette vs. Mustang battle.

Alex would end up suffering drivetrain problems here, allowing Tony B to cruise into the Final Four.

The final match of the Great Eight had Conrad Grunewald going against Tyler McQuarrie.

Conrad had been having a good night, but it would end here at the hands of Tyler. After running a little faster and a little more aggressive, the Z had earned the last spot in the Final Four.

Surprise surprise. Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Dai Yoshihara would be doing battle again – both of them deep in the hunt for the championship.

As shown here, Vaughn pushed it a little too hard in the first corner, brushing the wall slowing down a bit. It wasn't a huge mistake, but it was enough to give Dai a slight advantage.

In the end, Dai was able to hold on to that advantage and beat Vaughn for the third time this year.

With that match settled, Tony B and Tyler McQuarrie went out to fight for the remaining spot in the final.

Tyler was able to build and advantage and stuck with until the end. He'd be going onto face Dai in the final.

Before the final, Vaughn and Tony brought their Stangs out to battle for third.

Tony's car was looking pretty battered by this point, and Vaughn was able to secure third place. Still a damn good showing for Tony B though.

As time for the final came, Dai Yoshihara's car had developed some mechanical trouble at the start line. Five minutes were called for repairs, but it wasn't to be. Dai was forced to retire with second place while Tyler would take the victory.

And so in the wee hours of Sunday morning, Tyler McQuarrie would be standing a top the podium next to his two Falken teammates. He'll be along soon with his own Guest Blog on the event.

Next up, Sonoma!

-Mike Garrett