Formula DRIFT (also known as Formula D or FD) is an American premier professional drifting series that was co-founded by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage in 2003 as a sister company to Slipstream Global Marketing, which had the same partnership that introduced D1 Grand Prix to the United States. Formula D does not include emphasized speed, but the new entity would solely own, operate and launch the first official drifting series in North America. Formula DRIFT is not associated with the FIA series of formula racing championships.

Formula DRIFT has 84 licensed drivers competing in PRO and PROSPEC (formerly PRO 2) as of June 2024. The series consists of an eight-round championship played out at race tracks across North America. Formula DRIFT is judged on line, angle, and style, where all contestants start with 100 points, and take away said points for mistakes. The hosts will honor an eight-round competition across the U.S.A., and also offer a car show called Offset Kings. Formula DRIFT expanded its presence into being a franchise. It is challenged into head-to-head battles, and total results, rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time.

North America

Drivers in North America can compete in regionally sanctioned PRO/AM organizations for licensing.

  • USDrift – Mid-Atlantic
  • East10Drift – Southeast
  • Evergreen Drift – Pacific Northwest
  • Colorado Drift – Colorado
  • ND Drift – Minnesota
  • Southwest Drift – Las Vegas
  • Spec-D Drift series – Bincent Shreklund
  • Hot Pit Autofest – California
  • Full Lock Drift – Oklahoma
  • US Drift Circuit – Florida
  • Great Lakes – Pennsylvania

Winners and high finishers of these feeders series are then able to enter the Formula DRIFT PROSPEC series, a secondary national tour where drivers compete to move up to the main series.

Tracks

Current tracks

  • Long Beach Street Circuit in Long Beach, California. (2006–2019, 2021–present)
  • Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia. (2004–2019, 2021–present)
  • Orlando Speed World in Orlando, Florida. (2015–2019, 2021–present)
  • Stafford Speedway in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. (2026)
  • Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Brownsburg, Indiana. (2026)
  • Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington. (2006–present)
  • Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada. (2008–2012, 2026)

Former tracks

  • Reliant Park in Houston, Texas. (2004–2005)
  • Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California. (2004–2013)
  • Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, California. (2004–2024)
  • Wall Speedway in Wall, New Jersey. (2005–2007, 2009–2019)
  • Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (2005–2006)
  • Summit Point Motorsports Park in Summit Point, West Virginia. (2007)
  • Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. (2008, 2021–2025)
  • Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California. (2005–2010)
  • Palm Beach International Raceway in Palm Beach, Florida. (2011–2013)
  • Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. (2013–2020)
  • Homestead–Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida. (2014)
  • Fuji Speedway in Oyama, Shizuoka. (2015)
  • Autodrome Saint-Eustache in Saint-Eustache, Quebec. (2015–2017)
  • Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona. (2016)
  • World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. (2018–2025)
  • Lake Erie Speedway in Erie, Pennsylvania. (2021)
  • Utah Motorsports Campus in Grantsville, Utah. (2022–2025)

International presence

Since 2008, Formula DRIFT has steadily expanded its international footprint, adding demonstration events and sister series in various countries around the world.

Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating: "Taking the Formula DRIFT brand internationally is a huge milestone. Our priority is to continue to build the Series here while growing the sport of drifting as a whole." In pursuit of this vision, Formula DRIFT exercises great care in selecting its international event partners. The organization thoroughly evaluates the boundaries and operational scopes of its international affiliates—such as Drift Australia, MSC, and Pro Drift—before establishing formal collaborations.

This deliberate and strategic approach has allowed Formula DRIFT to solidify its position as a global motorsports brand, while ensuring that the growth of drifting remains disciplined, sustainable, and aligned with professional standards across all markets."

  • Rd.1 Marina Bay Street Circuit, Marina Bay, Singapore Season 2010
  • Rd.2 Bangkok Wonderworld, Bangkok, Thailand Season 2010
  • Rd.3 Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Season 2010

The first Formula DRIFT Asia Champion was Tengku Djan.

Exhibition events

  • March 18, 2011, Formula Drift Ultimate Challenge – Qatar Racing Club
  • February 25, 2011, Formula Drift UAE Invitational Competition – Yas Marina Circuit
  • February 5, 2012, Demonstration – Figali Convention Center
  • May 27, 2012, International Competition – Location TBD
  • June 11, 2011, Formula Drift Ultimate Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, Texas
  • February 25, 2011, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • February 12, 2011, Figali Convention Center, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
  • January 17, 2010, Figali Convention Center, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
  • March 8, 2009, Figali Convention Center, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
  • August 23, 2008, Autódromo Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
  • April 27, 2008, Changi Air Show Grounds, Singapore
  • January 18–19, 2025, ICC Tainan, Tainan, Taiwan

Regulations

Formula DRIFT has continued to refine its rulebook and technical regulations year to year in terms of car and competition regulations.

Car eligibility

Cars and their builds are constantly under review by the Formula DRIFT staff. The rule book is revised every year to promote fair and exciting drifting. Some cars and practices are written out of the rule book in order to keep a realistic and level playing field. During the 2004 season, the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe was permitted to compete; subsequently it was ineligible in Formula DRIFT.

Although Formula DRIFT does not permit front-wheel drive cars, it does allow all-wheel drive cars to be converted to rear wheel drive, such as the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi EVO. In the United States, the Scion tC is sold only in the FWD layout, but because it shares the same chassis as the AWD Toyota Avensis (sold only in the United Kingdom and Europe), it can be converted to a competition-ready RWD layout. This change sparked great debate between drifters in the series who felt that an original FWD vehicle should not be eligible due to the front cross member changes needed.

A trademark of Formula DRIFT competition cars is the very open engine rulebook. Formula DRIFT allows engines from other manufacturers to be swapped into competition cars. "Engine, transmission, ECU and/or final drive modifications are free, but only the rear wheels may propel the vehicle". This results in a huge variety of engine/chassis combinations as well as huge power outputs commonly in excess of 850+ whp. Vehicles wishing to compete for the Manufacturers Championship must use an engine from the same manufacturer as the chassis. Engine swaps remain very common with older models but can be seen with new builds as well. Naturally aspirated or supercharged first, second, third, fourth, and fifth generation Chevrolet small block V8 engines are often used because of their availability and lower operating costs, especially with their ability to produce torque, lower RPM's, parts availability, and ease of rebuilding.

Suspension modification is widely open to development as long as stock pickup locations are utilized. Suspension tuning is a vital part of any successful Formula DRIFT team.

To keep cars in check Formula DRIFT institutes a maximum tire size based on the vehicles total weight.

Formula DRIFT cars are given fixed numbers for their cars and are not necessarily based on rankings.

Scoring and judging

Formula DRIFT uses its own scoring system that may differ from other drifting organizations. Often scoring systems for qualifying, tandem battles, and penalties are different.

Qualifying – Formula DRIFT competitors are allowed two non-consecutive judged solo runs to post their highest possible score in order to compete. The top 32 drivers with the highest qualifying scores are entered in a competition bracket pairing the highest scoring drivers against the lowest scoring drivers. 1st v. 32nd, 2nd v. 31st, 3rd v. 30th, etc. The drivers are judged on line, speed, angle, and overall impact. The judges can also make additional request at the drivers meeting for actions or techniques that will weigh in their decision making (ex; entry technique, racing line, proximity, etc.). Formula DRIFT drivers are scored on a points-deduction system where every driver will start their judged run with a perfect score of 100 pts. For every mistake, points will be deducted. These points will vary between .25 point to the most severe mistakes 1.75.

Formula DRIFT Champions

United States

{| class="wikitable"

|-

! Season

! Driver

! Car

|-

| 2004 || Samuel Hübinette||Dodge Viper Competition Coupe

|-

| 2005 || Rhys Millen||Pontiac GTO

|-

| 2006 || Samuel Hübinette||Dodge Viper SRT-10

|-

| 2007 || Tanner Foust||Nissan 350Z

|-

|2008|| Tanner Foust||Nissan 350Z

|-

| 2010 || Vaughn Gittin Jr.||Ford Mustang

|-

| 2011 || Daijiro Yoshihara||Nissan 240SX

|-

| 2012 || Daigo Saito||Lexus SC430

|-

| 2013 || Michael Essa||BMW M3

|-

| 2014 || Chris Forsberg||Nissan 370Z

|-

| 2015 || Fredric Aasbø||Scion tC

|-

| 2016 || Chris Forsberg||Nissan 370Z

|-

| 2017 || James Deane||Nissan Silvia S15

|-

| 2018 || James Deane||Nissan Silvia S15

|-

| 2019 || James Deane|| Nissan Silvia S15

|-

| 2020 || Vaughn Gittin Jr.||Ford Mustang RTR

|-

| 2021 || Fredric Aasbø||Toyota Supra

|-

| 2022 || Fredric Aasbø||Toyota Supra

|-

| 2023 || Chelsea DeNofa||Ford Mustang RTR

|-

| 2024 || James Deane || Bridgestone Malaysia Nissan S15

|-

| 2010 || Tengku Djan || Bridgestone Malaysia FXOpen Nissan S15

|-

| 2011 || Daigo Saito || Achilles Radial Toyota Altezza

|-

| 2012 || Daigo Saito || Achilles Radial Lexus IS C

|-

| 2013 || Daigo Saito || Achilles Radial Lexus IS C

|-

| 2014 || Fredric Aasbø || RSR Toyota 86

|-

| 2018 || "Mad" Mike Whiddett || RedBull Racing Mazda RX-7

|-

| 2019 || Andrew Gray || Moty's Toyota Chaser (JZX100)

|-

| 2020 || Kouichi Yamashita || Team WELD Toyota Mark II (JZX100)

|-

| 2021 || Kouichi Yamashita || Team WELD Toyota Mark II (JZX100)

|}

Japan

{| class="wikitable"

|-

! Season

! Driver

! Car

|-

| 2015 || Andrew Gray || Toyota Chaser (JZX100)

|-

| 2016 || Andrew Gray || Toyota Chaser (JZX100)

|-

| 2017 || Andrew Gray || Toyota Chaser (JZX100)

|-

| 2018 || "Mad" Mike Whiddett || Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)

|-

| 2019 || Andrew Gray || Toyota Mark II (JZX100)

|-

| 2020 || Kouichi Yamashita || Toyota Mark II (JZX100)

|-

| 2021 || Kouichi Yamashita || Toyota Mark II (JZX100)

|-

| 2022 || Hokuto Matsuyama || Toyota GR86 (ZN8)

|-

| 2023 || KANTA (Kanta Yanagi) || Toyota Chaser (JZX100)

|-

| 2024 || Kouichi Yamashita || BMW M3 (E92)

|-

| 2025 || Kazumi Takahashi || BMW M3 (E92)

|}

PROSPEC Champions

{| class="wikitable"

|-

! Season

! Driver

! Car

|-

|2014 || Dan Savage || Sikky / Achilles Tire Mazda RX-8

|-

|2015|| Alex Heilbrunn || MonsterBMW BMW M3

|-

|2016|| Marc Landerville || Perry Performance Nissan 240SX

|-

|2017|| Kevin Lawrence || Enjuku Racing / Hankook / BC Racing Nissan S14

|-

|2018|| Travis Reeder || Nissan S13

|-

|2019|| Trenton Beechum || Clonex Racing Nexen Tire Motorsport Ford Mustang

|-

|2020|| Dmitriy Brutskiy || Essa Autosport / Never Settle Drift BMW E46

|-

|2021|| Dmitriy Brutskiy || Essa Autosport / Never Settle Drift BMW E46

|-

|2022

| Robert Thorne

|ASM BMW E46

|-

|2023

| Ben Hobson || Feal Suspension / Pedal Commander Nissan Silvia S14

|-

|2024

| Tommy Lemaire

|XPN Nissan Silvia S14

|-

|2025

| Cody Buchanan

|SRD Auto / Bumz Eyewear Nissan 370Z

|}

Honors

Rookie of the Year

  • 2005 Mike Peters – Chevrolet El Camino
  • 2006 Bill Sherman – Nissan 240SX
  • 2007 Darren McNamara – Toyota Corolla Coupe GT/Nissan SR20
  • 2008 Michihiro Takatori – Nissan Skyline ER34
  • 2009 Eric O'Sullivan – Subaru Impreza WRX STI
  • 2010 Fredric Aasbø – Toyota Supra JZA80
  • 2011 Aurimas "Odi" Bakchis – Nissan Silvia S14
  • 2012 Daigo Saito – Lexus SC430
  • 2013 Mats Baribeau – Toyota Mark II
  • 2014 Geoff Stoneback – Nissan Silvia S14
  • 2015 Masashi Yokoi – Nissan Silvia S15
  • 2016 Alex Heilbrunn – BMW E46 M3
  • 2017 Piotr Wiecek – Nissan Silvia S15
  • 2018 Dirk Stratton – Chevy Corvette
  • 2019 Travis Reeder – Nissan 240SX
  • 2020 Adam LZ – Nissan Silvia S15
  • 2021 Simen Olsen – Toyota GR Supra
  • 2022 Mike Power – Nissan Silvia S15
  • 2023 Robert Thorne – BMW E46
  • 2024 Hiroya Minowa - Toyota GT86
  • 2025 Jack Shanahan – BMW 1 Series E82

Most Improved Driver

  • 2007 Bill Sherman – Nissan 240SX
  • 2008 Stephan Verdier – Subaru Impreza WRX STI
  • 2009 Stephan Verdier – Cooper Tire Subaru Impreza WRX STi
  • 2010 "Mad" Mike Whiddett – Mazda RX-8
  • 2011 Matt Powers – Nissan 240SX
  • 2012 Robbie Nishida – Lexus SC300
  • 2013 Darren McNamara – Nissan Silvia S14
  • 2014 Dean "Karnage" Kearney – Dodge Neon
  • 2015 Alec Hohnadell – Nissan Silvia S14
  • 2018 Matt Field – Chevy C6 Corvette
  • 2019 Ryan Litteral – Nissan 350Z
  • 2020 Taylor Hull – Cadillac ATS
  • 2021 Matt Field – Chevy C6 Corvette
  • 2022 Ken Gushi – Toyota GR86
  • 2023 Simen Olsen – Nissan Silvia S15
  • 2024 Adam LZ – BMW 2J E36

Driver of the Year

  • 2007 Chris Forsberg
  • 2008 Ryan Tuerck
  • 2009 Chris Forsberg
  • 2013 Fredric Aasbø

Hardest Charging Driver

  • 2007 Chris Forsberg
  • 2008 Robbie Nishida
  • 2010 Fredric Aasbø
  • 2011 Matt Powers
  • 2009 Taka Aono
  • 2011 Walker Wilkerson
  • 2013 Robbie Nishida
  • 2014 Forrest Wang
  • 2015 Ken Gushi
  • 2018 Michael Essa
  • 2019 Pat Goodin
  • 2020 Jeff Jones / Rome Charpentier (tie)
  • 2021 Jeff Jones

Best Drifting Style

  • 2008 Daijiro Yoshihara
  • 2011 Daijiro Yoshihara
  • 2013 Daigo Saito
  • 2018 Forrest Wang
  • 2019 Chelsea DeNofa
  • 2020 Chris "The Fors" Forsberg
  • 2021 Chelsea DeNofa
  • 2022 Chelsea DeNofa
  • 2023 Fredric Aasbø

Best Personal Style

  • 2011 Matt Powers
  • 2013 Matt Powers
  • 2014 Ryan Tuerck

Crew Member of the Year

  • 2011 Mike Kojima
  • 2014 Brian Wilkerson
  • 2015 Nathan Tasukon
  • 2018 Stan Williams
  • 2019 Jimmie Cadwell
  • 2020 Jason Dixon
  • 2021 Greg Leone

Team Manager of the Year

  • 2010 Jonathon Bradford
  • 2011 Chris Forsberg
  • 2013 Michael Essa
  • 2014 Stephan Papadakis
  • 2015 Kenji Sumino
  • 2018 Stephan Papadakis
  • 2019 Stephan Papadakis
  • 2020 Stephan Papadakis
  • 2021 Stephan Papadakis
  • 2023 Stephan Papadakis
  • 2024 Christina Jones

Comeback of the Year

  • 2011 Rhys Millen

For 2010, Formula Drift announced a comprehensive race programming schedule with the sports network then known as Versus (ironically co-owned with G4 by Comcast). The seven-stop Formula DRIFT Championship Series programs aired over fourteen Sundays during the 2 PM (EST) / 11 AM (PST) time slot beginning Sunday, August 30. Each episode showcased all the on- and off-track action as the world's top drift drivers battle for the coveted title of Formula DRIFT Champion. The first episode, aired on August 30, will feature a comprehensive overview of the sport and drivers. Each episode re-aired the week following the initial airing.

See also

  • British Drift Championship
  • D1 Grand Prix
  • Drift Allstars
  • Drift Masters

References

  • Wrecked Magazine – Drifting's home in the United States
  • DriftLive.com – Unofficial Formula D Coverage