Formula Drift

Formula DRIFT, often referred to as the American premier professional drifting series, was co-founded by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage in 2003. It holds the distinction of being the first official professional drifting series in North America, playing a pivotal role in establishing and popularizing the sport on the continent. From its inception, Formula DRIFT aimed to bring the high-skill, high-style motorsport of drifting from its Japanese origins to a wider audience, quickly growing from a niche motorsport into a mainstream spectacle. The series has been instrumental in developing top-tier talent and showcasing the extreme car control required in competitive drifting. The competition format in Formula DRIFT is centered around individual qualifying runs followed by intense tandem battles. Drivers first perform solo runs, where they are judged on line, angle, speed, and style, to determine their seeding in the elimination bracket. The main event features a head-to-head, bracket-style competition, typically starting with a Top 32 or Top 16. In tandem battles, two drivers go side-by-side through a designated course. One driver leads, setting the pace and demonstrating precision, while the other chases, aiming to mirror the lead car's movements as closely as possible without making contact. After the first run, roles are reversed. Judges then evaluate both runs based on the same criteria – line, angle, speed, and style – to determine a winner. Close battles often result in a "One More Time" (OMT) call, where drivers repeat the tandem runs until a clear winner emerges. Points are awarded at each event based on finishing position, with the driver accumulating the most points over the season crowned champion. Over its two-decade history, Formula DRIFT has seen numerous legendary drivers claim the coveted championship title, including multi-time champions like Chris Forsberg, Fredric Aasbø, and James Deane, alongside other iconic figures such as Vaughn Gittin Jr., Daigo Saito, and Chelsea DeNofa. These champions represent the pinnacle of drifting skill and car control. The series continues to thrive, attracting a massive global following through live events, extensive online streaming, and television broadcasts. It remains the benchmark for professional drifting in the United States and has significantly influenced the sport worldwide. Formula DRIFT is governed and operated by Formula Drift Holdings, LLC, which oversees all aspects of the championship, from event organization and rule enforcement to marketing and media relations.