HIGH PERFORMANCE MOTORSPORTS
AUTOMOTIVE • DIESEL
HYBRID/ELECTRIC • ROBOTICS & SO MUCH MORE
"THE PARTNERSHIP THAT UNOH HAS WITH FORMULA DRIFT IS A GREAT TOOL FOR STUDENTS. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO GET A FOOT IN THE DOOR, WHETHER IT BE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OR JUST SIMPLY MEETING PEOPLE THAT COULD LEAD TO A JOB AFTER GRADUATION."
JACKSON ORR
UNOH HIGH PERFORMANCE & AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY STUDENT
is the twentieth season of Formula DRIFT. Can you believe that? When I started doing this, I was 22 years old, immature and wayyy over my head, but my partner Jim (Liaw) and I were deeply passionate about this sport. After we did D1 into 2003, we realized the only way to see if this sport had a chance was to launch a brand here in the USA. That is how FD was born. The early days are partly a blur to me. We were doing so much with so little and everywhere we went, we were told no. Early on, most people told us that the sport would never work; that it would never be successful. Hearing that so often gave me a chip on my shoulder. I still carry that chip today, but what really made the difference is all of us together. The teams, the drivers, the mechanics, the video guys, my incredible staff and of course you, fans. When all of those people were telling us “no”, they were also telling you no. No, this sport is not cool. It is not exciting. It has no legs. And yet, little by little, you kept supporting us. You kept coming and what was once a small peep is now a global, world-wide battle cry that has once again proven you were right and they were all wrong. This sport would be nothing without you, without your love, your perseverance and your passion. No amount of gratitude can be expressed to say how much you have played a role in the growth and trajectory and ultimately the mic drop of FD to those that said, “no”.
With all of that, this year is going to be one of the most insane we have ever embarked on. First, we start with a brand new schedule for Combined Weekend’s, by adding Road Atlanta. Secondly, we have a new, but also an ode the old with a new Qualifying format marrying the old techniques with new technology. We have a brand new presentation on the live stream, live telemetry, scoring and the debut or our new FD Unlocked consumer app. In addition to that, FD is launching a blockchain/NFT platform for experiences and for you to own a little piece of FD and all of you already know about our hit podcast, The Outerzone, with host Jacob Gettins. Just wait to see what exclusive interviews he has for you. Additionally, we have a rotational panel or judges, driver stewards and announcers to not only make things more efficient, but to bring back some old faces, like legendary driver and judge Robbie Nishida. In short, 2022 was the biggest and best year FD, but 2023, the twentieth season is going to blow it away.
Ryan Sage PRESIDENT
We thank all of you and let’s get ready to send iiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!
Will
Can you believe it? 20 years. It’s hard to believe an entire decade has passed since we made those iconic Formula DRIFT 10 Year Anniversary photo books with Larry Chen, and yet here we are. Should we do a 20 year version?
We’re glad you’ve picked up the latest Formula DRIFT fan guide handbook by PASMAG. We’re stoked to be back on the front lines at Formula DRIFT to bring you the latest FD content in all of its many forms, and it all starts with getting newcomers acquainted with the series, giving you guys the lowdown on the drivers and tracks for this year’s FD circuit, and providing your one-stop information guide in this booklet.
2023’s series is painting quite a picture for some actionpacked rounds. James Deane returns to the grid under the RTR team, Fredric Aasbo could get his consecutive three-peat and make history as the first driver to score four championships, and new tire sponsors are shaking up the playing field. All of this and more ensures 2023 will be a year for the books.
We’ll be with you guys every step of the way, so be sure to check out the action on official Formula DRIFT social media channels, as well as PASMAG’s multimedia coverage of both the on-track action, as well as our own Tuning365 car & truck shows at select FD stops through the year - something you guys have really seemed to enjoy as some sideshow fun.
Regardless of the standings, or the awards when we get to the grand finale in Irwindale, we’re guaranteed an actionpacked year with eye candy for everyone at each stop, and some definite surprises in those top battles. As always, we wish the best of luck to all of our drivers out there on the grid. As we slide into Formula DRIFT’s 20th annual season, we’re just happy to be here along for the ride. We hope you guys enjoy this season as much as we do.
See you out there!
GROUP PUBLISHER & CEO: Tim Rutledge
EDITORIAL
EDITOR: Adam Gordon
SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Anna Rutledge
MOBILE AUDIO EDITOR-AT-LARGE: Bill Braun
12-VOLT SPECIALIST: Aaron Trimble
FEATURES EDITOR: Ricky Chu
SENIOR VIDEOGRAPHER: Mikey Dang
MANAGING EDITOR: Sean Greene
CONTRIBUTORS
Larry Chen, Benny Doutsh
ART + PRODUCTION
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Queue Gonzalez
PRODUCTION + SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Patrick Dinglasan
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Edward Shintani
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Patrick Beltijar
DESIGN: Julia Neukom
SALES + ADMINISTRATION
DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES: Richard Robles
The genesis of Formula DRIFT takes place. Formula DRIFT founders Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage bring competition drifting to America by organizing an exhibition competition for the Japanese Series D1 Grand Prix at Irwindale Speedway. This is why Irwindale is lovingly referred to as “The House of Drift” in America.
Road Atlanta paves their infamous “horseshoe” at turn 10, making it the perfect grounds for drifting. The gears are already turning for the Formula DRIFT founders.
Formula DRIFT expands to 7 rounds, feeding the ever-growing appetite for more competition drifting in America.
At SEMA 2003, a formal announcement is made about the creation of the very first Formula DRIFT Championship series.
Following the paving of that turn 10 horseshoe, Formula DRIFT holds their first ever round at Road Atlanta.
The sport is growing, and the fans are hungry for more! Formula DRIFT expands their series to 6 rounds, introducing Streets of Long Beach and Evergreen Speedway, tracks that are still in the PRO Championship circuit today.
November
Formula DRIFT organizes the Red Bull Drifting World Championship, in which 32 drivers from 12 different countries compete.
Tanner Foust becomes Formula DRIFT’s first two-time PRO Champion, winning back-to-back years.
2011
February /
2013
April
Hit the lights! Formula DRIFT becomes the first ever series to compete under the darkness of night at Long Beach Grand Prix.
Formula DRIFT becomes the first professional drift series to expand to a 32-car competition bracket.
Formula DRIFT launches the FD Asia Championship.
Celebrating its 10 year anniversary, Formula DRIFT heads into the great white north with the Formula DRIFT Canada Championship.
PRO2 (known as PROSPEC today) is introduced to the grid, with their own championship.
Headed to the home of drifting, Formula DRIFT launches the Formula DRIFT Japan Championship, continuing international expansion.
April
Satisfying the desire for even more action each year, Formula
European Drift Champion James Deane makes his first Formula DRIFT debut, dominating the podium and become the 2017 PRO Champion.
A new arena is added to the circuit! Gateway Motorsports Park in St. Louis becomes the home for Round 6 in the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship. 2017 PRO Champion.
James Deane leaves his mark on Formula DRIFT history, becoming the first driver to win three consecutive championships.
Two new arenas bring fresh challenges.
Old Bridge Township Raceway Park (AKA Englishtown 2.0) and Lake Erie Speedway make their first appearance on the schedule.
Vaughn Gittin Jr. wins his 2nd championship, ten years after his first.
Another new arena! Utah Motorsports Campus opens its gates to Formula DRIFT for the first time.
Fredric Aasbo takes the PRO Championship win, making him the third driver to win three PRO Championships in Formula DRIFT, joining Chris Forsberg and James Deane.
My favorite FD memory is when I had to lead my 1st track walk and seeing all the cool fans. I was so nervous.... game changer...
My Favorite memory is getting sprayed with mud at road Atlanta when someone tire dropped in the key hole. It was my first event.
Having to stop Kristaps from entering the burnout box in Atlanta after crushing the jack stands. Playing it cool while also wondering if he’s going to run me over. Thankfully, he stopped.
2011 FD Las Vegas. Rhys Millen wins 1st place and gets out of his race car and shouts out ”This old man still has it!” Never seen him so happy to win an event.
My favorite FD memory was attending my first Formula Drift event as a fan at Road Atlanta in 2009. I still remember how amazed I was at the size of the crowd, the skill level of all the drivers and the feeling of watching the cars powering through the horseshoe. Atlanta is still the most exciting stop on the calendar for me and I’m glad I was able to experience it as a fan before joining the FD team.
Robbie Nishida FDLB 2013 (2014) Qualifying. 2JZ was only running on 4 cylinders and just turned up the nitrous. Ran it up like a boss and qualified pretty high.
Meeting Jim and Ryan for the very first time at Road Atlanta back in January of 2004 before the loop was paved in and Mike Schneider, Jerry McGovern, Tony Schulz, and Ben Schwartz were testing the track out in three 240s and a Corolla.
My favorite FD memory is Castro vs James Deane battle in Orlando! Legendary! Also just old school early days memories of partying in 2004 & the Hubinette vs Pfeiffer battle at first ever FD ATL!
The memory that resonates with me the most was in 2016 when Tyler McQuarrie T-Boned Justin Pawlak at the Seattle round.
Hundreds of great memories with the FD family before and since then, but my favorite memory has to be winning the 2009 Formula Drift Championship at Irwindale with Chris Forsberg.
A favorite FD memory was giving Kazuya Taguchi a ride to the winner announcement while he was visibly disappointed that the battle couldn't be finished but then seeing the huge surprise when he was given his first FD win.
My favorite memory is when all of the teams got together and took time out of their schedule to do something extremely nice for a young man/young FD fan named Gage. Gage had been suffering from horrible, terminal cancer, and our boys and girls of FD helped him fulfill his dreams of being involved in FD.
Ryan Tuerck was in his crisp, new white suit and trying to make it into the Final Four and called his five minutes. Fans stood in the stands and watched in awed silence as Ryan sprinted around the car, dove underneath it and tried to change the rear diff within the time allotted. A heroic effort ensured and everyone gave it their all, but the clock ran out. The disappointment was palpable throughout the streets of Long Beach for a few seconds but the fans then screamed and applauded so loudly we heard the support all the way in the back in the hot pits.
Formula DRIFT’s 2023 season will mark the eleventh consecutive year in which the Auto Manufacturer Cup and Tire Cup will be awarded. Introduced in 2013, these two complementary competitions serve as an additional battleground for their competitors.
We all know the primary goal of all the drivers in the Formula DRIFT Pro and PROSPEC Championships: The podium. But beneath the surface of that competition
you’ll be able to watch two other competitions happening simultaneously within the Formula DRIFT season. Earning that podium top spot is the obvious goal of competitors at each stop, but scoring points in the Auto Manufacturer Cup and Tire Cup can be equally important to drivers’ sponsors and industry recognition.
For both of these competitions, the top two qualifying drivers eligible for each cup will contribute points at each round.
The Auto Manufacturer Cup is designed to showcase competition drift cars that utilize an engine powerplant that matches the manufacturer of its chassis. At each round, the top two eligible drivers from each vehicle manufacturer will earn points towards that manufacturer’s points total standings.
These drivers are not from a predetermined selection, nor do they need to remain the same from round to round. Decisions
Photography by Larry ChenA Nissan 370Z with a Nissan V8 engine swap = Will Count
A Toyota 86 with a Toyota turbo inline-6 engine swap = Will Count
A Toyota 86 with a Chevrolet V8 engine swap - Will NOT Count
Toyota
Chevrolet » 973
Ford » 937
Nissan » 781
BMW » 363
regarding the engine and vehicle manufacturer eligibility will be determined by Formula DRIFT’s Technical Regulations Manager.
For the purpose of this competition, an eligible car can have an engine swap, but the engine itself must originate from the same manufacturer as the chassis. Ineligible cars will still score points as normal for the Formula DRIFT Championships and the Tire Cup.
In 2022, Toyota held onto its top spot in the Auto Manufacturer Cup for a second consecutive year, after being dethroned by Ford two years prior. Knocking Ford down to the third spot was team Chevrolet who finished just 36 points ahead of Ford for the tightest battle of the manufacturers in 2022. This consequently knocked Nissan down to fourth place, BMW to fifth, and Dodge into sixth, trailed by Ferrari and Mazda in seventh and eighth places respectively.
In the motorsports world, competition among tire manufacturers has always been fierce, but until the Tire Cup championship was formally announced in Formula DRIFT’s 2013 season, it had never been recognized in its own sanctioned competition alongside the main championship.
At each competition round, the top two drivers on each tire brand will earn points towards their respective tire manufacturer’s standings in the Tire Cup championship. Just like the Auto Manufacturer Cup, the top two drivers do not need to be predetermined, nor do they need to remain the same between rounds.
In 2022, Nitto held on to 1st place in the championship for a third consecutive year thanks to a roster of
Nitto » 1333
GT Radial » 1213
Falken » 1208
Nexen » 887
Federal Tires » 831
prominent podium finishers. GT Radial jumped up from third into second place, pushing Falken to third, with Nexen and Federal Tires finishing in fourth and fifth.
A new challenger enters the Tire Cup this year. With Falken out of Formula DRIFT, and Kenda Tires in, the playing field has changed. Keep your eyes on those Kenda-sponsored drivers for some big moves.
» 1326 pts
Formula DRIFT brings the excitement back to eight stops once again in 2023. For the first time in a few years, the 2023 schedule does not introduce a new track into the mix, so drivers will be battling on relatively familiar territory. After a couple of very successful post-pandemic years of Formula DRIFT, the formula has been ironed out to perfection, and the stage is set for an even bigger and better season in 2023.
This year will follow the same order of events as previous years, including the iconic season kick-off round on April 7th on the Streets of Long Beach, and the season closer grand finale at Irwindale Speedway on the
October 13-14 weekend. Utah Motorsports Campus returns for its second consecutive season on the circuit for Formula DRIFT’s second-to-last stop, with PRO and PROSPEC rounds both taking place in Grantsville.
The Formula DRIFT Pro circuit kicks off 2023 on the Streets of Long Beach on the weekend of April 7-8. After that, drivers and teams head out to Road Atlanta for the second round on May 11-13, before making the trip down south to Orlando for the May 26-27 weekend. From there, they’ll be traveling back up the east coast to one of the crowd favorites: Englishtown’s Old Bridge Township Raceway Park on June 22-24 weekend. The St. Louis stop comes shortly after on July 13-15, followed by a trip to Monroe, Washington for the August 11-12 event. After that, we’re back at Utah Motorsports Campus for the second year on September 14-16. Finally, the iconic grand finale takes place at Irwindale Speedway on October 13-14 to close out the season.
While all the tracks are familiar, new drivers have entered the
Photography by Larry Chen
fold. Did we mention that James Deane is back, and drives for RTR now? Yeah. It’s going to be an exciting year.
Back under its new name and new rulebook for the second consecutive year, the Formula DRIFT Link ECU PROSPEC Championship is bringing the heat this year. With PROSPEC rounds in Atlanta, Englishtown, St. Louis, and Grantsville, you don’t want to miss some of Formula DRIFT’s most talented up-and-comers in action.
GT Radial remains the lone tire supplier for PROSPEC drivers, ensuring an even playing field among the competition. It’s all going to come down to driver and team skill! The popular series that feeds into Formula DRIFT PRO licensing continues to attract talented drivers from across the globe. We can’t wait to see who moves into PRO this year!
As part of its ongoing community outreach, Formula Drift is proud to announce it has partnered with Acceler8 – a Californiabased automotive education and workforce development program. Established and run by Law Enforcement personnel, Acceler8 reaches high school students considered “at risk” due to behavior issues, academic status, family situations, and more. It also seeks to assist "opportunity youth," which the DoE identifies as students aged 16-24 who are neither enrolled in school nor participating in the labor market.
The unique Acceler8 model pairs at-risk youth with volunteer law enforcement officers and auto- motive professionals. With all parties drawn by a common automotive passion, students receive support from stable adult role models at a formative time in their lives. They receive support to complete school, acquire skills that excite them, and prepare them for jobs in the wide automotive sector.
As the Education Partner for Formula DRIFT, Acceler8 will invite youth from local communities throughout the 2023 national tour. The students will receive an up-close look at professional drift teams and the automotive
industry while speaking to crews, drivers and FD personnel. They will also have the opportunity to watch their favorite drivers perform during the FD weekend. In addition to the student tours, Acceler8 will be on-hand at each round to demonstrate its automotive educational programs to all event attendees.
If you’d like to assist the Acceler8 program, there are many ways you can help. The team is always in need of additional funding through grants, company sponsorship, or individual donations. Companies can also help by providing job training or placement for students who complete the program.
To discover more about how to help or donate, please visit acceler8education.org
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW, SCAN THE QR
We spoke with reigning FD champion Fredric Aasbo to get to the lowdown on his win and his preparations for this season! Check out the full interview by scanning the QR code below.
The win was sort of like a roller coaster ride. When you think you're lost mid season and you come back and you end up clinching the championship, it's such a kind of relief. We went into the desert with my friends - we were probably 50/60 people out there in the desert celebrating and raging and driving our old off-road trucks, and burning a few of them down. It’s a time to party.
Of course, with another season around the corner, there’s a lot to do. For me, it's a lot of frozen lake drifting in the winter. We log a lot of hours and a lot of laps in a day. One thing that we've found is that we all need to step away from cars for a little bit to come back hungry.
I wasn’t as hungry in ‘22 as I was in ‘21, and that's always sort of been my thing - after a year where I do well, I almost fall back a little bit. This year though we have the opportunity to be the first to get a fourth championship. Obviously that would be huge, and a major goal.
With James Deane coming back in, he's obviously going to do well. The bigger question for me is if it's going to trickle down into the rest of the RTR camp.
I think they made some really smart decisions this year with Vaughn coming back, seemingly focusing more on drift, and bringing James in. So I think they're gonna be really strong. And I don't think we should forget about the other guys that are coming in too. Some really solid names there too, right? Forrest Wang, Diego Higa, my old friend Kristaps coming in. I think it's shaping up for an incredible year.
So I'll see you all there, and I'm gonna do everything I can to deliver!
“I wasn’t as hungry in ‘22 as I was in ‘21, and that's always sort of been my thing - after a year where I do well, I almost fall back a little bit. This year though we have the opportunity to be the first to get a fourth championship.”
We caught up with ProSpec champion Robert Thorne to hear about his victory and his plans for the upcoming season! For the full interview, scan the QR code below.
Photography by Larry Chen
The championship was kind of unexpected. Well, of course, the first year, we went into it with trying to have reasonable expectations, hoping to get some top 16s, maybe a top eight, learn something, not embarrass ourselves. Just get a good understanding of the FD atmosphere. Things started falling into place and we ended round two with the championship lead. Then we started taking things pretty serious for the rest of the year, making sure we held on to that lead -- the high was was overwhelming for sure at Utah. We are all prepared for whatever outcome, but when it did come our way, man, it was exciting.
This year, moving into PRO, we'll try to do the same thing. Goal one is just preparing the car as best it can be. We know we're going to need 30% more power for 30% more grip. So we're working on that now. The car needs to be fast just on the run up. You see these cars in videos, and they are fly through the run up. You've got 1,200 horsepower cars with sequential gearboxes. You know, time it on a stopwatch and we're nowhere near quick enough in ProSpec. So we're going to definitely step the car up to make sure it's competitive, make sure it's a little lighter, a lot more powerful. And then you've got to be on your game, you know, on a top, top of the pack, qualifying run in ProSpec is going to put you mid-pack at best at Pro. So for sure consistency, I've been getting some practice in on SIM. So yeah, needed everything to be prepared, at least better than last year.
“ This year, moving into PRO, we'll try to do the same thing. Goal one is just preparing the car as best it can be. ”
Defending three-time Formula DRIFT Champion known for his flat-out style, Fredric Aasbo has achieved 100-plus podium finishes on three continents over the past decade of competition. He is the most winning driver in Formula DRIFT history. Aasbo returns to the Formula DRIFT series in 2023 driving the Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra, while also running select events around the world in Toyota vehicles. Aasbo made his U.S. debut at a global drifting invitational in 2008 and turned heads as the winner of the 2010 Formula DRIFT Rookie of the Year title. Since then, he has charged through the drifting ranks around the world and is both a fan favorite and championship winner. Originally from Ski, Norway, Aasbo now splits his time between his native country and Southern California. He campaigns a full international season.
CAR
Rockstar Energy
Toyota GR Supra
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Nitto Tire
ENGINE
Toyota HORSEPOWER 1095
SUSPENSION RS-R
SAFETY OMP
EXTERIOR
JonSibal design
TEAM
Papadakis Racing
INTERIOR
Papadakis Racing SPONSORS
Toyota, Rockstar Energy
Drink, Nitto Tire, ENEOS Motor Oil
HOMETOWN
Kaunas, Lithuania
Phelan, CA
Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis, founder and CEO of Feal Suspension, started drifting professionally in 2011 and is now a proven championship contender. He finished 3rd overall in the Formula Drift USA championship in 2021, 2019, and 2017. He has nine event wins, numerous podiums, and has finished in the Top 5 overall in Formula DRIFT six times. Odi moved to the US from Lithuania when he was 8 years old. He raced motocross in California, experimented with his own motorcycle suspension, and then opened Feal Suspension. Odi decided to try drifting in 2009, earned his professional license in 2010, and was the 2011 Formula Drift “Rookie of the Year.” He won his first Formula DRIFT event at Road Atlanta in May 2015 and has won multiple events since then, including 2 back-to-back event wins in 2019. Odi has finished Top 5 overall in Formula DRIFT USA 6 times since 2014. As a proven competitor, Odi is eager to continue to grow as a successful driver in the sport, consistently rise to new challenges, and expand his expertise in suspension set up and design.
CAR Feal Suspension
GT Radial S15
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Texas Speed
Crower
Vortech
HORSEPOWER 1000 SUSPENSION
Feal Suspension 443 with Wisefab
WHEELS
Kansei Astro
EXTERIOR
LW Performance carbon
kevlar bodykit
INTERIOR
NRG steering wheel, Cobra race seats, Monster Service dash
TEAM Feal Suspension
Race Team
ECU
Holley HP
SPONSORS
Feal, GT Radial, ENEOS USA, Inc., Pedal Commander, Kansei Wheels, Holley
Performance, Wisefab, Swift Springs, MEGA
LiFeBattery USA, Boxo USA, Rola Audio Video, Cobra Seats, Ignite Racing Fuel, Texas Speed, Deatschwerks, 702 Graphics, G&J Aircraft, ACT, Drive Shaft Shop, Vortech Superchargers, Wilwood Brakes, Radium Engineering, LW Performance, JE Pistons, Simpson, 326 Power Japan, Treadstone
Performance, Crower Cams, NRG Innovations, TurnOne Steering, Sikky Manufacturing, Stilo
Known as SHERIFF BARION started his career in motorsport at 9 years old. One of the main stars of NETFLIX HYPERDRIVE series, started Drift in 2017 after driving in F3 Sudamericana, F3000 European among others. In addition to being an excellent driver, his main highlight is his “character” who always wears a hat and is considered the “daring driver”.
CAR Corvette Barbarius
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
LME Late Model Engine
HORSEPOWER 1100
SUSPENSION
PBM Parts Shop Max
WHEELS
Gisa
EXTERIOR
Alltak
INTERIOR
Sparco
ECU
Fueltech
TEAM BARBARIUS USA
SPONSORS
Monster Energy, Perfect Automotive, Pioneiro Batteries, LME Late Model Engines
HOMETOWN Marília, Brazil
CAR
TIRES
Nexen Tires
ENGINE
Golen Engine
HORSEPOWER 1150
SUSPENSION
Feal / Wisefab
WHEELS
Motegi Racing
EXTERIOR Street Fighter LA
INTERIOR NRG
ECU Holly
SPONSORS
Nexen Tire, Clonex Racing, Penthouse Magazine, Bloodmotorsport, Kings Autobody, Feal Suspension, Motegi Wheels, Wilwood Brakes, Wisefab, Driveshaft Pro, ACT, Golen Engine, Vortech Supercharger, Nitrous Express, Wheel Concept, KN Filters, Ignite Racing Fuel, Treadstone Performance , Radium Enginering , NRG Innovations , Mishitmoto, Joyhollywood
CAR NO. 999 PASMAG.COM FORMULAD.COM 31
Nexen Tire Clonex Racing BMW TRENTONBEECHUMRACING @TRENTON_BEECHUM
AMAZING HOLDING POWER WITH SMOOTH ENGAGEMENT
QUIET OPERATION
ALL-BILLET CONSTRUCTION
FULL-FACED CARBON GRAPHITE DISCS AS ONE OF FOUR COMPOUND OPTIONS UP TO 1750 FT. LBS. OF TORQUE
Be yourself and people will gravitate!
CAR HGK E92
CAR SPECS
ENGINE
HGK HORSEPOWER 900 SUSPENSION
Wisefab/Nitron
WHEELS
HGK Wheels
EXTERIOR
HGK Eurofighter
INTERIOR
HGK Eurofighter
ECU
Motec
TEAM HGK Motorsports
SPONSORS
CAR NO. 80 PASMAG.COM FORMULAD.COM 33
HOMETOWN Riga, Latvia
HOMETOWN Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Jhonnattan is a five-time Dominican Republic Champion drifter.
TEAM J Castro RacingJCR
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Toyota B58
HORSEPOWER
901
SUSPENSION
ST Suspensions
WHEELS
Advan Racing TC-4
EXTERIOR
Rocket Bunny
INTERIOR
Sparco
ECU
MOTEC
SPONSORS
CAR NO. 17 PASMAG.COM FORMULAD.COM 34
RESIDENT
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Rome Charpentier grew up watching Days of Thunder , going to the Long Beach Grand Prix and dreaming of becoming a race car driver. In 2016, at the age of 30, he decided to chase his dreams and he bought his first drift car, The E36 BMW, and decided to take on the world!
CAR
Garagistic, Vitour Tyres E36
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Vitour
ENGINE
LS7 RHS
HORSEPOWER
777
SUSPENSION
Feal, Wisefab
WHEELS
ESR
EXTERIOR Big Duck Club
INTERIOR
NRG
ECU Holley
TEAM Garagistic Racing ROMEDRIFTS
SPONSORS
Garagistic, Vitour tires, Magnuson superchargers, Motul, Holley performance, NRG innovations, Gforce transmissions, Feal Suspension, Wisefab, Big Duck club, ACT, Prisma lab, ESR wheels, Simpson Racing, Stilo helmets
HOMETOWN La Costa, CA
HOMETOWN Castletownroche, Ireland
RESIDENT Castletownroche, Ireland
James Deane has established himself as one of the fastest- growing personalities in the sport and boasts the largest following of any Irish motorsport personality in the world. James began his competitive drift career in 2006 behind the wheel of a Ford Sierra in the Prodrift Junior Championship and in 2023 he is again behind the wheel of a Ford only this time it is a Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD in Formula DRIFT with 1,111 horsepower. James makes his Formula DRIFT return, the world’s premiere drift series, after a three-year hiatus from the series which saw him take home the Championship in three consecutive seasons (2017, 2018, 2019). However, during his hiatus from US drifting he was no stranger to winning, taking first at the DriftNeu North Cyprus Championship Finals, Goodwood Festival of Speed Driftkhana competition, the LZ Festival Mondello Park, multiple podiums in the Drift Masters European Championship and that’s just 2022. As 2023 gets underway James will be in pursuit of a record setting 4th Formula DRIFT Championship and 3rd for RTR Motorsports.
CAR
2023 AutoZone
Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Nitto
ENGINE
Ford HORSEPOWER 1,111
SUSPENSION
BC Racing ZR-Type
Custom Coilovers
WHEELS
RTR Aero 5
EXTERIOR
RTR Spec 5-FD widebody, RTR carbon Kevlar body panels, RTR chin spoiler, RTR spoiler, RTR rocker splitters, RTR grille with integrated lighting, RTR rear diffuser, TYPE S LED lighting
TEAM RTR Motorsports
INTERIOR RECARO seats, Schroth Racing harnesses
ECU
Motec M130
SPONSORS
AutoZone, NGK/NTK, OPTIMA Batteries, TYPE S, Pennzoil, Ford Performance, BC Racing, VP Racing Fuels, RECARO, Alpinestars, FunHaver, RTR Vehicles
For the past decade ISC Suspension has proven itself as a diverse weapon for multiple driving disciplines for both street and motorsports; from Time Attack and HPDE, to Drift, Autocross and Street
Philadelphia, PA
Orlando, FL
Since the start of his racing career Chelsea DeNofa has had his hand in several forms of racing. His ability to balance an aggressive style with precise driving techniques have set him apart from his peers in drifting, road racing, and stunt driving. This incredible talent led him to take 2nd in the 2020 Formula DRIFT Championship and 4th in both 2021 and 2022. When his focus turned primarily to drifting, which was exploding in popularity, he quickly made a name for himself and was seen at drifting events all over the east coast and the majority of pro events throughout the United States. DeNofa continued to hone his skills in 2007 thru 2011 by campaigning complete seasons of NOPI Drift, D1GP USA, and then proceeded to win backto-back Xtreme Drift Championships.
CAR
2023 Pennzoil BC
Racing Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Nitto
ENGINE
Ford HORSEPOWER
1,111
SUSPENSION
BC Racing ZR-Type Custom Coilovers
WHEELS
RTR Tech 10
EXTERIOR
RTR Spec 5-FD widebody, RTR carbon Kevlar body panels, RTR chin spoiler, RTR spoiler, RTR rocker splitters, RTR grille with integrated lighting, RTR rear diffuser, TYPE S LED lighting
TEAM RTR Motorsports
INTERIOR RECARO / Schroth
ECU
Motec M130
SPONSORS
Pennzoil, BC Racing, Ford Performance, Nitto Tire, TYPE S, GEARWRENCH, Monster Energy, NGK/NTK, OPTIMA Batteries, HP Tuners, MAHLE, Forza, K&N Filters, COATS, RECARO, Competition Clutch, Alpinestars, VP Racing Fuels, Driveshaft Shop, FunHaver, RTR Vehicles
HOMETOWN
Morgan Hill, CA
RESIDENT
Morgan Hill, CA
Matt Field is known best for his aggressive driving style and no-quit attitude. No matter the battle, Matt drives his Falken Tire C6 Corvette as if it's the last run of his life. This persistence has made Matt Field a house-hold name within the Formula DRIFT series and fans all across the globe. Hailing from San Jose, California - Matt and his team have competed all around the world - from the United States, China, Japan, and even Australia! Aside from a full-time racing career, Matt is also the proud owner of Drift Cave, a motorsport focused performance and fabrication shop. Taking the experience he has acquired behind the wheel and implementing it into his customers' projects has been incredibly rewarding and has further expanded his popularity. Entering the 2023 Formula DRIFT season and 20th anniversary of the series, Matt is hungrier than ever to earn a Championship!
CAR
Borla Performance
GT Radial Corvette
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Texas Speed
HORSEPOWER
1,050
SUSPENSION
Parts Shop Max
WHEELS
Forgestar
EXTERIOR
HGK Racing Carbon Kevlar Body
INTERIOR
MOMO Motorsport
TEAM
Drift Cave Motorsports
ECU Link
SPONSORS
Borla Performance, Heatwave Visual, Leens Customs, Lucas Oil
HOMETOWN
Doylestown, PA
RESIDENT
Costa Mesa, CA
Christopher Forsberg, is a self-taught, three-time Formula DRIFT Champion from Doylestown, Pennsylvania who currently competes in the NOS Energy Drink GT Radial Nissan Z. He is the owner, lead driver and shop manager of Forsberg Racing. Considered an ironman in the sport, Forsberg has competed in every round of Formula DRIFT since 2004. During this time he’s amassed the all-time head to head battle wins and most podium finishes in Formula DRIFT history.
CAR
NOS Energy Drink
GT Radial 2023
Nissan Z
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Nissan VR38
HORSEPOWER 1300
SUSPENSION
BC Racing
WHEELS Rotiform
EXTERIOR Street Hunter Designs
INTERIOR Recaro
ECU
Motec
TEAM
Forsberg Racing
SPONSORS
NOS Energy Drink, GT Radial, Nissan NISMO, STEEL-IT, Valvoline, BC Racing, OPTIMA, K&N, Z1 Motorsports, Rotiform
HOMETOWN
Annapolis, MD
Concord, NC
World champion drifter, off-road racing champion, and Professional Fun-Haver, Vaughn Gittin Jr., is best known for his aggressive, foot-to-the-floor, big-smoke driving style from behind the wheel of arguably the most recognizable cars in the sport: the 2024 Monster Energy Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD used in the Formula DRIFT Pro series. In the United States, Gittin won his first Formula DRIFT title in 2010 and most recently won the 2020 Formula DRIFT Championship, cementing his place as one of the best drift drivers in the history of the sport. Gittin is also a three-time World Drift Series champion (2011-2013). In 2005, he became the first American ever to win a D1 Grand Prix event when he stood atop the podium in the 2005 USA vs. Japan competition. Gittin again brought the title home for the USA in the 2007 World Championship.
CAR
2023 Monster
Energy Ford
Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Nitto
ENGINE
Ford Performance
HORSEPOWER 1,111
SUSPENSION
BC Racing ZR-Type
Custom Coilovers
WHEELS
RTR Aero 5
EXTERIOR RTR / TYPE S LED
lighting INTERIOR RECARO / Schroth
TEAM RTR
Motorsports
ECU
Motec M130
SPONSORS
Ford Performance, Monster Energy, Pennzoil, Nitto Tire, TYPE S, GEARWRENCH, BC Racing, HP Tuners, NGK/ NTK, OPTIMA Batteries, Forza, Alpinestars, K&N Filters, MBRP Exhaust, RECARO, VP Racing Fuels, Competition
Clutch, Driveshaft Shop, Fun-Haver, RTR Vehicles, MAHLE
CAR Three's Racing
GR86
CAR SPECS
TEAM Three's Racing
SPONSORS
57XR
Toyota Gazoo Racing NA, Moty’s, Rays, Kazama Auto, Wilwood, Radium Engineering, Wisefab, Greddy Performance, Rocket Bunny, Supertech, Sparco, WPC, Bluemoon Performance, Autotuned, Enticed Motorsports, HPS, ORC, APR, Alpha Injection, Fuelab Fuel Systems, JE Pistons, Run BC, Nepros, LINK
HOMETOWN Santos, Brazil
RESIDENT Orlando, Florida
Higa started drifting when he was 14yr old and has participated in several championships in Brazil and the United States. You can find some of his exploits on his YouTube channel, including stunts, cars and his shop. Higa is also an 8 time Super Drift Brasil Champion and the winner of the "Gold Helmet" in 2019, which is considered the highest honor in Brazilian Motorsports.
CAR
Toyota
GT86
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GTRadial
ENGINE
2jz-gte
HORSEPOWER
1000 SUSPENSION
BC Racing
WHEELS
Rays
EXTERIOR
HGK Carbon Kevlar
INTERIOR
Takata, Momo Steering
Wheel
ECU
Fueltech
TEAM Diego Higa Racing Team
SPONSORS
Garrett, ACT Clutch, VP Racing, Rays, JDM Supreme, Fueltech, Wisefab
TEAM Huragan Racing
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
VR38
HORSEPOWER
1040
SUSPENSION
WiseFab
WHEELS
Enkei Rpf1
EXTERIOR ChepaRacing
INTERIOR
Cheparacing
ECU Syvecs
Fresh off a 2022 season in which he won his first Formula Drift event in just his third full season of drifting, Dylan Hughes has his sights set on one of the three podium spots for 2023. Hughes drives a 2JZ-powered BMW E46 with sponsorship from Royal Purple, Permatex, and GT Radial tires and has been infatuated with tuner cars, speed and drifting most of his life. His career began with amateur drift events at his home track, Evergreen Speedway in Washington, while working at the nearby DirtFish Rally School. A second-place overall finish in the 2018 Formula Drift ProSpec series standings landed him an opportunity at the top level of Formula Drift in the Pro Series and Hughes has not looked back with multiple podium finishes and the win at FD Orlando last May. While not drifting, Hughes uses his talents as a master fabricator, welder and on-camera talent building cars and creating content at Whip, his shop in Southern California.
CAR Whip Racing
Royal Purple
BMW
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Toyota HORSEPOWER
950 SUSPENSION
BC Racing & FDF
Angle Kit
WHEELS
Forgestar EXTERIOR
Street Fighter LA
INTERIOR Momo
TEAM _Whip._
ECU Link
SPONSORS
Royal Purple, Permatex, GT Radial, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Slime, Rain-X, Momo
Taylor began racing at oval tracks around the southeast in 2003 before moving to drifting in 2011. He began competing in Formula DRIFT in 2015 and started PRO in 2017. Since then he has managed to finish top 10 in points originally campaigning a Cadillac. The team has moved on to a Corvette now and looks forward to competing for podiums in 2023.
CAR Comp Cams, Kenda Tire, Yellow Speed Racing Corvette
TIRES
Kenda
ENGINE RHS
HORSEPOWER 1000 SUSPENSION
Yellow Speed Racing/ Wisefab
WHEELS
Konig
EXTERIOR Foxy Wraps
INTERIOR
OMP
ECU
Fueltech
TEAM Outlaw Garage
SPONSORS
Comp Cams, Kenda Tire, Yellow Speed Racing, Edelbrock, Wild Willies, ACT , Fueltech, Fuel Air Spark Technology, Racing Head Service, Konig Wheels, OMP Racing, Affirm Consulting, Outlaw Garage, Drift University
Hurst was born and raised in Western Kentucky where he started drifting at the age of 20. In 2017, he earned his Pro2 license through Midwest Drift Union with a twin-turbo LS 350z. For his third year in Pro 2 he obtained a 2nd place overall finish and made his rookie debut in 2021 Pro with an impressive top 20 finish. 2023 will be the third season competing in Pro.
CAR Cash Racing
E46
CAR SPECS
ENGINE
Chevrolet HORSEPOWER
1000 SUSPENSION
FDF / Feal
WHEELS
Litespeed Racing
EXTERIOR
Fineline Aero
INTERIOR
NRG / BDC
ECU
Haltech
TEAM Cash Racing
SPONSORS
FDF Raceshop, ZZX
Digital, Haltech, Garrett Advancing Motion, Litespeed Racing, NRG Innovations, Radium Engineering, Risefab Shop, MLRE, Treadstone Performance, Redhorse Performance, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Monster Clutches, Dynosty, Holley Performance, G Force Transmissions, Feal Suspension, AZ Rag Installs
• 1pc Casting - Flow Forming
• Color: Machining & Racing Hyper Black
Machining & Black Gun Metallic
Machining & Champagne Gold
Semi Gloss Black
• Center cap sold opional
• Include Valve stem
• P.C.D.: 4-98,4-100,5-100,5-112, 5-114.3 5-120
HOMETOWN
Fredrikstad Norway
Fredrikstad, Norway
Ola is a 33-year old professional drift driver from Fredrikstad, Norway who has been competing in motorsports, beginning with karting, since the age of nine at national and international levels winning numerous championships between 1999 and 2005. The world of drifting pulled him in with the adrenaline and excitement it offered over other motorsports and he quickly rose through the ranks becoming a two-time Powerdrift Champion and Norway's National Drift Champion. Ola was awarded the opportunity to compete in the American Formula Drift Series after winning Scandinavia’s Powerdrift championship in 2016 and securing a Pro2 (now ProSpec) License. He finished 7th in his rookie year, 4th in his second year and made his Pro Debut in 2022.
CAR Team Japan Auto
Toyota Supra
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Kenda
ENGINE
Toyota HORSEPOWER 950 SUSPENSION
Feal
WHEELS
Yokohama
EXTERIOR RAD-Industries weapon wide body kiy
INTERIOR
DND Performance interior
TEAM Team Japan Auto
ECU
Maxxecu
SPONSORS
UTB Oils, Yokohama
Wheels, Driftmotion, DND Performance
interior, Wisefab, Feal Suspension, Ignite
Racing fuel, Ifor Williams Trailers, Radium engineering, Wheel Mate, Project Mu
HOMETOWN
Sun Valley, CA
San Fernando Valley, CA
Jeff started drifting in 2002 in a Toyota Celica GTS and eventually moved on to local competitions such as Just Drift, Drift Day, Pro-Am Nationals, Drift Buffet and XDC competing in a Mazda Rx-7. Jeff has been featured in magazines including PASMAG, Super Street, D-Sport as well as local radio, in-store promotional advertisements and billboard signages. In 2009, Jeff received his Formula Drift PRO License and started his first PRO season in 2009. In 2018, Jeff built an all-new Nissan 370z and really established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In 2020 Jeff saw two Final 4 finishes and an overall finish of 9th place for the season. Taking that strong momentum to bring it even stronger in 2021, the team achieved another Final 4 finish, 2 Great 8’s and a 1st Place podium finish at the Long Beach Grand Prix Super Drift Challenge. In 2022, the team built and debuted a new lighter, more powerful Nissan 370z. In 2022, Jeff co-founded and launched HOTPIT Autofest, a lifelong dream of his to bring semi-pro drifting to So-Cal. For the 2023 Season, this FD Veteran's 15th Season, Jeff is taking the team's strong momentum and looking to DOMINATE the podium for seasons to come.
CAR
Evol Auto Works, BIG Drift Energy, Prisma Labs, Nissan 370Z
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Chevrolet HORSEPOWER 1000 SUSPENSION
Parts Shop Max
WHEELS Klutch Wheels
EXTERIOR
Duraflex
INTERIOR
NRG Innovations & The Prisma Lab
TEAM Jeff Jones Racing
ECU LINK SPONSORS
Evol Auto Works, BIG Drift Energy, GT Radial, NRG Innovations, The Prisma Lab, Top 1 Oil, doc, CA Auto Parts, DNA Motoring, Action Clutch, Klutch Wheels, LINK ECU, PARTS SHOP MAX, Duraflex, AFR Air Flow Research, G-Force Transmissions
Dean Kearney started drifting over 15 years ago in his home country of Ireland, earning a European Drift Championship prior to his FD career. A decade ago, Dean made the move to California to chase after his Formula Drift aspirations. Currently in his 12th season as a full-time FD Pro driver, Dean returns with the 1350hp HyperNFT Dodge Viper.
CAR
HyperNFT Dodge Viper
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Nexen
ENGINE
Dodge
HORSEPOWER 1350
SUSPENSION
Moton
WHEELS
Kansei
EXTERIOR APR
INTERIOR Sparco ECU
Motec
TEAM Team Karnage
SPONSORS
HyperNFT.io, Nexen Tires
HOMETOWN Waterford, Ireland
CAR
The Heart of Racing
Aston Martin
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Aston Martin
HORSEPOWER
1100 SUSPENSION
Penske
WHEELS
Rotiform
EXTERIOR Custom
INTERIOR
Aston Martin GT4
ECU Motec
HOMETOWN
Auckland, New Zealand
RESIDENT
Auckland, New Zealand
TEAM The Heart of Racing
SPONSORS
The Heart of Racing, GT Radial, Tirestacks
Darren Kelly is an International Professional Drift Driver from New Zealand. 3x D1NZ Pro Champion and National GT3 Endurance Racing Champion.
HOMETOWN Riverside, CA
RESIDENT
Huntington Beach, CA
Ryan Litteral is the epitome of grassroots due to his perfect balance of JDM homage and westernized flair. He is well-known for his aggressive style, vigorous driving, unwavering commitment and resilience to perfecting his craft with both RB engines and the sport of drifting. He is the only driver in the series campaigning the almighty RB engine and is the leader of the cult-following RB Army. Ryan is admired for his persistence, fortitude and determination to becoming one of the best drivers in the world while never forgetting his roots and carving his own path.
CAR Powerstop Brakes S15
CAR SPECS
ENGINE
Nissan
HORSEPOWER 900
SUSPENSION
ST / Wisefab
WHEELS
Heritage EXTERIOR 2F Performance
INTERIOR
Sabelt
ECU
Motec
TEAM
Ryan Litteral Racing x Colab Garage
SPONSORS
Powerstop Brakes, Colab Garage, ANX
COMING SUMMER 2023
Since 2009, Adam LZ has been traveling the world and documenting his adventures on YouTube. After making a name for himself in BMX he leveraged his success to fund his first drift car in 2015 - an SR20DET S13. He has had hundreds of thousands with him watching his journey as he progressed from his first parking lot donuts to becoming a fierce competitor all over the world. Adam is most known for his aggressive entries, versatility with many different chassis, and a heavy Japanese influence in his driving style. For 2023 Adam will be competing in a 2024 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD.
CAR
2023 RTR Vehicles
Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Nitto
ENGINE
Ford HORSEPOWER
1,111
SUSPENSION
BC Racing ZR-Type Custom Coilovers
WHEELS
RTR Aero 7
EXTERIOR
RTR, TYPE S LED lighting
INTERIOR RECARO / Schroth
TEAM RTR Motorsports
ECU Motec M130
SPONSORS
RTR Vehicles, Ford Performance, NGK/ NTK, OPTIMA Batteries, Pennzoil, BC Racing, VP Racing Fuels, RECARO, Alpinestars, Fun-Haver, Drift HQ, LZMFG
HOMETOWN Waterbury, CT
RESIDENT Mims, FL
HOMETOWN
Long Beach, CA
RESIDENT Long Beach, CA
Kyle Mohan is based in California and has competed in the Formula DRIFT Pro Championship since 2007. Kyle Mohan owns and operates Kyle Mohan Racing, which contests the Formula DRIFT Pro Championship in North America and the HotPit Series Series in California as well as other Professional events. The team currently campaigns a Mazda RX-8 in the Formula Drift series. The car, designed and developed with renowned Mazda rotary engine builder, Mazdatrix, is a proven crowd favorite. In sea of cars using similar V8 engines, Mohan’s turbocharged Mazda howls to nearly 10,000 RPM at each round of the Formula Drift championship.
CAR
Renewable
Lubricants / eFlex / Mazdatrix RX8
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Federal Tire
ENGINE
Kyle Mohan Racing / Mazdatrix
HORSEPOWER 1000
SUSPENSION
Megan Racing / WiseFab
WHEELS
XXR
EXTERIOR
Kyle Mohan Racing / BDC
INTERIOR NGR Innovations
ECU
Haltech
TEAM
Kyle Mohan Racing
SPONSORS
Renewable Lubricants, Mazdatrix, E FlexFuel, NGK / NTK Racing, Brave Energy Drift, Exedy USA, Federal Tire, Mishimoto, Haltech, WiseFab, Precision Turbo, Wrap
Legends, XXR Wheels, HGT Precision
HOMETOWN
Las Vegas, NV
RESIDENT
Atlanta, GA
Nick has had a passion for cars and racing ever since he can remember. In 2007, when Nick was 11, he saw The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and fell in love with drifting. In 2015, he started attending track days, and in 2016 started drifting at local events. Nick started drifting competitively in 2017, and in his first year won the Exc!teGP championship, securing a win and a second place finish out of three events. In 2020, Nick went on to earn a Pro 1 license for 2021. For 2021, Nick elected to stay in ProSpec (formerly Pro2) to develop his skills more and to work on other aspects of the program. He finished 2nd overall in the 2021 championship, securing podium spots in 3 out of the 4 ProSpec rounds. The 2022 season was Nick’s first step into Formula DRIFT Pro, the highest level of competitive drifting in the world. For the 2023 Formula DRIFT season, Nick has teamed up with Jerry Yang Racing to create a dynamic racing team that plans on being one of the top teams in Formula DRIFT.
CAR
Noback Racing Co.
E46 built by Jerry Yang Racing
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Chevorlet
HORSEPOWER 1000
SUSPENSION
Feal 443
WHEELS
Konig
EXTERIOR 2F Performance / Big Duck Club
INTERIOR OMP
TEAM Noback Racing with Jerry Yang Racing
ECU
Motec M84
SPONSORS
GT Radial, Konig Wheels, 2F Performance, Big Duck Club, RTS, ACT
HOMETOWN Høvåg, Norway
RESIDENT Høvåg, Norway
2021 Formula Drift Rookie of the Year Simen Olsen has been a competitive drifter in both Europe and the United States for the past 6 years, making his Formula Drift debut in 2021 after bypassing the traditional route of competing in the PROSPEC series first. His success in Europe at comparable Pro1 events the 4 years prior allowed him to build a car specifically for the U.S series, carry over sponsorships, set up his team and jump right into the driver's seat at the American Pro1 level.
CAR
Feal Suspension
Race Team
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Texas Speed engine with Crower valve train, and Vortech supercharger
HORSEPOWER
1000
SUSPENSION
Feal Suspension 443 with Wisefab
WHEELS
Kansei
EXTERIOR 2F Performance Super Doof bodykit
INTERIOR
NRG steering wheel, Cobra race seats, Monster Service dash, Sikky hand brake
TEAM Papadakis Racing
ECU Holley HP
SPONSORS
Feal Suspension, GT Radial, Kansei Wheels, Holley Performance, Wisefab, Swift Springs, MegaLife
Battery USA, Rola Audio Video, Cobra Seats, Deatschwerks, Texas Speed, 702 Graphics, G&J Aircraft, AdvancedClutch Technologie, Drive Shaft Shop, Vortech Superchargers, Wilwood Brakes, Radium Engineering, 2F Performance, JE Pistons, 326 Power Japan, Treadstone Performance, Crower Cams, TurnOne Steering, Sikky Manufacturing
Just a guy trying to make it happen! Born and raised in New York, currently living in California. I LOVE DRIFTING! <3
CAR Power Racing Type S15
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial ENGINE
Toyota
HORSEPOWER 1000
WHEELS Anovia
EXTERIOR 2F Performance INTERIOR OMP ECU Emtron
TEAM Power Racing
SPONSORS Type S Auto, Wirecare, Fitment Industries, MA Motorsports, Anovia Wheels, Pennzoil, OMP, ACT, Ignite, Wilwood Disk Brakes, Turbosmart, Wisefab, 2F Performance
HOMETOWN
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver, WA
Travis is a Pacific Northwest native with a love for all things motorsports. Rookie of the year titles, multiple podiums and a championship in FD Pro 2 all fuel the fire for Travis and his team in 2023 as they chase the big one that is the Formula DRIFT Pro Championship.
CAR
Nicalis inc
Travis Reeder
Motorsports
BMW M3
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Chevrolet
HORSEPOWER 950
SUSPENSION
Slr, Fortune Auto
WHEELS
Konig
EXTERIOR Street Fighter LA
INTERIOR
Sparco USA, Nameless
Handbrake
ECU
Link
TEAM
Travis Reeder Motorsports
SPONSORS
Nicalis inc, GT Radial, Link , Konig Wheels, Fortune Auto, Slr
Speed, Fuelab, Radium Engineering, Street Fighter LA, Gundies Auto Wrecking, Hartsock Motorsports, Royal Purple
Made the transition form Circuit Racing to drifting in 2019 and since then fell in love with the sport.
CAR
Drift Force
Toyota GR 86
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Nexen
ENGINE
CBM
HORSEPOWER
950
SUSPENSION
ST Suspension
WHEELS
Work
EXTERIOR
HGK
INTERIOR
Drift Force
ECU
MoTec
TEAM The Drift Force
SPONSORS
Toyota GR Switzerland, ST Suspension, Motul, Nexen Tire, Maptec, Drivingcenter Seelisberg
Alec has been drifting for 10 years. He took the Midwest Drift Union Pro-Am series by storm in 2016 by winning the championship his rookie year in a 1986 garagebuilt drift truck. In 2019, he placed 2nd overall in the Formula DRIFT Pro2 series and quickly made the jump to PRO level in 2020.
CAR
SelfMadeStatus
Nissan 350z
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Kenda
ENGINE
Chevrolet
HORSEPOWER 850
SUSPENSION
Fortune Auto, Wisefab
WHEELS
Konig
EXTERIOR
Crown Carbon Crafting, Autotrimmers
INTERIOR
Racequip, Simpson
TEAM
Alec Robbins Racing
ECU
Holley Dominator
SPONSORS
SelfMadeStatus, Non Stop Tuning, Holley EFI, Kenda Tires, LSX Concepts, Radium, Crown Carbon Crafting, Fortune Auto, ACT , Konig Wheels, Wisefab, Auto Trimmers, SRD, Renewable Lubricants, Air Flow Research
Federico is one of the most talented and experienced Drifting drivers in the world. He started his career in 2004 in Italy and in 2006 he started traveling around Europe and arriving in Japan in 2008, China in 2013, and Russia in 2015. Now he is competing proudly in USA. Federico is a multiple-time Drifting- International-Champion and is also considered one of the most passionate and professional Drifting Instructors in this industry; graduating in Drifting in Japan under the supervision of the Drifting Champions and Drifting Legends of Team Orange at Ebisu Circuit, which he considers his second home. Federico, who always loves to 'wow' his fans, decided to build the most Iconic Drifting car in the world together with his team- a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano called “Fiorella”.
CAR
FFF Drifting Department
Pennzoil Nexen
Tire Ferrari
599GTB, Fiorella
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Nexen Tire
ENGINE
Ferrari V12 Turbo
HORSEPOWER 1125
SUSPENSION
ST Suspension
WHEELS
OZ Racing Wheels
EXTERIOR FFF Drifting Department
INTERIOR Sparco
TEAM
FFF DRIFTING
DEPARTMENT
ECU
Fuel Tech FT600
SPONSORS
Pennzoil, Nexen Tire, Fuel Tech, KN Filters, Progressive Medical Store, Sparco, VP Racing Fuels, DEI Engineering, Vibrant Performance, ST Suspension, Garret, Turbo Smart, DPLS
HOMETOWN
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Branden Sorensen was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada with a family of motorsports enthusiasts. Driving since the young age of 5 years old, he was raised with a steering wheel in his hand. Branden has experience in many different racing disciplines including karting, UTVs, Off-Road Trophy Trucks, and more. Branden began to focus on drifting at only 12 years old, competing in local grass roots drift events. He earned his Formula DRIFT license by winning the U.S. Drift Championship at the young age of 14, the youngest in Formula DRIFT history. Branden enjoys taking part in engineering and building his race cars. He has worked in the garage from a young age alongside his father, who is a 20 year off-road racing veteran. Branden and his team have designed their own suspension, body kits, and constructed the car entirely in the Sorensen Motorsports Garage. The 2023 season is Branden’s third year as a Pro driver. He continues to improve his ranking with each season.
CAR
U.S Air Force BMW
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Nitto
ENGINE Comp cams
HORSEPOWER 1100 SUSPENSION
Feal
WHEELS
Enkei
EXTERIOR
Sorensen Motorsports
INTERIOR Sorensen Motorsports
TEAM Sorensen Motorsports
ECU Motec
SPONSORS
United States Air Force, Rockford Fosgate, Comp cams, Enkei wheels, VP fuels
Just trying to bring more laughs and smiles to the beautiful world of Motorsports!
CAR Mspek Performance
s14.9
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Vitour Tire
ENGINE Toyota
HORSEPOWER 900 SUSPENSION
Parts Shop Max
WHEELS
Konig
EXTERIOR
Mspek s14.9 Carbon Fiber kit
INTERIOR
Sabelt x WineCountry Motorsports
ECU
Motec
TEAM Mspek Performance
SPONSORS
Parts Shop Max, Konig, WineCountry Motorsports, Sabelt, Nitrous Express, Divulge Motorsports, RAD Industries, Precision Turbo, Clutch Masters, Composite Envisions, FuelSafe, Aeromotive, XS Power Batteries
HOMETOWN
Hokkaido, Japan
RESIDENT
Los Angeles, CA
Kazuya Taguchi was born in Hokkaido, Japan, where they are famous for their beautiful snowy mountains and icy roads. Beginning in 2014, he competed in both D1 GRAND PRIX and Formula Drift Japan before transitioning to Formula Drift USA. Kazuya started driving for Formula Drift USA in 2018, behind the wheel of a VR41 powered 2014 Nissan GTR built by Jerry Yang Racing (JYR). In 2019, the team built him a Nissan Silvia S15 which he drove for the 2019 and 2020 FD season. In 2021, he raced a Toyota FRS with a GTR engine and finished 9th in the series. In 2022, Kazuya won the event in St Louis, after qualifying 1st and walked away with a perfect event weekend. He now resides in Los Angeles, CA where he opened UPGARAGE's first USA store. When he is not competing in Formula DRIFT or working at UPGARAGE, he can be seen at local grassroot events where he is best known for his J-Style.
CAR Upgarage ISR
Performance GT
Radial Jerry Yang
Racing
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Nissan VR38DETT
HORSEPOWER
1300
SUSPENSION
Yellow Speed Racing USA
WHEELS
Weds Sports
EXTERIOR
Pandem Aero
INTERIOR
BRIDE Seat
TEAM
Jerry Yang
Racing ECU
Motec
SPONSORS
Upgarage, ISR
Performance, GT Radial, Yellow Speed Racing, Enjuku Racing, Motul
Edmond, Oklahoma
Edmond, Oklahoma
Robert Thorne is a professional driver with 20+ years of racing experience in all forms of motorsports. Ranging from the highest levels of professional racing in GT and Formula cars to grassroots grip and drifting events, Thorne is one of the most successful and versatile drivers in North America. Thorne began drifting 3 years ago and progressed quickly through the amateur and Pro/Am ranks. In 2022 He won the Formula D ProSpec Championship. For 2023 He will Make his Debut in the Pro Class of Formula Drift.
CAR
ASM E46 Sedan Pro Edition
CAR SPECS
TIRES
GT Radial
ENGINE
Wegner
HORSEPOWER
1050 SUSPENSION
Feal / Wisefab
WHEELS
Konig
EXTERIOR Orange
INTERIOR Blue
TEAM
ASM
SPONSORS
ASM, Konig, Wisefab, Hypercoil, Radium, Action Clutch
Ryan “Hampshaa” Tuerck is a leading social influencer and a championship contender. A regular podium finisher, he drives the Papadakis Racing built Rain-X / Nitto Tire Toyota GR Corolla Hatchback. The driver’s down-home charm, commitment to the sport’s grassroots, and talent in front of the camera have brought him a social fanbase of over a million followers. Notable projects include the Formula Supra, and his eponymous YouTube series Tuerck’d. Tuerck started his motorsport career on two wheels, racing AMA motocross through his early teens. He developed a passion for drifting at age 16 while learning to control rear-wheel drive cars on the snowy winter roads near his family’s New England home. In addition to campaigning a full Formula Drift season, he maintains a full demo and appearance calendar, counting Gridlife, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Winter Jam, and Pro Bro Down among some of his favorite stops in recent years.
CAR
Rain-X Nitto Tire
Rockstar Energy GR Corolla
CAR SPECS
TIRES
Nitto
ENGINE
Toyota
HORSEPOWER
1,000
SUSPENSION
BC Racing
EXTERIOR
Toyota Racing GR
Body Kit
INTERIOR
Recaro / Takata
ECU
Motec
TEAM Papadakis Racing SPONSORS
Rain-X, Toyota, Nitto Tire, Mobil 1, Rockstar Energy Drink
HOMETOWN Derry, NH
Forrest Wang originally from Haleiwa, Hawaii got into drifting at an early age scrambling in the pineapple fields. His fluid style and flashy car builds were inspired from the O.G. Japanese drifters he saw in Drift Tengoku and Option video in the early 2000's. Fast forward 20 years and he still stays true to his roots of traditional drift style all while adapting to the ever-evolving level of competitive drifting. The program is now based out of his home shop in New River, AZ, is where the cars are prepared and maintained. Being a new father, he has taken a few years off from Formula DRIFT to focus on family life. He is now ready to make his way back to FD bringing that style we all love to see.
CAR Yellowspeed NRG S15
TIRES
Kenda Tires
ENGINE
Toyota HORSEPOWER
808 SUSPENSION
Yellowspeed, Wisefab
WHEELS
KY Racing Wheels
EXTERIOR
2F Performance body panels, Big Country Labs wing and canards
INTERIOR
NRG halo seats, harnesses, steering wheel. Get Nuts lab chassis work and roll cage
TEAM Get Nuts Lab
ECU Link
SPONSORS
Yellowspeed, Kenda Tires, NRG, Hard Tuned, Motul, ENEOS USA, Inc., Pedal Commander, Kansei Wheels, Holley Performance, Wisefab, Swift Springs, MEGA LiFeBattery USA, Boxo USA, Rola Audio Video, Cobra Seats, Ignite Racing Fuel, Texas Speed, Deatschwerks, 702 Graphics, G&J Aircraft, ACT, Drive Shaft Shop, Vortech Superchargers, Wilwood Brakes, Radium Engineering, LW Performance, JE Pistons, Simpson, 326 Power Japan, Treadstone Performance, Crower Cams, NRG Innovations, TurnOne Steering, Sikky Manufacturing, Stilo
HOMETOWN Haleiwa, HI
The 2023 Formula DRIFT season will take place at eight different race facilities throughout America over the course of eight months, but the action and entertainment will be available even more frequently than the events themselves. For the main events, all eight rounds will be covered on live stream events broadcasted around the world, which will give viewers worldwide the chance to get up close and personal with the Formula DRIFT circuit from the comfort of their own homes. In addition to the regular broadcasts, several hours of new digital content will be available throughout the season, available on Formula DRIFT's online outlets, including their website, as well as social media channels. If you miss an event, don’t sweat it! The Formula DRIFT live stream portal will feature archives from the entire season, available for replay almost immediately after the initial broadcast.
All Formula Drift Live Streams will be available on Formula Drift’s website, and social media pages.
STREETS OF LONG BEACH
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, USA
APR 07-08
ORLANDO, FLORIDA, USA
MAY 26-27
CROSSROADS
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA
MAY 11-13
THE GAUNTLET
ENGLISHTOWN, NEW JERSEY, USA
JUNE 22-24
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA
JULY 13-15
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, USA ELEVATED
GRANTSVILLE, UTAH, USA
SEPT 14-16
AUG 11-12
TITLE FIGHT
IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA, USA
OCT 13-14
Round 1
Round 3
Round 5
Round 7
Kenda Tires have long been the choice of the grassroots drift community. The ALL NEW Vezda UHP and UHP Max offer on-track performance and street longevity for everyone from pro racers to weekend warriors. Kenda UHP tires are race proven and DOT approved – offering all drivers the exact same off the shelf capability to go from #podium2pavement.
@kendatire /KendaTiresUSA
