2024 Official Formula DRIFT Fan Guide by PASMAG

FORMULA D .COM

FAN GUIDE

TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A CAREER WITH

A DEGREE IN HIGH PERFORMANCE MOTORSPORTS

AUTOMOTIVE • DIESEL • ROBOTICS HYBRID/ELECTRIC • MOTORSPORTS

& SO MUCH MORE

"UNOH LITERALLY BUILT ITS ENTIRE CURRICULUM AROUND WHAT I WAS PASSIONATE ABOUT IN RACING. WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO WORK WITH A LOT OF THE UNOH STUDENTS TO HELP BEHIND THE SCENES AND GET THEM IN THE PITS WITH US ON TRACK. IT ALLOWS UNOH STUDENTS TO COME FROM THE CLASSROOM, AND APPLY IT HANDS-ON IN RUSH SITUATIONS WITH RACE CARS THAT ARE ACTUALLY IN ACTION AT THAT MOMENT. IT’S A VERY SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM THE CLASSROOM INTO A FORMULA DRIFT TEAM BECAUSE OF ALL THE COURSEWORK AND HANDS-ON CLASSES THAT STUDENTS ARE ALREADY DOING ON CAMPUS. UNOH IS 100% ALL-IN. "

- ROME CHARPENTIER

UNOH.EDU

HELLO FD FANS

20 Years...where did it go? That’s what we have to say when we look at the life of Formula DRIFT, up to this point so far. That’s how long it has been since we first took post at Road Atlanta on Mother’s Day Weekend in 2004 with a small staff and an idea. That’s how long it has been since we were first working out of a home office and then rented our first office in Irvine and then after that to Long Beach, where we still are today. Over 200 events have been executed from that humble start and it’s all gone by in a flash.

20 years means something special. It means we have gotten to a place that most people would dream of getting to, and yet, for me, I feel we are just getting started. The only reason to keep doing this is because there is more work to do. There are more people to expose to this great sport and there are more goals to accomplish.

That is why, the 21st season will be like no other.

First, what you will have noticed is that the legacy of single run qualifying is now in the history books. With the advent and inclusion of PROSPEC, we are at a moment where both series needs to work together to make the best product and that means going to an all-tandem competition. The best part of drifting now becomes everything over an event weekend. We start with a format, that while still merit based, allows all drivers in the Series to compete at the highest form of the sport and to think tandem-first as soon as they step on the hallowed grounds of Long Beach, Road Atlanta or Irwindale. This change is directly related to the quality of the product, but also to emphasize what we consider to be the “essence” of the sport. Two gladiators doing battle on the track in front of all the live fans and those watching on TV or the stream and so from start to finish, these battles will be front and center.

No doubt, this will change things. No doubt stories will be made. No doubt this will put the heart of drifting front and center for the world to see.

In addition to that, there are so many other changes coming down the pike. We have the highest driver pool in our history. We have our much anticipated FD Unlocked Premium Experience launching and we will lean into our digital distribution and also our TV relationship with MAVTV. We also realize the importance of continuing to develop judging technologies, put out compelling content and increase the live event fan experience.

We are old enough to have a Hall of Fame now and we will welcome a new driver in 2024 to the wall of athletes who have made this sport great and have given it life, but without one special ingredient, none of this matters. That ingredient is you! The fans. The best fans in the world. The most loyal fans and the most passionate fans. We are here to give you the best of the sport that we have to offer and that is because we are inspired by you, live through your passion and are continually pushed by your love of Formula DRIFT. So cheers to you and to all those that have made this dream a reality.

Here is to the next 20 years!

Ryan Sage PRESIDENT | CO-FOUNDER FORMULA DRIFT HOLDINGS, LLC

DEAR FORMULA DRIFT FANS

Welcome to the latest edition of the Formula DRIFT Fan Guide by PASMAG! We're thrilled to be your trusted source for all things Formula Drift as we embark on another exhilarating season of high-octane drifting action.

As your drift editor here at PASMAG, it's an honor for me to help fans discover the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula DRIFT across the globe. My journey with drifting began at the SEMA show in 2005. Witnessing legendary drivers like Rhys Millen, Samuel Hubinette, Chris Forsberg and others ignited a lifelong passion within me. From those early days, I immersed myself in the world of drifting, transitioning from spectator to spotter in DMCC and Formula DRIFT. Now, as a competitor in Canada, I'm dedicated to bringing you unparalleled coverage and insights into the world of drifting.

The 2024 Formula DRIFT season promises to be action-packed, with thrilling battles and new developments on the horizon. This year, Formula DRIFT introduces a revamped qualifying format, eliminating solo runs in favor of a new system with automatically qualified drivers based on standings, and seeding brackets for tandem battles to determine the final spots. This exciting change will undoubtedly bring a new level of intensity and competition to the series.

Adding to the excitement are the new faces joining the Formula DRIFT grid, including the likes of Conor Shanahan, the 2023 Drift Masters European Championship winner, and Pro rookie Hiroya Minowa from Japan, at just 14 years old. These talented drivers, along with returning champions like James Deane, Fredric Aasbo, and Chris Forsberg, ensure that the competition will be fiercer than ever.

Together, let's celebrate the 2024 Formula DRIFT season and the incredible drivers who continue to push the limits of skill and performance. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the sport, we're thrilled to have you join us on this exhilarating journey.

See you out there!

Kevin Darwish DRIFT EDITOR, PASMAG

#pasmag #tuning365

GROUP PUBLISHER & CEO: Tim Rutledge

EDITORIAL

EDITOR: Adam Gordon

DRIFT EDITOR: Kevin Darwish

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR: Anna Rutledge

FEATURES EDITOR: Ricky Chu

SENIOR VIDEOGRAPHER: Mikey Dang

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

A BRIEF HISTORY OF FORMULA DRIFT

2003

August

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.

2004

February

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.

November

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.

2005

April

2006

April

Formula DRIFT expands to 7 rounds, feeding the ever-growing appetite for more competition drifting in America.

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.

2008

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 November

February / March

Formula DRIFT becomes the first professional drift series to expand to a 32-car competition bracket.

Formula DRIFT launches the FD Asia Championship.

2013

April

Hit the lights! Formula DRIFT becomes the first ever series to compete under the darkness of night at Long Beach Grand Prix.

2014 2014

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.

2015

Headed to the home of drifting, Formula DRIFT launches the Formula DRIFT Japan Championship, continuing international expansion.

2017

European Drift Champion James Deane makes his first Formula DRIFT debut, dominating the podium and become the 2017 PRO Champion.

2016

April

Satisfying the desire for even more action each year, Formula DRIFT expands to the

2017

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.

2019 2020 2022

James Deane leaves his mark on Formula DRIFT history, becoming the first driver to win three consecutive championships.

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.

2021

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.

AUTO MANUFACTURER CUP & TIRE CUP

Photography by Larry Chen

Formula DRIFT’s 2024 season will mark the twelfth 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.

AUTO MANUFACTURER CUP

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 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.

TIRE CUP

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.

THE DRIVEN EXPERIENCE

FORMULA DRIFT PARTNERS WITH US AIR FORCE, UNOH, AND ACCELER8 FOR 2024 DRIVEN EXPERIENCE

Photography by Larry Chen

In a new initiative for 2024, Formula DRIFT will launch The Driven Experience, which is designed to inspire school-age kids, introduce them to motorsports, and hopefully find potential career paths to give them a head start in life.

Formula DRIFT has secured a number of partners for the program, including Acceler8 Education; the Official Community Outreach Program of the series. With support from FD for the last three years, Acceler8 has already helped more than 1000 at-risk youth to discover fulfilling career opportunities. Their aim has been to help individuals to avoid being sucked into a life of crime and negative interactions

with law enforcement. Not only has the program been incredibly successful but FD will utilize the experience of the Acceler8 team to help organize and run the 2024 Driven Experience given their shared goals.

Additionally, as a major series sponsor, the United States Air Force will lend its support, helping people find a possible career path within its ranks. While the University of Northwestern Ohio – the Official Education Partner of Formula DRIFT – will be able to highlight its higher education opportunities, including its High Performance Motorsports program.

Acceler8 team members will be present at each round, assisted

by Air Force and FD staff. The team on the ground will not only supervise activities but also manage program sign-ups and event logistics to ensure students are able to attend. Each participant will be gifted a swag bag with promotional items. If you’re a school, youth organization or student who would be interested in attending the Formula DRIFT Driven Experience, please contact driven@acceler8education.org

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2024

After 20 years of competition, Formula DRIFT bids farewell to veteran staff members Judge Ryan Lanteigne and Race Control Director Pat Gentilli.

Photography by Larry Chen

For its 21st season, Formula DRIFT will again have four judges in rotation throughout the year. Replacing Ryan Sage as a judge will be Philadelphia native, Reese Marin (USA). As an experienced driver, instructor, and competition spotter, Reese is both wellknown and respected, having played a major role in the grassroots drifting community and more recently served as Chelsea DeNofa’s spotter during his Championship-winning season. Furthermore, Reese has his own YouTube channel where he discusses drifting, judging, and breaks down many of the most intriguing battles between Formula DRIFT competitors. As such, he’s ideally suited to his new role as a series Judge and will take his seat alongside the second new appointment, Vernon Zwaneveld (Netherlands).

TOP THREE CHANGES FOR 2024

1. Tandem-only events

2.Brackets based on previous event results

3.Two new judges

Vernon has been a longstanding Judge with the Drift Masters European Championship. He’s among the most active and experienced, having judged more than 38 international drift events in 2023 alone. As a stuntman and drift instructor, he continues to shape the future of the exhilarating sport globally and brings years of firsthand experience. Vernon and Reese will sit alongside veteran Formula DRIFT Judges Brian Eggert (USA) and Robbie Nishida (Japan) on a rotating basis, with three judges participating in each round.

NEW COMPETITION FORMAT

Another important change for this year is the change in qualifying format. For 2024, there will be no single qualifying runs - all qualifying will be tandem. This change will ensure the timing is roughly equal at each event. To that end, there will be three qualifying formats: one for 32 or fewer competitors, one for 33-40 competitors, and one for 41-48 competitors. For PRO, the drivers that finish the previous event in the top 24 will be automatically given a place in the top 32 for the next event. It's important to note this is event ranking, not season ranking, so it really makes a difference how you finish at any one event. The “unseeded” drivers will compete on Friday in a Top 16 bracket, where the drivers finishing in the top 8 positions will advance to Saturday’s Top 32. This should create a merit-based system that is even more exciting for fans to watch.

“For 2024, there will be no single qualifying runs - all qualifying will be tandem. This change will ensure the timing is roughly equal at each event.”

TUNING 365 BRINGS THE EYE CANDY

PASMAG's Tuning365 Car Show returns for 4 rounds

For the fifth straight year, PASMAG's Tuning365 car show brings a premium enthusiast experience to select rounds of the 2024 FormulaDRIFT season - celebrating the best project cars and builds from across the country.

Unlike many traditional car shows, allparticipants selected for the Tuning 365 Tour will be welcomed with a custom 2024 Tour T-shirt and sponsor swag. ALL vehicles receive coverage in print, social media, and an appearance on the PASMAG Tuning 365 TV show.

ADAM LZ

TEAM NAME: LZMFG

CAR NUMBER: 5

CAR NAME: LZMFG E36

HOMETOWN: Woodbury, CT

RESIDENCE: Orlando, FL

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 2024 Adam will be competing in his 2JZ E36 that was used previously in grassroots style events.

CAR SPECS

CAR 1993 BMW E36

ENGINE Toyota

HORSEPOWER 900)

SUSPENSION

BC Racing

WHEELS Rays TE37SL

ECU

Link ECU

EXTERIOR

Prismatic Powders, Tire Streets, BC Racing, Griots, Drift HQ, FDF Race Shop, Heatwave

INTERIOR

LZMFG, Link ECU, Deatschwerks, Vibrant Performance

SPONSORS

Drift HQ, Tire Streets, BC Racing, Link ECU, FDF Race Shop, Prismatic Powders, Deatschwerks, Heatwave, Vibrant, LZMFG, Griots Garage

ALEC ROBBINS

TEAM NAME: Robbins Race Co.

CAR NUMBER: 35

CAR NAME: Robbins Race Co. 350z

HOMETOWN: Becker, MN

RESIDENCE: Becker, MN

Alec started drifting as a hobby in 2013 after building a 1986 Nissan D21 drift truck in his garage. After a few years of grassroots events he decided to take it to the next level and try his hand at Pro-Am competition. He took the Midwest Drift Union by storm in 2016, winning the series his rookie year and earning a Formula Drift license (the only driver in history to do so in a truck.) The following year he built a Nissan 350z and moved up to Formula Drift Pro2. In 2019 he placed 2nd overall in the series and moved up to PRO level competition in 2020.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2008 Nissan 350z

ENGINE

Chevrolet

HORSEPOWER

1000 TIRES

Kenda SUSPENSION

Fortune Auto

WHEELS

Konig

ECU

Link ECU

EXTERIOR

Blunt Wraps Graphic Co, Hyper Hive, 272

Motorsports

INTERIOR

Simpson, Racequip

SPONSORS

Kenda Tire, Konig, Holley, LSX Concepts, Fortune Auto, Advanced Clutch Technology, Radium Engineering, Mahle, Callies, Bill Mitchell Products, Dory Built, Sandbeck Race Development, Rugged Radios, Magnuson, Blunt Wraps Graphics Co

ANDY HATELEY

TEAM NAME: Hateley Motorsports

CAR NUMBER: 98

CAR NAME: Hateley Motorsports BMW E46

HOMETOWN: Malibu, CA

RESIDENCE: Woodland Hills, CA

For the last 20 years, Andy Hateley has been dedicated to drifting, going from canyon roads, to the track and to Formula Drift competition. He is a respected builder, having completed both his Formula D Bmw's in his own shop. When he's not working on his cars, he's on the simulator perfecting his skills. Whether it's at FD, in VR on the sim, or with an RC car... Andy is always drifting.

CAR SPECS

CAR 1999 BMW E46

ENGINE Chevrolet HORSEPOWER 850 TIRES Kumho

SUSPENSION Feal Suspension

WHEELS Kansei ECU Link ECU EXTERIOR 2F Performance INTERIOR NRG Innovations

SPONSORS

Link ECU, NRG innovations, Comp Cams, Magnuson Superchargers, Stoptech Brakes, Dragon Fire Performance, Clutchmasters, Kansei Wheels, G Force Transmissions, CP Carrillo, Antigravity Batteries, The Wrap Shop, SLR Speed, Steel-It Coatings, 2F Perfomance, Wolf Motorsports Wire, Feal Suspension, DTM Fiberwerks, Stim Tech, RTS Race Tech Services

BEN HOBSON

TEAM NAME: RTR Vehicles' Drift Team

CAR NUMBER: 213

CAR NAME: 2024 Pennzoil BC Racing Mustang

RTR Spec 5-FD

HOMETOWN: Pell City, AL

RESIDENCE: Powder Springs, GA

Ben Hobson, a self-confessed motorhead since birth, started shredding on his first dirt bike at just four-years-old. His passion for dirt bikes drove him to compete in the AMA series for many years, but it would be in 2012 when he discovered drifting that his love affair with motorsports kicked into high gear - it was like love at first slide! In 2014 Ben sold his beloved Ford Mustang to help fund the launch of his drift career, but 10 years later it has come full circle piloting the 2024 Pennzoil Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD in his rookie season of the Formula Drift PRO series. Ben was crowned 2018 Lonestar Drift pro-am series champion, a victory that not only validated Ben's talent but secured him a Formula Drift PROSPEC license. For threeyears, Ben honed his craft cumulating into an outstanding PROSPEC season last year with three pole positions and two race wins in the four round season, earning the series championship. Ben was awarded with his Formula Drift PRO license with his championship and now makes the leap to the world's premiere drift series joining the RTR Vehicles' Drift Team for his rookie season in the Formula Drift PRO series.

CAR SPECS

CAR

2024 Ford Mustang

ENGINE

Ford

HORSEPOWER

1249

TIRES

Nitto

SUSPENSION

BC Racing ZR-Type Custom Coilovers, RTR Motorsports/SS Manufacturing billet geometry

WHEELS

RTR Aero 5

ECU

MoTeC

EXTERIOR

RTR Spec 5-FD carbon fiber widebody panels, RTR chin spoiler, RTR spoiler, RTR rocker splitters, RTR grille with integrated lighting, RTR rear diffuser, TYPE S LED lighting

INTERIOR

RECARO seats, Schroth Racing harnesses

SPONSORS

Pennzoil, BC Racing, Ford Performance, Nitto Tire, TYPE S, Monster Energy, NGK/NTK, OPTIMA Batteries, HP Tuners, MAHLE, Shell V-Power Nitro+ premium gasoline, Universal Technical Institute, Forza, COATS, RECARO, Competition Clutch, Alpinestars, Driveshaft Shop, Fun-Haver, RTR Vehicles

BRANDEN SORENSEN

TEAM NAME: Sorensen Motorsports

CAR NUMBER: 513

CAR NAME: U.S. Air Force / Sorensen Motorsports

BMW M3

HOMETOWN: Las Vegas, NV

RESIDENCE: 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. He 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 age of 14, the youngest in Formula Drift history. Branden enjoys taking part in engineering and building his race cars. With a never ending drive for improving his knowledge on race car dynamics and engineering, he's made it his goal to have the best driving car on grid. Branden is hoping to keep improving his skills on and off the race track for many years to come. 513

CAR SPECS

CAR

2003 BMW M3

ENGINE

Chevrolet

HORSEPOWER

1150

TIRES

Nitto

SUSPENSION

Sorensen Motorsports

WHEELS

Enkei

ECU

Emtron

EXTERIOR

Sorensen Motorsports

INTERIOR

Sorensen Motorsports

SPONSORS

United States Air Force, Comp cams, Vp racing fuels, Enkei wheels, OMP racing, Rokford Fosgate, Odyssey Battery, 212 gloves, radium engineering

JAMES CLAY Founder/Owner, BimmerWorld

WE ENGINEERED THE QUIT OUT OF IT

At OPTIMA® Batteries, we build and test every battery in the world’s most advanced facility. Everything that goes in guarantees you get the most out — on the track, the trail, the dirt… anywhere ultimate power, performance and reliability are needed.

CHRIS FORSBERG

TEAM NAME: Forsberg Racing

CAR NUMBER: 64

CAR NAME: NOS Energy Drink NISMO Parts USA

Nissan Z

HOMETOWN: Doylestown, PA

RESIDENCE: San Clemente, CA

Chris Forsberg, is a self-taught, three-time Formula Drift Champion from Doylestown, PA 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 SPECS

CAR 2023 Nissan Z

ENGINE Nissan HORSEPOWER

1000 TIRES

GT Radial

SUSPENSION

BC Racing WHEELS Rotiform ECU MoTeC

EXTERIOR Streethunter/SEIBON

INTERIOR Recaro

SPONSORS

Nissan NISMO, NOS Energy Drink, GT Radial, Mobil1, Rotiform, Recaro, NGK NTK, BC Racing, K&N, OPTIMA, STEEL-IT, SEIBON Carbon, Street Hunter Designs, OS Giken, Driveshaft Shop, Garrett Turbos

CONNOR SHANAHAN

CAR NUMBER: 79

CAR NAME: Red Bull Garagistic E36

HOMETOWN: Ballymacmoy, Ireland

RESIDENCE: Ballymacmoy, Ireland

Connor is 20 year of age from killavullen Ireland and has been competing in motorsport since the age of 8. He started drifting when he was 12, winning a national level and then making the jump to professional at the age of 15 in Drift Masters, always working towards the goal to be the most successful drifter in the world. After winning the 2023 drift masters championship he made the jump to FD for 2024. He's very excited to be competing here and is excited to represent Red Bull along with his other partners.

CAR SPECS

BMW M3 e36

DAN BURKETT

TEAM NAME: RAD Industries

CAR NUMBER: 34

CAR NAME: RAD Industries MKIV Supra

HOMETOWN: Poulsbo, WA

RESIDENCE: Crystal River, FL

Dan Burkett has been passionate about driving as far back as he can remember, there is no place he would rather be than behind the wheel of anything with a motor! As soon as he obtained his Formula Drift license, he couldn't see himself competing in anything but a MKIV Toyota Supra. Dan pilots one of the few drift cars in the series with its original powerplant, the 2JZ. The RAD Industries Supra has strategically evolved over the years to reach the competitive level it's at today. In addition to competing in his favorite chassis, Dan has also built a business and brand around the 2JZ platform that he enjoys developing aftermarket parts for. RAD Industries parts are now in race cars all over the world! The competition is what has kept Dan coming back to Formula Drift. He is more focussed than ever to achieve his goals behind the wheel!

CAR SPECS

CAR

1995 Toyota Supra

ENGINE

Toyota

HORSEPOWER

950

TIRES

GT Radial

SUSPENSION

Reinharte, Wisefab

WHEELS

RAYS 57CR

ECU

MoTeC

EXTERIOR

RAD Industries

INTERIOR Sparco

SPONSORS

GT Radial, SUNEX Tools, AMSOIL, LOCTITE, Fluidampr, Treadstone Performance Engineering, PTP Turbo Blankets, BC Brian Crower, Wisefab, Reinharte, RAYS, CP Carrillo, ACT Clutch, GSC Power Division, Cartune Customs, K&N, Borg Warner, Radium Engineering, Nitrous Outlet, APR Performance, Sparco, Montroy Supply, GT Printing

DANIEL STUKE

TEAM NAME: MspeK Performance

CAR NUMBER: 527

CAR NAME: MspeK Performance Nissan Silvia Spec-R HOMETOWN: Lakeville, MN

RESIDENCE: Mustang, OK

Daniel Stuke, originally from Minnesota, found his adrenaline fix in snowboarding and action sports before transitioning to the world of drifting. His background in extreme sports instilled in him a fearless approach to pushing boundaries, making the switch to drifting a natural progression. With a knack for precision and control, Stuke quickly made a name for himself in the drifting scene, showcasing his skills and passion for motorsport on the track. His journey serves as inspiration for those looking to channel their passions into new and exciting endeavors. Daniel's impact extends beyond Formula Drift, particularly through his dedicated contributions to the FullLock Drift school and his active involvement in the automotive community. At FullLock Drift school, Stuke leads by example, offering his expertise to enthusiasts, guiding them to refine their skills and embrace the complexities of drifting. Through his humble dedication, he fosters an inclusive environment, bridging gaps between professionals and newcomers. Stuke's steadfast commitment not only ensures the enduring vibrancy of the drift scene but also inspires enthusiasts to pursue their passion and camaraderie both on and off the track.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2000 Nissan Silvia Spec-R

SUSPENSION

Parts Shop Max- Limit Break

WHEELS

Konig Neoform

ECU

ECU Master

EXTERIOR

MspeK Performance Carbon Kevlar kit

527

INTERIOR

Sabelt x WineCountry Motorsports

SPONSORS

Konig, Precision Turbo, Parts Shop Max, Divulge Motorsports, ECU Master, Sabelt, Clutch Masters, SuperTech, RTS, G-Force, XS Power, FuelLab, FuelSafe, CageKits, MspeK Performance, Nitrous Express, Chase Bays, Improved Racing, Vitour, RAD Industries

DEAN KEARNEY

TEAM NAME: Team Karnage

CAR NUMBER: 43

CAR NAME: Hyper Society / Kumho Tire Dodge Viper

HOMETOWN: Tramore, Ireland

RESIDENCE: Huntington Beach, CA

Dean Kearney started drifting at the early age of just 16 years old. After being introduced to the sport by his older brother, who bought him his first drift car - a Nissan Silvia S14 back in 2005 - Dean knew that he wanted to pursue a career in drifting no matter what he had to do to make that happen. Fast-forward to 2009 - Dean was still hungry to make drifting a career no matter how ridiculous that may have sounded at the time. One night he even went to the extreme of stealing the engine out of his older brothers' drift car so that he could put it into his own car, where he would go on to win the European drift championship dubbed the "Super Series" that same year. The prize for becoming the champion that year was a guaranteed drive in the #1 drift championship in the world - Formula DRIFT. At the age of 21, Dean would pilot the Intec Racing Nissan S14 at Irwindale Speedway in October of 2009 where he would qualify in 33rd position, just narrowly missing out on competition battle. Dean managed to secure a full-season drive for Intec Racing the following year, where his dreams of pursuing drifting as a career began to feel achievable. In 2011, Dean became the second driver in Samuel Hubinette's team, where he would drive the factory-sponsored Dodge Viper for the first time.Today, 13 years later, Dean is now a Formula DRIFT vet & still pilots the unforgiving Dodge Viper chassis where he is only one of two drivers worldwide to do so.

CAR SPECS

DEREK MADISON

TEAM NAME: Team Infamous

CAR NUMBER: 27

CAR NAME: Fuelab, IG Motorsports.com S14

HOMETOWN: Bethalto, IL

RESIDENCE: St. Louis, MO

Derek is the perfect representation of an underdog! Just a low budget small team of friends from a small town out shredding with some of the biggest drift teams in the world. Starting from a rusty, beat up SR20 hatch drifting in a parking lot with friends to becoming a professional race team. After 5 years in PROSPEC and several podiums, we are finally shooting our shot in the big leagues. We take great pride in our accomplishments and professionalism, but we never forget to have fun along the way! Cheers!

CAR SPECS

CAR 1995 Nissan 240sx S14

ENGINE Chevrolet

HORSEPOWER

1000

TIRES

Kenda SUSPENSION

Silver's North America, FDF

Race Shop WHEELS

Cosmis XT-006r's

ECU

Haltech

EXTERIOR

2F Performance, Mspek Fenders, Vich'n Visuals Wrap

INTERIOR

Status Racing Seats

SPONSORS

Fuelab Fuel Systems, IGMotorsports.com, Silver's North America, Cosmis Wheels, Motor State Distributing, Haltech ECU, MSpek Performance, 2F Performance, ACT Clutch, Fram, Autolite, StopTech, Raybestos Brakes, Kenda Tire

DIEGO HIGA

TEAM NAME: Diego Higa racing team

CAR NUMBER: 169

CAR NAME: Gt86 Diego Higa 169

HOMETOWN: Santos, Brazil

RESIDENCE: Kissimmee, FL

Diego Higa is a Professional Racing Driver, Drifting Professor and Netflix Hyperdrive Champion, from Santos, Brazil. Diego is the reference in Drifting in Brazil and has already won more than 38 trophies in his career and was awarded the Golden Helmet by the Brazilian Automobile Confederation in 2019. Competing in Formula Drift has always been a dream, after many years of working and saving money he's here for his second year competing in search of the podium. Every step of his journey is posted to his Youtube channel (PilotoDiegohiga) and his instagram.

CAR SPECS

gt 86

SPONSORS

Bc coilovers, Garret, VPracing, litespeed racing, street hunter designs, ultimate wraps, jdmsupreme

DMITRIY BRUTSKIY

TEAM NAME: Team Never Settle

CAR NUMBER: 85

CAR NAME: Never Settle

HOMETOWN: Springfield, MA

RESIDENCE: Springfield, MA

At the age of 10 he saw Formula1 for the first time on the TV and the image of a driver in a helmet driving a car never left his mind. Fast forward to now and that imagehas become a reality. He's now been driving FormulaD for 5 years with two championships and many podium finishes every season. In the offseason and between rounds he brings his three sons to the track to drift real cars. Raising the next generation of champions!

CAR SPECS

CAR

ENGINE

WHEELS

SPONSORS

LinkECU , ISC suspension, Wisefab, Enkei, Hgk, DriftHQ, Omp, TurboMikeTuning, EssaAutosport, Ignite, CLUTCHMASTERS, Vitour,

DYLAN HUGHES

TEAM NAME: Whip Racing

CAR NUMBER: 129

CAR NAME: Royal Purple E46 2JZ

HOMETOWN: North Bend, WA RESIDENCE: Costa Mesa, CA

In 2024, Dylan Hughes will compete in his fifth full season as a Pro-1 Formula Drift driver. Hughes has been on the podium in each of the last four seasons, capturing his first win in 2022 at Orlando. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Hughes started out drifting at amateur events at his home track, Evergreen Speedway in Washington. Hughes now resides in Costa Mesa, CA. When not drifting, he can usually be found riding dirt bikes in Southern California, or his latest hobby that finds him up in the skies - paramotoring. Hughes is a master fabricator and welder at his race shop and builds all his own cars, the latest a BMW drift wagon powered by a 600hp Mercedes diesel engine.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2003 BMW E46

ENGINE Toyota

HORSEPOWER

969

TIRES

GT Radial

SUSPENSION

Motion Control MCS

WHEELS Forgestar

ECU

LinkECU

EXTERIOR Street Fighter INTERIOR Momo

SPONSORS

Royal Purple, Permatex, GT Radial, Sony Car Audio, Slime, Bucked Up, Momo, Rain-X, Link ECU, O'Reilly Auto Parts

FEDERICO SCERIFFO

TEAM NAME: DRIFTING DEPARTMENT 17

CAR NUMBER: 117

CAR NAME: Pennzoil, Nexen Tire, VP Racing Fuel, Drifting Department 17, Ferrari 599 GTB

HOMETOWN: Milan, Italy

RESIDENCE: Milan, Italy

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 SPECS

CAR 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

ENGINE

Ferrari

HORSEPOWER

1125

TIRES

Nexen

SUSPENSION

ST Suspension

WHEELS

OZ Racing Wheels

ECU

FuelTech

EXTERIOR

Drifting Department 17

INTERIOR Sparco

SPONSORS

PENNZOIL, VPRACING, NEXEN TIRES, FUELTECH

DEI VIBRANT PERFORMANCE, GARRETT OZRACING

TOPDON PROGRESSIVE MEDICAL STORE SPARCO, KW STSUSPENSION, KN FILTERS

FORREST WANG

TEAM NAME: Get Nuts Lab.

CAR NUMBER: 808

CAR NAME: GetNutsLab/ Yellowspeed/ Vitour S15 HOMETOWN: Haleiwa, HI

RESIDENCE: New River, AZ

Forrest Wang, originally from Haleiwa, Hawaii got into drifting at an early age scrambling 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 now based out of his home shop in New River, AZ, is where the cars are prepared and maintained.

CAR SPECS

CAR 1999 Nissan Silvia ENGINE Toyota HORSEPOWER 808

TIRES Vitour

SUSPENSION Yellowspeed

WHEELS

SSR Courage

ECU Haltech

EXTERIOR 2FPerformance, Big Country Labs

INTERIOR NRG

SPONSORS

VP Racing, NRG Innovations, Vitour, Wisefab, Hard Tuned, Motul, PBK Creations, Just Racing, JDM California, JDM Sport, Radium, ACT, BC, Yellowspeed, 2FPerformance, Haltech, Precision Turbo

FREDRIC AASBO

TEAM NAME: Papadakis Racing

CAR NUMBER: 151

CAR NAME: Rockstar Energy Drink / Toyota Racing GR Supra HOMETOWN: Ski, Norway

RESIDENCE: Ski, Norway

Defending three time Formula Drift Champion known for his flatout 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 2024 driving the Rockstar Energy Drink / Toyota Racing 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.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2024 Toyota GR Supra ENGINE

HORSEPOWER

151

SPONSORS

Toyota Racing, Rockstar Energy Drink, Nitto Tire, ENEOS Motor Oil

HIROYA MINOWA

TEAM NAME: Jerry Yang Racing

CAR NUMBER: 168

CAR NAME: Enjuku Racing/Cusco/Jerry Yang

Racing GT86

HOMETOWN: Tokyo, Japan

RESIDENCE: Tokyo, Japan

Hiroya's passion for cars ignited at 7years old when he took the wheel of a JZX100 with an automatic transmission. His first taste of drifting came at 8 years old when he drove the Ebisu circuit. At the age of 11, Hiroya learned manual transmission and his drifting journey began. At 11 years old, Hiroya ventured into competitve drifting, participating in the MSC Challenge with his mom's car. (Both of Hiroya's parents competed in Formula Drift Japan and are a part of the team HEYMAN.) He qualified 1st and finished 3rd in a major competition. 2021 was an incredible year for him, securing the MSC Challenge series win, an event win, a 3rd place and a 4th place finish. In 2022, Hiroya made his mark on the international scene by competing in Formula Drift Japan. He showcased his talent by qualifying 1st and achieving a remarkable 5th place finish in the series, ranking 16th overall. Hiroya also claimed victory once again the D1 divisional series. The following year, Hiroya continued his ascent winning an event and 2 podiums. He concluded the 2023 Formula Drift Japan series in 2nd place. Off the track Hiroya showcased his charisma on Japanese TV shows, making multiple appearances from 2021 to 2023. In 2024, he will be competing in Formula Drift USA Pro on Jerry Yang Racing team debuting a new Toyota FRS VR38dett engine as a Red Bull athlete.

CAR SPECS

CAR

2017 Toyota GT86

ENGINE

Nissan

HORSEPOWER

1300

TIRES

GT Radial

SUSPENSION

Yellow Speed Racing/Wisefab

WHEELS

Enkei Wheels

ECU

MoTeC

EXTERIOR Rocketbunny/AZ Rag

INTERIOR

Bride/OMP/Fuel Lab/Supertech/Tomei USA/NGK

SPONSORS

Enjuku Racing, Cusco USA, Yellow Speed Racing, GT Radial, Enkei Wheels, Fuel Lab, ACL Bearings, Jerry Yang Racing, Borg Warner, Wisefab, Bride, Moty's, AZ Rag, Tomei USA, Real Speed Engineering, TONE, Supertech, NGK, OMP, Bell Racing Helmet, Ignite Fuel, Rocketbunny, PTP Turbo Blanket, APR Performance, HPS Performance, Rocketlevel, Wilwood, Magnus Motorsports, Tuned JDM

JAMES DEANE

TEAM NAME: RTR Vehicles' Drift Team

CAR NUMBER: 130

CAR NAME: 2024 AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD

HOMETOWN: Castlewidenham, Ireland

RESIDENCE: Castlewidenham, 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 2024 he is again behind the wheel of his 2024 AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD in Formula Drift with 1,111 horsepower. A three-time Formula Drift Champion James won consecutively from 2017-2019 before stepping away to compete in Europe. However, during his vacancy 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. Now with one season, two podiums, a pole and countless seat time under his belt in his Mustang RTR, James is eyeing a record setting f fourth Formula Drift Championship, equaling a fourth championship for the RTR Vehicles' Drift Team.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2024 Ford Mustang

ENGINE Ford

HORSEPOWER 1249

TIRES Nitto

SUSPENSION

BC Racing ZR-Type Custom Coilovers, RTR Motorsports/SS Manufacturing billet geometry

WHEELS

RTR Aero 5

ECU MoTeC

EXTERIOR

RTR Spec 5-FD carbon fiber widebody panels, RTR chin spoiler, RTR spoiler, RTR rocker splitters, RTR grille with integrated lighting, RTR rear diffuser, TYPE S LED lighting

INTERIOR

RECARO seats, Schroth Racing harnesses

SPONSORS

AutoZone, NGK/NTK, OPTIMA Batteries, Pennzoil, Ford Performance, Nitto Tire, BC Racing, Shell V-Power Nitro+ premium gasoline, RECARO, Fun-Haver, RTR Vehicles

JEFF JONES

TEAM NAME: Jeff Jones Racing

CAR NUMBER: 818

CAR NAME: Evol Auto Works / Prisma Labs / BIG Drift Energy / Nissan 370 Z HOMETOWN: Sun Valley, CA

RESIDENCE: Redlands, CA

Jeff Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of HOTPIT Autofest, is a Professional Driver who has been competing in the Formula Drift PRO Championship Series since 2009. 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 magazine ad publications for PASMAG, Super Street, D-Sport as well as local radio, in-store promotional advertisements and billboard signages. In 2018, Jeff built an all new Nissan 370z and really established himself as a force to be reckoned with. After 14 seasons, Jeff "Brought the Team to the PODIUM", placing 3rd at Rd 8 Irwindale, CA. For the 2024 Season, Jeff is unveiling a new partnership with Kumho Tires in his veteran's 16th season. The team is looking to DOMINATE the podium this season. 818

CAR SPECS

CAR 2018 Nissan 370 Z

ENGINE

Chevrolet

HORSEPOWER

1000 TIRES

Kumho

SUSPENSION

Parts Shop MAX

WHEELS

Klutch Wheels SLC2

ECU

LinkECU

EXTERIOR Duraflex

INTERIOR NRG Innovations

SPONSORS

Evol Auto Works, Kumho Tire, The Prisma Lab, NRG Innovations, Top 1 Oil, doc, CA Auto Parts, DNA Motoring, Klutch Wheels, Action Clutch, Duraflex, Link ECU, Parts Shop MAX, G-Force Transmissions, Jackson Performance, Renegade Race Fuel

Don’t just improve how your vehicle looks, our 45 years of experience gives you a car your friends actually like to ride in.

•Hand-built in Germany

•Available with Solid Top Mounts

•Custom Spring Options Available

•5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty

JHONNATTAN CASTRO

TEAM NAME: Jhonnattan Castro Racing

CAR NUMBER: 17

CAR NAME: LTH Mobil 1 / Toyota GR86

HOMETOWN: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

RESIDENCE: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Jhonnattan first learned about drifting as a motorsport completely by chance through online videos. He was captivated by this amazing motorsports and knew that he wanted to be apart of it. After saving a long while, he was able to save enough to buy his first car, a 240sx. He worked on that car day and night because and practiced at local event every free chance he had. After competing locally at an amateur level, he was invited to compete with some famous Japanese drivers. It was then, driving in front of a crowd of over 10,000 people, he knew at that moment, that this was it. Drifting is his life.Ever since that event, he has devoted himself to his passion of drifting. Since 2012 he has competed professionally in the Formula Drift Series.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2022 Toyota GR86

ENGINE

Toyota

HORSEPOWER

999

TIRES

Kenda

SUSPENSION

3 Way ST suspensions

WHEELS

Advan Racing TC-4

ECU

FuelTech

EXTERIOR

Pandem Rocked Bunny

INTERIOR

Sparco

SPONSORS

Toyota Gazoo Racing, LTH, Mobil 1, Kenda Tires, Wisefab, Sparco, St Suspensions, Metaldom, Vibrant Perfomance

JOAO BARION THE SHERIFF

TEAM NAME: Extreme SimRacing

CAR NUMBER: 357

CAR NAME: Barbarius Corvette

HOMETOWN: Marília, Brasil

RESIDENCE: Laranjal Paulista, Brasil

Known as SHERIFF BARION started his career in motorsport at 9 years old. One of the main stars of NETFLIX HYPERDRIVE series, he started Drift in 2017 after driving in F3 Sudamericana, F3000 European among others. He is the official drift Brazilian champion by CBA/ FIA. He has an YouTube Channel where he shares his races in Brazil, drifting tips, the background of the races in US, and a lot of videos in partnership with other famous Brazilian YouTubers.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2008 Chevrolet Corvette

ENGINE Chevrolet

HORSEPOWER 998

TIRES

GT Radial

SUSPENSION

Parts Shop Max

WHEELS Cosmis

ECU FuelTech

EXTERIOR Alltak

INTERIOR Barbarius

SPONSORS

Monster Energy , Simagic, Extreme SimRacing, Perfect Automotive, Alltak, Gt Radial, Barbarius, Fueltech, Cosmis Racing Wheels , Parts Shop Max, Gforce

JONATHAN HURST

TEAM NAME: Cash Racing

CAR NUMBER: 16

CAR NAME: MRCOOL Cadillac XLR

HOMETOWN: Paducah, KY

RESIDENCE: Paducah, KY

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 14 finish in 2023. Hurst will be piloting a brand new Cadillac XLR for the 2024 Formula Drift Championship.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2005 Cadillac XLR

ENGINE

1000 TIRES

Kenda

SUSPENSION

Feal / FDF

WHEELS

Litespeed Racing

ECU

Haltech

SPONSORS

MRCOOL, Haltech, FDF Raceshop, Garrett Advancing Motion, Risefab, Radium Engineering , NRG, Kenda Tire, Litespeed Racing Wheels, Gforce Transmissions, Monster Clutches, Fuel Injector Clinic, Treadstone Performance, Redhorse Performance, Holley Performance, Ignite Racing Fuel, XS Power, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Harris Metal Worx, Azrag, Dynosty, ZZX

Digital, Feal Suspension

KAZUYA TAGUCHI

TEAM NAME: Jerry Yang Racing

CAR NUMBER: 123

CAR NAME: UP Garage ISR Performance Jerry Yang Racing GT86

HOMETOWN: Hokkaido, Japan

RESIDENCE: Marina Del Rey, CA

Kazuya Taguchi is a professional drift driver who is currently making a name for himself in the United States. Born in Japan, he ventured to the United States in 2018 to expand his horizons. Alongside competing in the PRO class of Formula DRIFT for over 6 years, he utilizes his drifting skills to also work as a stunt driver. He is not only a professional drift driver but also a content creator. He showcases original content that incorporates his drift car building expertise and driving capabilities through mediums such as photos and videos.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2017 Toyota GT86

ENGINE Nissan HORSEPOWER

1300

TIRES

GT Radial

SUSPENSION

Yellow Speed Racing | Wisefab

WHEELS

Weds Wheels

ECU

MoTeC

EXTERIOR

Rocketbunny | AZ Rag

INTERIOR Bride | OMP

SPONSORS

UP GARAGE, ISR Performance, GT Radial USA, Yellow Speed Racing, Fuel Lab, ACL Bearing Company, Weds Wheels, Supertech, Enjuku Racing, Jerry Yang Racing, Borg Warner EFR, Tomei USA, Bride, Wisefab, Rocketlevel , ORC Clutch, AZ Rag, Real Speed Engineering , Ignite Fuel, NGK, Rocketbunny, PTP Turbo Blanket, APR Performance, APR Performance, Wilwood, Magnus Motorsports, Mechanix, Croooober

KEN GUSHI

TEAM NAME: Three's Racing

CAR NUMBER: 21

CAR NAME: Greddy Racing Moty's Toyota GR86 HOMETOWN: Okinawa, Japan

RESIDENCE: Montebello, CA

Driver and Team Owner of the #21 Three`s Racing Greddy Performance Toyota GR86. Ken has been a professional driver for 21 years and is a Sag-Aftra Union driver for commercial stunts. He has competed in drifting competitions overseas, including Formula Drift Asia, and currently the entire 2024 Formula Drift Japan series with Team Kazama Auto in the Lexus Japan IS500 F Sport Performance.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2022 Toyota GR86

Kenda SUSPENSION

DG5

WHEELS

Rays Gramlights

ECU Link ECU

EXTERIOR Artisan Spirits

INTERIOR Sparco

SPONSORS

Toyota Gazoo Racing North America, Greddy Perormance, Moty's Lubricants, Kenda Tire, Link ECU, Radium Engineering, Rays, Artisan Spirits, Sparco, Wisefab, Ross Performance, Supertech, DG5, Ogura Racing Clutch, Kazama Auto, Nepros, Alpha Injection, Wilwood, Enticed Motorsports, Rywire, Driveshaft Pro

KYLE MOHAN

TEAM NAME: Kyle Mohan Racing

CAR NUMBER: 99

CAR NAME: KMR / Renewable Lubricants / Mazdatrix / RX8

HOMETOWN: Long Beach, CA

RESIDENCE: Long Beach, CA

Kyle Mohan is based in CA and has competed in the Formula Drift Pro Championship since 2004. Kyle Mohan owns and operates Kyle Mohan Racing, which contests the Formula Drift Pro Championship in North America and the HotPit Series in California as well as other Professional events. The team currently campaigns a Turbo Charges NOS feed 3 Rotor Mazda RX-8 in the Formula Drift series. The car, designed and developed by Kyle Mohan - engine builder, car builder and Mazdatrix - is a proven crowd favorite. In a sea of cars using similar piston engines, Mohan's turbocharged Mazda howls to nearly 10,000 RPM at each round of the Formula Drift championship.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2011 Mazda RX8

ENGINE Mazda

HORSEPOWER

1000

TIRES

vitour

SUSPENSION

Mega Racing

WHEELS

XXR Wheels

ECU

Haltech

EXTERIOR

Big Duck Club / KMR

INTERIOR

NRG innovations

SPONSORS

Renewable Lubricants, Mazdatrix, eFlex Fuel Technology, Exedy USA, NGK Spark Plugs, Shop Squad, Brave Energy Drink, Haltech ecu, Big Duck Club, Radium Engineering, Vitour Tires, Wrap Legends, Mishimoto, WiseFab, Precision Turbo, HGT Precision Transmission, Megan Racing, WPC Treatment, DNA garage, tunedbynelson_s, AWS Graphics, NRG Innovations, PCI Race Radios, XXR Wheels, NTK, EF1 Motorsports

MATT FIELD

TEAM NAME: Drift Cave Motorsports

CAR NUMBER: 777

CAR NAME: Borla Performance GT Radial Heat Wave

Visual Leen Customs Drift Cave Motorsports Corvette HOMETOWN: Morgan Hill, CA

RESIDENCE: Morgan Hill, CA

Over the past 13 years of professional drifting. Matt field has become known best for his aggressive driving style and no-quit attitude. No matter the battle, matt drives his borla performance gt radial heat wave visual leen customs c6 corvette to the absolute limit! This persistence has made him a household name within the formula drift series and fans all across the globe. Hailing from san jose. California, matt and his team have competed all over the united states, china, japan and australia. This has given him the opportunity to diversify himself as a driver in different cars and reach a much wider audience of fans. Aside from a full-time racing career. Matt is also the proud owner of drift cave, a motorsport focused performance and fabrication shop located in morgan hill. Ca. Taking the experience he has acquired behind the wheel and implementing it into his customers projects has been incredibly rewarding for matt and has really helped expand his career. Like a true extreme sports athlete that never wants to slow down. Matt has also begun to step further outside of drifting and is starting to do more watersports, boat racing, and crossfit.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2013 Chevrolet Corvette

ENGINE

Chevrolet

HORSEPOWER

1190

TIRES

GT Radial

SUSPENSION

Parts Shop Max USA

WHEELS

Forgestar F14

ECU

Link ECU

EXTERIOR

HGK Racing & 945 Garage carbon kevlar body panels, Anderson Composite hood & truck, APR lip & rockers

INTERIOR

MOMO seats, MOMO belts, MOMO steering wheel, Parts Shop Max handbrake, AIM digital dash, Smarty Cam Dual 3

SPONSORS

Borla Performance, Heat Wave Visual, GT Radial, Leen Customs

MIKE POWER

TEAM NAME: Power Racing

CAR NUMBER: 919

CAR NAME: Power Racing S15

HOMETOWN: Long Island, NY

RESIDENCE: Orange County, CA

Born and raised in Longisland NY, Mike has been a driver since 2016. Mike Learned the art of drifting by attending Club Loose events in Englishtown NJ home of Raceway Park. Mike started competing in Pro-Am events in 2018 and then earned his FD Pro-Spec license after winning the 2019 Sonoma Drift Shootout. After two seasons of Pro-Spec Mike and his team made the jump to FD Pro in 2022 along with winning Rookie Of The Year. Mike is highly dedicated to developing his skills further each season in the pursuit of podiums and making memories with all his amazing fans.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2000 Nissan s15 ENGINE Toyota HORSEPOWER 1000 TIRES

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SUSPENSION Wisefab

SPONSORS

Type S, PowerRacingUSA.COM, Konig, Wilwood, DYME PSI, Ignite Race Fuel, Turbosmart, MA

Motorsports, ACT, Faction Motorsports, OMP, Wisefab, 2F Performance, K&N

2F Performance INTERIOR OMP

NICK NOBACK

TEAM NAME: Noback Racing Co.

CAR NUMBER: 54

CAR NAME: Kenda Tires Noback Racing BMW E46

HOMETOWN: Las Vegas, NV

RESIDENCE: Atlanta, GA

Nick has had a passion for cars and racing ever since he can remember. Not only does he love cars, but he grew up an avid skateboarder, BMX biker, and competitive ice hockey player. When Nick was a kid he saw The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and fell in love with drifting. In 2012, Nick was able to attend his first Formula Drift event as a spectator. He then built a racing simulator to work on a foundation for driving skills. In 2016, he started drifting at local events and started drifting competitively in 2017. In 2019 he won Lone Star Drift, finished 3rd overall in East 10 Drift and was awarded two Formula Drift Pro 2 licenses. He also traveled to Japan with the Lone Star Drift group in 2018 and 2019 to train for 2 weeks with several international drivers. In 2020, Nick went on to earn a Pro 1 license for 2021. For 2021, Nick elected to stay in ProSpec to develop his skills more and to work on other aspects of the program. He finished 2nd overall in the 2021 ProSpec 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 Noback won his first Formula Drift Pro event in 2023 at Irwindale Speedway, which was only his second year in FD Pro. It was a perfect event for him- qualifying 1st and winning. He finished 12th overall for the 2023 season. Nick will be going into his 3rd year as a Pro driver in 2024.

CAR SPECS

CAR

2001 BMW E46

ENGINE

Chevrolet HORSEPOWER

1100

TIRES

Kenda

SUSPENSION

Wisefab with MCS Motion Control

Suspension dampers

WHEELS

Konig Hexaforms

ECU

MoTeC

EXTERIOR

Big Duck Club

INTERIOR

OMP

SPONSORS

Kenda Tires, Konig Wheels, Big Duck Club, OMP, ACT, DEI, Antigravity Batteris, Simagic, Extreme Sim Racing, Wisefab, MCS, 4th Gear Performance, High Tech Motorsports

ODI BAKCHIS

TEAM NAME: Feal Suspension Race Team

CAR NUMBER: 723

CAR NAME: Feal Suspension

GT Radial S15

HOMETOWN: Kaunas County, Lithuania

RESIDENCE: 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 2nd overall in the Formula Drift USA championship in 2023, and 3rd overall in 2021, 2019, and 2017. He has 10 event wins, numerous podiums, and has finished in the Top 5 overall in Formula Drift seven 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. After college he raced rally cars and expanded Feal Suspension to offer automotive suspension solutions. 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 back-to-back event wins in 2019. In 2015 Odi competed in the inaugural year of the Formula Drift World Championship using both a Nissan 240SX S14 and Hyundai Genesis. He finished the 2015 season as 2nd in the Formula Drift World Championship. Odi has finished Top 5 overall in Formula Drift USA seven 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 SPECS

CAR

1999 Nissan Sylvia S15

ENGINE

Chevrolet

HORSEPOWER

1175

TIRES

GT Radial

SUSPENSION

Feal Suspension 443 coilovers, Wisefab lock kit, Wisefab rear kit

WHEELS

Kansei Astro

ECU

Holley

EXTERIOR

Carbon kevlar custom body panels

723

INTERIOR

Cobra race seats, NRG steering wheel

SPONSORS

Feal Suspension, 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, Ascend Print Studio, G&J Aircraft, Advanced Clutch, Drive Shaft Shop, Vortech Superchargers, Wilwood Brakes, Radium Engineering, Simpson, 326 Power Japan, Treadstone Performance, Crower Cams, NRG Innovaations, TurnOne Steering, Sikky Manufacturing, Stilo

ROBERT THORNE

TEAM NAME: ASM

CAR NUMBER: 8

CAR NAME: ASM E46 M3

HOMETOWN: Edmond, OK

RESIDENCE: Edmond, OK

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 4 years ago and progressed quickly through the amateur and Pro/Am ranks. In 2022 He won the Formula D ProSpec Championship. In 2023 He was awarded Rookie of the year after his Pro Class Debut.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2004 BMW M3

ENGINE

Chevrolet

HORSEPOWER 1069

TIRES

GT Radial

SUSPENSION Wisefab

WHEELS Konig ECU Link ECU

EXTERIOR Big Duck Club INTERIOR Rise Fab Shop, MOMO

SPONSORS

ASM, Konig, Radium, Wisefab, BigDuckClub, HyperCoil

ROME CHARPENTIER

TEAM NAME: Garagistic

CAR NUMBER: 171

CAR NAME: Garagistic , pedal commander, Vitour tires , E82

HOMETOWN: La Costa, CA

RESIDENCE: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Rome Charpentier grew up watching days of thunder, going to 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... He bought his first drift car "The E36 bmw that brought him all the way to the pro level!" This year he has decided to step into a new platform the E82. In hopes of further developing this chassis, and his driving Career. Rome spends most of his time driving, testing and building drift cars. You can find him driving anything from grassroots to pro level events all over the world.

171

CAR SPECS

CAR 2011 BMW E82

Vitour

SUSPENSION

Feal

WHEELS

ESR

ECU

Holley

EXTERIOR Big Duck Club

INTERIOR NRG

SPONSORS

Garagistic, Pedal Commander, Vitour Tires, Motul, Feal Suspension, Esr wheels, ACT, Big Duck Club, Holley, Stilo, NRG, Prisma lab, Gforce transmissions, Wisefab, Radium engineering

RUDY HANSEN

TEAM NAME: Team Hansen Drifting

CAR NUMBER: 119

CAR NAME: Team Hansen Supercharged S13 HOMETOWN: Pocatello, ID

RESIDENCE: Pocatello, ID

Rudy Hansen is an accomplished professional American driver who holds the distinction of being the first and only Formula Drift competitor out of Idaho. With a robust background in motocross and mud bogging, Rudy transitioned into the world of drifting seven years ago. Through his unwavering dedication and car building skills, he has earned his place as a Formula Drift Pro driver. Alongside his wife, Rudy forms the unique professional duo known as Team Hansen within the drifting community.

CAR SPECS

CAR

1989 Nissan 240sx S13 coupe

ENGINE Chevrolet HORSEPOWER 1020

TIRES

GT Radial SUSPENSION

WiseFab / Cat Daddy Tuning

Body Kits/ 2F Performance

Innovations/ Prisma Lab

SPONSORS

Color Fittings, Magnuson, MFT Solutions, Advanced Clutch Technology, Quick Trick Alignment, Holley, Swivel Mount, Wisefab, NRG Solutions, Cat Daddy Tuning, Loweye Media, Sixbelow Designs, Feal Suspension, Antigravity Batteries, Fuel Lab, Fuel Injector Clinic, Type S, Stage Wheels, K&N, KBD , G Force Transmission, Wilwood, DEI, Brixx, Powermaster Performance, Wirecare, ChaseBays. Derale

RYAN LITTERAL

TEAM NAME: Ryan Litteral Racing

CAR NUMBER: 909

CAR NAME: Sunoco Simagic Nissan S15

HOMETOWN: Colton, CA

RESIDENCE: Huntington Beach, CA

Ryan Litteral embodies the essence of grassroots drifting with his seamless blend of JDM homage and westernized flair. Renowned for his aggressive style and unwavering commitment, Ryan leads the RB Army as the sole driver in Formula Drift wielding the mighty RB engine. His relentless pursuit of perfection and determination to carve his own path make him a driving force in the sport, revered for his resilience and passion.

CAR SPECS

CAR 1999 Nissan S15

ENGINE Nissan

HORSEPOWER

850 TIRES

Kenda

SUSPENSION

St Suspensions

WHEELS

Heritage Wheels

ECU

MoTeC

EXTERIOR

2F Perfomance

INTERIOR Sabelt

SPONSORS

Sunoco Race Fuels, Simagic, Extreme Simracing, Kenda Tires, Derale Performance, Action Clutch, Heritage Wheels, Sabelt, St Suspensions, Wisefab, Colab Garage, Vibrant Performance, Borg Warner, Mahle Motorsport, Wilwood, Radium Engineering, Fuelab

RYAN TUERCK

TEAM NAME: Papadakis Racing

CAR NUMBER: 411

CAR NAME: Rain-X Toyota GR Corolla

HOMETOWN: Derry, NH

RESIDENCE: Epping, NH

Ryan "Hampshaa" Tuerck is a leading social influencer and a championship contender. A regular podium finisher, he drives the Papadakis Racing built Rain-X Toyota GR Corolla. The driver's downhome 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 YouTube projects include the now-viral Toyota Stout build, the Judd-swapped Formula Supra, and his eponymous YouTube series Tuerck'd. A build series on a Ferrari engine-swapped Toyota 86 known as the Toyota GT4586 has generated nearly 70-million impressions since its 2016 launch. 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. He soon became a regular at Club Loose events on the east coast and began competing in Canada, where he immediately won back-to-back national championships (2005, 2006), before moving to Formula Drift. 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 SPECS

SIMEN OLSEN

TEAM NAME:

Feal

Suspension Race Team

CAR NUMBER: 707

CAR NAME: Feal Suspension s14.9

HOMETOWN: Høvåg, Norway

RESIDENCE: Høvåg, Norway

In 2016, at the age of 19, Simen acquired his initial drift car - a Nissan Skyline ER34 outfitted with a 2jz engine. His journey into competitive drifting began in 2017, a notable year where he and his team secured second place in the final round of the Norwegian Drift Cup in the pro2 class. The following year, Simen upgraded to a more formidable Toyota Mk4 Supra, equipped with a 900hp 2jz engine, signaling a step up in his competitive ambitions. In 2023, Simen joined the esteemed Odi Bakchis and Feal Suspension Race Team for the Formula Drift season. This partnership resulted in three podium finishes and an impressive fourth-place finish overall in the championship. Simen was also honored as the most improved driver of the year. Between 2017 and 2023, Simen and his team celebrated 15 podium finishes. Looking forward to 2024, Simen continues his collaboration with the Feal Suspension Race Team, aiming for the pinnacle of success in the championship. Between 2017 and 2023, Simen and his team celebrated 15 podium finishes. Looking forward to 2024, Simen continues his collaboration with the Feal Suspension Race Team, aiming for the pinnacle of success in the championship.

CAR SPECS

TIRES

GT Radial

SUSPENSION

Feal Suspension

WHEELS Kansei

ECU

Holley

EXTERIOR

2F Performance

INTERIOR NRG

SPONSORS

Feal Suspension, Eneos, GT Radial, Pedal Commander, Kansei, Radium, OMP, Grandal

TAYLOR HULL

TEAM NAME: Asphalt Anarchy

CAR NUMBER: 82

CAR NAME: Comp cams, Kenda tire, Wild Willies

Corvette

HOMETOWN: Dallas, TX

RESIDENCE: Senoia, GA

Taylor Hull began competing in Formula Drift Prospec in 2015. He moved up to the elite Pro series in 2017 only competing part time. In 2018, everything changed. Taylor built the first purpose built Cadillac ATS-V drift car. This was also when he began the long standing partnership with COMP Cams. After steady progression, Hull had his standout year in 2020 where the team achieved multiple top 8 results and finished the season 10th in points. In 2022 Taylor built a brand new car for FD competition, a 2013 C6 Corvette. After refining the chassis and a full refresh, Taylor and the team are poised for a return to prominence as they chase the best season to date!

CAR SPECS

CAR 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ENGINE Chevrolet

HORSEPOWER

1010

TIRES

Kenda

SUSPENSION

Yellow Speed Racing

WHEELS Konig

ECU FuelTech

EXTERIOR 945 Garage

INTERIOR OMP Racing

SPONSORS

Comp Cams, Edelbrock, Kenda Tire, Wild Willies, Konig Wheels, Fueltech, Wisefab, Yellow Speed Racing, Advanced Clutch Technology, Foxy Wraps, Drift HQ, Radium Engineering, Oracle Lighting, Caffeine and Octanem, Outlaw Garage

TRENTON BEECHUM

TEAM NAME: Beechum Racing

CAR NUMBER: 999

CAR NAME: Nexen Tire Clonex Racing BMW HOMETOWN: Agoura Hills, CA RESIDENCE: Agoura Hills, CA

Trenton is the 2015 TopDrift Champion and the 2019 Formula Drift Pro2 Champion.

CAR SPECS

CAR 2004 BMW 3

ENGINE

Chevrolet HORSEPOWER

950

TIRES

Nexen SUSPENSION

Feal / Wisefab

WHEELS

Motegi

ECU

Holley

EXTERIOR

Streetfighter / 2f performance

INTERIOR NRG

SPONSORS

Nexen, Clonex, Penthouse, Advanced Clutch (ACT), Radium Engineering, Joyhollywood, Motegi Wheels, Kings Autobody, Mishimoto, Nitrous Express, Wheel Concepts, Vibrant Performance, Wilwood Brakes, Feal Coilovers, Ignite Fuel, Vortech Supercharger, Wisefab, Treadstone Performance

VAUGHN GITTIN JR.

TEAM NAME: RTR Vehicles' Drift Team

CAR NUMBER: 25

CAR NAME: 2024 Monster Energy Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD

HOMETOWN: Annapolis, MD

RESIDENCE: 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 2023 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 SPECS

CAR 2024 Ford Mustang

ENGINE

Ford

HORSEPOWER

1249

TIRES

Nitto

SUSPENSION

BC Racing ZR-Type Custom Coilovers, RTR Motorsports/SS Manufacturing billet geometry

WHEELS

RTR Aero 5

ECU

MoTeC

EXTERIOR

RTR Spec 5-FD carbon fiber widebody panels, RTR chin spoiler, RTR spoiler, RTR rocker splitters, RTR grille with integrated lighting, RTR rear diffuser, TYPE S LED lighting

INTERIOR

RECARO seats, Schroth Racing harnesses

SPONSORS

Ford Performance, Monster Energy, Pennzoil, Nitto Tire, TYPE S, BC Racing, HP Tuners, NGK/ NTK, OPTIMA Batteries, Forza, Alpinestars, RECARO, MAHLE, Shell V-Power Nitro+ premium gasoline, Universal Technical Institute, Competition Clutch, Driveshaft Shop, Fun-Haver, RTR Vehicles

STREETS OF LONG BEACH

ROAD ATLANTA

Orlando Speedworld, Orlando, FL MAY 31 - JUNE 1, 2024

CROSSROADS

Evergreen Speedway, Monroe, WA AUGUST 9 - 10, 2024

TITLE FIGHT

OCTOBER 18 - 19, 2024

Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale, CA

WANT MORE?

HOW TO WATCH FROM HOME

Photography by Larry Chen

The 2024 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.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

2024 SCHEDULE