Formula DRIFT (also known as Formula D or FD) is an American drifting series, and was co-founded by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage in 2003 as a sister company to Slipstream Global Marketing, the same partnership that introduced D1 Grand Prix to the United States.
The new entity would solely own, operate and launch the first official drifting series in North America.
The series consists of an eight-round championship played out at race tracks across North America.
Formula DRIFT is judged on line, angle, and style, rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time.
Drivers in North America can compete in regionally sanctioned PRO/AM organizations for licensing.
Formula DRIFT has increased its international presence every year since 2008 with the addition of demonstration and sister series in other countries.
The first real international competition of its in Asia, held at the Changi Air Show Grounds.
For the 2011/2012 Championship tour, Formula DRIFT Asia added an additional stop in Indonesia.
The rule book is revised every year to promote fair and exciting drifting.
Some cars and practices are written out of the rule book in order to keep a realistic and level playing field.
During the 2004 season, the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe was permitted to compete; subsequently it was ineligible in Formula DRIFT.
In the United States, the Scion tC is sold only in the FWD layout, but because it shares the same chassis as the AWD Toyota Avensis (sold only in the United Kingdom and Europe), it can be converted to a competition-ready RWD layout.
"Engine, transmission, ECU and/or final drive modifications are free, but only the rear wheels may propel the vehicle".
Engine swaps remain very common with older models but can be seen with new builds as well.
Naturally aspirated or supercharged Chevrolet V8 engines are often used because of their availability and lower operating costs.
Suspension modification is widely open to development as long as stock pickup locations are utilized.
To keep cars in check Formula DRIFT institutes a maximum tire size based on the vehicles total weight.
Qualifying – Formula DRIFT competitors are allowed two non-consecutive judged solo runs to post their highest possible score in order to compete.
The current judges are Robbie Nishida (2023–), Brian Eggert (2012–), Chris Uhl (2020–).
Fredric Aasbø – 19 wins – 2014 at Wall Speedway and Texas – 2015 at Long Beach, Wall, Seattle, and Irwindale – 2016 at Orlando and Canada – 2017 at Orlando and Canada – 2018 at Long Beach And St. Louis – 2019 at Road Atlanta – 2020 at St. Louis (Rd 1) And Irwindale (Rd 7) – 2021 at St. Louis – 2022 at Road Atlanta and Irwindale – 2024 at Road Atlanta 2.
Aurimas Bakchis – 10 wins – 2015 at Road Atlanta – 2016 at Seattle – 2017 at Wall Speedway – 2019 at Long Beach and Orlando – 2020 at Irwindale (Rd 8) – 2021 at Road Atlanta, Long Beach, and Irwindale – 2023 at St. Louis 6.
Matt Field – 4 wins – 2016 at Texas and Irwindale – 2021 at Englishtown – 2023 at Long Beach 15.
Johnson was joined by Attack of the Show co-host Olivia Munn who covered the pits and drivers during the events and drifting expert Adam Matthews who provided commentary and insight on the tandem battles.
Jarod DeAnda is the public address announcer at each event, earning him the moniker, "The Voice of Formula D." In 2005, G4 used DeAnda's event commentary track, but for 2006, used Johnson and Matthews calling each battle like a typical play-by-play/color commentator combination.
In the 2005 season, there were two people working the pits — driver interviewer Mayleen Ramey, who was a roving reporter for the half-hour episodes, and a second anchor, who patrolled around the car show at each event.
co-host Kevin Pereira took the duties, while Street Fury host Big C finished things out in Chicago and Irwindale.
The half-hour episodes were gone, event coverage was reduced to an hour, and their scheduling was quite random.
At the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Formula D co-founders Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage announced that the series would have a new television partner in 2007.
[60] For 2010, Formula Drift announced a comprehensive race programming schedule with the sports network then known as Versus (ironically co-owned with G4 by Comcast).
During the 2010 season over 1,000,000 viewers tuned in to watch the live action unfold over the 7 Pro Championship events.