Get ready to meet the daredevils behind the wheel. Our "Meet the Drifters" section introduces you to the skilled drivers who push the limits of traction and control with every turn. Discover the personalities, stories, and driving styles that make each drifter unique.
Explore the vibrant world of drift culture, where passion for cars meets the art of sideways driving. Our "Drift Culture" section delves into the heart of this dynamic community, showcasing the lifestyle, events, and traditions that define the essence of drifting.
Discover the differences between professional and grassroots scenes. breaking down the contrasts of professional competitions, where the top drivers battle for trophies and grassroots events, where enthusiasts hone their skills in a more laid-back atmosphere.
Drifting isn't just about smoke and sideways action; it's a celebration of automotive culture, innovation, and camaraderie. It's a sport that transcends boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life who share a passion for speed, skill, and adrenaline-fueled excitement.
Photos Taken By Noah Rademacher
1970's Japan was home to thousands of young street racers categorized into two groups: the Kaido racers, and Hashiriya. The Hashiriya took the open roads outside the city into the mountians where they could really get their foot down, eventually leading to the creation of Touge Racing. Along came new techniques one was Kuni-san’s photogenic power-sliding technique which was perfect for handling tight turns in the quickest and most spectacular way. Eventually leading to the crowning of the greatest driver of those mountain drivers was the working-class hero: Keiichi Tsuchiya – aka The Drift King.
As a prominent figure among Touge drivers, Tsuchiya recognized the ideal conditions of switchbacks and hairpin turns for perfecting the art of drifting. Seeing potential beyond the confines of underground racing, he envisioned bringing drifting into the mainstream. In 1987, he embarked on this mission by securing funding from various garages and publishers entrenched in the street racing scene to produce videos. The inaugural video showcased Tsuchiya's remarkable skills as he expertly navigated a Toyota AE 86 GTV Levin through the challenging Usui touge, a scenic mountain pass near Nagano and Tsuchiya's home turf. The video swiftly gained traction, both domestically in Japan and globally, even before the advent of the internet. This marked the emergence of drifting as a bona fide sport, albeit at a cost to Tsuchiya: the loss of his driver's license.
A drift machine transcends mere branding; it embodies the essence of the driver's identity. Emerging from the realm of street-racing, the Kaido racers forged a distinctive aesthetic: ride height meticulously lowered, Toyotas and Nissans skimming the asphalt, exhausts stretching to extravagant lengths, bodywork sculpted to bulging perfection, gleaming hubcaps, and radiant paintwork preserved with ceramic sealant. This distinctive style not only captivated onlookers but also ignited a revelation among drifters: racing wasn't just about skill; it was a canvas for individual expression. It was about exuding style, about making a statement. Fondly dubbed "Gusheshe" by enthusiasts, this ethos continues to inspire the drift culture to this day.
Formula DRIFT, also referred to as Formula D or FD, stands as a premier motorsport drifting series based in the United States. Established in 2003 by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage, it emerged as a subsidiary of Slipstream Global Marketing, the same partnership credited with introducing the D1 Grand Prix to the United States. This new venture would exclusively oversee, manage, and launch the inaugural official drifting series in North America. Presently, Formula DRIFT boasts a roster of 81 licensed drivers competing in PRO and PROSPEC (previously known as PRO 2) divisions as of October 2023. The series unfolds across eight rounds held at various race tracks throughout North America. Distinguishing itself from traditional racing, Formula DRIFT places emphasis on criteria such as line, angle, and style, rather than sheer speed in completing the course.