Formula D: An overview of drifting in the USA.

Background

Currently in their fourth season, Formula D has grown immensely since their debut. Originating as a series that hosted no more than a handful of events with a dozen of drivers from California, FD now offers a season of close to 10 events with drivers coming from all over the country, as well as drivers from Japan and Europe. This current season, FD is hosting events in California, Washington, Georgia, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Illinois.

To participate, you are required to have your own professional drifting license. This measure originated to control the amount of drivers and filter out the best competitors for the actual competition, saving precious time having to qualify dozens instead of hundreds. For those who do not have their license, FD devised a smaller qualifying pro-amateur league to provide the drivers in the grassroots level a chance to earn their professional drifting license.

To compete in these events, the cars must go through a series of inspections. The car has to show certain safety standards that are used by the Sports Car Club Association (SCCA), mainly including the addition of a 6-point roll rage to protect the driver from any collisions with a barrier or another car. Batteries must be secured, no fluid leaks are allowed, etc. There are also another set of requirements. Modifications on the competition cars are limited to what the manufacturers can provide to the spectator. For example, Nitto cannot provide a tire to the competition drivers that is not available for sale to the public.

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Media Exposure

Formula D is funded by a dozen sponsors. The main (presenting) sponsor is Circuit City, but there are many other major sponsors such as Rockstart Energy Drift, Modified Magazine, Mazda, among others. There are also many tire sponsors, who provide tires to drivers. Some of the notable sponsors are Bridgestone, Falken, Toyo and Hankook. In their 2006 season they started producing an online TV series on the G4TV channel, covering all of the events and main drivers that participated. Some of these drivers are Rhys Millen, Tanner Foust, Samuel Hubinette and Ken Gushi.

Undoubtedtly Formula D has recieved a lot of support. The main support to thank comes from the spectators themselves, who have made a culture out of the sport. By participating and spectating these drifting events all across the country, they have proved that drifting has become the fastest growing sport ever to be seen in the United States. Watch out NASCAR, Formula D is coming for you.