Formula DRIFT and Ultimate Drift have entered an agreement in which the Brazilian organization will operate as an Formula DRIFT Affiliate. Established in 2020, the goal of Ultimate Drift has been to promote drifting within the country and strengthen existing drift competitions by introducing fair and transparent organization structure.

In 2024, Ultimate Drift represented the largest championship ever held in Brazil, but series founder and Formula DRIFT PRO Championship competitor Joao Barion recognized, “I believe we are still a new championship in the process of growth and learning. We’ve seen a significant increase in the level of cars and driver skill year after year, especially with the simulator training used by younger drivers. 

“Attendance varies between 5000-10,000 people per round, depending on the location. And the fans are still learning about the sport, so one of our challenges is to make it easier for fans to understand and appreciate the complexities of the sport,” he continued. “We’re hoping that continuity on aspects of the Formula DRIFT Official Rulebook will help to facilitate that understanding.”

The 2024 season saw more than 70 drivers compete across two Ultimate Drift championships, but 2025 will be limited to one division. Car capacity will be capped at 50 of the most promising drivers. It is hoped this measure will help the teams and fans focus on the competition, get to know the drivers, and strengthen the smaller, regional championships that will now be able to qualify for places in the 2026 Ultimate Drift Championship. 

“As we work to develop Brazilian drivers, the aim is to eventually provide an opportunity for a path to a Formula DRIFT Competition License in the United States, which will further reinforce the strength of our series,” Barion explained.

The 2025 Ultimate Drift Championship will consist of five rounds. This is a reduction from the previous seven in an attempt to help the teams manage their budgets given the size of the country. 

2025 ULTIMATE DRIFT SCHEDULE

Among the locations, Belo Horizonte (Mega Space) is regarded as one of the premier tracks in Brazil, built into the side of a hill to create natural topography. While Londrina is Brazil’s only banked oval track, which also hosts NASCAR Brazil.

The technical and sporting regulations for Ultimate Drift are largely based on the Formula DRIFT rulebook. However, there are a number of differences, including the use of five judges rather than three, a traditional two-lap qualifying system, and tire regulations. For example, tires will be limited to radial construction with a treadwear rating of 250 or more, and a minimum tire hardness rating of 60. The championship will be divided into two weight classes; with cars weighing 900-1250kg able to use 245mm tire widths, increasing to 265mm for cars over 1251kg.

“We’re very excited to add another Formula DRIFT Affiliate to further bolster our international relationships, particularly one that is run by accomplished FD PRO Championship driver Joao Barion,” said Ryan Sage, Formula DRIFT President. “Joao and his crew have created an extremely professional team to manage the drift series in Brazil. They’re taking decisive steps to progress the sport in a direction that is both healthy and sustainable. And we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship together.”

NEXT ROUND

Ultimate Drift will commence at the Belo Horizonte track on March 22-23. For more information, visit ultimatedrift.com.br

As is traditional, Formula DRIFT kicks off its 2025 season on the Streets of Long Beach on April 4-5. Please visit formulad.com for ticket information, driver profiles, special content, and the event livestream.

ABOUT ULTIMATE DRIFT

Founded in 2020, Ultimate Drift has always looked to Formula DRIFT as a role model, and is hoping to accelerate the evolution of the series with its new Formula DRIFT affiliate status. The aim is to promote the sport of drifting in Brazil, making it more competitive, professional and innovative. Ultimate Drift seeks to take motorsports into a new era of entertainment with emotion and spectacle. For more information, please visit ultimatedrift.com.br

ABOUT FORMULA DRIFT

Formula DRIFT is recognized as the leading international drifting championship. Established on the streets of Japan, drifting has evolved into a worldwide competitive sport that challenges the driver's skill while demanding a great deal from their vehicle in terms of power and strength. Formula DRIFT provides a series for the best professional drifters from around the globe to compete for the coveted title of Formula DRIFT Champion. As the first official drifting series in North America, Formula DRIFT has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme, attracting drift fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life, and established itself as the global leader for the sport. For a competition schedule, ticket information, special content and livestream, please visit formulad.com

WATCH FORMULA DRIFT

The series livestream is available at youtube.com/Formuladrift and on MAV TV (please check your local provider)

FOLLOW FORMULA DRIFT ONLINE

formulad.com

instagram.com/formulad

facebook.com/formuladrift

twitter.com/FormulaDrift

youtube.com/Formuladrift

2024 FORMULA DRIFT OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Major Sponsor, Official Vehicle Lighting, Dash Cam & Jump Starter – TYPE S 

Major Sponsor, Official Energy Drink – Rockstar Energy Drink 

Major Sponsor, Official Military Branch – United States Air Force

Major Sponsor, Official Engine Oil – Royal Purple 

Major Sponsor, Official Action Cam – GoPro

Major Sponsor, Official Blockchain Game – Torque Drift 

Major Sponsors – GT Radial, Kenda Tire, Kumho Tire, Nitto Tire

Official Sponsors – Ford Performance, Toyota Racing, BC Racing (Official Suspension), K&N (Official Air Filter & Air Intake, Official Sponsor of Qualifying), NGK & NTK (Official Spark Plug & Sensors), SIMAGIC (Official SIM Racing Hardware), Alpinestars (Official Technical Partner), Fast Orange (Official Hand Cleaner)

Official ECU & PROSPEC Title Sponsor – Link Engine Management

PRO Championship Tire Suppliers – Nexen Tire, Vitour Tire 

Associated Sponsors – Enkei Wheels, Pedal Commander, RAYS Wheels, Throdle

Official PROSPEC Tire – GT Radial 

Official PROSPEC Tire Service Partner – Tire Stacks

Broadcast partner – MAV TV

Official Education Partner ­– University of Northwestern Ohio

Official Community Outreach Program – Acceler8

Technical Partners – PCI Race Radios, Proform

At the Performance Racing Industry Show today, Formula DRIFT and GRIDLIFE announced the two organizations will combine forces at Round Two of the Formula DRIFT Championship at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, which is scheduled for Mother’s Day Weekend on May 8-10, 2025.

The event is the first of its kind where a track owner and two sanctioning bodies will work together to bring the best possible drift entertainment to the Southeast for what is already a marquee event on the Formula DRIFT calendar.

In what will be an action-packed weekend for fans, Formula DRIFT will bring both its PRO and PROSPEC Championships to the track. This will include practice sessions, competitive tandem Seeding Bracket Qualification, both Top 32 Competition Heats, driver autograph sessions and more. Additionally, GRIDLIFE will add three of its own signature elements, including Time Attack, GLTC Touring Cup and the Rush SR series.

And the cherry on the cake for all in attendance will be the GRIDLIFE Full Course Drift event, where drivers slide around the entire 2.54-mile, 12-turn, undulating track. Given that the world’s best drifters will already be in attendance and participating alongside GRIDLIFE entrants, this alone is guaranteed to grab headlines.

Road Atlanta is firmly established in Formula DRIFT history. As the only track used by the series throughout its 22-year history, it is one of the most highly anticipated and best attended events of the year. And it will again host both Round 2 of the FD PRO Championship and the opening round of the PROSPEC Championship. With the drivers tackling one of the fastest courses of the season, set within a dramatic, natural amphitheater, the excitement level is off the charts. And by adding even more entertainment with GRIDLIFE participation, the event is going to be the biggest drift festival ever.

Commenting on the partnership, Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT, said, “Our Road Atlanta event has always created a festival environment, but with today’s announcement we’re able to build the action, entertainment, atmosphere and excitement to even greater heights. Combining FD and GRIDLIFE will bring together the best drivers, most incredible cars and, perhaps even more importantly, the most influential and progressive minds in the industry.”

Sage continued: “It feels that event collaboration and partnerships are often discouraged or considered a weakness by opening the door to a competitor. But in the case of Chris Stewart and the GRIDLIFE family, Formula DRIFT has always felt their contribution to the market has made the pie bigger rather than sliced it thinner. Therefore, trying to make the sum greater than the parts is something we all strongly agree upon. This partnership is a massively significant deal, which we hope will be felt across the worldwide drifting community and motorsports in general.”

The GRIDLIFE elements will take place alongside the Formula DRIFT itinerary throughout May 8-10. And they aren’t holding back: as the fast growing participatory road race event series in the US, GRIDLIFE will present its full road course competition series at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. 

As the primary series presenting traditional motorsports and road racing to a younger US audience, GRIDLIFE will also bridge the gap to Formula DRIFT with its legendary Full Course Drift, which will unite its grassroots participants with many of the professional FD drivers – allowing amateur drivers to witness the sport at the highest level.

“The return of GRIDLIFE to Road Atlanta in partnership with Formula DRIFT marks an exciting milestone for both organizations. Ryan Sage and I have always shared a vision for uniting our communities through shared experience, and this collaboration reflects our symbiotic relationship. Together, we’re creating an unforgettable weekend that celebrates the best contributions of GRIDLIFE and Formula DRIFT to motorsports culture,” said Chris Stewart, President and Founder of GRIDLIFE.

TICKETS

Tickets for all Formula DRIFT events, including the PRO, PROSPEC and GRIDLIFE triple-header at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, will go on-sale shortly at formulad.com. We’ll make a separate announcement once the date is confirmed. This will be the opportunity for fans to secure their place at the inaugural FD x GRIDLIFE event or snap up the best seats for all rounds, with the exception of the Final, which will be available at a later date.

NEXT ROUND

The Opening Round of the 2025 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship kicks off on the Streets of Long Beach on April 4-5. The Opening Round of the FD PROSPEC Championship takes place at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on May 8-10 alongside Round 2 of PRO competition. Please visit formulad.com for ticket information, driver profiles, special content, the event livestream and more.

MEDIA NOTES

Media registration for FD Long Beach and season passes will open on March 3, 2025 at formulad.com/media-applications

Media day for FD Long Beach will take place on April 1, 2025. We will be sending a separate invitation, but please respond to media@formulad.com if you would like to reserve your demo seat in an FD PRO car early.

ABOUT GRIDLIFE

GRIDLIFE is a motorsports and automotive lifestyle brand that has created a community of enthusiasts and participants across the United States. With a focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and a shared passion for cars and motorsports, GRIDLIFE hosts events that include live music, structured racing and open track time, bringing together a diverse community of people who share a love for all things automotive.

The 2024 GRIDLIFE Festival tour is supported by sponsors including Hyundai, NOS Energy Drink, Falken Tire, FCP Euro, Valvoline, Toyo Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, Eibach, 303, Stabil, BC Racing, Hawk Brakes, Chase Bays and Race Treads who have partnered with GRIDLIFE to reach the next generation of automotive enthusiasts. For more information, visit grid.life

ABOUT MICHELIN RACEWAY ROAD ATLANTA

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta opened in 1970 and is recognized as one of the premier road racing circuits in North America. Located less than an hour north of downtown Atlanta, the track hosts several major events during the year including the world-famous Motul Petit Le Mans, Drift Atlanta, The HSR Mitty vintage classic, MotoAmerica superbike event and numerous club and corporate events. In 2019, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta opened the award-winning Michelin Tower, a 45,000-square foot structure that overlooks the start/finish line and serves as a multi-purpose event space, available for year-round rental to motorsports and non-racing customers alike. For more information, visit roadatlanta.com

ABOUT FORMULA DRIFT

Formula DRIFT is recognized as the leading international drifting championship. Established on the streets of Japan, drifting has evolved into a worldwide competitive sport that challenges the driver's skill while demanding a great deal from their vehicle in terms of power and strength. Formula DRIFT provides a series for the best professional drifters from around the globe to compete for the coveted title of Formula DRIFT Champion. As the first official drifting series in North America, Formula DRIFT has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme, attracting drift fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life, and established itself as the global leader for the sport. For a competition schedule, ticket information, special content and livestream, please visit formulad.com

WATCH FORMULA DRIFT

The series livestream is available at youtube.com/Formuladrift and on MAV TV (please check with your local provider)

FOLLOW FORMULA DRIFT ONLINE

formulad.com

instagram.com/formulad

facebook.com/formuladrift

twitter.com/FormulaDrift

youtube.com/Formuladrift