Japan Drift cars are built entirely for going sideways, as fast as possible, whenever possible.
Historically - Motorsports has had a huge range of classifications, specifications, and judgment criteria depending on what event you’re participating in whether that be Autocross or LMP1. Drifting on the other hand is the odd one out as it puts the emphasis on overall skill, handling, and control.
The origin of how drifting came to be is set in Japan, sometime between the late 1960s and early 1980s thanks to the ingenuity and finesse of drivers like Kunimitsu Takahashi and Keiichi Tsuchiya. For the longest time drifting was illegal and considered incredibly dangerous as drivers would push themselves, their cars, and each other to the limit on narrow, winding mountain roads. Sometimes totaling their cars in the process
Drifting eventually made its way outside of Japan’s borders and it wasn’t long before drivers craved a legal area to showcase their abilities and challenge each other in a legitimate competition.
Formula Drift.
Once FD entered the scene–drivers from all across the country finally had a safe place to let loose, where they could put their hard work and dedication to the sport on display in front of millions.
FD gave drifters a goal to strive for which has made many Car Enthusiasts put their life on hold to pursue the dream of competing and taking home the trophy.
Competition
If you’ve never watched Pro Drivers compete, you’re missing out on one of the most entertaining forms of motorsports there is.
When racing isn’t judged on who crosses the line first, but instead on who has the most Angle, who has the Closest Proximity, and who can throw the Wildest Line, you get an adrenaline-packed event. Drifting is all about consistency, discipline, and just a touch of bravery.
Judging
You never know what’s going to happen round to round.
While everyone else is trying to see through the smoke and cheering for those oh-so-special tandems, the judges are monitoring for any slip-ups, keeping track of how much distance is between the drivers, the walls, and cars as they ride the wall. Drifting isn’t just another racing series, it’s a way to push yourself and your car to the absolute limit and its lineage can be traced all the way back to the streets of Japan.