Drifting in America: The Rise of Sideways Motorsport

Drifting in America: The Rise of Sideways Motorsport

Drifting has grown into a massive motorsport in America, evolving from underground street racing into a fully sanctioned professional competition. Inspired by Japan’s legendary touge drifting and D1 Grand Prix, American drifting has developed its own unique style, culture, and dedicated fanbase.

The Early Days of Drifting in America

Drifting first gained widespread attention in the U.S. in the early 2000s, thanks in part to the rise of import car culture and the popularity of Japanese motorsports. Films like The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and video games such as Need for Speed: Underground helped introduce mainstream audiences to the sport.

One of the most pivotal moments for American drifting was the arrival of the D1 Grand Prix exhibition match in 2003 at Irwindale Speedway, California. The event showcased top Japanese drifters and inspired American enthusiasts to take the sport to the next level.

The Birth of Formula Drift

In 2004, Formula Drift (Formula D) was established as the first professional drift series in the U.S. Since then, it has become the premier drift competition in North America, featuring top drivers from around the world. Formula D events are held across the country, with legendary venues such as:

• Irwindale Speedway (The House of Drift) – The birthplace of professional American drifting.
• Road Atlanta – A fan-favorite track with high-speed entries and elevation changes.
• Long Beach Street Circuit – A tight and technical course that kicks off the Formula Drift season.

Drifting Culture in the U.S.

Beyond professional competition, grassroots drifting has flourished across America. Local drift events and series, such as Club Loose, Drift Indy, and Lone Star Drift, provide opportunities for amateur drivers to hone their skills in a controlled environment.

Popular Drift Cars in America

While Japanese cars continue to dominate the American drift scene, American muscle and European platforms have gained popularity. Some of the most common drift cars in the U.S. include:

• Nissan 240SX (S13/S14) – A staple of drifting due to its lightweight chassis and aftermarket support.
• Ford Mustang (S197/S550) – V8 power and rear-wheel drive make it a competitive drift machine.
• Chevrolet Corvette (C5/C6) – An unexpected but highly capable drift car with LS V8 reliability.
• Toyota GT86 / Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S – A modern, balanced chassis ideal for drifting.
• BMW E36/E46/E92 – German engineering with strong drifting potential.

Why Drifting is Growing in America

The accessibility of drifting is one of its biggest draws. Unlike traditional motorsports, which require expensive builds and high-speed tracks, drifting can be practiced in parking lots, open spaces, and local tracks. The community is also welcoming, with experienced drifters often mentoring newcomers.

Social media and YouTube have played a significant role in the sport’s growth, with influencers such as Vaughn Gittin Jr., Adam LZ, and Chris Forsberg showcasing drifting to millions of fans.

Final Thoughts

Drifting in America has transformed from an underground scene to a mainstream motorsport. With Formula Drift leading the way, grassroots events thriving, and a passionate car community, the U.S. has solidified itself as one of the global powerhouses of drifting. Whether you’re a professional, an amateur, or just a fan, drifting in America is here to stay and only getting bigger.