The History of Drifting and The Future of Formula Drift

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“The Foundation of Formula Drift”

At the 2003 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage announced the creation of Formula Drift, Incorporated, as a sister company to Slipstream Global Marketing.  With drifting gaining popularity in America, Formula Drift was formed as the premier drifting series in the US.  In conjunction with and using the rulebook from the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Formula Drift created a very strict and professional series that was unique to America.

Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage are the visionary founders of Formula D.

Not even D1 had such strict rules about car construction and safety and thus began the rise of the American drift car.  The very first season of Formula Drift in 2004 had four events, the first of which was Road Atlanta, which had built the now famous horseshoe at the Turn 10 complex just for drifting. This historic and world famous venue just gave a piece of its raceway to a series that catered to a young, hip, and different crowd, who would have thought?  It has been an institution for high speed, insane entry drifting ever since.

Ross Petty was one of the first really good drifters in the USA.  He learned how to drift growing up in Okinawa and has been drifting for more than a decade.  He continues to compete in Formula D today.

Many of the first drivers of Formula Drift were professional drivers from a varying backgrounds, including Rally and Stunt Driver, Rhys Millen, Open Wheel driver, Ryan Hampton, and Road Racer and Stunt Driver, Samuel Hubinette.  Sam Hubinette, who holds the record for most wins in FD with nine, was the first champion and was the first two time champion in 2006.  However, there were many names that would begin to rise as drivers that competed exclusively in drifting like Ernie Fixmer, Chris Forsberg, Ross Petty, Vaughn Gittin, Jr., Tony Angelo, and Ryan Tuerck.  Slowly, the drivers with just drifting in their back ground would start to rise.

In 2009, after the first ever consecutive repeat champion, Tanner Foust, took the title, Chris Forsberg began his hard fought battle for the title.  While not winning a championship in 2007, Forsberg showed he was a force to be reckoned with by winning the Triple Crown that year.  The Triple Crown is a championship within the championship consisting of the Road Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Irwindale events.  These are high-speed, high stakes courses that challenge the best of Formula Drift.

Our friend Ernie Fixmer is also one of the pioneers of drifting in the USA.  Ernie learned how to drift as a Marine stationed in Okinawa and brought his skills here when he returned from duty.  He was one of the first pro drifters and most recently was a Formula D judge.  Now Ernie is going to finally be able to get back to what he loves, driving.

Only three drivers hold this crown, Rhys Millen (twice), Chris Forsberg (twice), and Tanner Foust. With two wins and consistent podiums, Chris Forsberg became the first champion whose background was solely in drifting and with no other motorsports background.  He has also been the only driver to win the series championship and the Triple Crown in the same year, as well as making him the second most winning driver in Formula Drift history, tied with Tanner Foust with six a piece.

Falken Staging Area.