Formula Drift (FD) is the pinnacle of professional drifting—a high-stakes motorsport where the world’s best drivers push their cars to the absolute limit. Since its inception in 2004, Formula Drift has evolved into an internationally recognized series that blends precision driving, raw horsepower, and next-level car control.
But how do you get into Formula Drift? What does it take to compete at the highest level, and who are the new faces pushing the boundaries of what’s possible? In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover:
- How to get into Formula Drift
- The Formula Drift rulebook & car requirements
- The path from grassroots drifting to FD Pro
- Drivers like RAWRI (@rawridrift) who are documenting their journey in a unique way
If you've ever dreamed of competing in Formula Drift, this is the most detailed guide you'll find online.
What Is Formula Drift?
Formula Drift is the top-tier professional drifting series in North America, featuring drivers from all over the world battling on tight courses, door-to-door, at high speeds. Unlike traditional racing, FD is a judged motorsport, meaning drivers earn points based on angle, speed, style, and proximity to their opponent.
With rounds held across the United States, including iconic venues like Long Beach, Irwindale, and Road Atlanta, FD attracts huge crowds, major sponsors, and the best drift car builds in the world.
🔥 Why is Formula Drift Different from Other Motorsports?
✔ It's not about finishing first – It's about style, precision, and aggression.
✔ Tandem battles are intense – Drivers chase each other within inches at high speeds.
✔ The cars are next-level – 1,000+ horsepower builds with extreme steering angle kits.
✔ It’s a show as much as a race – Fans love the smoke, speed, and raw energy.
How to Get Into Formula Drift – The Step-by-Step Path to Pro
1. Start in Grassroots Drifting
No one starts in Formula Drift. Every driver earns their way up through grassroots drifting events and Pro-Am competitions.
✔ Practice at Local Drift Events – Get seat time at open drift days.
✔ Build a Reliable Drift Car – Doesn’t need to be 1,000 HP—just something you can master.
✔ Compete in Amateur Events – Start with Drift League, Klutch Kickers, or other series.
2. Enter a Formula Drift Pro-Am Series
To qualify for Formula Drift, you need a Pro License—which you can earn by competing in an FD-sanctioned Pro-Am series.
🔥 Popular Pro-Am Series for FD Licensing:
✔ US Drift Circuit
✔ Drift League
✔ Klutch Kickers
✔ Evergreen Drift Pro-Am
How to Win a Pro License:
- Place at the top of a Pro-Am series to receive a Formula Drift ProSpec invitation.
- Compete in Formula Drift ProSpec, the entry-level FD series.
- Finish in the top 8 in ProSpec to move up to Formula Drift Pro.
💡 Watch RAWRI’s journey (@rawridrift) as he navigates the challenges of earning his Pro license—an inside look at what it really takes.
3. Build a Formula Drift-Legal Car
Formula Drift has one of the most detailed rulebooks in motorsports. Every car must pass strict safety and performance regulations.
✔ Cage & Safety Requirements – FIA-spec roll cage, fire suppression system, racing seat & harness.
✔ Suspension & Angle Kit – Most drivers use SLRspeed angle kits for maximum steering angle.
✔ Tires – FD has strict tire size and compound regulations.
✔ Weight & Power Balance – Minimum weight varies by chassis and engine swap.
✔ Chassis Reinforcement – Pro cars undergo major chassis bracing and reinforcement.
💡 Pro Tip: Study the Formula Drift rulebook before building your car to avoid costly mistakes.
4. Secure Sponsorships & Funding
Competing in Formula Drift is expensive. To be competitive, you need:
💰 Car Build Costs – $80,000 – $200,000+ for a full-spec FD car.
💰 Tires & Maintenance – Teams burn through multiple sets of tires per event.
💰 Travel Expenses – FD teams travel across the country, requiring trailers, hotels, and logistics.
🔥 How to Get Sponsorships:
✔ Network at Drift Events – Meet brands, teams, and industry leaders.
✔ Offer Real Value – Show brands how you can promote their products.
The Future of Formula Drift – Drivers Like RAWRI Changing the Game
One of the most interesting new faces in drifting is RAWRI (@rawridrift)—a driver documenting his entire journey from grassroots to pro, but with a twist—he always wears a mask.
🔥 Why RAWRI’s Story Stands Out:
✔ He’s bringing fans along for the entire ride – From local events to Pro-Am battles.
✔ The mystery of the mask – Keeping his identity hidden makes him one of the most unique personalities in drifting.
✔ A fresh take on driver branding – In a sport dominated by big-name teams, RAWRI is carving out his own independent path to Formula Drift.
💡 If you want to see what it really takes to get into FD, follow RAWRI (@rawridrift) on social media.
Formula Drift Rulebook – What You Need to Know
FD’s rulebook is one of the most technical in motorsports. Some key regulations include:
✔ Weight-to-Tire Ratio – Limits how much grip a car can have based on its weight.
✔ Engine Swap Limits – FD allows engine swaps, but they must meet tech inspection standards.
✔ Judging Criteria – Scoring is based on angle, line, style, and speed—not finishing position.
✔ Proximity Matters – Tandem battles require drivers to get as close as possible to their opponent.
💡 Pro Tip: Study the Formula Drift rulebook in full before attempting to build a competitive car.
Final Thoughts – Is Formula Drift Worth It?
If you’re serious about getting into Formula Drift, the journey isn’t easy—but it’s one of the most rewarding challenges in motorsports.
🚀 Steps to Get Into Formula Drift:
✔ Start Drifting Locally – Get seat time and master car control.
✔ Compete in Pro-Am Events – Earn your FD ProSpec License.
✔ Build a Competitive Car – Follow the Formula Drift rulebook.
✔ Secure Sponsorships – Funding is crucial for competing at a high level.
✔ Climb the Ranks – Earn points in FD ProSpec and move up to FD Pro.
