FORMULA DRIFT 2025
2024 Formula Drift Season Recap & Why 2025 is Going to Be Even Better
If you’re a true FD enthusiast, there’s no way you missed the insane action of the 2024 Formula Drift season. From mind-blowing tandems, unexpected upsets, and all of the damn fires, this year kept us on the edge of our seats. But if you think 2024 was wild, wait until you see what’s coming in 2025. Let’s break it all down. Reflecting on the 2024 Formula Drift season, it's clear that the year was filled with remarkable achievements and significant milestones. James Deane's historic fourth championship title stands out as a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication to the sport. His dominance throughout the season, culminating in a decisive victory at Irwindale Speedway, has solidified his legacy in the drifting community.
2024 Formula Drift: A Season to Remember
The 2024 season also marked the end of an era with the final championship event at Irwindale Speedway, a venue deeply ingrained in Formula Drift's history. The closure of this iconic track adds a layer of nostalgia, making the 2024 finale particularly poignant for fans and drivers alike. The 2024 season had everything: rookies proving themselves, veterans solidifying their legacies, and machines being pushed to their absolute limits. Here are some of the standout moments:
1. Championship Battle Went Down to the Wire
The battle for the championship was one of the tightest in years. Every round mattered, with multiple drivers in contention all the way to the final event. Whether it was last-minute setup changes, clutch performances, or controversial judging calls, the drama never stopped.
2. The Rise of the Underdogs
This season proved that new blood is here to stay. Several rookie teams made serious waves, taking down big names and showing that skill and determination can trump experience. Hiroya Minowa, the 15 year old who comes from a drift dynasty in Japan, was one of the main drivers to watch, as he cemented his legacy, by coming in 4th overall in the championship!
3. Technical Innovations & Car Development
Teams pushed their cars harder than ever, experimenting with new aero kits, tire compounds, and suspension setups. Some of the biggest innovations came from privateer teams who took unconventional approaches—proving that drift culture is still all about creativity and pushing limits. Between mega teams like RTR to grassroots dev teams like Feal Suspension, we are still only at the beginning stages of innovation for FD.
4. Viral Moments & Controversy
Social media exploded with crazy highlights—door-to-door tandems, wall taps, some unexpected crashes, and what it seems like the year of the fires. The first viral moment came when James Deane’s car burst into flames during the media day before the very first event. RTR was able to bring the Mustang to life in what seemed like an impossible timeframe, and Deane ended up winning the very first round, burns on the body panel and all. You couldn’t write it better for a movie! But beyond the action, there were heated debates about judging consistency with the new rules in place and driver penalties. Whether you agreed with the calls or not, one thing’s for sure: 2024 was one of the most talked-about seasons in recent memory.
Why 2025 is About to Be Even Bigger
Looking ahead, the 2025 season promises to usher in a new chapter for Formula Drift. The schedule features a mix of classic circuits and new collaborations, such as the partnership with GRIDLIFE at Road Atlanta in May, which is probably the most exciting change. This event is anticipated to offer a unique blend of drifting and motorsport festival activities, enhancing the fan experience. There will also be a new track for the last race of the year, which at the time of writing this, has not been decided on.
With 2024 setting the bar high, the 2025 season is shaping up to be legendary. Here’s why you should be hyped:
1. New Cars & More Horsepower
We’re already hearing rumors of new builds hitting the grid—wider, wilder, and pushing well over 1,000 HP. With manufacturers and private teams constantly upping their game, expect even crazier cars hitting the track. My question is, with Irrwindale out of the picture this year, why do teams need to push past 1,000 HP? Irwindale Speedway was without a doubt the highest speed track in the lineup. Now that it’s gone, do the drivers really need 1,200 horse for Seattle? Is it because the new, unreleased final track high speed?
2. The Rookie Class is Coming in Hot
If you thought 2024 rookies made an impact, 2025 is going to be next level. Expect fresh talent, new styles, and drivers hungry to prove they belong at the top. The introduction of fresh talent into the PRO Championship, including top finishers from the 2024 PROSPEC series and international drivers like Jack Shanahan joining his brother, and the legendary Luke Fink from all the way down under, is set to intensify the competition. Their participation is expected to bring new dynamics and excitement to the 2025 season, and I for one am ready to see this showdown.
3. More Global Influence
Drift culture isn’t just an American thing—Japan, Europe, and the Middle East are all influencing the sport in new ways. We’re expecting even more international guest drivers, crazy driving styles, and innovative builds. With the opening event for the 2025 season being held in cooperation with Ultimate Drift in Pro driver, Joao Barion’s home country of Brazil.
4. Bigger Events, Bigger Crowds
Formula Drift’s popularity keeps growing, and with bigger sponsors stepping in, expect crazier track layouts, higher production value, and more opportunities for fans to interact with their favorite drivers. I have been watching FD for over 15 years now, and attending the last 10 years or so, and I personally see the crowds getting bigger, and the production value growing. I for one am excited to see how this sport evolves in 2025 and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Are You Ready?
If 2024 proved anything, it’s that Formula Drift is evolving, and 2025 is about to take it to another level. Whether you’re trackside, watching the live streams, or drifting your own build, this season is going to be one for the history books.
And if you want to rep that drift life wherever you go, RUNNIT’s got you covered. Stay tuned for our upcoming drops, because we’re bringing that same energy straight into your wardrobe.
For a visual recap of the 2024 season, you might enjoy this video:
2025 Formula Drift PRO Driver Line-Up
The provisional driver list for the 2025 PRO Championship includes both familiar faces and exciting newcomers:
James Deane
Dan Burkett
Aurimas Bakchis
Alec Robbins
Fredric Aasbo
Daniel Stuke
Hiroya Minowa
Diego Higa
Adam LZ
Robert Thorne
Ryan Tuerck
Ryan Litteral
Matt Field
Federico Sceriffo
Conor Shanahan
Andy Hateley
Dylan Hughes
Kyle Mohan
Branden Sorensen
Dmitriy Brutskiy
Simen Olsen
Derek Madison
Jeff Jones
Rudy Hansen
Chris Forsberg
Ben Hobson
Ken Gushi
Vaughn Gittin Jr.
Jonathan Hurst
Austin Matta
Trenton Beechum
Connor O’Sullivan
Rome Charpentier
Jack Shanahan
Jhonnattan Castro
Luke Fink
Taylor Hull
Tommy Lemaire
Nick Noback
2025 Formula Drift PROSPEC Driver Line-Up
The PROSPEC Championship is also gearing up with a strong roster of drivers:
Cody Buchanan
Kasey Kohl
Joshua Love
Matthew Bystrak
Dmitriy Brutskiy
Richard Advani
Nate Chen
Jayce Habich
Margaritis Katsanidis
Josh Stuart
Jayden Martorana
Coty Demster
Justin Chesnutt
Douglas Stubstad
Amanda Sorensen
Allen Boss
Shawn Illingworth
Adam Heishman
Cory Talaska
Cameren Sorensen