Luke Fink Announces Withdrawal from Formula Drift 2025: What Happened?
Another Formula Drift season is on the horizon, but it will be missing one of the sport’s most entertaining and aggressive drivers—Luke Fink. In his latest YouTube video, Fink confirmed that he will not be competing in the 2025 Formula Drift season, citing sponsorship struggles, logistical issues, and time constraints as the primary reasons behind his decision.
For fans who were excited to see the Australian drifting legend take on the best in the U.S., this is a tough pill to swallow. But as Fink himself put it, this isn’t the end—it’s just a delay.
Watch the full announcement here: Luke Fink’s YouTube Video
Why Luke Fink Pulled Out of Formula Drift 2025
Fink made it clear that Formula Drift was always a last-minute decision, and while he was eager to compete, things simply didn’t line up.
Initially, he had talked with a potential team about securing a seat in FD, but the deal didn’t materialize.
After a conversation with James from JDM Racing, a plan was set in motion to build a competitive car for FD.
By November 2024, the effort to secure sponsorships, ship parts, and build the car was in full swing.
However, as time went on, the hurdles started piling up.
The Challenges: Sponsorship & Logistics
1: Sponsorship Struggles
No Title Sponsor: JDM Racing was the primary backer, but Fink didn’t have a title sponsor to help cover the full cost of running FD.
Tire Sponsorship Issues:
Fink was originally set to run Vitor Tires, but the brand pulled out of Formula Drift.
Nexen Tires also exited FD, making it even harder to secure a tire deal.
With major tire brands leaving and no major financial backer, the cost of competing skyrocketed.
2: Car Build Delays
The Car: Fink’s FD car was an R32 four-door Skyline, a unique but challenging chassis to set up for top-level drifting.
Customs Issues: Key parts, including a supercharger and crankshaft, were delayed for months by New Zealand customs.
Roll Cage Approval Delays: Fink tried to get a unique roll cage setup approved, but constant back-and-forth emails with FD’s Kevin Wells cost valuable time.
Fink summed it up best:
"We were running out of time. I don’t want to come to FD just to make up the numbers—I want to come and kick ass."
What’s Next for Fink?
Fink is not quitting FD—he’s just pushing his entry back to 2026.
The R32 build will continue with more time for proper testing and setup.
Expect insane content, including a tōge (mountain road) test drive of the R32 in New Zealand.
A return to U.S. drifting? While FD is off the table for 2025, Fink teased the possibility of guest driving at Drift Masters or LZ World Tour events.
💬 "This delay lets us test the car properly. I don’t want to just show up—I want to be competitive."
What This Means for Formula Drift
Luke Fink’s absence is a loss for FD 2025—his aggressive driving, wildcard energy, and veteran experience would’ve shaken up the grid.
But his struggles highlight a bigger issue in pro drifting:
Costs are rising! Sponsorships are harder to secure, and tire brands are leaving FD.
Global logistics remain a nightmare! International drivers struggle with customs, shipping delays, and car builds.
Is pro drifting sustainable? With FD teams needing massive budgets to compete, how long can grassroots drivers break into the sport?
Fink’s 2026 return will be highly anticipated, but his 2025 absence sparks a conversation about the future of professional drifting.
Conclusion: A Delay, Not a Goodbye
While Luke Fink won’t be on the FD grid in 2025, his return in 2026 will be even stronger. For now, fans can follow his car build, upcoming driving events, and potential guest appearances.