Published By: Rohit Chatterjee

Top Drifting Tournaments in the World

Drifting is an art that was born in the hills of Japan aeons ago. Today, it is a major sport with several drifting competitions taking place in various parts of the world

Years ago, in the hills of Japan, the art of drifting was invented by car enthusiasts. The brilliant drivers of that period found a way of driving up and down the hill in a swift manner. They learnt the method of sliding their cars through the tight corners and in the process, the art of drifting was born. Slowly, the method started reaching other countries and continents through various mediums such as movies, YouTube videos and more. Today, in different parts of the world, many drift competitions are organised. It is not possible to write about all of them and therefore; we have compiled a brief about the best drifting tournaments in the world.

Drift Masters European Championship- Although drifting began in Japan, the best drifting competition on the planet is the Drift Masters European Championship. The tournament is pretty new in the world because the first edition was held in 2014 with three basic rounds. Every year, the competition is held in different venues ranging from F1 circuits to football grounds that are customised by the event organisers as per the requirement of the motorsport. Not to forget, given the sport’s popularity and the hunger of the fans for more action, the organisers moved to six rounds from three in 2015. 

Formula Drift Championship- Formula Drift Championship or Formula D is the premier drifting championship series held in the United States of America. Inaugurated in 2004, the championship is not governed by the FIA. Every year, over 60 racers take part in the competition who are licensed racing drivers. The championship comprises eight racing tracks spread across the country in places such as Texas, Minnesota, Las Vegas, California and more. Since the inception of the tournament, only two racers have won the tournament thrice; James Deane and Chris Forsberg. 

Manx Drifting- The Isle of Man is famous for the Tourist Trophy; a motorcycle racing competition that enables racers to ride above 200 kilometres per hour through the county roads of the Isle of Man. However, the Isle of Man is also famous for the Manx drifting event that is organised by different sponsors and organisers every year. The drifting event is unlike any event in the world. After all, there is no other island on earth where one gets to see cars drifting through the closed county roads at 100 kilometres per hour.