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Formula DRIFT Announces 2025 Schedule

2024-11-04T17:33:22+00:00

As Formula DRIFT gears up for 2025, the series is looking at its next chapter with big updates to its calendar and a mix of familiar and fresh talent in the lineup. The recent close to the 2024 season at Irwindale Speedway carries added significance this time, marking the end of an era. In 2025, Irwindale Speedway - the iconic “House of Drift” - will lock its gates for good, breaking a 21-year streak as the setting for every FD PRO Championship showdown. With its departure, the Formula DRIFT team is already in discussions to secure a new Southern California venue that can host the action, with more details expected in the coming months.

The 2025 season will keep to its roots, hitting well-established venues across North America. The schedule kicks off in April with the Streets of Long Beach, then makes its way through Road Atlanta, Englishtown Raceway, and others before culminating in the new Southern California spot in October. This continuity is a nod to the improvements made to the tracks, ensuring competitors and fans can look forward to an elevated experience at each stop.

2025 PRO and PROSPEC Championship Schedule
Long Beach: April 4-5 (PRO)
Road Atlanta: May 8-10 (PRO/PROSPEC)
Orlando Speed World: May 30-31 (PRO)
Englishtown Raceway: June 19-21 (PRO/PROSPEC)
World Wide Technology Raceway: July 17-19 (PRO/PROSPEC)
Evergreen Speedway: August 8-9 (PRO)
Utah Motorsports Campus: August 28-30 (PRO/PROSPEC)
TBD (Southern California): October 17-18 (PRO)

2025 Driver Lineup
The provisional driver roster for both the PRO and PROSPEC championships is stacked with returning competitors and several newcomers who’ve made a name for themselves in other drift leagues. PROSPEC Champion Tommy Lemaire, along with standouts Connor O’Sullivan and Austin Matta, will step up to the PRO category. Joining them is Irish drifting icon Jack Shanahan and Australia’s Luke Fink, a champion known for bringing a crowd-pleasing style to the track.

Meanwhile, in PROSPEC, new petitions are rolling in, and drivers like 13-year-old Cameren Sorensen—the youngest of the Sorensen drift siblings—aim to make their mark in the entry-level competition.

Formula DRIFT has positioned itself for another dynamic year, and with the final roster and details on the new California venue soon to be announced, 2025 looks ready to keep fans on the edge of their seats. For tickets, livestream access, and up-to-date info on your favorite drivers, head to FormulaD.com.

Hyundai N and Toyota GR Team Up for Unlikely Collab Event

2024-10-28T17:01:05+00:00

When we first heard there was a collaboration between Toyota GR and Hyundai N, we had visions of another engine-transplant from another brand into a Toyota chassis, or vice versa, but we were pleasantly surprised to learn that this collaboration took place at the racetrack, and came in the form of an event designed to inject some fun into the South Korean automotive scene and the surrounding car culture.

In a first-of-its-kind event, the motorsport scene in South Korea got a serious adrenaline boost with the inaugural Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival. Hosted at Yongin Speedway, this sold-out festival brought together two of the most competitive names in motorsport, Hyundai Motor and Toyota Motor Corporation, for a day packed with high-octane action.

From rally-bred performance cars to cutting-edge electric vehicles, both brands showcased their most exciting rides. Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec and Toyota’s GR YARIS Rally 1 HYBRID were just a few highlights on display, underscoring the brands' commitment to performance innovation. Fans got up close with the future of high-performance cars, as the companies introduced their latest concepts, such as Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered N Vision 74 and Toyota's hydrogen-fueled AE86 H2 concept.

The stars of the show weren’t just the cars. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda took the wheel themselves, treating fans to a thrilling show run in WRC-spec vehicles. Their hands-on participation and camaraderie underscored the friendly rivalry between the two automotive giants, as both shared their passion for driving and motorsport culture.

One of the event’s standouts was the track day program, where 60 owners of Hyundai N and Toyota GR models put their own high-performance vehicles to the test on a pro-level circuit. There were also plenty of immersive experiences, like the WRC Taxi ride-alongs and the Gymkhana Competition, where fans teamed up with pro drivers to navigate tight courses in custom Hyundai and Toyota vehicles.

Beyond the asphalt, the festival aimed to inspire future motorsport enthusiasts. All ticket proceeds were donated to the Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA), reinforcing Hyundai and Toyota’s shared commitment to growing motorsport culture in South Korea.

As Hyundai and Toyota continue to develop next-gen performance vehicles and push the boundaries of what's possible in motorsport, this festival marks just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for fans in Korea. With both brands set to clash again at the upcoming Rally Japan, the stage is set for even more thrilling competition.

Nitro Circus Returns to America in Fall 2024

2024-09-10T15:59:03+00:00

Nitro Circus is hitting the U.S. streets again, and this time, they're bringing a new wave of action sports energy for the final stretch of 2024. Thrill One Sports & Entertainment and Round Room Live have teamed up to launch an all-new tour that promises to crank up the intensity for fans across the nation. Kicking off on November 3rd in Cedar Rapids, IA, the Nitro Circus tour will make stops in key cities, offering a show that blends wild stunts, next-level talent, and a fast-paced, interactive atmosphere.

For those itching to grab their tickets, they’ll be available to the general public this Friday, September 13th, starting at 10am local time. Fans looking to jump the line can score early access through a pre-sale that’s live now. Head over to NitroCircus.com for more info on how to lock in your spot.

The 2024 Nitro Circus roster is stacked with some of the top names in action sports. Leading the charge is Ryan ‘R Willy’ Williams, an Australian phenomenon who’s notched over 100 ‘World’s Firsts’ in scooter and BMX. With more than 500 million views of his stunts across social media, Williams brings a level of energy and precision that fans can’t get enough of. Joining him on tour are legends like Adam Jones, a six-time X-Games medalist in Freestyle Motocross, and BMX icon Andy Buckworth, the first to land the superman double front flip.

The tour isn’t just about star power, though. Fans can expect to see all-new competitions, featuring Freestyle Motocross, Skate, BMX, Scooter, and Nitro’s signature ‘Crazy Contraptions.’ Every show is set to be a high-flying, trick-packed spectacle underscored by a live DJ, with new interactive elements bringing the audience even closer to the action.

For those looking to elevate their experience, the Nitro Circus Track Pass offers exclusive perks. Early entry gets you prime access to the floor, a close-up look at the FMX and BMX setups, and a chance to meet the athletes during an autograph session. The pass also includes a commemorative lanyard, a limited edition poster, and other exclusive goodies.

“Our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and this new tour is a celebration of their passion,” said Matt Cohn, CEO of Thrill One Sports & Entertainment. “We’re excited to showcase a new generation of athletes who are pushing the limits and creating unforgettable moments for fans of all ages. This tour is all about bringing them closer to the action and giving them an experience they won’t forget.”

Ryan ‘R Willy’ Williams added, “I’m extremely stoked that Nitro Circus is hitting the road again. This tour is all about bringing the same jaw-dropping action and non-stop excitement that fans have come to love, but with a brand-new show format that’s going to blow everyone away. What makes Nitro Circus so special is that it’s truly a show for everyone - whether you're a die-hard fan or it's your first time, young or old, the energy is contagious and the thrills are unforgettable. I can’t wait to see families and fans of all ages out there, making memories and having an absolute blast with us!"

Stephen Shaw, Founder and Co-President of Round Room Live, wrapped it up by saying, “We are beyond thrilled to bring a brand-new Nitro Circus tour to fans across the country! We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm and passion we’ve seen from Nitro fans of all ages, and know this new show will surpass their expectations with explosive stunts, energy, and fun.”

Mark your calendars - Nitro Circus is coming back to America, and it’s set to be an unforgettable ride.

For more information and schedule updates, visit NitroCircus.com

UPCOMING NITRO CIRCUS 2024 DATES**:
Sunday, Nov. 3 – Alliant Energy PowerHouse – Cedar Rapids, IA
Wednesday, Nov. 6 – Denny Sanford Premier Center - Sioux Falls, SD
Thursday, Nov. 7 – Fargodome – Fargo, ND
Saturday, Nov. 9 – Cable Dahmer Arena - Independence, MO
Sunday, Nov. 10 – BMO Center – Rockford, IL
Tuesday, Nov. 12 – Dow Event Center – Saginaw, MI
Wednesday, Nov. 13 – Erie Insurance Arena – Erie, PA
Friday, Nov. 15 – Cross Insurance Center – Bangor, ME
Saturday, Nov. 16 – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Uniondale, NY
Sunday, Nov. 17 – PPL Center – Allentown, PA
Tuesday, Nov. 19 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Wilkes Barre Township, PA
Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Amica Mutual Pavillion - Providence, RI
Friday, Nov. 22 – XL Center - Hartford, CT
Saturday, Nov. 23 – Cross Insurance Arena – Portland, ME
Sunday, Nov. 24 – CURE Insurance Arena – Trenton, NJ
Tuesday, Nov. 26 – Covelli Centre – Youngstown, OH
Wednesday, Nov. 27 – MVP Arena – Albany, NY
Friday, Nov. 29 – KFC Yum! Center – Louisville, KY
Saturday, Nov. 30 – Peoria Civic Center – Peoria, IL
Sunday, Dec. 1 – Fishers Event Center – Fishers, IN
Tuesday, Dec. 3 – Huntington Center – Toledo, OH
Wednesday, Dec. 4 – Truist Arena - Highland Heights, KY
Thursday, Dec. 5 – Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH
Saturday, Dec. 7 – Cadence Bank Arena – Tupelo, MS
Tuesday, Dec. 10 - Donald L. Tucker Civic Center - Tallahassee, FL
Thursday, Dec. 12 – Mississippi Coast Coliseum – Biloxi, MS
Saturday, Dec. 14 - Bojangles Coliseum – Charlotte, NC
Sunday, Dec. 15 – Greensboro Coliseum - Greensboro, NC
Monday, Dec. 16 – Enmarket Arena – Savannah, GA

*Nitro Circus Athletes subject to change.
**Additional dates and cities will be announced soon.

Introducing PAS365 Rally to FD: Vegas to Salt Lake

2024-08-07T15:56:07+00:00

We're doing it again, for the second time this year! Following up our second consecutive PAS365 Rally to FD from Toronto to New Jersey for Formula Drift at Englishtown, we're going to introduce another PAS365 Rally for 2024: Vegas to Utah. Starting at K-Ways Car Lounge in Las Vegas, we'll be travelling through the sand and sun into Utah for Formula DRIFT Salt Lake to join the Tuning365 Showcase at FD inside Utah Motorsports Campus. The rally takes places over the course of Friday, August 30th, before a night's rest in Salt Lake before joining Formula DRIFT on August 31st.

Just like the previous PAS365 Rallies and Tuning365 shows, there will be prizes, awards, and special stops along the way. In addition to a pre-meet the night before, and a morning launch from K-Ways, rally participants will experience scenic drives, fun stops along the route, and a grand finale dinner with awards and prizes.

Available prizes you'll have a chance to win include a set of wheels from Rotiform, a brand new ball-bearing Precision turbo from TurboKits.com, a brake kit from R1 Concepts, and many more! More to be announced as we get closer to launch date.

RALLY SCHEDULE

AUGUST 30 - The Rally

Launch Point: K-Ways Car Lounge

Rally Stops / Photo Shoot Locations: To be announced at launch. Map provided.

Finale Dinner: The Garage Grill (Utah)

AUGUST 31 - Tuning365 @ Formula Drift Salt Lake

Saturday: Tuning365 Showcase inside Formula DRIFT: Salt Lake

For those of you who wish to join us for the PAS365 Rally to FD: Vegas to Utah, and Tuning365 therein, be sure to register ASAP at this link:
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/pas365-rally-to-fd-saltlake

Formula DRIFT Celebrates Women in Drift with Highlight Video

2024-07-30T16:17:17+00:00

After the historic first podium finish by a female driver after 21 years of Formula DRIFT - being Amanda Sorensen's 2nd place finish in Link ECU PROSPEC in New Jersey - Formula DRIFT decided to take this special moment in time to honor and recognize the women trailblazing in the sport. Following the special occasion, the Formula DRIFT Media team cooked up a special video that explores and celebrates the roles that women play in the sport we all know and love.

The latest video highlights a trio of standout women drivers in PROSPEC, shining a spotlight on Amanda who joined the series in 2021. Currently holding seventh in the Championship standings, Amanda pilots the US Air Force / Sorensen Motorsports BMW and is enjoying her strongest season to date, making history as the highest-ranked female driver.

Kelsey Rowlings, a seasoned pro since 2015, drives the 303 Sta-bil Nissan S14.5. She clinched ninth overall in 2020 and is now 11th in the standings. Kelsey's influence extends beyond the track as she mentors up-and-coming drivers like Zandara Kennedy from Canada, who joined in 2023 with her Zeedrives Nissan S14. Zandara is not just racing; she’s on a mission to bring more women into Formula DRIFT through organized group track visits.

The support system behind the scenes is equally impressive. Female spotters provide strategic advice on lines, competitor positions, and more. Female mechanics, such as Shelby Crackston at RTR Motorsports, ensure the cars are race-ready.

Laurette Nicoll, the revered Formula DRIFT Pit Reporter, is known for her incisive interviews, bringing fans closer to the drivers’ on-track experiences.

Formula DRIFT’s operations are powered by an experienced team of women, from Casidi Tanaka-Fixmer, Manager for Registration & Ticketing, to Joyce Leung on event logistics. Their contributions ensure the smooth running of every event.

“Presenting a trophy to the first female driver to step onto the Formula DRIFT podium in 21 seasons was a truly significant moment and one we wanted to recognize and celebrate,” said Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT. “Our series is truly inclusive. We welcome and foster diversity in both our drift family and the wider drift community.”

Historic Stock Cars Will Race Again in NASCAR Classic

2024-07-02T16:28:41+00:00

Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) has launched the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage, a new racing series for retired stock cars in the Group 8 Historic Stock Cars division. This series will debut at the VIRginia International Raceway on August 23-24, during the IMSA Michelin GT Challenge at VIR. The HSR NASCAR Classic is designed to meet the rising interest in vintage stock cars among racers and fans, bolstered by a partnership with the Historic Stock Car Racing Association (HSCRA). Successful past events at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen International, and other major U.S. circuits have set the stage for this new series.

HSR President Chris Ward highlighted the broad appeal and rapid growth of the Classic Stock Cars category, which led to the creation of the dedicated HSR NASCAR Classic series. The series will feature stock cars built to previous NASCAR specifications, excluding current models like the Cup series Generation 7 chassis, and will require authentic, period-correct liveries. Petty’s Garage’s sponsorship coincides with the Petty family’s 75th Anniversary, adding a competitive element to their celebrations. The series will feature a maximum of 30 select entries per round, with key events at Watkins Glen and VIRginia International Raceway anchoring the 2024 schedule.

Full Press Release Below

Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) officials announced today the introduction of the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage, a racing series for HSR’s growing Group 8 Historic Stock Cars division. The NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage debuts at VIRginia International Raceway, August 23 – 24, with the HSR NASCAR Classic at the IMSA Michelin GT Challenge at VIR.

Open to stock cars that have been retired from active competition, the introduction of the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage is a direct response to the increasing popularity of the Group 8 Historic Stock Cars category with HSR competitors and fans alike. The interest has been further bolstered by HSR’s partnership with the Historic Stock Car Racing Association (HSCRA) that has produced several successful event weekends at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen International and other top U.S. racing circuits in recent years.

“The across-the-board support for and the rapid growth of the HSR Classic Stock Cars category made starting a dedicated series around the division an easy decision,” said HSR President Chris Ward. “NASCAR stock cars of all generations are perhaps the most identifiable category of race cars in the U.S. to motorsports enthusiasts, competitors and even mainstream audiences. We have experienced this incredible growth and popularity with several HSR Historic Stock Cars showcase events in the last few years, particularly in partnership with the HSCRA. We can’t thank enough HSCRA Founders Chris Evans and Carlus Gann and all of the HSR Group 8 competitors, and we look we forward to continuing to race with them in the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage series for many more years to come.”

Eligible NASCAR Classic cars include those built to previous NASCAR rule book specifications for Cup, Xfinity, Truck and ARCA competition. Current editions of the rules-eligible cars in each series, such as the Cup series Generation 7 chassis, are not eligible in NASCAR Classic competition.

Additionally, all rules eligible cars must carry authentic and period-correct liveries previously seen in NASCAR competition over the years. A maximum of 30 select entries will be accepted by HSR for each of 2024’s HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage rounds.

The Petty’s Garage presenting sponsorship is a perfect fit for the HSR NASCAR Classic at a more than appropriate time. With one of Stock Car racing’s “First Families” celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2024, the NASCAR Classic partnership adds an on-track competition component to the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the legendary Petty family that has been in full swing all year.

The VIR event date was part of 2024’s full-season schedule unveiled last year, but the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage announcement coincides with two new race additions to this year's calendar.

HSR Historic Stock Cars now return to Watkins Glen for the second-straight year for a support race on the New York track’s NASCAR weekend, September 13 – 14, which will now be known as the HSR NASCAR Classic at the Go Bowling at the Glen.

The other addition is the HSR NASCAR Classic at the NASCAR Bank of America ROVAL 400, October 11 – 12, which is HSR's first appearance at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

For more information on the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage, and HSR overall, please visit https://www.hsrrace.com/.

The VIR HSR NASCAR Classic – the first time HSR has been part of an IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race weekend – is the next event on HSR’s 2024 schedule of events, August 23 – 25. Spectator tickets are available at https://virnow.com/.

About HSR: Now an IMSA property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the race cars from the past. As a "time machine" of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions 10 vintage and historic racing events at some of the world's most renowned race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR's website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter and Instagram at @HSR_race.

KICKER to Make a Bang at Slamology This Weekend

2024-06-07T20:15:58+00:00

KICKER is set to make waves at this weekend’s Slamology, showcasing its full Pro-Class competition lineup, including the much-talked-about Warhorse Amplifiers. Celebrating its 21st year, Slamology will take place on June 8-9 at Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis. KICKER’s latest builds will be prominently displayed around the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) big rig and the striking KICKER Warhorse Bronco.

This event will see the debut of several vehicles equipped with KICKER SoloX Subwoofers, Warhorse Amps, and ST Street-Series Speakers, underscoring the brand’s strong return to its Pro-Class SPL products. The Pro-Class line features the new SoloX Subwoofers, ST-Series Speakers, and Warhorse Amplifiers, all designed for high-performance competition.

The KICKER-built 2021 Bronco, inspired by the legendary Alma Gates’ “Beast” from two decades ago, will be a highlight. It boasts a powerful 30,000-watt system, including nine 12-inch SoloX subwoofers and 3600-watt Warhorse mono amps. Each custom door panel houses a trio of seven-inch ST-Series midrange drivers and four one-inch ST bullet tweeters. Expect regular full-tilt demo sessions throughout the event.

“Lucas Oil Raceway Park continues to be an ideal venue for our growth,” says Donnie Babb, president of GaugeMagazine.com and Slamology.

Slamology is renowned not only as a top-tier car show but also as the premier car-audio event globally, with over 2,000 vehicles expected to participate. Attendees can look forward to multi-point car-audio competitions, featuring hundreds of the world’s best Sound Quality and SPL competitors, all vying for championship points, trophies, and prizes.

The event is anticipated to draw more than 20,000 spectators. For more information, visit slamology.com.