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Formula DRIFT Final Round 8 Moves Under the Lights at Long Beach

2026-07-21T15:08:15+00:00

Images Courtesy of Formula DRIFT

Tickets are now on sale for Formula DRIFT Final Round 8: Shoreline Showdown, and the series has announced that the 2026 championship finale will take place as an evening event under floodlights on the Streets of Long Beach.

Following the closure of Irwindale Speedway, the Formula DRIFT finale moved to its new home in Long Beach. After the inaugural event, Formula DRIFT has decided to move the competition from a daytime schedule to an evening event.

According to Formula DRIFT, the unique street layout and lighting package are intended to bring some of the ambiance of downtown Long Beach while creating an enhanced competition environment and a concert-like atmosphere as the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO Champion is crowned.

“Building towards the next ‘Irwindale’ initially seemed like an almost impossible task. But after getting our own street event in 2025, the next logical step was to see if we could go into the night – to replicate the feeling and essence of what a Finals in October should feel like,” said Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT. “Fortunately, the City of Long Beach agreed and our Final Round will mark another landmark not only for FD but motorsports in general, by creating a second night-time, four-wheel event in Super Drift and now Round 8, Shoreline Showdown. But since there’s no outdoor stadium lighting at the venue, we will create the ambiance of what it would be like to drift in a downtown environment. And we expect to go out with a bang, if you know what I mean...”

Formula DRIFT also plans to incorporate fireworks into the championship finale. According to the series, the annual Irwindale fireworks display was always a fan favorite, and the fireworks are intended to add to the overall spectacle of the event.

Tickets are available now at formulad.com/schedule, where fans can purchase single-day or weekend admission, as well as the Photo Experience, Autograph Experience, Track Walk, and the event-specific FD Fan Pack, while supplies last.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit formulad.com.

Formula DRIFT Redesigns Indianapolis Raceway Park Course Ahead of Round 5

2026-07-20T14:21:22+00:00

Images Courtesy of Formula DRIFT

Formula DRIFT is working closely with track officials to supplement the existing course at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park with additional paving ahead of Round 5 of the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, taking place July 30–August 1.

The additional pavement will create a unique layout for the series’ first visit to the venue. Indianapolis Raceway Park is one of three new tracks on the 2026 Formula DRIFT schedule.

The updated layout was developed in collaboration with Driver Liaisons Ryan Litteral, Ken Gushi, and Matt Field, along with Formula DRIFT Judges Brian Eggert, Reese Marin, Robbie Nishida, and Vernon Zvanevald, and the Formula DRIFT Competition Department.

According to Formula DRIFT, the Driver Liaisons suggested paving new sections of the existing course to enhance the layout. The revised configuration was evaluated through site visits before new asphalt was laid in preparation for the event.

“Being able to work closely with Formula DRIFT and the Judges allowed us to create something amazing by adding paving that certainly wasn’t planned to occur,” said Ken Gushi. “From a driver’s perspective, we’re focused on the ability to compete and put on a show for the fans, so to build on the incredible momentum from Connecticut and apply it to the race capital of America is something we’re all really proud of.”

“I’m excited about what we’ve been able to do at Indianapolis Raceway Park,” said Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT. “Bringing together our Driver Liaisons, Judges and Competition Department to work with the Track Officials has enabled us to create something really special at a new venue. We’re confident the changes will bring a new feel for the drivers and an extra layer of excitement for the fans at what we’re confident will be an incredible addition to the Formula DRIFT schedule in the heart of the Midwest.”

In addition to PRO and PROSPEC competition, Formula DRIFT Indy will also feature the Type-S Night Lights event. Presented by Larry Chen, the evening will include actor Sung Kang, who will debut an extended trailer for his Drifter movie and participate in a Q&A session. Admission to Night Lights and the screening is included with proof of a Formula DRIFT Indy ticket purchase.

Round 5 of the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship and Round 3 of the Link ECU PROSPEC Championship will take place at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Indiana, from July 30–August 1.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit formulad.com.

Formula DRIFT 2026 Fan Guide Now Available Online and at Events

2026-04-20T18:16:33+00:00

The official Formula DRIFT 2026 Fan Guide, produced by �ֲ��ý in partnership with Formula DRIFT, is now available both online and at events throughout the 2026 season.

First released during Round 1 of the championship in Long Beach on April 10, the guide serves as a comprehensive resource for fans looking to follow the series throughout the year.

Accessible digitally at guide.formulad.com, the Fan Guide mirrors the printed version distributed at all Formula DRIFT rounds, ensuring fans can access the same information whether trackside or online.

A Complete Resource for the 2026 Season

The 2026 edition includes a full overview of the series, from a brief history of Formula DRIFT and past champions to current-season updates. It also features detailed driver profiles for both the PRO and PROSPEC championships, along with track maps and the full event schedule.

With new venues added to the calendar, the guide provides fans with an early look at how the season will unfold, including key rounds like Las Vegas and the Shoreline Showdown in Southern California.

Drivers, Stories, and the Evolution of Formula DRIFT

Driver profiles remain a central part of the Fan Guide, offering insight into the competitors shaping the 2026 season. From rising personalities to established champions, each profile includes detailed vehicle specs, team information, and background context.

As Formula DRIFT enters a new phase in 2026, the guide helps frame a season defined by change—both on and off the track.

“If you thought you knew Formula DRIFT, 2026 is about to change that,” says �ֲ��ý Drift Editor Kevin Darwish in the guide’s opening letter. “With new venues, evolving competition formats, and a deeper focus on precision and consistency, the sport is entering a new era.”

Available Trackside and Online

Produced as part of �ֲ��ý’s ongoing media partnership with Formula DRIFT, the Fan Guide reflects a continued effort to deliver accessible, structured information for both longtime fans and those experiencing the series for the first time.

With distribution at every round and a permanent online version available, the Formula DRIFT 2026 Fan Guide is positioned as the central reference point for the season.

Fans can view the digital edition now at:
guide.formulad.com

Canon Becomes Formula DRIFT’s Official Imaging Partner for 2026 Season

2026-04-09T16:59:33+00:00

Canon U.S.A. has officially joined the Formula DRIFT paddock as the series’ new Official Imaging Partner through a two-year agreement beginning with the 2026 season. The partnership will debut at the Streets of Long Beach on April 10-11 and will bring Canon’s latest imaging technology directly into Formula DRIFT livestreams, media operations, and fan experiences throughout the year.

As part of the deal, Formula DRIFT will use Canon’s CR-X300 Outdoor 4K PTZ cameras and RC-IP100 PTZ controllers to capture new trackside angles during livestream broadcasts. The upgraded setup is designed to give viewers more immersive coverage of practice sessions, qualifying, and competition heats. Canon will also support on-site media with a photo printing station featuring the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 printer, allowing photographers to print and share images throughout each event weekend. Well-known automotive photographer Larry Chen and his team are expected to take advantage of the new setup during the season.

Beyond broadcast and media support, Canon will also have a fan-facing presence at select events including Long Beach, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, and Evergreen Speedway. Fans attending those rounds will have the opportunity to explore Canon’s latest imaging products and technology in person. The new partnership highlights Formula DRIFT’s continued focus on expanding its content quality and fan engagement while giving Canon a major platform to showcase its imaging ecosystem in one of motorsport’s most visually intense environments.

Formula DRIFT Expands Coverage With New Exclusive Broadcast Deal

2026-03-31T15:56:05+00:00

Formula DRIFT is taking a major step forward for the 2026 season with a new multi-year broadcast partnership with RACER. The deal will make all live Formula DRIFT PRO and PROSPEC competition coverage available exclusively through RACER platforms and Formula DRIFT channels. Fans will be able to watch qualifying, seeding, and early-round battles for free through the RACER+ app and RACER’s FAST channel, which is available across devices like Roku, Samsung, and Amazon.

One of the biggest additions is a brand-new live pre-race show called RACER GridWalk, which will feature behind-the-scenes driver interviews directly from the Hot Pit before Top 32 competition begins. Formula DRIFT says the show will give fans a closer look at the action before the battles start, while the PRO Championship Top 16 heats will now air for free exclusively on RACER Network and the RACER+ app.

According to Formula DRIFT President Ryan Sage, the partnership is designed to bring more exposure, bigger audiences, and stronger support for the sport. The agreement also includes expanded PROSPEC coverage, exclusive content, and new financial incentives for drivers. The 2026 Formula DRIFT season officially begins April 10-11 in Long Beach on the famous Streets of Long Beach course.

Lamborghini Temerario GT3 Makes Strong Start at Sebring

2026-03-24T03:12:48+00:00

Italian supercar brand Lamborghini has officially put its newest race car to the test, with the Lamborghini Temerario GT3 making its debut at the legendary 12 Hours of Sebring. Marking a new chapter for the brand’s motorsports program, the Temerario GT3 replaces the Huracán as Lamborghini’s GT3 contender and was developed entirely in-house, showing just how far the company has come in racing over the years.

While based on the road-going Lamborghini Temerario, the GT3 version swaps out the hybrid system in favor of a race-ready twin-turbo V8 setup designed to meet GT3 regulations. The focus here isn’t just outright performance, but also durability and real-world testing, as Lamborghini continues to use racing as a way to refine materials and engineering for its production cars.

The debut didn’t result in a podium finish, but that wasn’t the goal. Simply completing the race with minimal issues marked a solid first outing for a brand-new platform. More importantly, the Temerario GT3 reinforces Lamborghini’s commitment to motorsports, using GT3 racing as a way to showcase its supercars in a form fans can instantly recognize,both on the track and on the street.

Formula DRIFT 2026 Adds Three New Locations, Leaves Englishtown

2025-11-04T20:54:21+00:00

Formula DRIFT has set the stage for another busy year, announcing a 2026 Competition Schedule that brings three new venues into the circuit. After a 2025 season that broke attendance and engagement records, crowned a five-time PRO Champion, and watched the youngest event winner in series history, the organization isn’t slowing down. Instead, it’s reshaping the competitive landscape with stops in Las Vegas, Boston-adjacent Stafford Springs, and Indianapolis.

The new calendar includes eight rounds for the PRO Championship, with Link ECU PROSPEC joining at select stops. Familiar tracks like Long Beach, Road Atlanta, Orlando, and Evergreen remain, while Englishtown slides off the schedule. In its place, Stafford Motor Speedway steps up as the anchor for the Northeast audience. According to President Ryan Sage, the changes reflect both necessity and opportunity.

“After the most successful season in our history, we’re embarking on our most ambitious schedule with three new venues,” Sage said. “We’ve come to some hard decisions but we’re confident this will strengthen the series as we strive to develop and promote the best drifting competition in the world. We proved last month with our new Long Beach venue for the PRO Championship Final, developing new venues can allow us to do something really special. And it’s with this in mind that we’re approaching Las Vegas and Indianapolis, in particular, where we have the opportunity to create venues that will highlight the sport and provide superb facilities for the fans.”

Stafford’s inclusion stems from timing issues during Englishtown’s acquisition process. With no available commitment, the search had to move on. Sage laid out the reasoning:

“As everybody knows, the arena at Englishtown Raceway was built for Formula DRIFT and it was always our intention to remain at the track. However, the facility is going through an acquisition process and we were unable to secure a commitment to our 2026 event date,” Sage explained. “With teams needing to budget for the 2026 season and our deadline to secure an alternative long-passed due, we knew a difficult decision had to be made. So, our major North-East event will be relocated to Stafford Speedway. We made the decision with sadness and not fully aware of the fate of Englishtown Raceway. But because we were unable to contract a date with E-Town, we were left with no choice but to ensure we could secure an East Coast event. And with Stafford Speedway, we have full confidence in the venue and staff to provide everything the teams, drivers and fans require for a killer event. Stafford already has the infrastructure to host Cleetus McFarland events and we’re happy to continue supporting a pillar of the US racing community, which relies on the existence of these regional tracks.”

From there, teams head to Indianapolis Raceway Park. The facility’s mix of motorsports history and robust seating makes it an attractive Midwest destination. Sage added:

“We’re really excited to bring the series to the home of North American motorsports. The City of Indianapolis and the surrounding area supports a strong Mid-West racing community and we can’t wait for them to see world-class drifting in their town.”

Later in the season, Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Bullring returns to the lineup. Unlike the early-2010s parking lot setups, this time the facility gets long-term investment through a three-year deal. Paving upgrades and infrastructure improvements are part of the plan, reinforcing Formula DRIFT’s trend of helping modernize venues.

“Las Vegas has huge potential for Formula DRIFT and we’re excited to return,” Sage said. “We’re coming back under very different circumstances than before, and will invest in the infrastructure to ensure teams and fans can fully experience an FD event as it should be. Vegas has always been on our radar but up until now, there have been challenges in making our return. Conversations started when we were exploring options to replace Irwindale have led to an exciting opportunity for the PROSPEC Final and the development of the entire facility.”

Outside the new additions, the series keeps Long Beach at both ends of the calendar, opening the season on the Streets course and closing it on the Long Beach Shoreline Showdown street layout. Formula DRIFT has indicated the track may evolve year-to-year, similar to how Irwindale inched forward over time.

“Change can bring challenges, but the entire Formula DRIFT team is relishing the opportunity to collaborate with the new tracks, welcome new fans and continue to develop the best drift series in the world,” Sage concluded. “It’s always a major decision to move venues and we only do it when we feel confident that we’re improving the overall experience of the series. And we’re excited about what the 2026 season will bring.”

For now, mark April 10-11 as the return to Long Beach. Tickets, livestream links, and driver info remain at formulad.com.

Event News - �ֲ���ý is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999