Formula Drifting at Japanese Locations

The first legitimate drifting organization in the United States came about in the year 2003. It was known as the Formula D Championship. The managing group of the racing series was the Formula Drift, Inc. The Championship Drifting Series was a yearlong contest. It was a fresh and exciting sport in the US whereas in the country of Japan where it took its root from, it was being performed for at least ten years already. Japanese drifting drivers were unofficially racing through mountain corners even if it was unofficial and illegal. The practice practically came to a halt when the official drifting group in Japan developed safe and certified drifting racetracks for its drivers, sponsors, advertisers, merchandisers and spectators. They called it the D1 Grand Prix of Japan.

The D1 Grand Prix started in 2000.  Its managing group was the main governing body in Japan, which oversees the certification of drifting drivers, racetracks and safety standards particular to the sport. As such, all the succeeding drifting associations in the world look up to it as a source for guidance and more information on the sport because of its splendid performance it is one of the most well known, most popular, and most trusted of all drifting organizations.

The Drifting Championships was a big hit in Japan that it gained immense recognition in entire country. It inspired multitude of fans to become drifters, themselves.  A hindrance to their dreams was the high cost of entry to the D1 Grand Prix. This is the reason why another group emerged as D1 Street Legal or D1SL series.  Unlike the D1 Grand Prix, which has a large number of rules and regulations, the D1 Street Legal series, which was created in 2005, allows the use of traditional street cars, or road vehicles.  This practical approach not only increased the popularity and the appeal of drifting in Japan but also internationally.

The D1 Grand Prix originated as a local Japanese drifting series. It had been exported. Some of the series events still take place in Japan, however, other events have been organized outside of the country. Some occurred in the United States. In fact, the Irwindale Speedway, in California hosted a Formula D racing event. It was a marketing strategy to ignite the development of a professional drifting series in the United States. 

European certified drifting events were held by the D1 Grand Prix organizers in different locations of that continent. It occurred on 2005.  Just as it was in the US, the sport was a novelty in European countries however, the overwhelming response to the sport excited organizers, sponsors and advertisers. Fan turn out for the D1 Grand Prix events in Europe was larger than what was originally anticipated.  That is why a D1 Grand Prix Series was developed in both continents. Sponsors and advertisers were lining up to partner with the Formula D governing body to schedule more events in the US and Europe.

It is very important to note that the creation of a governing Formula D group enhanced the growth of the sport in Japan, US, Australia and Europe. The sport grew because of its unique appeal of dangerous stunts and high tech equipments using exotic Japanese cars. Some successful drivers drove and won races using other American cars too.