Formula DRIFT has announced an exciting partnership with Ultimate Drift, making the Brazilian organization its newest affiliate. Established in 2020, Ultimate Drift has been instrumental in promoting drifting in Brazil, introducing structured organization and transparency to local competitions.
A Growing Legacy in Brazilian Drifting
In 2024, Ultimate Drift hosted the largest drifting championship ever held in Brazil. Joao Barion, the series founder and a Formula DRIFT PRO Championship competitor, remarked, “We’re still a young championship, growing and learning. Each year, we’ve seen significant progress in car quality and driver skill, particularly with younger drivers benefiting from simulator training.”
With attendance ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 fans per round, Barion highlighted the need to educate spectators on the intricacies of the sport. “Aligning with the Formula DRIFT Official Rulebook will help fans better understand and appreciate drifting,” he explained.
A Refined Championship for 2025
The 2024 season saw over 70 drivers competing across two championships. However, the 2025 Ultimate Drift Championship will focus on a single division, capped at 50 top drivers. This adjustment aims to sharpen competition, foster fan engagement, and strengthen regional championships that will serve as qualifiers for the 2026 season.
Barion emphasized the long-term vision: “Our goal is to develop Brazilian drivers and create pathways to earn a Formula DRIFT Competition License in the United States. This will further enhance the reputation and quality of our series.”
2025 Ultimate Drift Championship Schedule
The upcoming season will feature five rounds, down from seven, to help teams manage costs in Brazil’s vast landscape. The schedule includes:
- Round 1: Belo Horizonte (Mega Space) – March 22-23
- Round 2: Londrina (Oval Track) – May 3-4
- Round 3: Balneario Camboriu – June 28-29
- Round 4: Ribeirao Preto – August 16-17
- Round 5: Piracicaba – October 11-12
Among the highlights, Belo Horizonte’s Mega Space offers dramatic natural topography, while Londrina features Brazil’s only banked oval track, also known for hosting NASCAR Brazil.
Technical Innovations and Rule Adjustments
Ultimate Drift will continue to align with Formula DRIFT’s rulebook while incorporating unique regulations:
- Five judges instead of three.
- Traditional two-lap qualifying system.
- Tire regulations requiring radial construction, a treadwear rating of 250 or more, and a minimum hardness of 60.
- Two weight classes: cars weighing 900–1250kg limited to 245mm tires, and cars over 1251kg allowed up to 265mm.
Strengthening Global Ties
Formula DRIFT President Ryan Sage expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “Joao Barion and his team have built a professional and forward-thinking series in Brazil. Their efforts align perfectly with our mission to advance the sport globally, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the Formula DRIFT family.”
Summary
- Founded: 2020
- 2025 Season: 5 rounds, capped at 50 drivers.
- Goal: Develop drivers for Formula DRIFT U.S. licenses.
- Unique Rules: 5 judges, radial tires, and weight-based tire limits.
Source: Formula DRIFT
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
