A fresh breed of motorsport is burning up tracks across the US but it's no race. Judged, head-to-head heats in Long Beach, California kicked off the seven-stop Formula Drift tour of car-control chaos. Greet an international cast of characters including Swedish defending champ Sam Hubinette, New Zealand's former champ Rhys Millen and a host of Japan's finest drivers.
Formula Drift heads south for a pair of stops that leave both cars and drivers broken off. After a scorching day of head-to-head heats, they're under the lights in Atlanta, Georgia and even the top contenders aren't immune to car trouble and track technical difficulties. Summit Point, West Virginia is much the same.
At Evergreen Speedway outside of Seattle, Washington, Tanner Foust tries to protect his overall series lead. Follow the drivers through the pits as they try to keep their cars in one piece while pushing them beyond the edge of reason in the tandem rounds. In the Great Northwest, cooler temperatures allow drivers to perform at their peak.
Formula Drift remains competitive as Tyler McQuarrie unveils a new weapon on his home track of Sonoma, California. Tanner Foust just won X Games Rally gold but can he fend off a Porsche GT-2? The engine is in the rear so many doubt its ability to drift successfully. But McQuarrie has much to prove here and his crack pit crew is working overtime to get it in the game
In Wall, New Jersey, McQuarrie's Porsche denies Foust the top qualifier spot he's held for four out of six events. Defending champ Sam Hubinette and former title-holder Rhys Millen only have one more shot to preserve their season. But it's a tricky oval track that calls for unique tactics.
In Part 1 of the season finale at Irwindale, California, "The House of Drift" is rocking with anticipation. This is the track that has hosted the finals since the inception of the series and drivers, organizers and fans are experiencing a breakout year. Tanner Foust is in the lead, Dai Yoshihara and Chris Forsberg are just behind.
Part 2 of the season finale at Irwindale, California takes the series to the wire. It's a breakthrough year with all the glory still very much up for grabs. Tanner Foust leads but has never won an event. Dai Yoshihara and Chris Forsberg are coming up fast with just a point between them.
The Formula Drift Pro Championship Series launches this season on the streets of car-crazy Long Beach, California. Old rivalries resume when defending champion Tanner Foust answers a host of credible threats to his rule. In addition, last season's third-place finisher overall Daijiro Yoshihara, plus former champ Rhys Millen, have combined to form a powerful new alliance at Rhys Millen Racing
Competition boils over at the sweltering Road Atlanta track. Mechanical problems lead to early exits for the top contenders, making room for young drivers to storm the podium. But they'll have to get past one able veteran who's making an amazing resurgence.
In Englishtown, New Jersey, drivers take a fun detour into the rough and tumble world of rally racing. Then Rally champ Ken Block gets behind the wheel of a drift vehicle. Finally, it's back to business as Tyler McQuarrie's Porsche delivers, Rhys Millen tries to build on his momentum and Tanner Foust makes a play to again control the Formula Drift Pro Championship Series.
In their first visit to Sin City, Japanese drivers upset the Formula Drift status quo. Las Vegas Motor Speedway is where Tanner Foust fights to hold onto his overall lead or go bust. And with a return to the Dodge Viper that won him two championships, "Crazy Swede" Samuel Hubinette is feeling faster, lighter and luckier than ever.
It makes or breaks in the Formula Drift Pro Championship Series with the leaders driving golf balls on the Washington links before teeing off at Evergreen Speedway. But it's hard to relax when rain scatters results all over the track. The Drift Alliance is struggling while Foust, Millen and Hubinette try to tap into a most valuable win.
All contenders have the Formula Drift Pro Championship Series title in their sights as Sonoma, California provides racetrack drivers either love or hate. A win at Infineon Raceway can be an elusive target with defending champ Tanner Foust eyeing pole position while Bill Sherman, Ryan Tuerck and a reloaded Rhys Millen blast away at standings that will pave the way to the finale.
In the Formula Drift Pro Championship Series finale all drivers are suited up for a sumo-size smackdown. Irwindale, California's legendary "House of Drift" is where they must make a play for the season title or leave it all on the track. Defending champ Tanner Foust leads the points race but Rhys Millen, Sam Hubinette and JR Gittin come on strong.
For the first time ever, Drifting's best compete for a world championship in Long Beach, California - the city where the sport of Drifting picked up its US momentum. The coverage befits a title event with helicopter cameras and Ultimate Arm special effects capturing never-before-seen Drift action.