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Formula DRIFT Unveils New Pro-Am Licensing Routes For 2025 Season Including HOTPIT Autofest Partnership
As the 2025 Formula DRIFT season approaches, organisers have revamped the path for amateur drivers aiming for the professional level. This updated route provides a clear plan for those seeking a full Formula DRIFT license, enabling them to strategise effectively from the season's start. New driver recruitment is crucial for any motorsport series, offering fresh talent a chance to shine and potentially make history.
There are three main ways to secure a Formula DRIFT competition license for 2026. The most common method is winning one of seven regional multi-round drift series. These series cover much of the United States, with Canada's western provinces also included through the Spec D series. Winners of each 2025 series earn a Formula DRIFT PROSPEC license for 2026.
A significant change has been announced for aspiring license holders: the winner of California’s HOTPIT Autofest drift series will now qualify for a Formula DRIFT PRO license. This marks the first time this opportunity is available, highlighting the organisers' efforts to create a competitive five-round series with attractive prizes and strong competition.
In addition to these routes, drivers can also obtain a PROSPEC license by winning two shoot-out events hosted by Evergreen Drift in Washington. Alternatively, they may enter through the Formula DRIFT Scouting Program, which allows affiliate programs to recommend drivers for licensing.
The Scouting Program has expanded for 2025 with new additions like Klutch Kickers Pro-Am drift series, Drift Buffet, and Drift School USA. Promising participants from these affiliated series can be nominated to receive a Formula DRIFT PROSPEC license. Full details on earning a competition license are available at formulad.com/pro-am.
"As the leading drift series in North America, we’ve always understood and valued our role in driver development," said Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT. "Not only do we want fans to enjoy competitive drift events but we want to ensure the very best drivers are rewarded with a pathway that recognizes their skill and enables them to compete against the very best drift drivers in the world."
Recognition and Excitement
"We're excited to welcome Klutch Kickers into the fold," Sage continued, acknowledging their organisers' efforts in elevating their series. He also praised HOTPIT Autofest's growth in preparing drivers for top-level competition. "And that’s why we’re excited to consider their most successful driver from the 2025 season into our PRO Championship."
Jeff Jones from HOTPIT expressed enthusiasm: "We're thrilled that our next HOTPIT Autofest Champion will be invited to compete in Formula Drift PRO in 2026! This crossover opportunity validates the elite level of the competition and driver talent in our series. We're proud to showcase the skills of our driver on drifting's biggest US stage – bring on the smoke!"
Upcoming Events and Media Information
The aim of these licensing pathways is to identify top North American talent for inclusion in Formula DRIFT events. Many current FD PRO and PROSPEC license holders have entered through these channels. The opening round of the FD PROSPEC Championship begins at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on May 8-10.
The 2025 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship starts on April 4-5 on Long Beach's streets. Round 1 of Link ECU PROSPEC follows at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on May 8-10 alongside FD PRO Round 2. For tickets, driver profiles, special content, and livestreams, visit formulad.com.
Media registration opens March 3, 2025 at formulad.com/media-applications with media day scheduled for April 1 at FD Long Beach. Interested parties should contact [email protected] early to reserve demo seats in an FD PRO car.
Formula DRIFT stands as an international leader in drifting competitions since its inception on Japan's streets. It challenges drivers' skills while demanding high vehicle performance. As North America's first official drifting series, it draws fans globally and remains at motorsports' forefront.
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