December 13, 2024
FORMULA DRIFT X GRIDLIFE: A Groundbreaking Collaboration at Road Atlanta on May 8-10, 2025
At the Performance Racing Industry Show today, Formula DRIFT and GRIDLIFE announced the two organizations will combine forces at Round Two of the Formula DRIFT Championship at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, which is scheduled for Mother’s Day Weekend on May 8-10, 2025.
The event is the first of its kind where a track owner and two sanctioning bodies will work together to bring the best possible drift entertainment to the Southeast for what is already a marquee event on the Formula DRIFT calendar.
In what will be an action-packed weekend for fans, Formula DRIFT will bring both its PRO and PROSPEC Championships to the track. This will include practice sessions, competitive tandem Seeding Bracket Qualification, both Top 32 Competition Heats, driver autograph sessions and more. Additionally, GRIDLIFE will add three of its own signature elements, including Time Attack, GLTC Touring Cup and the Rush SR spec series.
And the cherry on the cake for all in attendance will be the GRIDLIFE Full Course Drift event, where drivers slide around the entire 2.54-mile, 12-turn, undulating track. Given that the world’s best drifters will already be in attendance and participating alongside GRIDLIFE entrants, this alone is guaranteed to grab headlines.
Road Atlanta is firmly established in Formula DRIFT history. As the only track used by the series throughout its 22-year history, it is one of the most highly anticipated and best attended events of the year. And it will again host both Round 2 of the FD PRO Championship and the opening round of the PROSPEC Championship. With the drivers tackling one of the fastest courses of the season, set within a dramatic, natural amphitheater, the excitement level is off the charts. And by adding even more entertainment with GRIDLIFE participation, the event is going to be the biggest drift festival ever.
Commenting on the partnership, Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT, said, “Our Road Atlanta event has always created a festival environment, but with today’s announcement we’re able to build the action, entertainment, atmosphere and excitement to even greater heights. Combining FD and GRIDLIFE will bring together the best drivers, most incredible cars and, perhaps even more importantly, the most influential and progressive minds in the industry.”
Sage continued: “It feels that event collaboration and partnerships are often discouraged or considered a weakness by opening the door to a competitor. But in the case of Chris Stewart and the GRIDLIFE family, Formula DRIFT has always felt their contribution to the market has made the pie bigger rather than sliced it thinner. Therefore, trying to make the sum greater than the parts is something we all strongly agree upon. This partnership is a massively significant deal, which we hope will be felt across the worldwide drifting community and motorsports in general.”
The GRIDLIFE elements will take place alongside the Formula DRIFT itinerary throughout May 8-10. And they aren’t holding back: as the fast growing participatory road race event series in the US, GRIDLIFE will present its full road course competition series at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
As the primary series presenting traditional motorsports and road racing to a younger US audience, GRIDLIFE will also bridge the gap to Formula DRIFT with its legendary Full Course Drift, which will unite its grassroots participants with many of the professional FD drivers – allowing amateur drivers to witness the sport at the highest level.
“The return of GRIDLIFE to Road Atlanta in partnership with Formula DRIFT marks an exciting milestone for both organizations. Ryan Sage and I have always shared a vision for uniting our communities through shared experience, and this collaboration reflects our symbiotic relationship. Together, we’re creating an unforgettable weekend that celebrates the best contributions of GRIDLIFE and Formula DRIFT to motorsports culture,” said Chris Stewart, President and Founder of GRIDLIFE.
TICKETS
Tickets for all Formula DRIFT events, including the PRO, PROSPEC and GRIDLIFE triple-header at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, will go on-sale shortly at formulad.com. We’ll make a separate announcement once the date is confirmed. This will be the opportunity for fans to secure their place at the inaugural FD x GRIDLIFE event or snap up the best seats for all rounds, with the exception of the Final, which will be available at a later date.
NEXT ROUND
The Opening Round of the 2025 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship kicks off on the Streets of Long Beach on April 4-5. The Opening Round of the FD PROSPEC Championship takes place at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on May 8-10 alongside Round 2 of PRO competition. Please visit formulad.com for ticket information, driver profiles, special content, the event livestream and more.
MEDIA NOTES
Media registration for FD Long Beach and season passes will open on March 3, 2025 at formulad.com/media-applications
Media day for FD Long Beach will take place on April 1, 2025. We will be sending a separate invitation, but please respond to if you would like to reserve your demo seat in an FD PRO car early.
ABOUT GRIDLIFE
GRIDLIFE is a motorsports and automotive lifestyle brand that has created a community of enthusiasts and participants across the United States. With a focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and a shared passion for cars and motorsports, GRIDLIFE hosts events that include live music, structured racing and open track time, bringing together a diverse community of people who share a love for all things automotive.
The 2024 GRIDLIFE Festival tour is supported by sponsors including Hyundai, NOS Energy Drink, Falken Tire, FCP Euro, Valvoline, Toyo Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, Eibach, 303, Stabil, BC Racing, Hawk Brakes, Chase Bays and Race Treads who have partnered with GRIDLIFE to reach the next generation of automotive enthusiasts. For more information, visit grid.life
ABOUT FORMULA DRIFT
Formula DRIFT is recognized as the leading international drifting championship. Established on the streets of Japan, drifting has evolved into a worldwide competitive sport that challenges the driver's skill while demanding a great deal from their vehicle in terms of power and strength. Formula DRIFT provides a series for the best professional drifters from around the globe to compete for the coveted title of Formula DRIFT Champion. As the first official drifting series in North America, Formula DRIFT has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme, attracting drift fans and car enthusiasts from all walks of life, and established itself as the global leader for the sport. For a competition schedule, ticket information, special content and livestream, please visit formulad.com
WATCH FORMULA DRIFT
The series livestream is available at youtube.com/Formuladrift and on MAV TV (please check with your local provider)
FOLLOW FORMULA DRIFT ONLINE