Drifting is a high-octane motorsport that has captivated audiences around the world with its combination of speed, skill, and style. But where did this sport originate, and how did it evolve into the popular and competitive discipline it is today?

The origins of drifting can be traced back to the mountain passes of Japan in the 1970s. Competitive drivers would race each other on these winding roads, pushing their cars to the limit in an attempt to outdo each other. These informal races, known as “gymkhanas,” would often involve drifting, a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear wheels to lose traction and slide through a turn. The sport of drifting was popularized by the famous Japanese comic book and anime series “Initial D,” which depicted the sport in a fictional setting and helped to bring it to a wider audience.

As the sport grew in popularity, formal competitions began to emerge, with the first organized drift event taking place in Japan in the early 1980s. These early competitions were relatively low-key affairs, but they laid the foundation for the sport’s development. Over time, the sport evolved and became more competitive, with drivers looking for ways to gain an edge on the competition. This led to the development of specialized drift cars, which were designed to handle the high speeds and extreme conditions of drifting. Some of the most popular drift cars include the Nissan S13, Toyota AE86, and Mazda RX-7. These cars were modified to make them better suited for drifting by installing powerful engines, upgrading suspension and brakes, and by modifying the body to improve aerodynamics and weight distribution.

It wasn’t until the late 1990s that drifting began to gain traction in the United States. Key figures in the American drift scene, such as Formula Drift founder Jim Liaw, worked to establish the sport and make it more mainstream. The first Formula Drift event was held in 2004 and since then, the sport has grown exponentially, with competitions being held all over the United States, and the world. American drivers such as Chris Forsberg, Ryan Tuerck, Vaughn Gittin Jr and Ken Block have become popular figures in the drift scene and have helped to make it popular in the US. Ken Block, in particular, has become a household name in the drifting world, known for his high-octane driving style and his viral Gymkhana videos.

Today, drifting is a highly competitive motorsport with a variety of organizations and competitions around the world. The most notable organizations in the United States are Formula Drift, the Drift Alliance, and United Drifting Series. Other countries also have their own organizations such as D1 Grand Prix in Japan, British Drift Championship in United Kingdom, and Drift Masters European Championship in Europe. Many iconic racers have come from these competitions, such as Daigo Saito, Taniguchi, and Michael Essa. These drivers are known for their aggressive driving style and their ability to push their cars to the limit.

In addition to its competitive side, drifting has also become a popular form of automotive performance art. Many car shows and exhibitions now feature drifting demonstrations, where drivers showcase their skills and put on a thrilling show for the crowds. This has helped to bring drifting to a wider audience and has helped to establish it as a respected and beloved motorsport.

In conclusion, drifting has come a long way since its origins on the mountain passes of Japan. From informal races to a competitive motorsport, drifting has become a beloved and respected discipline that continues to evolve and grow in popularity. Today, it is not only a motorsport but also a form of automotive performance art that is enjoyed by people all over the world. With the popularity of drift cars, iconic racers such as Ken Block and the influence of media such as Initial D, drifting has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to evolve and entertain.

It is with great sadness that we have recently learned of the passing of Ken Block, a true legend in the world of drifting. Ken was not only a skilled driver, but also a pioneer of the sport, whose high-octane driving style and viral Gymkhana videos helped to bring drifting to a wider audience and make it more mainstream. Ken’s passing is a huge loss for the drifting community and his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.

Ken was a true innovator, who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in a drift car and brought a new level of excitement to the sport. He was also known for his humility, his passion for motorsports and his dedication to his fans.

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Ken’s family, friends and fans. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on in the sport of drifting.

Ken was an inspiration to many and his passing is a reminder to us all to cherish the time we have and to always strive to follow our passion. He has left an indelible mark on the sport of drifting and will always be remembered as a true icon of the sport.