Drivers set to battle for Formula Drift license!
The Drift League (TDL) is back, locked and loaded and ready for the 2024 season with Round 1 lighting off this weekend! Competitors will descend on Willow Springs Raceway on Saturday, June 29 to battle it out for a Formula Drift license, and Tuner Fan will be on scene to bring you all the coverage and behind-the-scenes content you could ask for!
The event will kick off with qualifying rounds at 1:00 p.m. PT. Top 16 elimination rounds are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. PT.
For those readers who may be unaware, The Drift League is a premier Pro/Am competitive drifting series, offering a unique platform for drivers to showcase their skills and secure entry into Formula Drift. The 2024 season will consist of three rounds, with the ultimate prize being a highly coveted Formula Drift license awarded to the season winner. This license can pave the way for drivers to turn their passion for drifting into a professional career.
The 2024 TDL season introduces several interesting updates. Since its inaugural event in 2018, TDL has mirrored the Formula Drift rulebook, and this tradition continues into 2024. Notable changes include the elimination of single qualifying runs, transitioning instead to tandem qualifying. Additionally, TDL will enforce a 300-treadwear rating for tires and a maximum 265mm tire width limit. The remainder of tech regulations follows the Formula Drift rulebook.
This season's driver roster boasts an impressive lineup of both returning veterans and fresh talent. Noteworthy competitors include TDL veterans Devyn Bloch and Alex Ferreira, as well as YouTube sensation TJ Hunt. A special highlight is the participation of twelve-year-old Camren Sorensen, who comes from a family deeply rooted in racing. Both of Camren's siblings are former TDL competitors and current Formula Drift drivers. In a historic moment, Camren’s older sister, Amanda Sorensen, 21, recently became the first female driver to secure a podium finish in Formula Drift USA.
The first round of The Drift League's 2024 season will be held at Balcony at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California. The track layout is new this year, and includes four challenging outer zones that will test the drivers' precision and control. With ambient temperatures expected to soar well into the triple digits, the heat will undoubtedly play a significant role in the day's events, adding an extra layer of difficulty for the competitors.
Taking over judging this year will be Taka Aono, a longtime drift driver and former Formula Drift competitor; Rome Charpentier, a former TDL champion and current Formula Drift competitor; and Josh Stuart, another former TDL competitor and current Formula Drift ProSpec rookie.
For those unable to attend in person, comprehensive coverage of the event will be available through Tuner Fan. Stay tuned to TunerFan.com for a detailed write-up following the event’s conclusion, and follow @tuner_fan on Instagram for real-time updates and highlights. Additionally, The Drift League will provide a livestream of the event on their YouTube channel starting at 1 p.m. PT in conjunction with qualifying. We'll embed the livestream at the top of this post as soon as it's available.
As covered previously, Tuner Fan is thrilled to be the official media partner of The Drift League, solidifying our commitment to supporting tuner car culture in all its forms.
Keep it locked here, and remember - Tuner Fan is Modified For More!
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