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Ryan Tuerck Partners with KW Automotive for 2025 Formula Drift and Custom Builds

2025-02-21T11:33:21+00:00

Ryan Tuerck is kicking off the 2025 motorsports season with a major partnership, teaming up with KW Automotive Group and its family of suspension brands for both competition and custom builds.

Tuerck will run ST Suspension XTA plus 3 coilovers on his Rain-X Toyota GR Corolla in the 2025 Formula Drift Championship, starting at the season opener in Long Beach, California, on April 4-5. Beyond competition, he will exclusively use KW Automotive products across his creative builds, marking a full-circle return to one of his earliest partners in professional racing.

“It feels like coming home,” said Tuerck. “KW Suspensions was one of my first sponsors, and I’m excited to work with the entire KW Automotive family again across all my projects.”

The collaboration extends beyond Formula Drift, with Tuerck and KW engineers developing custom suspension setups for several high-profile builds. These include the Mobil 1 heritage Stout project with a Belltech suspension, a 90s rally-inspired Toyota Celica running Reiger Rally Suspension, and the Formula Supra, which will be tested for Time Attack with a specialized KW race setup.

KW Automotive Group, the parent company of KW Suspensions, ST Suspensions, Belltech, and Reiger Suspension, provides high-performance suspension solutions for motorsports and street applications.

“Ryan’s combination of competitive drifting and innovative builds perfectly showcases the versatility of our suspension products,” said Michael Belcher, Director of Sales and Marketing for KW Automotive North America.

With Tuerck’s proven talent and KW’s engineering expertise, this partnership is set to make waves both on and off the track in 2025.

Fredric Aasbo, Ryan Tuerck and Simen Olsen among big names joining Kenda in 2025

2025-02-18T11:29:17+00:00

Kenda Tire is making waves in the drifting world, announcing a three-year contract extension with Formula DRIFT and unveiling a powerhouse driver roster for the 2025 season. After an impressive third-place finish in the 2024 Tire Cup—just a year after joining the series—Kenda is setting its sights even higher.

Leading the charge in 2025 are three-time Formula DRIFT PRO Champion Fredric Aasbo (Norway), Papadakis Racing’s Ryan Tuerck, and title contender Simen Olsen (Norway). They’ll be joined by rising talents Daniel Stuke (USA) and Austin Matta (USA), fresh from the PROSPEC ranks. Returning Kenda stars include Ken Gushi (Japan), Jhonnattan Castro (Dominican Republic), Nick Noback (USA), Jonathan Hurst (USA), and Derek Madison (USA).

All Kenda drivers will compete on the new VEZDA UHP MAX+ tires, primarily in 305/35 ZR18 sizing. This next-gen tire builds on Kenda’s success, delivering premium performance at a value price. Designed for both competition and street use, the MAX+ embodies Kenda’s “Podium2Pavement” philosophy—bridging the gap between professional drifting and everyday driving.

“Kenda’s commitment to Formula DRIFT continues to grow,” said Brandon Stotsenburg, Vice President of Automotive. “We’re excited to push the limits with our drivers and the new MAX+ tire.”

Formula DRIFT President Ryan Sage added, “With Kenda’s expanded involvement and elite driver roster, we expect big things in 2025.”

Formula DRIFT and GRIDLIFE Combine Forces in 2025

2024-12-13T17:27:06+00:00

Big news for the automotive world came out of PRI today. In a significant development for fellow motorsports enthusiasts, Formula DRIFT and GRIDLIFE have announced a collaborative event! The collaboration will be for FD's second round event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, set for May 8-10, 2025. This partnership aims to deliver a diverse and engaging experience for fans in the Southeast.

The weekend will feature both the PRO and PROSPEC Championships from Formula DRIFT, including practice sessions, tandem seeding bracket qualifications, Top 32 competition heats, and driver autograph opportunities. Complementing this, GRIDLIFE will introduce its Time Attack, GLTC Touring Cup, and Rush SR series to the event. A standout attraction will be the GRIDLIFE Full Course Drift, allowing drivers to drift the entire 2.54-mile, 12-turn track. With top drivers already present, this segment is poised to be a highlight of the weekend.

Road Atlanta holds a special place in Formula DRIFT's history, being the only track consistently featured throughout its 22-year tenure. Known for its fast course set within a natural amphitheater, it remains a favorite among fans and drivers alike.

Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “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.”

Chris Stewart, President and Founder of GRIDLIFE, echoed this sentiment: “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.”

This joint venture between Formula DRIFT and GRIDLIFE is set to offer a comprehensive motorsports festival - this will be one for the ages.

For more information, and to keep an eye out for ticket drops, visit FormulaD.com

Formula DRIFT Announces 2025 Schedule

2024-11-04T17:33:22+00:00

As Formula DRIFT gears up for 2025, the series is looking at its next chapter with big updates to its calendar and a mix of familiar and fresh talent in the lineup. The recent close to the 2024 season at Irwindale Speedway carries added significance this time, marking the end of an era. In 2025, Irwindale Speedway - the iconic “House of Drift” - will lock its gates for good, breaking a 21-year streak as the setting for every FD PRO Championship showdown. With its departure, the Formula DRIFT team is already in discussions to secure a new Southern California venue that can host the action, with more details expected in the coming months.

The 2025 season will keep to its roots, hitting well-established venues across North America. The schedule kicks off in April with the Streets of Long Beach, then makes its way through Road Atlanta, Englishtown Raceway, and others before culminating in the new Southern California spot in October. This continuity is a nod to the improvements made to the tracks, ensuring competitors and fans can look forward to an elevated experience at each stop.

2025 PRO and PROSPEC Championship Schedule
Long Beach: April 4-5 (PRO)
Road Atlanta: May 8-10 (PRO/PROSPEC)
Orlando Speed World: May 30-31 (PRO)
Englishtown Raceway: June 19-21 (PRO/PROSPEC)
World Wide Technology Raceway: July 17-19 (PRO/PROSPEC)
Evergreen Speedway: August 8-9 (PRO)
Utah Motorsports Campus: August 28-30 (PRO/PROSPEC)
TBD (Southern California): October 17-18 (PRO)

2025 Driver Lineup
The provisional driver roster for both the PRO and PROSPEC championships is stacked with returning competitors and several newcomers who’ve made a name for themselves in other drift leagues. PROSPEC Champion Tommy Lemaire, along with standouts Connor O’Sullivan and Austin Matta, will step up to the PRO category. Joining them is Irish drifting icon Jack Shanahan and Australia’s Luke Fink, a champion known for bringing a crowd-pleasing style to the track.

Meanwhile, in PROSPEC, new petitions are rolling in, and drivers like 13-year-old Cameren Sorensen—the youngest of the Sorensen drift siblings—aim to make their mark in the entry-level competition.

Formula DRIFT has positioned itself for another dynamic year, and with the final roster and details on the new California venue soon to be announced, 2025 looks ready to keep fans on the edge of their seats. For tickets, livestream access, and up-to-date info on your favorite drivers, head to FormulaD.com.

Hyundai N and Toyota GR Team Up for Unlikely Collab Event

2024-10-28T17:01:05+00:00

When we first heard there was a collaboration between Toyota GR and Hyundai N, we had visions of another engine-transplant from another brand into a Toyota chassis, or vice versa, but we were pleasantly surprised to learn that this collaboration took place at the racetrack, and came in the form of an event designed to inject some fun into the South Korean automotive scene and the surrounding car culture.

In a first-of-its-kind event, the motorsport scene in South Korea got a serious adrenaline boost with the inaugural Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival. Hosted at Yongin Speedway, this sold-out festival brought together two of the most competitive names in motorsport, Hyundai Motor and Toyota Motor Corporation, for a day packed with high-octane action.

From rally-bred performance cars to cutting-edge electric vehicles, both brands showcased their most exciting rides. Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N Drift Spec and Toyota’s GR YARIS Rally 1 HYBRID were just a few highlights on display, underscoring the brands' commitment to performance innovation. Fans got up close with the future of high-performance cars, as the companies introduced their latest concepts, such as Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered N Vision 74 and Toyota's hydrogen-fueled AE86 H2 concept.

The stars of the show weren’t just the cars. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda took the wheel themselves, treating fans to a thrilling show run in WRC-spec vehicles. Their hands-on participation and camaraderie underscored the friendly rivalry between the two automotive giants, as both shared their passion for driving and motorsport culture.

One of the event’s standouts was the track day program, where 60 owners of Hyundai N and Toyota GR models put their own high-performance vehicles to the test on a pro-level circuit. There were also plenty of immersive experiences, like the WRC Taxi ride-alongs and the Gymkhana Competition, where fans teamed up with pro drivers to navigate tight courses in custom Hyundai and Toyota vehicles.

Beyond the asphalt, the festival aimed to inspire future motorsport enthusiasts. All ticket proceeds were donated to the Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA), reinforcing Hyundai and Toyota’s shared commitment to growing motorsport culture in South Korea.

As Hyundai and Toyota continue to develop next-gen performance vehicles and push the boundaries of what's possible in motorsport, this festival marks just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for fans in Korea. With both brands set to clash again at the upcoming Rally Japan, the stage is set for even more thrilling competition.

Nitro Circus Returns to America in Fall 2024

2024-09-10T15:59:03+00:00

Nitro Circus is hitting the U.S. streets again, and this time, they're bringing a new wave of action sports energy for the final stretch of 2024. Thrill One Sports & Entertainment and Round Room Live have teamed up to launch an all-new tour that promises to crank up the intensity for fans across the nation. Kicking off on November 3rd in Cedar Rapids, IA, the Nitro Circus tour will make stops in key cities, offering a show that blends wild stunts, next-level talent, and a fast-paced, interactive atmosphere.

For those itching to grab their tickets, they’ll be available to the general public this Friday, September 13th, starting at 10am local time. Fans looking to jump the line can score early access through a pre-sale that’s live now. Head over to NitroCircus.com for more info on how to lock in your spot.

The 2024 Nitro Circus roster is stacked with some of the top names in action sports. Leading the charge is Ryan ‘R Willy’ Williams, an Australian phenomenon who’s notched over 100 ‘World’s Firsts’ in scooter and BMX. With more than 500 million views of his stunts across social media, Williams brings a level of energy and precision that fans can’t get enough of. Joining him on tour are legends like Adam Jones, a six-time X-Games medalist in Freestyle Motocross, and BMX icon Andy Buckworth, the first to land the superman double front flip.

The tour isn’t just about star power, though. Fans can expect to see all-new competitions, featuring Freestyle Motocross, Skate, BMX, Scooter, and Nitro’s signature ‘Crazy Contraptions.’ Every show is set to be a high-flying, trick-packed spectacle underscored by a live DJ, with new interactive elements bringing the audience even closer to the action.

For those looking to elevate their experience, the Nitro Circus Track Pass offers exclusive perks. Early entry gets you prime access to the floor, a close-up look at the FMX and BMX setups, and a chance to meet the athletes during an autograph session. The pass also includes a commemorative lanyard, a limited edition poster, and other exclusive goodies.

“Our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and this new tour is a celebration of their passion,” said Matt Cohn, CEO of Thrill One Sports & Entertainment. “We’re excited to showcase a new generation of athletes who are pushing the limits and creating unforgettable moments for fans of all ages. This tour is all about bringing them closer to the action and giving them an experience they won’t forget.”

Ryan ‘R Willy’ Williams added, “I’m extremely stoked that Nitro Circus is hitting the road again. This tour is all about bringing the same jaw-dropping action and non-stop excitement that fans have come to love, but with a brand-new show format that’s going to blow everyone away. What makes Nitro Circus so special is that it’s truly a show for everyone - whether you're a die-hard fan or it's your first time, young or old, the energy is contagious and the thrills are unforgettable. I can’t wait to see families and fans of all ages out there, making memories and having an absolute blast with us!"

Stephen Shaw, Founder and Co-President of Round Room Live, wrapped it up by saying, “We are beyond thrilled to bring a brand-new Nitro Circus tour to fans across the country! We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm and passion we’ve seen from Nitro fans of all ages, and know this new show will surpass their expectations with explosive stunts, energy, and fun.”

Mark your calendars - Nitro Circus is coming back to America, and it’s set to be an unforgettable ride.

For more information and schedule updates, visit NitroCircus.com

UPCOMING NITRO CIRCUS 2024 DATES**:
Sunday, Nov. 3 – Alliant Energy PowerHouse – Cedar Rapids, IA
Wednesday, Nov. 6 – Denny Sanford Premier Center - Sioux Falls, SD
Thursday, Nov. 7 – Fargodome – Fargo, ND
Saturday, Nov. 9 – Cable Dahmer Arena - Independence, MO
Sunday, Nov. 10 – BMO Center – Rockford, IL
Tuesday, Nov. 12 – Dow Event Center – Saginaw, MI
Wednesday, Nov. 13 – Erie Insurance Arena – Erie, PA
Friday, Nov. 15 – Cross Insurance Center – Bangor, ME
Saturday, Nov. 16 – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Uniondale, NY
Sunday, Nov. 17 – PPL Center – Allentown, PA
Tuesday, Nov. 19 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Wilkes Barre Township, PA
Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Amica Mutual Pavillion - Providence, RI
Friday, Nov. 22 – XL Center - Hartford, CT
Saturday, Nov. 23 – Cross Insurance Arena – Portland, ME
Sunday, Nov. 24 – CURE Insurance Arena – Trenton, NJ
Tuesday, Nov. 26 – Covelli Centre – Youngstown, OH
Wednesday, Nov. 27 – MVP Arena – Albany, NY
Friday, Nov. 29 – KFC Yum! Center – Louisville, KY
Saturday, Nov. 30 – Peoria Civic Center – Peoria, IL
Sunday, Dec. 1 – Fishers Event Center – Fishers, IN
Tuesday, Dec. 3 – Huntington Center – Toledo, OH
Wednesday, Dec. 4 – Truist Arena - Highland Heights, KY
Thursday, Dec. 5 – Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH
Saturday, Dec. 7 – Cadence Bank Arena – Tupelo, MS
Tuesday, Dec. 10 - Donald L. Tucker Civic Center - Tallahassee, FL
Thursday, Dec. 12 – Mississippi Coast Coliseum – Biloxi, MS
Saturday, Dec. 14 - Bojangles Coliseum – Charlotte, NC
Sunday, Dec. 15 – Greensboro Coliseum - Greensboro, NC
Monday, Dec. 16 – Enmarket Arena – Savannah, GA

*Nitro Circus Athletes subject to change.
**Additional dates and cities will be announced soon.

Introducing PAS365 Rally to FD: Vegas to Salt Lake

2024-08-07T15:56:07+00:00

We're doing it again, for the second time this year! Following up our second consecutive PAS365 Rally to FD from Toronto to New Jersey for Formula Drift at Englishtown, we're going to introduce another PAS365 Rally for 2024: Vegas to Utah. Starting at K-Ways Car Lounge in Las Vegas, we'll be travelling through the sand and sun into Utah for Formula DRIFT Salt Lake to join the Tuning365 Showcase at FD inside Utah Motorsports Campus. The rally takes places over the course of Friday, August 30th, before a night's rest in Salt Lake before joining Formula DRIFT on August 31st.

Just like the previous PAS365 Rallies and Tuning365 shows, there will be prizes, awards, and special stops along the way. In addition to a pre-meet the night before, and a morning launch from K-Ways, rally participants will experience scenic drives, fun stops along the route, and a grand finale dinner with awards and prizes.

Available prizes you'll have a chance to win include a set of wheels from Rotiform, a brand new ball-bearing Precision turbo from TurboKits.com, a brake kit from R1 Concepts, and many more! More to be announced as we get closer to launch date.

RALLY SCHEDULE

AUGUST 30 - The Rally

Launch Point: K-Ways Car Lounge

Rally Stops / Photo Shoot Locations: To be announced at launch. Map provided.

Finale Dinner: The Garage Grill (Utah)

AUGUST 31 - Tuning365 @ Formula Drift Salt Lake

Saturday: Tuning365 Showcase inside Formula DRIFT: Salt Lake

For those of you who wish to join us for the PAS365 Rally to FD: Vegas to Utah, and Tuning365 therein, be sure to register ASAP at this link:
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/pas365-rally-to-fd-saltlake

Event News - ����ɬ is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999