Who’s the Best Drift Car Racer in the World? (2025 Update)

Drifting is the ultimate fusion of precision, power, and style, captivating car enthusiasts worldwide. At ClutchCloth, we celebrate the heart of car culture with our community-driven designs, and drifting is its pulse. With the 2024 season delivering unforgettable battles and 2025 pushing the sport to new heights—highlighted by standout performances like Adam LZ's Round 4 victory in New Jersey—we’re diving into the top drift racers, the countries shaping the scene, and the legends who built drifting’s legacy. Gear up, rev high, and explore the drift world with us.

Top Drift Racers in 2025

The question of who’s the best drifter sparks heated debates, but a few names dominate the 2025 season with their skill, consistency, and fan appeal.

1. Fredric Aasbø (Norway)

Fredric “The Norwegian Hammer” Aasbø remains a drifting powerhouse. His 2015 Formula Drift championship and multiple runner-up finishes showcase his precision and adaptability. In 2024, Aasbø’s podiums at Long Beach and Seattle solidified his elite status, and in 2025, his partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing has him leading Formula Drift USA and Asia events. His technical mastery makes him a fan favorite, just like our made-to-order ClutchCloth shirts designed for enthusiasts.

2. Chris Forsberg (USA)

A three-time Formula Drift champion, Chris Forsberg is a cornerstone of American drifting. Since the series began in 2004, his clean lines and high-pressure composure have kept him in the spotlight. While 2024 wasn’t his strongest, his consistent top-five finishes and Nissan-backed runs ensure he’s a contender in 2025. Forsberg’s longevity inspires our durable, comfy Garage Artist series.

3. Daigo Saito (Japan)

Daigo Saito’s aggressive style and fearless builds—like 1,000+ hp Toyotas and a Lamborghini drift car—make him a legend. As the first to win both D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift USA, Saito’s influence endures. In 2025, he’s mentoring new talent while competing in D1GP and international events, embodying the bold spirit of our ClutchCloth hoodies.

4. James Deane (Ireland)

James Deane’s return to Formula Drift has been electric. His three consecutive championships (2017–2019) set a high bar, and his 2024 Drift Masters European Championship (DMEC) runs showcased his technical mastery. In 2025, Deane’s smooth style dominates European and U.S. tracks, much like the clean vector graphics we craft in-house at ClutchCloth.

5. Rising Stars: Adam LZ, Chelsea DeNofa & Piotr Więcek

• Adam LZ (USA): The YouTube sensation turned pro drifter, Adam LZ, is making waves in 2025 after a stellar 2024 season with multiple podiums and a fifth-place overall in Formula Drift. He’s focusing solely on FD this year, claiming his second career win at Round 4 in New Jersey in his Drift HQ E36 BMW and podiuming third at Long Beach despite a media day crash. His high-energy style and massive fanbase align with our community-driven Calgary Speed & Customs giveaway.
• Chelsea DeNofa (USA): DeNofa’s fearless driving and Ford Mustang RTR stole the show in 2024, with wins at St. Louis and Seattle. His 2025 season is gaining momentum, boosted by his YouTube presence and fan engagement.
• Piotr Więcek (Poland): A Drift Masters standout, Więcek’s technical skill and 2024 podiums have him rising fast. His 2025 DMEC performances draw global attention, reflecting the passion of our Garage Artist collabs.

2024 Season Highlights

The 2024 season marked a milestone for drifting, with Formula Drift’s 20th anniversary drawing record crowds. Key moments included:

• Fredric Aasbø’s dominance: Consistent podiums reaffirmed his elite status.
• Adam LZ’s breakout: Multiple podiums and fifth overall in FD, plus strong Drift Masters runs, silenced critics and built hype for 2025.
• Chelsea DeNofa’s breakout: His aggressive style and fan engagement made him a 2024 star.
• Drift Masters’ rise: DMEC’s live streams and events in Poland and Ireland expanded Europe’s influence.
• Tech innovation: Hybrid-assist drift cars debuted, hinting at 2025’s sustainable performance trends, inspiring our eco-conscious manufacturing roadmap.

All-Time Drift Legends and Teams

Drifting’s legacy is built on iconic drivers and teams who’ve shaped its global appeal, inspiring ClutchCloth’s community-driven vision.

• Keiichi Tsuchiya (Japan): The “Drift King” pioneered drifting on Japan’s touge roads in the 1980s. His D1 Grand Prix and Initial D fame made him a cultural icon.
• Ken Block (USA, 1967–2023): Block’s Gymkhana videos introduced millions to drifting. His Hoonigan brand remains a car culture staple, much like our Barn Find series.
• Team Orange (Japan): Led by Nobushige Kumakubo, their tandem drifting at Ebisu Circuit defined team dynamics in D1GP.
• Falken Tire Team (USA): With drivers like Vaughn Gittin Jr., Falken’s tire tech and performance have shaped modern drifting, influencing our quality-driven product specs.
• Rhys Millen (New Zealand): A Formula Drift pioneer, Millen’s early dominance laid the groundwork for Kiwi drifters.

Top Drifting Countries in 2025

Drifting’s global reach shines through these powerhouse nations, each contributing unique talent and culture, celebrated through ClutchCloth’s designs.

1. Japan – The Drift Origin

Japan, where drifting began, remains its heart. The D1 Grand Prix and Ebisu Circuit challenge drivers like Daigo Saito and Masato Kawabata to master technical finesse. In 2025, Japan’s influence grows through global talent exports, reflected in our Jtooned collabs.

2. United States – The Drift Capital

Formula Drift USA, the world’s premier series, leads with iconic events in Long Beach, Atlanta, and Irwindale. The U.S. grassroots scene exploded in 2024, fueling 2025’s talent pipeline with drivers like Forsberg, DeNofa, and Adam LZ, inspiring our event swag like flight tags and keychains.

3. Ireland – Europe’s Drift Leader

Ireland’s James Deane and the Drift Masters European Championship have elevated Europe’s profile. DMEC’s 2025 season, with events in Poland and Scandinavia, showcases Ireland’s technical prowess, aligning with our clean, in-house design approach.

4. New Zealand – The Underdog

New Zealand’s D1NZ series and drivers like Darren Kelly shine in 2025. Their aggressive yet controlled style competes globally in Formula Drift and DMEC, echoed in our Lifestyle Apparel sub-label.

5. Poland – The New Contender

Poland’s drift scene, led by Piotr Więcek and DMEC, is booming. With packed crowds and technical tracks, Poland is a 2025 hotspot, inspiring our community-focused Garage Artist pages.

Conclusion: Who’s the Best in 2025?

Naming the best drifter depends on what you value—championships, aggression, precision, or influence. Fredric Aasbø, Chris Forsberg, Daigo Saito, and James Deane lead 2025, with rising stars like Adam LZ, Chelsea DeNofa, and Piotr Więcek pushing the sport forward. Legends like Keiichi Tsuchiya, Ken Block, and Team Orange remind us of drifting’s roots, while Japan, the U.S., Ireland, New Zealand, and Poland drive its future.

At ClutchCloth, we’re all in on car culture with our made-to-order, high-quality apparel, printed with DTF/DTG for lasting comfort. Gear up, rev high, and join our community at clutchcloth.com or follow us on Instagram @clutchclothco for the latest designs and giveaway events.