Homestead-Miami Speedway to host Formula Drift in May

MIAMI – One of the most exciting forms of motorsports is coming to Homestead-Miami Speedway May 30-31. Round 3 of the Formula DRIFT Championship will feature drivers from around the world competing in well-executed, controlled sideway slides at high speed on the speedway’s 2.21 mile infield road course. Track President Matthew Becherer made the announcement.

Ryan Tuerck

Photo by: Larry Chen / formulad.com

Japan is credited with the creation of drifting as early as the 1970s. As it gained recognition in the 80s and 90s, it became a popular underground movement. Drifting, in simple terms, is when a driver intentionally puts his car into a controlled slide around a corner at high speed. It is a skilled motorsport that is based on execution, skill and style instead of the fastest time. But once it landed on American shores is when drifting really took off exponentially around the world.

"South Florida is one of the quickest growing markets for Formula DRIFT and has an internationally diverse population that is a perfect match for the Series," stated Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. "Homestead-Miami Speedway is a state of the art facility that will perfectly house the action and excitement of Formula DRIFT and give fans the best experience possible.

Drifting is a learned technique in which the driver pushes the car to its limits while maintaining control for the full length of the curve. A car is drifting when the front wheels are pointing in the opposite direction of the turn (for example, the car is turning left but the wheels are pointed right and vice versa). Drift cars are light to moderate weight rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive coupes and sedans.

Drivers will qualify individually to determine their position in a bracket that will then determine the “head-to-head” match-ups. Head-to-head runs are judged and based on a number of criteria with the winner moving into the next round.

The goal in drifting is not to have the fastest time or pass the most cars. Instead, it is judged on the skill of the driver, car control, speed, and proximity to the other car and barriers. The drivers will also be judged on how well they follow the predetermined “line,” which is the path that provides the highest speed and angle the cars can handle. The Formula DRIFT drivers will utilize Turns 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Homestead-Miami Speedway infield road course.

Homestead-Miami Speedway