I’m baaaack!
Former Champion Daigo Saito Returns to Formula DRIFT
|
A Former Champion Emerges
The drifting world is buzzing with excitement as legendary driver Daigo Saito has officially announced his return to Formula DRIFT. After a long absence from the series, Daigo is set to compete once again in North America, bringing his aggressive driving style and world-class car control back to American soil. Fans and competitors alike are eager to see if the former Formula DRIFT champion (2012) will shake up the current landscape of the series like he did in his rookie year, sometimes referred to as the "Daigo Effect".
Who is Daigo Saito?
Daigo Saito is a name that carries immense weight in the drifting community. Born in Japan, Daigo rose to prominence in the early 2000s through his fearless, high-horsepower driving style that set him apart from his peers. He first gained international recognition by competing in Japan’s D1 Grand Prix series, where he quickly established himself as one of the most talented drifters in the world winning D1GP championships there in 2008 and 2016.
One of Daigo's most famous battles / crashes was in 2007 while piloting a JZX100 during the D1GP round at Fuji Speedway where he was battling Masato Kawabata (S15) and the two crashed in a Sudden Death (OMT) battle. (We ran into an issue trying to bookmark the video at the start of the run, so if you don't want to watch the full thing you can jump to 1m45s).
Probably one of the most famous videos of Daigo is of him jumping his JZX100 at Ebisu.
Why Daigo is Significant to Drifting
Daigo is known for his ability to push the limits of both car and driver, often piloting some of the most powerful drift machines ever built. Not only is Daigo a driver, but he is also a recognized race car builder. His tuning shop, Fat Five Racing, is well known for some of the unique drift cars he's built over the years such as a Lamborghini Murciélago, Nissan GTR, Ferrari 599, Chevrolet Corvette, and most recently a GR Supra. His aggressive yet controlled approach to drifting has made him a fan favorite and has influenced many modern drifters. Perhaps his greatest contribution to the sport is his ability to seamlessly transition between different drifting styles, excelling in both Japanese and international competitions.
Accomplishments and Legacy
Daigo made history in 2012 when he won the Formula DRIFT championship in his debut season, an unprecedented achievement that cemented his status as one of the best drifters in the world. That same year, he competed in Formula DRIFT Asia, winning that series in a Lexus IS. In addition to his Formula DRIFT and D1GP triumphs, Saito has also claimed victory in the former China World Drift Series, making him one of the few drivers to dominate in multiple international drifting championships.
His title-winning Lexus SC430, powered by a monstrous 1,200-horsepower 2JZ engine, became an icon of the sport and many claim to be the catalyst that started the horsepower wars of the early 2010s.
What to Expect from Daigo's Return
With Daigo Saito back in Formula DRIFT, the competition is bound to get more intense. While details about his car and team have yet to be fully revealed, we do know that he will be working with Jerry Yang Racing and running on GT Radials. Fans can expect him to bring his signature high-horsepower, tire-shredding style back to the grid. His return is not just a comeback, it’s a statement that one of drifting’s greatest legends still has unfinished business.
The 2025 Formula DRIFT season just got a lot more interesting.
Comments