Formula DRIFT Rulebook Changes for the 2025 Season

Version 1.0 of the 2025 Formula DRIFT Judging Regulations appears to have several new changes for this year.

Section "1. GENERAL" confirms that all four of the judges from last season are returning. Judges Brian Eggert and Reese Marin will be attending all eight rounds and Robbie Nishida and Vernon Zwaneveld will be splitting eight rounds by rotating four events each. It doesn't mention which events Robbie and Vernon will be attending specifically, so we'll have to wait for more information on that. 

New for 2025 is PRO Driver Liaisons. Three drivers will be assigned each round to represent the drivers and work with Formula DRIFT staff. The three drivers will be chosen by the Competition Director (drivers may also be nominated by other drivers or volunteer themselves) from various ranks in the series points. One driver will be ranked 1-16, another ranked 17-32, and the final driver ranked 33-40 going into each round. The liaisons will have direct and privileged access to the main office competition staff, Competition Director, Race Control Director, and President of Formula DRIFT. They will participate in pre-event operation and judging meetings, as well as at the event. We think this is a great step in the right direction by choosing a few drivers ranked differently in the series. Each driver has their own unique perspective and hopefully this allows those interested in doing sol a chance to be involved more. 

Section "3. SEEDING BRACKET FORMAT" discusses a few changes based on the number of drivers participating in a round, having a full field of 32 drivers in the main event bracket, and the inclusion of OMTs in seeding. If there is a field of 41 drivers or more, only the round 16 will be used for seeding making it a maximum of 3 points. If there are 40 or less drivers, then they could earn a maximum of 12 points (3 points in each round of 16, 8, 4, and finals). The full breakdown of each scenario is seen below. 

• 41 drivers or more
  • The highest ranked 16 drivers from the previous round will be “locked-in” to the “Main Event Top 32” bracket (excluding Round 1 which is based off of the previous season ranking).
  • The remaining drivers will populate a 32 driver “Seeding Bracket” that will be sorted by a random number between 7 and 15 (previously 2 and 15).
  • The “Seeding Bracket” will conclude with 16 winning drivers (one round of tandem only).
  • The 16 “locked-in drivers” and the 16 winning drivers from the “Seeding Bracket” will populate the “Main Event Top 32” bracket.
  • Bye runs will not be implemented.
  • Winners will be determined in accordance with the Tandem Elimination Format.
  • The Seeding bracket is limited to one “OMT” per battle.
  • Whenever there may be an open spot in the Main Event Top 32, the next highest finished driver(s) from Seeding will be entered to complete and fill an entire Top 32 bracket.

• 37-40 drivers (previously this was 33-40 drivers).
  • The highest ranked 24 drivers from the previous round will be “locked-in” to the “Main Event Top 32” bracket (excluding Round 1 which is based off of the previous season ranking).
  • The remaining drivers will populate a 16 driver “Seeding Bracket” that will be sorted by a random number between 4 and 7 (previously 2 and 7).
  • The 16 drivers "Seeding Bracket" will continue until there is a winner.
  • The 24 “locked-in drivers” and the 8 winning drivers from the “Seeding Bracket” will populate the “Main Event Top 32” bracket.
  • Bye runs will not be implemented.
  • Winners will be determined in accordance with the Tandem Elimination Format.
  • The Seeding bracket is limited to one “OMT” per battle.
  • Whenever there may be an open spot in the Main Event Top 32, the next highest finished driver(s) from Seeding will be entered to complete and fill an entire Top 32 bracket.

• 33-36 drivers
  • The highest ranked 20 drivers from the previous round will be “locked-in” to the “Main Event Top 32” bracket (excluding Round 1 which is based off of the previous season ranking).
  • The remaining drivers will populate a 16 driver “Seeding Bracket” that will be sorted by a random number between 4 and 7.
  • The 16 drivers “Seeding Bracket” will continue until there is a winner.
  • The 20 “locked-in drivers” and the 12 highest finishing drivers from Seeding Bracket” will populate the “Main Event Top 32” bracket.
  • Bye Runs will not implemented.
  • Winners will be determined in accordance with the Tandem Elimination Format.
  • The Seeding bracket is limited to one “OMT” per battle.
  • Whenever there may be an open spot in the Main Event Top 32, the next highest finished driver(s) from Seeding will be entered to complete and fill an entire Top 32 bracket.

• 32 drivers or less
  • The highest ranked 16 drivers from the previous round will be “locked-in” to the “Main Event Top 32” bracket (excluding Round 1 which is based off of the previous season ranking).
  • The remaining drivers will populate a 16 driver “Seeding Bracket” that will be sorted by a random number between 4 and 7.
  • The 16 drivers “Seeding Bracket” will continue until there is a winner.
  • The 16 “locked-in drivers” and the 16 highest finishing drivers from Seeding Bracket” will populate the “Main Event Top 32” bracket.
  • Bye Runs will not implemented.
  • Winners will be determined in accordance with the Tandem Elimination Format.
  • The Seeding bracket is limited to one “OMT” per battle.
  • Whenever there may be an open spot in the Main Event Top 32, the next highest finished driver(s) from Seeding will be entered to complete and fill an entire Top 32 bracket.

Section "4. TANDEM ELIMINATION FORMAT" provides a better understanding of the criteria and logic behind judging a non-traditional tandem event without single run qualifying.

"It must be emphasized that the correct criteria for a traditional single-vehicle qualifying and/or a lead driver has an extensive overlap, however, in tandem, teams should realize that there is a distinct difference between managing the correct application of criteria with what is the best strategy for winning. That may involve the lead vehicle, either in Run 1 or Run 2, deviating from a strict application of criteria used in single vehicle runs and what strategy is best for winning. Each team and driver will have to determine their own strategy, and the judges will be applying the rules and the guidance in drivers’ meetings to be the most consistent with rules and criteria, taking into account the various things that occur on course in the course of a tandem battle."

Section "4.1 TANDEM JUDGING CRITERIA"

Section "4.1.5 LEFT FOOT BRAKING" is a new addition to the rulebook and goes over the penalties to the lead driver abusing it.

"Left foot braking is an allowable technique that helps control the balance of the vehicle in drift as well as assisting the vehicle to rotate to the desired angle. It is also a tool that assists the driver stay high on a bank, for example. 

• The Lead driver holds the responsibility of using Left Foot Braking only as is necessary to control the vehicle and to maintain a natural pace and momentum of the vehicle. Overuse or abuse of Left Foot Braking that results in the Lead vehicle slowing or Decelling improperly, that also clearly has an effect on the Chase driver while in proximity may result in the Lead Driver being penalized for the effect to the Chase driver, should the Lead create an unpredictable situation for the Chase. The Lead driver can also be penalized for improper application of Left Foot Braking while the chase is not in proximity and will be treated as any other mistake.

Section "4.3 INCOMPLETE RUNS" added two new lines. One is a additional definition under "Loss of Drift" stating "If the vehicle settles during a run, loses flow and momentum and generally pauses in drift, an Incomplete can be deemed for this action." The second addition references poor installation of parts that may come off during a run. This is in addition to the latchable or open items rule.

"If a driver loses a unique part of the vehicle due to poor installation or preparation that causes an effect to the other driver such that their ability to perform is highly diminished, the judges may give the driver who lost the part an Incomplete or take into account that situation as a negative effect on that vehicle in judging. Some examples might be: wheels, doors, exhaust or large parts of the chassis, etc. Typical examples of bumpers coming off through the natural course of competition are not applicable."

Sections "5.2 RUN 1 CONTACT WITH AN INCOMPLETE" and "5.4 RUN 2 CONTACT WITH AN INCOMPLETE" both have the following added to them "If a chase driver independently Incompletes and then subsequently makes contact with the Lead Driver and is deemed at Fault, the run will be over and the chase driver charged with the Incomplete."

Only one addition was made to the "GLOSSARY"; "Contact - is defined as when a vehicle touches another vehicle and/or wall."

Version 1.2 of the 2025 Formula DRIFT PRO Technical Regulations appears to have quite a few changes since 2024.

Section "2.1.1 CHASSIS MODIFICATION VARIANCES" for the Toyota Supra MK4 (A80) and Nissan Skyline R32.

Section "3.6 WHEELS" regarding "All wheels must be constructed from aluminum or steel. All other materials are prohibited" and "Any wheel designs with movable pieces while the vehicle is stationary or in motion are prohibited."

Section "4.1 ENGINE" now shows "B. Use of methanol blends are prohibited."

Section "4.6 NITROUS OXIDE" goes over the requirement of all Nitrous Oxide equipped vehicles having an inline safety valve system.

Section "5.2 MASTER CUTOFF" goes over the new uniformed master electric cutoff switch and location.

Section "6.5 WINDOWS and WINDOW RESTRAINTS" goes over a requirement for an opening on lexan/polycarbonate door windows in regards to accessing cutoff switches.

Section "7.8.1 APPROVED FIRE EXTINGUISHER SYSTEMS" now requires that "when fire systems expire they must be replaced with a fire systems meeting the following criteria:

• Fire system activation must be pull type cable actuated.

• A minimum capacity of 10 lbs with 4 nozzles"

Section "7.8.2 TRIGGERING DEVICE" goes over the colors, styles, and locations of the emergency cutoff switches. 

Section "7.8.3 NOZZLE PLACEMENT" goes over the location of where to place the nozzles for fire suppression systems.

Section "7.8.5 FIRE SYSTEM MOUNTING" goes over how and where to mount the fire suppression system.

Section "8.1 APPROVED TIRES" has two updates. Under "B. All Rear tires must be rated for use on a DOT standard automotive 18 inch wheel." Then the following table shows the list of tires eligible for competition use.

Version 1.3 of the 2025 Formula DRIFT PROSPEC Technical Regulations appears to have the same updates as the 2025 Formula DRIFT PRO Technical Regulations with the following exceptions.

Section "4.1 ENGINE" now shows "F. Link ECU is the exclusive ecu supplier, branding and logos of ECU manufacturers besides Link ECU on competition vehicles are limited to 8-inch x 12-inch on each panel."

Section "6.9 DECALS" has two updates. Under "E. No non-approved Formula DRIFT Tire Sponsor or Tire Supplier logos are permitted anywhere within the event venue(s), on vehicle transports or rigs, competition vehicles, uniforms or driver suits. Additionally, no material or promotional items are permitted with non-approved tire manufacturers branding and/or logos allowed at Formula DRIFT events." And under "F. Link ECU is the exclusive ecu supplier, branding and logos of ECU manufacturers besides Link ECU on competition vehicles are limited to 8-inch x 12-inch on each panel."

Section "7.8.1 APPROVED FIRE EXTINGUISHER SYSTEMS" now requires that "when fire systems expire they must be replaced with a fire systems meeting the following criteria:

• Fire system activation must be pull type cable actuated.

• A minimum capacity of 10 lbs with 4 nozzles"

Section "8.1.1 OFFICIAL TIRE" reconfirms the GT Radial Champiro SX2 RS as the official tire and RaceTreads.com as the official tire supplier.

Section "8.1.2 TIRE SIZE REGULATIONS" under "B. Front tire sizes are allowed to be 255/35/18 or smaller."