New Era Dawns with Drift Indy Grand Prix Debut

“Everything felt elevated…” said Colten Terrell, the overall points leader of the last ten rounds of DISL. “The cars are on a different level, and the fact that there’s only 16 of us [in the show]—just 16 straight DAWGS—it definitely felt more intense.”

Friday practice felt familiar, like a callback to the days of Midwest Drift Union as drivers from both series randomly paired for practice battles. DISL drivers got to mingle with the big dawgs, and DIGP drivers got more seat time than they could’ve dreamed of, as long as their cars were in one piece. Some drivers tested out entirely new setups at the top of the season, while others wanted to ensure their rigs were ready for Drift Appalachia the following weekend. 

By Saturday, any trace of laid-back practice vibes were gone. Prelims passed in a blur. Rain threatened to dampen the day, but DISL drivers still put on a great show for the crowd and set the stage for an intense bout of competition ahead.

The skill gap between DIGP and DISL drivers showed almost immediately, but not in a disrespectful way. DISL has always been about growing the culture, but DIGP? It’s where the real ones rise. 

Right out of the gate it was banger after banger. Some of the best battles the organization and venue have ever seen, with a few going one more time. Before the Great 8 began it was clear this wasn’t just about winning a comp—it was about proving you belonged in this handpicked pool of killers.

That energy ramped up into the Final 4 as second-place qualifier Kyle Antonovich edged out third-place qualifier Chad Anderson in a battle that highlighted control and commitment on both sides. On the other side of the bracket, Chad’s teammate Mike Steele took down Colten Terrell to earn his spot in the finals, eventually claiming second place overall.

Colten would regroup to beat Chad in the third-place battle, showcasing the kind of precision driving that’s made him a threat at Kilkare for years. But it was Kyle Antonovich who stood tallest at the end of the night, finally claiming his first-ever win after several podium finishes in DISL.

When asked what it took to get to this point, Kyle said it was a big push: “At one point I didn’t even know if I was gonna make it here. My dad kept pushing me, we kept working. Bwagg said, ‘Just get it in the trailer, just get it to Dayton and we’ll help you.’ Thursday afternoon, we wrapped it, JP finished the wiring, Alek gave me an alignment…and we all had a good time doing it."

"Even if I just did a couple laps on the weekend, that was a win for me to just know the car is ready. But as soon as the first battle happened I was like ‘No, we’re going for it. The whole way.’ It feels great, I’ve always wanted this. Glad to finally check off that I got one.” 

Kyle’s long-awaited win wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a showcase of exactly what DIGP was built to highlight. His car, rebuilt and refined with help from close friends and family, embodies the style, performance, and spirit the series is chasing. DIGP might be a new name on the schedule, but it’s born from years of culture, competition, and community. It’s the next phase for drivers who’ve grown up with Drift Indy—who remember the grit of MDU and the rise of DISL, but are now ready to show just how far the scene has come.

For those in the pits and on the podium, Round 1 proved that DIGP isn’t just about who's fast—it's about who belongs. And if this was just the beginning, the rest of the season is already shaping up to be something unforgettable. Catch Round 2 - Woodward Drift - at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan on August 16th and 17th.

For more content from this event, check out our gallery here: https://wreckedmagazine.com/pages/photo#drift-indy-gp-round-1