British & Irish Drift Championships partner up with Formula DRIFT
New partnership seeks to strengthen cross-Atlantic drift alliance and establish global rules
Today brings some exciting news for European drifters with aspirations of competing in Formula DRIFT, as the British and Irish Drift Championships have agreed a partnership deal with the leading U.S. championship.
Photo: Larry Chen/formulad.com
The move is being called a 'strategic alliance', with the aim of not only providing European drivers with a designated inroad into Formula DRIFT, but also to create a more uniform set of rules and regulations that span the Atlantic.
Photo: Jordan Butters
You might remember that last month the FIA announced its plans to create the FIA Intercontinental Drift Cup with similar aims, however since the announcement there has been no progress on this made public.
Photo: Jordan Butters
The new partnership between BDC, IDC and FD will see any future IDC and BDC champions granted an automatic Formula DRIFT Pro license, while ranks #2 through to #8 are granted a Formula DRIFT Pro2 license.
Photo: Larry Chen/formulad.com
With the FIA looking to establish themselves as an authority figure in a sport that, up until now, they've not wanted to be involved in, is this move by the BDC, IDC and Formula DRIFT a sign that the established figures in drifting are pushing back?
With the European dominance in this year's Formula DRIFT championship, perhaps it should come as no surprise that the series is looking to Europe to boost its roster of talent?
Photo: Larry Chen/formulad.com
“We have had long time ties to Europe via various European drivers that have come into the Series,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “There is no better time to deepen these ties to ensure the future of our sport.”
Photo: Jordan Butters
“Drifting, by it’s very nature, has always been geographically segregated and this, in my opinion, naturally restricts global progression,” stated David Egan, CEO, Zigen Promotions – Irish & British Drift Championship. “Those in a position of influence generally work independently, without the additional knowledge gained by fellow organizations. I believe this strategic partnership with Formula Drift opens a positive channel to which we can combine resources and experience, with the betterment of the sport being the prime objective. I think the correct time has come to work together for what has always been a common goal: making the sport of professional drifting as successful as possible for all involved.”
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