The Indonesia Drift Series (IDS) is a national drifting championship that showcases the growing drifting scene in Indonesia. Established to promote the sport locally, IDS brings together top Indonesian drifters to compete in various rounds held across the country. The series follows a similar format to other global drifting championships, with solo runs used for qualification and tandem battles to determine the winner. Drivers are judged on their speed, angle, line, and overall execution, emphasizing technical skill and control in close-quarters drifting.
IDS events take place on a mix of purpose-built racetracks and temporary street circuits, with venues like Sentul International Circuit being a notable location for major rounds. Competitors drive highly modified rear-wheel-drive cars, including popular models like the Nissan Silvia and Toyota 86, modified for enhanced power, handling, and precision. The series has attracted a passionate following in Indonesia, with each event drawing large crowds of car enthusiasts eager to witness the action.
As drifting gains popularity in Indonesia, IDS plays a crucial role in nurturing local talent and fostering a competitive drifting culture. The series also acts as a stepping stone for Indonesian drifters looking to compete internationally, helping to raise the profile of the sport within Southeast Asia. IDS has helped make drifting a prominent motorsport in the country, reflecting the broader global interest in drifting while also celebrating Indonesia's unique car culture.
The D1 Grand Prix (D1GP) is a professional drifting series that began in Japan in 2000, co-founded by Daijiro Inada and Keiichi Tsuchiya, famously known as the "Drift King." It is considered one of the premier drifting championships globally and played a vital role in bringing drifting into mainstream motorsport. The competition typically consists of solo runs, where drivers are judged based on speed, angle, line, and style, followed by intense tandem battles where two cars drift in close proximity. The emphasis is on precision, with one driver leading and the other following as closely as possible without losing control.
D1GP events take place on various tracks, including professional racing circuits like Ebisu Circuit and Fuji Speedway, as well as temporary setups. Competitors often drive heavily modified rear-wheel-drive cars such as the Nissan Silvia and Toyota AE86, with modifications focusing on power and control. Scoring in D1GP combines traditional judging with modern technology, using systems like the D1SL (Drift Scoring Laser) to measure performance metrics such as speed and angle, while judges evaluate the overall style and execution of the drift.
D1GP’s influence extends far beyond Japan, helping to popularize drifting on a global scale. It has inspired similar series like Formula Drift in the U.S. and contributed to the growth of car culture worldwide. The championship's influence is also seen in popular media, including video games and films like Tokyo Drift, which helped introduce drifting to new audiences. Today, D1GP remains a highly respected and competitive drifting series, blending technology and tradition to celebrate the skill and excitement of drifting.