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Formula Drifting Well Established in Japan Before Coming to U.S.
from: Maxx Sports GuidesProfessional drifting is still considered a relatively new sport in the United States, but it's well established in Japan. In fact, drifting was popular in Japan long before a professional series was developed.
In Japan, that professional series is known as the D1 Grand Prix, also commonly referred to as Professional Drift or D1GP. Founded in 2000, it has one of the first professional drifting organizations in the entire world.
In fact, during its early development it was one of the most well known, most popular, and most trusted of all drifting organizations. All other professional drifting organizations or series reportedly turn to the D1 Grand Prix for guidance and more information on the sport.
The D1 Grand Prix was so popular in Japan that it increased the popularity of drifting immensely. In fact, many fans wanted to become drifters themselves. Unfortunately, many couldn't afford the expense of competing in the D1 Grand Prix.
As a result, the D1 Street Legal, also commonly known as D1SL series was created in 2005. Unlike the D1 Grand Prix, with its many rules and regulations, the D1 Street Legal series allows the use of traditional street cars, or road vehicles. This only increased the popularity and the appeal of drifting in Japan, as well as in other areas of the world.
Although created as a Japanese drifting series, the D1 Grand Prix would later leave Japan. While most events still take place in Japan, a large number of events have been hosted outside of the country, including some in the United States.
When it came to the U.S. for the first time the D1 Grand Prix visited the Irwindale Speedway in California. That event has been credited with helping to spark the development of a professional drifting series in the U.S., starting in 2003 and 2004.
As well as the Formula Drift Championship, the globally run D1 Grand Prix USA is also operating. This means not all competitions take place in the U.S.
The D1 Grand Prix also made its way into Europe in 2005. Although operating professionally for only a short time in Europe, it's apparent that the sport of drifting is just as popular there. The fan turnout for the first D1 Grand Prix event in Europe was larger than had been anticipated.
As mentioned, drifting existed in the U.S. before the professional Formula Drift Championship was established. However, the professional series has made the sport undeniably more popular, as well as more enjoyable.
It has been argued that without the influence of the D1 Grand Prix, professional drifting would not have been as popular in the U.S., or possibly not even have existed in its present form.
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