Formula DRIFT and SEADS Group (Southeast Asia Drift Series) have entered an agreement, which will see it operate as an Formula DRIFT Affiliate in selected countries within Southeast Asia. As part of the agreement, SEADS Group will commit to continuity on aspects of the Official Rulebook and work to develop drivers in the region. The aim is to eventually grant drivers from Southeast Asia the opportunity for a guaranteed path to a Formula DRIFT Competition License in the United States.
Additionally, Formula DRIFT will become a resource to SEADS Group, allowing the governing bodies to consult and develop the new Southeast Asia series, while also providing promotional and marketing opportunities whenever applicable.
Formula DRIFT currently has a three-tier partner system that encompasses Affiliate, Partner and Licensing Series. Each option allows different levels of support and commitment from both Formula DRIFT and the assigned group. Being an Affiliate is the first step on the series development ladder, which eventually leads to a full licensing program, such as the one currently operated by Formula DRIFT Japan.
“We’re extremely happy to welcome SEADS Group to the Formula DRIFT global community and look forward to working with them to develop not only the series in Southeast Asia but also develop new driver talent. As an American series, Formula DRIFT currently has drivers from more than 14 countries competing, and we look forward to widening that scope by eventually offering competition licenses to successful drivers from Southeast Asia. We firmly believe drifting is the most compelling and dramatic action sport on the planet and we’re delighted to welcome everybody to participate,” said Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT.
This sentiment was echoed by Toni Arakaki, CEO/Co-founder of SEADS Group. “Southeast Asia Drift Series has been formed by likeminded drifters and organizers. On behalf of my partners: Zai Hamdan – COO/Co-founder from Malaysia; Daychapon Toyingcharoen – COT/Co-founder from Thailand; and Akbar Rais – COM/Co-founder from Indonesia, we’re grateful to Ryan for meeting with us at Irwindale Speedway to seal the deal. We’re very excited to launch in the Philippines, with rounds to follow in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. We’re hoping for the support of our countrymen in this upcoming series and our aim for Southeast Asian drivers is to hone their skills with the ultimate goal of competing alongside drivers in the US Formula DRIFT series.”
SEADS 2025 SCHEDULE
| Round | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 & 2 | Philippines | December 7-8 2024 |
| 3 & 4 | Indonesia | February 15-16 2025 |
| 5 & 6 | Thailand | April 26-27 2025 |
| 7 & 8 | Malaysia | July 5-6 2025 |
Formula DRIFT has an extensive history in Southeast Asia, with the first-ever live broadcast taking place more than a decade ago under a license to Binter SG, ESPN and Fox Sports.
In addition to SEADS Group, Formula DRIFT is also developing affiliate programs in Taiwan and the Middle East to expand the sport further on a global basis.
NEXT ROUND
Southeast Asia Drift Series will commence at the R33 Drift Track in the Philippines on December 7-8, 2024.
