Formula DRIFT makes a trip across the border to Canada

The first ever Formula DRIFT Canada Challenge was held last weekend at Autodrome St-Eustache located just outside Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was an intense competition and definite crowd-pleaser, watching local favorites battle the top drifters in the world.

After 11 years of competition, it was the first time Formula DRIFT ventured onto Canadian soil. What was different about this particular FD challenge was that it gave a few non-Formula DRIFT Canadian drifters the opportunity to qualify to compete against drivers like Daigo Saito (in photo at top), Kenny Moen, Dean Kearney, Charles Ng, Robbie Nishida, Chelsea DeNofa, and Forest Wang. One of these such drivers looking to make his mark was Brad Carlton.

"High Octane DRIFT,"  a short documentary shot on site, takes a look at the trials and tribulations of the drift world, highlighting the particular experience of one underdog looking to make his mark and compete in Formula DRIFT. The short provides perspective into drift culture and the lifestyle surrounding this high-adrenaline sport. “High Octane DRIFT” Presented by SYLVANIA SilverStar zXe can be seen at http://bit.ly/hoDRIFT .

He gave it his all, but...

Though Carlton put on quite the performance, making it into the top 16, he unfortunately suffered a cracked intake manifold, causing him to ultimately lose out to Hawaiian native Forrest Wang and his 2jz- powered s14 in the round of 16.

The crowd came to see the international stars of drift, and they did not disappoint. The one driver the crowd seemed most excited to see was 2012 FD winner Daigo “Ninja” Saito from Japan.

During the final four, top Canadian driver Marc Landreville was ousted by Japan’s Daigo Saito, and Norwegian Kenny Moen was bested by Irish native Dean Kearney. Ultimately, Saito took the top spot for the first Formula DRIFT Canada.

Formula DRIFT Canada