Adam LZ Compares Formula DRIFT Vs Drift Masters

Fresh off his 2024 season in both series, Adam LZ discusses the technical and cultural contrasts between Formula DRIFT and Europe’s Drift Masters Grand Prix.

Chatting with Chris Forsberg, Nate Hamilton, and Tj Hunt, LZ dives into his 2024 season, which saw him competing at the highest levels on both sides of the Atlantic.

His Formula DRIFT campaign proved particularly successful (despite tire firing at nearly every round and writing off his E36), where he secured podium finishes at Englishtown and Seattle before claiming fifth overall in the championship standings. Given that he was one of the few drivers to compete in both series, Forsberg was curious to know how the two stack up in comparison.

LZ immediately explains the technical differences between Formula DRIFT (FD) and Drift Masters Grand Prix (DMGP.) One of the most significant contrasts lies in tire differences, where they discuss sizes, compounds, and weight. This led LZ to develop a specialized BMW E36 for Europe’s DMGP series, focusing on extreme weight reduction through titanium hardware and a simplified engine setup rather than chasing maximum power.

Weight plays a crucial role in the series’ differences, with DMGP cars typically weighing around 2,500-2,600 pounds compared to FD’s 2,800-3,000+ pound machines. Due to the difference in engineering approaches required for each series, LZ explains that his European-spec E36 weighs approximately 400 pounds less than his FD vehicle.

LZ then discusses the atmosphere at DMGP events, which carry a more “grassroots feel,” which he describes as a blend of FD with a mix of Clutch Kickers. This resonated with Forsberg, who noted similarities to FD’s early days in 2004. The European series retains a strong sense of community, with local drivers often becoming essential resources for visiting teams in each country.

His historic European performance this year, becoming the first American to achieve significant success in DMGP, demonstrated his ability to adapt to both racing environments. However, Adam admitted favoring Formula DRIFT for the on-track experience while appreciating DMGP’s off-track atmosphere more when pressed about his preferences between both series.

The discussion highlighted the evolving landscape of professional drifting as DMGP makes bold moves like constructing a temporary drift layout in a 58,500-seater stadium for their final round. Meanwhile, Formula DRIFT remains much the same year-on-year.

The presence of top drivers like James Deane, Conor Shanahan, and Adam LZ competing in both series suggests a growing intersection between American and European drifting scenes.

Forsberg’s evident interest in the European series’ approach has fueled rumors about whether some of FD’s veterans might consider expanding their horizons to include DMGP in the future.

With his 20-year career in Formula DRIFT and recent vocal criticisms and frustrations of the series, combined with DMGP’s innovative approach to venues and competition formats and with him mentioning the stagnation of FD in comparison, along with the recent loss of Irwindale, could Forsberg potentially be eyeing up a visit to the European series?

If you missed what we’re referring to with Chris Forsberg‘s criticisms and frustrations this year, make sure you check out this video:

While nothing is confirmed, his keen interest in DMGP provides hope for a possible future European campaign. It’d certainly be interesting to see how he’d stack up with the different approaches to competition drifting across the pond after 20 years in FD!

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