Drifting YouTube Channels You Don’t Want To Miss

From Formula DRIFT champions to behind-the-scenes insights into JDM drifting culture, these YouTube channels deserve a spot in your subscription feed.

There are billions of drifting videos flooding YouTube these days, making it a little tricky to choose when deciding what deserves a spot in your subscription feed.

We’ve spent countless hours watching drift content (hey, someone’s gotta do it!) to bring you the channels that we feel consistently deliver the drifty goodness.

We’ve covered everything, from those exploring the unique car cultures of Japan to Formula DRIFT’s top drivers, delivering a mix of sideways action, entertainment, and expertise.

Everyone’s taste differs, but once you start hitting subscribe on the ones you enjoy, YouTube’s algorithm will (hopefully) keep the quality content flowing. Just don’t blame us when you emerge from a YouTube drifting binge, wondering where your weekend went!

Here’s a preview of the channels. You can click individual creators to check out what they offer or continue scrolling to read more:

Adam LZ

Click here to check out Adam LZ’s YouTube channel

While we’ve not sorted this by favorites, as we watch them all for different reasons, it’ll come as no surprise that LZ is at the top spot, given that he’s one of the most-watched drifting YouTubers. And everyone seems to have their own (often controversial) opinion on his content!

After evolving from a BMX rider into one of drifting’s most recognizable content creators, LZ has since built an automotive empire that spans YouTube, a garage, merch, sim gear, and performance parts. In recent years, he’s also competed at the top tier of drifting in the US (Formula DRIFT) and Europe (at Drift Masters.)

His channel documents the journey from backyard mechanic to successful business owner, offering viewers an inside look at high-end car builds, competitive drifting, and running multiple automotive-related businesses. These ventures keep him so busy that he opted to step away from Drift Masters for 2025 to focus purely on trying to land the Formula DRIFT title.

Adam’s content shares his successes and failures, and there are plenty of both! Rather than just showcasing perfectly executed builds, he brings viewers along for the entire process, including the setbacks, learning experiences, and occasional mishaps that come with pushing the limits on and off the track.

The ‘LZ Compound’ in Florida, often seen in the videos, has become a hub for automotive culture. It hosts events and serves as a testbed for new products and innovations in the drift scene, even making its way into popular drifting games.

While some critics say he’s lost that relatable edge he once had, his influence has undoubtedly had a positive impact while building legitimate businesses to help benefit the drifting market.

noriyaro

Click here to check out noriyaro’s YouTube channel

Old-school drifting fans should be familiar with noriyaro since he’s an OG in the game. When it comes to Japanese drifting (and culture) coverage, few creators have made as significant an impact as Alexi.

His hyper-analytical approach and understanding of Japanese car culture have made him the go-to source for raw drifting content from Japan for well over a decade. When he’s not making videos for his YouTube channel, he’s also known for providing English commentary for some of Japan’s biggest drifting events, such as D1GP.

What sets Alexi’s content apart is his knowledge and participation in the Japanese drifting scene, and he often gets behind the wheel of his missile cars to participate in track events himself.

His channel dives into Japan’s automotive variety, covering everything from underground car culture to pro drift events. Rather than just focusing on the flashy aspects, he often looks into the technical details of drifting and the cultural differences that make the Japanese car culture so unique.

Off-camera, Alexi writes for magazines and live streams on Twitch, creating a following that appreciates his genuine, typically hard-to-find insights into the JDM tuning scene.

Some viewers might find his content a little too nitty-gritty, but this is precisely what appeals to hardcore drifters seeking genuine knowledge of Japanese drift culture.

Luke Fink (Fink & Co)

Click here to check out Luke Fink’s YouTube channel

While he’s often known for dividing opinions, the drifting scene wouldn’t be the same without Luke Fink. Known for his aggressive driving style and no-nonsense approach, the Aussie has built a reputation for speaking his mind and backing it up with some serious skill behind the wheel.

His channel offers an in-depth insight into competitive drifting, his various crazy drift car projects, local events, and international competitions. When he’s not competing, he can be found at Ebisu or running drift schools and coaching sessions.

In 2025, America will get front-row seats to his personality and driving style in all its glory as he prepares to compete in Formula DRIFT in a supercharged V8-powered Nissan Skyline R32.

Fink’s content stands out with his straight-shooting personality and shows drifting in its purest form. There’s no fancy editing here, just unfiltered drifting content from around the globe.

While his approach might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying his impact and ability to deliver entertaining and educational content.

Chelsea DeNofa

Click here to check out Chelsea DeNofa’s YouTube channel

If you’re looking for no-nonsense drift content that focuses on the technical aspects of the sport, Chelsea’s channel is perfect. His old-school drift training series remains some of the most valuable content on YouTube for drifters just getting started.

After stepping away from Formula DRIFT following his 2023 championship win, Chelsea’s been focusing on creating content and running drift events. His channel offers everything from in-depth technical explanations to fun, raw driving footage.

He’s been turning the Porsche 718 Cayman S above into a drift weapon in his latest venture.

Deep in the channel archives, there’s heaps of incredible content for anyone serious about improving their drift game. While the recent videos focus more on entertainment, it certainly looks like he’s having fun!

SAMMIT

Click here to check out SAMMIT’s YouTube channel

Living the JDM dream in Japan, Sam Lucas (SAMMIT) has carved out his niche by providing an authentic look into Japanese car culture. Similarly to noriyaro, his channel offers a mix of drift content, car builds, and genuine insights into what it’s like being a foreign drifter in Japan. However, the two YouTubers have publicly clashed on several occasions.

From transforming project cars into drift machines to showcasing the Japanese car culture, SAMMIT’s content stands out for its down-to-earth approach. His pink Yashio Factory S15 is instantly recognizable in the drift community and even features in the Torque Drift 2 game.

Over the years, he’s been at the center of various online controversies. However, his approach to content mostly remains genuine (with some blatant clickbait thrown into the mix), focusing on the real experiences of building and drifting cars in Japan.

Whether you’re into drifting or just curious about the JDM scene, his channel offers an honest window into life as a car enthusiast in Japan, even if there is a little (okay, a lot of) drama along the way!

Mad Mike

Click here to check out Mad Mike’s YouTube channel

After starting in BMX and freestyle motocross, Mad Mike Whiddett has become one of drifting’s most recognizable faces, known for his various Rotary-powered Mazdas. The Kiwi earned his nickname due to his personality, which perfectly matches his approach to building and driving some of the craziest drift cars.

His latest creation might be his craziest yet – turning a McLaren P1 GTR/650S GT3 hybrid into the rotary-powered MADMAC drift car built to tear up Goodwood in 2024. It’s the most mind-blowing drift build we’ve ever witnessed.

We can’t help but admire how he keeps pushing the big-budget boundaries alongside his main sponsor, Red Bull. His channel gives you a front-row seat to all the madness, both on and off track, and is well worth checking out.

Keep It Reet

Click here to check out Keep It Reet’s YouTube channel

Keep It Reet has grown from a local Aussie drift organization into a global name on the YouTube drifting scene. It’s founded by Jason Ferron, known for his awesome R31 Skyline Wagon, ‘Barrawagz’, another Aussie set to make his Formula DRIFT debut in 2025.

The channel offers a perfect mix of event coverage and entertaining content, with frequent appearances from many other YouTube drifting celebrities such as Adam LZ and Hert.

Their Australian events regularly attract big names, while their YouTube channel showcases everything from wild builds to laid-back drift sessions. They know how to balance comp driving with having a good time – perfectly capturing the Aussie ‘no worries’ vibe.

Shirtstuckedin

Click here to check out shirtstuckedin’s YouTube channel

Casey, the photographer and creator behind shirtstuckedin, is known for his top-tier content. His work brings an insight into the Japanese drift scene, particularly through his close relationships with Team Burst and Naoki Nakamura. That’s not all – he’s insanely talented behind the wheel, too!

Based in Japan, he splits his time between content creation, his shop, and competing in D1 LIGHTS. His driving has improved significantly over the years, and when he’s not throwing down backies at Meihan, he’s often competing against some of Japan’s best.

We love the unfiltered access to Japan’s lesser-seen events. From documenting late-night repairs to capturing iconic moments at events, Casey offers a perspective on Japanese drift culture that few others can provide.

Jimmy Oakes

Click here to check out Jimmy Oakes’s YouTube channel

Jimmy’s journey has been fun to watch over the years, from humble beginnings working on cars in his driveway to building one of CT’s most impressive automotive facilities. His channel brings plenty of detailed build content with entertaining drift events and shop life.

His channel documents everything from road trips to daily garage life, where they take on plenty of ambitious drift builds, including a rear-wheel-drive Honda Civic.

If you’re into bonkers engine swaps (especially the K series) and unique builds, Jimmy (alongside plenty of other drift celebrities that feature on the channel) is well worth checking out.

James Deane

Click here to check out James Deane’s YouTube channel

Arguably the best drifter on the planet right now, James Deane needs no introduction. The Irish driver just claimed his fourth Formula DRIFT title in 2024, making him the most successful FD driver in history.

His journey from a 15-year-old Irish kid hooning in a Ford Sierra to becoming one of drifting’s greatest is pretty incredible, and his YouTube channel archives go right back to his early days.

Now, you’ll find him pushing the RTR Mustang or his personal S14.9 to their absolute limits, usually with a massive smile on his face. When he’s not dominating Formula DRIFT, he’s competing (and nearly winning) in the Drift Masters Grand Prix in Europe – somehow juggling both series on different continents.

His channel gives you a backstage pass at what it takes to compete at the highest level of drifting. From testing sessions at his home compound in Ireland to traveling the world for competitions, James shows the real side of professional drifting while keeping that signature Irish charm.

The best part? He’s incredibly down to earth despite his insane talent. In 2025, he’ll once again fight for the Formula DRIFT and Drift Masters titles, and there’s no better way to follow along than with his behind-the-scenes content.

Becky Evans (Queen B)

Click here to check out Becky Evans’s YouTube channel

Known to many as Queen B, Becky Evans has become one of the automotive world’s most recognizable faces in recent years. After meeting James Deane at Goodwood in 2018 while filming her Red Bull series ‘Drift Queen,’ the two hit it off and have been together ever since.

Growing up around her dad’s drag racing, Becky’s journey started early. From go-karting at eight years old to junior dragsters as a teen, she’s certainly no stranger to motorsport. After working a PR job, she decided to take a leap of faith in pursuing automotive content creation full-time, and it seems to be paying off!

These days, she splits her time between creating content, building her own projects, and presenting at major drift events, where you might recognize her from Drift Masters. Her garage includes an old-school Porsche 930 Turbo, a Nissan S15 comp car, and an ever-changing selection of high-performance daily drivers.

Collete Davis

Click here to check out Collete Davis’s YouTube channel

Like Becky Evans, Collete is another half of the YouTube drifting power couples, together with Adam LZ. Her channel documents everything from her journey to pro-drifting to her ever-growing collection of wild builds at the LZ Compound.

Speaking of builds, Collete doesn’t mess around. Her garage is crazy, featuring a 2JZ-swapped E46 and a rotary-powered S15, just to scratch the surface. She has several other projects on the go, but we struggle to keep up now!

When she’s not working on cars or creating content, you’ll find Collete competing in various drift events across the globe or helping run LZ’s Florida-based automotive empire. Needless to say, her channel brings plenty of variety.

Chris Forsberg

Click here to check out Chris Forsberg’s YouTube channel

Chris Forsberg stands as one of Formula DRIFT’s true OGs, competing in every single round since the series began in 2004. The three-time champion started as a 17-year-old kid teaching himself to drift, and he’s since become one of the most consistent drivers in drifting history.

These days, you’ll find him piloting his NOS Energy Drink Nissan Z in FD, running Forsberg Racing, and creating content at his California facility. Between explaining the technical aspects of his builds and having fun with fellow drivers, there’s something for everyone on his channel.

Given how long he’s been in the game, he knows a thing or two about Formula DRIFT and has seen many changes along the way. Whether positive or negative, he’s been known to air his thoughts on YouTube, which will undoubtedly interest FD fans.

The Shanahans

Click here to check out The Shanahans’ YouTube channel

The Shanahan brothers have been shaking things up in the drift scene since they were kids, and 2025 is shaping up to be their biggest year yet. Jack’s just been confirmed as a new addition to the Formula DRIFT roster.

Meanwhile, Conor, who had his rookie season in FD last year, shocked the European scene by winning the 2023 Drift Masters Championship.

These Irish lads from Killavullen, Cork, along with their dad, John, certainly know how to build some serious machinery. Jack started competing at 13 and became the youngest driver to win a major drifting title at 16, while Conor was already competing in pro events at 14.

2025 will undoubtedly be another exciting year for them, with Jack joining Conor in FD and both confirmed to fight for the European title in Drift Masters.

Their channel captures the reality for the team, from late-night rebuilds to competition highlights, showing the grind behind keeping competitive drift programs running on both sides of the Atlantic.

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