D1GP (The D1 Grand Prix) is a multi-race drifting competition founded in Japan. The first few years it was just an amateur competition, but in 2000 it received professional status.
With a stable and rapidly growing fan base around the world, D1 Grand Prix quickly expanded into open divisions in the US, UK, Malaysia and New Zealand.
Keiichi Tsuchiya, better known as "DK" or the “king of drifting”, not only became the founder of the D1GP but also the drifter who popularized it around the world. Subsequently, it was on this series that everyone was leveled.
The art of drifting (controlled skidding) dates back to pre-war GP. The diagonal tread pattern of racing tires from the 1960s and 1980s provided a large slip angle when driving.
Drifting as a sport has its roots in Japan. The famous Japanese racing driver Takahashi Kunimitsu made a special development in this type of motorsport.
Competing in GT races, Takahashi had already become famous for his superb ability to enter the apex at top speed before the "drift" side of the car maintained speed throughout the drift angle.
Drifters had the opportunity to participate in the D1 Grand Prix since October 2000 at the Ebisu track in Fukushima (JP). Participants were evaluated separately, and this stage was counted as the first stage in the 2001 season.
The next stage was catch in a completely different format, now the judges evaluated the pair races. Since then, this format of competitions has been recognized as a global one.
As a general rule in Japan, to participate in the D1 GP championship, you need to be one of the best drivers in other, less significant drift series. Only holders of a D1 license can participate in qualifying races outside of Japan.
Also, a certain number of riders can participate in D1GP. The number of participants should not exceed 100 cars. Each of the participants receives three qualifying races, and the result of the best is entered into the rating table.
As a result, the top 20 riders are selected. Based on the results of two qualifying races, 16 riders are selected for pair races. After the third round, the best pilots are selected, who are further evaluated in terms of ride quality, maintaining the
“correct” trajectory and speed.
D1 license have a validity period of more than twelve months, if after qualification the driver did not get into the TOP-16, he is obliged to re-obtain rights.
Since the D1GP series is exclusively focused on production cars, it must meet several important points to be able to participate in it.
Such as:
- The car for the series must be built by a major car company, with the original drive.
- Stock racing cars are not allowed.
- The machine must have a chassis/body from the factory.
- The model must have a roll cage and a strong top that will protect the rider in the event of a rollover.
- Half slicks are prohibited. There is a specific list of approved tires for this series.
- Catalytic converters must be installed to avoid exceeding the noise level.
