Over 50 top drivers from China and abroad battled it out in Dongguan as the D1 Grand Prix Drift Championship concluded successfully!

From October 18 to 20, the D1 China Series roared back to life in Dongguan, Guangdong, after a six-year hiatus, successfully holding its first two races. Cleverly timed to coincide with the 2024 AIT China International Auto Modification Expo (ALL IN TUNING), the event featured a specially constructed track for a thrilling showcase of speed and skill. This temporary venue set the stage for an electrifying event.

The races brought together 50 top drivers, including renowned Japanese drifting masters Masashi Yokoi and Naoto Suenaga, who joined as special guest participants. The impressive lineup featured leading Chinese drifting teams, underscoring the explosive growth of drifting sports in China.

The D1 Grand Prix, launched in 2000, is one of the world's premier drifting events, standing alongside Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship (WRC). Known for its competitive thrill and spectacle, D1 attracts elite drift teams and drivers from over 40 countries, including single-run (TANSO) and tandem (TSUISO) events, which deliver high-energy, visually captivating races.

On October 19, Naoto Suenaga secured first place in the solo round, but an unexpected loss in the knockout phase shifted the spotlight. Popular driver Xu Weizhou, driving his S14, advanced to the final, defeating Yokoi and earning waves of cheers from spectators. In the final, Li Wenfeng from the DORIMONS Drift Team, driving a BMW M2, showcased skill and composure, ultimately taking the champion title.

The second race on October 20 saw the top eight from the first race automatically seeded. In a fierce pursuit race, Qian Hongshen from the OPS Drift Team, driving a GTR35, made it to the final. Meanwhile, Naoto Suenaga, driving a BMW E46, sustained his strong form by defeating Yokoi in the semifinals and clinched the championship.

The Dongguan D1 Grand Prix, held at AIT 2024, also featured highlights like fan autograph sessions and VIP driver parades, boosting driver visibility and allowing fans to connect closely with their idols. These interactions enriched the event and strengthened ties between drivers, exhibitors, and fans alike.

As the sun set on October 20, the D1 Grand Prix’s Dongguan stop wrapped up, leaving behind unforgettable moments of tire-screeching and engine-roaring excitement. The successful event not only provided drivers a stage to push their limits but also offered fans a close-up experience of the thrilling world of drifting. It also served as a bridge for cultural exchange between car modification enthusiasts, strengthening the bond between auto and drifting communities.

Looking forward, the D1 Grand Prix aims to bring more opportunities for drivers and thrilling experiences for fans. With the future bright for China’s drifting scene, the D1 Grand Prix is set to become a key link in the global drifting culture, contributing to the ongoing legacy of drifting sports worldwide.