After the historic first podium finish by a female driver after 21 years of Formula DRIFT - being Amanda Sorensen's 2nd place finish in Link ECU PROSPEC in New Jersey - Formula DRIFT decided to take this special moment in time to honor and recognize the women trailblazing in the sport. Following the special occasion, the Formula DRIFT Media team cooked up a special video that explores and celebrates the roles that women play in the sport we all know and love.
The latest video highlights a trio of standout women drivers in PROSPEC, shining a spotlight on Amanda who joined the series in 2021. Currently holding seventh in the Championship standings, Amanda pilots the US Air Force / Sorensen Motorsports BMW and is enjoying her strongest season to date, making history as the highest-ranked female driver.
Kelsey Rowlings, a seasoned pro since 2015, drives the 303 Sta-bil Nissan S14.5. She clinched ninth overall in 2020 and is now 11th in the standings. Kelsey's influence extends beyond the track as she mentors up-and-coming drivers like Zandara Kennedy from Canada, who joined in 2023 with her Zeedrives Nissan S14. Zandara is not just racing; she’s on a mission to bring more women into Formula DRIFT through organized group track visits.
The support system behind the scenes is equally impressive. Female spotters provide strategic advice on lines, competitor positions, and more. Female mechanics, such as Shelby Crackston at RTR Motorsports, ensure the cars are race-ready.
Laurette Nicoll, the revered Formula DRIFT Pit Reporter, is known for her incisive interviews, bringing fans closer to the drivers’ on-track experiences.
Formula DRIFT’s operations are powered by an experienced team of women, from Casidi Tanaka-Fixmer, Manager for Registration & Ticketing, to Joyce Leung on event logistics. Their contributions ensure the smooth running of every event.
“Presenting a trophy to the first female driver to step onto the Formula DRIFT podium in 21 seasons was a truly significant moment and one we wanted to recognize and celebrate,” said Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT. “Our series is truly inclusive. We welcome and foster diversity in both our drift family and the wider drift community.”
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