Story by PAS Staff
Photography provided by Formula Drift (@formulad)
Formula DRIFT is preparing for the most significant competition format change in its history for the 2026 season. Through a formal partnership with telemetry specialists Race Data Labs (RDL), the series will introduce a new judging and qualifying structure for the FD PRO Championship, while refining the format for PROSPEC.
As the world’s leading drift series, Formula DRIFT has consistently evolved its competition structure to improve the experience for teams and fans alike. Following two seasons of the All-Tandem Seeding Bracket Qualifying format, organizers held two major driver summits to gather feedback and determine the future direction of both championships.
The feedback was clear.
A majority of PRO Championship drivers voted to remove the All-Tandem Seeding Bracket format that determined Top 32 seeding. Meanwhile, PROSPEC drivers — who benefited from additional tandem seat time — voted to retain the format.
Balancing both preferences presented scheduling challenges, particularly on combined PRO and PROSPEC weekends. A return to traditional Two-Run Qualifying for PRO would normally require additional track time. The solution came through collaboration with Race Data Labs and its UDSM (Universal Drift Scoring Method) system.
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A Return to Two-Run Qualifying — With a Twist
For 2026, the PRO Championship will return to Two-Run Qualifying. However, approximately 80% of a driver’s qualifying score will now be automated using UDSM.
The system objectively measures drift line and vehicle angle through advanced telemetry. The remaining 20% — Driving Style — will continue to be evaluated by Formula DRIFT’s three-judge panel, preserving the human element required to assess nuance, commitment, and error.
Beyond qualifying, UDSM will operate throughout the entire competition weekend. Judges will have access to real-time performance data during tandem battles, including:
• Proximity between vehicles
• Comparative angle and speed
• Deceleration patterns (even through tire smoke)
• Off-course detection down to individual wheel placement
Building on FD’s existing Decel Lights system, UDSM adds quantifiable braking data and clearer fault analysis in collision scenarios, providing judges with greater clarity while maintaining their authority in decision-making.
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A New Era of Digital Judging
Michael Vernuccio of Race Data Labs emphasized that the partnership represents more than telemetry integration.
“Race Data Labs is beyond excited to integrate into the 2026 Formula DRIFT program,” Vernuccio said. “Our role will extend beyond traditional drift telemetry to help evolve the sport into a new era of digital judging.”
The UDSM platform has captured drift telemetry in 12 countries over the past three years. Working directly with Formula DRIFT officials, judges, and technical staff, RDL has developed the system to integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure while adding new layers of objectivity and real-time performance analysis.
Formula DRIFT President Ryan Sage sees the collaboration as a pivotal moment for the series.
“Michael and his team have created a truly powerful system,” Sage said. “It’s been developed by highly talented operators who are drifters first, so UDSM carries the fingerprints of people who drift.”
Sage added that the system provides judges with tools they have long requested while preserving the human element of the sport.
“We’re finally able to give our judges the tools they’ve been asking for, empowering them to make the right decisions with greater certainty and in a shorter time.”
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Enhanced Fan Experience
In addition to supporting officials and competitors, the UDSM system will enhance the fan experience. Much of the telemetry data will be incorporated into Formula DRIFT’s free livestream broadcasts, allowing viewers to see animated, real-time performance data layered over competition runs.
The approach mirrors modern sports analytics seen in organizations such as the NFL, MLB, and Formula 1 — delivering deeper transparency while preserving the excitement of live competition.
The UDSM system will debut at the 2026 Opening Round.
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2026 Season Opener
The 2026 Formula DRIFT season begins on The Streets of Long Beach on April 10–11.
For tickets, driver profiles, special content, and livestream access, visit formulad.com
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