Most professional race series depend on a grassroots effort to find their future.  Formula Drift is no different, and Sonoma Drift at Race Sonoma here in Northern California, has a solid group of talented drivers working hard toward getting their FD licenses.

This is my second year covering the event and like the title says: It just keeps getting better.  The show is awesome and very well-run from start to finish.  The organizers and participants alike, understand exactly what it takes to put on a great day of competition and provide a very fun atmosphere.

If you enjoy seeing future stars before they get famous in the “big leagues” of drifting, then you definitely need to make your way out to a Sonoma Drift event.

Here are some of my favorites from the 2013 version of Sonoma Drift: Summer Jam.

DAniel Chow checks his tire pressure before heading out for practice.
Daniel Chow checks his tire pressure before heading out for practice.
Having professional Formula Drift driver Matt Field in your rear view might be a bit intimidating. Even if it is only practice. Matt would serve as a Judge in the competition.
Having professional Formula Drift driver Matt Field in your rear view might be a bit intimidating. Even if it is only practice. Matt would serve as a Judge in the competition.
One last text message before his run.
One last text message before his run.
Crick Filippi of Team Burn the Most making some smoke...from every part of the car.
Crick Filippi of Team Burn the Most making some smoke…from every part of the car.
Angel Velasquez gets ready to chase Matt Field in Saturday practice.
Angel Velasquez gets ready to chase Matt Field in Saturday practice.
Formula Drift standout and Sonoma Drift Judge Matt Field kicks off the drivers meeting Sunday Afternoon.
Formula Drift standout and Sonoma Drift Judge, Matt Field, kicks off the drivers meeting Sunday Afternoon.
Another S-14 Rally Car? Nope. Probably tough on the oil pan.
Another S-14 Rally Car? Nope. Probably tough on the oil pan.
Professional Photographer Alex Wong makes a funny face for the camera.
Professional Photographer Alex Wong makes a funny face for the camera.
Joe Tardiff of Team Burn the Most getting plenty sideways.
Joe Tardiff of Team Burn the Most getting plenty sideways.
Going for the reverse entry and just over-rotated.
Going for the reverse entry and just over-rotated.
Got S-Chassis?
Got S-Chassis?
Crick Filippi
Crick Filippi
A smoke before smoking.
A smoke before smoking.
Ladies love Joe T.
Ladies love Joe T.
Over Crest right 3...
Over Crest right 3…
Keeping it close.
Keeping it close.
Just a touch
Just a touch
Coming up the hill.
Coming up the hill.
Series co-champions on their way to the shop to cut the trophy in half.
Series co-champions on their way to the shop to cut the trophy in half.

Find your way to a grassroots drift event.  The competition is hungry, and eager to put on a good show just for you.

Here’s the rest of the gallery from Summer Jam 2013:

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