Formula DRIFT Implements Telemetry-Driven Judging, Kyle Petty Charity Ride Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The drifting series is changing its qualifying format and scoring system, while the charity motorcycle ride will cross the U.S. in May 2026.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Formula DRIFT is implementing a new telemetry-based scoring system for the 2026 season, replacing the previous all-tandem seeding bracket qualifying format. The series has partnered with Race Data Labs to introduce the Universal Drift Scoring Method, which will automatically score 80% of a driver's qualifying run based on vehicle data. Meanwhile, the 30th anniversary edition of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will take place from May 1-9, 2026, starting in Sonoma, California, and ending in Charlotte, North Carolina, covering over 3,400 miles across 11 states.

Why it matters

The changes to Formula DRIFT's qualifying and scoring system aim to bring more objectivity and transparency to the judging process, addressing longstanding driver concerns. The Kyle Petty Charity Ride is a beloved annual event that has raised over $23 million for the Victory Junction camp since 1995, and the 30th anniversary edition will retrace the original route while continuing to raise funds and awareness.

The details

For the 2026 Formula DRIFT season, the PRO Championship will return to a two-run qualifying format, while the PROSPEC division will retain the seeding bracket system. The new telemetry-based scoring, developed with Australian company Race Data Labs, will automatically evaluate 80% of a driver's qualifying run based on factors like drift line, angle, and speed. The remaining 20% will be scored by the series' three-judge panel on style elements. The telemetry data will also be used to analyze tandem battles, including incidents of contact between cars. Meanwhile, the 30th anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride will cover over 3,400 miles from Sonoma, California, to Charlotte, North Carolina, over 9 days in May 2026, replicating the original 1995 route. The ride has raised over $23 million for the Victory Junction camp since its inception.

  • Formula DRIFT's new scoring system will debut at the season opener in Long Beach on April 10-11, 2026.
  • The 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will take place from May 1-9, 2026.

The players

Formula DRIFT

A professional drifting competition series based in the United States.

Race Data Labs

An Australian company that developed the Universal Drift Scoring Method used by Formula DRIFT.

Kyle Petty

A former NASCAR driver and current racing analyst who founded the annual charity motorcycle ride across America.

Victory Junction

A camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions, which has been the primary beneficiary of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ryan Sage, Formula DRIFT President (SEMA News)

What’s next

Formula DRIFT plans to integrate portions of the telemetry data into its livestream broadcasts beginning with the season opener in Long Beach on April 10–11, 2026.

The takeaway

The changes to Formula DRIFT's scoring system aim to bring more objectivity and transparency to the judging process, while the 30th anniversary of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will continue the event's legacy of raising funds and awareness for the Victory Junction camp.