What Is D1 Grand Prix Thailand?
D1 Grand Prix Thailand is the Thai edition of the world's original professional drifting championship. Run under the D1 Grand Prix banner that was founded in Japan in 2000 by Daijiro Inada and legendary driver Keiichi Tsuchiya, the Thai series brings the same format of head to head tandem drift battles to Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
The championship is sanctioned by RAAT (the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand) and features multiple rounds per year at the BRIC Drift Track, a dedicated drift facility within the Chang International Circuit complex. D1GP Thailand attracts the country's top drift drivers who compete for points across the season in high angle, high speed battles judged on line, angle, speed, and style.
The 2026 season marks the 25th anniversary of D1 Grand Prix worldwide, and the Thai series opened with Rounds 1 and 2 on April 3 to 5 at Buriram.
What Racing Categories Compete at D1 Grand Prix Thailand?
D1 Grand Prix Thailand follows the tandem drift battle format that made D1GP famous in Japan. Drivers qualify individually by performing solo drift runs that are scored on entry speed, angle, line, and overall style. The top qualifiers then advance to head to head elimination brackets.
In tandem battles, two cars drift the same course simultaneously. The lead car sets the pace while the chase car tries to match or exceed the lead car's line and proximity. Judges score each run, and the driver with the higher combined score advances.
The cars competing range from purpose built rear wheel drive drift machines to heavily modified production cars. Nissan Silvias, Toyota 86s, and BMW 3 Series are common platforms, all stripped down and rebuilt with high output turbocharged engines, hydraulic handbrakes, and competition suspension setups.
Where Is D1 Grand Prix Thailand Held?
D1 Grand Prix Thailand takes place at the BRIC Drift Track, a dedicated drifting facility located within Chang International Circuit in Buriram province. Chang International Circuit is Thailand's FIA Grade 1 racetrack, also home to MotoGP and the Thailand Super Series.
The BRIC Drift Track was purpose built for drifting competition. The layout features a combination of high speed entries and tight technical sections that test both car setup and driver skill. Each round, the organizers publish the official course layout so teams can prepare their approach.
Buriram is approximately 5.5 hours by car from Bangkok. Many motorsport fans make the trip a weekend road trip, combining the event with exploring the Buriram area and its famous Khmer temples.
What Is the Race Schedule Like?
D1 Grand Prix Thailand rounds typically run over three days. The first day is dedicated to practice sessions where drivers learn the course layout and dial in their car setups. The second and third days feature qualifying runs and the main tandem battle eliminations.
Practice usually begins in the morning and runs through the afternoon. Qualifying and battles continue through the day, with some sessions extending into the evening under lights. The atmosphere builds throughout the weekend as the field narrows down to the final podium contenders.
The 2026 season is planned across multiple rounds, with the Buriram opener in April followed by additional rounds later in the year. The championship concludes with a final round that determines the season champion.
Can Spectators Attend D1 Grand Prix Thailand?
Yes, D1 Grand Prix Thailand offers free general admission for spectators at the BRIC Drift Track. There is no entry fee to watch the drifting action from the general spectator areas around the track.
For a more premium experience, VIP Lounge tickets are available for purchase through the event's official channels. The VIP area provides closer views of the action, seating, and additional amenities.
The event is also live streamed on Monomax for fans who cannot make the trip to Buriram. You can follow the latest updates and round announcements on the official D1GP Thailand Instagram and Facebook pages.
Is D1 Grand Prix Thailand Worth Watching?
D1 Grand Prix Thailand is the highest level of competitive drifting in the country and one of the premier motorsport events in Southeast Asia. The combination of purpose built drift cars, professional drivers, and the tandem battle format creates an experience that is raw, loud, and genuinely exciting to watch in person.
If you enjoy Thailand's car culture and motorsport, D1GP Thailand delivers something different from traditional circuit racing. The skill required to control a car at extreme angles while maintaining proximity to another car just meters away is remarkable. The BRIC Drift Track at Chang International Circuit provides excellent spectator viewing, and the free admission makes it accessible to everyone.
For Porsche fans visiting Buriram, the Chang International Circuit complex is also where Thailand's MotoGP and other major racing series take place. The area offers a full weekend of motorsport experiences beyond just the drifting, and the facility itself is world class.
Check our Thailand car events calendar for upcoming D1GP Thailand round dates and other motorsport events across the country.
