Formula Drift carries out major course redesign at Indianapolis Raceway Park for Round 5
Prior to its arrival at Indianapolis Raceway Park for Round 5 of the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, the Series is working closely with track officials to supplement the existing course with additional paving to create a unique layout at the renowned Midwest venue.
Indianapolis Raceway Park is one of three new tracks on the 2026 Formula DRIFT schedule, and following the enormous success of Round 4 at Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut, FD officials were eager to ensure fans witness another barnstorming round of both the PRO and PROSPEC Championship Rounds on July 30 – August 1.
The new FD Indy layout was developed in conjunction with Driver Liaisons Ryan Litteral, Ken Gushi and Matt Field as well as FD Judges Brian Eggert, Reese Marin, Robbie Nishida and Vernon Zvanevald, plus the Formula DRIFT Competition Department.
The Driver Liaisons took an extremely pro-active approach to their role this year to bring a driver’s perspective to course layout. In doing so, the suggestion was made to pave new sections of the existing track. The aim was to enhance the course layout and verify it through process of site visits and Drift SIM testing. This process had led to the unique situation of new asphalt being laid in preparation for FD Indy at the end of this month.
The Driver Liaisons took an extremely pro-active approach to their role this year to bring a driver’s perspective to course layout. In doing so, the suggestion was made to pave new sections of the existing track. The aim was to enhance the course layout and verify it through process of site visits and Drift SIM testing. This process had led to the unique situation of new asphalt being laid in preparation for FD Indy at the end of this month.
“Being able to work closely with Formula DRIFT and the Judges allowed us to create something amazing by adding paving that certainly wasn’t planned to occur,” Ken Gushi explained. “From a driver’s perspective, we’re focused on the ability to compete and put on a show for the fans, so to build on the incredible momentum from Connecticut and apply it to the race capital of America is something we’re all really proud of.”
Renderings of the new track layout and a video of a track driving simulation are available below, highlighting the changes made and the ideal driving line.
“I’m excited about what we’ve been able to do at Indianapolis Raceway Park” said Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT. “Bringing together our Driver Liaisons, Judges and Competition Department to work with the Track Officials has enabled us to create something really special at a new venue. We’re confident the changes will bring a new feel for the drivers and an extra layer of excitement for the fans at what we’re confident will be an incredible addition to the Formula DRIFT schedule in the heart of the Midwest.”
In addition to the structural changes, Formula DRIFT Indy is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend. Not only will there be on-track action from both the FD PRO and PROSPEC Championships, but fans can also attend the Type-S Night Lights event. Presented by Larry Chen, he’ll be joined by actor Sung Kang who will showcase an extended trailer for his Drifter movie and hold a special Q&A session. Access to Night Lights and the screening is free; all that’s required is proof of ticket purchase to FD Indy.
Tickets are available now at formulad.com/schedule where fans can select single day or weekend ticket options as well as the on-track Photo Experience, Autograph Experience (although Friday already sold out), Track Walk and the event-specific FD Fan Pack while available.
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