2026 D1 Grand Prix Round 1-2 Aichi Sky Expo | Automotive Experience
Drifting
2026 D1 Grand Prix Round 1-2 Aichi Sky Expo
Tokoname, Aichi, Japan2026-05-09 to 2026-05-10
About This Event
The world's first professional drifting championship, held since October 2000 — D1 Grand Prix introduced the tsuiso tandem battle format that became the global standard for competitive drifting. Season opener on a temporary course at Aichi Sky Expo, five minutes' walk from Chubu Centrair International Airport on an artificial island in Tokoname.
What to Expect
Twenty-fifth anniversary season for D1 Grand Prix
Solo runs judged on angle and speed, then tandem battles determining each round champion
Top sixteen qualifiers advance to tsuiso twin-run battles with two cars drifting simultaneously
Pursuit-style format where drivers swap roles as leader and chaser across two runs
Pit walk session between qualifying and battles grants paddock access to drivers and cars
Competition vehicles and customized cars on display
Best Way to Experience It
Temporary course uses outdoor multipurpose area adjacent to exhibition halls
Five-minute walk from Meitetsu Chubu Centrair International Airport station
Good to Know
Venue equipped with multi-purpose restrooms, food facilities, and Wi-Fi
Parking lot with 3,447 spaces available on site
Meitetsu Railway express from Nagoya Station takes approximately 28 minutes
Public transportation recommended as surrounding roads expected to be crowded during event
Is This Event Right For You?
Best fit if you value drifting heritage — D1 Grand Prix pioneered professional tandem drifting in 2000, introduced tsuiso format adopted worldwide, returns to Japan for 25th anniversary season-opening double-header.
Best fit if you enjoy structured competition — tanso solo qualifying determines seeding, tandem tsuiso battles pair drivers in single-elimination tournament, each driver leads then chases through temporary course layout.
Best fit if you like accessible venues — airport island location 5-minute walk from Centrair terminal, 30 minutes from Nagoya via Meitetsu rail, 60,000 square meter exhibition center hosts special temporary course configuration.
Not ideal if you prefer mainstream motorsport — specialized drifting competition lacks circuit racing's lap times or rallying's stage timing, minimal international press coverage, YouTube streaming distribution rather than traditional broadcast.
