Burkett’s Smooth Takeover: The Tale.

This article originally appeared on Drift Enthusiast Magazine and discusses the challenges faced by professional drifters in their sport, from track conditions to sponsorships to vehicle issues. However, these challenges also bring out admirable qualities in drivers like steadfastness, loyalty, respect, and a genuine desire to win. RAD Dan Burkett is a great example of a professional drifter who embodies these virtues and has earned a devoted fan base through his determined progress up the Formula DRIFT (FD) ranks. Unfortunately, during the 2022 off-season, Burkett’s team learned that their top sponsor could not support them in the upcoming season, and after exploring all options, they made the difficult decision to sit out the next season instead of compromising the brand they worked hard to build. This decision is typical of Burkett’s approach to professional drifting, which he takes seriously and approaches with ambition, sincerity, and a desire to keep making connections and improve his game. Though he will be absent from the pro circuit this year, fans can still catch him at other circuits such as GridLife and HyperFest, and he plans to return to FD full-guns in 2024 and beyond with a solid presence and impact.