GT Radial wins three Formula DRIFT championships with South Carolina-made tires

GT Radial capped its strongest Formula DRIFT season with three major titles, including its first PRO Driver Championship, after tires made in Richburg, South Carolina helped power the run. The results spotlight the company’s U.S. manufacturing base and its growing role in performance tire development.

Why it matters: - GT Radial’s Formula DRIFT sweep shows a U.S.-made tire competing and winning at the highest level of drifting. - The results give the Richburg, South Carolina plant a visible win that GT Radial says also informs everyday passenger and light truck tire development. - The season strengthens GT Radial’s position in a premier international motorsports series and in the broader U.S. tire market.

What happened: - GT Radial captured three major Formula DRIFT titles in the 2026 season. - Conor Shanahan won GT Radial’s first-ever Formula DRIFT PRO Driver Championship on Oct. 24 in Long Beach, California. - GT Radial also secured its second consecutive Tire Cup Championship. - Cole Richards earned Rookie of the Year honors. - GT Radial said the Tire Cup title became locked up at the previous event in Las Vegas, when the brand had an insurmountable points lead over competing tire brands.

The details: - The championship tire was the GT Radial Champiro SX2 RS. - GT Radial manufactures the Champiro SX2 RS at its Richburg, South Carolina facility. - GT Radial says the tire is the only Formula DRIFT competition tire manufactured in the United States. - Mike Meeiem, GT Radial Motorsports Manager, said the wins reflect American engineering, advanced manufacturing technology and a commitment to quality. - Meeiem said the same focus on traction, handling, durability and performance that drives motorsports also supports tires for everyday driving. - The Richburg plant makes a growing range of GT Radial passenger and light truck tires for American motorists. - GT Radial describes the South Carolina facility as a cornerstone of its commitment to the U.S. market. - The brand has been sold in the U.S. for more than 25 years. - GT Radial products are available across North America through retailers and independent tire dealers. - More information is available on GT Radial’s website.

Between the lines: - GT Radial is using motorsports as a proof point for manufacturing and product development, not just as a branding exercise. - The company is tying its competition results to domestic production, which can matter to buyers who value U.S.-made products. - The season’s outcomes suggest GT Radial is translating track performance into a broader performance story for consumer tires.

What's next: - GT Radial is likely to keep using Formula DRIFT results to reinforce its U.S.-made tire message. - The Richburg plant will continue producing passenger and light truck tires for the North American market. - The company’s next challenge is converting this championship momentum into sustained retail and racing visibility.