THE STORY OF BURKETT’S GRACEFUL OVERTAKE.
Photo courtesy of RAD Industries.
This PRO Driver Steers Through Sponsorship Obstacles With RAD Character And Resolve.
Tough Drifting Makes Better Drivers.
Professional drifting is hard. In fact, overcoming challenges and adversity are never exceptions in this motorsport; they are the absolute rule.
Everything, from track conditions, to sponsorships, driver dispositions, and countless vehicle issues that can - and most likely will - happen, adds a layer of complexity and unpredictability onto the shoulders of the drivers and teams that compete in the sport.
In short, it’s the kind of stuff that keeps bootstraps up, adds a little thickness to the skin, and if you’re lucky, it brings out the character qualities everyone admires - like steadfastness, loyalty, respect, and a genuine desire to win.
Photo courtesy of RAD Industries.
Celebrating The Strengths That Make Tough Decisions Easier.
These are only a few of the virtues that have supported RAD Dan Burkett’s professional drifting career since 2015, when he earned his Formula DRIFT license, and began the journey into PRO2 (now called PROSPEC). It’s also one reason Burkett has become such a fan favorite over the many years he’s competed in FD’s professional circuits in the United States.
Amazingly, RAD Dan is one of only a few Formula D PRO drivers that still makes an effort to acknowledge social media high fives and answer those tough questions from his support network (which is actually MUCH harder at this level than many fans realize). The best part is he’s always there with a big grin and a sincerely grateful spirit; even when the inherent unpredictability of the sport is snapping at his behind.
"Our fans have been a constant motivation, as well as an inspiration to RAD Industries from day one,” Burkett stated. “Your ongoing support and encouragement is priceless and you’ve taken a large part in many big decisions we have had to make along the way.”
Photo courtesy of RAD Industries.
From 0 To 100… And Holding.
It’s no wonder Burkett has been able to progress each year up the FD ladder in points (and by the way - if you missed his fight into the Top Four at #FDSEA 2022, it is truly worth reviewing FD’s livestream recording). Not surprisingly, the RAD Industries brand and fanbase have also been growing exponentially throughout Burkett’s professional FD tenure.
This is a tough feat for any driver working their way methodically up the FD ranks, but it’s especially notable for a career-long FD privateer.
However, just like the drifting sport itself, unpredictable business challenges can push a pro team into the wall… and a very difficult decision-making process. This was the case with Burkett and his team during the 2022 off-season, so they asked if we’d cover what happened and the end result.
In a recent live interview, RAD Industries owner and team manager Renee Burkett explained, “We learned our top sponsor was unable to support us in the upcoming season, so we’ve been concentrating the last few months on every option available to us, but we ultimately had to decide that it will be best for Dan to take a year off of competing in FD.”
According to Burkett, RAD Industries did an intensive callout for another title sponsorship, but time was not on their side. “We had a number of awesome corporate people working on our behalf, but in the end, some of the prospects were already locked into their 2023 commitments and the others couldn’t get quick enough approval,” Renee said, adding, “It’s just the way it works out there, but we’re super excited for 2024, and we know we are well-positioned for a solid comeback season.”
Dan indicated the option of self-funding the 2023 PRO season was also very seriously considered, but once they were able to look past the disappointment, the team knew it wouldn’t be the ‘right’ solution.
“After looking at everything we had worked so hard to build, we just didn’t think it was right to compromise it by going backward,” Dan said. “We had to make the ‘adult’ decision, which was to sit out the next season, then come back even stronger in 2024.”
Burkett also noted they didn’t feel it was the right way to treat a seasoned professional circuit like FD. “You may see personal funding going into other motorsports like IMSA, Circle Track Racing, etc., but Formula DRIFT is the NASCAR of professional drifting, and it is of the highest competitive level,” he stated. “After putting this into perspective, part of what brought us to our decision was on our return, we’d feel good knowing we respected FD as the professional motorsport circuit that we and many other teams know it to be!”
Photo courtesy of Larry Chen.
It Takes Two To Tandem.
Without disrespect for RAD Industries’ other sponsors - who are admirably standing firmly alongside Burkett and his team throughout the coming season – we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out how unpredictable sponsorships in motorsports are in general.
For example, Falken Tire announced early this year they decided to end all U.S. motorsport sponsorships, which had an unexpected detrimental impact on several drifting teams and organizations.
A recent article in Tirereview.com indicated Falken’s company statement cited the following reason. “As many companies reassess their overall strategies to better handle potential constraints, Falken has decided to move its resources in different directions.” The statement continued with a thank you to all the sanctioning bodies, drivers, and team members that helped Falken, “strengthen the reputation of our tires, our company, and the friendships we have built along the way.”
Yet, regardless of the impacts of corporate decisions like this, it’s widely known the unpredictability of pro motorsport sponsorships will likely never change. Formula DRIFT president and co-founder Ryan Sage confirmed this in a recent comment about the Burkett team’s predicament.
“We are bummed to see Dan and his team take a year off, but it’s completely understandable,” Sage stated. “Almost everyone is in this type of position at some point in their career.”
Sage continued, noting that FD is in a similar position when it comes to their reliance on sponsorships. “Securing appropriate funding to run a race team is not always an easy task, but securing funding to run a series is also not an easy task, so we and the drivers have very similar jobs when it comes to funding.”
Sage capped his comments by adding, “All of that said, knowing the Burkett’s, and respecting them immensely, I think this is the right move for them and we really look forward to seeing them in 2024.”
Photo courtesy of RAD Industries.
A Season To Make Connections…. And Drift.
Anyone who’s followed Burkett’s trajectory to and through FD knows he doesn’t give up easily, and he’s all about improving his game. Rest assured, you will still get to see RAD Dan this season in circuits such as GridLife and HyperFest, and most likely more.
Burkett and his team plan to have a fun and exciting year of drifting that presents new opportunities for connecting with fans outside of the pro circuit, but with a sincere ambition to return to FD full-guns in 2024, and beyond.
"Professional drifting is a serious business venture, so it has to be approached seriously,” Burkett concluded. “Our fanbase, and the solidness of our presence and impact, means a lot to us. This drives a lot of what we strive to represent, both in and out of the professional circuit, and we can't wait to share more with you in the future!"
