GT Radial has won its second consecutive Formula DRIFT Tire Cup Championship, and its third in four years, on competition tires built at the company’s plant in Richburg, South Carolina, according to Giti Tire (USA).

The brand clinched the 2026 title at the Formula DRIFT round in Las Vegas on Sept. 26, where GT Radial teammates Conor Shanahan and Matt Field finished first and second. That result gave GT Radial a 180-point lead that cannot be overcome with one event left in the season.

The team runs on the GT Radial Champiro SX2 RS competition tire, which is produced in Richburg. The company says it is the only Formula DRIFT competition tire manufactured in the United States.

From the track to consumer tires

GT Radial said drifting places heavy demands on traction, handling, durability, heat management and consistency, making the series a tough proving ground for tires.

“What we learn in competition doesn’t stay at the racetrack,” said Mike Meeiem, GT Radial motorsports manager. “Formula DRIFT pushes tires to extremes that everyday drivers will never experience, and that gives our engineers valuable information about compounds, construction, grip, durability and heat management. Those lessons help us continue developing better-performing tires for consumers.”

The company said the Richburg site combines tire manufacturing with research, development and testing, so knowledge gained in motorsport can be shared with the engineers and production teams responsible for tires designed for everyday driving on American roads.

“Winning back-to-back championships is also a tremendous source of pride for our Richburg employees,” Meeiem added. “They are building championship-winning competition tires while also producing tires for American consumers. It’s a great demonstration of the technology, manufacturing expertise and commitment to quality we have right here in South Carolina.”

Season finale in Long Beach

GT Radial could add another championship at the season finale, set for Oct. 23-24 in Long Beach, California. Shanahan’s win in Las Vegas moved him into the lead of the Formula DRIFT Driver Championship as he goes after GT Radial’s first driver title.

Source: Giti Tire (USA) press release