If you have been to at least a handful of grassroots drift events in the U.S. within the last decade, there’s no doubt that you have heard of Final Bout. If you have ever looked up drifting on YouTube, you’ve likely seen videos from Final Bout events. Final Bout is held at tracks all over the country; drift teams, cool style cars, even an event in Japan and something about Wisconsin? While that does sum up the highlights, it’s so much more than that. All which was experienced by myself, Labor Day weekend, 2024 at Final Bout 7. In this three part blog series I will answer, What's Final Bout?, How does Final Bout work? As well as a full overview of what attending the event that is the heart of grassroots drifting is really like.
“Final Bout is a unique drift event designed to bring the passion and enthusiasm of Japanese style drifting to North America.” -Final Bout
This Japanese inspired event brings over 5,000 people from across the world, to a town of 9,212 people in Northeastern Wisconsin. Shawano. It’s a town that everyone will always pronounce differently, but don’t worry, we all know exactly where you’re talking about. The home of USair Motorsports. A dream track to drive, to do media, to spectate at, for many in a variety of motorsports. Originally being a karting track, there are not only a lot of apexes, hairpins, and different layout options; but the elevation change is what makes this track one of a kind. Being called “The Rollercoaster of Love” is no mistake. If you ever have the opportunity to drive, or ride along at this track, just do it. Photos, videos, even just seeing it in person doesn’t do it justice. Unless you get motion sickness, I cannot in good conscience recommend a ride along.
Each year this event continues to grow, with 2024 being the 10 year anniversary, there is no doubt this was one for the books...more than it usually is anyways. Part of what makes Final Bout so unique is how it brings people together, from all over the world; the drift community, car community, visual art community, local community, families, friends, we’ve even caught some of the local Amish residents checking the cars out. Yes, it is common on a normal drift day at USair to see a horse and buggy go past on the road. It's as wonderful and comical as it sounds!
Fun Fact: USair Motorsports used to be the home of a cult that was in Shawano, WI.
Wait, you said it’s Final Bout 7, but also said it’s their 10 year anniversary? What's the deal? It’s a little confusing, but before getting into that, it’s important to know a little more about this event. First and foremost, this event is about having fun. The event's founders Simba Nyemba and Ilia Smolov, Chicago native’s, are passionate about keeping the fun alive in drifting. Bringing guest announcers from Texas; Jet Davis of Jet Davis Parts and Jimmy Yates of team Essence Garage helping to keep that energy. After competing with his team Animal Style on Saturday, Palmer Sanderson got behind the mic again for the one on one competition. This year's judges got everyone excited, each already having made their own mark on grassroots drifting. Not only did each judge haul their cars to Wisconsin, but were able to get some laps in with their iconic cars! The Final Bout 7 judges were; Sebastian, member of Garage Moon Power, Panic Made owner, Matt Panic, Hert CEO of Nappy Boy Automotive and a million other things. Even if it is a partially judged event, Final Bout makes sure to remind everyone that this event is only for straight bragging rights, along with a Stanley Cup style trophy that needed a new layer added to it in its tenth year. Typically the trophy goes home with the winning team and at least one person from the winning team the previous season is at the summit to pass it over. The previous year’s winner is always invited back to defend their championship.
Like everything else in 2020, things didn’t go according to the original plan. This is where the timeline can get confusing. Especially for those new to the sport. The first event was held September 6, 2014 at USair Motorsports, Final Bout 2 would follow in 2015. In 2016 they headed west to Pat’s Acres in Oregon for the first Special Stage. The first Special Stage East was also in 2016 at Canaan Motor Club in New Hampshire. Final Bout 3 wouldn’t happen until 2017. In 2017 something else special happened. The first Final Bout Special Stage in Japan. The event took a year hiatus in 2018. In 2019 they came back with something a little different, Final Bout Gallery. This was an invite only exhibition event and it was the first of what would become many times I felt like I was in a movie or video game. Special Stage Japan 2 was also hosted in 2019. Then 2020 happened. This was to be their first year hosting a Special Stage event in every region of the country; Northwest, Central, East and West. All with the hopes of being invited to what is known as The Summit, Final Bout, at USair Motorsports. The Special Stages were postponed, split into two events at times but they made it happen. Unfortunately due to the pandemic there was no meeting at the Summit in 2020. In 2021 another round of the Special Stages happened and this time leading to The Summit, Final Bout 4. Ever since then they have been able to do Special Stages in all regions, even bringing back Japan in 2024 and 2025, leading to Final Bout 7 also being their 10 year anniversary.
When looking around at the summit, followers of the special stages throughout the season noticed teams that didn’t compete in any of the Special Stages. This is why: Being the 10th anniversary, Final Bout wanted to do something special for previous winners of the event and invited them back to The Summit! All of the previous six teams that have won the event were invited; Unfortunately, not all could attend, likely due to this being a very large, time consuming and expensive commitment to be part of. This is why we were lucky enough to see these legendary teams at Final Bout 7. In part two you'll learn just how much commitment being part of this event can be.
Special thank you to the following
-Simba Nyemba for taking time to verify the facts of this series
-Mack Geggie of Cardiac Arrest for letting me pick his brain about taking on the Final Bout world tour and use some of his amazing work for this series.
-Drift Enthusiast Magazine for their continued support
-Corey Holmes, my fiancé that supports me endlessly in wherever clusterfuc takes me.
Excellent!
Can't wait for part 2!