Digital Social Hour: Episode #1220 - Inside the World of Professional Drifting & High-Speed Racing with Amanda Sorensen

Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Amanda Sorensen, Professional Drifter

Introduction to Amanda Sorensen's World of Drifting

In this episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes Amanda Sorensen, a pioneering professional drifter and the first female to podium in Formula Drift. Amanda offers an in-depth look into the adrenaline-fueled world of professional drifting, sharing her journey, the intricacies of the sport, and her aspirations to become the first female competitor in the pro tier of Formula Drift.

The Mechanics and Competition of Professional Drifting

Amanda begins by demystifying the sport of drifting for listeners unfamiliar with it. She explains that drifting is not merely about racing to the finish line but is a judged competition focusing on style, line angle, and commitment.

Amanda Sorensen [02:26]: "Drifting is actually a very unique sport because it's more of a competition style. It's not like who is the first person across the finish line."

She details the structure of a drifting event, emphasizing the importance of maintaining precise angles and executing smooth, committed maneuvers to impress the judges. The competition involves multiple rounds, with drivers vying for top positions through bracket-style eliminations.

Amanda Sorensen [03:09]: "There are 100 points that you can get in qualifying. And then from there we go into competition style, and top 16 drivers go into main competition."

Mental and Physical Preparation in Drifting

Amanda underscores the critical role of mental resilience and preparation in drifting. The high-speed, close-quarters racing demands intense focus and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Amanda Sorensen [09:19]: "Drifting is honestly the hardest when it came to mental preparation. You can prepare as much as you possibly can, but when you actually get up to the line, the nerves are applied, the pressure is applied."

She compares the mental aspects of drifting to other sports like figure skating and basketball, highlighting the similarities in dealing with performance anxiety and the importance of maintaining composure during high-stakes moments.

Amanda’s Achievements and Goals in Formula Drift

Amanda proudly shares her accomplishments in Formula Drift, highlighting her historic podium finish as the first female in the series.

Amanda Sorensen [11:16]: "I'm the first female to podium in Formula Drift. Making history. I've been working at that goal for about 3 years."

She outlines the structure of the Formula Drift ranks—from grassroots levels to pro spec and eventually pro tier—and expresses her determination to advance further in the sport.

Amanda Sorensen [12:28]: "No female has ever made it to pro. My goal is to be the first female in pro."

The Dynamics of the Drifting Community and Gender in Motorsports

Amanda discusses the landscape of gender diversity in drifting, noting the scarcity of female competitors but emphasizing the supportive and friendly nature of the community.

Amanda Sorensen [13:08]: "Everyone. That's what I love about the drifting community. And like, even when I go to a practice event, it's accessible to the general public, and there's a large female audience that really support each other."

She highlights initiatives like Drift Kitchen, a club dedicated to female drifters, showcasing the growing camaraderie and encouragement among women in the sport.

Expanding Horizons: Other Motorsports and Collaborations

Beyond drifting, Amanda shares her experiences in other motorsport disciplines, including electric racing series like Extreme E and Extreme H. She delves into the technological advancements and challenges of racing electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Amanda Sorensen [15:17]: "I raced in this series called Extreme. There's 10 races in five different remote locations in an electric race car."

Amanda also touches upon the evolving landscape of motorsports in America, mentioning the increasing popularity of diverse racing formats alongside traditional NASCAR events.

Amanda’s Involvement in Pickleball and Other Ventures

Amanda reveals her participation in a celebrity pickleball tournament, illustrating her versatility and interest in expanding her athletic pursuits.

Amanda Sorensen [24:32]: "I co-hosted the first day with Mario Lopez, and on the second day, I actually competed in the pickleball tournament."

She discusses the growth of pickleball and its accessibility, drawing parallels between the sport and her racing career in terms of skill development and competitive spirit.

Partnership with the Air Force and Unique Experiences

One of the standout segments of the episode is Amanda's collaboration with the U.S. Air Force. She shares unique experiences such as skydiving with the Thunderbirds and undergoing specialized training that parallels her racing team's operations.

Amanda Sorensen [28:29]: "I went flown on F16 with them with the Thunderbirds, pulled 9.1 GS."

Amanda's partnership with the Air Force emphasizes the synergy between military precision and motorsport strategy, highlighting her multifaceted approach to career development and personal growth.

Future Plans and Closing Remarks

As the conversation winds down, Amanda hints at exciting developments on the horizon, including a major partnership with an energy drink company and the introduction of her youngest brother as a licensed prospect driver.

Amanda Sorensen [37:56]: "I have a huge partnership announcement coming out, so I'm super stoked and I'll be signing with an energy drink, which I think is super awesome."

She concludes by encouraging fans to follow her journey through her social media channels, reinforcing her commitment to growing her personal brand alongside her racing career.

Amanda Sorensen [38:32]: "They can find me on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Mandasorensen."

Key Takeaways

• Precision and Style: Professional drifting is a highly technical sport that prioritizes style, control, and precision over traditional racing metrics.

• Mental Fortitude: Success in drifting requires significant mental preparation and the ability to perform under pressure.

• Breaking Barriers: Amanda Sorensen is a trailblazer for women in motorsports, aiming to break into the pro tier of Formula Drift.

• Community Support: The drifting community is inclusive and supportive, especially among female drivers, fostering a collaborative environment.

• Diverse Interests: Amanda's involvement extends beyond drifting into other sports like pickleball and collaborations with organizations like the Air Force, showcasing her diverse interests and skills.

• Future Endeavors: With upcoming partnerships and the addition of her brother to the racing team, Amanda is poised for continued growth and influence in the motorsport arena.

Notable Quotes

• On the Nature of Drifting:
  “Drifting is actually a very unique sport because it's more of a competition style. It's not like who is the first person across the finish line.”
  — Amanda Sorensen [02:26]

• On Mental Preparation:
  “Drifting is honestly the hardest when it came to mental preparation. You can prepare as much as you possibly can, but when you actually get up to the line, the nerves are applied, the pressure is applied.”
  — Amanda Sorensen [09:19]

• On Breaking Gender Barriers:
  “I'm the first female to podium in Formula Drift. Making history. I've been working at that goal for about 3 years.”
  — Amanda Sorensen [11:16]

• On Community Support:
  “Everyone. That's what I love about the drifting community. And like, even when I go to a practice event, it's accessible to the general public, and there's a large female audience that really support each other.”
  — Amanda Sorensen [13:08]

• On Future Partnerships:
  “I have a huge partnership announcement coming out, so I'm super stoked and I'll be signing with an energy drink, which I think is super awesome.”
  — Amanda Sorensen [37:56]

Connect with Amanda Sorensen

Stay updated with Amanda Sorensen's latest endeavors and racing adventures by following her on social media:

• Instagram: @mandasorensen
• YouTube: Amanda Sorensen
• Facebook: Amanda Sorensen

Thank you for tuning into Digital Social Hour. Stay inspired by unfiltered conversations and groundbreaking stories from the world's most thought-provoking figures.