Classified as a driving technique where drivers intentionally oversteer to lose traction in their rear wheels around curves while maintaining full control of the vehicle, drifting has become a favorite past time of automotive enthusiasts world wide. This Japanese-based technique has also inspired the U.S. competition known as Formula Drift.

This motorsport isn’t just about smoking tires and sliding around corners to Dodge Formula DRIFT drivers Samuel Hübinette and Dean “Karnage” Kearney, however. To them, it is a dream come true. Check out how both drivers got into the world of professional drifting in the YouTube video above.

Formula DRIFT is not for the faint of heart. Inspired by the drifting scene in Asia, Formula DRIFT made its debut as the only drifting competition of its kind in the United States in 2004. Ever since, it has been a heart-pounding, adrenaline pulsing, tactical exhibition of the world’s best drift drivers and cars. No one knows this better than the guys from Samuel Hübinette Racing Formula DRIFT team.

Growing up in Sweden, Hübinette dreamed about becoming a race car driver, getting into drifting at a very young age. It wasn’t until he moved to California, however, that his dream of drifting and racing professionally came true. In 2004, behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, Hübinette captured the first year Formula Drift championship. He also took the Formula Drift championship win in 2006.

In 2009, Hübinette formed his own race team after the death of Shaun Carlson, his NuFormz Racing team owner. Now the pilot of his 865hp Challenger, Hübinette continues to be a force on the track, qualifying in first place at the 2011 Formula Drift Finals at Irwindale Speedway, and finishing in the top 16.

Kearney also got started in motorsports at a young age. Growing up in Ireland, Kearney was first introduced to Irish Rallying and then launched his career as a drift driver at age 16. With his eye on the big leagues, Kearney competed in the Prodrift Series from 2006 to 2009, picking up two second place finishes and the 2009 Prodrift Super Series Championship win along the way.

In 2010, Hübinette brought Kearney onto his team behind the wheel of a 600hp Viper. This year, Kearney also finished among the top 16 at the Formula Drift Finals at Irwindale.

Hübinette and Kearney are a sight to be seen on the track and an inspiration to aspiring racers. We wish both drivers good luck for the 2012 Formula DRIFT season and look forward to seeing Samuel Hübinette Racing on the podium next year.