Benson Hsu is an ex-professional drifter from the United States who competed in various auto-racing competitions. Originally known for his black Nissan "Sileighty", he is one of the early Americans to be involved in the sport of drifting, starting in 1999.[1][2][3][4]

As an amateur, Benson was a Drift Association Drift Day Advanced driver, where he was an instructor and amateur drifting competition judge.[5] In 2003, he earned his D1 Grand Prix license,[6] and won 1st place at Drift Showoff in 2003.[7]

In 2004, Benson became a professional driver and competed in Formula D, finishing 7th at Sonoma Raceway and 16th at Road Atlanta.[8] He finished 2nd place at RS-R Drift Festival in 2004.[9]

After retiring from professional drifting, he continued to be a drifting instructor and was a drifting judge for Just Drift, Drift Buffet, Nopi Drift, Final Bout,[10][11][12] and Super D.

Benson is married to fellow professional drifter Nadine Hsu[13] and they currently co-host and co-produce their drifting podcast called The SileightyMania Podcast, where they interview OGs and trailblazers from the early days of racing to current day. On the podcast, they've interviewed D1 Grand Prix drivers Toshiki Yoshioka, Robbie Nishida, and Hiroshi "Kaicho" Takahashi, and Formula Drift drivers Ken Gushi, Alex Pfeiffer, Chris Forsberg, Calvin Wan, and Tony Angelo.

Cars driven

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99-06 Nissan Sileighty
04-04 KAAZ White S13 Hatchback
04-05 IPS Yellow S13 Coupe
06-current Red Nissan S13 Hatchback

References

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  1. ^ Goodest Cast (2023-09-07). Benson and Nadine Hsu West Coast Drifting Legends | The Goodest Cast | EP.56. Retrieved 2024-08-20 – via YouTube.
  2. ^ Goodest Cast (2020-05-03). Benson Hsu - Formula Drift OG and US S-Chassis Drifting Legend | Goodest Cast EP.6. Retrieved 2024-08-20 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ Pinku Style TV (2022-08-26). First Class US Drifting Pioneers Nadine Hsu & Benson Hsu | Pinku Style Podcast Ep#152 #podcast. Retrieved 2024-08-20 – via YouTube.
  4. ^ Auto Otaku Episode 17: Benson Hsu, 2023-09-28, retrieved 2024-08-14
  5. ^ Brockett, Dan (2004-02-26), Pure Drifting (Documentary, Sport), Andy Yen, Benson Hsu, Brendan Walker, Big Little Films, Eyeidea, retrieved 2024-08-20
  6. ^ MotorTrend Staff (June 2, 2004). "Swing Battle - 2004 D1GP". Import Tuner Magazine.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ^ "DORIFUTO Showoff". Motortrend. May 8, 2003.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ "Benson Hsu - Results - DriftStats". driftstats.com. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  9. ^ "RS*R Drift Festival Chicago |Video|Pics| [Archive] - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum". zilvia.net. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  10. ^ Lee, Joey (2015-09-17). "Final Bout 2 2015 Coverage…Part 2 (Vlog/Photos)…". The Chronicles© - No Equal Since 2008 | www.stickydiljoe.com. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  11. ^ Sabounchi, Mike (September 8, 2014). "Final Bout Drift Event 2014 - Photo Gallery". Motortrend.
  12. ^ "Final Bout Coverage (Part 3 of 3) «". jdmchicago.com. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  13. ^ Wong, Jonathan (Nov 1, 2007). "1989 and 1991 Nissan 240SX - Love and Drifting". Motortrend.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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