Jeff Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of HOTPIT Autofest, is a seasoned professional driver who has been a prominent competitor in the Formula Drift PRO Championship Series since 2009. Jeff’s drifting journey began in 2002 behind the wheel of a Toyota Celica GTS, and over the years, he honed his skills in local pro-am events, including Just Drift, Drift Day, Pro-Am Nationals, Drift Buffet, and XDC, driving a Mazda RX-7. Throughout his career, Jeff has gained widespread recognition, appearing in major automotive magazines like *PasMag*, *Super Street*, and *D-Sport*. He’s also made notable appearances in local radio broadcasts, in-store promotions, and even on billboards.
After several seasons of strong performances in various platforms (Nissan S13, Mazda FD3S, Nissan S14), Jeff made his mark by competing in both PRO & Pro 2 between 2014 and 2016, finishing the latter with a 2nd place overall Championship finish. In 2018, Jeff introduced a brand-new Nissan 370z, marking a new chapter in his career. This was the year Jeff firmly established himself as a major contender in the drift scene. In 2020, he achieved two Final 4 finishes and ended the season with a 9th place overall finish. Building on that momentum, 2021 saw him capture another Final 4 finish, two Great 8 appearances, and a 1st place podium at the Long Beach Grand Prix Super Drift Challenge. n 2022, the team debuted a lighter, more powerful Nissan 370z with Evol Auto Works, and Jeff achieved a career milestone with his first-ever PRO podium finish, taking 3rd place at Round 8 in Irwindale, CA—a landmark moment for Jeff Jones Racing. This success marked the team’s evolution to new heights. That same year, Jeff’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of HOTPIT Autofest, fulfilling a lifelong dream of bringing semi-pro drifting to Southern California.
Under Jeff’s leadership, HOTPIT Autofest has become a dominant force in the region, offering opportunities for the next generation of drifting stars. Driver development is a core focus, with drivers being hand-selected based on their skill level and competition experience, ensuring a high level of competition and growth. New this season, the series champion will now be eligible to receive a Formula Drift PRO license, further elevating the pathway for emerging talent. As a pioneer of the sport, Jeff is deeply committed to mentoring young drivers and ensuring drifting remains a safe, thrilling, and track-focused discipline.
In 2025, Jeff unlocked a new level in his career by competing internationally for the first time, showcasing his skills on the global stage in Taiwan and New Zealand. This expansion into international competition highlights his versatility as a driver and opens new doors for his team and brand on the world stage. Heading into the 2025 season, Jeff is proud to continue his longstanding partnerships with his loyal sponsors who have supported him throughout his career, while also celebrating his second year with Kumho Tire USA. This season, Jeff will be debuting an upgraded tire size in the V730, further enhancing the performance of his car. The continued partnership with Kumho Tire is a key component of Jeff’s program, providing cutting-edge tire technology to push the limits of his drifting performance.
As he enters his 17th season in Formula Drift, Jeff and his team are more determined than ever to dominate the podium and continue their legacy in the sport.
