Simen Olsen

At 29 years old, Simen Olsen - a Norwegian drifter from Høvåg has built a reputation for relentless commitment to the sport he fell in love with nearly a decade ago. Unlike many drivers who grow up around multiple forms of motorsport, drifting has been his one and only focus since the beginning. From the moment he first got involved in 2016, the goal was clear - compete at the highest level possible.

The dedication paid off in a huge way during the 2023 season of Formula Drift. At the New Jersey round, he secured his first-ever podium finish, taking an unforgettable 2nd place. For any driver chasing success in Formula Drift, standing on the podium is a career milestone.

Behind the wheel, he competes in his purpose-built Toyota GR Supra, powered by one of the most iconic and popular engines in drift - a heavily built Toyota 2JZ. The engine package features a serious list of components including Carrillo rods, Diamond forged pistons, Kelford cams, and a Garrett G42-1150 turbocharger. Combined a nitrous system to reduce the lag, the setup produces an impressive 1050 horsepower, which is now industry standard for FD.

Beyond the track, we love to look into the personal lives of these stars!

What is your favourite track or circuit to drive and why?
When it comes to tracks, a few stand out. Irwindale Speedway has always held a special place thanks to its legendary status in drifting history. He’s also a big fan of the technical layouts seen at the Salt Lake round and the unique challenges presented by Atlanta’s course.

What hobbies do you have outside of racing?

Outside of competition, life slows down a little. Family and friends are a huge part of his world, and he enjoys spending time with them whenever the racing schedule allows. Despite the busy travel and competition calendar, staying connected to the people closest to him remains a priority.

Any driving tips you’d give to someone starting out in motorsport?

For drivers looking to get into drifting, his advice is simple: start small and focus on the fundamentals. Learn the basics before throwing huge power at a car. Simulators can also be a great tool for learning and having fun, but progression should always come naturally. Once you begin to outdrive the limits of your current setup, that’s when it’s time to upgrade (assuming the wallet agrees!)

Dream street car?

Surprisingly, it’s not another modern performance machine. Instead, it’s a classic - a clean Ford Escort Mk II built with a full rally-style body kit and powered by a 300hp Cosworth YB engine.