In this episode of the Off-Road Racer Podcast, Matt Martelli sits down with Chris Forsberg, three time Formula Drift champion, Nissan driver, and one of the most recognizable names in modern motorsports.
While Chris built his career in drifting, his approach has always gone beyond one discipline. From building cars in his own garage to developing a professional racing program, Chris has been involved in every part of the process. That same mindset eventually led him into the desert, taking on a completely different challenge behind the wheel of an off road race truck.
Matt and Chris talk about the transition from drifting to desert racing, and the huge differences between precision driving on a short course and managing a vehicle for hours through unpredictable terrain. Chris shares what drew him to off road racing, his first experiences in Baja, and how he approached building a competitive program with the Nissan Frontier.
They also get into the similarities between the two worlds. Vehicle control, preparation, car development, and the importance of understanding every part of the program. Chris talks about building his own race truck, working with partners, and why the best drivers are often the ones who understand the entire process behind the wheel.
The conversation covers a lot of ground, from the evolution of Formula Drift and the Drift Alliance era, to OEM involvement, marketing, and how motorsports can connect with a wider audience. Chris also shares his perspective on where off road racing fits into the future of his program and why the challenge of desert racing continues to pull him back.
More than anything, this episode is about a racer’s mindset. Whether it’s inches from a wall in a drift car or miles into the desert, the pursuit is the same: build something better, keep learning, and find the next challenge.