Jeff Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of HOTPIT Autofest, is a veteran professional driver and one of the most influential figures in modern drifting. Competing in the Formula Drift PRO Championship since 2009, Jeff brings over two decades of experience, leadership, and competitive edge to the sport.
Jeff’s drifting career began in 2002 behind the wheel of a Toyota Celica GTS. He quickly rose through the grassroots ranks, competing in premier pro-am series including Just Drift, Drift Day, Pro-Am Nationals, Drift Buffet, and XDC, refining his craft in a Mazda RX-7 and building the foundation for a long-standing professional career.
Jeff has piloted a range of platforms including the Nissan S13, Mazda FD3S, Nissan S14, and Nissan 370Z, building a reputation as a relentless competitor. From 2014–2016, he competed in both Formula Drift PRO and PRO 2, finishing 2nd overall in the PRO 2 Championship. Throughout his PRO career, Jeff has stacked multiple Top 4 finishes, proving he can run with the best in the world. He broke through with a dominant win at the Long Beach Grand Prix Super Drift Challenge, then cemented his place at the top level with his first Formula Drift PRO podium—3rd place at Irwindale in 2022. In 2025, he returned to Long Beach and backed it up with another podium, finishing 3rd at the Super Drift Challenge.
Beyond competition, Jeff has established himself as a pioneer in the sport through the creation of HOTPIT Autofest. Under his leadership, HOTPIT has become one of the most influential grassroots-to-pro platforms in drifting, bridging the gap between amateur and professional competition. With a focus on driver development, fan engagement, and authentic motorsports culture, HOTPIT is helping shape the future of drifting while providing a clear pathway for emerging talent.
In 2025, Jeff expanded his presence internationally, competing in Taiwan and New Zealand—demonstrating his adaptability and global competitiveness. These appearances further elevated the Jeff Jones Racing brand on the world stage.
Now entering his 18th season in Formula Drift, Jeff continues to push forward both on and off the track. With a unique position as both a team owner and series operator, he brings unmatched perspective to the sport—competing at the highest level while actively building the next generation of drivers. His mission remains clear: elevate drifting, create opportunity, and continue chasing podiums at the highest level.
