Chris Forsberg at a Glance
- Net Worth (2025): $4 Million
- Birthdate: April 6, 1982
- Birthplace: Doylestown, Pennsylvania
- Profession: Professional Drifter, Team Principal
- Nationality: American
Table of Contents
What is Chris Forsberg’s Net Worth?
Chris Forsberg has a net worth of $4 million. He is the most decorated driver in Formula Drift history and arguably the most commercially successful figure in the sport’s American existence. Unlike many peers who rely solely on race winnings, Forsberg built his fortune by transforming his racing operations into a diversified business empire. His wealth stems from a combination of manufacturer factory support, long-term title sponsorships, media production, and the tangible assets of his team, Forsberg Racing.
His financial stability is anchored by his status as the “Ironman” of Formula Drift—he is the only driver to compete in every single round since the series began in 2004. This unparalleled consistency allows him to command premium rates for sponsorship retainers. While prize purses in drifting are modest compared to Formula 1 or NASCAR, Forsberg generates the bulk of his annual revenue through commercial partnerships and his role as a content creator for major automotive brands.
Forsberg Racing
The engine behind his net worth is Forsberg Racing, the Costa Mesa-based organization he owns and manages. This entity operates not just as a competition team but as a full-service automotive marketing agency. The shop builds competition vehicles for Forsberg and satellite drivers, but it also executes white-label content production for clients. By offering tangible return-on-investment (ROI) data to sponsors—demonstrating millions of dollars in media value—Forsberg Racing secures funding that exceeds the operational costs of the sport, generating a healthy profit margin rare in grassroots motorsport.
The NOS Partnership
Chris Forsberg holds one of the longest-running athlete sponsorship deals in the history of action sports. He signed with NOS Energy Drink in 2004, and the brand has remained his primary title sponsor for over two decades. This relationship is a significant contributor to his annual income. The deal extends beyond simple logo placement; Forsberg serves as a brand ambassador, appearing in national commercials and retail activation campaigns. This multi-year contract provides a reliable financial baseline that insulates his team from the economic volatility often seen in motorsport.
Nissan Factory Support
Since the early days of his career, Forsberg has maintained a direct relationship with Nissan. He is one of the few drivers to receive factory support, which includes chassis, parts, and technical resources. This partnership significantly reduces the overhead costs of building and maintaining his fleet of competition vehicles, effectively boosting his net income. In return, Forsberg acts as a primary influencer for Nissan’s Z platform, driving sales and brand awareness for their sports car lineup.
Early Life
Born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Chris Forsberg developed a passion for mechanics and speed without the backing of a wealthy racing dynasty. He is a self-taught mechanic who initially honed his vehicle control skills driving tractors on his family’s property before graduating to cars. His introduction to drifting came through early VHS tapes of Japanese drifting (Option Video), which inspired him to purchase a 1988 Mazda RX-7.
Forsberg was a pioneer of the East Coast drifting scene. In the early 2000s, he helped organize and legitimize grassroots events at venues like Raceway Park in New Jersey. Recognizing that the professionalization of the sport was happening on the West Coast, he loaded his car onto a trailer and moved to California. He slept on couches and worked odd jobs to survive, investing every dollar he earned back into his drift car, a gamble that paid off when he entered the inaugural Formula Drift season in 2004.
Career
Chris Forsberg’s career is defined by record-breaking consistency and evolution. He made his debut at the first-ever Formula Drift event in 2004 at Road Atlanta, securing a podium finish that immediately established him as a top contender. Unlike drivers who specialize in flashy, high-risk runs, Forsberg developed a driving style focused on precision and mechanical sympathy, allowing him to finish races consistently and accumulate championship points.
His first major breakthrough came in 2009 when he secured his first Formula Drift Championship. This victory validated his decision to form his own team rather than drive for another owner, giving him total control over his vehicle development and business decisions. He followed this up with a dominant era in the mid-2010s, winning championships in both 2014 and 2016. He is the first driver in the series to win three titles, a record that solidified his legacy as the “Force” of the sport.
Throughout his tenure, Forsberg has transitioned through several iconic vehicle platforms. He is most famous for his development of the Nissan Z chassis, evolving from the 350Z to the 370Z, and eventually the 2023 Nissan Z. His ability to develop these chassis into championship-winning machines demonstrates his technical engineering prowess alongside his driving ability. Beyond the track, he expanded his career into media hosting, fronting popular automotive shows like Drift Garage and Drift This! for MotorTrend, further diversifying his income streams.
Personal Life
Chris Forsberg resides in Southern California, having permanently relocated from Pennsylvania to be closer to the hub of the automotive industry. He is married and a father, balancing the grueling travel schedule of the Formula Drift circuit with family life. Despite his celebrity status in the car community, he maintains a reputation for being approachable and hands-on, often seen wrenching on his own cars in the pits alongside his crew.
