Formula Drift Legend Denied Entry Into the US for Competition

Formula Drift champion Daigo Saito was allegedly denied entry into the US.

Daigo Saito Formula Drift

Photo by: Yokohama

Jeff Perez

By: Jeff Perez

Jul 18, 2025 at 1:48pm ET

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One of the foremost names in Formula Drift, Daigo Saito, was recently denied entry into the United States after attempting to legally enter the country for a competition. Following a 10-year absence from the sport, Saito planned to make his return to Formula Drift Stateside, but was sent home by US Immigration.

Saito posted a summary of the incident on his Instagram page, noting specifically that he was "not able to enter the United States," saying that he was "deported." You can read the full post below:

Saito says that he left his house on June 26, 2025, for a 12-hour flight to the United States and was immediately met by immigration upon landing. Authorities took him into a private room before telling the racer that he was not allowed entry into the country with his current Visa Waiver Program (ESTA).

Saito admits fault for "not understanding the ESTA Visa program," but he says that he believed he was covered for competition under his current Visa.

Authorities then booked Saito on a flight to Amsterdam—"the complete opposite way I came from,” he says—after he reportedly offered to pay his way for a direct flight from Minneapolis to Japan, which was met with hostility. He says:

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'They pretty much asked who the hell do I think I am and threatened me, either they will cuff me and throw me in jail or shut up and get on the flight to Amsterdam... pretty much treated as a criminal.'

We've reached out to Gazoo Racing for a statement.

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