Benson Hsu - The untold story of a drifting pioneer in America

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Benson Hsu has had a fascinating life, one of being a pioneer for drifting in the United States. Raised in the San Gabriel Valley by his Toisanese parents, Benson’s journey began with humble roots in Chinatown and Monterey Park. From graduating with a Computer Science degree at UC Irvine to becoming a trailblazer in the drifting community, Benson’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Benson was among the first to bring Japanese drifting culture to American soil, helping shape the sport from its grassroots beginnings. From winning the Falken Drift Showoff at Irwindale Speedway to competing in the inaugural season of Formula Drift, Benson made history alongside legends like Ken Gushi and Dai Yoshihara. His journey wasn’t just about competition—it was about community, as he later supported his wife, Nadine, in her own professional drifting career and championed women in motorsports through their nonprofit, Drifting Pretty.
Today, Benson is the host of the SileightyMania Podcast, where he documents the untold history of drifting in the USA. Despite overcoming personal challenges like shyness and stuttering, Benson uses his platform to honor the pioneers of the sport and inspire others to live with gratitude and grace. Now in its third year, the podcast has grown into a must-listen for drifting enthusiasts, featuring stories from trailblazers both in the U.S. and Japan.
Beyond the track, Benson is a family man who loves cooking, exploring his heritage, and creating memories with his wife and four daughters. Join us as we celebrate his remarkable contributions to drifting culture and the legacy he continues to build.
Podcast: The Sileighty Mania
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Music Credits
Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

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