2005 was the year the "invincible" image of Japanese drivers began to crack as D1GP expanded its reach into the United States:

: In a major upset, American driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. piloted a Ford Mustang to victory against the Japanese pros, popularizing American muscle in a sport previously dominated by Japanese imports. D1 Professional Drift Grand Prix Series 2005 (The Game)

The series' popularity led to the release of an official video game developed by for the PlayStation 2. Yuke's - LaunchBox Games Database

The was a watershed moment in drifting history, marking the era when JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) culture truly "went global." While the 2005 championship saw Yasuyuki Kazama dominate the field in his iconic Rodextyle Nissan S15 Silvia, the year is best remembered for bridging the gap between Japan's grassroots roots and the massive international stage. The 2005 Championship Overview