What is drifting?
Let’s welcome the grassroots drivers.
This should have been one of the first articles written here, with all the website configuration, and doing media stuff, I got carried away. Anyhow, let’s discuss today’s topic. What is drifting? Drifting is a type of a motorsport where the driver intentionally oversteers, shifting the weight of the car to the rear wheels, initiating a slide, and then counter steering, modulating the throttle to maintain the slide, causing the rear wheels to lose traction and slide sideways. While staying on throttle consistently. This maneuver allows drivers to take sharper turns, maintain higher speeds, and test the limits of their suspension configuration, tires, and their driver capability.
Drifting requires a high level of driving skill and car control, as well as a well-tuned vehicle that is set up specifically for drifting. It is typically performed in rear-wheel drive cars, which are more prone to oversteer and has better performance while in control of a drift. However, it is also possible to drift front-wheel drive vehicles, though this is generally more difficult and requires a different driving technique. Such as placing fast-food trays under the rear wheels and locking up the parking brake (you did not learn this here). To initiate a drift, the driver must first position the car at a desired angle relative to the turn. This is typically done by giving more throttle with a clutch kick or performing a Scandinavian flick as the car approaches the corner, changing car’s weight distribution with rear wheels losing traction. The driver can then steer the car into the turn while applying throttle to maintain the slide and control the angle of the car. The driver must also use weight transfer and various other techniques to maintain control of the car and keep it on its desired line through the turn.
History
The origins of drifting can be traced back to Japan in the 1970s, where it was initially a subculture within the larger world of illegal street racing. The first organized drifting events were held in the late 1980s, and the sport began to gain mainstream popularity in Japan in the 1990s. Drifting was also present in the togue racing where drivers would race each other going up or down the narrow, curvy, mountain roads of Japan. This motorsport soon spread to other countries, and it is now one of the most popular motorsports around the world. Attracting people from all the nations, creating this amazing community in motorsports. In time, with the progression of skilled drivers turning into professional drivers. Many drift enthusiasts began to adapt the techniques from drifting in their motorsports careers, whether it’s in rally autocross, Formula One, Nascar. These techniques are ideal in a situation where a driver is able to drive through a corner with multiple turns, and not losing the momentum of the car.
Japanese drivers popularized drifting as a form of motorsport in the 1970s and 1980s. The style was brought to North America by Japanese car imports in the 1990s. The drift style has since become popular worldwide, with dedicated series in Europe and Asia, such as Formula Drift, D1 Grand Prix, Drift Masters European Champion, and more.
Purpose
Drifting is often associated with high-performance sports cars and is often done for entertainment or competition purposes. There are several different styles of drifting, including traditional drifting, which involves sliding the car through a corner while maintaining control, whether it’s on the street, or on the racetrack, tandem drifting, in which two cars (or more) drift together in a coordinated fashion, and touge racing (not really drifting, but it’s in there), where driving fast on narrow roads with using drifting techniques.
Drifting can be a thrilling and exciting form of motorsport, but it is also extremely dangerous and can result in serious accidents if not done properly. It is important for drivers to have proper training and to follow all safety guidelines when practicing drifting. To be successful at drifting, a driver needs to have a combination of skill, experience, and a well-tuned car. It is important for drivers to have proper training and to follow all safety guidelines when practicing drifting.
Car Types
Drifting can be done with a variety of different types of cars, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) sports cars, sedans, and hatchbacks. RWD vehicles are generally considered the most suitable for drifting because they have a more balanced weight distribution and are more prone to oversteer, which is necessary for drifting. Some examples of common drift cars include the Nissan 240SX, Nissan 350z, Toyota AE86, Lexus IS300, BMW E36, Toyota Supra, Nissan S15, Chevrolet Corvette, and more. These vehicles are popular among drifting enthusiasts due to their rear-wheel drive layout, engine power, lightweight construction, and relatively simple suspension systems. Other factors that can make a car suitable for drifting include a high-power engine, a manual transmission, and a limited-slip differential. These features can help the driver maintain control and initiate and maintain a drift.
It is important to note that drifting can be done with a wide range of vehicles, and the suitability of a car for drifting depends on a variety of factors, including its weight distribution, power-to-weight ratio, suspension design, and other factors.
There are several types of parts and modifications that are commonly used to improve a car's performance for drifting. Some examples include:
Suspension: Drifting puts a lot of stress on a car's suspension, so it is important to have high-quality components that are able to withstand the forces involved. This may include adjustable coilovers, sway bars, strut braces, and other suspension components.
Brakes: Drifting requires a lot of braking and turning, so it is important to have strong and reliable brakes. This may involve upgrading the brake pads, rotors, and calipers, as well as installing a brake booster or hydraulic handbrake.
Wheels and Tires: The tires are an important component of any drifting car, as they provide the grip and traction needed to initiate and maintain a drift. Drifting tires are typically soft and sticky, with a tread pattern designed to provide maximum grip.
Engine and Drivetrain: For drifting, it is important to have a powerful engine that is able to deliver a lot of torque to the rear wheels. This may involve upgrading the engine with performance parts such as a turbocharger, intercooler, or performance exhaust. It is also important to have a strong and reliable drivetrain, including a transmission and differential that can handle the stresses of drifting.
Aero: Some drifting cars may also have aerodynamic modifications such as wings, spoilers, and diffusers, which help to increase downforce and improve stability during a drift.
It is important to note that these are just a few examples of the types of modifications that may be used for drifting, and the specific parts and modifications used will depend on the car and the driver's preferences. Check out our Buy Guide section for recommendations from well known in the industry companies.
Famous Tracks (some of them)
There are several famous drift tracks around the world that are known for their challenging layouts and high-level of competition. Some examples include:
Ebisu Circuit: Located in Nihonmatsu, Japan, Ebisu Circuit is a world-renowned drift track that features a variety of different courses, including the famous "Minami" course.
Irwindale Speedway: Located in Irwindale, California, Irwindale Speedway is a popular drift track in the United States and is known for its high-speed banked turns.
Suzuka Circuit: Located in Suzuka, Japan, Suzuka Circuit is a world-famous Formula 1 race track that is also popular for drifting. The track features a challenging layout with a mix of high-speed straights and technical corners.
Nikko Circuit: Located in Nikko, Japan, Nikko Circuit is a popular drift track that features a variety of different courses, including the famous "Mt. Asama" course.
These are just a few examples of the many famous drift tracks around the world. Many other tracks are also popular for drifting, including professional racing circuits, street courses, and purpose-built drifting facilities. If you’re interested in finding out about the local tracks, we have an article that you can read here.