Drift Legend: The Ultimate Guide to Drifting
Drifting is one of the most exciting and spectacular forms of motorsport, where drivers intentionally slide their cars sideways through corners while maintaining control and speed. It requires a high level of skill, courage, and creativity, as well as a passion for cars and speed. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about drifting, from its origins and techniques to its cars and events. Whether you are a fan, a beginner, or a pro, this guide will help you become a drift legend.
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What is Drifting?
Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, with loss of traction in the rear wheels, while maintaining control and driving the car through the entirety of a corner. The technique causes the rear slip angle to exceed the front slip angle to such an extent that often the front wheels are pointing in the opposite direction to the turn (e.g. car is turning left, wheels are pointed right or vice versa, also known as opposite lock or counter-steering).
Drifting is traditionally done by clutch kicking (where the clutch is rapidly disengaged and re-engaged with the intention of upsetting the grip of the rear wheels), then intentionally oversteering and countersteering. This sense of drift is not to be confused with the four wheel drift, a classic cornering technique established in Grand Prix and sports car racing.
As a motoring discipline, drifting competitions were first popularized in Japan in the 1970s and further popularized by the 1995 manga series Initial D. Drifting competitions are held worldwide and are judged according to the speed, angle, showmanship, and line taken through a corner or set of corners.
The History of Drifting
The Origins of Drifting
Despite the popular belief that drifting originated in 1970s Japan, this driving technique was first practiced in Europe before 1950. Automotive icon Enzo Ferrari credits Italian driver Tazio Nuvolari as being the inventor of the four-wheel drift. Later, British racing driver Stirling Moss improved upon Nuvorali's technique, mastering the art of drifting through curves in Formula 1 races by steering with the accelerator pedal. More recently, drifting as a specialized competition became popular in Japan.
The Pioneers of Drifting
It was most popular in the All Japan Touring Car Championship races. Famous motorcyclist turned driver Kunimitsu Takahashi was the foremost creator of drifting techniques in the 1970s. This earned him several championships and a legion of fans who enjoyed the spectacle of smoking tires. The bias-ply racing tires of the 1960s1980s lent themselves to driving styles with a high slip angle. As professional racers in Japan drove this way, so did street racers.
Keiichi Tsuchiya, known as the "Drift King" (ドリフトキング, Dorifuto Kingu), became particularly interested by Takahashi's drift techniques. Tsuchiya began practicing his drifting skills on the mountain roads of Japan, and gained further exposure to the drifting culture from the popular manga and anime series Initial D, in which he was the main consultant for editorial supervision. In 1987, several popular car magazines and tuning garages agreed to produce a video of Tsuchiya's drifting skills. The video, known as Pluspy, became a hit and inspired many of the professional drifting drivers on the circuits today. In 1988, alongside Option magazine founder and chief editor Daijiro Inada, he would help to organize one of the first events specifically for drifting called the D1 Grand Prix. He also drifted every turn in Tsukuba Circuit in Japan.
The Techniques of Drifting
The Basic Drift Techniques
There are many ways to initiate a drift, depending on the car, the speed, the road, and the driver's skill. Some of the most common techniques are:
Clutch kick: The driver quickly releases and re-engages the clutch at high revs to break traction in the rear wheels.
Shift lock: The driver downshifts without rev-matching, causing engine braking and locking the rear wheels.
E-brake or handbrake: The driver pulls the handbrake to lock the rear wheels and induce oversteer.
Power over: The driver applies full throttle while exiting a corner to overpower the rear wheels and lose traction.
Lift off: The driver lifts off the throttle abruptly while entering a corner to transfer weight to the front wheels and reduce grip in the rear wheels.
Feint or Scandinavian flick: The driver steers sharply into the opposite direction of the corner before entering it, creating a pendulum effect that swings the car into oversteer.
The Advanced Drift Techniques
As drivers become more experienced and confident, they can try more advanced techniques that require more precision and timing. Some of these techniques are:
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Braking drift: The driver applies the brakes while entering a high speed corner to shift weight to the front wheels and create oversteer.
Dirt drop drift: The driver drops one or both rear wheels off the road onto a dirt or gravel surface to reduce traction and initiate a drift.
Jump drift: The driver uses a bump or a crest on the road to upset the balance of the car and cause it to slide.
Long slide drift: The driver initiates a drift at a high speed and a long distance before a corner, and maintains it all the way through.
Swaying drift: The driver alternates steering left and right while keeping the throttle steady to create a series of S-shaped slides.
Kansei drift: The driver lifts off the throttle at high speed while entering a corner with no steering input, causing the car to lose grip due to inertia.
The Cars of Drifting
The Characteristics of Drift Cars
Drifting can be done with any car that has rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and enough power to break traction. However, some cars are more suitable for drifting than others, depending on their characteristics. Some of these characteristics are:
Weight distribution: A balanced weight distribution between the front and rear axles allows for easier control of oversteer and understeer.
Suspension setup: A stiff suspension setup reduces body roll and improves stability and responsiveness.
Differential type: A limited-slip differential (LSD) prevents one wheel from spinning faster than the other, ensuring both wheels have equal traction and power delivery.
Tire choice: A hard compound tire provides less grip and more durability, making it ideal for drifting. Some drivers also use different tire sizes or pressures on each axle to adjust the handling characteristics.
Aerodynamics: A low drag coefficient reduces air resistance and increases top speed, while a high downforce coefficient increases grip and stability at high speeds.
The Popular Drift Cars
Some of the most popular cars for drifting are Japanese models from the 1980s and 1990s, such as:
ModelEngineH orsepowerYear
Toyota AE861.6 L 4A-GE I4112 hp19831987
Nissan Silvia S131.8 L CA18DET I4 turbo175 hp19881991
Mazda RX-7 FC1.3 L 13B-T Wankel rotary turbo202 hp19851992
Nissan 180SX2.0 L SR20DET I4 turbo202 hp19891998
Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R2.6 L RB26DETT I6 twin-turbo276 hp19891994
Mazda RX-7 FD1.3 L 13B-REW Wankel rotary twin-turbo252 hp19922002
Nissan Silvia S14/S152.0 L SR20DET I4 turbo217 hp/247 hp19932002/19992002
Toyota Supra JZA803.0 L 2JZ-GTE I6 twin-turbo276 hp/321 hp19932002/19972002
Nissan 350Z/370Z3.5 L VQ35DE/VQ35HR V6/3.7 L VQ37VHR V6287 hp/306 hp/332 hp/350 hp<
2002/2002present
Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ2.0 L FA20 H4197 hp/200 hp2012present
Of course, these are not the only cars that can be used for drifting. Many drivers also modify their cars to improve their performance, handling, and appearance. Some of the common modifications are:
Engine swap: Replacing the original engine with a more powerful or reliable one from another car.
Turbocharger or supercharger: Adding a device that forces more air into the engine, increasing its power output.
Nitrous oxide system: Injecting nitrous oxide into the engine, creating a temporary boost of power.
Exhaust system: Replacing the original exhaust system with a more efficient or louder one, improving the engine's performance and sound.
Suspension system: Replacing the original suspension system with a stiffer or adjustable one, improving the car's stability and responsiveness.
Brake system: Replacing the original brake system with a more powerful or durable one, improving the car's stopping ability.
Tire system: Replacing the original tires with wider or softer ones, improving the car's grip and traction.
Aerodynamic system: Adding spoilers, wings, diffusers, or body kits to the car, improving its drag and downforce.
Cosmetic system: Adding paint, decals, stickers, lights, or accessories to the car, improving its appearance and style.
The Events of Drifting
The Professional Drifting Events
Drifting has become a popular and competitive sport around the world, with many professional events and series organized by various organizations. Some of the most prominent ones are:
D1 Grand Prix (D1GP): The first and most prestigious drifting series in Japan, founded in 2000 by Daijiro Inada and Keiichi Tsuchiya. It features some of the best drivers and cars in the world, competing in various venues across Japan.
Formula Drift (FD): The premier drifting series in North America, founded in 2003 by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage. It features some of the top drivers and teams from around the world, competing in various venues across the United States and Canada.
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Drifting Cup: The first official drifting event sanctioned by the FIA, the governing body of motorsport. It was held in 2017 in Paris, France, featuring 36 drivers from 17 countries.
Drift Masters European Championship (DMEC): The leading drifting series in Europe, founded in 2014 by David Egan. It features some of the best drivers and teams from Europe and beyond, competing in various venues across Europe.
British Drift Championship (BDC): The oldest and most established drifting series in the United Kingdom, founded in 2008 by Mark Buckle. It features some of the best drivers and teams from the UK and Ireland, competing in various venues across the UK.
The Amateur Drifting Events
Besides the professional events, there are also many amateur events and clubs that cater to drifting enthusiasts of all levels and backgrounds. Some of these events and clubs are:
Drift Day: A grassroots drifting event that started in 2002 in California, USA. It is open to anyone who wants to learn or practice drifting in a safe and controlled environment.
Ebisu Circuit: A motorsport park in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its seven drift courses that are open to anyone who wants to drift for fun or practice. It is also home to Team Orange, a professional drifting team led by Nobushige Kumakubo.
Touge: A Japanese term for mountain pass roads that are popular among street racers and drifters. They are often narrow, winding, and challenging to drive on. They are also illegal and dangerous to drift on, so they balancing the forces of acceleration, braking, steering, and traction. Drifting is about coordinating the movements of the hands, feet, eyes, and ears, while anticipating the reactions of the car, the road, and the environment. Drifting is about learning from trial and error, practicing with dedication, and improving with feedback. Drifting is about developing a sense of timing, precision, and finesse that is rare and admirable.
The Style of Drifting
Drifting is awesome because it allows a high level of style that is personal and expressive. Drifting is about choosing your own car, modifying it to your liking, and making it stand out from the crowd. Drifting is about creating your own technique, finding your own line, and showing off your own flair. Drifting is about competing with others, impressing the judges, and entertaining the spectators. Drifting is about being yourself, having fun, and making a statement.
How to Start Drifting
The Basics of Drifting
If you are interested in drifting and want to give it a try, here are some basic steps to follow:
Find a suitable car: As mentioned before, you need a rear-wheel drive car with a manual transmission and enough power to break traction. You can use your own car or rent one from a drifting school or club.
Find a suitable place: You need a safe and legal place to practice drifting, such as a closed circuit, an empty parking lot, or a designated drift zone. You can also join a drifting event or club that organizes drifting sessions.
Find a suitable instructor: You need someone who can teach you the basics of drifting, such as how to initiate, maintain, and exit a drift. You can learn from a professional drifter, a drifting school or club instructor, or an experienced friend.
Learn the basic techniques: You need to master the basic techniques of drifting, such as clutch kicking, e-braking, power overing, and countersteering. You can start by practicing on low-speed corners with gentle angles and gradually increase the speed and difficulty.
Practice regularly: You need to practice drifting regularly to improve your skills and confidence. You can practice on different courses with different conditions and challenges. You can also watch other drifters or videos to learn from their examples.
The Equipment of Drifting
If you want to take drifting more seriously and invest in your equipment, here are some essential items to consider:
A good helmet: You need a good helmet to protect your head from any impact or injury. You should choose a helmet that fits well, has good ventilation, and meets the safety standards of your region.
A good seat belt or harness: You need a good seat belt or harness to secure your body in the seat and prevent any movement or injury. You should choose a seat belt or harness that is comfortable, adjustable, and easy to use.
A good steering wheel: You need a good steering wheel to control the direction and angle of your car. You should choose a steering wheel that is responsive, ergonomic, and durable.
A good set of tires: You need a good set of tires to provide grip and traction for your car. You should choose tires that are suitable for your car's specifications, the road's conditions, and your driving style. You should also have spare tires in case of wear or damage.
A good set of brakes: You need a good set of brakes to slow down and stop your car. You should choose brakes that are powerful, reliable, and resistant to heat and fade.
A good set of tools: You need a good set of tools to maintain, repair, and upgrade your car. You should have tools that are suitable for your car's parts, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.
The Safety of Drifting
If you want to enjoy drifting without risking your life or others, here are some safety tips to follow:
Wear proper protective gear: You should always wear a helmet, gloves, shoes, and clothing that can protect you from any impact or injury. You should also wear a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a communication device in case of emergency.
Check your car before and after drifting: You should always check your car's condition before and after drifting, such as the tires, brakes, fluids, belts, hoses, etc. You should also fix any problems or issues that you find as soon as possible.
Follow the rules and regulations of drifting: You should always follow the rules and regulations of drifting, such as the speed limit, the track layout, the flag signals, the overtaking rules, etc. You should also respect the authority and instructions of the organizers, marshals, and judges.
Respect the other drivers and spectators: You should always respect the other drivers and spectators who are involved in drifting, such as their skills, preferences, opinions, and safety. You should also avoid any conflicts or confrontations that may arise from drifting.
Drift only in designated areas: You should only drift in designated areas that are safe and legal for drifting, such as closed circuits, empty parking lots, or drift zones. You should never drift on public roads or highways that are open to traffic and pedestrians.
Conclusion
Drifting is a fascinating and fun form of motorsport that has captivated many people around the world. It is a driving technique that involves sliding the car sideways through corners while maintaining control and speed. It requires a high level of skill, courage, and creativity, as well as a passion for cars and speed. Drifting has a rich history, a variety of techniques, a range of cars, a number of events, and a vibrant culture. Drifting is awesome because it provides a unique and exhilarating experience that is unlike any other form of driving. Drifting is also challenging because it involves a lot of cost, risk, criticism, and controversy. Drifting is also rewarding because it involves a lot of learning, practicing, improving, and expressing. Drifting is a hobby or sport that anyone can try, as long as they have a suitable car, a suitable place, a suitable instructor, and a suitable attitude. Drifting is a way of life that many people love, as it brings them thrill, skill, style, and joy.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about drifting:
What is the difference between drifting and powersliding?
Drifting and powersliding are similar but not identical driving techniques. Drifting is when the driver intentionally oversteers and maintains a controlled slide through a corner. Powersliding is when the driver unintentionally oversteers and corrects the slide as soon as possible. Drifting is more about style and showmanship, while powersliding is more about speed and efficiency.
What are the benefits of drifting?
Drifting has many benefits for drivers, such as:
It improves their car control and handling skills.
It enhances their confidence and courage behind the wheel.
It develops their creativity and individuality in driving.
It provides them with fun and excitement in driving.
It connects them with other drifting enthusiasts and communities.
What are the drawbacks of drifting?
Drifting also has some drawbacks for drivers, such as:
It increases their car maintenance and repair costs.
It exposes them to potential accidents and injuries.
It attracts negative attention and criticism from others.
It consumes a lot of time and resources.
It can become addictive and obsessive.
What are the best cars for drifting?
The best cars for drifting are those that have rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, enough power to break traction, a balanced weight distribution, a stiff suspension setup, a limited-slip differential, a hard compound tire, and a low drag coefficient. Some examples of popular drift cars are Toyota AE86, Nissan Silvia S13/S14/S15, Mazda RX-7 FC/FD, Nissan 180SX/350Z/370Z/Skyline R32 GT-R, Toyota Supra JZA80, and Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ.
How can I learn to drift?
You can learn to drift by following these steps:
Find a suitable car that meets the requirements for drifting.
Find a suitable place that is safe and legal for drifting.
Find a suitable instructor that can teach you the basics of drifting.
Learn the basic techniques of drifting, such as clutch kicking, e-braking, power overing, and countersteering.
Practice regularly on different courses with different conditions and challenges.
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