Drifting is a driving style in which the driver uses the throttle, brakes, clutch, gear shifting and steering input to keep the car in a state of oversteer while manoeuvring from turn to turn. Drifters emphasise car control by coordinating the amount of countersteer (or opposite lock) with the simultaneous modulation of the throttle and brakes to shift the weight balance of the car back and forth through the turns. Furthermore, they strive to achieve this while adhering to the standard racing lines (or designated “clipping points” if drifting in competition) and maintaining extreme slip angles.
Track taditionalists are often quick to point out that drifting is not the fastest way around a racetrack – and they’d be right, but so what? What matters most with drifting, whether it’s at a grassroots practice day or an international competition, is having fun! There is something inherently exciting about negotiating a track with the car completely sideways, quickly countersteering in the direction of the slide while delicately modulating pressure on the throttle to balance the car. Not enough throttle and the car will lose momentum and straighten up – too much throttle and the car will spin out.
Many drivers really enjoy the fact that practicing the art of drifting at grassroots events teaches them how to safely control a car at its limit, while others simply enjoy the adrenaline rush of throwing a car around a track while completely sideways with smoke billowing from the rear tyres. In its simplest sense, drifting translates to pure driving enjoyment and fun.
Drifting as a sport began on the mountain roads of Japan in the early 1990s and quickly gained momentum before the first round of D1GP was held in 2000. Petrolheads on the other side of the globe quickly picked up on this new and exciting sport as a result of videos downloaded from the internet and decided to give it a go themselves. Two of these enthusiasts were Phil Morrison and James Robinson, whose love for the sport soon led to them setting up Driftworks in 2004.
What Do I Need to Start Drifting?
This is a question we get asked a lot, and the answer is a very simple one. You will need a rear wheel drive car, preferably with a limited slip differential or a welded differential – these are the only ingredients you need to get started. A car with a manual gearbox and resilient clutch, a functioning handbrake, coilover suspension and a supportive bucket seat will make things much easier again, allowing you to attack the turns with more vigour and confidence.
You can compensate for not having a lot of power by increasing the pressure in the rear tyres. It’s a myth that drift cars need to run poor quality rear tyres in order to drift succesfully – drift cars need as much lateral grip as a regular track car (if not more) in order to attain the huge speeds and massive angles that are often achieved at competition level. However, when you’re learning the basics at a grassroots practice day, cheap and/or part-worn tyres are perfectly suitable for learning the basics.
What Sort of Cars Make Good Drift Cars?
Essentially any rear wheel drive car is capable of drifting, especially if it’s fitted with a limited slip or welded differential. However, some cars represent much better value for money than others while having readily available upgrade parts, along with easy access to spares. Starter cars to look for include:
Nissan 200SXs/Silvias (S13, S14, S15 etc.)
Nissan Skylines (GTS variants are rear wheel drive)
BMW 3 Series
Toyota Supras
Ford Sierras
Alternatively, it is possible to convert 4WD cars to rear wheel drive simply by locking the centre differential and removing the drive to the front wheels, but bear in mind this will put a lot more stress on components that would normally only be dealing with a fraction of the power.
Where Can I Practice Drifting?
Drifting has become so popular around the globe in recent years that you can pretty much guarantee that there’ll be a practice day somewhere in your country. In the UK, Europe and the United States, practice days are held at a wide array of locations including purpose-built tracks and large tarmac areas. Drifting can be done pretty much anywhere that you can drive a car, although we do not condone doing so anywhere where members of the public are unwittingly involved or endangered.
You can find information on hundreds of specifically organised drift days on the Driftworks forum. Popular places to practice drifting in the UK include Teesside Autodrome, Driftland, Lydden Hill, Birmingham Wheels and “Drift What Ya Brung” days at Santa Pod Raceway.
Drifting Competitions
As with any sport, drifting quickly reached a level where drivers felt that they wanted to test their skills against other drifters in competition format. Professional level drifting competitions are hugely exhilarating and will often feature some of the most exciting driving you’re ever likely to see.
The competitors aim to complete a pre-defined course as laid out by the nominated judges while sticking as closely to the judged criteria as possible, earning points for their proximity to the clipping points, their speed throughout the course and, most important, the amount of style with which they do so. Slow drifting with a lack of commitment will get marked down – fast, balls out drifting will rack up the points!
After their individual qualification runs, drivers are paired up against each other for “Tsuisou”, or battles as they are commonly known. Run to a knockout format, the aim is for the chase driver to follow the lead driver as closely as possible, sitting door to door at massive speeds all while sideways and with smoke billowing off the rear tyres. These battles are the real highlight of competitive drifting and provide some of the biggest entertainment available in competitive motorsport.
There are many drifting championships around the world but some of the largest and most prolific include D1GP (Japan), Formula Drift (USA), British Drift Championship (UK), Irish Drift Championship (Ireland), Drift Allstars and King of Europe.
i want to get into drifting but i live in oklahoma and do not hear or see anything around here.
if you wanna get into drifting all you need to do is get into amateur events and start making your way to Formula Drift. Its a drifting circuit in the USA. The website for Formula Drift is https://formulad.com/. I believe Vaughn Gittin Jr is from Oklahoma or Maryland one of the two. If you have any other questions just email me.
im from oklahoma there’s a event this sunday i think its pass keystone lake ill be out there in either a 300zx or bme 325i or my friends 240sx to watch just come up to us and say wats up
theres a good oklahoma drift scene in oklahoma heres a website nogrip.webs.com check it out for all the oklahooma event
lookat adam lzs videos he was invovled with lone star drift ect so might be worth a look
There are a couple tracks here with really good people and cars!
Oh how i long to posses the skill and money to invest in drifting… but alas im somewhat too young to drive 🙁 got another 2 years yet. oh well… one day… 🙂
i have 4 years intel i could drive
i would like to lear how to drift i live in england middlesbrough and i am wondering how to do it any offeres any?
hi mate i live in scotland, but have been to middlesburgh drifting a couple of times now at the go kart track next to the river hope this helps, jim
when is there any events on at there if you know please will u drop me a email on garypowell1@msn.com thanks alot mate. gary.
move to nz boys, driftings cheap as chips here budaz, backroads 3 lanes wides 5 minutes away…. got tyres?
stop bragging its hard enough to drive down where im from 😛
Where will i get a pink prodrift jumper?
OIOI PPL MY MOTTO IS LIFES A DRIFT BUTBUT IN THE NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND ITS LIKE ROCKY HOURSE S**TYOU CANT FIND ANY WERE TO DO IT LEGALLYANY 1 GOT ANY WERE TO LEARN GIZ A SHOUT CHEERES DRIFTERS
hi tom i also live in the north east i live in GOOLE whar are you.
have you found any where to drift yet ive also being looking for some where do practice ive looked on google maps for shady back street, farm tracks with space etc but not yet found any where yet if i do ill let you know.
Where do i learn to drift like that?????????????? 🙂
yes aye
Hi im 13 years old and going to 14 for ages i have wanted to drift in cars i think its a whole different sport to racing and would like to know if there is anywere i could start or what age i have to be i live in England, east anglia
Ey up matey 🙂 over in England you’ve gotta be 17 to drive on the roads but I’m not sure if you are allowed to race on a track day before that. I’m doubting it’s possible because places don’t like to do stuff that’s not covered under their insurance policys, you’ll have to keep asking about 🙂
hello there pall am not sure how you get into it but i went to see jdm allstars today at nissan in washington and there was a lad in the event who was only 14 duane mckeever hes called so if he can do it am sure you can try and get into it
hey down in the U.S.A you gotta be 16 to get on the road soon as i hit 16 drifting here i come
safe drifting though
I’m not sure if we’re 17-18, those cars use for drifting wont last………
hey mate im 14 aswell and i live in east anglia and the only places to drift is in car parks like my mates or either snetterton or norfolk arena in kings lynn 🙂 i think to drift legally its 17 but my mates trust me so i drift in their cars in car parks and whatever and its a good laugh 🙂 but the closest DECENT track to drift would be Snetterton which is like 30 mins away from east anglia or Norfolk Arena in Kings Lynn which is bout a 1 hour drive 🙂
same here all ways wanted to drift i drifted in go-karts
if you have the monies its simple to get into drifting, last season (2010) there was a 14 year old drifting in the JDM Allstars, was pretty good, but he got the car for free from his father and therefore had all the contacts to get into drifting! but it can be done! good luck to ya matey
Hey guys and girls im new in the drift world ilive in Alabama in the states , out of all places to be but not a bad place to drift plenty of places to do so lol… I own a 1993 nissan 240 sx special edeition and 345 hp STOCK and a up graded clutch
much love for drifters every where. Thanks guys for all the links for drifters like us
DRIFT LIFE!!!!!!!!
hahahah well they dint make any 240sx that had 345 HP stock
Nissan 240s come stock with 155hp. Haha
edc 2009 was a good crack this year, looking forward for next edc 2010;) any 1 know the date/ nice 1 drifters
cool car mate
Hi all! I am 14 years old and have been following the drifting scene for a few years now. I love the look of cars pouring smoke off the back end and the drivers are really talented. I am wanting to know if there is any competitions coming to Scotland in the near future, and is there anywhere I can learn to drift at the age I am now. Any help would be greatley appreciated and keep up the good work!
PS- Is there any events coming up in the near future in Scotland?
good work guys im from the gold cost in qld me and my mates own cars i have got a silvia with a rb25 in it keep ap the good work
FOR THOSE IN JAPAN. THERE IS A BEGINNER PLACE TO DRIFT IN DAIKOKU FUTO IN YOKOHAMA. YOU WILL HAVE TO GO ACROSS THE BAY BRIDGE. GO AS FAST AS YOU WANT DUE TO NO POLICE PATROLLING. BIG LOT TO SHOW OFF CARS AND MESS AROUND. LOUD MUSIC AND TONS OF CARS.
Will it still be going in 7 to 8 years, I live in England
Wow amazing video 😮
Dear Irish Drifters, I’m a film student in co. cork and need some footage for a short documantry. I know theres drifting at Watergrashill now and again but I can’t seem to find a 2010 event calender. Does anyone know where to get it? Wold love to get some feedback from you guys.
2010 season is starting in March.
Practice days are usually held in Watergrasshill the first Monday of every month.
If you want any info just ask as I’m in Cork too.
^^^ 2010 season is starting in March.
Practice days are usually held in Watergrasshill the first Monday of every month.
If you want any info just ask as I’m in Cork too.
fermoy is halfway aswell im in waterford and go to fermoy marts a few days
i live in a town called Blanket in texas we have 402 people in the town and i am the only drifter there i have a 2003 ford mustang and i just want to say if u want it bad enough u can do it just dont let anyone see you lol they are not keen to the idea of drifting there a bunch of hicks think its stupid round here so i just do it on rainy days when no ones out and i have a blast
drift on homies!!!!
where at in pa can you drift race i think it is so awsome and looks fun ive been weanting to drift race for some time but never hear were to do it at in pa can some one please email me.
I hav a rx7 fd 3 got her set up for drifting but all ive changed is to bhp up to 350 bhp and can tune more but dont need all that power at the minute ive roal cage hydrulic handbrake all the norm things done wat im asking is wat other mods do i need to do because they arnt like nissans to drive i hear taking the tank out and re positining it helps so if anyone can giv me tips fire away
you have a rx-7 original model ??
wait youu drift bro”
maybe a clutch and suspensions but make sure to put d bak tires up to around 50 psi aswell
Hi every one I live in the North of England and in 7 to 8 years I would like to live and learn to drift in Japan if you know how please Reply soon happy drifting!!!
well im 15 and have a nissian 180 sx can drift but all that well lol was looking till no if any 1 in ireland would help me get betta… peace drift 4 life
man i just want a career in driftin i got a honda civic ex 95 model that im fixin but i need lessons
you have a 95 honda civic ex?!?!?! wow your a bad ass! fucking stupid piece of shit. have fun learning to drift in that.
lol agreed
im in lafollette tenneessee i been wantin to drift ever sence i was 11 if somebody could help out text me at 865 256 4359
Hey, im a boy from denmark i’m 11 years and i loooove drifting:D. I drive with rc cars and drift with them;
hello everyone, i wanna get into dirfting but i dont hear much about it down in the south of england, could anyone help
THIS IS BRUTAL BROTHERS THIS IS THE REAL ART OF THE EVERY FUCKING CARS BRO”
i have a 200 sx ………………who race with me ? I call my car “the BLACK DEMON” ……………have venom nitrogen and the motor power is 320 cv the perfect condition to RACE ! ………..ok……………………who race with me ?¿
Hey my name is jimy…. im 7 year ol and i been drifting for 5 year now…. im pretty…. i own a Nisan skylin R35 GTS T. T stand for turbo.. kk. i wana get better any1 wana help me get beter……
your fucking stupid too/ DUH any one with a clue about cars knows that t stands for turbo. and you dont have a r35 gts. fucking piec of shit.
hi there,i wnt 2 get into drifting and want 2 know the best car and is there a drift school i can go to,
i live in south london
Buy a RWD car. well and S-chassi car i.e. 240sx 180sx silvia, or a 300zx but heavy. BMW m3, rx7, s2000, supra. have fun!
im 15 jus about to get mi drivers license and i live in vegas the first time i saw F&F 3 i waz addicted to that movie and right wen i get mi license im gettin mi dads old RX-7 and it is in guud condoition
hahahaha hey dude theres no 240sx made with 345 Hp stock
can I drift using front wheel car? coz I only have this nissan grand livina,small mpv
Not really. You can make it oversteer, but you won’t be able to power round the corner.
unless u skid the corners on the reverse lol…
Hi all, i am really intrested in drifting and i really wont to get my self started i live in the northwest and i am willing to travel anywhere. Do you have to have your own drift ar to learn in or is they a learners drift car.
thanks boys and girls
well if i was fucking rich i would hand you the keys to my car and say hey go drift. then i will watch you whip it into a tree you stupid muther fucker. get your own car. or buy a civic and fuck another cock!
why are you so negative!! these people just want some advice and tips and you just run them to the ground! with the attitude you have buddy…you will never make it to any meaningful level in with your drifting…..’ real drifters are about the advancement and acceptance of their sport, not trying to keep it exclusive’ or run down/mock people who are actually passionate about it and wanting to learn!
Im tryin to get into driftin but i live in kentucky and nobody really knows a thing about it. Is there a good site were i could find the parts i need for any rearwheel drive car, thats all about drifting?Thanks
Hi anyone playing nfsu2?
can i request make a online server of it i wish it all happen
i am a drifter at there
thanks
Anyone live in Mobile Alabama im 14 waiting to get in my dads car and wondering is it as easy as the vids make it look
yup. just gun it and turn dude. it will slide like it will in the videos! 🙂
😉
…and post the outcome on youtube!
hey im 15 away to turn 16, from scotland and i would really like to know how i could possibly get envloved in drifin ? can anyone help me out ?
check out japanimportcar from hexham near newcastle antony builds drift cars and drifts in middlesborough…..check out rocket bunny 666 on his web site he built it from scratch
Does no1 know sumwhere where there is an open piece of tarmac that can just be driven on at anytime and mess around in england?
Santa Pod or one of the many drift days that are on the DW forum. 🙂
i want to start drifting but im only 15
michael jackson likes 15 year olds and i hear he is a mad JDM tyte drifter yo!
That’s fine – find a car, and a big open space away from the public and off you go.
heey boys & girls!
I wondering if a Nissan s13 silvia is a good choise of a drifting car? and how many hp you need to doing drifting well.
Thanks for me. Myggan
S13 Silvias are perfect starter cars. Standard power is enough to get started, just increase the rear tyre pressure to 55psi and off you go!
true standard power is plenty in s13s. too much power wen startin and ull just spin and wont be able to handle it 😉
How Old You Gotta Be To Compete?
There is currently no age restriction – D.McKeever started when he was 13!
if you Know ho would in a bwd volvo s40 boost up to last fucken horse of a car one of the lads work with was puting it in to a bov shape starlet i say he take E.700for it
here’s one for the book; a group of guys-and-a-girl practice the art of drift in the broken mountains of the tiny island of Puerto Rico. They crave the sport and wish they could compete with more than just themselves, but here in this island the only popular thing is Drag racing and personally i think it’s overrated. Anyways, the drift scene here is close to 10 where 6 cars are FRs, 5 can slide em, 4 of them usually have more control, 3 of those 4 know whats under the hood of the machine, 2 of those 3 know how to tweak the cheap undertuned cars they ddrive and 1 of them really tries to get out and experience more.
So, if anyone know anything about another drift scene in this island, please speak up!
BTW: the only “pro” drift team here is as lame as: “to get your car to drift you need to have at least 300+ hp”… somehow my 160bhp NA6C tells me otherwise… -.-
Has anyone ever been to the drift track in Bishops court in Co.down near Downpatrick ???
hey i go to quite a lot of drifting events and i love it, i want to start drifting and i no a place which is big and open, im only 15 but all i need is a car and i’m still saving, anyone got any ideas for a good drifting car?
hi im after my first d-spec car atm, …but where do i get started u kno… anybody knows about any practice days around worcester west midds? many thnx mat
dirft good
hey i live in massachusetts and have searched for drifting events and there doesn’t seem to be much of a drift scene around anybuddy know about anything locally
cant wait until i get my drift linceas know one of know called jordon on of dad mates