What is Drifting?

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.

10603724_692615550828827_231438144588117425_n

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.

11138645_10153753530238448_9033605173728572936_n

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.

_DSC5702

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.

11145072_10153764694623448_5131108299036854787_n

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.

10542911_516227731837809_9076049693269329507_n

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.

10505364_329261200573901_5941291514670050428_n

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.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

134 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
boyce
boyce
14 years ago

i want to get into drifting but i live in oklahoma and do not hear or see anything around here.

Drayton
Drayton
Reply to  boyce
14 years ago

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.

johnny
johnny
Reply to  boyce
14 years ago

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

johnny
johnny
Reply to  boyce
14 years ago

theres a good oklahoma drift scene in oklahoma heres a website nogrip.webs.com check it out for all the oklahooma event

denn
denn
Reply to  boyce
1 year ago

lookat adam lzs videos he was invovled with lone star drift ect so might be worth a look

zane
zane
Reply to  boyce
6 months ago

There are a couple tracks here with really good people and cars!

Ali
Ali
14 years ago

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… 🙂

isaiah
isaiah
Reply to  Ali
11 months ago

i have 4 years intel i could drive

Gary Powell
Gary Powell
14 years ago

i would like to lear how to drift i live in england middlesbrough and i am wondering how to do it any offeres any?

jim
jim
Reply to  Gary Powell
14 years ago

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

Ravin Pingu
Ravin Pingu
Reply to  jim
14 years ago

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.

wig brennan
wig brennan
14 years ago

move to nz boys, driftings cheap as chips here budaz, backroads 3 lanes wides 5 minutes away…. got tyres?

ShaneJDM
ShaneJDM
Reply to  wig brennan
13 years ago

stop bragging its hard enough to drive down where im from 😛

Rebecca
Rebecca
14 years ago

Where will i get a pink prodrift jumper?

TURBO TOM
TURBO TOM
14 years ago

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

e36 craig
e36 craig
Reply to  TURBO TOM
14 years ago

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.

Danna09200sx
Danna09200sx
14 years ago

Where do i learn to drift like that?????????????? 🙂

titari
titari
Reply to  Danna09200sx
7 months ago

yes aye

Barney
Barney
14 years ago

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

Jake
Jake
Reply to  Barney
14 years ago

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 🙂

jack
jack
Reply to  Jake
13 years ago

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

staticXxDR1FTXx
staticXxDR1FTXx
Reply to  Jake
13 years ago

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

Carl
Carl
Reply to  Jake
13 years ago

I’m not sure if we’re 17-18, those cars use for drifting wont last………

Mike
Mike
Reply to  Barney
13 years ago

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 🙂

staticXxDR1FTXx
staticXxDR1FTXx
Reply to  Barney
13 years ago

same here all ways wanted to drift i drifted in go-karts

Jake Waight
Jake Waight
Reply to  Barney
13 years ago

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

Daniel
Daniel
14 years ago

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!!!!!!!!

300zx
300zx
Reply to  Daniel
14 years ago

hahahah well they dint make any 240sx that had 345 HP stock

xavier
xavier
Reply to  Daniel
12 years ago

Nissan 240s come stock with 155hp. Haha

s13 jdm
s13 jdm
14 years ago

edc 2009 was a good crack this year, looking forward for next edc 2010;) any 1 know the date/ nice 1 drifters

rhys
rhys
14 years ago

cool car mate

Chambo
Chambo
14 years ago

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?

gormo
gormo
14 years ago

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

BRYAN
BRYAN
14 years ago

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.

Ben T
Ben T
Reply to  BRYAN
14 years ago

Will it still be going in 7 to 8 years, I live in England

D-wats
D-wats
14 years ago

Wow amazing video 😮

David O' Keeffe
David O' Keeffe
14 years ago

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.

Dave
Dave
Reply to  David O' Keeffe
14 years ago

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.

Dave
Dave
14 years ago

^^^ 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.

beemer 318 diff
beemer 318 diff
Reply to  Dave
12 years ago

fermoy is halfway aswell im in waterford and go to fermoy marts a few days

justin
justin
14 years ago

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!!!!

alexandria
alexandria
14 years ago

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.

cacks
cacks
14 years ago

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

TOoKky'sS DRIFT WORKS
TOoKky'sS DRIFT WORKS
Reply to  cacks
14 years ago

you have a rx-7 original model ??
wait youu drift bro”

beemer 318 diff
beemer 318 diff
Reply to  cacks
12 years ago

maybe a clutch and suspensions but make sure to put d bak tires up to around 50 psi aswell

Ben T
Ben T
14 years ago

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!!!

big z
big z
14 years ago

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

stephen
stephen
14 years ago

man i just want a career in driftin i got a honda civic ex 95 model that im fixin but i need lessons

Pimp C
Pimp C
Reply to  stephen
13 years ago

you have a 95 honda civic ex?!?!?! wow your a bad ass! fucking stupid piece of shit. have fun learning to drift in that.

dillon
dillon
Reply to  Pimp C
13 years ago

lol agreed

stephen
stephen
14 years ago

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

Victor
Victor
14 years ago

Hey, im a boy from denmark i’m 11 years and i loooove drifting:D. I drive with rc cars and drift with them;

Parry90
Parry90
14 years ago

hello everyone, i wanna get into dirfting but i dont hear much about it down in the south of england, could anyone help

TOoKky'sS DRIFT WORKS
TOoKky'sS DRIFT WORKS
14 years ago

THIS IS BRUTAL BROTHERS THIS IS THE REAL ART OF THE EVERY FUCKING CARS BRO”

TOoKky'sS DRIFT WORKS
TOoKky'sS DRIFT WORKS
14 years ago

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 ?¿

Jim Fredricks
Jim Fredricks
14 years ago

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……

Pimp C
Pimp C
Reply to  Jim Fredricks
13 years ago

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.

ben
ben
14 years ago

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

Pimp C
Pimp C
Reply to  ben
13 years ago

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!

iluvdriftin
iluvdriftin
14 years ago

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

Juan
Juan
14 years ago

hahahaha hey dude theres no 240sx made with 345 Hp stock

yogisp
yogisp
13 years ago

can I drift using front wheel car? coz I only have this nissan grand livina,small mpv

Al
Al
Editor
Reply to  yogisp
13 years ago

Not really. You can make it oversteer, but you won’t be able to power round the corner.

skid_ney_pie
skid_ney_pie
Reply to  Al
13 years ago

unless u skid the corners on the reverse lol…

tintz
tintz
13 years ago

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

Pimp C
Pimp C
Reply to  tintz
13 years ago

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!

Mike
Mike
Reply to  Pimp C
13 years ago

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!

Seth
Seth
13 years ago

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

Joex
Joex
13 years ago

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

KDAWG
KDAWG
13 years ago

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

Pimp C
Pimp C
Reply to  KDAWG
13 years ago

yup. just gun it and turn dude. it will slide like it will in the videos! 🙂

Syx-the-Trix
Syx-the-Trix
Reply to  Pimp C
13 years ago

😉

…and post the outcome on youtube!

Reidzer
Reidzer
13 years ago

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 ?

trewor
trewor
13 years ago

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

Adam
Adam
13 years ago

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?

Al
Al
Editor
Reply to  Adam
13 years ago

Santa Pod or one of the many drift days that are on the DW forum. 🙂

callum
callum
13 years ago

i want to start drifting but im only 15

Pimp C
Pimp C
Reply to  callum
13 years ago

michael jackson likes 15 year olds and i hear he is a mad JDM tyte drifter yo!

Al
Al
Editor
Reply to  callum
13 years ago

That’s fine – find a car, and a big open space away from the public and off you go.

Myggan
Myggan
13 years ago

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

Al
Al
Editor
Reply to  Myggan
13 years ago

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!

beemer 318 diff
beemer 318 diff
Reply to  Al
12 years ago

true standard power is plenty in s13s. too much power wen startin and ull just spin and wont be able to handle it 😉

Uriel
Uriel
13 years ago

How Old You Gotta Be To Compete?

Al
Al
Editor
Reply to  Uriel
13 years ago

There is currently no age restriction – D.McKeever started when he was 13!

jimmy
jimmy
Reply to  Al
13 years ago

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

Syx-the-Trix
Syx-the-Trix
13 years ago

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… -.-

SKYLINE R32 GTR
SKYLINE R32 GTR
13 years ago

Has anyone ever been to the drift track in Bishops court in Co.down near Downpatrick ???

shane
shane
13 years ago

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?

skid_ney_pie
skid_ney_pie
13 years ago

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

noi
noi
13 years ago

dirft good

pat
pat
13 years ago

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

brandon
brandon
13 years ago

cant wait until i get my drift linceas know one of know called jordon on of dad mates

From the Driftworks Shop

Get the latest product releases & offers...
134
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x