Car Drift Racing: A Guide for Beginners
Have you ever watched a movie or a video where a car slides sideways on a road, leaving a trail of smoke and tire marks behind? If so, you have witnessed the art of car drift racing, one of the most thrilling and challenging forms of motorsport. Car drift racing is not only about speed and power, but also about skill and control. It requires a lot of practice, patience, and passion to master.
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If you are interested in learning more about car drift racing, this article is for you. We will explain what car drift racing is, how it originated, what are its benefits and challenges, how to get started with it, and how to improve your performance. Whether you are a complete novice or an aspiring drifter, this article will provide you with useful information and tips to help you on your journey.
What is car drift racing?
Car drift racing is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers the car, causing the rear wheels to lose traction and slide sideways, while maintaining control and direction. The goal is to achieve the highest possible angle of drift, the highest possible speed, and the smoothest possible line through a corner or a curve.
Car drift racing can be done on various types of roads, such as asphalt, gravel, dirt, or snow. It can also be done on different types of courses, such as circuits, mountain passes, or city streets. Car drift racing can be performed solo or in tandem with other drivers, creating spectacular formations and synchronizations.
The history and origins of drifting
The origins of drifting can be traced back to Japan in the 1970s, where street racers known as hashiriya (literally "running wild") would challenge each other on mountain roads called touge (literally "pass"). These roads were narrow, winding, and steep, requiring the drivers to use advanced techniques to navigate them at high speeds. One of these techniques was drifting, which allowed the drivers to take corners faster and more smoothly.
One of the pioneers of drifting was Kunimitsu Takahashi, a former motorcycle racer who became a legend in the Japanese touring car championship. He developed his signature drifting style by using the throttle to break traction and slide his car through corners. He inspired many young racers who followed his footsteps, such as Keiichi Tsuchiya, who became known as the "Drift King" for his exceptional skills and charisma.
Drifting gained popularity and recognition in Japan thanks to the media exposure it received from magazines, videos, and TV shows. One of the most influential was the manga and anime series Initial D, which depicted the adventures of a young delivery driver who became a drifting prodigy. The series introduced drifting to a wider audience and sparked a global phenomenon.
The benefits and challenges of drifting
Drifting is not only fun and exciting, but also beneficial for drivers who want to improve their driving abilities. Drifting teaches drivers how to control their cars in extreme situations, how to react quickly and precisely, how to balance speed and angle, how to use different inputs (steering, braking, clutching, etc.), and how to adapt to different road conditions and environments. Drifting can also enhance drivers' confidence, creativity, and style.
However, drifting also comes with many challenges and risks. Drifting is not easy to learn and master, as it requires a lot of practice, dedication, and discipline. Drifting is also not cheap, as it involves a lot of wear and tear on the car and its components, especially the tires, which need to be replaced frequently. Drifting is also not safe, as it exposes the drivers and the spectators to potential accidents and injuries. Drifting is also not legal in most public roads, as it violates traffic laws and regulations.
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Therefore, drifting should be done with caution and responsibility, and only by drivers who have the proper knowledge, skills, equipment, and permission to do so.
How to get started with car drift racing?
If you are interested in trying car drift racing for yourself, you will need to prepare some things before you hit the road. Here are some of the steps you will need to take to get started with car drift racing:
Choosing the right car and equipment
The first thing you will need is a suitable car for drifting. Not all cars are created equal when it comes to drifting, as some have features and characteristics that make them more or less suitable for the task. Here are some of the factors you will need to consider when choosing a car for drifting:
Rear-wheel drive vs front-wheel drive vs all-wheel drive
The type of drivetrain your car has will affect how it behaves when drifting. Generally speaking, rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars are the best for drifting, as they allow the rear wheels to spin freely and slide easily. Front-wheel drive (FWD) cars are the worst for drifting, as they tend to understeer and lose traction when oversteered. All-wheel drive (AWD) cars are somewhere in between, as they can be modified to favor either the front or the rear wheels, but they are usually heavier and more complex than RWD cars.
Manual vs automatic transmission
The type of transmission your car has will affect how you control it when drifting. Generally speaking, manual transmission cars are better for drifting, as they give you more control over the engine speed and torque delivery. Automatic transmission cars are worse for drifting, as they tend to shift gears unpredictably and reduce the power output. However, some automatic transmission cars can be modified or equipped with features that allow you to manually override the gear selection or lock the torque converter.
Suspension, tires, brakes, and other modifications
The quality and condition of your car's suspension, tires, brakes, and other components will affect how it performs when drifting. Generally speaking, you will want to have a stiff and responsive suspension system that can handle the lateral forces and weight transfers when drifting. You will also want to have high-performance tires that can provide enough grip and durability when sliding. You will also want to have powerful and reliable brakes that can slow down your car quickly and precisely when needed. You may also want to consider other modifications that can improve your car's handling, stability, aerodynamics, cooling, weight distribution, etc.
Learning the basic techniques and skills
Once you have a suitable car for drifting, you will need to learn how to use it properly. Drifting is not something you can do by simply turning the steering wheel and stepping on the gas pedal. It requires a lot of coordination, timing, and finesse. Here are some of the basic techniques and skills you will need to learn how to drift:
Handbrake turn
This is one of the simplest and most common ways to initiate a drift. It involves pulling the handbrake (or e-brake) while entering a corner at moderate speed, causing the rear wheels to lock up and slide out. Then you release the handbrake and countersteer to maintain the drift angle while applying throttle to keep the rear wheels spinning.
Clutch kick
This is another common way to initiate a drift. It involves depressing the clutch pedal while entering a corner at high speed, causing the engine speed to rise. Then you release the clutch pedal abruptly, causing a sudden burst of torque to the rear wheels, making them lose traction and slide out. Then you countersteer and modulate the throttle to maintain the drift angle.
Power oversteer
This is a more advanced way to initiate a drift. It involves applying a lot of throttle while entering a corner at high speed, causing the rear wheels to overcome the grip limit and slide out. Then you countersteer and balance the throttle to maintain the drift angle. This technique requires a lot of power and skill, as it can easily result in spinning out or losing control.
Feint drift
This is a more subtle way to initiate a drift. It involves steering the car towards the outside of the corner before entering it, causing the car to shift its weight to one side. Then you quickly steer the car towards the inside of the corner, causing the car to swing its weight to the other side, making the rear wheels lose traction and slide out. Then you countersteer and modulate the throttle to maintain the drift angle.
Practicing on a safe and legal location
Once you have learned the basic techniques and skills of drifting, you will need to practice them on a suitable location. Drifting is not something you can do anywhere, as it can be dangerous and illegal. You will need to find a place that is safe, legal, and appropriate for drifting. Here are some of the options you can consider:
Drift tracks and courses
These are specially designed or modified venues that offer various types of layouts, obstacles, and challenges for drifting. They are usually equipped with safety features, such as barriers, fences, cones, etc., to prevent accidents and injuries. They are also regulated by rules and regulations, such as speed limits, time limits, etc., to ensure order and fairness. Drift tracks and courses are ideal for beginners who want to learn and practice drifting in a controlled and supervised environment.
Drift events and competitions
These are organized events that gather drifters from different levels and backgrounds to showcase their skills and compete with each other. They are usually held on drift tracks or courses, but sometimes they can also be held on public roads that are temporarily closed or restricted for the event. Drift events and competitions are ideal for intermediate and advanced drifters who want to challenge themselves and test their abilities against other drifters.
How to improve your car drift racing performance?
If you have already mastered the basics of drifting and want to take your performance to the next level, you will need to do more than just practicing. You will need to learn from others, join a community, and get feedback and advice. Here are some of the steps you can take to improve your car drift racing performance:
Watching and learning from the pros
One of the best ways to improve your drifting skills is to watch and learn from the professionals who have years of experience and expertise in drifting. You can observe how they execute different techniques, how they handle different situations, how they express their style and personality, etc. You can also learn from their tips, tricks, secrets, and advice that they share with their fans and followers. Here are some of the ways you can watch and learn from the pros:
Online videos and tutorials
There are many online platforms that offer a variety of videos and tutorials about drifting, such as YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, etc. You can watch these videos and tutorials at your own pace and convenience, and learn from different perspectives and angles. You can also interact with the creators and other viewers through comments, questions, feedback, etc.
Live shows and demonstrations
There are also many live shows and demonstrations that feature professional drifters performing their skills in front of an audience, such as exhibitions, festivals, carnivals, etc. You can watch these shows and demonstrations in person or online, and experience the thrill and excitement of drifting live. You can also meet and greet the performers after the show, ask them questions, take photos with them, etc.
Joining a car drift racing community
Another way to improve your drifting skills is to join a car drift racing community that shares your passion and interest in drifting. You can meet new people who have similar goals and aspirations as you, learn from their experiences and insights, and have fun and enjoy drifting together. You can also participate in various activities and events that the community organizes, such as meetups, workshops, sessions, etc. Here are some of the ways you can join a car drift racing community:
Online forums and groups
There are many online forums and groups that cater to drifters of different levels and backgrounds, such as Reddit, Facebook, Discord, etc. You can join these forums and groups and interact with other members through posts, comments, messages, etc. You can also share your own content, such as photos, videos, stories, etc., and get feedback and support from others.
Local clubs and teams
There are also many local clubs and teams that operate in different regions and areas, such as Drift Alliance, Team Orange, etc. You can join these clubs and teams and meet other drifters in your vicinity. You can also train and practice with them, exchange tips and advice, and form friendships and partnerships.
Getting feedback and advice from experts
The final way to improve your drifting skills is to get feedback and advice from experts who can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, correct your mistakes, and guide you towards your goals. You can also learn from their knowledge and wisdom, and apply it to your own practice. Here are some of the ways you can get feedback and advice from experts:
Online coaches and mentors
There are many online platforms that offer coaching and mentoring services for drifters of different levels and backgrounds, such as Drift 101, Drift School USA, etc. You can sign up for these services and get access to professional drifters who can provide you with personalized feedback and advice through online sessions, video calls, chat messages, etc.
In-person instructors and trainers
There are also many in-person programs that offer instruction and training for drifters of different levels and backgrounds, such as Drift Academy, Drift Masters, etc. You can enroll in these programs and get access to professional drifters who can provide you with hands-on feedback and advice through on-site sessions, live demonstrations, ride-alongs, etc.
Conclusion
Car drift racing is a fascinating and rewarding form of motorsport that can bring you a lot of joy and satisfaction. However, it is also a challenging and demanding form of motorsport that requires a lot of preparation, practice, and improvement. If you want to become a successful drifter, you will need to follow the steps we have outlined in this article:
Choose the right car and equipment for drifting
Learn the basic techniques and skills of drifting
Practice on a safe and legal location for drifting
Watch and learn from the pros of drifting
Join a car drift racing community
Get feedback and advice from experts
By following these steps, you will be able to enjoy car drift racing to the fullest, and achieve your drifting dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about car drift racing:
What is the difference between drifting and powersliding?
Drifting and powersliding are similar but not identical driving techniques. Drifting involves intentionally oversteering the car while maintaining control and direction. Powersliding involves intentionally oversteering the car while losing control and direction. Drifting is more skillful and graceful, while powersliding is more reckless and chaotic.
What are the best cars for drifting?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different cars may suit different drivers and preferences. However, some of the most popular and recommended cars for drifting are:
Nissan 240SX
Toyota AE86
Mazda RX-7
Nissan Skyline
BMW M3
These cars are known for their lightweight, agile, and balanced chassis, their powerful and responsive engines, and their affordable and customizable parts.
How much does it cost to drift?
The cost of drifting can vary depending on many factors, such as the type and condition of your car, the type and frequency of your practice, the type and level of your competition, etc. However, some of the main expenses you will need to consider are:
The initial cost of buying or building a drift car
The ongoing cost of maintaining and repairing your drift car
The recurring cost of replacing your tires and other consumables
The occasional cost of upgrading or modifying your drift car
The variable cost of renting or accessing a drift location
The optional cost of joining or attending a drift event or program
Depending on these factors, the cost of drifting can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month.
Is drifting illegal?
Drifting is illegal in most public roads, as it violates traffic laws and regulations, such as speed limits, lane discipline, noise restrictions, etc. Drifting can also endanger the safety and property of other road users and bystanders. Therefore, drifting should only be done on private or designated locations that have the proper permission and authorization to do so.
How can I learn more about drifting?
If you want to learn more about drifting, there are many resources and opportunities available for you. You can read books, magazines, blogs, articles, etc., that cover various aspects and topics of drifting. You can watch videos, movies, shows, documentaries, etc., that feature different styles and scenes of drifting. You can also enroll in courses, classes, workshops, etc., that teach you the theory and practice of drifting. You can also visit websites, apps, games, etc., that offer you interactive and immersive experiences of drifting. 44f88ac181
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