Drifting is one of the most exciting and dynamic motorsports, where drivers intentionally lose traction to control the car in a thrilling, controlled slide. But what exactly is drifting, and what makes it so unique? In this ultimate guide, we will explore the meaning of drifting, its history, techniques, the difference between drifting and powersliding, and much more. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced driver, this article will provide all the information you need to understand drifting in-depth.
1. What is Drifting?
Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers the car, causing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control through a corner. The objective is to control the car’s slide, using a combination of throttle, steering, and braking to keep the car drifting smoothly around the turn. Drifting is often seen in motorsports, particularly in events like Formula Drift, and has become a staple in car culture worldwide.
Key Points About Drifting:
- Oversteering: The rear tires break traction while the front tires still steer the car.
- Controlled Slide: Unlike losing control in a spin, drifting is about maintaining a controlled, deliberate slide.
- Cornering: Drifting is most commonly performed during high-speed cornering, where maintaining the slide without spinning out is critical.
2. The History of Drifting
Drifting began in Japan in the 1970s, where street racers started using the technique to gain speed on mountain roads (known as touge). It was popularized by motorsport enthusiasts like Kunio Mori and Keiichi Tsuchiya, the latter of whom became known as the "Drift King." As it gained popularity, drifting transitioned into professional motorsport competitions like D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift.
Key Milestones:
- 1970s: Drifting originates in Japan, with early practitioners using the technique in street racing.
- 1990s: Drifting evolves into a professional sport with competitions like D1 Grand Prix.
- 2000s: The sport is popularized globally, especially after being featured in movies like The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
3. Drifting Techniques: How Does Drifting Work?
Mastering drifting involves several key techniques that help drivers maintain control while sliding through corners.
Clutch Kick:
- What it is: The driver quickly disengages the clutch and then slams it back in to break traction on the rear wheels.
- When to Use: Often used in tight corners or when a car has too much grip and needs to be forced into a drift.
Handbrake Drift:
- What it is: The driver pulls the handbrake to lock the rear wheels momentarily, causing the car to slide.
- When to Use: Commonly used by beginners and in slower turns where the car needs to rotate quickly.
Power Oversteer:
- What it is: The driver applies too much throttle while cornering, causing the rear tires to break traction and initiate the drift.
- When to Use: Used in higher-speed corners where the driver wants to use throttle control to sustain a drift.
Feint Drift:
- What it is: The driver steers away from the turn before quickly turning into it, creating a weight transfer that induces a drift.
- When to Use: Effective on long, sweeping corners where you need to generate more momentum.
4. Powersliding vs. Drifting: What’s the Difference?
While drifting and powersliding both involve breaking traction and sliding the car, they are fundamentally different techniques with distinct purposes and outcomes. Understanding the key differences between the two can help clarify the meaning of drifting and its specific role in motorsports.
Powersliding:
- Definition: Powersliding is when the driver applies heavy throttle to spin the rear wheels and cause the car to slide, but without the intention of maintaining a controlled, long-lasting slide.
- Technique: Powersliding is often done with a quick burst of throttle to break traction and slide through a turn, but the focus is more on achieving speed rather than precision.
- Key Difference: Powerslides are typically less controlled than drifts and are used to navigate corners quickly rather than maintain a continuous slide.
Drifting:
- Definition: Drifting is a technique where the driver maintains a controlled slide around a corner, using throttle, steering, and braking to keep the car in a steady, long-lasting drift.
- Technique: Drifting is all about precision and control. The goal is to keep the car at a high angle while maintaining control throughout the entire turn.
- Key Difference: Drifting is much more deliberate and requires more finesse to control the car’s angle and speed through corners, while powersliding is more about achieving a quick, momentary slide.
Key Comparison Points:
| Feature | Drifting | Powersliding |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Control the car in a continuous slide | Initiate a brief slide to navigate a corner |
| Control | Requires constant steering adjustments | Less control, focus on speed |
| Skill Level | Requires advanced skills for precision | Easier to initiate, used in many motorsports |
| Slide Duration | Longer, sustained slides | Shorter, quicker slides |
| Used in | Drifting competitions (e.g., Formula Drift) | Street racing, rallycross, and circuit racing |
5. The Importance of Drifting in Motorsports
Drifting is not just a spectator sport; it is a crucial skill in many forms of motorsports. In events like Formula Drift and D1 Grand Prix, professional drivers compete by sliding their cars through corners with precision and style, earning points for the angle, speed, and control of their drifts.
Why Drifting is Important in Motorsports:
- Enhanced Control: Drifting allows drivers to maintain control of their car in high-speed turns, where traditional cornering techniques might cause the car to lose speed or stability.
- Skill Showcase: In motorsports, drifting showcases a driver's technical ability to control their car while navigating challenging corners.
- Fan Appeal: The dramatic nature of drifting, with cars sliding sideways in a controlled manner, makes it an exciting and visually captivating sport for fans.
6. Drifting Terminology: Key Terms You Should Know
To better understand drifting, here are some important terms commonly used in the sport:
- Angle: The degree to which the car’s rear wheels are turned while drifting. More angle generally indicates more aggressive drifting.
- Clutch Kick: A technique used to initiate a drift by quickly disengaging and re-engaging the clutch.
- Drift Angle: The maximum angle of the car’s slide relative to the direction of travel.
- Countersteering: Turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the slide to maintain control.
7. How to Start Drifting: Beginner Tips
If you're interested in learning how to drift, here are some key steps to get started:
- Choose the Right Car: A rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car is ideal for drifting. Cars like the Nissan 240SX, BMW E36, and Mazda RX-7 are excellent choices.
- Start in a Safe Area: Look for a drift school, track, or an empty parking lot (if legal) to practice.
- Learn the Basics: Start with basic techniques like clutch kicking, handbrake drifting, and practicing throttle control.
- Use the Right Modifications: Invest in coilovers for adjustable suspension, an angle kit for more steering, and a limited-slip differential (LSD) for better traction.
8. Conclusion:
Drifting is an exciting and challenging motorsport that requires skill, control, and precision. Understanding the meaning of drifting and how it differs from powersliding is the first step in mastering this technique. With practice, the right car setup, and a safe environment, you can develop the skills needed to become a great drifter.
