What is Drifting? The Complete Guide to Understanding, Mastering, and

Drifting is much more than a motorsport; it’s a cultural phenomenon that combines skill, precision, and adrenaline. It's an art form that takes driving to a whole new level. Whether you're looking to get into drifting, or simply curious about its origins and how it has evolved into the global competition it is today, this article will cover everything you need to know about drifting—from its history, techniques, and competition formats, to the best cars for drifting and how to get started in the sport. Buckle up, because we’re about to take a deep dive into the world of drifting!

The Origins of Drifting: From Mountain Roads to Global Circuits

Drifting didn’t just emerge overnight; its roots stretch back to the mountain passes of Japan in the 1970s. This was a time when Japanese street racers sought to push the limits of their cars on narrow, winding roads. The technique of drifting—sliding a car sideways through a corner, maintaining control while doing so—was born out of necessity. It allowed racers to maintain speed through sharp turns without losing control.

The first major figure to popularize drifting was Kunisuke “Kuni” Sakai, a street racer from the Ibaraki Prefecture. He pioneered many of the techniques that would become synonymous with drifting. However, it was Keiichi Tsuchiya, also known as the "Drift King," who took drifting from the mountains of Japan and turned it into a global phenomenon. Tsuchiya’s racing skills and his participation in various motorsports, particularly in the All Japan Touring Car Championship and D1 Grand Prix, helped elevate drifting's profile. He also showcased his abilities in street races, eventually appearing in popular films like Initial D, further cementing his status as the face of drifting in the late ‘90s.

What Is Drifting?

At its core, drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers the car, causing the rear tires to lose traction while maintaining control of the vehicle through the corner. This requires a delicate balance between power, braking, and steering input. The goal is to complete the corner in a controlled sideways motion, often with the rear tires smoking and the car skimming the edge of control—yet always under the driver’s command.

Drifting isn’t just about sliding; it’s about maintaining speed, style, and most importantly, precision. Successful drifters don't just rely on raw power but also finesse. Drifting is a combination of:

Oversteering: The car is intentionally made to lose traction in the rear, sending the vehicle into a controlled slide.
Throttle Control: The driver uses the accelerator to maintain the angle of the drift, adjusting the throttle as needed to control the car's movement.
Braking: Sometimes, the driver uses the brakes to initiate or stabilize the drift, particularly with techniques like the e-brake or brake drift.
Steering: The driver must quickly countersteer to control the car’s direction and prevent spinning out of control.

The key to drifting is that it’s not about the fastest lap time, but about style, control, and consistency through the corners.

Types of Drifting: Street Drifting vs. Professional Drifting

There are two main avenues for drifting: street drifting and professional drifting.

Street Drifting:

Street drifting involves racing on public roads, often illegally, and is where drifting truly began. It’s risky and requires immense skill, as drivers must navigate tight corners and busy streets while maintaining control of their car. The allure of street drifting comes from its raw, unregulated nature, but it’s also fraught with dangers—both to the driver and to others on the road.

Professional Drifting:

Professional drifting takes place in controlled environments like racetracks, with established safety measures in place. The main organization governing competitive drifting is Formula Drift in the U.S. and D1 Grand Prix in Japan, although there are various drifting series across the world. In professional drifting, drivers compete against each other to complete a series of corners in the most stylish and controlled manner possible. Unlike other motorsports, drifting competitions aren’t just about speed—they’re about executing the most impressive drift with the highest level of control.

Drifting Competitions: How Are They Judged?

Drifting competitions are not measured by lap times but by a set of subjective and objective criteria. Judges score based on a combination of factors, including:

Line: The ideal drift line is often set by the course designer, and it’s the path the driver should take through the course. A perfect line follows the ideal trajectory through each corner.
Angle: The angle of the car during the drift is crucial. The greater the angle (without losing control), the higher the score. However, too much angle can lead to a loss of speed, so it’s all about balance.
Style: Drifting is about showmanship. Judges reward drifters who make their slides look controlled and stylish. This includes maintaining smooth transitions between drifts and making the most of the car’s ability to hold angles.
Speed: While drifting isn't about pure speed, maintaining a high rate of speed during the drift without losing control is rewarded. Higher speeds show skill and mastery over the car.
Consistency: In multi-run events, drivers are scored based on how consistent they are over several runs, not just one. The ability to repeat a clean, stylish drift is important.

The Formula Drift series in the U.S. is one of the most prominent drifting competitions in the world, drawing in some of the best drivers, like Chelsea DeNofa, James Deane, and Fredric Aasbø. These events are judged by a panel of experienced drivers and mechanics, ensuring that the scoring is both fair and accurate.

How to Drift: A Beginner's Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to get behind the wheel and try your hand at drifting, here's a step-by-step guide on how to get started.

1. Understand the Basics:

Drifting is a controlled loss of traction. Before attempting it, you need to familiarize yourself with the car’s handling, throttle response, and braking system.

2. Pick the Right Car:

For beginners, it's important to start with a rear-wheel-drive car. This gives you the ability to control the rear wheels and perform controlled slides. Popular cars for drifting include:

Nissan 240SX
Toyota AE86
BMW E30/E36
Mazda RX-7
Ford Mustang (for muscle car enthusiasts)

3. Learn the Basic Techniques:

Clutch Kick: A common technique to break traction is the clutch kick, where the driver disengages the clutch and then quickly re-engages it, causing a burst of power to the rear wheels.
Handbrake (E-Brake) Drift: Pulling the handbrake momentarily while turning helps to initiate the drift by locking the rear wheels.
Power Over: This technique involves applying excessive throttle to break traction and get the car into a drift.
Feint Drift: The driver turns the car away from the corner and then quickly turns back in, causing the rear end to slide out.

4. Practice in a Safe Environment:

Find a large, empty parking lot or a track specifically designed for drifting. Start slow and gradually work your way up to higher speeds. It’s crucial to practice throttle control, steering, and braking.

5. Master the Counter-Steer:

Once you initiate the drift, you must quickly counter-steer the car to maintain control. Too much steering and you’ll spin out; too little, and the car will straighten.

6. Gradually Build Your Skills:

Once you've learned the basics, start drifting on wider corners. As you gain confidence, try tighter corners and more advanced techniques.

Top Cars for Drifting

The most popular cars for drifting aren’t necessarily the fastest or most expensive; they’re often affordable, rear-wheel-drive, and easy to modify. Here are a few examples of the best cars for drifting:

Nissan 240SX: Widely regarded as the perfect beginner drift car due to its rear-wheel-drive layout, lightweight, and easily modified engine.
Toyota AE86: Popularized by Initial D, the AE86 is light, nimble, and has a perfect chassis for drifting.
BMW E30/E36: A favorite among European drifters, these cars are known for their well-balanced chassis and strong aftermarket support.
Mazda RX-7: Known for its rotary engine, the RX-7 is a lightweight car with perfect balance, making it a top contender in competitive drifting.
Ford Mustang: For those who prefer muscle cars, the Mustang has a strong V8 engine, making it a powerful choice for American drifters.

Getting Into Drifting: Tips and Advice

Getting into drifting requires more than just the desire to drive sideways—it requires a mindset, commitment, and plenty of preparation. Here’s how to get started:

Learn the Basics of Car Control: Before even thinking about drifting, you need to understand the fundamentals of car control, including how your car handles in various situations (e.g., braking, turning, etc.).
Get the Right Gear: While the car is the most important piece of the puzzle, the right gear can make a significant difference in your drifting experience. Invest in a good pair of gloves, racing seat, and a helmet. Some drivers also install a bucket seat and a harness for added safety.
Take a Drift School: There are many driving schools that specialize in teaching drifting, such as Drift 101, Formula Drift's Pro-Am series, or Jimmy Broadbent’s Virtual Drift Academy.
Attend Local Events: Find local drift events or meets to learn from other drivers. You can also attend drift track days, where you can practice on a closed course with professional instructors.
Modify Your Car: As you gain more experience, you’ll want to modify your car to suit your drifting style. This might involve upgrading suspension components, getting more horsepower, or installing a limited-slip differential for better power distribution.
Stay Safe: Drifting can be dangerous, so always ensure you’re in a controlled environment, wear safety gear, and be mindful of your limits. Respect the sport and the people you share the track with.

The Future of Drifting

As drifting continues to grow worldwide, it's evolving with technology, safety regulations, and even the emergence of electric drift cars. Many drivers are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, constantly coming up with new techniques, car setups, and innovations. We can expect to see more exciting developments in this high-speed, high-stakes sport in the years to come.

Drifting is a blend of technical mastery, creativity, and performance. Whether you're looking to get involved, follow the competitions, or simply admire the skill and precision involved, there's no denying the appeal of this exciting motorsport. From its humble beginnings on Japanese mountain roads to the top stages of international competitions, drifting has become a global sensation—one that continues to grow and evolve with every drift.