Drift Life: The Ultimate Guide to the Art of Sideways Driving
Have you ever seen a car sliding sideways through a corner, leaving a trail of smoke and tire marks behind? If so, you have witnessed the phenomenon of drifting, a driving technique that involves intentionally oversteering and losing traction while maintaining control and speed. Drifting is not only a thrilling way to drive, but also a form of motorsport that attracts millions of fans and enthusiasts around the world.
But what is drift life? How did it start? What are the best cars and techniques for drifting? And what are the events and competitions that showcase the skills and talents of drifters? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, as we explore the fascinating world of drift life.
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The history and origin of drifting
Drifting is widely regarded as a Japanese invention, although some argue that it has roots in Europe before the 1950s. However, there is no doubt that Japan was the place where drifting became popularized and refined as a driving style and a motorsport.
The pioneers of drifting in Japan
The first person to introduce drifting to the Japanese racing scene was Kunimitsu Takahashi, a former motorcycle racer who switched to cars in the 1970s. He drove a Nissan Skyline GT-R in the All Japan Touring Car Championship, where he used his signature technique of sliding the rear wheels through corners to gain an advantage over his rivals. He also entertained the crowds with his flamboyant driving style, earning him several championships and a loyal fan base.
One of his fans was Keiichi Tsuchiya, who later became known as the "Drift King" or "Dorikin" in Japanese. Tsuchiya was inspired by Takahashi's drifting skills, and decided to practice them on the mountain roads of Japan, where he quickly gained a reputation among street racers. In 1987, he starred in a video called Pluspy, which showcased his drifting abilities on various roads and tracks. The video became a hit among car enthusiasts, and sparked the interest in drifting among the general public.
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The spread of drifting culture worldwide
In 1988, Tsuchiya teamed up with Daijiro Inada, the founder of Option magazine, to organize one of the first events dedicated to drifting, called the Ikaten (short for Ikasu Hashiriya Team Tengoku). The event attracted many drivers who wanted to show off their drifting skills and compete against each other. It also established some of the basic rules and criteria for judging drifting, such as speed, angle, line, and style.
As drifting became more popular in Japan, it also caught the attention of drivers and media from other countries. In the 1990s, drifting events were held in places like Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and North America. Drifting also influenced other forms of motorsport, such as rally racing and gymkhana. Drifting also became a part of pop culture, thanks to manga series like Initial D, movies like The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and video games like Need for Speed.
The best drift cars and techniques
Drifting requires a combination of skill, courage, and creativity from the driver. But it also requires a suitable car that can handle the demands of sliding sideways at high speeds. Not all cars are created equal when it comes to drifting potential.
The characteristics of a good drift car
The most important feature of a good drift car is rear-wheel drive (R WD) configuration, which means that the power is delivered to the rear wheels only. This allows the driver to break traction and control the angle and direction of the car with the throttle and steering inputs. Front-wheel drive (FWD) cars, on the other hand, tend to understeer and lose speed when oversteered. All-wheel drive (AWD) cars can also drift, but they require more power and modifications to achieve the same effect as RWD cars.
Another key factor of a good drift car is a powerful and responsive engine that can provide enough torque and acceleration to initiate and sustain a drift. Turbocharged engines are preferred by many drifters, as they offer more boost and performance than naturally aspirated engines. However, some drifters prefer the simplicity and reliability of non-turbo engines, especially for street driving.
A good drift car also needs a balanced and lightweight chassis that can handle the stress and forces of drifting. A lower center of gravity, a wider track, and a shorter wheelbase are desirable traits for a drift car, as they improve the stability and agility of the car. A stiff suspension, a limited-slip differential, and a hydraulic handbrake are also common modifications that enhance the drifting capabilities of a car.
Some of the most popular drift cars are Japanese models, such as the Toyota AE86, the Nissan Silvia, the Mazda RX-7, and the Toyota Supra. These cars are known for their affordability, availability, and tunability, as well as their performance and style. However, drifters also use cars from other countries, such as the BMW M3, the Ford Mustang, and the Chevrolet Camaro.
The methods to initiate and maintain a drift
Drifting is not just about sliding the car sideways, but also about controlling the car's speed, angle, line, and style. There are many techniques that drifters use to initiate and maintain a drift, depending on the situation and preference. Here are some of the most common methods:
Clutch kick: This involves quickly pressing and releasing the clutch pedal while accelerating, which causes a sudden surge of power to the rear wheels and breaks traction.
Handbrake: This involves pulling the handbrake lever while turning into a corner, which locks up the rear wheels and induces oversteer.
Power over: This involves applying more throttle while exiting a corner, which causes the rear wheels to spin faster than the front wheels and lose grip.
Feint: This involves swerving or flicking the car in the opposite direction of the corner before turning in, which shifts the weight of the car and creates momentum for oversteer.
Lift off: This involves lifting off or easing off the throttle while entering a corner, which reduces the load on the rear wheels and makes them slide.
Braking: This involves braking hard while entering a corner, which transfers the weight to the front wheels and reduces the grip on the rear wheels.
To maintain a drift, the driver has to balance the throttle, steering, brake, and clutch inputs to keep the car in a state of controlled chaos. The driver has to modulate the throttle to adjust the speed and angle of the car, steer in the direction of the slide to counteract the oversteer, use the brake to slow down or change direction if needed, and use the clutch to change gears or disengage the engine if necessary. The driver also has to pay attention to the road conditions, the car's behavior, and the other drivers or obstacles around them.
The drifting events and competitions
Drifting is not only a fun and exciting way to drive, but also a competitive sport that tests the skills and abilities of drivers and their cars. There are many events and competitions that cater to different levels and styles of drifting, from grassroots to professional.
The types and formats of drifting events
There are two main types of drifting events: solo and tandem. Solo events are where drivers drift individually on a course, and are judged based on their speed, angle, line, and style. Tandem events are where drivers drift in pairs or groups, and are judged based on their proximity, synchronization, and aggressiveness. Some events combine both types of drifting, such as team battles or knockout rounds.
There are also different formats of drifting events, depending on the rules and regulations of the organizers. Some of the most common formats are:
Drift matsuri: This is a Japanese term that means "drift festival". It is a casual and informal event where drivers can drift freely on a track or a road, without any judging or scoring. It is a way for drifters to have fun, practice, and socialize with other drifters.
Gymkhana: This is a type of event where drivers have to drift through a series of obstacles, such as cones, barrels, gates, or ramps, in the shortest time possible. It is a way for drifters to demonstrate their precision, agility, and creativity.
Drift challenge: This is a type of event where drivers have to perform specific tasks or challenges while drifting, such as drifting around a moving object, drifting in reverse, or drifting with a passenger. It is a way for drifters to show off their skills and tricks.
Drift championship: This is a type of event where drivers compete against each other in a series of rounds or stages, with the aim of becoming the champion or the winner. It is a way for drifters to prove their consistency, performance, and competitiveness.
The famous drifting drivers and teams
Drifting has produced many famous drivers and teams who have made their mark in the history and culture of drifting. Some of them are:
Kunimitsu Takahashi: The father of drifting, who introduced the technique to Japanese racing in the 1970s.
Keiichi Tsuchiya: The drift king, who popularized drifting on the mountain roads and in the media in the 1980s.
Daijiro Inada: The founder of Option magazine and D1 Grand Prix, who organized some of the first drifting events and competitions in Japan.
Vaughn Gittin Jr.: The first American driver to win the D1 Grand Prix in 2005, and the founder of RTR Drift Team.
James Deane: The Irish driver who won multiple championships in Europe and America, including Formula Drift three times in a row from 2017 to 2019.
Fredric Aasbo: The Norwegian driver who holds the record for the most wins in Formula Drift history, with 14 victories as of 2021.
Ken Block: The American driver who became famous for his Gymkhana videos, which showcase his drifting skills in various locations and scenarios.
Nomuken: The Japanese driver who is known for his humorous personality and his trademark monkey mask.
Conclusion: The benefits and challenges of drift life
Drift life is not for everyone. It requires passion, dedication, and courage to pursue this unconventional and risky way of driving. Drifting can be expensive, dangerous, and illegal if done without proper care and caution. Drifting can also damage the car, the tires, and the environment if done irresponsibly.
However, drift life can also be rewarding, fulfilling, and fun for those who love it. Drifting can be a form of expression, artistry, and entertainment that showcases the driver's personality and creativity. Drifting can also be a way to make friends, join communities, and participate in events that celebrate the culture and spirit of drifting. Drifting can also improve the driver's confidence, coordination, and control over their car.
If you want to experience drift life for yourself, you can start by learning the basics of drifting, finding a suitable car and a safe place to practice, and joining a local drifting club or event. You can also watch drifting videos, read drifting magazines, and follow drifting drivers and teams on social media. You can also visit some of the famous drifting spots around the world, such as Ebisu Circuit in Japan, Willow Springs Raceway in California, or Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Drift life is more than just a hobby or a sport. It is a lifestyle and a passion that can enrich your life and make you happy. As Keiichi Tsuchiya once said, "Drifting is not a crime. It is a way to have fun with your car."
FAQs: Five common questions and answers about drift life
Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers about drift life:
What is the difference between drifting and powersliding?
Drifting and powersliding are similar techniques that involve sliding the car sideways, but they have different purposes and outcomes. Drifting is done intentionally and continuously, with the aim of maintaining speed and control while oversteering. Powersliding is done accidentally or occasionally, with the aim of slowing down or correcting understeer.
Is drifting illegal?
Drifting is illegal on public roads, as it violates traffic laws and endangers other drivers and pedestrians. Drifting can also result in fines, penalties, or arrests if caught by the authorities. Drifting is legal on private tracks or designated areas, as long as it follows the rules and regulations of the organizers and owners.
How much does drifting cost?
Drifting can be expensive, depending on the level and frequency of drifting. Drifting can cost money for buying or modifying a car, buying or replacing tires, paying for gas, oil, and maintenance, paying for track fees or event tickets, paying for insurance or repairs, and paying for travel or accommodation. Drifting can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month.
How do I learn to drift?
The best way to learn to drift is to take lessons from a professional instructor or an experienced drifter, who can teach you the theory and practice of drifting. You can also learn from online tutorials, books, or videos, but they are not a substitute for hands-on experience. You also need a suitable car and a safe place to practice, such as a track or an empty parking lot.
Where can I watch drifting?
You can watch drifting live at various events and competitions around the world, such as Formula Drift, D1 Grand Prix, Drift Masters European Championship, or King of Europe. You can also watch drifting online on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, or Netflix. You can also watch drifting on TV channels such as ESPN, Fox Sports, or Red Bull TV.
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