How to Drift

Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally causes the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control of the vehicle through a corner. Drifting is commonly associated with motorsports like drifting competitions and can be a thrilling skill to master. Here's a basic guide on how to drift in racing:

1. Choose the Right Vehicle:

• While you can attempt to drift with many types of cars, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars with a manual transmission are often preferred for drifting due to their characteristics.

2. Find a Suitable Location:

• Drifting should only be practiced in safe, controlled environments, such as a closed circuit or an empty parking lot. Avoid public roads or areas with traffic.

3. Prepare Your Car:

• Ensure your car is in good mechanical condition, with properly inflated tires and functioning brakes.
• You can adjust the tire pressure to make drifting easier. Lowering the rear tire pressure slightly can improve traction and make it easier to break the rear wheels loose.

4. Weight Transfer:

• Understand that drifting relies on shifting the weight of the car to break traction in the rear wheels.
• Approach the corner at a speed that allows you to control the drift (usually faster than normal cornering speed).
• As you enter the corner, quickly release the throttle to shift weight to the front of the car.

5. Power Oversteer:

• Apply power to the rear wheels (step on the gas) to break traction in the rear tires.
• The amount of power you apply depends on the car, its setup, and the corner. It takes practice to find the right balance.

6. Countersteer:

• As the rear wheels start to slide, you'll need to steer in the opposite direction to counter the slide (this is called countersteering).
• For example, if the rear of the car starts to slide to the right, you'll turn the steering wheel to the right to bring it back under control.

7. Throttle Control:

• Modulate the throttle to maintain the drift. Applying too much throttle can cause the car to spin out, while too little can end the drift prematurely.
• Work the throttle and steering inputs together to maintain the desired drift angle.

8. Practice:

• Drifting takes practice, and you may not get it right away. Be patient and start with smaller, controlled drifts before attempting more aggressive maneuvers.

9. Safety Gear:

• When drifting on a track, always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, racing suit, gloves, and a racing harness.

10. Learn from Experts: - Consider taking a drifting class or seeking guidance from experienced drifters to improve your skills.

It's crucial to prioritize safety when practicing drifting. While it can be exciting, it also carries inherent risks. Always practice in a safe and controlled environment, and avoid attempting drifting on public roads. Additionally, adhere to any track rules and regulations when drifting on a closed circuit.