Drifting for Dummies: 5 Things You'll Need to Get Sideways
Whenever drifting is mentioned online, there always seems to be a keyboard warrior claiming that the sport is either dead, or on it's way out. Many want to blame the sponsors, the high-horsepower builds of Formula Drift, the ubiquity of V8 swaps or the changes in technique from traditional Japanese drifting. They argue that the purity of the sport has been lost, and that true grassroots drifting is all but over.
A visit to one of iTrack Motorsport's Open Drift events, however, proved otherwise. Drivers from all skill levels spent the day practicing, testing equipment and even getting some tandem runs in. Grassroots events like these are held all across the country and provide enthusiasts with a chance to get their feet wet in the sport.
Just remember these five things before you head out to the track:
1. Safety first!
The most important thing to remember in any form of racing is to stay safe. iTrack Motorsports requires all drivers to have a Snell SA2010 or higher rated helmet.
2. Pick your poison.
While choosing the perfect drift car is a debate better left for Facebook, beginners are lucky in that they won't need perfection to get started. A rear-wheel-drive orientation is a must, but the options are nearly endless from there. Track events will require a safety inspection that confirms your wheels, tires, steering components, engine, brakes and safety equipment are in safe, working order.
3. Bring plenty of rubber.
While not an absolute must, it's a good idea to have at least one extra set of wheels and tires for the day. A successful day of drifting will wear through tires quickly, and having spares could mean ending your day early or drifting into the night. This is not the time to be picky! Many drivers find it easier to use OEM wheels or replica wheels as spares to keep expenses down.
4. Prepare for the worst.
The high stresses of aggressive driving coupled with older cars are a recipe for trouble. By having a set of tools handy and buying common replacement parts beforehand, drivers can minimize their time spent off the track. Be familiar with your vehicle, and be ready to repair common issues associated with drifting before you arrive.
5. Consider a tow pig.
While some drivers choose to drive their car to the track, the specialization of a car for drifting will increasingly make it less convenient to drive on the street. This Ford F-250 with Nitto 420S tires makes for a perfect hauler.
Professional drifting is certainly a blast to watch, but grassroots drifting doesn't need to be about big-money builds and flashy sponsors.
