As drifting continues to gain popularity, people who had no idea what drifting was before they saw it in “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” are talking about drifting. So, it becomes the drifters’ responsibility to let people know what drifting is really about; what it takes and what the consequences can be if you make a poor decision. It might be easier to simply blame the movie for its inaccurate depiction of the motor sport. But, for those who care about what drifting is and what drifting is going to become, keep reading.
Let’s get this straight; drifting is a high-skill motor sport that requires development, discipline and self control from its drivers. Learning how to drift doesn’t happen over night, it takes lots of practice and a good understanding of car dynamics. When you drift, you are controlling a 2500-pound projectile that is traveling sideways at 70 MPH with just your hands and feet. Sounds insane right? That’s because it is! Drifting a car shouldn’t be taken lightly and should never be done on a public road. Drifting on the street can carry a hefty fine, jail time and even land your car in an impound lot, somtimes collecting fines for 30 days. Don’t bother with the headache that can come from one wrong decision, learn the right way from the start and take it to the track.
Drifting on the street just isn’t necessary when legal events are open to anyone, this includes drifting fans. As an alternative to more expensive D1 and Formula D events, fans can attend local events for next to nothing. In Southern California we have organizations like justDRIFT and Drift Day among others. There you can learn how to drift in a safe environment with professional instructors. Almost every other week you can attend one of these local events that cater to all levels of drivers. After many years of experiencing drifting and instructing, I get to see the different faces of those who are eager to learn or just give drifting a try. We’ve had new driftings sign up from many backgrounds including; movie stars, lawyers, doctors, racing instructors, etc. The more dedicated you are to learning, the easier and faster you will learn. Take it to the track and you’ll be on the right track to having fun and becoming a better driver.
Some more advantages of drifting on a track include:
- Safety is first and foremost
- Supervision by an experienced staff
- Technical/safety inspections before each event
- Paramedics on site in case of emergency
- Closed, controlled environment
- Free instruction available
- No tickets/fines/jail time
- Not endangering innocent people
- Learn faster and safer than on the street
Charlie Ongsingco is the founder of ‘justDRIFT’ a organization that holds legal drifting events in Southern California. For more information about legal drifting visit justDRIFT’s website or view Drift Safe’s “Getting Involved” section.
Article first published on DriftSafe.org
I really liked the article on legal drifting. I just got done reading one about a 17 year old boy who thought he was Keiichi Tsuchiya, th drift king, but found out the hard way that he is not, so now he’s going to the school of hard knocks. His sister was killed when he was attempting a drift and spun out of control slamming into a tree. She was only 15, he now faces up to 10 years in prison for felony manslaughter with a dangerous weapon. But the worst thing is that he has to live wih that guilt for the rest of hi life. So, yes I agree whole heartedly, learn how to drift before you try it and even if you know how, SAVE IT FOR THE TRACKS, DUMMIES!!!! Or you might have to visit our friend in prison.
I personally haven’t drifted yet, I’m still in my study/ research part of my education. I am; however, very excited and nervous about atually doing it. I still havn’t even been to an actual event, not yet. Thanks for your time, and I hope what you wrote will save some lives, and I hope its alright, but I am going to quote you in my research paper that i’m writting for English 102. Don’t worry, I’ll put you in my works cited page. Thanks H/ azdriftin
Comment by Heather — October 1, 2006 #
Good luck on the paper.
Comment by DriftLive.com — October 1, 2006 #
where can I learn to drift? I live in NY but am willing to travel anywhere on the northeast to learn. Or if you know of any tracks where I can drive please help me out. Thanks!
Comment by Tom — June 21, 2007 #
were can i learn how to drift i have gone to empty parking lots and im really good and i love to go pro if u can help me that will be great…thanks
Comment by derek — October 24, 2007 #
http://www.justdrift.com
http://www.driftday.com
http://www.driftbuffet.com
Comment by DriftLive.com — October 26, 2007 #
were to start drifting thinking about toyota corrola 70s and were to drift at im in ar also from tulsa ok
Comment by steve — December 17, 2007 #
i am also writing a research paper does any one have any cool things on drifting that i should add. or any good phrases that have something to do with drifting
Comment by kaldranai — February 17, 2008 #
same as the dude above
Comment by minnight2118 — February 17, 2008 #
kool thanks im doing a research paper to and this was pretty useful. im gonna put this on my work sited dont worry.
Comment by Triple S — March 19, 2008 #
i licke learn to drift .drift is in mu hard.
Comment by Dk_ZmEj@ — April 14, 2008 #
i love to drift when i turn 18 i want to staat a career in it. do u know how i can start?
Comment by nick rhew — April 17, 2008 #
drifting is the best sport in the world
Comment by nick rhew — April 17, 2008 #
if any one knows anything about it email me at rrhewfl@yahoo,com
Comment by nick rhew — April 17, 2008 #
I want to learn to drift! But I know nothing about the basic techniques. Will I embarrass myself if I attend one of these events? Also, do you have to have your own car or do places loan you one for the day?
Comment by Nate — May 3, 2008 #
everyone starts drifting at some point, so there’s nothing to be embarassed about if you’re new and you’re on the track!
you’ll learn faster and safer on the track than you will trying to hone your skills off track til you think you’re ready.. just go to the track first
as for a loaner car the only ones that loan cars i know of are driftday for their drift101 learning class
info on it @driftday.com
Comment by cfrost — May 3, 2008 #
i am omani drifter check in youtube about omani drift
Comment by hoosa — July 6, 2008 #