How To Drift: Mastering the Art of Controlled Slides
Drifting. The word conjures images of smoky tire burnouts, screaming engines, and gravity-defying maneuvers. It's a skill that looks incredibly difficult, but with practice and the right technique, you can learn to control these exhilarating slides. This guide will break down the fundamentals, helping you understand how to drift safely and effectively. Remember, always practice in a safe, controlled environment, ideally a designated track or empty parking lot. Never attempt drifting on public roads.
Understanding the Physics of Drifting
Before you even think about turning the wheel, you need to grasp the core concept: drifting is about intentionally breaking traction at the rear wheels (or all four, in some advanced techniques), then controlling the resulting slide. This isn't about losing control; it's about precisely managing a loss of control. It's a delicate dance between throttle, steering, and braking.
Key Factors Affecting a Drift:
- Throttle Control: This is arguably the most crucial element. You'll use the throttle to initiate the slide, maintain it, and ultimately bring the car back under control.
- Steering Input: Precise steering adjustments are needed to counter the car's rotation and maintain the angle of the drift. It's not a single, sharp turn, but a series of subtle corrections.
- Braking: While mostly used for slowing down before initiating or adjusting the drift angle, braking can also be subtly used during the drift for specific corrections, primarily for rear wheel drive vehicles.
- Vehicle Dynamics: The type of car (rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive) significantly impacts the technique. Rear-wheel-drive cars are generally easier to drift due to their weight distribution.
Techniques for Initiating a Drift
There are several ways to initiate a drift, each with its nuances. We'll focus on the most common methods:
The Clutch Kick (Rear-Wheel Drive):
- Approach a corner at a moderate speed.
- Downshift to a lower gear.
- Quickly release the clutch while simultaneously applying the throttle. This abrupt power application will cause the rear wheels to lose traction.
- Counter-steer (turn the wheel in the opposite direction of the slide) to control the angle of the drift.
- Maintain throttle and steering input to sustain the slide through the corner.
- Gradually ease off the throttle and steer the car out of the slide.
The Scandinavian Flick (All-Wheel Drive & Rear-Wheel Drive):
This technique involves a quick steering input and counter-steer:
- Enter a corner at moderate speed.
- Quickly jerk the steering wheel towards the inside of the turn.
- Immediately counter-steer to correct the oversteer.
- Use the throttle to control the drift angle and exit.
Handbrake Turn (Generally for rear wheel drive):
- Approach the corner at moderate speed.
- Pull the handbrake while simultaneously turning the steering wheel. This will cause a sudden loss of traction at the rear.
- Release the handbrake and use the throttle and steering to control the slide.
Practicing and Improving Your Drifting Skills
Practice makes perfect. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed and the intensity of your inputs as you gain confidence and skill. Focus on these key areas:
- Smoothness: Avoid jerky movements. All inputs should be controlled and deliberate.
- Consistency: Strive for repeatable drifts, maintaining a consistent angle and speed.
- Car Control: Master the feeling of the car's limits and learn to react accordingly.
- Visual Awareness: Pay attention to your surroundings.
Remember to always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, and practice in a controlled environment. With dedication and practice, you can master the art of controlled slides and experience the thrill of drifting.
