Drifting

Drifting is a motorsport driving technique where drivers intentionally make their car slide sideways through turns while maintaining complete control of the vehicle.

When a driver drifts, they deliberately cause the rear wheels to lose grip and slip across the track surface. This creates the signature sideways sliding motion that makes drifting so visually spectacular. Unlike an accidental skid, drifting requires precise control of the steering wheel, gas pedal, and sometimes the handbrake.

The key skill in drifting is counter-steering, which means turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the turn. For example, when going around a right-hand corner while drifting, the driver actually steers left to keep the car from spinning out completely. This technique is also called "opposite lock."

Drivers use several methods to start a drift. Clutch kicking involves quickly pressing and releasing the clutch pedal to upset the rear wheels' grip. Weight transfer techniques, like the Scandinavian flick, use the car's momentum to initiate the slide. Some drivers also use the handbrake to break the rear wheels loose.

Drifting has evolved from a driving technique into a full motorsport discipline with professional competitions worldwide. In drift competitions, judges score drivers based on their racing line, the angle of their slide, their speed, and their overall style and smoothness.

Tandem drifting, or "battles," represents the most exciting competition format. Two cars drift through the course together, with one leading and the other following as closely as possible. The chase car must mirror the lead car's movements while maintaining proximity, creating thrilling wheel-to-wheel action.

While drifting competitions focus on style and technique rather than lap times, the skills involved are also useful in other motorsports like rally racing, where controlled slides help drivers navigate tight corners efficiently on loose surfaces.