Drifting is a style of driving where the driver will use a combination of the throttle, clutch, brakes, gear shifting and steering wheel to keep the car sideways while going around corners. Drifters emphasise the control of the car by determining the exact amount of counter steer in relation to throttle and brakes to shift the weight of the car to the back or front through the turns. They do all this while sticking to the racing lines or clipping points and they maintain extreme slip angles.

Many track enthusiasts will say that drifting is definitely not the fastest way around a track but so what? There is nothing more fun than going sideways through corners with clouds of smoke coming from your tyres while doing it. The main thing about drifting is having fun. It takes a certain amount of skill to control the throttle, brakes and steering to force the car sideways and it should only be done on a track. You also have to exercise quick counter steering and have sharp reflexes. If you don’t apply enough throttle to the car, it will straighten and applying too much will cause the car to spin out. Spin outs can be pretty harmless sometimes but you can also have an ugly crash if you hit a wall.

A lot of drivers will enjoy practicing on the grass so that they can learn how to handle a car safely when it’s at its’ limit. They will also save their tyres by doing this as there won’t be much wear done to the tyres. Other drivers will prefer to screech around corners on a track with smoke bellowing from the tyres. It is even possible for the tyres to give off coloured smoke to really add to the show. It is such an adrenaline rush and in its simplest sense, it is pure driving fun and enjoyment.

Drifting originated on the winding roads of the mountains of Japan in the early 1990s and it quickly grew more popular and the first official competition called D1GP was held in 2000. Petrol heads from all over the world soon caught wind of this crazy new sport and the sport quickly became global. More and more drifting competitions were popping up all over the globe, one of them being Driftworks which was established in 2004.

If you love drifting, Motors24 is your portal to all types of motor shows, events, etc. Visit motors24.co.za for all the latest drifting competitions and news.