The Art Of Drifting

The Barbagallo Raceway, originally known as Wannero Park

, has been hosting races in Western Australia since 1969. In the beginning, the annual race was a six hour long Le Mans style race with sedans and sports cars, but as time went on, interest in the races began to die down. As a result, production car racing replaced sedans are the major race type.

Drifting, while relatively new to the states, has been one of the primary race types in other countries for years. Drifting, much like it sounds, is a lot like floating. It allows the driver to appear to almost float around corners during a race. While drifting isnt for everyone, and shouldnt be attempted in most cars, it has become extremely popular in racing over the years. Drifting, while is amazing for the fans to watch from the stands, also shaves time off the drivers time in the race. By drifting, it prevents the driver from having to slow down around corners, but, if done incorrectly, could cause a serious accident. Attempting to drift a split second too early or a half second too late can spell disaster not only for the driver, but for any other racer unfortunate enough to be near them at the time.

For this reason, drifting should only be done by professionals. While there are some courses that teach drifting, there are very few drivers who master the technique. Many have been injured in the attempt, and a few drivers were actually killed as a result of a mistimed drift attempt. Courses that do teach drivers how to drift often require a waiver of some kind before the class begins, assuring they cannot be held liable for any injury up to and including death.

Drifting originated in the rural mountains of Japan. The first form of drifting was called Togue (mountain racing). It was a popular racing technique used in All Japan Touring Car Championships over 30 years ago. Kunimitus Takahasi, former motor cycle racing legend turned driver, is hailed as the creator of drifting. He was well known for hitting the apex (the point where the car is as close as it can be to the inside of a turn) at the highest possible speed, then drifting through the corner. Takihashis dangerous but popular technique earned him several awards and a group of devoted fans in Japan who enjoyed watching Takahashi float around corners and burn rubber on tires.

Years later, Keiichi Tsuchiya adopted Takahashis technique and adopted it as he own, making a name for himself in the racing community. His drifting technique led to videos being produced of Tsuchiyas skills. The video, being called Pluspy, introduced the world to the technique and served as inspiration for other drivers to attempt drifting themselves.

The technique has evolved since then, and Americans have not only improved the technique, but in some cases perfected it. Drifting is now turned into a competitive sport, where drivers are judged and earn points based on various factors. While extremely popular, drifting is not recognized as a professional form of motor sport by FIA.

by: Rajkumar Jonnala

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