What is Drifting?

Welcome to the World of Drifting

 

What is Drifting?

Originating from the mountains of Japan, driver's copied the style that rally cars used on turns and took the same style to the streets. Drifting is an exhilarating motorsport driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control through the entire corner. It's a perfect blend of skill, precision, and adrenaline that has captivated motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.

The Art of Controlled Chaos

Unlike traditional racing where the goal is to maintain maximum grip, drifting is all about controlled loss of traction. Drivers use a combination of throttle control, steering input, and weight transfer to keep their car sliding sideways through corners at high speeds - all while maintaining complete control.

Key Techniques

  • Clutch Kick: A quick engagement of the clutch to break traction
  • Handbrake Entry: Using the handbrake to initiate the drift
  • Power Over: Using throttle to maintain the slide
  • Weight Transfer: Shifting the car's balance to control the drift angle
  • Counter-Steering: Steering opposite to the direction of the turn to maintain control

Why Drift?

Drifting isn't just about going sideways, it combines skill, style, and adrenaline. It's both a competitive motorsport and an art form where drivers express their individual style through car control, angle, and smoke. The African Drift Series brings this exciting sport to drivers across the continent.

What to gain?

  • Skill Development: Mastering car control in challenging conditions
  • Community: Joining a passionate global motorsport family
  • Expression: Developing your own unique driving style
  • Competition: Testing your abilities against other skilled drivers
  • Pure Fun: Experiencing the thrill of controlled chaos

Drifting in Africa

The African Drift Series brings this exciting motorsport to our community, offering everyone from complete beginners to experienced drivers the opportunity to learn, practice, and compete in a safe, professional environment. Whether you're looking to try something new or take your skills to the next level, we're here to help you experience the thrill of drifting.

Getting Started: What You Need

To begin drifting, you need a rear-wheel-drive car such as an older or newer BMW, Nissan 200sx or 240sx or even a 350-370z, or a Mercedes Benz, Mazda RX-7 or RX-8 or rear wheel drive Toyota or even a converted front wheel drive vehicle to rear wheel drive with basic safety equipment. If your budget allows, any of the exotic manufacturers will do too. Many beginners start with stock or lightly modified vehicles to learn the fundamentals of car control and drift techniques. Tires and additional wheels to change and a solid jack and 4-way wheel remover.

Engine & Chassis Modifications: Beyond Beginner Level

While beginners can start with a stock car, progressing beyond the beginner stage requires specific modifications to handle the demands of intermediate and advanced drifting. These upgrades aren't necessary on day one, but become absolutely essential as you advance:

Essential Engine Modifications (Intermediate & Advanced)

  • Increased power output: Turbo or supercharger kits, engine swaps, or naturally aspirated builds to generate 300+ horsepower for sustained angle and speed
  • Upgraded cooling system: Larger radiator, oil cooler, and transmission cooler to handle extended high-RPM sessions
  • Performance exhaust: Free-flowing exhaust system for better power delivery and engine breathing
  • ECU tuning: Proper engine management to optimize power delivery and reliability
  • Clutch upgrade: Heavy-duty clutch to handle increased power and aggressive clutch kicks
  • Limited-slip differential (LSD): Critical for maintaining consistent power to both rear wheels during drifts

Essential Chassis Modifications (Intermediate & Advanced)

  • Coilover suspension: Adjustable dampers and springs for precise handling and angle adjustment
  • Angle kit: Increases steering angle beyond stock limits (essential for competitive drifting)
  • Reinforced suspension components: Upgraded control arms, tie rods, and bushings to handle drift stress
  • Hydraulic handbrake: Dedicated drift handbrake for better control and initiation
  • Welded or upgraded differential: For consistent rear-wheel lockup and predictable slides
  • Chassis bracing: Strut tower bars and chassis stiffening to improve rigidity and response
  • Lightweight wheels and drift tires: Proper tire setup for your skill level and budget

When to Upgrade

Focus on safety equipment first (roll cage, seat, harness, helmet), then build your skills with a stock or lightly modified car. Once you've mastered basic drift techniques and are ready to progress to intermediate or competition levels, these engine and chassis modifications become necessary to:

  • Maintain higher speeds through corners
  • Achieve greater drift angles
  • Handle the physical demands of tandem and competition drifting
  • Ensure reliability during extended track sessions

Remember: The best drift car is the one you can afford to maintain and repair. Start simple, build your skills, then upgrade as you progress through the levels.

Ready to Start Your Drift Journey?

Join the African Drift Series and learn from experienced instructors. We offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced sessions to help you develop your skills safely and effectively.