I don't know what the video is and whether it has anything to do with the import car drifting, but I can understand it a little. Heck, I remember back in High School going out to the local dirt circle track and drifting is how you get around the corners. Amazed me and I thought the coolest thing that the car is going left, but the steering and wheels are pointed right. Next exposure was about 1998 when a coworker loaded me his Initial D cartoon videos. Those were great, not only appreciating the Japanese anime style and adult content, but had some really cool drifting action. There is some big money being put behind drifting right now. Several road racers from World Challenge and Grand Am are making multiple of their money by switching to drifting. Even though in their 30's and 40's and have had nothing to do with the import scene or drifting before, they are doing great on the drifting circuit. Road racers have good car control, but like diving/gymnastics it is very subjective judging. These road racers are drifting the corners, but also using road racing skills to do it quickly and that gap on the following car usually means a win.
To me drifting is possibly the lowest form of "racing" there is. Yes it takes car control (that's a plus) but, like Rob said, the judging is pretty subjective. From what I gather you get points for keeping the car sideways and smoking the tires. It makes me love WRC racing that much more... Those guys can drift.
It does take some control I'm sure... much more than slamming down on the gas pedal for a 1/4 mile. But that's just my opinion.
Growing up in the import scene, I wonder to myself how it is that I still "don't get" drifting. Maybe it's b/c I grew up on the normal/east coast. One thing I still personally don't understand is how it is a race, both cars, or however many cars fill a grid for it. Are out of control for the entire "race" and is it or is it not based on who finishes first? More power to the guys that do it, they obviously have skill, just think they maybe it could be put to better use.
Something about drifting really bothers me. It seems abusive, juvenile, and counter/intuitive to the real purpose of race cars. I don't see it ever gaining widespread support. Yeah, it has a following, but it's mainly young people, with shallow pockets. How many of you would attempt to "drift" your Ferrari? Not me, thank you very much! Enzo would not dig it, IMO.... Sorry to be a stick-in-the-mud about it... Greg 77 308
At certain times in history was hotrodding not "got"? Muscle cars? We are just old fogies. Obvious most kids and young adults today are into import cars/drifting vs. hot rods, muscle cars, and even exotics. I'm into Ferraris, but I respect the passion others share for their own interests outside of mine.
Very wise and sage Rob you are right I remember my dad telling me the Beatles would not last, but I still dont get drifting!
that is a pretty cool video. got to give it to the guy for the stamina to keep pedalling ...seriously.
Drifting is getting very mainstream with the 'young crowd', or the future old fogies with deep pockets. However you wish to think of us. Mainstream enough to be holding an expedition match of D1 drivers vs Nascar drivers at the end of this month in Irwindale, CA. Its also worth noting that drifting competitions are generally referred to as either rounds or 'battles' and not races. Indeed the first eliminations at a drifting event are done with each car going out by itself. Only after they've knocked off half the field do they do 2 car runs. You get judged based on speed, drift angle, execution and 'style.' Everyone knows its not racing and that its subjective. That’s part of what makes it fun. And that’s the only point of drifting. To have fun and to watch drivers do some amazing things with cars. It’s about precision driving that looks good. It also means it’s much more similar to ballet or ice skating than it is to racing.
I have a friend that drifts...I don't know of anyone who would/is drifting a ferrari, but if so, it would only be setup for that. As for it being a import shallow pocket crowd, idk, there are few Domestics(Mustang, Viper, El Camino) on the Drift Circuit. Some of the guys I know have numerous cars just for this. To each their own, I don't compete and don't know if I would....But I just support my buds in the meantime. I'll try and post some vids I have from one of the events. It's definately fun to ride in them......
Now this I understand. http://videos.streetfire.net/hottestvideos/13/c34026ed-f6b4-4631-be72-4b92c29802f6.htm
I swear I could smell it through my computer. I love that smell I wich they made a burnt rubber cologne
I must admit that while it does catch my attention when I see it I am still dumbfounded as to why the tires have to stay lit the whole race. I pose the question wouldn't a properly set up road car be as fast without all the dramatics or is that part of the deal?
