New term for "Drifting"? ("Drifting" vs. "Power Sliding") | FerrariChat
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New term for "Drifting"? ("Drifting" vs. "Power Sliding")

Discussion in 'Other Racing' started by Brian C. Stradale, May 28, 2004.

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  1. Brian C. Stradale

    Brian C. Stradale F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 17, 2002
    3,615
    Dallas, TX, USA
    #1 Brian C. Stradale, May 28, 2004
    The old racing texts define "drifting" as distinctly different than "sliding" or "skidding". Drifting is what occurs when the tire is torqued on the wheel such that the tire tread is moving in a different plane than the wheel... such that the tire patch (and thus the car) is moving at an angle relative to the wheel. There is minimal slippage in this case... in fact, the point of maximum cornering g's will generally occur while drifting (not while skidding or sliding).

    With the advent of the new sport of "Drifting" which is an "artistic" form of motor racing where you try to maintain the car in a "power slide" or "power-on oversteer" for as much time around the track as possible... the term "drifting" has been hopelessly usurped. The visibility of the sport and the prominence of a name of such will make "drifting" synonymous with "power-on oversteer"... if it isn't already.

    So, now that "drifting" has been redefined, the books will need to be rewritten to avoid being confusing. And more importantly, casual use of the term must change.

    My questions:
    What is the new term for the old concept of "drifting"?
    What is the new term for a "four-wheel drift"?
    Is there another old term that was synonymous with "drift" that can be resurrected?
     
  2. PSk

    PSk F1 World Champ

    Nov 20, 2002
    17,673
    Tauranga, NZ
    Full Name:
    Pete
    #2 PSk, May 29, 2004
    I believe it was Nuvolari that made the use of the 4 wheel drift on purpose and this is what drifting is in my book. Thus drifting = 4 wheel drift.

    If only the tail of the car is sliding that is oversteer and not drifting as drifting if not the over powering of the tyre so much as carrying more speed through the corner by maximising the tyre slip angle.

    This modern 'drifting' is not a 4 wheel drift and thus not correctly drifting but power oversteer and a complete waste of time. Now I am not saying don't do it, but I am sick of people saying man that dude can drive because of the way he slides. I say BS to that because we all know that unnecessary sliding just over heats the tyres and slows the lap down.

    Now a 4 wheel drift on the other hand is most times a necessary way to get a natural understeering car through a corner faster.

    We all know that when a car is on it, it is sliding and moving about on the track ... but anymore than that is showing off :D :D :D

    Each to their own ... just the same as the over size tail pipe, etc.
    Pete
     

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