Drifting is one of the most thrilling and visually spectacular driving techniques, blending precision, power, and control into an art form. Made famous by motorsport legends and popularised through movies and video games, drifting is more than just sliding a car sideways—it’s about mastering vehicle dynamics, weight transfer, and throttle control.

Understanding the science behind drifting and the techniques involved is crucial for those looking to take their driving skills to the next level. Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring drift master, this guide will take you through the essentials of car drifting.

What is Drifting?

Drifting is a driving technique where the rear wheels lose traction while the driver maintains control of the car, guiding it through a controlled slide. Instead of driving in a straight line or taking corners with full grip, drifting involves using oversteers to navigate turns in a fluid and dramatic motion.

Professional drifting competitions, such as Formula Drift, judge drivers based on speed, angle, line, and style rather than lap times. This makes drifting a unique motorsport that is both technical and expressive.

The Science Behind Drifting

At its core, drifting relies on the balance of grip and slip. The car must generate enough power to break traction at the rear wheels while maintaining enough control to steer through a corner. Several key principles influence a successful drift:

Weight Transfer – Shifting the car’s weight forward or sideways helps initiate and control a drift. This can be done through braking, acceleration, or steering inputs.

Oversteer – Drifting requires intentional oversteer, where the rear tyres lose traction before the front tyres.

Countersteering – To maintain control, drivers must turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the slide.

Throttle Control – Managing power delivery is crucial to keeping the drift balanced and preventing the car from spinning out.

Essential Drifting Techniques

Different drifting techniques are used depending on the car, driving surface, and skill level. Some of the most common methods include:

Handbrake Drift – One of the easiest ways to initiate a drift is by pulling the handbrake to lock the rear wheels and induce oversteer.

Power Over Drift – By applying sudden throttle input in a rear-wheel-drive car, the rear tyres lose traction, allowing the driver to control the slide.

Clutch Kick Drift – This technique involves quickly pressing and releasing the clutch while accelerating, sending a shock to the drivetrain and braking traction.

Feint Drift – The Scandinavian flick involves steering in the opposite direction before turning into a corner, using weight transfer to create an oversteer.

Choosing the Right Car for Drifting

Not all cars are suitable for drifting. Ideally, a drift car should have:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) – Most drift cars are RWD, allowing for better control and smoother slides.

A Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) – An LSD ensures that both rear wheels spin together, making it easier to maintain a drift.

Sufficient Power – While high horsepower is not essential, having enough torque to break traction helps with control.

Popular drift cars include the Nissan Silvia, Toyota AE86, Mazda RX-7, and BMW E36.

Is Drifting Legal?

While drifting is an exciting skill, it should only be practised in controlled environments such as race circuits, drift tracks, or dedicated training areas. Drifting on public roads is illegal and dangerous, carrying severe penalties if caught.

For those serious about learning, attending a drifting school or booking track sessions is the best way to develop skills safely and legally.

In Summary

Drifting is both an art and a science, requiring skill, patience, and practice. By understanding vehicle dynamics, perfecting techniques, and using the right car, anyone can master the slide. However, safety and legality should always come first—drifting is best enjoyed on closed tracks with proper instruction.

If you want to start your drifting journey, invest in the right vehicle, learn from professionals, and, most importantly, enjoy the ride.