Drifting - the new motorsport
I learnt to drive on my Uncle Graham's property in Mundaring WA in my parents 1974 Datsun 1200 sedan when I was 12 years old. Myself and my 2 brothers used to hack around on the gravel tracks in the state forest which adjoined his property (I am still surprised that my parents allowed us to do this as obviously none of us had a license!). We taught ourselves how to throw the cars sideways, conduct handbrake turns and various other crazy activities. I can't ever remember damaging the car but boy did we give it a good thrashing! (sorry Mum & Dad).
You are probably wondering what all this has got to do with drifting. I suppose it brings back great memories of being in control of a car going sideways without an LSD diff and 5 turns lock to lock of the steering wheel (you actually had to throw the steering wheel into the slide as it wasn't possible to turn it that quickly with your hands!) If you haven't had this type of experience it is hard to appreciate how good some of these drifters are. These guys are approaching corners at over 120kmh per hour and more and just throwing the car into the corner.. it is amazing stuff.
For those who are not familiar with drifting go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaO8i-wA4I8..... there is some great "in car" action and you just gotta love the Japanese commentary!
If you want to see some really insane stuff check out this Saudi video at http://www.compfused.com/directlink/966/.... seems that the rules are... "throw the car sideways at 200kmh and try not to hit pedestrians or anything solid"... crazy stuff.
Anyway if you ever see a local drift event advertised make sure you go along as it is getting bigger and bigger every year and is here to stay. For those in Western Australia the next event is on 2nd December at Barbagello Raceway which is the final event for 2006. One of my staff, Scott McCormack, is a regular entrant and will be competing in the December round.. look for the white R32 4 door with "Autoworx" on the side.. go Scotty!
For more info go to http://www.wascc.com.au/
You are probably wondering what all this has got to do with drifting. I suppose it brings back great memories of being in control of a car going sideways without an LSD diff and 5 turns lock to lock of the steering wheel (you actually had to throw the steering wheel into the slide as it wasn't possible to turn it that quickly with your hands!) If you haven't had this type of experience it is hard to appreciate how good some of these drifters are. These guys are approaching corners at over 120kmh per hour and more and just throwing the car into the corner.. it is amazing stuff.
For those who are not familiar with drifting go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaO8i-wA4I8..... there is some great "in car" action and you just gotta love the Japanese commentary!
If you want to see some really insane stuff check out this Saudi video at http://www.compfused.com/directlink/966/.... seems that the rules are... "throw the car sideways at 200kmh and try not to hit pedestrians or anything solid"... crazy stuff.
Anyway if you ever see a local drift event advertised make sure you go along as it is getting bigger and bigger every year and is here to stay. For those in Western Australia the next event is on 2nd December at Barbagello Raceway which is the final event for 2006. One of my staff, Scott McCormack, is a regular entrant and will be competing in the December round.. look for the white R32 4 door with "Autoworx" on the side.. go Scotty!
For more info go to http://www.wascc.com.au/
posted by Paul at 3:49 PM
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