Auto Racing: How to Drift (Part 3)
Now that you have learnt how to drift in a rear wheel drive (RWD) manual transmission (MT) car, it is time to learn about the “clutch kick” technique that can extend the length of the drift.
When you are drifting and your car begins to lose its power, even with the throttle applied, the clutch kick can be used. When you are in the middle of the drift, and the angle of the drift decreases, making the car straighten out, push in and then let go
of the clutch quickly while applying full throttle. This will make the back wheels spin again and will increase the angle of the drift again. If it still doesn’t work, try the clutch kick two or three times in a row, quickly, and your car will start to slide
again.
If your automatic transmission (AT) RWD car has traction control, then it is almost impossible to drift. If it doesn’t, or if you can turn it off, then it can be done. Drive up to a speed of about 50 km/h with the transmission locked in “2” or “D2.” This
will give you the maximum torque during the drift. Once you are ready to drift, turn the wheel as hard as you can and floor the throttle. You should feel the rear end of your car slide if it is done properly. Make sure to use full throttle only to start the
drift, following through with controlling the throttle to keep your car from spinning out.
In a front wheel drive (FWD) car with any transmission, it is usually hard to drift without using the handbrake. To do this, drive up to about 50 km/h and then pull the handbrake while turning in towards the turn, or cone if you have set it up. As soon as
you feel the car slide, turn the wheel in the opposite direction of the turn, which will allow your car to drift. Repeat this process at gradually higher speeds as long as you are comfortable with it.
Another way to drift in a FWD car is to use your normal brakes only. As you approach the turn, hit the brakes hard for an instant to shift all of the car’s weight to the front. As soon as you feel yourself move forward in the seat, turn the wheel in the
direction of the turn, and when you start to slide, turn it back to the opposite direction.
Now, the only proper way of drifting, like the professionals do, is to drift using your clutch and throttle only, without the use of brakes. This can only be done in a RWD MT car, and occasionally in a high powered all wheel drive (AWD) car. As you approach
the turn wide, turn into it. Then push in the clutch all the way and floor the throttle. As soon as you let go of the clutch, the car’s back tires will lose traction with the road surface and slide. Once the drift begins, control the throttle to keep your
car from spinning out or stop drifting.
Aside from being a lot of fun, drifting is also very dangerous. On the roads, it is illegal and can result in multiple infractions such as reckless endangerment, reckless driving and/or speeding. Another thing to remember is to make sure that the cars that
you use for daily driving are in good condition if you use them while drifting. Severe and uneven tire wear can result in your car drifting when you don’t want to, especially in inclement weather, which can result in a collision. Also, if your car is not in
your control during the drift, immediately use the brakes to stop the car. Brakes are better to stop the car than the handbrake.
Now that you have learned to drift in both RWD and FWD cars, in both AT and MT, it’s time to show off your newly acquired skills to your friends. But it is prudent to never drift where it endangers other people or property, and where it is prohibited. Keep
drifting!
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