Cars Simplified: Everything Automotive Explained

Drifting

A Pontiac GTO drifting.

Drifting is a flamboyant driving style which focuses more on visually impressive feats rather than speed. It occurs when the rear wheels start to slide away from the inside of the turn (like what happens during oversteer) but the driver maintains control. Sometimes all four wheels can slide, but it is important for the car to be sideways when this happens in order for it to count as drifting.

Nissan Skyline R34 Drifting

This is a Nissan Skyline R34 drifting at Wall Stadium, . This video was uploaded by ImportRace on September 9th, 2007, and was recorded on September 8th, 2007.

Formula D

is an American drifting competition. This motorsports organization has a more specific set of rules than the concept of drifting in general, and is the most well-known level of competitive drifting.

Pictured at the right is Calvin Wan's Nissan Silvia S15. It has action cameras attached, which is a common sight on drift cars, especially on solo runs. The livery is in the common Falken Tire style; they were a common sponsor until they pulled out of motorsports in late 2022.

See our full page on this motorsport:

What is Drifting? by Engineering Explained

explains drifting in a video uploaded on October 28th, 2012.