Russian Car Drift: A Guide for Beginners

Drifting is a form of motorsport that involves intentionally oversteering a car to make it slide sideways while maintaining control. It is a thrilling and spectacular way of driving that requires a lot of skill and practice. Drifting is very popular in many countries around the world, but especially in Russia. In this article, we will explore the history, types, cars, tracks, events, and tips for drifting in Russia. Whether you are a fan or a beginner who wants to learn how to drift in Russia, this article will give you everything you need to know.

The History of Drifting in Russia

Drifting originated in Japan in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a way of racing on mountain roads. It soon spread to other countries and became a global phenomenon. In Russia, drifting started as an underground activity among young drivers who wanted to have fun and challenge themselves on the streets. They would often use cheap and old cars that they modified themselves to make them more suitable for drifting. They would also organize illegal races at night or on weekends when there was less traffic.

However, drifting also attracted the attention of the authorities who saw it as a dangerous and illegal activity. Many drifters were arrested or fined for breaking the law. Some even lost their lives or injured others in accidents. As a result, many drifters decided to move their hobby to safer and legal venues. They started to rent or build their own tracks where they could practice and compete without fear of being caught. They also formed clubs and associations to promote drifting as a legitimate sport.

Today, drifting is one of the most popular and respected motorsports in Russia. It has a large and loyal fan base that follows the local and international events. It also has a professional scene that features some of the best drivers and teams in the world. Drifting has become a part of the Russian culture and identity.

The Types of Drifting in Russia

Drifting is not a monolithic sport. There are different styles and techniques of drifting that vary depending on the preferences and skills of the drivers. Some of the most common types of drifting in Russia are:

Tandem drifting: This is when two or more cars drift together in close proximity and coordination. It is also known as “twin” or “battle” drifting. It is one of the most difficult and impressive forms of drifting, as it requires a lot of trust and communication between the drivers. Tandem drifting is often used in competitions, where the drivers are judged on their speed, angle, line, and style.
Solo drifting: This is when a car drifts alone on a track or a road. It is also known as “freestyle” or “exhibition” drifting. It is one of the most popular and accessible forms of drifting, as it allows the drivers to express their creativity and personality. Solo drifting is often used for practice, fun, or demonstration purposes.
Team drifting: This is when a group of cars drift together as a team. It is also known as “synchronized” or “formation” drifting. It is one of the most complex and spectacular forms of drifting, as it requires a lot of coordination and strategy among the drivers. Team drifting is often used for entertainment, promotion, or performance purposes.

The Best Cars for Drifting in Russia

Drifting can be done with almost any car, as long as it has rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and enough power to break traction. However, some cars are more suitable and popular for drifting than others. Some of the most common and popular cars for drifting in Russia are:

Lada: This is a Russian brand of cars that has been producing affordable and reliable vehicles since 1970. Lada cars are very popular among drifters in Russia, as they are easy to modify, maintain, and repair. They are also very light and agile, which makes them ideal for drifting. Some of the most popular models for drifting are the Lada 2101, Lada 2107, Lada Samara, and Lada Niva.
BMW: This is a German brand of cars that has been producing luxury and performance vehicles since 1916. BMW cars are very popular among drifters in Russia, as they have powerful engines, balanced chassis, and sophisticated electronics. They are also very stylish and prestigious, which makes them attractive for drifting. Some of the most popular models for drifting are the BMW E30, BMW E36, BMW E46, and BMW M3.
Nissan: This is a Japanese brand of cars that has been producing innovative and quality vehicles since 1933. Nissan cars are very popular among drifters in Russia, as they have legendary engines, durable transmissions, and versatile platforms. They are also very affordable and available, which makes them convenient for drifting. Some of the most popular models for drifting are the Nissan 240SX, Nissan Silvia, Nissan Skyline, and Nissan GT-R.
Toyota: This is another Japanese brand of cars that has been producing reliable and efficient vehicles since 1937. Toyota cars are very popular among drifters in Russia, as they have smooth engines, strong clutches, and lightweight bodies. They are also very economical and reliable, which makes them practical for drifting. Some of the most popular models for drifting are the Toyota Corolla AE86, Toyota Supra, Toyota Celica, and Toyota 86.

The Best Tracks for Drifting in Russia

Drifting can be done on any track or road that has enough space, curves, and grip. However, some tracks are more suitable and popular for drifting than others. Some of the most famous and challenging tracks for drifting in Russia are:

Moscow Raceway: This is a modern and international track that was built in 2012 near Moscow. It has a length of 4 km and a width of 12-15 m. It has several configurations and layouts that can accommodate different types of motorsports, including drifting. It hosts many local and international events, such as RDS Grand Prix, Drift Masters European Championship, and Formula Drift.
Sochi Autodrom: This is another modern and international track that was built in 2014 near Sochi. It has a length of 5.8 km and a width of 13-15 m. It is part of the Olympic Park that hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics. It has a fast and technical layout that can challenge any driver. It hosts many local and international events, such as RDS Grand Prix, Formula One Russian Grand Prix, and World Touring Car Championship.
Nizhny Novgorod Ring: This is an old and classic track that was built in 1966 near Nizhny Novgorod. It has a length of 3.8 km and a width of 10-12 m. It is one of the oldest and most legendary tracks in Russia. It has a simple and fun layout that can suit any car. It hosts many local and regional events, such as RDS East Series, Russian Drift Series, and Russian Time Attack Series.

The Best Events for Drifting in Russia

Drifting is not only a sport, but also a show. There are many events and competitions that showcase the best drifters and teams in Russia and beyond. Some of the most prestigious and exciting events for drifting in Russia are:

RDS Grand Prix: This is the main and official championship of drifting in Russia. It was founded in 2003 and has been growing ever since. It features six stages across different cities and tracks in Russia. It attracts the best drivers and teams from Russia and neighboring countries. It follows the international rules and standards of drifting, such as D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift.
Drift Masters European Championship: This is the main and official championship of drifting in Europe. It was founded in 2014 and has been expanding ever since. It features six stages across different countries and tracks in Europe. It attracts the best drivers and teams from Europe and beyond. It follows the international rules and standards of drifting, such as D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift.
Formula Drift: This is the main and official championship of drifting in the world. It was founded in 2004 and has been dominating ever since. It features eight stages across different countries and tracks in the world. It attracts the best drivers and teams from the world. It follows the international rules and standards of drifting, such as D1 Grand Prix.

How to Start Drifting in Russia

If you are interested in drifting and want to learn how to do it in Russia, you will need to follow some steps and tips to get started. Drifting is not an easy sport, but it is also not impossible to learn. Here are some of the things you will need to do to start drifting in Russia:

Get a Suitable Car for Drifting

The first thing you will need to do is to get a car that can drift well. As we mentioned before, you will need a car that has rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and enough power to break traction. You can either buy or rent a car that already meets these criteria, or you can modify your own car to make it more suitable for drifting.

If you decide to buy or rent a car, you will have many options to choose from, depending on your budget and preference. You can go for a cheap and old car that you can easily fix or replace, such as a Lada or a Nissan 240SX; or you can go for a more expensive and new car that you can enjoy more, such as a BMW M3 or a Toyota Supra.

If you decide to modify your own car, you will have to make some changes to improve its performance and handling for drifting. Some of the most common modifications are:

Engine: You will need to increase the power output of your engine by adding or upgrading parts such as the air intake, the exhaust, the turbocharger, the fuel injector, and the ECU. You will also need to ensure that your engine is well-cooled and lubricated to prevent overheating and damage.
Suspension: You will need to lower and stiffen your suspension by adding or upgrading parts such as the springs, the shocks, the sway bars, and the coilovers. You will also need to adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles of your wheels to improve the stability and responsiveness of your car.
Tires: You will need to use tires that have less grip and more wear by choosing or changing the size, width, profile, and compound of your tires. You will also need to adjust the tire pressure and temperature to optimize the traction and slip of your tires.
Brakes: You will need to enhance and balance your brakes by adding or upgrading parts such as the pads, the rotors, the calipers, and the lines. You will also need to install a hydraulic handbrake that can lock your rear wheels independently from your front wheels.

Learn the Basic Skills of Drifting

The second thing you will need to do is to learn the basic skills of drifting. Drifting is not just about sliding your car sideways, but also about controlling it while doing so. You will need to master the basic skills of drifting, such as steering, throttle, brake, clutch, and handbrake. Here are some of the things you will need to do to learn the basic skills of drifting:

Steering: You will need to learn how to steer your car in the direction you want it to go while drifting. You will need to use a technique called “countersteering”, which means turning your steering wheel in the opposite direction of your car’s slide. For example, if your car is sliding to the left, you will need to steer to the right. This will help you balance and correct your car’s angle and line while drifting.
Throttle: You will need to learn how to use your throttle pedal to control the speed and power of your car while drifting. You will need to use a technique called “throttle modulation”, which means varying your throttle input depending on the situation. For example, if you want to initiate a drift, you will need to apply more throttle to break traction; if you want to maintain a drift, you will need to apply less throttle to avoid spinning out; if you want to exit a drift, you will need to apply more throttle again to regain traction.
Brake: You will need to learn how to use your brake pedal to control the weight and balance of your car while drifting. You will need to use a technique called “brake modulation”, which means varying your brake input depending on the situation. For example, if you want to slow down your car before entering a corner, you will need to apply more brake to shift the weight to the front; if you want to make your car slide more while drifting, you will need to apply less brake to shift the weight to the rear; if you want to stabilize your car after drifting, you will need to apply more brake again to balance the weight.
Clutch: You will need to learn how to use your clutch pedal to control the torque and rpm of your car while drifting. You will need to use a technique called “clutch kicking”, which means quickly pressing and releasing your clutch pedal while applying throttle. This will cause a sudden burst of power and speed that can help you initiate or maintain a drift.
Handbrake: You will need to learn how to use your handbrake lever to control the lock and slip of your rear wheels while drifting. You will need to use a technique called “handbrake initiation”, which means pulling and releasing your handbrake lever while steering and applying throttle. This will cause your rear wheels to lock and slide, which can help you initiate or adjust a drift.

Practice on a Safe and Legal Track

The third thing you will need to do is to practice your drifting skills on a safe and legal track. Drifting is not a sport that you can learn overnight. It takes a lot of time and practice to master it. You will need to practice on a track that has enough space, curves, and grip for drifting. You will also need to practice on a track that is safe and legal for drifting. Here are some of the things you will need to do to practice on a safe and legal track:

Find a track: You will need to find a track that is suitable and available for drifting. You can either rent or build your own track, or you can use an existing track that allows drifting. You can search online or ask around for tracks that are near you and fit your needs. Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a track are the size, shape, surface, condition, cost, and accessibility of the track.
Use a track: You will need to use a track that is safe and legal for drifting. You should always follow the rules and regulations of the track, such as the speed limit, the direction, the time, and the etiquette. You should also respect the other users of the track, such as the staff, the owners, and the other drivers. You should never drift on a track that is not authorized or supervised for drifting, as this can be dangerous and illegal.
Improve on a track: You will need to improve your drifting skills on a track by practicing regularly and systematically. You should start with the basics and gradually progress to more advanced techniques. You should also try different cars, tracks, and conditions to challenge yourself and learn from your mistakes. You should also seek feedback and advice from other drifters or instructors who can help you improve.

Join a Drift Community or Club

The fourth thing you will need to do is to join a drift community or club. Drifting is not only a sport, but also a lifestyle. It is more fun and rewarding when you share it with other people who have the same passion and interest as you. You will need to join a drift community or club that can support you and help you grow as a drifter. Here are some of the things you will need to do to join a drift community or club:

Find a community or club: You will need to find a drift community or club that suits you and your goals. You can either join an existing community or club, or you can create your own community or club. You can search online or ask around for communities or clubs that are near you and fit your needs. Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a community or club are the size, location, reputation, vision, and culture of the community or club.
Join a community or club: You will need to join a drift community or club that welcomes you and values you. You should always follow the rules and norms of the community or club, such as the membership fee, the code of conduct, the communication channel, and the event schedule. You should also contribute to the community or club, such as by sharing your knowledge, skills, resources, and feedback. You should never join a community or club that is hostile, exclusive, or unethical.
Enjoy a community or club: You will need to enjoy your drift community or club by participating actively and regularly. You should attend and support the events and activities of the community or club, such as meetings, practices, competitions, and socials. You should also interact and network with the members and leaders of the community or club, such as by exchanging ideas, opinions, experiences, and contacts. You should also have fun and make friends with your drift community or club.

Participate in a Drift Event or Competition

The fifth and final thing you will need to do is to participate in a drift event or competition. Drifting is not only a hobby, but also a challenge. It is more exciting and rewarding when you test your skills and compete with other drifters. You will need to participate in a drift event or competition that can showcase your talent and passion as a drifter. Here are some of the things you will need to do to participate in a drift event or competition:

Find an event or competition: You will need to find a drift event or competition that matches your level and interest. You can either enter an existing event or competition, or you can organize your own event or competition. You can search online or ask around for events or competitions that are near you and fit your needs. Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing an event or competition are the type, format, date, venue, entry fee, and prize of the event or competition.
Enter an event or competition: You will need to enter a drift event or competition that accepts you and challenges you. You should always follow the rules and requirements of the event or competition, such as the registration process, the qualification criteria, the technical inspection, and the safety briefing. You should also prepare for the event or competition, such as by checking your car, equipment, documents, and condition. You should never enter an event or competition that is unfair, unsafe, or unsuitable.
Enjoy an event or competition: You will need to enjoy your drift event or competition by performing well and having fun. You should respect and follow the instructions and decisions of the organizers and judges of the event or competition, such as the start signal, the course layout , the scoring system, and the results. You should also compete and cooperate with the other participants of the event or competition, such as by showing your skills, style, and sportsmanship. You should also have fun and celebrate your achievements and experiences with your drift event or competition.

The Benefits and Challenges of Drifting in Russia

Drifting is a sport that has many benefits and challenges for those who practice it in Russia. It is not a sport for everyone, but for those who love it, it can be a source of joy and satisfaction. Here are some of the pros and cons of drifting in Russia:

The Benefits of Drifting in Russia

Some of the positive aspects of drifting in Russia are:

Fun: Drifting is a fun and exhilarating sport that can make you feel alive and happy. It can give you a sense of freedom, adventure, and thrill that few other sports can offer. It can also make you forget about your problems and stress for a while.
Adrenaline: Drifting is an adrenaline-pumping sport that can make you feel energized and alert. It can stimulate your body and mind to perform at their best. It can also improve your mood and confidence by releasing endorphins and dopamine.
Creativity: Drifting is a creative sport that can make you express yourself and your personality. It can allow you to experiment with different cars, tracks, techniques, and styles. It can also inspire you to come up with new ideas and solutions for your challenges.
Skill development: Drifting is a skillful sport that can make you improve your driving abilities and knowledge. It can teach you how to control your car in various situations and conditions. It can also help you develop your coordination, reflexes, concentration, and decision-making.
Community: Drifting is a social sport that can make you connect with other people who share your passion and interest. It can help you meet new friends, mentors, partners, and rivals. It can also help you join a community or club that can support you and help you grow as a drifter.

The Challenges of Drifting in Russia

Some of the negative aspects of drifting in Russia are:

Cost: Drifting is an expensive sport that can make you spend a lot of money on your car, equipment, track, event, and maintenance. It can also make you lose money on repairs, fines, or damages. It can also affect your budget and financial stability.
Risk: Drifting is a risky sport that can make you expose yourself and others to danger or harm. It can cause accidents, injuries, or even death to yourself or others. It can also damage your car or property. It can also affect your health and safety.
Legality: Drifting is an illegal sport that can make you break the law or face legal consequences. It can cause trouble with the authorities, such as the police, the courts, or the government. It can also affect your reputation and record.
Environmental impact: Drifting is an environmentally unfriendly sport that can make you harm the environment or contribute to pollution. It can cause noise, smoke, dust, or waste to the surroundings. It can also affect the climate and resources.

In conclusion, drifting is a sport that has many benefits and challenges for those who practice it in Russia. It is not a sport for everyone, but for those who love it, it can be a source of joy and satisfaction. If you are interested in drifting and want to learn how to do it in Russia, you will need to follow some steps and tips to get started. You will need to get a suitable car for drifting, learn the basic skills of drifting, practice on a safe and legal track, join a drift community or club, and participate in a drift event or competition. You will also need to be aware of the pros and cons of drifting in Russia. We hope that this article has given you everything you need to know about Russian car drift. Happy drifting!

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Russian car drift:

Q: How much does it cost to start drifting in Russia?
A: The cost of starting drifting in Russia depends on many factors, such as the type, condition, and modification of your car, the location, availability, and quality of your track, the frequency, level, and format of your event, and the maintenance, repair, and insurance of your car. However, a rough estimate is that you will need at least 100,000 rubles (about 1,400 USD) to buy or rent a basic car for drifting, 10,000 rubles (about 140 USD) to rent a track for a day, and 5,000 rubles (about 70 USD) to enter an event or competition.

Q: How long does it take to learn how to drift in Russia?

A: The time it takes to learn how to drift in Russia depends on many factors, such as your previous driving experience and knowledge, your natural talent and ability, your learning style and method, your practice frequency and intensity, your feedback and guidance, and your goals and expectations. However, a rough estimate is that you will need at least six months to a year of regular and systematic practice to master the basic skills of drifting.

Q: Where can I find more information and resources about drifting in Russia?

A: There are many sources of information and resources about drifting in Russia online and offline. Some of the most useful and popular ones are:

The official website of RDS Grand Prix (https://rds-gp.ru/), which is the main and official championship of drifting in Russia. It has news, results, standings, schedules, rules, drivers, teams, tracks, media, and more.

The official website of Drift Masters European Championship (https://www.driftmasters.gp/), which is the main and official championship of drifting in Europe. It has news, results, standings, schedules, rules, drivers, teams, tracks, media, and more.

The official website of Formula Drift (https://www.formulad.com/), which is the main and official championship of drifting in the world. It has news, results, standings, schedules, rules, drivers, teams, tracks, media, and more.

The official website of Drift Allstars (https://www.drift-allstars.com/), which is another international championship of drifting that features some of the best drivers and teams in the world. It has news, results, standings, schedules, rules, drivers, teams, tracks, media, and more.

The official website of Drift Russia (https://driftrussia.ru/), which is a popular online portal and magazine that covers everything about drifting in Russia. It has news, articles, interviews, reviews, guides, tips, videos, photos, forums, and more.

The official website of Drift Club (https://drift-club.ru/), which is a popular online community and club that connects and supports drifters in Russia. It has news, events, activities, members, groups, chat rooms, blogs, galleries, and more.

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