Smoke clouds, screeching tires, the smell of burning rubber; welcome to the adrenaline-pumping world of professional drift racing. One of the fastest-growing disciplines in the motorsport world, drifting is taking the world by storm — and it’s not hard to see why.

Unlike traditional racing, drifting celebrates the art of controlled chaos. Every drift demands equal parts speed and skill, boldness and balance. When done right, the result isn’t just a jaw-dropping athletic feat — it’s a stunning display of live art that you might want to master yourself.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the sport, including the drift racing techniques that will help you learn how to drift a car.

What is Drift Racing?

Drift racing is a competitive motorsport that focuses on the driving maneuvers of the same name. The act of drifting a car is simple (though not easy to pull off): it involves oversteering to get the vehicle to slide on a turn. The catch? It happens at insanely high speeds, and the driver has to maintain total control of the car.

Drifting originated in Japan; the first person to do it was pro racing driver Kunimitsu Takahashi. In the late 1960s, he started racing the began racing the new Nissan Skyline KPGB10. But he soon noticed that the car had its flaws; it didn’t have enough mechanical grip but had too much power.

His solution? Drifting. This allowed him to maintain top speed and helped him clinch the top spot on the podium.

Since then, drifting has become popular around the world, both in media (as seen in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift) and in the competitive motorsport arena.

Understanding the Mechanics of Drift Car

In theory, any car is capable of drifting. But some cars are far better at it than others. Why? It’s a simple matter of mechanics.

Specialized drift cars typically have four-wheel drive; this is crucial for transferring the car’s power to those rear wheels so you can oversteer as needed.

A manual transmission also helps massively when it comes to mastering drifting techniques. Manual cars give you complete control of both the gears and the clutch, meaning you’re in charge of the car’s every move.

Weight distribution is another important factor. Because drifting is a fine balance, drift cars are typically stripped of any unnecessary weight. The weight is also evenly distributed around the car to guarantee stability during those high-speed slides.

Finally, tires play a huge role in drifting, as they control your grip and slip. Usually, drift cars have harder, compound rear tires to boost your slide control. The front tires, on the other hand, are usually designed with precision and grip in mind.

Close-up of a white drift car with its side profile featuring a pink accent stripe and stacked tires in the foreground.

How to Drift a Car: 3 Drift Racing Tips & Techniques

Drifting might look tricky. But, with the right drift racing techniques, anyone can master it. Here are some tips that will have you sliding like a pro:

1. Start in a Safe Environment

Before hitting the track, practice in a controlled arena, like an empty parking lot or a closed course. In order to get comfortable with drift racing techniques, you need to master the basics in a low-stress environment without the pressure of traffic or competition.

2. Get Familiar with the Steps of Drifting

There are four key stages of a successful drift. When you’re learning how to drift a car, you need to understand each one:

  • Initiation: This is when you start the oversteer. This involves techniques like pulling the handbrake, kicking the clutch, and accelerating mid-turn to break the traction in your rear tires.
  • Control: Here is where you maintain the drift by counter-steering (i.e., turning the wheel in the opposite direction of the slide). You also need to master your throttle. Too much, and you’ll spin out; too little, and the drift will end.
  • Transition: Drifting isn’t a matter of holding a single slide. You need to transition between corners without losing your momentum or control.
  • Exit: Getting out of the drift is just as important as getting into it. To do it seamlessly, you need to gradually reduce your counter-steering. 

3. Stay Calm Under Pressure

It’s one of the most basic drift racing tips out there (but also one of the most important): stay calm.

Performing these stunts can be terrifying at first. You’re driving at sky-high speeds, you need to make split-second decisions, and you need to constantly adapt to each new track. But learning how to keep your cool behind the wheel will ensure you’re far more successful.

When you’re driving, focus on your breathing, taking slow and intentional breaths. Try to visualize each turn before it happens to maintain clarity and control over your emotions.

Leticia Bufoni gripping her helmet inside a race car, tattoos on her hand visible, with a calm yet focused expression.

The Growing Appeal of Drift Racing

With its unique blend of style, speed, and adrenaline, drift racing leaves audiences on the edge of their seats. That’s why it’s no surprise the sport is captivating more and more people as time goes on. With each passing year, the drift racing community is expanding and evolving for the better.

One key development in drifting is the rising level of accessibility. Grassroots events are now popping up around the world, giving newcomers the chance to try their hand at drifting (without needing any fancy, custom-built cars). For some, these events might just be a stepping stone to the sport’s more elite leagues, like Formula DRIFT.

Drift racing is also becoming more inclusive, with both men and women taking an active interest in the sport. Female drivers, like rising star Amanda Sorensen, are playing a huge role in creating a more diverse, welcoming landscape for all.