Retro Drift: The Art and Culture of Sliding Sideways
If you are a fan of car racing, you have probably heard of drifting, a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers and loses traction, while maintaining control and driving through a corner. Drifting is not only a thrilling way to drive, but also a form of expression and creativity, as drivers show off their skills and style. But where did drifting come from, and how did it become so popular? In this article, we will explore the history, the cars, the techniques, and the events of retro drift, a subculture of drifting that celebrates the old-school and nostalgic aspects of sliding sideways.
What is retro drift and how did it start?
Retro drift is a term that refers to the style and culture of drifting that originated in Japan in the 1970s and 1980s, and later spread to other parts of the world. Retro drift is inspired by the classic Japanese cars, the mountain roads, the anime and manga, and the pioneers of drifting who made it an art form. Retro drift is also influenced by the retro-futuristic aesthetic of synthwave music, neon lights, and cyberpunk themes.
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The origin of drifting in Japan
Drifting as a driving technique was first practiced in Europe before 1950, by racing legends such as Tazio Nuvolari and Stirling Moss. However, drifting as a specialized competition and culture was born in Japan, thanks to two drivers who revolutionized the scene: Kunimitsu Takahashi and Keiichi Tsuchiya.
Kunimitsu Takahashi was a famous motorcycle racer who switched to car racing in the 1960s. He became known for his drifting technique, where he would deliberately oversteer his Nissan Skyline GT-R to gain speed and angle through corners. He won several championships and inspired many fans with his spectacular driving style.
Keiichi Tsuchiya was one of those fans who admired Takahashi's drifting. He began practicing his own drifting skills on the mountain roads of Japan, where he honed his craft and gained a reputation among street racers. He also recorded a video of his drifting skills on the Usui Pass, which became a hit among car enthusiasts. He was nicknamed the "Drift King" or "Dorikin" in Japanese, and he helped organize one of the first events for drifting in 1988.
The spread of drifting to the rest of the world
Drifting became more popular in Japan throughout the 1990s, with more events, magazines, videos, and games dedicated to it. Drifting also became a part of pop culture, thanks to the manga and anime series Initial D, which featured realistic depictions of drifting on mountain roads.
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Drifting also started to attract attention from outside Japan, as more people became aware of it through media and word-of-mouth. Some drivers from other countries traveled to Japan to learn from the masters or compete in events. Some Japanese drivers also traveled abroad to showcase their skills or teach others.
In 2004, Formula Drift was established as the first professional drifting series in North America. It attracted drivers from all over the world, including Japan, Europe, Australia, and South America. Formula Drift also helped popularize drifting in other regions, such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Today, drifting is one of the most popular forms of motorsport, with millions of fans and participants worldwide. Drifting has also influenced other genres of car culture, such as stance, VIP style, JDM tuning, and more.
What are the best cars for retro drift?
What are the best cars for retro drift?
One of the most important factors for retro drift is the choice of car. Not every car can drift well, and some cars are more suitable for retro drift than others. Retro drift enthusiasts usually prefer cars that have the following characteristics:
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) - This allows the driver to control the rear wheels independently from the front wheels, and to use the throttle to adjust the angle and speed of the drift. - Manual transmission - This gives the driver more control over the engine power and torque, and to use the clutch to initiate or maintain a drift. - Limited-slip differential (LSD) - This prevents one wheel from spinning faster than the other, and distributes the power evenly to both rear wheels, making the drift more stable and predictable. - Lightweight and balanced chassis - This makes the car more agile and responsive, and easier to change direction and weight transfer. - Good steering angle and suspension - This enables the driver to steer the car at high angles and to adjust the camber, caster, toe, and ride height for optimal performance. The classic Japanese drift cars
The origin of retro drift is closely linked to the classic Japanese cars that were popular in the 1970s and 1980s. These cars were affordable, reliable, and easy to modify, and they became icons of drifting culture. Some of the most famous examples are:
- Toyota Corolla AE86 - Also known as the Hachi-Roku (eight-six in Japanese), this car was featured in the Initial D manga and anime series, and is considered by many as the ultimate retro drift car. It has a lightweight chassis, a high-revving 1.6-liter engine, a LSD, and a manual transmission. It is also very rare and expensive nowadays. - Nissan Skyline GT-R - The legendary Godzilla, this car was a dominant force in racing and drifting, thanks to its powerful 2.6-liter twin-turbo engine, a sophisticated all-wheel drive system (which can be converted to RWD), a LSD, and a manual transmission. It is also very sought-after and pricey today. - Mazda RX-7 - The rotary-powered sports car, this car has a unique engine that produces high power and torque at low weight. It also has a sleek design, a RWD layout, a LSD, and a manual transmission. It is known for its smooth handling and high-pitched sound. - Nissan Silvia/240SX - The versatile platform, this car has many variants and generations, but they all share a common trait: a RWD layout with a front-mounted engine. They also have a LSD, a manual transmission, and a wide range of engines to choose from, including turbocharged four-cylinders or V6s. They are popular for their affordability and customizability. The modern drift cars with retro style
Although retro drift is mainly associated with old-school cars, there are also some modern cars that have retro style and can perform well in drifting. These cars combine the best of both worlds: they have modern technology and safety features, but they also have classic design cues and characteristics that appeal to retro drift fans. Some of the examples are:
- Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ - The spiritual successors of the AE86, these cars are jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, and they share the same platform and engine. They have a lightweight chassis, a 2.0-liter boxer engine, a RWD layout, a LSD, and a manual transmission. They are praised for their balanced handling and fun factor. - Nissan 370Z - The latest iteration of the Z-car lineage, this car is a modern interpretation of the classic Nissan Fairlady Z. It has a muscular design, a 3.7-liter V6 engine, a RWD layout, a LSD, and a manual transmission. It is known for its raw power and agility. - Ford Mustang - The iconic American muscle car, this car has been around since 1964, and it has evolved over time. The current generation has a sleek design, a range of engines from four-cylinders to V8s, a RWD layout, a LSD, and a manual transmission. It also has an optional \"drift mode\" that adjusts the stability control for drifting. - BMW M3 - The ultimate driving machine, this car is one of the most popular European cars for drifting. It has a sporty design, a powerful six-cylinder engine (or V8 in some generations), a RWD layout, a LSD, and a manual transmission. It also has excellent steering angle and suspension. What are the best techniques for retro drift?
Drifting is not only about having the right car, but also about having the right skills. Drifting requires practice and precision to master the art of sliding sideways. There are many techniques that There are many techniques that can be used to initiate and control a drift, depending on the situation and the preference of the driver. Some of the basic drift techniques are: - Handbrake drift - This is one of the simplest and most common ways to start a drift. The driver pulls the handbrake (or e-brake) to lock the rear wheels and make the car slide. The driver then releases the handbrake and uses the steering and throttle to maintain the drift. - Clutch kick drift - This is another easy way to initiate a drift. The driver presses the clutch pedal to disengage the engine from the transmission, then releases it quickly to create a sudden burst of power and torque. This makes the rear wheels spin faster and lose traction, causing the car to slide. The driver then uses the steering and throttle to control the drift. - Power over drift - This is a technique that requires a powerful engine and a lot of speed. The driver accelerates hard while entering a corner, causing the rear wheels to overcome the grip of the tires and start sliding. The driver then uses the steering and throttle to balance the drift. - Feint drift - This is a technique that involves using weight transfer to initiate a drift. The driver swerves the car in the opposite direction of the corner, then quickly turns back into the corner. This shifts the weight of the car to one side, making it easier to break traction and start sliding. The driver then uses the steering and throttle to adjust the drift. Some of the advanced drift techniques are: - Braking drift - This is a technique that requires precise timing and braking skills. The driver applies the brakes while entering a corner, causing the weight of the car to shift forward and reduce the grip of the rear wheels. The driver then turns the steering wheel sharply, making the car slide sideways. The driver then releases the brakes and uses the throttle to continue the drift. - Shift lock drift - This is a technique that involves downshifting gears without using the clutch. The driver shifts from a higher gear to a lower gear while entering a corner, causing the engine speed to increase and the rear wheels to lock momentarily. This makes the car lose traction and start sliding. The driver then uses the steering and throttle to control the drift. - Dirt drop drift - This is a technique that involves using different surfaces to create a drift. The driver drives one or both of the rear wheels off the road and onto a dirt or gravel surface, causing them to lose grip and slide more easily. The driver then uses the steering and throttle to steer the car back onto the road and maintain the drift. - Jump drift - This is a technique that involves using bumps or jumps to create a drift. The driver drives over a bump or a jump while entering a corner, causing the car to become airborne and lose contact with the ground. The driver then turns If you want to join the retro drift movement, you will need a suitable car, some basic skills, and a lot of passion. You will also need to find some events where you can meet other drifters and have fun. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, there is always something new to learn and enjoy in retro drift. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about retro drift. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And if you want to read more articles like this, be sure to check out our website and follow us on social media. FAQs
What is the difference between retro drift and modern drift?
Retro drift and modern drift are both forms of drifting, but they have some differences in terms of style and culture. Retro drift is inspired by the old-school and nostalgic aspects of drifting, such as the classic cars, the mountain roads, the anime and manga, and the synthwave music. Modern drift is influenced by the current trends and innovations of drifting, such as the new cars, the urban settings, the video games and movies, and the EDM music.
How can I learn how to drift?
The best way to learn how to drift is to practice with a suitable car and a safe location. You can also watch videos or read guides online to learn the basic techniques and tips. However, nothing beats the experience of learning from a real drifter or instructor, who can give you feedback and advice. You can also join a local club or community where you can meet other drifters and learn from them.
Where can I find retro drift events near me?
There are many ways to find retro drift events near you. You can search online for websites or social media pages that list upcoming events in your area. You can also ask around in your local car scene or forums for recommendations or invitations. You can also visit some popular tracks or venues where retro drift events are often held, and see if there are any flyers or posters.
What are some of the best retro drift cars?
There are many cars that can be used for retro drift, but some of the most popular ones are:
- Toyota Corolla AE86 - Nissan Skyline GT-R - Mazda RX-7 - Nissan Silvia/240SX - Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ - Nissan 370Z - Ford Mustang - BMW M3 What are some of the best retro drift movies or games?
There are many movies or games that feature or involve retro drift, but some of the most famous ones are:
- Initial D - A manga and anime series that follows the story of Takumi Fujiwara, a young delivery driver who becomes a legendary drifter on the mountain roads of Japan. - The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift - A movie that follows the story of Sean Boswell, an American teenager who moves to Tokyo and gets involved in the underground world of drifting. - Need for Speed: Underground 2 - A video game that allows the player to customize their car and compete in various street racing modes, including drifting. - OutRun - A classic arcade game that lets the player drive a Ferrari Testarossa through various scenic routes, while drifting around corners. 44f88ac181
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