Baby Steps

[clarksteiner]

I've been thinking about how a beginner should start off learning to drift and the kind of surface they should start on. I think starting off on:
fresh powdery snow,
then wet snow,
then mud,
dirt,
gravel,
wet road,
and finally dry road seems logical.


Do you agree with that order?

[GRiDRaceTech]

Or, skip all the step and go straight to a racetrack.

A beginner should learn how to drive normally before attempting to drive sideways.

[f8ldzz]

Are you implying trying to do this on PUBLIC roads?
Most of us "mature" folks do not advocate this kinda driving.
Getting ANY track experience helps, period.
Keep it on the track and off of the roads.

[clarksteiner]

LOL. my family owns 455 acres near new milford PA, there's dirt roads, gravel, fields, etc all on the property. my dad also has a couple of warehouses near Indio CA that have unused parking lots, that's private property so I can do what i want. this drifting board is too picky, they ASSUME you're gonna be on public roads and then lock the the thread. sometimes drifters seem like their own worst enemy lol

[f8ldzz]

I don't call "drifting" in an open field or open lot getting practice.
I find people who do this tend to be very sloppy in their lines.
One a track with an explicit layout, there are proper lines.
Those who practice on a real track tend to be better with lines.
Now, can you explain the difference between "car control" and "drifting" when talking about a race track and some open parking lot?h

[WeirdOddity]

At least that if you pratice in a parking lot, you could get used to having the tail out and sliding.

[Drift For Food]

I do agree with your logic. Essentially, the slipperier the surface, the slower the motions are going to be. As well, getting the rear end out is much easier, even in an underpowered car. Matched with slower speeds, it can be quite safe. I've personally found snow and ice the best tool for learning a car. There's nothing else that requires as much concentration and fine control as driving fast on a very slick surface. Throttle and braking actions need to be much more precise. Going through one winter in a car teaches me more than I gain the whole rest of the year.

Basically, as you progress to a stickier surface, the car's actions become faster, matching the higher grip levels and the ability to move more weight around faster. This increases the challenge of timing and reflexes. You need to become faster. At the same time, your moves become more forced: heavier steering, stronger braking, more throttle, etc. A milimeter adjustment or two of the gas pedal is far less meaningful on asphalt as it is on glare ice. I've personally done very little on asphalt. I stay to gravel and winter. Until I get a car that's set up well enough to take higher forces and speeds, I don't feel safe going sideways in a stock car on asphalt.


As far as track versus public street versus whatever...I think most people will agree, you pursue it within the limits that are available to you. My suggestion is simple. Use your head. Be smart, and you'll be fine. There are many people here that don't have the option of going to a nearby track or an empty parking lot.

It sounds like you at least have some land of your own to work on. As far as the track stuff, lines, etc... get some cones, chalk, anything to mark lanes and a course or just a few corners. Work on the basics. As well, change it up some. Have a little variety in your track layout, challenge yourself.