The Art of Drifting: A Conversation with a Rally Driving Legend
As we sat down to talk, I couldn't help but notice the sheer excitement emanating from my guest. "This is uh pretty much the funnest car I've ever driven," they exclaimed, gesturing enthusiastically towards their vehicle. It's clear that this is more than just a mode of transportation – it's an extension of their being.
"I mean to be specific about it," they continued, "it would be an all-wheel drive drift because the term drift has sort of been adopted by the actual drift competition nowadays which is basically rear-wheel drive uh." It's fascinating to see how language and terminology can evolve over time. The concept of drifting has become so ingrained in popular culture that it's easy to forget its origins.
"You know, the actual art of really oversteering for function comes from rally," they explained, tracing their roots back to the 1960s. "Starting back in the 60s, you know, sliding a car really became an art form in stage rally." It's remarkable to think about how far back this art form has its roots.
Over the years, as all-wheel drive cars entered the scene in the 1980s, drivers needed new techniques to initiate and control the slides. "And that's really what inspired me to do the things that I do," they said. It's clear that their passion for drifting is deeply rooted in their experience on stages.
"I really wanted to do what those guys were doing" when they started competing in the mid-2000s, they recalled. Colin McRae and Tommy Macdonald were two of the most iconic figures in rally driving history, and it's no surprise that my guest admired them so much.
"Nowadays, when you're sliding a stage rally car, you're going slower," they noted wryly. "So, the idea is always to try and keep the car as straight as possible." However, this changes with their gymkhana work – where speed isn't an issue, but control and precision are.
"That takes some of the fun away," they lamented, before quickly recovering. "That's why I've been doing the gymkhana stuff really on the side of everything else that I do." By embracing a different environment, my guest has found ways to relive their love for drifting in an entirely new way.
"This is a bigger car than you've used before, longer car than you've used before," they pointed out. The principles remain similar, however – "the same are they presumably for for getting it sliding and keeping it drunk." It's reassuring to know that some things never change.
"The drivetrain is based off what I use for stage rally and rallycross so it's an all-wheel drive system by Sedav with a center diff a rear diff and a front diff," my guest explained, detailing the technical aspects of their car. One of the reasons why this engine sits so far back in this car is that "the drivetrain actually has to go around the engine." This unique design choice contributes significantly to the overall weight distribution.
"It's got a bar, and you still use that quite a lot," they mentioned the hand brake as an essential tool. When starting on stages or navigating tight corners, it provides unparalleled control and precision. "I do still use the hand brake to get the car very precisely in different situations because you know just braking and relying on the suspension and weight transfer isn't as accurate every time." This level of awareness is crucial for any driver.
Coming from stage rally, where experience and instinct are key, my guest spoke about how much of it is second nature. "A lot of it is very uh second nature," they said. "It's got to be something that comes at a very subconscious level of what you need to do." You can't think; you simply react.
While driving, my guest doesn't rely on conscious thought but instead trusts their instincts to guide them through the most challenging situations. It's almost as if their years of experience have allowed them to tap into an inner driver who knows exactly what needs to be done.
"I've never sat alongside anybody so smooth and calm when a car is completely sideways," they exclaimed, highlighting just how exceptional their driving skills are. Watching them in action was truly awe-inspiring – a testament to the hard work and dedication that has gone into mastering this complex art form.
As our conversation drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone with such immense experience and passion for drifting. It's clear that my guest's love for driving extends far beyond just competing in events; it's an integral part of who they are.