Drift Bible - Lessons in Line Part 2 - Initiation, Brake, Power and the Outside.

What is it that makes drift exciting? Big handbrake entries, run the wall, get close and smash things up!

What does it take to run the outside line? Braking is a big part of drifting and to slide along the wall at 90 degrees with the rear wheels locked is difficult, but it's something we all should be trying to replicate in RC.

If we don't, why do we even need a One Way front bearing?

It's something my chassis are set up to do and do well. When I'm by myself locking up the rear into a tight corner is my favourite passtime. But when I'm drifting tandem, I try to challenge others to try something new and go for those big braking entries and push deeper into corners.

Kawabatta mastered the sideways drift entry and although extreme it amplifies the point. What is drift? just powerslides or more than that? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maP4TXHryw8

I remember going to Ebisu one time and Koguchi was practicing on the ebisu east course in a blue silvia. What was he practicing? LOOOOOONG BRAAAAAAKING ENTRIES. Sometimes successful sometimes not.

Could he take the corner faster? yes. Did he? no. Drift is more than speed at angle. It's also the decrease of speed at angle. And this is often a challenge to many.

https://vimeo.com/14357830 https://vimeo.com/14357768

Ignore the copyright music and watch the entries.... BRAKES PEOPLE BRAKES!
 

Real Drifting has three main points. Initiation, Braking, then Power. The first two are the harder to master and therefore are often forgotten.

Using the current setup at GCRC, most practice this line.

Braking is all but nonexistent. Washing off speed is the most that is done.


 I remember running with the driver of this JZX100 in Japan, Why did I enjoy it so much? because he was running the outside line constantly, holding the brakes and forcing me into places I had never ventured. It really expanded my mind to line and possibilities.

Since then, I explored every inch of Max One and found lines and walls and multiple places that not only kept the layout varied, but allowed for more speed, more angle and more time per lap to enjoy my cars.

 When I am practicing, this is what I do. I go for the red zones and hold brakes into most of them. Pushing out to the extremeties allows for more aggressive power and braking applications, initiations and Slides.

Complete this sentence...

When you are heading straight for a wall at full speed, you had better use the _____ !

My braking pattern is a lot like this. The length of the lap is much longer and my own enjoyment is increased dramatically.

I'll leave you with a few shots from RC Oahu. A very very small circuit. 

Unless you drift the outside line here. you won't even be able to drift as the corner radius is so small it's just like doing donuts. 

So whether you have a small space that forces the outside line or a large space that accommodates it with ease. Get out there on the walls, fences and painted areas and challenge what you know RC drifting to be. Replicate real drifting and reap the cheers and applause.

Soon those places you currently never venture will be the norm as your skills also increase and you can put your car into any position with ease.

Most of all have fun exploring your tracks!