// GRIP IS OPTIONAL

DRIFT
GUIDE

Everything you need to understand drifting — from what it is, to the techniques, the mods, and the lingo. Written from the Swampy Slides garage.

// THE BASICS
WHAT IS DRIFTING?
01
// 01

WHAT IS DRIFTING?

Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers — causing the rear wheels to lose traction and slide sideways through a corner. Unlike grip driving where the goal is maximum traction, drifting is about controlling a car in a state of controlled chaos. Judged events score on angle, speed, line, and style.

THE RIGHT CAR
02
// 02

THE RIGHT CAR

You need a rear-wheel-drive car with a manual gearbox. FR (front-engine, rear-wheel-drive) platforms like the Miata, 240SX, 350Z, or BMW E36 are the most popular. The Miata is the go-to beginner car — lightweight, cheap to fix, and extremely responsive. The heavier and more powerful the car, the more commitment it takes.

KEY MODIFICATIONS
03
// 03

KEY MODIFICATIONS

At a basic level you need: coilovers (for suspension stiffness and height), a hydraulic handbrake (for rear-only braking), a limited-slip or welded differential (to spin both rear wheels together), and some form of angle kit for more steering lock. You don't need all of these day one — but the diff and coilovers come first.

// TECHNIQUES

Click to expand each technique. Start with beginner, work your way up.

BEGINNERINTERMEDIATEADVANCED
// DRIFT GLOSSARY

Every term you'll hear at a drift event — defined.

ANGLE
How far the car is rotated sideways relative to its direction of travel. More angle = more style.
COUNTER-STEER
Turning the wheel in the opposite direction of a slide to prevent spinning out. The fundamental skill of drifting.
ENTRY
The initiation of a drift at the beginning of a corner.
EXIT
Straightening the car out at the end of a corner, typically with a snap back to center.
FD
Formula Drift — the main professional drifting series in North America.
HYDRO BRAKE
Hydraulic handbrake. A standalone rear brake lever used for drift initiation.
LSD / WELD
Limited-Slip Differential or welded diff. Makes both rear wheels spin at the same speed — critical for maintaining a drift.
LINK
Successfully drifting through multiple corners in sequence without stopping the slide.
OVERSTEER
When the rear of the car slides out further than the front — the basis of all drifting.
PROXIMITY
How close the follow car gets to the lead car in tandem. Rewarded heavily in judged events.
WALL KISS
Getting the rear of the car as close as possible to a track wall or clip point without contact.
WHEELSPIN
Rear wheels spinning faster than the car's forward speed — creating a drift.
// READY TO SLIDE?

SEE US AT
THE EVENTS.

Check the 2026 Drift the East schedule — Riverside Speedway, Groveton NH. Swampy Slides will be there.

VIEW 2026 EVENTS →
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