Preparing yourself and your car for a drift day

Okay, so you've been bitten by the drift bug and finally decided to try your hand at drifting. Now what?
This article was written with the intention of giving you beginners a few insights and tips to get you into our sport as quickly and as painlessly as possible.

Arrive Early

The gates to the Drift UK Days almost always open on time, and whenever the track is set up early, the gates open early as well. If you arrive early, chances are you can avoid the line to get into the track and you'll also get first pick of your pit area in the raceway. Arriving early also allows you to setup and prep your vehicle in a leisurely fashion. rushing to setup your vehicle while your friends are already driving isn't fun; so set up your pit area early.

Bring Exact Change

On arrival to help with the process: You will be shown where to park in the pits by a pit marshall. Once parked go to the booking in office with your paperwork. you will then sign the booking-in sheet and be informed of any necessary instructions. You will also receive a scrutineering sticker which must be signed by the scrutineer after your vehicle has been checked . You will not be allowed on track without this sticker sign and in place on your windscreen.
Also, after signing in your vehicle, everyone in your car will need to sign the safety waiver before entering the track.

Tyre Use and Car Setup

Depending on how much time you'll be spending drifting, you'll need to ration your Tyres accordingly. A new set is just about enough for them to run all day and then drive home afterwards. For beginner drivers I'd recommend bringing at least 1 pair of additional rear rims and Tyres. Snagging used Tyres from throw away bins is okay when you're first starting out, but not recommended because you'll be spending so much time changing Tyres and getting used to different Tyres, you won't be concentrating on your drifting.

Car Setup.
As a beginner, you don't need to worry about specific suspension adjustments unless you have good prior knowledge about drifting suspension setups. A good rwd car such as BMW's, Mazdas, Nissans and Toyotas fit the bill fine and you can modify as you progress to suit your style of driving. High power output isn't essential as this stage but try and use a car that has a respectable power-to-weight ratio. The car needs to be in a safe condition and will be checked for fluid leaks, steering discrepancies and braking - but doesn't need a MOT or insurance if you're bringing it by trailer.

What to Bring

Bring a small set of tools for working on your car, a jack, spare tyres / wheels, sunglasses and sunscreen. Crash helmets must be worn on track while drifting.
A few folding chairs would be good as well!

Attend the Drivers' Meeting

First thing in the morning we hold a drivers' meeting to get new drivers oriented with the track and event procedure. Make sure you attend and pay attention. Even if you're not driving, you should attend this meeting just for your own personal knowledge.

Ask Questions

All new starters will be given basic instruction by our resident instructor Steve 'Stiggy' Evans before allowed on track on their own.
Need advice about drifting or the event setup / format? just ask.

Practice, practice, practice

In order to get better in this sport you'll need to spend time behind the wheel. The pace at which you improve in this sport is directly proportionate to the amount of time you spend driving. The guys that are the best now were the ones that spent the most time in their vehicles 2 - 3 seasons ago. In time, you'll get better too; we promise.
Also don't be intimidated by the amount of good drifters out on the track. They were all beginners once too and know what it's like to start drifting.
Spinning out, crashing, and under steering are all part of the learning process. If you want to impress people show them that you're here to stick with this sport.
The new drivers that earn respect are the ones willing to try new things and keep at them for as long as it takes. The track should fear you; not the other way around.
Check out the Drift Techniques page before you arrive.

Move Quickly

As drifting increases in popularity, so will the number of drivers on the track. Move to your staging areas and lines quickly to keep the process moving smoothly.
If you spin or crash, quickly get your vehicle back on track and keep moving as a courtesy to the other drivers waiting to run.