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Drifting
Frequently Alluded Questions
(The
FAQ's People Think, but do not Ask)
Welcome to the Drift Session's
Frequently Alluded Questions about drifting. We receive a lot
of email from people seeking to know more about drifting, but oftentimes we
get the feeling that their questions aren't exactly stating what they're
thinking. Here's our interpretation of those questions. Also be sure to read the Frequently
Asked Questions here.
Why
don't you guys just build a new 'drift track?'
That's because our current track just cost $2 million dollars to
re-pave. Plus the land in Hawaii is some of the most expensive
around. It's not like a video game, track development takes lots of
time and money. For those of you that have millions of dollars at
your disposal, try building a drift track and then wait to see who
shows up.
Why
am I the only one who can drift correctly?
That's because you're only drifting correctly in your own mind.
That's kind of like saying, "Why does my mother make the best
spaghetti?" There is no 'correct' drift. All too often do we
consider what is correct by watching the person who is currently
most popular while trying to copy them.
Is
there a certain combination of parts I can just buy so people will
think I'm a drifter?
Sure. If you just want to look like a drifter, go buy a 240sx or
Toyota Corolla GTS, get some 'deep-dish' wheels, buy a set of
coilovers (but remember that have to be able to adjust the camber of
your front wheels), and get an N1 type muffler and mount it at an
angle. That would be a pretty basic set up for looking like a
drifter. If you can't afford all of that stuff though, just take
whatever vehicle you have to a real drift event where you can
practice. I guarantee you'll look more authentic (while actually
drifting) than the hundreds of guys out there hanging out at
In-and-Out Burger with 'authentic' drift parts.
How do you get sponsored before you start winning events?
From the many shop owners and manufacturers we've talked
to, we've found that although many people are interested in drifting
and even competing in drifting events, they have much to learn in
the world of sponsorship. I won't say that it's impossible, but it
is highly unlikely that anyone will sponsor you until you become
known and recognized. If no one knows who you are yet, they'd be
just as well to give their stickers and merchandise and sponsorship
dollars out at random, because all you are is just another guy
wanting something for nothing. You're going to get sponsored when
you can offer someone something. Until people know your name, know
your vehicle and recognize you for what you do, it doesn't make much
sense for a sponsor to give you anything. Will your sponsoring
company be able to sell more products when people see their logo on
your car? The power of association and the celebrity endorsement are
very powerful, both positively and negatively. I can tell you that
one particular manufacturer is not selling much in Hawaii
specifically because of their choice in sponsored drifters. If you
really want to get sponsored, first build a kick-ass vehicle, become
one of the best in your sport, look and act like someone
people want to associate with, and win, win, win. Only then,
maybe, will you get some sponsors.
Why do people take drifting so seriously in America?
I think that we, as Americans, have the ability to make
mountains out of molehills. We are in a country that places so much
importance on commercial success that everything turns into a money
making venture. Drifting is no different. Also, people are taking
drifting seriously because they need assurance that what they're
doing is significant and important. You can't just do something for
fun anymore; you need to be changing the world, saving the manatees,
validating your existence, yadda, yadda, yadda.
How
can I turn Japanese?
For once, America is trying to copy something from Japan
and make it better. Ironic isn't it? I will borrow an idea
from a wise man at www.ghettocitiesclothing.com
who said that Japan is fixated on the west (America). Japan would
not be fixated on the west if it knew the west was fixated on them.
This is the truest statement I've ever heard. Japan wants to be like
us in America, but like idiots, we're trying to imitate them. And
while it might be good for the Japanese parts companies and the D1
drivers that Americans idolize, I feel that Japan is looking at us
and thinking, "silly Americans." It's kind of how American
baseball fans look at Japanese baseball and chuckle under their
breath. Drifting is good, and
drifting is Japanese, but calling a Toyota Avalon a
"Chaser," dancing the "para-para," learning some
trendy Japanese vocabulary, and trying to
live like the Japanese is not cool. Remember to watch and learn.
Don't just imitate.
Why do people make excuses for needing this or that part before they can drift?
This is very similar to the people who use the excuse that
"drifting on the track is not real." People like this will
not drift because there will always be an excuse to validate their fear
of real competition. At some point or another you have to realize
that you can either keep making excuses for the rest of your life,
or you can swallow your pride and start somewhere just like
everybody else.
Will
I seem cool if I look down on beginners?
Yes. If you hate noobies, talk down to them on the internet, and
reminisce about the good old days of drifting you will look cool...
to other beginners and people that have no clue. If this is you,
drifting is already too popular in America. Go find the next trend
so you can be too cool for the rest of us once again. Real drifters
are about the advancement and acceptance of their sport; not about
trying to keep it exclusive.
Why
do some drifting organizations have so many rules and regulations?
That's because some people need to dress things up to make them
appear more significant than they really are. Strict rules and
regulations at this point in time will decrease interest in drifting
in the United States. Most drivers are not ready financially and are
not totally committed to the sport yet for event organizers to start
requiring full roll cages and fire suits. One very typical trait
about in this market is that people often try to surround simple
things with documents, instructions, and all other nonsense to
create filler. The hope is that the general public will just assume
that an organization is legit because it has a 1,000 page rule book,
a fancy website, and self-proclaimed "officials."
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