First step into drifting

The ever popular anime series Initial D, together with the rise of sporting events such as Formula Drift has made the art of drifting an increasingly followed motorsport. Some so-called motorsports purists might cringe at this for a variety of reasons.

For a start, there’s no clock, the ultimate yardstick in which every other motorsport is measured with. You just go into a corner, pull your handbrake, get your car going really sideways and hope that the judges would be impressed with the lines you make. It’s a bit like how they judge gymnastics and synchro-swimming. It’s all subjective, and it’s all down to the judges.

Drifting is the most subjective of all motorsports

Then, there’s also that issue that drifting is often associated with images of illegal street racing, even if the sport has long since moved on from that. Say what you want, but in the world of driving, few things are as satisfying, or as eye-pleasing, as entering a turn at speed, swinging the rear end around and successfully catching the slide to the roar of the viewing spectators.

Having said that, to the uninitiated, drifting can be considered as the most dangerous of motorsports, especially if not performed in controlled environments. The very act of sending a car sideways requires the driver to overwhelm the grip of the rear tyres on the road. Very fine margins are involved, and you’ll probably need to crash quite a few cars before you learn your lessons and get things right.

You can do that, which is very expensive, or you can get an expert to coach you. One such expert is former rally driver and Grass Racing Autocross champion Ivan Khong, who now conducts drifting clinics for interested participants.

Ivan Khong

For a day-long course at the Shah Alam stadium parking lot, Ivan charges his participants RM1,500 each. You might think that’s a lot, but bear in mind that the repair bills from a drift gone awry is certainly set to cost you a bit more than RM1,500. In addition, you will also have access to professional feedback to correct your every error.

Each of Ivan’s classes, organized on demand, will be restricted to about six to eight people. This ensures each participant will have more than adequate driving time and receive more attention from the instructors – himself and GRA defending champion Andy Kow. Those interested to go into drifting, and have some cash to spare might want to seek out his services.

It’s RM1,500 for a whole day of this.

KON

See also:
– Tengku Djan takes Formula Drift Malaysia 2009 crown – by KON (21/12/2009)
– Formula Drift Singapore 2010 completes qualifying rounds – by KON (24/4/2010)
– Formula Drift Singapore 2010: Business as usual – Djan wins – by KON (26/4/2010)