drift school?

[racenaked180sx]

Ive been searching but have not came across anything. Does anyone know of any drift schools here in the states? I know how to drift a little but id like to learn how from someone that knows what they are doing and can teach me the techniques. I know they have them but i cant seem to find any info on them and where they are located or how to contact them. If anyone could help me out id appreciate it.

thanks

[alexanderig]

There's a local shop here in Florida that has a s13 school car you pay a fee and they let you take there s13 on the track and they have an instructor maybe you can find something like that locally? Or hit up a local drift event and try to get ridealongs and tips from different drivers

[bllabong89]

Drift Association, LLC. -- DRIFTDAY.COM (http://www.driftday.com/)

[racenaked180sx]

Ive been to a few events with some friends. I know the best way to learn is to do it but i also dont want to look like a jack ass at an event. Im looking for more of a school that everyone there is just starting or trying to get better with instructors riding with u and helping you. I dont know if this exist but just seeing if it does. I know i could go to events and try to learn that way but id rather have an idea of what im doing and a technique down. Thanks for the help so far i appreciate it.

[Couped_up'd]

Hmm okc? I am located in okc. I have pm'd you.

[Touge Whore]

I would just attend some of the local drift events, especially ones that are beginner friendly. They should have some sort of driver's education or instruction so your learning curve is a little quicker. Who cares about looking like a fool at first, just go out there and be a sponge. Everybody has to start somewhere...

[BoostSlideWayz]

Yeah i was looking in to this.. i havent had the money but if i do later on i would try it. Nothing like going to school for drifting.

[bllabong89]

Maybe this was missed earlier...

Drift Association, LLC. -- DRIFTDAY.COM (http://www.driftday.com/)
Drift Association, LLC. -- DRIFTDAY.COM (http://www.driftday.com/)
Drift Association, LLC. -- DRIFTDAY.COM (http://www.driftday.com/)
Drift Association, LLC. -- DRIFTDAY.COM (http://www.driftday.com/)

This may be the kind of school you were looking into. They have a beginner course(Drift 101) for the basics and a more advanced course to perfect technique and skills(Drift 102). You can even rent their cars or use your own. If I ever finish my car, I will most likely go there to see how the pros do it like Taka Aono

[racenaked180sx]

wow guess i missed that bllabong thanks thats pretty much what im looking for. Thanks

As for looking like a fool i dont care to much about that but i dont want to hold everyone else up who knows what they are doing. Plus id love to learn from some of the best around .

Thanks again for the help!!

[noname7198]

Maybe this was missed earlier...

Drift Association, LLC. -- DRIFTDAY.COM (http://www.driftday.com/)
Drift Association, LLC. -- DRIFTDAY.COM (http://www.driftday.com/)
Drift Association, LLC. -- DRIFTDAY.COM (http://www.driftday.com/)
Drift Association, LLC. -- DRIFTDAY.COM (http://www.driftday.com/)

This may be the kind of school you were looking into. They have a beginner course(Drift 101) for the basics and a more advanced course to perfect technique and skills(Drift 102). You can even rent their cars or use your own. If I ever finish my car, I will most likely go there to see how the pros do it like Taka Aono



I've done both drift 101 and 102 and they were awesome. I learned so much, got to use their cars, and had more fun than I've ever had in my life. It is well worth the money to travel there and do it if you want to get into drifting.

Otherwise, look for local events that do clinics. You'll progress way faster when you have people that know what their doing helping you out and you'll have more fun.

[racenaked180sx]

I agree ^^ thats why i wanted to find a school. It looks like exactly what i want to do. I emailed them to find out 2011 schedule. Glad to hear it is worth the money and it is fun. I dont mind traveling its somthing i will enjoy im glad they have rentals because im not close to ca lol. So do they really work with u and coach u well. Like u have one on one time and learn alot?

[noname7198]

When I did 101 there was 3 students and 3 instructors, Taka Ano, Hiro Sumida and Joon Maeng. I got one on one instruction from each of them as well as ride alongs with hiro in his car and taka and joon in the drift 101 rental. I learned a ton there. Drift 102 was one on one with Hiro and was awesome. I had the Balcony at willow springs all to myself, in hiros car, with one on one instruction.

I seriously can't say enough about how awesome that was. It's definitely worth every penny.

[J3123MY]

Lol. Probably find a bunch of fanboys there.

[mikerbike]

but i also dont want to look like a jack ass at an event.

There's always going to be someone, somewhere that thinks you're a jackass for some reason. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks about you. GO OUT AND DRIVE. If you're really that concerned about what your friends at grassroots events think about you, think about the guy you're paying so he'll teach you something you can learn for free!! What's he thinking about you? :Ownedd:

Drifting is a jack ass sport anyway. I mean that in a good way.

NoName, looks like they haven't updated Driftday in a long time. Are enthusiasts starting to wise up?

[ohhhizzzy]

just go out there, look like a jackass, and have fun, thats what drifting is all about

[noname7198]

NoName, looks like they haven't updated Driftday in a long time. Are enthusiasts starting to wise up?


I'm not sure. I think it was taken over by someone new since I did it. I did 101 back in 07 and I actually emailed Hiro directly instead of going through driftday for 102 when I did it last year.

[DertyDan]

i did a drift school one time, even with an instructor dude you just end up teaching yourself. my instructor was basically there to hang out with me, maybe gave me ONE tip. now i just go to events and i like it more because it is less bullshit more track time. it can be intimidating your first time but dude just go for it. most events around here have different run groups for how good you are so odds are someone out there will be right there with you

[J3123MY]

i did a drift school one time, even with an instructor dude you just end up teaching yourself. my instructor was basically there to hang out with me, maybe gave me ONE tip. now i just go to events and i like it more because it is less bullshit more track time. it can be intimidating your first time but dude just go for it. most events around here have different run groups for how good you are so odds are someone out there will be right there with you


LOL. Then why did you go to the school?

Drifting School is kind of like Surfing School,
Created to make money from fanboys at the expense of true enthusiasts. lol

Surfing school crowds up the beaches with crowds of inexperienced surfers
Drifting school makes it even more mainstreamed, attracting honda people and assholes, giving it a worse name then it already has.

Just what I think. If I had the resources and experience to open a drifting school I would do it too if I could make a good amount of money and you get your own private track/lot.

[STEEZxIT]

watch drift bible a few times. go to your local event or practice runs and apply it there...

[DertyDan]

LOL. Then why did you go to the school?


it was the only event within the month by the time i had my car ready and was only like 5 more bucks than a normal event. i dont even know why the ones here are called "schools". Its basically a normal event but the instructors who volunteer get free track time

[getsideways]

Hey, I am a long time creeper on Zilvia so I don't expect anyone to know me.

My name is Brad Heyl. I was just picked up by ASD for their proam drift sponsorship for 2011 (ASD Mob (http://www.asdmob.com)). Here is my drift history I hope it helps.

Four years ago I saw an FD comp at Wall Speedway in Jersey. I loved it and wanted to learn but just like you I didn't know what to do and didn't find it helpful AT FIRST to go out and wait 30 min in between each turn around the course.

I went to Drift101 when they had a special day in Utah at Miller Speedway. I rented the car they taught me how to be consistent in handling the car properly in a donut and figure eight. Most people would think that to be a waste of time. But when you are getting consistent seat time for a whole day with an instructor your skills increase 10 fold.

After that, I attended the local events at Beaverun and picked everyone's brain for setup, drift techniques, other events, etc. (much of what some of the other guys are saying to you... all great recommendations btw). So whether or not you want to spend the money to go to a drift school would depend on your skill and comfort level. Drift 101 is where I got my start and now I'm a sponsored driver so I am 100% believer in drift schools you just have to evaluate yourself and make sure you find the right instructor. Sorry for the length of this message. I rarely post and I thought this info would help.

[bllabong89]

a true drift school would actually benefit someone who wants to build this thing called "Technique". There are road course schools and rally schools and probally even schools for drag racing. These aren't created to help the fanboy fulfill his dream of drifting a car...it's made to build people into better drivers.

I believe it is the bondurant school that says on track experience and technique applies to daily street driven scenarios like what if someone spins in front of you, what if your back end kicks out, how to counter steer in slippery conditions and so on...If you think racing schools are made to solely make money and kill the sport than you are mistaken.

If I had the money to go to any racing school, I would. It will make you a better driver. You see schools for welding don't you...What do you say, that just for the fanboy? No, that is for someone to perfect their skills.

Good foundation + Practice = Excellent skills
Poor foundation + Practice = A person whose skill will plateu(stop developing)

Just my opinion on the topic...I'm sure I will get flamed but I can deal with it

[racenaked180sx]

Awesome info thanks for that! That is the sole reason i want to go to one like you said (getsideways) its going to build technique. I know how to slide and control it but im not smooth and cant connect them. Yea practice is great but i want to build a foundation get the skills to start and then me practiceing will mold to me getting better. Dont get me wrong i will go to events and deff dont care what people think. But i want to go once i have my foundation of knowing what im doing so i can practice the skills and the technique i have learned so i can master them. I want to learn because its fun but i also want to take it to the next level maybe one day also be sponsored or just go to events have fun and just do well those are my goals and i believe the school recommended would be a great investment and help. Thanks again for everyones help and the info its helped alot. Now just have to save for the trip lol.

Congrats getsideways on getting sponsored btw!

[getsideways]

I think that's a good opinion bllabong89 about a reputable school!

And I'm glad I could help racenaked180sx... I might just be saying what a lot of others are already telling you but I thought a personal account with a timeline of results would clear up provable results of schools with proper teachers. Good luck and thanks for the congrats.

[Def]

Just go to local events, and contact them ahead of time and ask for an instructor.


People that are starting out drifting seem the most concerned with how they will "look" out of anybody getting into sort of driving. If your whole concern is "looking cool" - then you're not going to learn much starting out.

Just get out there, ask somebody to show you the ropes, then get seat time and continue to get instruction whenever you can. You don't need some "school" out in CA to teach you the basics of drifting.

[Def]

Also, I'll add some seat time money would be *VERY* well spent on some autocrossing and HPDE's to learn some actual car control skills. This seems to be what beginning/intermediate/some advanced drifters seem to be lacking the most. By that I mean being able to anticipate and react to the car and get it to consistently hit your marks on track (turn-in, apex, track out).

[[email protected]]

Awesome info thanks for that! That is the sole reason i want to go to one like you said (getsideways) its going to build technique. I know how to slide and control it but im not smooth and cant connect them. Yea practice is great but i want to build a foundation get the skills to start and then me practiceing will mold to me getting better. Dont get me wrong i will go to events and deff dont care what people think. But i want to go once i have my foundation of knowing what im doing so i can practice the skills and the technique i have learned so i can master them. I want to learn because its fun but i also want to take it to the next level maybe one day also be sponsored or just go to events have fun and just do well those are my goals and i believe the school recommended would be a great investment and help. Thanks again for everyones help and the info its helped alot. Now just have to save for the trip lol.

Congrats getsideways on getting sponsored btw!


Hi racenaked180sx,

driftday.com site is...kind of in the middle of updating, so if you email to the wrong person on there, you won't get any reply.

You can see general info. @ below links for our Drift 101/102.

For Drift 101/102 (http://blog.driftpro.com/p/drift-101102.html)


For Drift 101/102 Rental Cars (http://blog.driftpro.com/p/drift-101102-rental-cars.html)


Everyone has different opinions, so you can choose which root you will take.


If you are looking for our 1-to-1 type of school rather than open practice events with instruction available...please contact to: yoshie (at) driftpro (dot) com. (Please understand I will not reply any questions posted here.)


And...as of now, we are searching for new venue for 2011, so the schedules and pricing are not available. And I will be sending update emails whoever interested in taking our classes once I get new info.



AND...lastly, thank you very much for taking our classes, noname7198 & getsideways! And I am glad to hear you guys had enjoyed & learned! And congrats. to getsideways getting sponsorship, and I hope you do great in drifting scene.



Thank you very much.



Yoshie

[getsideways]

Yoshie: Thanks you for the compliments! I wish the best of luck to you guys at Drift 101. Also, I believe a few years back Naoki was my contact and I cannot remember who my instructor was but he was not a pro but was a great teacher and communicated the basics to me in a patient and effecient way... sorry for the memory loss.

Def: You make a great point about going out to local events and learning that way. I think it's preference. Both ways will work but everyone learns differently and at a separate pace.

I'm the type that needs a teacher and is not comfortable approaching people to ask for help.... although many drifters would be nice enough to lend a hand. Therefore I knew I needed to start out a school and then pick up pieces of information along the way.

One last thing, auto x and other events of that nature are very helpful, not only with proper driving techniques but car setup as well. Auto x guys are more knowledgeable when it comes to understanding by making a certain change to your suspension, tire pressures, etc what it will do and why. Not rapping on the drift crowd... there are def guys out there that know their stuff too.

Once you feel comfortable about throwing your car around hit up GYMKHANA and you will become VERY comfortable at throwing your car around :rawk:

[ROOSEY]

not to thread jack but im so glad someone asked this question also. i really wanna get into drifting and im not some fanboy. ive loved the sport for years but ive never been able to learn the basics well enough and just like you i dont wanna look like a fool at an event.

^to getsideways...i live in pa also. are you a good teacher? id love to learn i just dont know if i have the money to go cross country to one of these schools. would you teach me the basics of it and whatnot?

[racenaked180sx]

Yoshie) thanks for the info i will deff be emailing you to recieve info for 2011. I emailed kat off the site and they emailed me back and was very helpful and told me i need to contact you so i shall.

This is true on the auto x statement. i have 2 friends with 240s that ive known for years that drift and autox i could tell once they started auto x they learned to control much better so im sure i will do this as well.

Like i stated before dont really care how i look but dont want to hold other up and would like to go out there with a technique that i can work on mastering. Im deff going to be practice on my own time but i would like to go to this school i belive just gota save gona b a pricey trip.

Thanks again for all the help and info u guys have been very informative and helpful thanks again!!!

[getsideways]

Zenkidrift- I don't think you are thread jacking at all. I think you brought up a good idea for people too... not to bash on drift 101 but not everyone has the money to fly out there if they live on the East Coast. I worked at Beaverun, now BRTC, running the drift program for a few years down here near Pittsburgh. They rent track time for 150 an hour aside from the 40 dollar drift day sessions. I know that seems like a lot but if you have your own car ask someone who knows what they are doing to try to get some track time with them.

PM me and we can talk about the details. I will come out if you rent track time or if you just want to meet up a local practice come spring time I would be glad to ride along with you and explain techniques. I can also introduce you to the groups down here so it's not as intimidating.

[DoriSaruMark]

Wow... Miller Motorsports park, Utah... That was a long time ago! I'll never forget going to the bars over there, pounding a buhjillion beers, and feeling only a slight buzz. (low alcohol content beer).

Anyways, Yoshie is right. Everyone will have mixed opinions about taking an acctual drifting class. However, you shouldn't have to ridicule people for wanting to try it.

@Getsideways : its good to hear that you're still in the game! keep it up and thanks for not forgetting your roots with us here at Drift Association. Your instructor for that weekend was either JP Mendoza, or Mark Aldaba (me).

[mikerbike]

I was at that Event in Utah, I remember Dori Saru! I was surprised so many driving "enthusiasts" didn't know how to do donuts. I kinda thought it was the universal show-off for all walks of automotive idiocy.

I'm interested to see what drift102 is about.