“Do you drift?”

…asked my Advanced Magazine Writing professor while I was giving the latest news on an article revolving around a Chicago drift club that I’m writing for class.  The answer was, and is to everyone that asks, no. I don’t.  But only because I’ve never had the proper chassis, or even drivetrain layout for that matter, to get some seat time and start practicing.

But drifting is very alluring to me.  I often dream of creating the perfect blend of power, finese in a street-drift car in conjunction with discovering my own personal style and ability to control angle, entry speed and depth.  How could I not want to?  Honestly though, with the automotive-related goals I have in mind, I don’t know if I’ll ever have a purpose-built drift machine.  Grip running at the circuit and heart-dropping Kanjo and high-speed Wangan are how I see my future panning out.  But drifting is very exciting to watch, or ride along with and the draw will always be there, even if only from a spectators’ standpoint.

I chose to share the following clip because it showcases some of the best drivers on a closed touge, running full-speed — something you don’t get to see very often. Not to mention that when they normally use this location it’s for grip and not drift, which is what makes this clip particularly nice.  Orido in the pink Nissan S15 from Yashio Factory (which I would kill to drive on the street) and Kazama in the blue S13 from G-Corporation (and later the Toyota JZX90 sedan) attack the Gunsai touge.  Tsuchiiya is piloting the Toyota AE86 behind them as the designated camera car.  All are famous professional grip and drift drivers in Japan who have immaculate control over their vehicles.  So much smoke billows out from the fenders in this video that at times it’s hard to see what’s going on.  And keep in mind, this is all along a relatively thin mountain pass.

[Since I’m posting this for a class blog, those watching a “touge battle” for the first time, don’t be discouraged, the rules on this touge are simple.  The two cars line up with one leading the other. If the lead car pulls away, or the following car spins, they win the round.  If the following car passes, or stays close throughout, they win the round.  There are two rounds, and possibility for more if it’s a close battle.  And for reference, this is a completely sanctioned event/recording for a DVD. If anyone shows interest I’ll post up some street action.]

Check:

Tough break for Kazama, spins in the first battle for the loss and goes slightly off-line during the final round of the second battle and just can’t catch Orido in the S15.

And here’s a little bit of music featuring some Bosozoku guys who made it into the ‘Nothing to Worry About’ video, by Peter Bjorn and John.  Almost makes you want to grow your hair out, and learn some…. Japanese country line dancing?

Check:

Maybe more on Boso-style later,

-Nick