Want to learn how to drift? We got it covered.
Have you been watching all those youtube drifters and thought to yourself “That looks awesome! I would love to be able to do that.” Most people’s initial thoughts are, “that’s too expensive” or, “I’m not good enough to do that.” Starting to learn to drift can be scary but OSW Drifting has the answer. They provide an affordable way to learn and grow as a drifter.
Tommy (pictured above with the steering wheel), runs the drifting events at OSW and holds the learners days four times a year. It gives anyone with a car, the chance to have essentially unlimited track time for the day, paired with instruction from one of the A class drivers. A class drivers are the best drivers from OSW and volunteer to help teach new drivers. These guys aren’t making any money from this; they just love drifting. Drivers meetings are held in the beginning of the day so everyone is on the same page. Tommy goes over safety, course layouts, and gets a feel for everyones skill level. The other great thing about these events is that no spectators are allowed at these events. The focus in on driving and having as little distractions as possible.
So you have a car, and you signed up for an event, what can you expect? OSW has two different tracks: their skidpad (pictured above) and the oval track. For the learners days they spilt the skid pad down the middle to create two layouts. On the right side is a course that has very few cones designed for the newest drivers to learn donuts and figure 8’s. On the left, a more intermediate setup designed to teach drivers how to link corners and transition properly.
Learners days aren’t just for just brand new drifters. It’s also for some intermediate drivers who want more seat time and advice from the A class drivers. Because of the varying skill levels, drivers do one run and are assessed before given any advice. After the initial assessment, one of the teachers present will jump in the car and give advice on track.
Naturally, towards the end of the day, drivers will make their way to left side of the skid pad to try out the more advanced course. On this track you will be taught how to link corners and transition properly. The goal being to link the whole course without straightening or spinning.
The oval track is a good area to practice how a car feels and transitions because of the the infield and banking. Unfortunately, the oval is also known to go through tires a lot quicker than the skidpad. Because of that, many drivers go back to the skidpad.
The best part of these events is what happens after the learning portion is done. At 5p.m. the gates open for the after dark event that is open to all drivers. This gives the drivers who came to learn a chance to drive with others in normal track environment.
The next learners day at OSW is June 27th. Be warned! When the spots open up they go very quickly each time, so be prepared! Visit OSW Drifting on their website http://oswdrifting.com/calendar/
Follow OSW Drifting: Facebook.com/OSWdrifting
Story and photo’s by: Elliot Breheny
Instagram: @elliotbreheny
