Power Over Drift



Also known as: Throttle over, Accel on, Power oversteer, Powerslide



Difficulty: Novice



**Note**: This technique is written for FR cars. It may be possible to perform this technique with an awd car, but as i do not have experience with them remember that this is written with FR drivers in mind.



Positioning: Your left foot will be used only to steady yourself firmly in your seat for better control. Your right foot will be on the gas pedal. Both hands remain on the steering wheel during this technique. Always practice in a safe open area. First time practice speed is any speed you'd like. I recommend starting in first gear, then trying it in second gear and so on. Your car may not be able to perform this technique past say, 2nd gear due to power limits.



What you do: Turn in, when you want to initiate the slide let off of the accelerator just long enough to disrupt the car's balance, then step hard on the gas. Flooring the accelerator your rear tires should lose traction and you will begin to drift. Countersteer. Once you reach the desired angle, ease off of the throttle slightly to stabilize the drift. Once stable, get back onto the accelerator and control to finish the drift.



Notes: Strong front tire grip is essential to performing this technique properly. There is a balance between going too slow (not enough rpms), being at the right speed, and going too fast to maintain front tire grip (understeer). If you are having trouble, try a tighter turning radius, more abrupt throttle usage, and more rpms or a lower gear. Understanding the range of speeds for this technique while learning in an open area can help you avoid understeering (possibly off course!) on the track.



Mechanics: Turning leans the weight to the outside. Letting off the throttle leans the weight onto the front tires and their traction is increased. This also disrupts the rear traction so as you step hard on the gas, the weight transfers back to the rear abruptly. This abrupt forwrad to rear weight transfer while turning is what allows the rear tires to break traction. Easing off of the gas for a moment will help stabilize the car's angle. It is now that you make sure your countersteer angle is correct, then ease back on to the throttle. This easing off and back on is how you control your angle. Finally, applying throttle will balance the car in the drift and allow you to continue it smoothly.



By: Ben C.

STATEMENT OF NON-LIABILITY

The author of this website does not encourage reckless driving on public roadways. The driving techniques and vehicle modifications shown in this webpage are intended for off-road use only and some of the modifications may make your car illegal for public road use. If you want to learn about drifting: more power to you but keep it safe and off of the streets; there are many on-track events for drifting, search for one in your area.

This website is about improving the performance and technique of the car and driver, mainly in respect to vehice handling. It deals with exploring the maximum ranges of tire traction, and in the case of drifting, pushing beyond that limit for extended periods of time. The closer a car comes to the limit of traction and the further it moves beyond the limit of traction the greater the chances of crashes when an error in judgement occurs.

If, while attempting to apply any of the ideas, procedures, or advice contained in this website, you should encounter any unfortunate or undesired circumstance, you will have done so through your own conscious descision. I disclaim responsibility for your actions, AND for your accident.