D1GB FAQ’s
So, you are new to Drifting and you need to know more about the sport and how it works, well, you have arrived at the right place. Below we have listed an ample amount of basic FAQ’s to help you on your way. This page is constantly updated so be sure to check in from time to time.
What is Drifting?
Drifting is a high skill level motorsport in which drivers control a car whilst in slides from side to side at very high speed, normally between 80-110mph through a fixed course. It is carried out on a tarmac surface, usually a racing circuit and is judged on speed, angle of attack, execution and style rather than conventional racing whereby the winner is usually the one which passes the finish line first.
Drift cars are normally mid-sized, rear wheel drive sports cars and the majority of the field is made up of Japanese manufactured cars due to the sport being born in Japan. However with the worldwide presence that D1 and Drifting in general now has, it is becoming more popular for American and European built cars to be used as a base model for a Drift car.
The goal is to apply enough power to the rear wheels to break the tyres traction and to initiate a slide whilst accelerating the car forward, creating the Drift. Once initiated, the Drift must be maintained throughout the turn and the rest of the course, using nearly full power, slight braking and precise counter steering movements, achieving a gracious Drift from the first corner to the last whilst navigating within point scoring ‘ clipping points’, a section of a corner marked out by the judges as the correct Drift ‘line’.
What are the D1GP’s and how does D1GB differ?
D1Grand Prix Series: This is without doubt the ultimate Drifting series in the world and the championship all Drifters aspire to winning. Points are awarded at each round as per general motorsport events/championships. In 2005 the D1GP Series ran over seven rounds, with six of these held in Japan and the other one in the USA:
2005 D1 Grand Prix Series dates
February 26 - 27
Point Series Round 1 @ Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, California
April 16 - 17
Point Series Round 2 @ Odiaba Circuit in Tokyo, Japan
May 7 - 8
Point Series Round 3 @ Sugo Circuit in Miyagi, Japan
August 6 - 7
Point Series Round 4 @ Autopolis Circuit in Oita, Japan
August 20 - 21
Point Series Round 5 @ Ebisu Circut in Fukushima, Japan
October 22 - 23
Point Series Round 6 @ Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka, Japan
November 27- 28
Point Series Round 7 @ Tsukuba Circut in Ibaragi, Japan
Japanese professional Drifters have take all the title’s since inception but we, along with the Americans, hope to change this trend over the coming years.
D1 Grand Prix Exhibition: These events are usually held in a new country to show the media and spectators exactly what to expect from a D1GP Series event. A minimum of sixteen Japanese D1GP professional drivers, and their relevant cars, attend these events along with a handful of local Drifters. A D1GP Exhibition was held on October 2 nd in 2005 at Silverstone Circuit and was a roaring success for the D1 Corporation and all those who attended. Another Exhibition at Silverstone is planned for 2006 with a full-on points scoring round planned for 2007.
D1 Grand Prix Demonstration: This is where a small number (maybe two or three) professional D1GP drivers show what Drifting is about to generally a new audience. These D1GP Demonstrations are usually held at other large car shows/events as two to three sessions of roughly 15-20 minutes per session.
D1GB National Championship: This has been formed for the first time outside of Japan to enable Drifters to compete at a level comparative to a D1GP Series round. The format for these events is exactly the same as a D1GP Series round and is fully sanctioned by the D1 Corporation Japan. All drivers, and there vehicles, must adhere to strict rules and regulations as per D1GP’s. Although separate from the D1GP’s the National Championship forms part of the worldwide formation of D1 and will produce drivers to rival those in the USA and Japan for future battles across the world. The National Championship will also highlight the depth of talent we have here in the UK, and Europe, and therefore will attract the publicity that existing and prospective drivers require for a future as a D1GP competitor. D1GB forms part of a bigger picture by being the launching ground for the D1GP World Series that is scheduled for go in 2007.
Why do people like D1 so much?
D1 Drifting is a sport unlike any other. It combines the aftermarket tuning scene with professional level racing. For the drivers and teams it gives a huge challenge to perform at high speed, on tarmac, on circuit, sideways at speeds sometimes in excess of 100mph, half a metre from another competitor aiming for the same piece of tarmac. For the spectator it is an exciting and thrilling viewing experience with door to door performances, near misses, high speeds, unbelievable angles of Drift and plenty of tyre smoke. Combine this with glamorously decorated professional cars and you have a motorsport event for all the family, where the crowd are included in the show and can sometimes even a have say with the judges to decide on close runs and what they think of the battles.
What car should I use to Drift?
Your car must be rear wheel drive in order to achieve the desired handling effect to compete. Although the Championship line up is mostly a field of Japanese cars, in fact any RWD car can be used including the likes of BMW, Mercedes Benz and many other recognised brands which have RWD cars from the factory. Most cars from the factory can be used to Drift however in order to use the car seriously, you will have to consider modifying some parts in order to make the car more obedient to Drift. Most cars on the road have a mediocre handling setup and as such the parts installed from the factory are generally made to encourage safe driving and avoid both over and under steer so car choice is critical as is your understanding to further modify the car from its stock specification. Should you be in doubt as to your vehicle being suitable, firstly we would recommend a visit to our forum and ask like-minded people of their experiences. If you are still unsure, please contact us directly by email : vehiclespecs@d1gb.co.uk and we shall be sure to help you out where we can.
I would like to try Drifting but I have no experience?
The D1GB National Championship is for professional qualified drivers. All these drivers started at the beginning and this is an important aspect for the Championship to encourage new blood into the arena. Drift UK are officially recognised by the D1 Corporation as an organisation to host events for practicing the art of Drift. At these events you may attend with your own car or utilise a Drift prepared DriftUK car. You will be given advice on your car, how to improve it to better it towards Drifting, driver techniques and the basics involved in getting sideways! We work alongside Drift UK and are always looking for tomorrow’s stars for the D1GB National Championship and in fact it is our feeding pool for the Championship. Therefore this is the best place to start out. Find advice and progress your skills. They host regular small events across the UK and are the ideal place to get started.
For more information, please contact Drift UK via the forum where they have a dedicated area or by direct email : tc@driftuk.co.uk.
Do I need a licence enter D1GB and D1GP?
For practice events there are no licence requirements at all as they are non-competitive events.
The D1GB National Championship requires drivers to have an official D1GB licence. In order to compete in the points scoring D1GB Championship as a professional driver you must hold a valid D1GB National Championship Professional Licence. D1GB licences are issued jointly by D1GB and DriftUK. A route to Licence’s is outlined below.
You will be assessed initially by DriftUK and they will advise you on what route is required for your progression. When they are happy with your standard of Drifting competence a D1GB provisional licence will be issued giving you a passport to enter the D1GB National Championship as an un-seeded driver. As an un-seeded driver you are not guaranteed entry into the main event of the D1GB National Championship, but will have the opportunity to Drift and be judged prior to the main event on the same track as the D1GB Pro’s. If you succeed in qualifying and score points in the main D1GB event then you will be issued a D1GB National Championship Professional Licence.
D1GP Series licenses are issued under the direction of an official from the D1 Corporation Japan. The licensing requirements are based solely on driver competence and not level of machinery, although you must remember that only vehicles modified for Drift will actually be able to show a driver’s full ability. Initially a D1GP Licence is issued as a ‘one event’ status when a driver has competed at an Exhibition round and has driven to the satisfaction of the judges. This Licence can then be used for entry into a D1GP Series/Exhibition round outside of his/her country. A full D1GP Licence can be achieved by scoring points in a D1GP Series round and continuing to participate in such rounds.
For more information regarding licensing matters please check here.
What tyres do you use for drifting?
All D1 events require the use of street legal tyres. This requirement is defined as a tyre which is readily available to purchase ‘over the counter’ to the public for use as a r oad legal tyre regardless of territory, ie, legal in USA or Japan as well as Europe. Tyres which are solely used for racing, such as cut slicks are not permissible as accepted tyres. If you are in any doubt, please consult the technical area of the forum where you will be able to check this detail with a D1GB Crew member.
How do I find out more about D1?
D1 has two other worldwide event calendars, Japan and the USA. Both series have official websites which are located in our links page, they will often contain further information and up to date issues that is not necessarily represented here at D1GB so they are worth a look.
I have more questions than answered here! ?
We have formed our own friendly community where all aspects of D1/series/championships/events/car specs/rules/regulations etc., can be discussed. So please remember if you have further questions you should find the answers on the forum, so feel free to click the link, register your name and get posting!
