Some beginner advice needed.

B

Big Tee

Member
Hello Driftworks.


I am looking for some advice and there seems no better place to ask than on here really. So here it goes.


Despite being registered on here for nearly 4 years now and regularly visiting I have never really had any extended experience with drifting. I registered on here more to just read build threads and see what progresses in the sport. I have always been more devoted to track driving and restoration of classics.


However now I have found myself wanting to have a go and this is where I need some help and advice.


I am more than happy to go out and buy a small car primarily for the purpose of drifting, however I am a bit stumped as to how I should get my foot through the door so to speak. I have searched the forum, and Google however Google results offer not much more than street drifting options which are no good to me or legal venues that are way too far away for me to attend.


I am based in Kent, 30 minutes from Essex arena, probably another 30 minutes from Lydden Hill and about 15 minute from Brands Hatch.


What are my best options?


Like I say I am more than happy to pay the outlay for a car, something perhaps like an Mx5, I could get an early mk1 on a classic policy and I am sure parts would be cheap and plentiful. However I would obviously rather not commit to this outlay if it wasn't the best and most suitable option.


I have googled about drift days in Kent and I came across this page...


Drift Practice sessions


Does anyone know if this arrangement is currently ongoing? Is it just a matter of turn up pay your money and have some fun? I find something very appealing about driving straight over from work and having an evening driving.


Alternatively, are there some more suitable events to attend or ways to go around things?


Please excuse the totally novice post, and I'm sure this is something that gets asked quite a bit. I have searched but have not really found anything area specific. I am the worst for wildly running into ideas with zero research, and most of the time wish I hadn't. Hence this thread.


Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Surely this is the best option for beginners: Drift What Ya Brung - DWYB at Santa Pod Raceway

A couple hours drive for you but not that bad tbh, and a lot less concrete around than Essex

As for the car, yes MX5 is a good option. With their popularity you should be able to find something with coilovers already fitted but there will be a bunch of shagged examples out there (bushes falling to pieces, worn clutches, rusty sills etc) muddying the waters so choose wisely
 
Thanks for the advice there Ben. Much appreciated.

I did know about the DWYB at Santa pod, however I was looking at the worst case scenario of blowing the car to oblivion, recovery from Essex would be far cheaper than santapod. However it is something that I should probably look into more intently. Especially if it is more beginner friendly.

There seems to be a lot of rubbish out there in regards the mx5. However having recently helped my cousin with some jobs on his one they seem to be simple enough. I would much rather have a function over fashion, as long as it's legal and reliable it can be 15 shades of red for all I care. I would hate to trash a respectable example.
 
Your on the right tracks, and Ben has definitely given you the best advice about where to go, DWYB is extremely good, there are plenty of helpful and skilled drifters around to give advice.

I've been drifting for over 3 years now(Competed in the past but not anymore), and im taking my missus to DWYB on Feb 8th to give her a few lessons in my S13, and its a 3 hour drive for me haha.

At Santa Pod there really isn't much you can do to destroy your car, there isn't much you can hit apart from fences. Just keep an eye on your temps and oil etc and you'll be perfectly fine. Take out an AA Policy and you would be able to get recovery home for free(apart from the original outlay of the policy of course).


I started out in an Mx5 Mk1 - 1.8 Import and loved it, it taught me a lot! Mainly that you can drift without loads of power and they are super reliable.
 
Buying a reliable car from the outset will help reduce the likelihood of it going pop considerably, and give you confidence to push the car to improve yourself while learning, and venture further afield to other tracks as your skill improves

Surely a roadtrip to Driftland would be on the wish list further down the track ;)
 
I'm pretty new to drifting and picked up a cheap 318is (owes me minus money as sold private plate) and I was surprised how much fun it is to drift. Yes my pals in there 350+bhp cars are faster and can drift with more ease but if I prang mine I'm not too fussed. I'm a jap fan but bmws are cheap and lock mods and coilovers are cheap as.

Good luck with ya new hobby dude it's addictive.
 
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