Drifting

racing news

Red Bull Drifting World Championship Announced, Beijing Olympics Now Forgotten

Formula DRIFT and Red Bull are poised to move the sport of drifting from a mostly national sport to an international competition with the announcement of the Red Bull Drifting World Championship, to be held at the Port of Long Beach on November 15, 2008. The competition is set to bring 32 professional drifters from around the world to compete for the largest purse ever, though what that purse is hasn't been announced yet. We just hope some broke and alcoholic stevedore in a drifting El Camino somehow qualifies for the one amateur spot and earns enough money to pay for his daughter's college tuition. That would make an awesome movie. Press release below the jump.

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6:00 PM on Mon Jul 14 2008
By Matt Hardigree
1,792 views, 57 comments

Latest by MrSpyder: Drifting sucks but i watched the RedBull AirRace this weekend. It was in San Diego in the bay and really was pretty cool and interesting. I'd watch that again. [www.redbullairrace.com] Drifting though uh...no. more »

down on the street

1985 Toyota Corolla AE86

We saw an AE86 Toyota with Sprinter badging earlier in this series, and now I've found one with a single Trueno emblem just a few blocks away. This '85 seems to have had the US-spec front bumper replaced with a JDM assembly, but I'm pretty sure this car was originally sold in the US. It's always good to see an AE86 still driving, since most of these things have been thoroughly hooned by two generations of leadfooted import fanatics and they're getting mighty tough to find.
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9:00 AM on Tue Jul 1 2008
By Murilee Martin
1,974 views, 45 comments

Latest by n/a: @Al Navarro: We might have made it through this AE86 post without the mention of bad anime (and that's not to imply there is any good anime) if it weren't for you. : P more »

tanner foust

Top Gear USA Host Tanner Foust Takes Garage419 Sideways

Now that we know Tanner Foust is going to be one of the three hosts of Top Gear USA, we're feeling out whether this guy is worthy of the job or not. So, while we know pretty much everything there is to know about the race driver/television host, we're still interested in seeing more of his prowess behind the wheel. Garage419 got the chance to ride shotgun with Foust during a drift session in a Nissan 350Z, so check out all the countersteering, tire-smokin' action after the jump. More »

2:40 PM on Wed Jun 18 2008
By Mark Arnold
5,110 views, 55 comments

Latest by mytdawg: @cargogh: You're very welcome. He obviously CAN be a dick which may work out okay. He sure wasn't too worried about pissing on Ann or her fan base (whatever that may be). There's a youtube video of more »

around the block

Taking A Spin In A JDM Nissan Skyline

The new Nissan GT-R may be stirring up a lot of hype, but before the R35, Skyline lovers on this continent had to have their cars independently imported. The problem is, since the gray-market heyday of the '80s, the American import laws have been pretty dang strict. So, we decided to make our way up to Toronto, to check out how hoons in great white north do things. This particular operation, ONI JDM, has brought in everything from kei cars to fully-modded RX-7s, Supras, and of course Skylines. They offered to take us for a ride in their drift-spec R32 Nissan Skyline, so we bolted down the video camera and strapped ourselves in.

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12:30 PM on Fri May 9 2008
By Mark Arnold
5,415 views, 58 comments

Latest by mr.chophoppers: Oh lawd I want the Subaru Vivio RS-R on kei-cars.com It's been a dream since 1992, knowing that one is available for $7,900 canadian but that I can't have it is really hurting. As for the Sera arguments: You are both correct. more »

hoon of the day

Drifting A Limo Ain't Easy

What's cooler than driving sideways? Driving sideways in a limousine! Thing is, as these guys found out, it's not as easy as you might think. Even on a water-soaked skid-pad, that stretched wheelbase is hard to balance with opposite lock. Points for effort, though we would've like to have seen a "Just Married" sign and some tin cans being dragged along off the back.
[sportbilen.se, h/t to Bo!]

12:40 PM on Thu May 8 2008
By Mark Arnold
6,789 views, 34 comments

world's best dad

Hit It, Boy! Helmetless, Hopped-Up Power Wheels Hoonage

The ATV-assisted Power Wheels hoonage we saw yesterday showed some medium-grade disregard for safety, all right. But how about when you get a younger kid, lose the helmet, and juice up his Power Wheels truck with about ten times the factory power? This boy showcases some serious drifting skills as he lays hard plastic all over his cul-de-sac, ultimately flipping his top-heavy ride. Fortunately, there's a happy ending, without the kid's dome busted on the hard concrete... this time.

10:40 AM on Fri Apr 18 2008
By Murilee Martin
13,699 views, 107 comments

Latest by n/a: Damn, and I just junked a seriously sunfaded but completely functional Barbie powerwheels I had gotten out of the apartment complex trash dumpster...we even tried to sell it at a couple of yardsales but no buyers... more »

novelties

Neither Fast Nor Furious: Previa Drifting

In honor of our Vantastic QOTD, we've got some video of the once omnipresent and always strange-looking Toyota Previa getting sideways Tokyo drift style. Known as the Estima in Japan, this giant orange people mover comes complete with a carbon fiber-esque hood, manual tranny, racing harness and soon-to-be-shredded tires. Why would someone drift a Previa? If you have to ask, you're clearly far too sane for your own good. [YouTube via JPCNews]

1:45 PM on Wed Apr 9 2008
By Matt Hardigree
3,605 views, 35 comments

Latest by n/a: I now have something to do with my 01' Honda Odyssey... more »

for sale

Now You, Too, Can Own Your Very Own Professional Drifter

There's not much history to drifting in America... yet. Here's a chance to get in on the ground floor of automobilia by purchasing Takahiro Ueno's D1GP USA-spec Toyota Soarer (aka Lexus SC 400). With no drifting series for 2008 there is suddenly a need to sell the drift machines, making it one of the fastest ways to get into highly-tuned JDM metal. There's no word on price, but we're guessing it won't be cheap, especially after looking at the parts list. Better description below the jump.

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9:30 AM on Wed Mar 26 2008
By Matt Hardigree
1,341 views, 36 comments

Latest by n/a: Not a sport. more »

maximum el camino day

Bubba Drift: 360 Degrees Of El Camino Hoonage

Forget, for a moment, any preconceived notions you have about organized drifting events. Clear your mind and watch Bubba Drift's El Camino as it gracefully performs 360-degree drifts with billows of smoke pouring out behind. If this video isn't awesome enough, consider this; while most pro drifters use a manual transmission, the Bubba Drift El Camino uses a GM TH350 3-speed automatic. Because who needs a clutch when you've got plenty of power from a supercharged LS1? [BubbaDrift.com via YouTube]

2:30 PM on Mon Mar 17 2008
By Mark Arnold
1,940 views, 34 comments

Latest by northshore13b: crazy awesome... i didn't know they hosted events like that here in Indy. haha 3-speed! more »

maximum el camino day

Nissan S13-amino Likes To Drift-o

Even the Japanese have camino envy. Some even want one so much they convert their old Nissans into car-trucks. This guy took an S13 180SX and made it into a "Driftomino." Sure the ride height is too low to go drive through a field, and the bed is only big enough to carry a mini scooter, but it makes up for it with those powerslide kudos. Though we kinda wish those Japanese guys had grown matching mullets. But what's that? You think it's not macho enough? Well then check out the Skyline Camino below. More »

1:30 PM on Mon Mar 17 2008
By Mark Arnold
1,499 views, 19 comments

Latest by Evil J: This is actually referred to usually as the Sil-Camino since it's front end is the Nissan Silvia... more »

hoon of the day

Saudi Drifting: Now With Pedestrian Safety!

So, you're sitting at your computer, chain-watching videos of FWD family sedans being driven sideways by Saudis... all the while thinking these guys have no regard for public safety. Think again! Apparently those Honda Accords have some sort of Middle East market-specific soft bumper/fender technology. Either that, or this pedestrian onlooker was just really lucky. More »

2:45 PM on Tue Feb 12 2008
By Mark Arnold
5,991 views, 64 comments

news

Violent Idaho Hoons Issue Beat-Down After Truck Donuts Criticized

Stories like this one make us wish we could write like Kevin Hoover of the Arcata Eye (Warning: Do not click on that link if you need to get anything done during the next several hours!). Basically, what we got here is a pair of Idaho brothers straight out of Northwest Hoon Central Casting, right down to the red flannel shirts, pickup truck, and scrungy facial hair. John and Robert Rasho were minding their own business on a street in Kuna, Idaho, just spinning some donuts in their truck, not bothering nobody, when some killjoy neighbor came out and asked them to, like, knock it off. Next thing you know, you got one hospitalized killjoy, one impounded pickup, and two hoons in jail. (Hat tip to LTDScott!) [KTVB]

7:45 AM on Mon Jan 28 2008
By Murilee Martin
1,307 views, 18 comments

Latest by n/a: Look like two upstanding, fine gentlement to me. Damn the repressive, international world domination conspiracy! more »

racing news

Exclusive: Nissan Suspending All North American Racing Operations for 2008

Nissan and Nissan Motorsports (NISMO) will not be sponsoring or officially participating in any motorsports activities in North American on the verge of bringing over the GT-R, the most ferocious sports car from Nissan ever for North America. Earlier in the day we reported on a rumor that Nissan was getting out of American motorsports and we now have confirmation from Nissan. According to Scott Vazin, Director of Product Communications for Nissan Motor Company, though they're getting out for [Fiscal Year] 2008, "we'll keep a presence around the world." More »

7:40 PM on Tue Dec 11 2007
By Matt Hardigree
4,489 views, 26 comments

Latest by velocecrat: "What series could we be in that would be consistent aross all markets?" Back before the FIA became FOCA's lap dog, they would have an answer for this. Carmakers, please help ACCUS help you. more »

rumors

Nissan Dumping All North American Motorsports Operations?

UPDATE:We have conformation of this rumor, read the whole post on Nissan Racing with quotes from Nissan Motors. We've heard from a little birdie that a new accountant at Nissan has determined that NISMO North America/Nissan Racing North America is too expensive and must end. That means no more Nissan-backed CORR, Grand-Am or Drifting teams. The announcement was apparently made internally a week ago so that teams can find new manufacturers. All before the Nissan GTR hits our shores. Awesome! The rumor is unconfirmed, but also un-denied, so take that for what it's worth.

1:45 PM on Tue Dec 11 2007
By Matt Hardigree
1,479 views, 17 comments

Latest by Trackback: A shocking bit of news from Nissan is that they are dropping out of all factory-sponsored racing here in North America for 2008. more »

novelties

Drift Your Way Out Of Workplace Productivity!

It makes such incredibly perfect sense for tire companies to be huge supporters of Drifting Madness (and burnout competitions, of course) that it was inevitable that one of them would put up a drifting Flash game to encourage young hoons to hone their tire-wear-enhancing techniques while online (yes, yes, it's been around for a while, so anyone who's limbering up their 1337 skilz to break out the scathing "ur teh lame this so old" comments can just go somewhere else). Players can choose from a variety of vehicles, including a Fjord, Muzda, or Minimal minivan, all equipped with a selection of Marhal Tyres; the sound effects are just the thing to liven up a dull Monday workplace. We recommend the Minimal. Thanks to Franzouse for the tip! [Driftgame.au]

3:15 PM on Mon Dec 10 2007
By Murilee Martin
3,331 views, 18 comments

Latest by n/a: I think the MINI is my favorite car... I got a 4,572,650 donut with it, though the best I could manage on the drift course was a 458,732. That still puts me at 1,335th overall though so that's cool. more »

drifting

Drift Truck Revisited

Jalopnik is in the process of speaking and collectively we are proclaiming that drifting is not a sport. This is just another in the long list of glaring examples proving that democracy is worse than wet socks in December. That said, we still find y'all attractive, and we're not just saying that. We were however curious as to where the drift-hate comes from. Looking backwards we stumbled across one from the vault that has little to do with hate, and lots to do with love. ~~Spinderella~~ Dr. Spin posted this very drift truck two years ago. We're judging the video to be so mega-awesome that we're running it again. Also, the post is one of the first appearances of the word "Hoon" on the J-nik. Enjoy.

5:15 PM on Mon Nov 26 2007
By Jonny Lieberman
4,770 views, 30 comments

Latest by n/a: @xenti: No you weren't! I think doing this on a closed course is weak! A crowded city street with the trailer would be more impressive. more »

question of the day

Is Drifting a Sport?

A can of worms done got opened up yesterday when we posted about Team Orange winning the Saturday night event at this year's D1 Grand Prix. Lots of you, many more than I would of thought, totally ripped drifting a new one. The driving technique was compared to monster trucking, professional wrestling and synchronized swimming. Sorting through the hatred, it was pointed out that unlike other forms of motor sport, drifters are not going against the clock. Therefore the practice is not a race, but a performance that is judged subjectively. We don't agree, but a fair point is a fair point. Rather than totally tipping our hand, we'll just leave you with a quote from Keiichi Tsuchiya aka Drift King (who, in addition to developing drifting finished 2nd at LeMans in 1999), "I drift not because it is a quicker way around a corner, but the most exciting way." More »

11:45 AM on Mon Nov 26 2007
By Jonny Lieberman
4,077 views, 139 comments

Latest by Coming Into The Game, ♪♪ ♪♪♪ #J23 - The Superstar Receiver, ofyourupperdeck TORONTOOOoo BJSss ®: After reading through all the comments, I can come to the conclusion that DRIFTING IS A SPORT. Thank you Jalopnik for clearing that up. What is not a sport is a bunch of boxcars making circles around a trailer park, more »