The history of Russian drift
Russian drift started in the late 1990s and early 2000s, influenced by Japanese manga, anime, movies, and video games that featured drifting scenes. Some of these media products include Initial D, Wangan Midnight, Tokyo Xtreme Racer, and Gran Turismo. These media products introduced many young Russians to the concept and excitement of drifting, and inspired them to try it themselves. Some of the first Russian drifters used cars like Toyota Corolla AE86, Nissan Silvia S13, and Mazda RX-7, which were popular among Japanese drifters.
Russian drift was also influenced by Hollywood films like The Fast and the Furious, which featured drifting scenes and car modifications. These films increased the popularity and visibility of drifting in Russia and around the world.
Some of the pioneers and legends of Russian drift include Evgeny Satyukov, Alexey Bobrovsky, and Arkady Tsaregradtsev. Evgeny Satyukov is considered the father of Russian drift, as he was the first to organize drifting events and competitions in Russia in the early 2000s. He also founded the Russian Drift Series (RDS), the main professional drifting championship in Russia.
Alexey Bobrovsky is one of the most successful and influential Russian drifters, having won multiple titles and awards in RDS and other international competitions. He is also known for his aggressive and spectacular driving style, as well as for his car collection, which includes a Lamborghini Huracan, a Ferrari 488 GTB, and a Nissan GT-R.
Arkady Tsaregradtsev is another prominent Russian drifter, who is famous for his skills and charisma. He is also the founder and leader of Fail Crew, one of the most popular and respected drifting teams in Russia and Europe. He drives a Flanker F, a custom-made car based on a Nissan Silvia S14, which has a unique design and performance.
The techniques of Russian drift
Drifting is not just about sliding sideways, but also about controlling the car and performing spectacular maneuvers. Drifters use various techniques to initiate and maintain drifts, as well as to adjust their speed, angle, and line. Some of the basic and advanced drifting techniques are:
Clutch kicking: This technique involves quickly pressing and releasing the clutch pedal while accelerating, which causes a sudden burst of torque to the rear wheels, making them lose traction and start sliding.
Handbrake turn: This technique involves pulling the handbrake while turning, which locks the rear wheels and makes them skid sideways.
Feint drift: This technique involves swerving the car to one side before turning to the opposite side, which creates a weight transfer that makes the rear wheels lose grip and slide.
Power oversteer: This technique involves applying more throttle than necessary while turning, which makes the rear wheels spin faster than the front wheels, causing them to slide outwards.
Scandinavian flick: This technique involves performing two consecutive feint drifts in opposite directions, which creates a large weight transfer that makes the car swing sideways.
Drifters use these techniques to control their cars and perform spectacular maneuvers, such as tandem drifts, where two or more cars drift close together in sync; reverse entries, where the car enters a corner backwards; or 360 spins, where the car rotates 360 degrees while drifting.
The cars of Russian drift
The choice of car is an important factor in drifting, as different cars have different characteristics and performance. Some of the common car models used by Russian drifters are Toyota Supra, Nissan Skyline, BMW M3, Lada Vesta, and Flanker F. These cars are usually modified with various engines, suspensions, tires, brakes, steering systems, body kits, paint jobs, and stickers to improve their handling, power, and appearance.
Toyota Supra is one of the most popular cars among Russian drifters, as it has a powerful engine, a rear-wheel drive layout, and a lightweight body. It is also a classic Japanese sports car that has been featured in many drifting media products.
Nissan Skyline is another iconic Japanese car that is widely used by Russian drifters, especially the R34 model. It has a turbocharged engine, a four-wheel drive system that can be converted to rear-wheel drive, and a sophisticated computer system that can adjust various parameters.
BMW M3 is a German car that is favored by many Russian drifters for its reliability, durability, and balance. It has a naturally aspirated engine, a rear-wheel drive layout, and a rigid chassis. It is also easy to modify and maintain.
Lada Vesta is a Russian car that is relatively new to the drifting scene, but has gained popularity among some drifters for its affordability, availability, and adaptability Lada Vesta is a Russian car that is relatively new to the drifting scene, but has gained popularity among some drifters for its affordability, availability, and adaptability. It is a compact sedan that has a front-wheel drive layout, but can be converted to rear-wheel drive with some modifications. Some of these modifications include swapping the engine, gearbox, differential, axles, and suspension from other cars, such as Nissan Silvia or BMW 3 Series. Some drifters also add turbochargers, intercoolers, exhaust systems, and ECU tuning to increase the power and performance of the Lada Vesta.
Flanker F is a custom-made car that is designed specifically for drifting. It is based on a Nissan Silvia S14 chassis, but has a completely different body and appearance. It has a wide and low stance, a long and sleek hood, a large rear wing, and a distinctive front grille. It also has a powerful engine that produces 740 horsepower and 957 Nm of torque. It was created by Clubturbo specialists and tested by famous Japanese drifter Daigo Saito.
The events of Russian drift
Russian drift has grown from a street racing phenomenon to a professional sport with its own events and competitions. Some of the major drifting events and competitions in Russia are:
Russian Drift Series (RDS): This is the main professional drifting championship in Russia, founded by Evgeny Satyukov in 2004. It consists of several rounds that take place in different cities and venues across Russia, such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan, and Vladivostok. The drivers compete in solo and tandem runs, judged by criteria such as speed, angle, line, and style. The winner of each round earns points that count towards the overall championship standings.
FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup (IDC): This is an international drifting competition organized by the FÃdÃration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of motorsport. It was first held in 2017 in Tokyo, Japan, and then in 2018 and 2019 in Riga, Latvia. In 2020, it was scheduled to take place in Sochi, Russia, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The IDC features some of the best drifters from around the world, representing their countries and regions. The drivers compete in solo and tandem runs, judged by criteria such as speed, angle, line, style, and proximity.
Sochi Drift Challenge: This is an annual drifting event that takes place in Sochi Autodrom, the Formula One circuit that hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics. It was first held in 2016 and has since become one of the most popular and prestigious drifting events in Russia. It attracts some of the top drifters from Russia and abroad, who compete in solo and tandem runs on the challenging and scenic track. The event also features live music, entertainment, exhibitions, and fireworks.
Moscow Drift Battle: This is an annual drifting event that takes place in Moscow Raceway, a modern motorsport complex near Moscow. It was first held in 2017 and has since become one of the most exciting and spectacular drifting events in Russia. It features some of the best drifters from Russia and Europe, who compete in solo and tandem runs on the fast and technical track. The event also features stunt shows, simulators, and contests.
Siberian Drift Series: This is a regional drifting championship that takes place in Siberia, a vast and cold area of Russia. It was founded in 2009 by Sergey Kabargin, a famous Russian drifter who hails from Siberia. It consists of several rounds that take place in different cities and venues across Siberia, such as Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Omsk, and Tomsk. The drivers compete in solo and tandem runs, judged by criteria such as speed, angle, line, and style. The winner of each round earns points that count towards the overall championship standings.
The culture of Russian drift
Russian drift has developed its own distinctive culture and community, influenced by both Japanese and Western styles. Some of the aspects of this culture are:
Music: Russian drifters listen to various genres of music that suit their mood and style, such as rock, metal, rap, electronic, and pop. Some of the popular artists and bands among Russian drifters are Linkin Park, Metallica, Eminem, Skrillex, and Little Music: Russian drifters listen to various genres of music that suit their mood and style, such as rock, metal, rap, electronic, and pop. Some of the popular artists and bands among Russian drifters are Linkin Park, Metallica, Eminem, Skrillex, and Little Big. Some of the songs that are often played at drifting events are In The End, Enter Sandman, Lose Yourself, Bangarang, and Skibidi.
Fashion: Russian drifters wear various types of clothing and accessories that reflect their personality and taste, such as jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, caps, sunglasses, gloves, and shoes. Some of the popular brands and logos among Russian drifters are Adidas, Nike, Monster Energy, Red Bull, and Fail Crew. Some of the drifters also wear helmets, masks, or costumes to create a unique image or identity.
Slang: Russian drifters use various terms and expressions that are specific to drifting or derived from other languages, such as English or Japanese. Some of the common slang words and phrases among Russian drifters are dorifto (drift), kachok (clutch kick), ruchnik (handbrake), perevodchik (feint drift), zanos (oversteer), flick (Scandinavian flick), solo (solo run), tandem (tandem run), entry (entry speed), angle (drift angle), line (drift line), style (drift style), proximity (distance between cars in tandem run), smoke (tire smoke), and tsuchiya (a skilled drifter).
Media: Russian drifters consume various types of media that feature drifting or related topics, such as magazines, books, comics, movies, TV shows, video games, podcasts, blogs, vlogs, and live streams. Some of the popular media products among Russian drifters are Drift Magazine Russia, Drift Bible by Keiichi Tsuchiya, Initial D by Shuichi Shigeno, The Fast and the Furious series by Universal Pictures, Top Gear by BBC, Forza Motorsport by Microsoft Studios, Maximum Driftcast by Corey Hosford, Sam Nalven, and Paco Ibarra, Fail Crew TV by Arkady Tsaregradtsev and his team members, and Drift King TV by Evgeny Satyukov and his guests.
Social media: Russian drifters use various social media platforms to communicate with each other and with their fans, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, VKontakte, and Telegram. Some of the popular social media accounts among Russian drifters are @evgenysatyukov, @alexeybobrovsky, @arkadytsaregradtsev, @failcrew, @flankerf, @rds_gp, @idc_drift, @sochidriftchallenge, @moscowdriftbattle, and @siberiandriftseries.
Clubs, teams, sponsors, fans, and celebrities: Russian drifters form various clubs and teams to share their passion and support each other. Some of the popular clubs and teams among Russian drifters are Fail Crew, Forward Auto, Fresh Auto, Drift Alliance, and Evil Empire. Russian drifters also seek sponsors to fund their cars and events. Some of the popular sponsors among Russian drifters are Monster Energy, Red Bull, Motul, Toyo Tires, and Yokohama Tires. Russian drifters also have fans who follow their activities and cheer for them at events. Some of the fans also become celebrities themselves by creating their own content or participating in drifting events. Some of the celebrities among Russian drift fans are Maria Petrova, a model and influencer who is also a drifter; Dmitry Nagulaev, a comedian and actor who is also a drifter; and Anton Avdeev, a journalist and blogger who is also a drifter.
The future of Russian drift
Russian drift has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It has grown from a street racing phenomenon to a professional sport with its own events and competitions. It has also developed its own distinctive culture and community that is influenced by both Japanese and Western styles.
However, Russian drift still faces some challenges and opportunities in the coming years. Some of these are:
Improving infrastructure: Russian drift needs more venues and facilities that can accommodate drifting events and activities. Some of the existing venues are not suitable or safe for drifting, or are too far away from major cities. Russian drift also needs more roads and tracks that can be used for drifting practice or training.
Attracting more participants and spectators: Russian drift needs to attract more drivers who want to learn or improve Attracting more participants and spectators: Russian drift needs to attract more drivers who want to learn or improve their drifting skills, as well as more fans who want to watch and enjoy drifting events. Russian drift also needs to promote itself more effectively and creatively, using various media and marketing channels, such as social media, websites, podcasts, blogs, vlogs, live streams, magazines, books, comics, movies, TV shows, video games, etc.
Expanding into new markets: Russian drift needs to expand its reach and influence beyond Russia and into other countries and regions, such as Europe, Asia, America, Africa, and Australia. Russian drift also needs to collaborate and compete with other drifting organizations and communities around the world, such as Formula Drift (FD), Drift Masters European Championship (DMEC), King of Europe (KOE), King of Asia (KOA), King of Nations (KON), etc.
Developing new technologies and innovations: Russian drift needs to keep up with the latest trends and developments in the automotive and motorsport industries, such as electric cars, hybrid cars, autonomous cars, smart cars, etc. Russian drift also needs to explore new possibilities and opportunities for improving the performance, safety, and entertainment of drifting cars, drivers, events, and fans.
Collaborating with other drifting organizations: Russian drift needs to work together with other drifting organizations and communities around the world to promote and improve the sport and culture of drifting. Russian drift also needs to share its experience and expertise with other drifting organizations and communities that are new or emerging in the drifting scene.
Conclusion
Russian drift is a thrilling motorsport that involves intentionally oversteering and countersteering to make the car slide sideways. It is popular in many countries, especially Japan, where it originated. Russian drift is a term that refers to the drifting culture and events in Russia, which have been influenced by Japanese and Western media, as well as by the local geography and climate.
In this article, we have explored the history, techniques, cars, events, and culture of Russian drift, a thrilling motorsport that combines speed, skill, style, and spectacle. We have also discussed some of the challenges and opportunities facing Russian drift in the coming years.
Russian drift is a unique and appealing motorsport that has a lot to offer to drivers, fans, and spectators alike. It is a sport that requires not only technical skills, but also artistic flair, creative expression, and personal passion. It is also a sport that fosters not only competition, but also collaboration, communication, and community.
If you are interested in learning more about Russian drift or becoming a part of it, here are some recommendations or suggestions for further reading or watching:
Drift Magazine Russia: This is the leading magazine about drifting in Russia. It covers all aspects of drifting, such as news, events, drivers, cars, techniques, culture, etc. It also features interviews, reviews, photos, videos, etc. You can find it online at driftmagazine.ru.
Fail Crew TV: This is a YouTube channel created by Arkady Tsaregradtsev and his team members from Fail Crew. It showcases their drifting adventures in Russia and abroad. It also features tutorials, challenges, pranks, etc. You can find it online at youtube.com/failcrew.
Drift King TV: This is a podcast hosted by Evgeny Satyukov and his guests from the drifting scene. It discusses various topics related to drifting Drift King TV: This is a podcast hosted by Evgeny Satyukov and his guests from the drifting scene. It discusses various topics related to drifting, such as history, techniques, cars, events, culture, etc. It also features stories, opinions, tips, etc. You can find it online at driftking.tv.
Initial D: This is a manga and anime series created by Shuichi Shigeno. It tells the story of Takumi Fujiwara, a young delivery driver who becomes a legendary drifter. It features realistic and exciting drifting scenes, as well as memorable characters and cars. You can find it online at initiald.com.
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift: This is a movie directed by Justin Lin. It is the third installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise. It follows the story of Sean Boswell, an American teenager who moves to Tokyo and becomes involved in the drifting scene. It features spectacular and stylized drifting scenes, as well as exotic cars and locations. You can find it online at thefastandthefurious.com.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to Russian drift:
What is the difference between drifting and powersliding?
Drifting is a motorsport technique that involves intentionally oversteering and countersteering to make the car slide sideways, while maintaining control and balance. Powersliding is a driving technique that involves oversteering to make the car slide sideways, but without countersteering or maintaining control. Powersliding is usually done unintentionally or accidentally, while drifting is done deliberately and skillfully.
What are the benefits of drifting?
Drifting has many benefits, such as improving driving skills, enhancing car performance, expressing creativity, having fun, entertaining spectators, making friends, and earning money.
What are the risks of drifting?
Drifting also has many risks, such as damaging the car, injuring oneself or others, breaking the law, getting fined or arrested, losing reputation or sponsors, and facing competition or rivalry.
How can I learn to drift?
You can learn to drift by following these steps: 1) Choose a suitable car and modify it for drifting. 2) Find a safe and legal place to practice drifting, such as a track or an empty parking lot. 3) Learn the basic and advanced drifting techniques from books, videos, instructors, or experi