With all the hype about GTO sales and all, I thought this was a unique spin-off.

Drifting is largely associated with the import crowd, but is catching on over here.

Imagine... a supposedly "US-musclecar" becoming a drift-mobile.

I'd a never thunk it.

But if it works...

LINKY

 

There was the Road & Track Invitational up here at Laguna Seca about a month ago, and one of the events was drifting.

The Friday night before, alot of the professionals involved in the competition were escorted into Monterey by the California Highway Patrol, and they parked on both sides of the street on Alvarado right by Club Octane (pretty much THE ricer's club in Monterey county).

I got to talk to Rhys Millen for about 15 minutes, and another guy (don't remember his name) who was running a Viper. I'm a fan of drifting because it's about controling your car in powerslides & it has a very practical side. I know it doesn't have many fans here, but I think everyone should check it out at least once before passing final judgement.

 

How is that sport new here???? People have been doing powerslides forever. I was always going to snowy parking lots with my dads truck when I was 16 and doing that "drifting" thing

 

I always think of the same thing when I read about the "new" sport of drifting. We did that, and doughnuts and such, all the time, especially on snow/ice days. I figured since you need a RWD to do it, maybe it's kind of new to the import crowd, but I always just took it as a given w/ RWD.

 

How is this surprising? Pontiac had it in drifting comps all this year. It did pretty good from what I hear.
I dont think of drifting as a sport, but just something you do for fun. Like Z28x said, its something you do with your dads, brothers, mom, or your own truck or car and have a little fun. I dont see the point of slidding around without there being a begining and an end? oh well...

 

When you literally burn-off a set of Good Year's in 4 hours... that can get expensive FAST.

Who on this board hasn't powerslid a car or truck at some time? You can't hardly run an AutoX course by throttlesteering without knowing how to control your slide (in a RWD anyways). Fact is, there's more to it than a "powerslide", just like there's more to NASCAR than "driving in a circle", or "driving in a stright line" on a dragstrip.

I just thought it was interesting that Bondurant chose the GTO for their school on drifting... it goes to show that the enthusiasts and people who are not stuck-up on the styling of the car still appreciate what it brings to the party.

I guess it doesn't matter if they sell 18k units to Joe Public or to fleets and driving schools - as long as they sell, right?!?!

 

Thats pretty cool that he picked GTO's to use. They seem like they would make for perfect drifting cars. Also I agree with you guys, the import guys call this "new" but those of us who have loved American muscle for so long have done this stuff for awhile. Only in parking lots and such . Also I found this quote hilarious:

"Did I mention we started on a brand-new set of P225/50R-17 Goodyear Eagles? By the end of the day, belts are showing. But that’s drifting. “Goodyear is very interested in drifting,” Bondurant allows. Gee, really?"

Needless to say when Drifting comes up with tire manufacturers, all they see is $$$$$$$$

 

Watch the Top Gear review of the Opel/Vaxhaul Monaro. Now THAT is drifting. Clarkson is the man! Clarkson loved the Monaro, and that one didnt even have the power the GTO does here. It did have the HSV GTO body kit, along with big 18's, but it only had the 310hp Gen III motor.

 

i believe he said something to the effect of "its one of those cars thats really easy to drive looking through the side windows"