Car ‘drifting’ craze hits Moscow
Published 14 July, 2008, 17:45
Drivers from across Russia and Western Europe have been sliding all over Moscow over the weekend as part of the “King of Europe” series of competitions. The event is Europe's major ‘drifting’ contest – a Japanese invention where drivers use their brakes to skid sideways along the road.
Drifting originated in Japan in the 1970s but its popularity quickly spread around world. Now it’s a motor sport in its own right, attracting large crowds who can’t get enough of screeching tyres, smoking brakes and the smell of burning rubber.
Spectators at the Red Square Drift Ramble show at the weekend were not disappointed.
Europe’s leading drifters were in Moscow to compete with their Russian counterparts. Among the stars was Paul Vlasblom, winner of the King of Europe 2007 crown. He thinks drifting gives the viewers all the pleasure they want to have from watching a motor race.
“Drifting has got all the things that the audiences want to see, and for the driver it's also great fun as you can have contact with your audience – you can look at the people, you can play with them,” he said.
Russian drivers still lack the killer skills to beat the Europeans at this sport. At least for the time being, this motor sport is relatively new to Russians.
Russian drifter Vilyam Gukasyan said that his obsession with drifting started when he watched American movies about drifting and decided to try to repeat the tricks.
“That's how almost everyone here got into it”, he explained.
Both Europeans and Russians claim that you don't need any special talent to go drifting. All you need is a lot of practice – and a big wallet! All the tires need replacing after each competition, and, of course that car has to be customised.
Unlike other kinds of motor sport, speed is not the issue here. To get a great angle and not to let the car swing around is the be-all and end-all of drifting.
Though taking part in a drift show is not as risky as competing in Formula One race, there is always the chance of an accident. The Moscow show was no exception: one of the drifters got out of control and his car overturned.icio.us
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