Drift Events Uk
Discussion
Right, now I know for starters that a fair few of you dont really consider Drifting to be a motorsport in the purest of terms, but thats not what this discussion is about. If its in the wrong place on the forum, then sorry
Ive just been wondering whilst looking at sites like speedhunters.com and following X games 17 on espn, why is it that the Uk just doesnt seem to have got behind drifting as much as it has in the US and Japan? I know the 'sport' originated in the far east, and obviously the USA contains alot more people than the UK, but why is it that Drifting is still considered by many to amateur? Has the scene already died in this country?
Im not involved in drifting in any way, but from as far as I can gather, 'Driftworks' seem to have abit of a monopoly over drifting in this country, and sometimes they seem to be abit, closed-minded? It seems if your not in with them, you've got no chance. If they dont approve of something, your an outsider. I may be wrong on this one however. What Im really wondering though, is does this have a negative projection on drifting as a whole in the UK, and therefore has a knock on effect on the quality of events? Is it because of the circuits and authorities are being closed-minded?
Or, is it just that the events need better promotion? I couldnt tell you when or where a drift event is being held without abit of serious digging. Do they just follow the big shows around the country? Does it just need abit of 'glamming up' with some 'current' sponsors (think Monster Energy etc etc) or will it only ever be a sport for the Driftworks boys and their many devoted followers, always under the radar? Perhaps thats the way they like it..
Ive just been wondering whilst looking at sites like speedhunters.com and following X games 17 on espn, why is it that the Uk just doesnt seem to have got behind drifting as much as it has in the US and Japan? I know the 'sport' originated in the far east, and obviously the USA contains alot more people than the UK, but why is it that Drifting is still considered by many to amateur? Has the scene already died in this country?
Im not involved in drifting in any way, but from as far as I can gather, 'Driftworks' seem to have abit of a monopoly over drifting in this country, and sometimes they seem to be abit, closed-minded? It seems if your not in with them, you've got no chance. If they dont approve of something, your an outsider. I may be wrong on this one however. What Im really wondering though, is does this have a negative projection on drifting as a whole in the UK, and therefore has a knock on effect on the quality of events? Is it because of the circuits and authorities are being closed-minded?
Or, is it just that the events need better promotion? I couldnt tell you when or where a drift event is being held without abit of serious digging. Do they just follow the big shows around the country? Does it just need abit of 'glamming up' with some 'current' sponsors (think Monster Energy etc etc) or will it only ever be a sport for the Driftworks boys and their many devoted followers, always under the radar? Perhaps thats the way they like it..
Just to add to that, Ive just seent he topic of the Rallycross at X-Games
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Another typically British/European sport that with of abit of glitz and glamour can capture a far bigger audiences' attention..
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Another typically British/European sport that with of abit of glitz and glamour can capture a far bigger audiences' attention..
The main reason for the difference between the UK and the US is the size of the crowds they can attract. The US get so many thousand people in even for the very basic grass roots events, this has the effect of sponsors getting seriously involved and has made formula drift what it is today.
UK drifting on the other hand is still much smaller with even the top competitors still paying the majority of their own costs.
The sport is growing in the uk rather than shrinking but it does lack something in the way of publicity, I suspect the main reason once again boils down to money, advertising is expensive an in order to keep competition costs to a minimum perhaps not as much is spent as could be.
Driftworks are so big because they were one of the very first companies setup to cater for drifting, their staff / drivers are hugely successful and their customer service is 2nd to none along with a huge forum.
They have just managed to organise a huge 3 day show at Mallory park with all levels of drivers on track for a very reasonable price (search for Awesomefest 2011 on google or youtube), Driftworks are one of the biggest promotors of drifting because it obviously increases their customer base. Things like AF generate a huge amount of exposure for the sport and the DW S15 has even made it on to prime time telly.
I wouldnt say DW are cliquey and the forum has a huge range of cars/projects on the go. Despite the 800hp Supra, M3 turbo and 13B space framed 86 at the show, the 2 most talked about drivers where in a YB powered MK2 escort and a starlet.
Anyway I think that's more than enough brown nosing from me lol.
UK drifting on the other hand is still much smaller with even the top competitors still paying the majority of their own costs.
The sport is growing in the uk rather than shrinking but it does lack something in the way of publicity, I suspect the main reason once again boils down to money, advertising is expensive an in order to keep competition costs to a minimum perhaps not as much is spent as could be.
Driftworks are so big because they were one of the very first companies setup to cater for drifting, their staff / drivers are hugely successful and their customer service is 2nd to none along with a huge forum.
They have just managed to organise a huge 3 day show at Mallory park with all levels of drivers on track for a very reasonable price (search for Awesomefest 2011 on google or youtube), Driftworks are one of the biggest promotors of drifting because it obviously increases their customer base. Things like AF generate a huge amount of exposure for the sport and the DW S15 has even made it on to prime time telly.
I wouldnt say DW are cliquey and the forum has a huge range of cars/projects on the go. Despite the 800hp Supra, M3 turbo and 13B space framed 86 at the show, the 2 most talked about drivers where in a YB powered MK2 escort and a starlet.
Anyway I think that's more than enough brown nosing from me lol.
Have a look at the British drift championship and European drift championships sites respectively. I think you'll be quite surprised at the circuits that are used and the size of the events and spectator numbers. Get out there and have a watch it's a good day out and no one bites.
Driftworks is only a forum like any other and like any other forum there are those who have slightly closed minds and are a bit, stubborn shall I say. I'm sure those traits could be leveled at some on here.
Driftworks is only a forum like any other and like any other forum there are those who have slightly closed minds and are a bit, stubborn shall I say. I'm sure those traits could be leveled at some on here.
I'm guessing you would've seen this by now, but for those that haven't here's Steven Brook's film from AwesomeFest http://vimeo.com/27476047
Well worth a look.
I'd agree with Luke, drifting is on the way up in the UK... and as for Driftworks, I've never had much experience with them but always keep an eye on their events section on their forum, it covers both the BDC and EDC aswell as grass-roots practice events.
Well worth a look.
I'd agree with Luke, drifting is on the way up in the UK... and as for Driftworks, I've never had much experience with them but always keep an eye on their events section on their forum, it covers both the BDC and EDC aswell as grass-roots practice events.
AwesomeFest does look Awesome, but I suspect as a 40 year old I'd find it full of "complete nobheads!"
I like drifting and have had a go, it's a lot of fun, but unfortnutely, so do the chavvies and scallies, so I think ultimately, unless it's "image" is cleaned up a little, it will remain a fringe motorsport. Shame, but maybe if it did go mainstream, it would lose some of it's appeal.
I like drifting and have had a go, it's a lot of fun, but unfortnutely, so do the chavvies and scallies, so I think ultimately, unless it's "image" is cleaned up a little, it will remain a fringe motorsport. Shame, but maybe if it did go mainstream, it would lose some of it's appeal.
It's hard to reply to this without getting my post deleted for unauthorised advertising as I am involved with this sport.
It's definately on the up, Practical Performance Car mag had an event at Mallory earlier this year and the drifting was easily the most watched part.
Events are on the Driftworks site and can be viewed without signing up, that's competitions to watch and places to have a go with your own car.
Get to one you'll enjoy it!
It's definately on the up, Practical Performance Car mag had an event at Mallory earlier this year and the drifting was easily the most watched part.
Events are on the Driftworks site and can be viewed without signing up, that's competitions to watch and places to have a go with your own car.
Get to one you'll enjoy it!
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