In Canada, go see a Drift Mania event. Based in Quebec, the five-round championship travels to the Toronto Motorsports Park in August.
There are two rounds in Quebec during July — expect to pay $20 at the gate to see Canadians like Ryan Tuerck (current points leader) and Marco Santos.
For the thrill of top-level drifting in North America, however, take a trip to see a Formula Drift competition. Stars like Rhys Millen, Tanner Foust, Ken Gushi, and Samuel Hubinette have the manufacturer and sponsorship support to put on a great show. You'll even see Mustangs, Vipers and a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro mixing it up with Japanese metal.
Competitors at the first round of the Drift Mania national drifting series battle into a corner at St-Eustache, Que., earlier this month. Car control and style are everything at a drift match.
If you can't make it out to a race, events are televised on ESPN2.
Oh, and during elimination rounds in competition, they put two drifters on track at once for tandem runs. Judges determine a winner based on how cool everything looks. In a tie, fans can yell, "One more time!" for a sudden-death shootout.
But how to get started? First, grab a late-model, rear wheel drive car with a manual transmission. Ensure you've got a good budget for tires, a limited-slip differential and repairs.
Second, read Drift Mania's rules and bring your car's safety equipment to the required level.
Third, every Sunday there's a practice session at Autodrome St. Eustache, in St-Eustache, Que. (near Montreal). Go there, and if you're good enough, you'll be licensed to compete in Canadian drifting events.
You should have a good level of car control before attempting any form of drifting — for that, there are various outlets across the GTA that will enhance your skills for a nominal fee.
No matter how old you are, once you see footage of a high-speed, controlled drift with smoke billowing from the rear tires, you'll be hooked. From there, how far you go depends on how much you're willing to slide.
