I'm trying, I just don't get it.

I am doing some work around the house, some spackling for a wall I built, taking out the screens for the winter, etc....
anyway, I pop in the computer from time to time and have the TV on. I have on Speed Channel, "formula drift" is playing.

Now the criteria to win this seems to be totally subjective. It's based on:

1. Lap Time (the ONLY empirical standard)
2. Angle...as described as "the overall impact the judges are looking for"
3. line....are they "hitting the line"
4. Overall impact

To me it seems that this is all about "does it look cool" kinda like ice skating judging.

Also, I don't see these cars developing any real speed, yet many have big wings. The speeds are all sub 100 MPH, 80 seems to be the average.

Now, don't get me wrong, there is some serious HP going on, and these guys can drive, but a "motorsport"? I don't get it. Seems to me all other "motorsports" have empirical standards to win something...this is all subjective.

I don't get it.

It is about as nebulous as ice skating.

T and I saw it at the LBGP a couple years ago. They did a demo. It is impressive to see three cars go through a corner in formation, all sideways. The car control is impressive.

As a sport, I am not able to identify the purpose, either.

Interesting to watch, and I agree the drivers are talented. But it's as much of a sport as nascar. Ie, it's not.

Matthew

It started out in the hills of Japan, driver's trying to find the fastest way around the twisting roads. Much like rally car drivers on a dirt course.

It's since turned into a sort of burn out contest.

Right up there with Rythmic gymnastics.

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Al least Nascar has a defined finish. Drifting seems to be a contest of who is cool.

Tell me again why a wing is needed on a car that never goes over 80MPH for its intended use?

I still don't get it.

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You answered your own question; a contest of who is cool!

I regularly attend drift events (as a spectator), and I think it is great to watch. I also enjoy watching Nascar, F1, NHRA, ALMS etc. Each has its own appeal; mainly horsepower, noise and skill.

I am not sure about any definition of 'sport', but I sure as hell would enjoy to participate in a competition to see who can get their car sideways with the most accuracy, duration, and smoke generation!

In fact, I'm working on a plan with my son to persuade the missus to let us get an old 240 purely for sideways competition...

It ranks right up there with Swamp Buggy racing and Monster Trucks.

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Exactly.

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Forgot to add, the guys that race their lawn mowers.

Drifting and lawn mower racing?

Thats thing out of the box..... lol

Synchronized drifting with musical cues. Now that would be sporting. Penalties for wandering out of the groove.

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Tommy's been watching too much Dancing With the Stars now that he's retired.

Matthew

Is bullriding a sport? Is gymnastics a sport? Both of those are based on subjective scoring. What purpose does gymnastics serve? Or bullriding? Why not just ride a horse? Why bother racing on a course if you aren't going anywhere?

Drifting is a motorsport, but it isn't racing. It's fun to watch, and fun to do. That's good enough for me.


The NFL is pretty damn subjective this season too. Anybody watch the Colts/Chargers yesterday?

I watched most of 2 football games yesterday. Don't remember who was playing because I could care less who wins.

i was just out in the snow doing some drifting in the crown vic.

i've determined my 454 dually is a much better drift platform, since i had some serious fun friday

definitely interesting to watch and can respect the car control, but racing is either timed or head to head with a finish line, not judges.