drift in radio-controlled (RC) cars is a driving style that involves performing controlled skids. This racing style was popularized by drift car racing, where drivers try to keep their vehicles in a controlled slide for as long as possible while taking sharp turns at high speeds. RC racing takes this same idea and applies it to radio-controlled cars that can be driven indoors or outdoors.
What is drift?
drift involves intentionally oversteering, which causes the tires to lose grip and the car to skid. Through precisely controlled braking, acceleration, and counter-steering, an experienced driver can control these slides and use them to quickly navigate corners.
It's easy to master the basics of drifting in an RC car. Perfecting your skills will take a little time and practice. With the following tips, you can get a good start in one of the fastest-growing RC disciplines: RC drift cars.
There are two types of RC cars: RC cars: competition cars and hobby cars. Competition drift is similar to car racing drift racing, where drivers are judged on their ability to keep their vehicle in a controlled skid for as long as possible while taking sharp turns at high speeds. Recreational drift is practiced among friends and is more permissive. In this type of RC drifting, drivers are free to show off their drifting skills in different ways, favoring speed or style.
How do I choose my drift car?
RTR or KIT?
The choice of whether or not to build your car depends mainly on your desires and experience.
A car to build (in KIT) will allow you to select each part according to your needs and meticulously adjust your drift RC. However, choosing and assembling parts requires experience, which is why we reserve this option for experienced modelers.
The RTR car is the ideal model for beginners, those who do not want to build their own model, or those who are not handy. It is a pre-assembled and tuned vehicle that will allow you to experience the drift right out of the box.
What type of car?
The choice of car has a direct impact on the performance of drift. In In fact, off-road cars are unsuitable for this type of use. RC cars designed for drift are preferred. They are generallyelectric, with stiffer suspension and low ground clearance.
RC cars and RC chassis designed for drift offer numerous tuning and modification options. The suspension geometry will likely be fully adjustable and include spring and shock settings specific to drift. By tuning your car, you will be able to adjust its behavior to your needs. You can also drift with a classic On-road car, but not as well as with an RC vehicle designed for drift.
Usually,drift cars have rear-wheel drive (RWD) transmission, but those who want to start off gently can opt for 4WD cars. These are more maneuverable, provided they are equipped with hard tires without tread (ideally slick tires).
What equipment do I need for my car?
There are several factors to consider whenpurchasing an RC car. The first is the type of tires. It is best to choose a set of smooth "slick" tires for the RC car, as tires with treads, even light ones, will grip the ground too much and prevent the car from sliding
. The second is the type of motor used. brushless motors are generally faster and more powerful than carbon motors (brushed), but they are also more expensive to purchase.
Finally, the quality of the components used in the construction of the car. Higher quality components will offer better durability and overall performance.
What surface should you practice on?
It is recommended that you have a surface large enough to practice drift RC, preferably a race track specifically built for RC { { 97f4c2add2700d3a3e5c9453ab2786b4 }} or a smooth concrete parking lot. A flat, smooth surface is essential to allow the cars to skid in a controlled manner. If you do not have access to a race track or parking lot, you can also use a smooth asphalt or cement surface. Avoid rough surfaces such as gravel, rough cobblestones, or dirt.
Racetracks specifically built for drifting feature tight turns and long straights to allow drivers to maintain their speed and slide in a controlled manner. If you improvise a On-road in a parking lot, you can mark out the track using cones, making sure to create a straight line followed by several hairpin turns.
The basics of driving
When practicing drift, in competition or at home, control is more important than speed. To perform beautiful slides, you need to have good control over your trajectory. The first concepts to understand are the "steering point," the "cord point" (also called the "apex"), and the "exit point."
What is the turning point?
The turning point is the area outside the entrance to the turn. When the car enters this space, press the brake to release the rear wheels, then steer the nose of the car toward the apex.
What is the apex?
The apex is the innermost point of the turn. On a turn with a balanced curve, it will be located more in the middle; on a turn with a pronounced curve, it will be located more at the beginning; on a turn with a pronounced curve at the end, it will be located more at the end.
The apex is the area where the front of the car will be closest to the inside of the turn. It marks the end of the turn and the beginning of the counter-steer to exit the turn.
What is the exit point?
The exit point is located on the outside at the end of the turn; it marks the end of the drift. Aim for this point as soon as you pass the apex, until the wheels are straight again.
The basic technique for drifting
The first technique to learn is how to initiate a drift by accelerating your RC car into the turn. Making a normal turn with any RC car is fairly simple. You just steer your RC vehicle in the desired direction. Normally, you reduce your speed a little so that all four tires remain in contact with the road. But if you want to drift your RC car or truck around a corner, losing traction on the tires is part of the plan.
This time, approach the turn at high speed. At the turning point, turn the steering wheel and brake hard simultaneously so that the rear of your RC car loses traction. This is the start of your drift. Counter-steer slightly to keep the nose of your car pointed towards the apex of the turn until your car slides around it, then steer back to neutral as you exit the turn. Then accelerate!
These are the basics of RC drifting. With practice and experience, you will be able to drift repeatedly through multiple corners and even change the angle of the drift.
