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What is auto drifting?

Auto Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally or unintentionally over-steers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels or all tires, while maintaining control from entry to exit of a corner. A car is drifting when the rear slip angle is greater than the front slip angle, to such an extent that often the front wheels are pointing in the opposite direction to the turn (e.g. car is turning left, wheels are pointed right or vice versa). As a motorsport discipline, professional drifting competitions are held worldwide and are judged according to the speed, angle, showmanship and line taken through a corner or set of corners.

The Popularity of Drifting in computer games

The popularity of drifting in computer games extends back to early arcade racers where the techniques for fun auto games such as Sega Rally and Ridge Racer involved drifting. The technique is now considered mainstream in modern games in all their forms. In-game communities have developed in games such as Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo, made up of teams who battle in user-created tournaments. Drifting also features heavily in the Need for Speed franchise (notably games since Need for Speed: Underground), Grid, the Juiced franchise and in Japanese domestic console games such as Initial D: Extreme Stage (PS3), which is based solely on drifting. Browser-based auto games include NZ Performance Car's Drift Legends (the first online game to feature real racetracks, and now ported to iPhone/iPod touch), and Mercedes-AMG's Wintersport Drift Competition (the first manufacturer-backed drifting game). Free drifting games for mobile devices are readily available from major manufacturers.

The cars used for auto drifting

Usually, drift cars are light to moderate weight rear-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive coupes and sedans over a large range of power levels. There have also been AWD rally cars that have been converted to RWD. A proper mechanical limited slip differential (LSD) is almost considered essential for drifting. Attempting to drift with an open or viscous differential in a sustained slide generally yields relatively less impressive results. All other modifications are secondary to the LSD. Because of the large centripetal force encountered during drifting, drivers find it preferable to be retained firmly by a bucket seat, and harness. Competitive drifters often run DOT-approved tires closer to racing tires, which is permitted, with the exception of some major championships including D1GP which only permits commercially available tires that are approved by them.