No driver of a motor vehicle wants to over steer and lose
traction with the road. Or do they?
Drifting is a progressive motor sport that started out as a
racing technique in the All Japan Touring Car Championship several
decades ago. It has evolved into a competitive sport that includes
Australia's own Drift Pro Tour.
In this driving sport the driver intentionally over steers,
causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while
maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed. The important
ingredient here is maintaining control.
A car is drifting when the rear slip angle is greater than the
front slip angle prior to the corner apex, and the front wheels are
pointing in the opposite direction to the turn. The competitors are
judged on a number of factors that include line, angle, speed, and
show factor, the show factor combines the crowd's reaction. No
wonder spectators love it.
Josh Boettcher from Team Northfield is Stadium Drift Pro Tour
2010's current championship leader; he leads the competition by a
close 4 points. Boettcher edged out twenty rivals on Carnell
Raceway, Stanthorp Queensland last weekend in round 4 to proudly
claim top of the podium.
Drifting a race car at high speeds requires ultimate control;
advanced drivers require the most grip possible from all four tires
and in Josh's case GT Radial ‘Value for Money'
Ultra High Performance tyres are the connection with him, the road
and the leaders board.
Grip is required for control, speed, and a fast snap on the
initial entry. Drifting wears tires rapidly, sometimes utilising
several sets for a single professional event. Josh wouldn't replace
his tyres with anything less than GT Radial.
"I use GT Radial on my everyday car and I use them when I am
putting on a show at a drifting competition. Controlling my 340hp
Nissan 200sx, better than my opponent is the difference between
first and second, I am competitive and I want to win", says
Boettcher.
Many tyre dealers are owned or controlled by tyre manufacturers,
seek out your local independent GT Radial tyre dealer by using the
GT Radial dealer locator at www.gtradial.com.au or call direct
on 13 62 82.
Media Contact:
Gregor Stone
Tyres4U Group General Manager
Marketing
Tel: 02 9716 1789
Email: gregors@tyres4u.com.au
Website: www.tyres4u.com.au