Touge Drifting - Know Your Limits

But drifting events just cost too much! (Now say that again in the whiniest voice possible)Sure we understand Drifters aren't the wealthiest of the bunch when it comes to the automotive community and we firmly believe an injustice is being done by being charged $80-$100 bucks for one day's worth of track time. The false assumption is that coordinators for any given event are only in it to make a quick buck. In most situations, the same people who run the events are also fellow drifters, so it's most likely your not getting the shaft. To clear up any misconceptions that coordinators for events make and take home enough money to buy a shiny new GT-R Skyline, we asked Alex Chang, drifting enthusiast and event coordinator. Chang has been a longtime coordinator for a number of venues, including the most recent Nissan owner's event held at the California Speedway in 2003. Chang states, "A hundred per event is considered very cheap, especially considering the amount of track time for the entry fee. A lot of time and effort goes into planning an event to make sure everyone gets enough affordable track time." Chang continues by saying, "If we were to break down finances of what it takes to run an event, those same people who complain that we are overcharging will realize that most times we end up scraping the bottom of the barrel to get by. For those wondering why we don't just increase the number of participants to decrease entry costs, be aware that as the number of drivers goes up the usual all-day session of continual driving would become less and essentially a waste of money. Numerous groups, such as Drift Association LLC on the mainland and Drift Session in Hawaii, have increased the number of drift events to as many as two to three every month. Not only are the advantages of attending sanctioned events safer for novice and experienced drifters alike, it is an excellent opportunity for those still wet behind the ears to ask the more seasonal drifters questions and attend seminars pertaining to different drift techniques.

At the end of the day, remember to keep your car and your ego on the track and not on the streets.

How to make fifty bucks, at best.Pop quiz hot shot. How much does it cost to run a typical drift event? With 60 drivers at $100 each your total is $6000 in revenue, which is subtracted from the cost to run the event. Want to see how "close" the money situation is?

10 essential items when drifting at TougeSo you're still convinced that touge is the place to be? Well we did a survey on the most important things to bring when going to Touge. Here is the breakdown of items.

Rope: When your car falls in a ditch or breaks down, you need to be able to pull your car out or have someone tow you back down the hill.AAA automobile card (roadsides assistance): Have it or know someone with it. Walkie talkie: One guy on top and one guy on bottom to monitor other cars going up or coming down the hills.Cellular phone: HELP!! I'm stuck in a ditch!First aid kit: Always expect the unexpected.Tools: There is no such thing as a perfect drifter.Coolant, gas, jumper cables: You're on your own buddy! Don't expect a local gas station. Map: Just in case your ass gets lost.Pair of brass balls: Suck it up! You're only testing your fate! Common sense: Self explanatory.

Keep in mind we at 2NR magazine do not condone anyone to try or to think they can drift "Touge" just because they watch drifting videos or blaze Initial D music in their cars at high-rated speeds. Rather, use smart judgment and know your limits when drifting or attempting to drift at Touge. Just because we're the media doesn't mean we like watching paramedics scrape your ass off the mountain asphalt. Be smart and keep drifting on the tracks, not on the street.