Drifting: V8 motors dominating drifting?

Drifting grew from the exploits of deviant drivers and teams in the land of the rising sun – Japan and for reasons we will debate forever, the sport grew, crossing oceans and national borders in the process.

The United States of America is a love me or hate me nation – there is simply no in between. If the USA is known for nothing else they are known for this – they do things their way. And this usually means changing everything about whatever it is they have adopted. Essentially, they will take what you have and modify it beyond recognition – at that time it is truly American!

D1

In Japan, drifting’s birthplace,  professional drifters competed in D1 with high-horsepower, four bangers. Inorder to produce the lurid slides and the tire-incinerating ballet that drifting at the highest level requires, teams/drivers would select their weapons carefully, led by top dollar turbocharged units which are usually enhanced with a spray of nitrous. The blue engine (nitrous) is regarded by some as an unavoidable prerequisite, if the insatiable power diet that drifting dictates is to be met.

So, America saw D1 and fell in love and quicker than Tsuchiya on the touge, turbocharged machines found a permanent home in the land of the free and the home of the brave. The American version of D1 was tagged Formula D and with the machines on steroids, the series got off to a highly anticipated start.

But, America is known for muscle machines, powered by V8 motors. So what began as a 4 cylinder dominated sport, underwent a discreet transition as the years revved by.

Where are we today? Is the revolution complete? Are V8 motors dominating drifting? The reality is simple – on the Formula D grid, a 4 cylinder turbocharged motor is limping towards the Extinct sign!

(click below)

The Rise of the V8.

I must admit, the V8 has an angry, metallic, but soulful sound. Mercy!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer