Can Mister Zachary Learn to Drift?

Matt Field is teaching Rob how to drift, starting with basic maneuvers in a less powerful car. The initial goal is to master donuts and figure eights to understand front and rear tire feel, clutch engagement, and steering wheel release. Rob begins by driving around to get a feel for the car, then attempts wide donuts. Matt observes that Rob is initially getting into a "burnout mode" rather than a continuous, wider drift. He advises modulating the throttle more, emphasizing that this particular car requires a lot of throttle due to its lower power. Rob practices wider donuts, focusing on maintaining two hands on the wheel and smooth throttle application. Next, they move to figure eights, which involve transitioning between drifts around cones. Matt explains the importance of pointing the car at an angle for the transition and maintaining consistent throttle (around 50%) rather than going on-off, which can cause a "spring effect" and loss of control. He guides Rob to let the wheel slide through his hands as the car transitions. Rob’s transitions are good, but he struggles with the clutch kick. Matt reiterates the need for a strong clutch kick to initiate the drift effectively. After some practice, Rob starts to link the figure eights more smoothly, receiving praise for his improved handwork. The next stage involves drifting an actual corner on the track. Matt explains that this is more challenging due to higher stakes, but the core technique remains the same: drive down the straight, turn, kick the clutch to make the rear step out, let the wheel slide, and modulate the throttle. They start with a right-hand corner. Rob’s first attempt results in a drift, but Matt notes that the rear took too long to come out, indicating the clutch kick wasn't hard enough. He emphasizes the need for an aggressive clutch kick that makes the rear "bam" out. They try again, approaching slower to make the clutch kick more effective. Rob improves, managing to push the car down the track and execute a cleaner drift. Matt highlights Rob's good wheel work, which keeps the car out of the grass, and encourages him to add more angle. The training progresses to using the handbrake, a controversial but useful tool in drifting. Matt believes it's valuable for new drifters to learn, especially for tight hairpin corners. The technique involves entering a corner with too much speed, pulling the handbrake to slow down and set the angle, and then releasing the handbrake before dumping the clutch and getting on the throttle. Rob tries this, initially going too fast and going off-course. Matt advises using the handbrake a little longer to control speed and set the drift more effectively. Rob quickly picks up the technique, using the handbrake to shift weight to the front and steer the car into the drift. Having completed the checklist—donuts, figure eights, clutch-kick entry, on-throttle transitions, and handbrake usage—Rob is deemed ready for Matt's more powerful race car. Matt reassures Rob about potential damage, stating that anything Rob does won't be worse than what he does to it. In the race car, they start in second gear. Rob finds it faster but manages the entry. Matt observes Rob pushing wide and missing the apex, instructing him to bring the car to the inside after the clutch kick. Matt then demonstrates the technique, incorporating a "Scandi flick" to initiate the weight transfer. Rob attempts it again, this time with more throttle and better control, getting the car to smoke. Matt explains that drifting is addicting because one can spend a lifetime perfecting a single corner. Rob acknowledges the increased difficulty with higher speeds and expresses new respect for professional drifters. Matt commends Rob's ability to adapt to different cars and progress from basic donuts to linking corners on the track.