With pictures by Barend Craven.

Too often it is said that drifting is South African is still new. Fact is that the first competitive drifting event was held four years ago. Sure we’re still fledglings when compared to the likes of the USA, UK or the creators of the sport, Japan. There are many countries that took up sanctioned competitive drifting only recently and are booming hubs of smoke and thunder.

We can blame politics, lack of venues and ridiculous car prices for being a hindrance to the progress of the sport but the fact remains that there are many that are passionate about the sport. There are many that are well versed and steeped in experience in it too.

The lack of media and corporate support has stunted our growth though and in the four years that drifting has been our lifeblood we’ve seen the younger upstart countries raise above our level and we’ve seen the leader countries forge even further ahead. In a bid to ‘save’ the sport in the country and give it a renewed zest for life, Drift Africa’s Jody Powell and The Rock Raceway’s Tim Stephens set the wheels in motion for an experience bar none. They teamed together to bring the renowned Team Orange Drift School to our shores for two stints, one in Johannesburg and one in Cape Town, two days apiece.

Team Orange is known in every country’s drifting circles. Sure, if you mention the name Nobushige Kumakubo to your mother she’d rinse your mouth out with soap, but those that know anything about drifting, those worth their salt, are well aware of the man and his prowess. It was Team Orange owner, Ebisu Circuit owner and multiple champion Nobushige Kumakubo, along with Hiroki “Sleepy” Furuse that joined us on our home soil to ply their trade and polish the skills of the drivers attending.

Starting on Thursday, 29 October, the students of the school were anxious to find out what the training would entail. Would it be thorough and insightful or would it merely be a rehash of what they already know? These were genuine concerns for the students, of which there were approximately 20 of. Some with cars and a few without.

Lined up on track, looking suave and on their best behavior, the students were introduced to the two Japanese guests. For many this was already a crowning moment and the entry fee paid easily negated for the honour. There’s something to be said about meeting your heroes, many say that you shouldn’t and that it’s like finally driving your dream car – somewhat of a let-down and a disappointment. You end up setting the bar too high, almost idolizing the men that inspire you, forgetting that they are mere mortals.

The first classroom session gave the drivers a brief rundown of the sport of drifting and a (very) brief history lesson on the sport. I’m not here to retell the lessons and bypass all the instruction of the mentors but in short, the driver’s eyes and minds were awoken and opened with a stark reminder that drifting is not about power and most definitely not about power sliding. Drifting is the art of sideways and momentum. Entering a corner sideways and getting your car’s attitude correct for the perfect exit of the given corner. Drifting, surprisingly enough, in its truest form, is not about tyre smoke. It’s the conservation of energy.

The first practical lesson seemed whimsical and simple; a basic task for anyone who has ever turned a wheel in anger. The task was to drive, in first gear, and pull up on the handbrake and stop the car in a demarcated ‘parking bay’, perpendicular to the direction of travel. Simple enough.

Or so the students thought. One by one, they realized that this menial task was actually a lot harder than they thought.

The lessons progressed from first gear to second gear and to mix things up, a chicane was added to the recipe, further complicating things for the drivers – all of whom started the day with the firm belief that they could hold their own on a drift track. All the drivers’ perceptions changed after that singular morning session.

While it didn’t make sense at the time as to why they needed to do these simple exercises, the drivers put their trust in the two men from Team Orange and dutifully obliged each and every request made. This wasn’t out of fear; the last thing that Sleepy and Kuma instill in their students is fear. Rather, it was out of respect – a sense of respect that cannot be translated in mere words but needs to be experienced and felt. These two men, complete strangers, who have accomplished more in their respective fields than many even dream of, had the humility to treat each and every driver and participant there as an individual and with unbridled respect. There’s a lot to say about the Japanese way of doing things, the morals and ethics and this also screams volumes about the passion that is drifting, not only locally, but internationally.

Soon the morning’s training started to make sense. In a way not unlike “The Karate Kid” and his “Wax on, Wax off” training.

A track was laid out on the tar of The Rock Raceway but to call it a track would be unfair. The ‘course’ ended halfway round the second bend with a ‘box’ that all the drivers now were familiar with. The idea was to switch after the first turn and use the classroom and practical exercises from earlier in the day to stop, mid drift, in the box. Some battled and some nailed it. Each and every driver gave it their all though.

With a renewed passion and a rekindled spirit, the drivers wrapped things up one last time in the classroom before calling it a day. The atmosphere was electric and the excitement unable to be hidden as the drivers retired for the day, eager to return for day two of the Team Orange Drift School.

Part two and full gallery coming soon…