FAQ's

Thinking of getting into drifting? Have a read of these frequently asked questions.

 

GETTING STARTED: THE CAR

Q: What is the best car to get for drifting?

A rear wheel drive car is required.  The most popular cars for drifting are:

- Nissan Silvia/180sx
- Nissan Skyline
- Toyota Chaser
- Toyota AE86/Corolla
- Holden/Ford Ute

Popular cars are easy to get parts and aftermarket modifications for and the knowledge base for the vehicles is strong.  Go with the easiest options as a beginner unless you happen to know one of the less common RWD models very well.

Q: What are good starting modifications?

The minimum mods generally required to a totally stock car to help you drift are:

  •  Strong Limited Slip Diff (Mechanical or Locked Diffs the best options for track cars)

  •  Upgraded Clutch

  •  Upgraded Radiator

  •  A basic bolt in or weld in CAMS approved cage is compulsory unless you are attending one of our separate Drift Skills events.

Q: Do I need a turbo to drift?
NO – Power is not required. You will learn more with an underpowered car and it generally means greater reliability and less tyre costs. Power can come at a later stage as you develop as a driver.

Q: Should I use my daily car or buy a separate track car?
Daily cars are usually nicer and drifting starts to reduce the quality of the vehicle. It is hard to keep a nice clean street car in great condition if you are track drifting it. If you break something on your daily, you may be in trouble. If you have a separate track car, if something goes wrong you can just leave it in the garage until you can fix it. It depends on your situation, your bank balance and your personal preference.

 

ENTERING AN EVENT

Q: How old do I have to be to enter as a driver?
You must be 16 years old to drive at our event

Q: Do I need a driver’s license?
Yes, you must have a current and valid drivers licence or learner permit.

Q: I haven’t drifted before, can I still enter?
Yes, we welcome every driver and encourage beginners to learn on a track with qualified instructors. We also have Drift Skill events that are catered directly at beginners to learn the basics.

Q: How do I enter an event?

  • View our Calendar to see which event you want to enter.

  • Decide if you want to become a club member. (Entry prices are cheaper for members)

  • Sign up for a CAMS or AASA licence. A licence is required for personal insurance and accident insurance that covers you as part of any motor racing event. CAMS Licences require being a member of a club.

  • Enter an upcoming event, via our event registration page. Please note events sell out fast.

  • Make sure you receive a confirmation email for your entry and download the supplementary regulations document and read it as it will answer most of your questions about the day.

  • Make sure your car will meet our Scrutineering Requirements.
     

Q: When does the next event registration open?
Please refer to our Facebook page to be informed, however it is usually 4 weeks before the event takes place.

Q: What if I've entered an event and can't make it, can I get a refund?
You need to refer to the confirmation email you received when you signed up. Generally you have until 6PM on the Monday before the event to pull out, but the definitive date and time are in the confirmation email. The confirmation email also contains a link which allows you to cancel your registration. After this time you will not receive a refund if you cannot attend. This is because we can no longer guarantee we can fill the spot with another driver in this time frame. It is like any other major event, football, cinema etc. If you can’t make the event, a refund can’t be given.

 

PREPARING FOR A TRACK DAY

Q: How do I prepare my car for a track day?

  • Make sure the car has been recently serviced and all fluids are new or in good condition and topped up.

  • Make sure your car is not leaking any fluids. This could be dangerous for you and other drivers and could result in down time if track safety has to remove oils from the track. Don’t be ‘that’ guy.

  • Your car MUST comply with our scrutineering requirements. CAREFULLY read the Scrutineering Requirements so you car does not fail the inspection.

  • Ensure your front tyres are in good condition. Steering is important. However you do not need special high grip front tyres, as long as they are in good condition.

 

Q: Where can I get my car modified/repaired/setup/tuned?
There is many workshops catering to drift cars. It depends on you type of car and type of work you want done. The list would be long, but please browse forums of your vehicle to gain an idea of what workshops can help you. Or you can browse Google, Facebook or ask people out at events you may head to as a spectator. 

Q: How can I learn some how to drift tips online?
Google is a good starting point. YouTube also has plenty of how to guides. VicDrift also host a couple of Drift Skill events during the year with instructors on hand to assist which can be good first events as opposed to a proper circuit event, however Winton now has a  dedicated skid pan.

Q: How much does a general drift day cost?
If you include 1 nights accommodation, fuel for the tow car, fuel for the drift car, a couple of pairs of tyres, entry to the event and food etc, you are looking at around $700-900.

Q: Do I need insurance?
Normal car insurance, NO, however having a AASA or CAMS licence covers you as far as Personal Accident Insurance at the event. Any vehicle damage is not covered by any Insurance at a race track.

Q: Do I need registration?
Only if you intend to drive the vehicle to and from the track.

Q: How much fuel do I need?
Our events have good flow so you normally get a lot of track time. Budget for a full tank + a little bit more depending on flow.

Q: Where can I buy tyres?
EastSide tyres are our official tyre supplier based in Eastern Melbourne and look after drifters with great tyre prices. They can deliver pre-ordered tyres for you to the track and offer change facilities at the track.

 

TOWING/TRAILERS 

Q: What are good tow cars?
Anything large with a properly rated Tow bar for the weight, Ford Falcon, Holden Commodore, 4WD, Utility etc, but you should research this to ensure you have a safe choice. Towing another car can be dangerous if the tow car, the trailer load etc are not properly considered. 

Q: How do I tow a car?
If you are not sure of how to tow a car, we suggest you get someone who has towing experience to give you some pointers or offer that they drive you up so you can learn the ropes.

Q: Where can I get a trailer?
You can purchase a trailer or hire a trailer form one of the many trailer hire companies. Our recommended for purchase is our go-to is Baillie Industries, you can speak to him about his services by getting in touch with him. 

Q: How do I tie a car down?
Use Tie down straps to a few solid parts of the trailer and solid parts of the drift car. Usually arms under the front and rear of the car are suitable.

 

HEADING TO THE TRACK FOR THE FIRST TIME

 Q: How do I get my car to the track?

  • You drive the car if it has current road registration and is road legal. RISKY

  • You take the car up on a trailer with a tow car. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

  • You become a factory drift driver rock star and arrive by helicopter while your car arrives by transporter with a pit crew. KEEP DREAMING

 

Q: How many tyres will I need?
A low powered car (70-150kws ATW) will need a couple of brand new pairs. Higher powered cars will require 3 to 6 pairs of tyres.

Q: What tools should I bring?
Anything you may need to fix your car. A minimum is a full socket and driver set, a set of spanners, screwdrivers, a trolley jack, a wheel brace, cable ties, Gaffa tape, hose clamps, torch, spare nuts and bolts, container for water, spare fluids containers (oil, Power steering, radiator fluid etc)

Q: What spare parts should I bring?
Research forums on the internet to find out what breaks on your particular car. Nissan engines often have trouble with coil packs. Spark Plugs are another good spare to carry. 

Q: When Should I arrive:
Check the individual event information for the gate opening time.

Q: Do I have to pay gate entry?
If you are registered as a driver, your name will be on the gate list and you won't have to pay entry.  Any pit crew or spectators will have to pay the gate entry fee.

Q: Where do I need to go and at what times?
Each event has a document called Supplementary Regulations that all entrants need to read. This document specifies what times you need to arrive and also driver briefing time and is provided as a link via your confirmation email.

There is a basic 5 step process that needs to happen in the morning of your arrival at the track to make sure you are on time and not stressed.

  • Step 1: Arrive at track and find a car port/garage or parking area for your car and your tools and spares. Unload the drift car.

  • Step 2: Head to the event office where you must sign in, present your AASA/CAMS licence and receive your driver pack including scrutineering form and vehicle numbers. Do this BEFORE getting your car scrutineered.

  • Step 3: Take your car to the scrutineering area for a safety check that is for your and other entrants safety, plus the safety of the Safety team.

  • Step 4: Make sure you know when driver briefing is taking place and that you attend, even if your car is not scrutineered.

  • Step 5: Follow the event instructions, wait for your group to be called or refer to the event timetable and listen to any announcements that may change the timetable. .

Q: What if I’m late?
If you are late and are not able to attend the Compulsory Driver Briefing, you will be required to wait until lunchtime to be briefed and receive your driver’s wrist band.

Q: How much track time do I get in a day?
20 mins every hour is the format if you are on the main track. The club stops for lunch. Unfortunately sometimes an incident may occur on track that means track time will be reduced during the day. This is part of motorsport, but the club prides itself on making sure track time is maximized where possible.

Q: How does the grouping system work?

  • Group A – Pro level drivers

  • Group B – Confident level regular drifters

  • Group C – Drivers who are not confident, have only attended one or two events.

  • Group D – Beginner’s. Driver’s must show basic competency to upgrade to the main track and Group C.

Q: Can two drivers share a car?
YES, You need to enter and pay for each driver separately

Q: What is the schedule/timetable for a drift day?
This is shown in the Supp Regs and in your driver pack. There will also be a print out of the timetable at the event office.

Q: Do I have to pay for a pit spot?

  • Calder Park: Garages are normally available for purchase on the morning of the event from the Sign-in office.

  • Winton: Car Ports and Garages however incur a fee and can be pre booked by calling the Winton Office.(03)5766 4235

Q: How do I secure my wheels/tools etc in the pits when I’m on track
Normally there is no theft issues at our events, but it is a good idea to befriend the people beside you and you can watch out for each other’s stuff while out on track. Try to not leave tools, jacks out on the edges of your area, but put them back in a pile furthers away from public walking traffic.

Q: How do I change tyres?
We have a dedicated team from EastSide Tyres who come out and are able to change your tyres for a small fee or sell you new tyres at the circuit.

Q: For Winton Events, where can I stay?
Most people stay in Benalla at the Benalla Leisure Park (Link) but there is also other accommodation options in Benalla. Wangaratta has further accommodation options and is not too far away. Please respect the accommodation you are staying at, so we are all able to stay there in the future. 

Q: What about the DO's and DONTS of attending the day

  • Don't drink or smoke in pit areas

  • Don't leave a mess because your mum isn't going to follow you

  • Don't steal off other people. We shouldn’t have to say this, but it happens.

  • Don't unload your car in the pit access road

  • Don't work on your car in a access road, non car port/car bay

  • Don't walk behind or in front of moving cars
     

ON THE CIRCUIT 

Q: Can I take passengers?
Yes, you can take passengers on the main track if you have an approved rollcage. Your passenger must sign the passenger disclaimer in the event office, received an arm band and payed for the ride.  

Your passenger is your responsibility. Make sure they are wearing the helmet correctly there seatbelts are secured, they are not carrying any loose items including cameras and they do not have their had out the window or it can result in you being kicked off.

Q: What are the rules with on board cameras?
On board cameras must be secured to the vehicle.  They cannot be held by a passenger. We STRONGLY recommend you use a secondary tether or tap on any suction mounted camera. We see too many smashed and lost, so don’t cost yourself a new camera.

Q: What should I do if I spin on the track?
If your car has not broken down and is not bogged, you should aim to rejoin the track at a safe location, making sure you carefully check for other vehicles as you rejoin.

NEVER drive against the flow of traffic.

Q: What should I do if the car breaks down on the track or gets bogged?
Remain in your car. DO NOT GET OUT, unless the car is on fire. The safety crew will arrive to assist and at that time they will instruct you if it is safe to exit the vehicle or what the next steps will be.

Q: What happens if I crash into somebody?
Unfortunately it is deemed to be a racing accident and both parties are responsible for their own damage, no matter who is at fault. This is just an accepted part of motorsport.

Q: How should I drive on the track for my first time?
If you are just a beginner, a separate briefing will occur just after the main drivers briefing where you will be told how to get to the Beginner’s area.  The Instructors will guide you on the skid pan or beginner’s area as to what tasks to do so you can gain confidence in your car.  The best advice we can give is start slow and work your way up bit by bit. 

Q: What are the on track rules that could result in warnings and being kicked off the track?

  • Don't continue to power/spin the wheels through the grass/dirt if you come off the track

  • Don't put your hands/arms anything outside of car when on track

  • Don't drift with drivers/passengers window down or half way.

  • Don't drift around/past spun cars

  • Don't drift under the influence of alcohol or drugs (random tests are conducted. Instant Ban if caught)

  • Don't drift under track caution

  • Don’t drift with your car leaking fuel, oil or any other substance

Q: How often should I service my track car?
It depends if it is used only as a track car or a daily. Every 1 or 2 events  if it is thrashed hard is recommended.

Q: I am a photographer, can I get a media pass?
If you want track access you must pre-register as media via our website here and show that you will provide the club beneficial coverage.