Drift timing is one of the harder skills to learn, but with practice, you’ll get it. A good way to start is by practicing transitions at the same time as another car, but from a few car lengths away. This helps you feel your car’s timing before getting closer.
-Watch the lead car, but pay attention to the course and whats coming up ahead.
-Match their angle. Don’t use more angle than the lead car, or they’ll transition faster and pull away.
-Plan your transition. Think about how hard or soft you need to transition depending on corner or lead car.
-Look at the front wheels or steering wheel of the lead car to see when they will move.
-Know the track. Have a rough idea of where transitions usually happen.
-Think about where you want to place the car after the transition, its a big deal if you end up on the outside of the track when there is an inner clip.
-Be ready to go. Stay focused and alert. It happens fast, if you wait for them, its too late
-Trust the lead car. If you dont trust them, leave a bit of room, you probably should not be practicing together.
-Understand your car’s size. Leave enough space so you don’t clip the inside or rear bumper during a transition.
-Don’t attack every corner. Sometimes it’s smarter to give a little space so you can attack harder on the next corner, this is situational
-Perfect flow comes from timing. Transitioning just a little ahead of the lead car can make the drift look and feel smooth. Plus, perfected timing allows you to maintain proximity and go for the pocket!
