Who's on first? Drifting competition explained.

A drifting competition starts with qualification. Drivers race the course solo two times to earn points for qualification. Drifters score points based on speed, line, angle and style.

Line is the path that should be driven through the course. It involves using the widest amount of track possible. The line is established by the judges before the race starts. There are areas on the line the front bumper should be close to called clipping points. There are also areas that the rear bumper should be close to called clipping zones. Between the clipping points and clipping zones are transition zones. In transition zones drivers change the direction of their drift.

Angle score is achieved by keeping the car controlled and sideways throughout the course.

Style makes Drifting the Art of motor sports. Style is connecting the points and zones with fluidity, consistent speed and using the maximum capability of the car.

Drivers score zero if they cause a crash, drive too straight, hit a cone, spin out or their wheels go off the track or their hood, trunk or doors open.

The drivers are assigned rank based on the points they earn. The drivers ranked 1 through 16 move on to race against each other in tandem rounds. The tandem rounds start with the top ranked driver racing against the lowest ranked driver. Drivers 1 and 16 run two rounds with each driver alternating as the lead or chase car.

The goal of the lead driver is to earn points by drifting the course perfectly. The chase driver is not trying to pass the lead driver. The chase driver is trying to earn points by driving the same line as the lead driver, but with more angle and style. If the tandem rounds are too close for the judges to declare a winner more “drift battles” are raced until the better drifter is chosen.

The competition continues with 2 vs 15, 3 vs 14, 4 vs 13, 5 vs 12, 6 vs 11, 7 vs 10 and 8 vs 9 until 8 drivers are left. The 8 remaining drivers compete until there are 4 and the 4 compete until there is one winner.

The next drifting competition is Whiskey Garage Drift Series Round 4, July 17th at Race Sandia.

The skid pad opens at 4pm. Drivers meeting at 6pm. Cars on the track practicing from 6:15 to 7:45. The competition starts at 8pm!