Drifting – what is the sport all about?
Drifting is a spectacular form of motorsport in which the car is intentionally steered into a sideways slide, with performance evaluated by judges. According to sport legend Juha Rintanen, the heart of the discipline lies in tandem battles, where two cars drive simultaneously as close to each other as possible; he considers this tandem action the true essence of the sport. Experiencing it in person is the most impressive: the smoke, the roar of engines, and the tight proximity of the cars create an adrenaline rush for the spectator that cannot be fully conveyed through a screen.
How does a drifting competition work?
The competition begins with a qualifying round where each driver runs the course solo, and the resulting scores determine the knockout bracket. The actual battles are contested in pairs, with judges evaluating performances based on racing line, angle, speed, and style. This makes drifting a judged sport where spectacle and precision matter more than the time on the clock.
Drifting tandem runs
In tandem runs, two drivers compete against each other on the same track. The goal is to drive with precision and flair while staying as close as possible to the other car—without making contact. For many, tandem runs are the most captivating aspect of drifting, as every heat is a unique blend of speed, tactics, and trust between the drivers.
Drift car, tires, and team effort
From a technical standpoint, the sport demands top-tier equipment and teamwork. The cars are often rear-wheel drive and extremely powerful; tire wear is immense, and repairs in the pits are carried out rapidly. A spotter provides real-time feedback to the driver via an earpiece, and the driver must rely on muscle memory in situations where visibility is poor.
Drifting is also a community and a lifestyle
Drifting is not just about competition; it is also a community. In Finland, enthusiasts are known for a helpful atmosphere, and teams put in a great deal of work behind the scenes on sponsorship and technical aspects. Costs are high and prize money rarely covers all expenses, yet passion and the sport's entertainment value keep it growing.
Come and experience drifting live at Drift Masters. See why the sport has grown into an international phenomenon and why the tandem battles are a highlight that no spectator should miss.
Juha Rintanen – Finnish drifting driver
Juha Rintanen is a Finnish driver with over 20 years of drifting experience who competes in international series and is known for his spectacular tandem performances.
- Juha Rintanen is a Finnish drifting driver and team leader who is also active on social media.
- Rintanen is a 43-year-old from Hämeenlinna and has been involved in the development of the Ahvenisto circuit.
- Rintanen has been drifting for over twenty years and describes the sport as tactically demanding; tandem driving, in particular, is his specialty.
- The level of competition is international, and Rintanen has achieved a significant victory in a Drift Masters series round in Fällfors.
- Rintanen competes in a Toyota GR86, and his profile displays technical specifications of the race car as well as his results.
- Competitive activity requires a team and a support crew, and Rintanen emphasizes the importance of muscle memory, a spotter, and mechanics to success.
- Rintanen’s season comprises several races per year, and he combines racing with business activities and simulator training.
This article is based on an interview with drifting driver Juha Rintanen. Interview: Enni Laukkanen. Text: Aaro Keränen.
Lead driving — the lead driver demonstrates the judging line and performs a model run.
Chase run — the driver behind aims to drive as close as possible to the lead car.
Tandem — two-car tandem run, the most spectacular part of drifting.
One More Time — a rerun, if the judges cannot distinguish between the drivers.
Qualifying — solo runs to determine the Top 32 knockout bracket.
Top-32 — knockout rounds, where drivers face each other in pairs.
Clipping‑point — the point on the track towards which the driver must drive.
Angle — how much the car is sliding sideways. The greater the angle, the more spectacular the performance.
Transition — transitioning from one drift to another between corners.
Spotter — a support person for the driver, who provides instructions via radio from outside the track.
This article is based on an interview with drifting driver Juha Rintanen. The interview was conducted by Enni Laukkanen, and the text was written by Aaro Keränen.
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