Rear Tyre

Rear tires are the sacrificial lambs of drifting. These Falkens were brand-new when we started our photography and down to their cords after about 10 runs around the Bondurant track. (Photo courtesy of Randy Lorentzen/Planet R)

Fuel

Drift cars don't need to carry a lot of fuel, but the fuel they do carry needs to be secure and safe. Notice the battery is also mounted in the trunk. (Photo courtesy of Randy Lorentzen/Planet R)

Rear Suspension

The "truck arm"-style rear suspension is similar to that used under NASCAR Nextel Cup cars and based on the rear suspension used under GM half-ton pickup trucks built between 1960 and 1972. (Photo courtesy of Randy Lorentzen/Planet R)

The Engine

While V8s are becoming more and more common in drifting competition, this 468-cubic-inch beast is the only Chevy big-block known to be regularly competing. And it's one of the few using a carburetor. (Photo courtesy of Randy Lorentzen/Planet R)

Present day

Drifting has evolved into a competitive sport where drivers compete in rear-wheel drive cars to keep their cars sideways as long as possible. At the top levels of competition, especially the D1 Grand Prix from Japan and others in Malaysia, Australia, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Formula-D in the United States, and New Zealand, these drivers are able to keep their cars sliding for extended periods of time, often through several turns. Drifting is still not recognised by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) motorsport's governing body, as a professional form of motorsport.
Amateur drifting on public roads is a significant problem in Saudi Arabia.