Learn tracking/drifting in CA ?
 

Hello,

Will be coming to San Jose in Aug (from Asia).
Will have a couple of weekend available.

Like to know if there is any possibility of learning to track or drift in CA (preferable in a 86/BRZ).
Is Sonoma track the nearest one to my location ?
(rather familiar with Napa Valley... for the wine)
Beside on the track, is there any legitimate place/location for drifting ?

Appreciate any advise
Old Newbie here :D


Many Thanks

Sonoma has drift days on Wednesday (will have to check to see what they allow for skill levels) but check out 86Drivechallenge.com for our NorCal track schedule. You can also look up 86DRIVE Challenge on Facebook for more information and easier/quicker to get the answers you want.

Which weekends? There are usually trackdays scheduled on the weekends. You've also got a couple other tracks (Laguna Seca and Thunderhill) that are not too far away, so chances are you can sign up for a trackday no problem.

Are you looking for private coaching or just public track/drift events?

Hello,

Appreciate all the replies..
I'm be in San Jose for the 10/17-Aug weekend and maybe 24-Aug as well.
17-Aug weekend would be best. (done with the jetlag)

Been a daily driver in my BRZ for 2yrs,
I'm new to tracking/drifting,
So is interested to pick up some basic drifting skill or for someone to take me thru a typical track day. (Have a round or 2 on the track)


Thanks

The only issue I see is finding a car to play with.

Not sure if NorCal has a track car rental, but there are some web sites that do.

Or.... rent out any sport car from rental store. Sure it's going to cost a tad more but it would be easier way. Not sure how nice they will be when you come back with roasted tires.

A quick look at my trackday calendar shows nothing in Sonoma that weekend, but you might have some options if you are willing to go on a weekday or head to a farther track like Thunderhill (2.5 hrs north) or Laguna Seca (1.5 hrs south). As a novice, definitely try to get some form of coaching. I would also get track insurance, specially at Laguna. I would actually recommend you try Thunderhill since it has way more run-off and less walls to hit/be intimidated by.

Also, I think Sonoma has changed their policy and do not really allow groups to do instruction apart from their own (https://simracewaydrivingschool.com/) due to some terrible accidents involving coaches and novice drivers in the past. You'll have to check their schedule.

On the other hand, there's a drift class available on the 17th though: https://www.drift101.com/

Have fun and be safe!

The change in policy has everything to do with the new owners of the track. It has nothing to do with accidents. They want people to go to their son raceway school.

Currently the only organization allowing mentoring of new students is the National Auto Sport Association. www.nasaproracing.com

Private coaching is allowed at any time.

Source: Me. I've been coaching in Northern California for over ten years now.

Thanks for the clarification. I always thought it was a bit drastic... pretty shitty I guess.

I also noticed that some groups like Trackmasters no longer do in-car coaching, which is too bad since I really had some great learning experiences with them.

Driftcentral has a rental drift spec lexus sc
Driftcentral.com
Try reaching out to them, see if they could get it rebted for sonoma drift wednesday

Hello guys,

Appreciate all the response,
Been really tired by the jetlag & shopping.
Age catching up, i guess :D

Ya, coaching looks to be the safer option.

drift101 have a 1/2days lesson (inc car) for $600,
but that's 4.5hr from my location.
Is that a reasonable rate ?

I'm a native Right-Hand driver,
Though i have considerable experience driving Left-Hand,
they are all auto transmission.


Regards