RC drifting is a thrilling fusion of precision, speed, and adrenaline that brings the excitement of motorsports to a miniature scale. Picture a perfectly tuned radio controlled car gracefully sliding sideways as it drifts around tight corners with immaculate control. With each drift, the car glides effortlessly, balanced on the edge of chaos, as if it’s defying gravity itself. It’s an art of controlled chaos, where skill, timing, and nerves of steel determine the winner. Whether you’re watching it from the sidelines or behind the controller, RC drifting is a heart pounding experience that never fails to impress.
RC Drifting track at SB Raceway.
Sign up for our rental drift cars or bring your own drift car in!
Rental Drift Session $20 (30 minutes)
Drift Session $20 (Bring your car, 3 hours)
RC drifting vs RC racing
RC drifting and RC racing are similar in that they both involve operating remote-controlled cars, but they’re distinct disciplines with different goals and techniques:
RC Drifting: The objective here is style, control, and precision. RC drifting is about intentionally losing traction on the rear wheels and sliding the car through corners while maintaining control. The focus is on smooth transitions, maintaining angles, and looking as graceful as possible. Drifters often use specialized drift tires (usually hard plastic) and tune their cars for oversteer.
RC Racing: In contrast, RC racing is about speed and performance. Racers aim to navigate a track as quickly as possible. The cars are tuned for maximum grip, fast acceleration, and handling sharp corners efficiently without sliding. Rubber tires with high traction are commonly used in racing.
Both can be equally exciting but cater to different preferences. RC drifting showcases creativity and precision, while RC racing emphasizes speed and competition.
Modifying an RC car for drifting
Modifying an RC car for drifting is a fun and creative process! Here's a guide to help you turn your RC car into a drifting machine:
Switch to Drift Tires:
Install hard plastic or slick tires to reduce grip on the surface. These are specifically designed for drifting and make it easier to slide the car.
Adjust Suspension Settings:
Lower the suspension to lower the car's center of gravity, improving stability during slides.
Make the suspension softer to allow better weight transfer and smoother drifting.
Optimize Weight Distribution:
Shift some weight toward the rear wheels to promote oversteer and enhance drifting dynamics.
Ensure the car has balanced lateral weight for consistent control.
Increase Steering Angle:
Upgrade the steering system to increase the car’s steering angle. This enables wider and more controlled drifts.
Use a drift-specific chassis that supports larger steering angles.
Motor and ESC Tuning:
Use a motor with smooth power delivery to avoid sudden acceleration that might disrupt the drift.
Tune your ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) for precise throttle control to maintain steady drift angles.
Choose the Right Surface:
Drift on smooth surfaces like polished concrete, tiled floors, or at SB Raceway RC Drifting track, which reduce grip and make sliding easier.
Practice Throttle and Steering Control:
Drifting is as much about skill as setup! Practice managing the throttle and countersteering to perfect your drifts.
Upgrade to a Drift-Specific Chassis (Optional):
Some RC enthusiasts invest in chassis designed for drifting, offering features like rear-wheel drive or adjustable components.
With these modifications, your RC car will be ready to glide through corners with style!
SB Raceway is one block South of the 10 freeway and one block East of the 215 freeway.
Where the 10 freeway & 215 freeway meet!
217 E Club Center Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92408
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