JK Tyre Motorsport Introduces India's First Drifting Competition

JK Tyre is set to make waves in the Indian motorsport scene with the launch of the nation's inaugural drifting competition. The "JK Tyre Drift Challenge" is scheduled to unfold at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) on October 16, aiming to revolutionise Indian motorsports with the introduction of a globally trending discipline. Drifting, a motorsport discipline rewarding skill, precision, and car control over sheer speed, has garnered worldwide momentum. In drifting, drivers skillfully navigate their vehicles through corners using oversteer to induce sideways motion.

Sanjay Sharma, Head-Motorsport, JK Tyre, said, “The introduction of the JK Tyre Drift Challenge marks a significant moment in Indian motorsport history. Drifting has been happening in India in silos; however, with this competition and the help of FMSCI, we will formalise norms of drifting in India and try to match them on par with global standards soon.”

The JK Tyre Drift Challenge will assemble a grid of 25 powerful rear-wheel-drive vehicles, driven by some of India's most skilled and talented drivers. The competition will unfold over a series of events on specially designed track layouts, pushing the limits of both driver and machine. A distinguished international panel of drifting experts, including Alistair Woodham from India (former member of the Drift Commission of the FIA), Cristiani Nanami Lazaro from Brazil, and Tanakorn Lertyaovarit from Thailand, will preside as judges.

The judging criteria will revolve around four key elements: line, angle, style, and speed. Judges typically brief drivers on the ideal cornering line, and precision in adhering to it contributes to higher scores. The angle at which a driver drifts the car also impacts their score, with a more acute angle earning higher marks as it demands greater skill to maintain speed throughout the drift. Style is another factor, with precise drifts garnering better scores, while excessive steering corrections result in lower scores. Speed plays a crucial role, as adept drivers can maintain high speeds around corners. However, this requires them to be fluid, precise, hit the right angles, and adhere to the ideal line, ultimately accumulating more points.

In addition to the Drift Challenge, the BIC will also host the JK Tyre Formula Imperial and Indian Karting Races. Organised by the Imperial Society of Innovation Engineers (ISIEINDIA) and backed by JK Tyre, this event serves as an industry-academia initiative, providing a platform for engineering students in India to showcase their innovations in sustainable mobility solutions.

Over 2,000 students from various regions of the country are expected to participate, presenting their innovations in vehicle aerodynamics, battery and powertrain design, brake systems, and suspension technologies. These innovations will be assessed in various rounds taking place from October 12 to 16, culminating in a 12-lap endurance race at BIC to determine the winners.