What is a Miata drift?

"Miata drift" is drift racing with a Mazda Miata. The Miata's short wheelbase is difficult to drift, but some drivers prefer the small, light car with its decent horsepower-to-weight ratio. Stock engines are often changed out for more power.

Drift racing is not so much racing as the art of retaining control while losing traction of the vehicle's rear wheels. It was popular in Japan before catching the attention of America in the 2006 movie "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift." Drivers earn points for line, angle, speed throughout the turns and the "show" factor. The vehicles go through turns sideways, and the pro drivers make multiple turns without their tires ever gripping the road.