DRIFT CRAFT
“The more power you have the easier it is to initiate a drift... it’s shockingly fast”
So, what does it take to get a Sierra sliding with the UK’s finest? For Gary, it’s as much about geometry as it is about trick components – although proper Ford rally parts would be nice, of course…
Gary tells us, “People underestimate proper alignment, but setup makes a massive difference. Just try it – you can come out ten times better.
“For drifting, you need absolute grip front and rear. In fact, there are minor differences between track and drift setups – for example, caster settings control the return of the steering wheel, because you let go mid- drift.”
Driver preference and ultimate feel are major considerations, determining not just the ease of skidding, but how spectacular the car looks throughout the entire process.
Gary says, “I like it firm on the front and soft on the rear because it’s easier to initiate the drift. Some drivers like the suspension really soft, for loads of body roll to help unbalance of the car – wiggle the steering and the car goes light. Too soft, and you’ll get lots of spins, but with no give it’s difficult to achieve the weight transfer.”
Gary’s Sierra runs adjustable coilovers, with compression struts up front and no anti-roll bar ( which allows for greater steering lock). Yes, there’s more body roll, but he achieves great traction nevertheless.
He’s also invested in a full geometry setup by Walton Smith of Nispro Performance. “He raced Sierras in Ireland, and he knows how I drive, and so he knows exactly what he’s doing,” Gary adds.