For the people

Charlie Ongsingco will get you drifting. He may not take you on a "gangster" (high-velocity chiropractic) run at Willow Springs as he kindly did for me. But he will get you drifting.

Charlie's the man behind Just Drift, a Los Angeles/Las Vegas-based drifting organization that regularly holds driving clinics and events for newbies and seasoned drivers, alike.  Just Drift believes in keeping drifting on the track (duh). Their regular drift events give drifters every reason to do so. The events come complete with a friendly vibe, which you'd never know from this recent, heated exchange I had with Charlie:

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Brian Harte of Pink Godzira drift club told me drifting isn't a real motor sport. How dare he say such a thing?

Yeah, how dare you, Brian!

Is drifting a real sport?

Yes, though I'm not sure it's considered a true motor sport…yet! Drifting requires discipline, good judgment and a mastery of driving skills and techniques. It has all the requirements of traditional racing sports and it's a lot of fun! Drifters know how to have a good time. The camaraderie at drift events is the best.

What is Just Drift and why did you start it as opposed to, say, Just Drag Race?

Ha! Because I don't drag race. Drag racing is cool, just not my cup of tea.

Just Drift was originally an organization for friends who were into drifting. We gradually opened it up to others—to beginning and intermediate drifters. Street drifting needs to be curbed and we're one of several organizations looking to do this. We want drifting to be respected; we don't want it to have a negative impact on society.

So why are you so hooked on drifting?

The smell of my burning tires!!!! Drifting is exciting! It's an amazing adrenaline rush! Come to one of our Just Drift/Federal Tires drift clinics and you'll be hooked!

Who can attend one of your clinics?

Anyone with a driver's license. We can arrange drift car rentals. Otherwise, we recommend people use cars with rear-wheel drive that have limited slip differentials and coilover suspensions…maybe just ask us if your car will do.

What's up with those Drift Alliance guys? I met some of them at one of your Willow Springs events. They were all wearing plastic wigs and burglar masks. Are those guys stable?

They are unstable…But they're good people—whacked and fun to be with. I'll drift with them any day!

For a list of some upcoming Just Drift events and other import scene happenings, check Underground's Upcoming calendar. All you other drifters, drag racers, show car builders, JDMers and import scenesters that want to add your own events to our list or throw up photos or videos of your deal, have at it!