Drift track in Claresholm welcomes people from across Western Canada

Jason Toon, owner of RMDC told LNN, “We’re one of the few places that allow for grassroots-type drifting. So, anybody who’s getting into the sport or beginning, they can come here and learn how to do this. We have permits in place, so everything here is legit. We don’t condone street drifting. We want people to come here and participate with us instead.”

LNN reporter, Sarah Jones, took a POV video in a vehicle with driver Kryzysztof Len on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Rocky Mountain Drift Club. (Video: LNN)

The club recently held its Summer Bash meet on June 3 and 4, 2023. Over 30 cars took part in the seventh annual event. Drivers ranged from a 14-year-old with a learner’s license handling an Audi S6 with his father in the passenger seat to older drivers in their sixties operating 400-plus horse-powered cars.

“Southern Alberta is very car friendly,” Toon remarked.

“The community is awesome, they come out. We have spectators that come on a regular basis, and we really try hard to make this a family-friendly place.”

He continued, “If you come here not knowing much about cars, everybody has experienced something here in the car industry, [so] they’ll help you out, get you straightened out. They’ll help you find parts, they’ll help you keep things rolling. It’s awesome.”

Krzysztof Len, a member of the RMDC who has been in the drift scene for 12-plus years, indicated that the sport can be tricky to learn. Len shared a metaphor to explain the technical skills used to maneuver the car.

“Most of us, through the process of learning how to drive, is learning to hold the steering wheel as much as possible and this sport is actually different. You have to let go of the steering wheel. Basically, the sport itself, the easiest way to explain it, is like ballroom dancing,” Len said with a laugh.

Len continued, “There’s a lead partner and there’s a follower. The only thing that is in this sport is you are playing with the weight, the power, with the room that you have. It’s really a game about movement. You do one move, the car will make a second move. You are following what the car is doing to kind of be in control of the situation. They explain it around the world as controlled chaos.”

One of the 30 vehicles that took part in the Summer Bash at the Rocky Mountain Drift Club on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

While the sport seems to thrive in Claresholm, Len said a lot of places that have previously allowed drifting are closing their doors.

For example, a racetrack on Victoria Island, Westshore Motorsports Park, shut down in 2022, which Len described as the mecca in drifting for western Canada.

He went on to indicate that the Rocky Mountain Drift Club is one of two places in Canada that is registered as a drift-only track, with the other located in Quebec.

“This place [RMDC], is completely different from many other places out there, just because we actually allow everybody to have fun,” said Len.

“The most important people to us that are coming over here are the ones who are first-timers.”

While newbies and experts are always welcome to participate in events put on by the RMDC for a small fee, spectators are also encouraged to check out the remote track for free.

Jason Toon explained, “Our goal is to cover the bills. It was really tough through COVID of course. Insurance is crazy expensive. We have to have insurance here for permitting and things like that, but nobody here makes a wage, nobody takes money away. Everything we get here stays here.”

A vehicle drifting at the Rocky Mountain Drift Club in Claresholm, Alberta. (Video: Ryan Clarke, wanabvii on Instagram)

Although primarily a male-dominated sport, the RMDC is looking to encourage women to get involved by hosting its first-ever Ladies Drift Day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10.

Females at any skill level can try their hand on the track, and instruction will be available to those learning.

While a gals-only driving event, everyone is more than welcome to head out and support on Saturday.

In August, the RMDC will return with Drift Camp, a three-day event where the streets of Claresholm are closed off specifically for legal street drifting.

For more information, go to the RMDC Facebook Page.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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by Sarah Jones

Drift track in Claresholm welcomes people from across Western Canada

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