DEFINITION
Hesitation is any noticeable break in the flow of a run — a momentary throttle lift before initiation, an extra steering correction mid-transition, or a slow re-grip on exit. Judges deduct for it because it shows lack of commitment.
Hesitation differs from a correction in that it is preventative (driver loses nerve) rather than reactive (driver responds to a slide going wrong).
HISTORY & ORIGIN
Hesitation is one of the oldest and most universal scoring negatives in drift, dating from the very first D1GP rulebooks.
TECHNIQUE BREAKDOWN
Driver pauses or lifts at a moment that should be committed. Judges note it on the score sheet (often as 'H' next to the affected segment).
PRO TIPS & COMMON MISTAKES
• Pre-program your initiation point. Hesitation usually starts at entry; if you've decided where you initiate before you stage, you don't have to think about it.
• Common mistake: hesitating because you're not sure of the line. Walk the course more if you're guessing on the run.
Judges noted a clear hesitation at the second clip, costing him five points.