DEFINITION
Lift-off is releasing the throttle mid-corner to shift weight forward, unload the rear and induce or extend rotation. It is one of the most fundamental tools in the drift toolbox.
On entry it's a soft initiation method (lift-off oversteer); mid-corner it tightens an existing slide; on exit it can be used to set up the next transition.
HISTORY & ORIGIN
Lift-off oversteer is one of the oldest known forms of induced oversteer, predating modern drift by half a century. Documented in 1960s rally driving manuals.
TECHNIQUE BREAKDOWN
Driver releases the throttle progressively (not snap-off) to transfer weight forward. The rear unloads, slip angle increases, and the driver re-applies throttle to hold the new angle.
PRO TIPS & COMMON MISTAKES
• Soft lift, not snap-off. Snap-off lifts cause wobbles.
• Common mistake: lifting too early on entry and losing speed before the slide takes.
A controlled lift-off mid-corner tightened the line and saved the angle to the second clip.