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Our Story & Philosophy

Built on Passion, Experience, and Family

Bay Area Drifting was founded with a simple belief: drifting should be taught the right way—safely, professionally, and with purpose. What began as a personal passion for car control and driver development has grown into one of Northern California’s most established, track-based drift schools.

Founded by owner and lead instructor Joe Farasati, Bay Area Drifting reflects over a decade of hands-on experience in recreational driving, Pro-Am competition, and real-world motorsports environments. Joe’s journey behind the wheel shaped not only how the school operates, but why it exists.

As Joe progressed deeper into competitive drifting, he recognized a challenge familiar to many drivers: running a full pro-level program often comes at the expense of family, balance, and sustainability. Rather than choosing one over the other, Bay Area Drifting was built around a philosophy where motorsports, instruction, and family life can coexist. That balance is evident in everything we do—structured programs, thoughtful scheduling, and a professional yet welcoming learning environment.

Drifting Should Be Fun — And It Should Be Taught Right

Joe began drifting for one reason: it was fun. That original motivation remains at the heart of Bay Area Drifting today. As more drivers sought guidance—asking for setup advice, driving tips, and technique refinement—it became clear that the Bay Area needed a drift school that emphasized fundamentals, safety, and long-term development, not shortcuts or spectacle.

At Bay Area Drifting, we believe learning happens best in a low-pressure, non-competitive environment. Whether you’re spinning your first donut or refining high-speed transitions, our focus is on building:

Confidence behind the wheel
Consistency in technique
A deep understanding of vehicle dynamics

Drifting isn’t just about style. It’s about throttle control, weight transfer, grip management, and situational awareness—skills that separate controlled driving from chaos.

A Track-Focused Approach to Real Car Control

Unlike parking-lot courses or pop-up events, Bay Area Drifting operates exclusively at established Northern California race tracks. This gives our students the opportunity to learn in real motorsport environments designed for safety, progression, and consistency.

Our primary training locations include:

Thunderhill Raceway Park, home to world-class road courses including Thunderhill West
Sonoma Raceway, a historic venue with deep roots in professional motorsports
Stockton 99 Speedway, offering a unique and controlled oval-based training environment

Training on real tracks allows students to experience proper run-off areas, predictable surfaces, and structured layouts—essential elements for developing real car control skills.

More Than Drifting: Skills That Transfer Beyond the Track

While drifting is at the core of what we do, Bay Area Drifting is also a car control and driver safety school. The techniques taught here extend far beyond motorsports.

Students learn how to:

Recover from loss of traction
Understand grip limits
React correctly under stress
Maintain control in unpredictable conditions

These are the same skills that can help drivers respond effectively to emergency maneuvers, wet roads, or unexpected hazards in everyday driving.

Our programs are designed to benefit:

First-time drivers seeking a safe introduction to drifting
Enthusiasts wanting to improve overall car control
Track-day drivers looking for better vehicle feedback
Competitive drivers refining technique for events and competition

Instruction Tailored to Every Driver

No two drivers are the same—and no two cars behave the same. That’s why Bay Area Drifting avoids one-size-fits-all instruction.

Joe and the Bay Area Drifting instructor team work closely with each student to provide personalized, actionable feedback, focusing on:

Progressive skill development
Clear, constructive coaching
Safe, controlled learning environments
Long-term improvement over quick wins

Our goal isn’t to rush students through exercises—it’s to help them understand what the car is doing and why.

A Professional Drift School You Can Trust

Bay Area Drifting isn’t built on hype. It’s built on experience, safety, and results. With years of instruction, competition insight, and track-based training, we’ve earned a reputation as a trusted drift and car control school serving the Bay Area and Northern California.

Whether your goal is to slide for the first time, sharpen your technique, or develop skills that translate beyond the track, Bay Area Drifting is here to help you do it the right way.